DiscoverJagna
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Jagna.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Jagna
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Jagna
- The holidays to Jagna, Bohol start at its busy port where ferries pass through the waters transporting both locals and visitors to the green terrains of Mindanao and the volcanic terrains of Camiguin.
- The tourists are attracted to the fame of the town, -Jagna Calamay, a sticky sweet delicacy that is melted in your mouth, and still made tenderly by families, making the area known as the town of the sweet.
- The contrast between mountain range and the sandy beach makes the visual palette as flexible as it is rich, as it is the ultimate playground of the people who enjoy exploring the land and sea.
- A diversion to the temperate highlands of Mayana, which rise some $800$ metres above the sea level, is an invigorating change in climate with the hot weather of the coast, and a favourite morning resort with those who need a whiff of fresh air.
- At the end of the day, the twilight light of the local market in the stars reminds the visitors that the Jagna is the most in the hearts of the people, their traditions and the kindly reception.
- Capital (of the province): Tagbilaran
- International airport: No international airport in Jagna
- Nearest commonly used:
- Bohol–Panglao International Airport (Panglao Island) – domestic and international flights
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Cebuano, Boholano, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- Holidays to Jagna Port & Market: Mediterranean docks are swarmed with stands of fresh seafood, spicy aromas and the so-called Jagna Calamay, and it is a treat to the senses, as with entering a living museum of local taste.
- Can-uba Beach: It is not a white sand beach as is the case with other neighbouring islands but a pebble beach with smooth grey stones that make a soft crunch on the ground with the silhouette of Camiguin visible in the distant horizon on a clear day making the shoreline seem more of a miracle.
- Mayana Barangay: The barangay boasts of a rare cool climate, and is an oasis of green vegetation that villagers cultivate fresh flowers and vegetables that are consumed by domestic and local cuisine of Jagna.
- Kinahugan Falls: A small walk, a couple of hundred metres along a slanting path, will bring you to a three-level waterfall glistening on the green background of hills and providing an ideal place to think and a cool bath.
- Luinab Rice Terraces: These terraces carved into the mountain side demonstrate the ingenuity of the former generations and the panoramic sight embarking on the top would explain how the landscape of Jagna is not only practical but stunning as well.
- Cantuyoc Cave: A walk into the depths of the Philippines leads the brave traveller, with the help of a guide, into one of the deepest caves in the country, whose stalactites and stalagmites and echo of a subterranean realm provide an experience to be had.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- Dry Season (December - May): It is during these and the skies are clear, the sea calm and the weather is perfect to go on a beach day, trekking and to go shopping around the local markets without the distraction of the monsoon rains.
- Wet Season (June - November): It is the time of the year when more rainfall reaches the area but this is offset by the green vegetation that is now in full bloom, waterfalls are bigger and most importantly the cool Mayan highland breezes are extremely refreshing and this is the best season to visit.
- Festive Calendar: On the $29$th of September the town celebrates the festival of Saint Michael the Archangel and the streets are crowded with people singing events, dancing, and coloured parades an experience that will be remembered as a cultural experience.
- Calamay Production Peaks: The sticky sweet of the town is at full blast when there are rainy seasons as the tourists have an opportunity to see how the grains of rice change into another gooey product and to taste the freshly made Calamay cakes right out of the hands of the craftspeople.
- Tourist Flow: Mid-winter periods have less international tourists and thus the locals and visitors are enjoying a relatively quieter time, whereas shoulder seasons (late spring and early winter) is offering the best combination of weather and number of people.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
JAGNA CALAMAY
- Calamay is being cooked and the aroma flows to the streets of Jagna to be sampled by the locals and tourists alike and one is likely to remember the chew-chew sweet rice delicacy as a culinary experience.
- Every piece of Calamay is carefully prepared, and rice, coconut milk and brown sugar are cooked until a sticky glossy consistency is reached, which resembles centuries of culinary heritage.
- The sellers and the craftsmen in the crowded market tell tales of how this delicacy has grown to be a symbol of Jagna, adding cultural pride and sweetness in every bite of it.
- One can note small variations in sampling Calamay at various times of the day: the most syrupy and dense one during the morning and a light and dusty variant during the end of the afternoon.
- The packaging, which is made of bamboo or in coconuts shells, gives it an eco-friendly touch that adds the authenticity to the experience and lets the traveller take home a piece of Jagna heritage.
- Even fans may buy small batches to experiment with Calamay at home and make it a family tradition.
CAN UBA BEACH
- There is a crunching noise as you walk on Can-uba Beach that makes your feet tread on soft, grey pebbles so that you are tempted to stop and hear the rhythmic waves.
- The exclusive geology of this beach is made of fine-grained limestone, which makes it very calm and suitable to sunbathe or just to watch the panoramic view of the Pacific horizon.
- The peaks of Camiguin are seen near the clouds which makes it have a spectacular background that has been too difficult to resist by photographers and other sightseers.
- The relatively isolated location of the beach gives the families the opportunity to picnic with calmness and those couples who want to have a romantic walk along the beaches without the hustle of the bigger tourist centres.
- At low tide, natural tide pools form along the coastline where there is a safe, shallow pool where children can observe the marine life and practise with shells.
- Local guides have got the quick snorkelling tours which use biodegradable gear and the marine ecosystem which surrounds Canuba Beach is not disturbed in any way to leave the future generation with a clean ecosystem.
KINAHUGAN FALLS
- The hike to Kinahugan Falls starts with a moderate climb through a rich vegetation where the atmosphere is much cooler and filled with the fragrance of wild flowers.
- When there, the view of three separate levels of falling water, each shimmering in the sunlight, is a spell-bounding site that one would just stare at and be charmed by their presence.
- The shallow and cold lower tier is a relaxing place where people can enjoy a quick swim and the middle and upper levels provide adventurous cliff-jumping chances to the adventurous.
- The wilderness in the area is an ideal location to observe nature, as the surrounding forest is full of native plants and offers a home to small mammals and other flora to stay in the shade.
- Local folklore argues that the falls had been an ancient fishing ground of the ancient people and the flowing sound of the water is said to bring luck and fortune.
- Closely located near the falls is a small cafe that is run by the community which sells fresh coconut water and local snacks provide the visitors with an opportunity to relax and have local Boholano tastes.
LUINAB RICE TERRACES
- The Luinab Rice Terraces cover the mountainside in a sweeping gradient which is the relic of the human ingenuity and sustainable way of farming in the area.
- As one wanders through the terraces, every one of the levels comes into view with a patchwork of emerald rice paddies that reflect the sky in a mosaic of green and blue that is unbelievable.
- Planting season particularly during the terraces is particularly colourful because the farmers are seen to plant seedlings with tender hands, demonstrating a perfect combination of nature and work.
- The hills around it provide panoramic scenery that enables the visitors the feeling that they were in a balcony that overlooks a living breathing scenery.
- Soft lanterns are used to light up the terraces as evening falls and this magical light attracts photographers and poets to the terraces to take a glimpse of the eternal beauty.
- Travellers can experience the view of the sunrise painting the terraces golden by visiting the early in the morning when it seems as if they are stepping in a living painting.
Reason 05
Discover More
JAGNA PORT
- Jagna Port is the heart of the municipality where the ferries pass by quite often to Mindanao and it is therefore a key point of departure among the tourists who wish to travel the wider region.
- The busy harbour is full of fishermen who are bringing in the day catch, their nets are full of colourful fish which are then transformed into fresh sea food delicacies at shops that are close by.
- The simple infrastructure of the port including a small museum where one can see historical items provides details about the maritime history of Jagna and its contribution to the trade in the region.
- The port allows tourists to hire local boat rentals and thus they can explore the islands close to Camiguin, like volcanic terrain and crystal waters.
- The harbour is lit up with Lanterns at night and closed with the sound of engines in the distance bringing a calm atmosphere to night walks and recollections of the day activities.
- The location of the port adjacent to the bus terminal enables it to be an accessible terminal by the travellers who may want to proceed to the highlands or head further to the cities.
MAYANA BARANGAY
- It is situated at an elevation of approximately $820$ metres and Mayana barangay naturally provides a cool breeze that is a treat after the tropical weather in the coastline, particularly during the hot seasons.
- An example of this is the centuries old Narra tree that is the centre point of the barangay and is a living testimony to the strength and sustainability of this community in terms of ecological care.
- Mayana farmers grow various crops such as flowers, vegetables, and herbs which are sold fresh at the market of Jagna, the town will be supplied with organic products.
- The terraced fields are criss-crossed by a network of well-maintained foot paths in which hikers can enjoy the slow pace of the countryside and the stunning scenery that constantly opens up in front of them.
- The Mayana year-long local residents have small celebrations throughout the year with enough harvests and sharing of the community history, which gives an opportunity to travellers to have a close look into the culture of the Boholano people.
- The moist and foggy mornings are a perfect environment to do early-birdwatching as various bird species in the region fly around with the background of wild orchids that have blossomed.
CANTUYOC CAVE
- Cantuyoc Cave is a deep limestone cave found on the southern slope of Jagna, and whose shafts lead the spelunkers into the depths of the cave to discover what lies inside.
- The entrance to the cave is bordered with great cliffs and the first flight down needs a pair of good footwears and some adventure since the path is slim and compromised.
- There are stalactites within, like silver chandeliers, and stalagmites growing out of the ground, majestically, and each of them is a tale of how the minerals have formed within a thousand years.
- The interior of the cave had a river that was underground and it shone like liquid silver thereby making it an ideal location of guided explorations using safety equipment and local guides.
- Possibly, the cave was inhabited in antique days by fishermen and travellers, and the footsteps echoing in the cave are believed to be whispering the old days.
- To experience a wilder adventure, it is possible to go on night-time tours, during which dim lanterns are used to light up the cavern, a strange but almost paranormal atmosphere is created.
BOHOLANO CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES
- The cultural heritage sites of Jagna buildings like the centuries old church and the detailed carved ancestral houses make up living museums where history can be experienced in its living forms.
- The Church of San Michael is one of the best-known structures using local materials with some Gothic elements mixed with Filipino craftsmanship, which is why it has a distinctive appearance that will appeal to architecture lovers.
- The traditional houses which are mostly painted in bright colours have carved wooden panels and thatch, which is a show of resourcefulness and artistic taste of the community.
- The cultural richness of Boholano people is also exhibited in the annual community festivals that demonstrate traditional dances, music and clothing in their surrounding barangays.
- The heritage sites are equipped with informational plaques and local storytellers who present anecdotes of the past heroes and legends and day-to-day life, which is an immersive learning experience.
- Tourists are also invited to take guided tours so as to get to see the way in which the architecture of Jagna has developed so that they know how the history of the town shapes its current identity.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Boholano dialect of Cebuano is warm and melodic and the visitors are immediately welcomed to the house because of the intonation.
- Calamay preparation is not cooking: it is a community ceremony in which the elders are involved in educating the younger generation on the fine art of rice, coconut milk, and sugar.
- every barangay has its fiesta, and the avenues of the place are filled with lanterns, grilled fish, roasted sweet potatoes, and native fruit are in the air.
- Holidays to Jagna folkloric dances like the Tinikling and Sambol are played during the celebrations and the poles made of bamboo were used or drums beaten by the dancers which resonated with the hearts beat of Jagna.
- Holy Week in Jagna - is celebrated with serious processions during which the community recreates the biblical scenes intertwining the religious solemnity with the local colour.
- The respect that the community gives to nature is reflected in the rituals which seek the blessings of plants before planting so as to have a harmonious relationship between humans and the land.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Jagna Calamay, the caramel-coated sticky sticky rice sweetener created with coconut milk, brown sugar, is a chewy experience that is indeed unforgettable.
- The local cacao tablets are under the brand name: Tablea, which are soaked into a thick, fragrant sikwate that is used to warm the body and the soul in the colder seasons.
- Freshly caught fish, like the UK-based bangus (milkfish) and tilapia are grilled on charcoal and a side of pagpag a mix of rice, vegetables and spices that is a staple of local dishes.
- The farmers in the town deliver fresh cut flowers and vegetables that are usually transformed into colourful salads and fresh juices that bring colour and nutritional values to every meal.
- The love of Boholano to the pan de sal is everywhere, and it is given along with almost every meal, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it offers a comforting and familiar flavour.
- And as a dessert, in addition to Calamay, you may have the flavour of the tropics, the buko pandan, which is a blend of young coconut, pandan leaves and sweetened cream, it is an exotic flavour that does not offend the palate.
Fun
- Food touring the market stalls of Jagna is an adventure on its own as all the sellers have a variation of the Calamay, ranging over chocolate-flavoured to coconut-flavoured.
- Hiking the up to Mayana both offers a physical workout and a reward: a view of the coastline of Jagna in misty mountains, ideal to capture on a memorable selfie.
- Canuba Beach picnic days are an event to remember, as the families spread blankets, roast fish and sit under the swinging palm trees as the waves crash against the coast.
- Boat rides in the night at Jagna Port are a serene trip, as the stars mirror the sea, and the lights of the other islands in the distance make the trip seem like a dream.
- To thrill-seekers, a guided tour to Cantuyoc Cave will offer a chance to explore a world of secret chambers, footsteps and the thrill of exploring a natural wonder that remains a secret under the hills of Jagna.
Fashion
- Meal and lightweight materials like cotton and linen constitute the largest part of the clothes worn by Jagna since they enable the travellers to wear them without feeling uncomfortable as they walk around the beach or market.
- Light, ankle high sandals or good hiking shoes are necessary to traverse the uneven surface of the rice terraces and the rocky trails of the waterfalls.
- The Boholano attire in festivals is colourful with camisa (shirts) and barong (blouses) with embroidered bandana or hats to represent the local arts.
- Simple but classy wrap skirts or maxi dresses of airy material are practical and stylish, as well, at least during the wet months, which are rather humid.
- Sunglasses, wide brim hats, and sunscreen are necessities on the beach days not only shielding the skin against the tropical sun, but also making any outfit look more chic.
- Hand-woven accessories like bracelets, necklaces and scarves are available in the local market, which is made of natural fibres, so they make the best souvenirs that carry a part of the spirit of Jagna.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The flora in the high altitude areas of Mayana has rare orchids and tree ferns that are able to survive at the cooler climate and this provides botanists and plant enthusiasts with a special ecological experience.
- Jagna Limestone caves, especially Cantuyoc, offer both spelunkers and diversity: they have several passages, stalactites, underground river, which shines in the dark.
- Luinab Rice Terraces are a demonstration of the possible sustainable farming, whereby the terraces are well taken care of to ensure that they are not eroded yet they sustain the life of local farmers.
- The sea waters at the Can-uba Beach provide various marine animals that can be snorkelled as well as kayaked in, where a visitor can see colourful fishes, corals and so on.
- Hiking trails that cut across the hills give panoramic views of the coastline of Jagna with places where birds like the Philippine cockatoo are found flying.
- There is misty weather rolling down the terraces in the mornings, which makes the place a highly mystical place and each time a sunrise occurs it becomes an overwhelmingly spectacular sight to the travellers who get up early in the morning.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- Holidays to Jagna on September 29th, Jagna celebrates his town fiesta with colourful processions and rhythms which are topped with collective feasting and the statue of Saint Michael in processions which showcase local delicacies.
- Sandugo Festival This tends to unite Jagna, parades, street dances and live performances can be found and reflects the historical relationship between Tagbilaran and Jagna.
- Every barangay has its own fiesta in the year, whether of the flower-loving Mayana or fish-rich coastal community, one or another has its offerings of differing festivities in which the local pride is on display.
- Traditional Boholano music, storytelling, and dance are cultural performances at these events to provide tourists with the opportunity to observe the living heritage of the community.
- The fiestas have food kiosks that present an array of foods, including grilled meats, Calamay, the city specialty, which means that visitors can get a taste of traditional food.
- Lanterns, beat drumming and the happy laughter of locals make the festive atmosphere even more significant, and an invaluable cultural experience of any visitor during their holidays to Jagna.