Let me introduce to you:

Cambuhat River Village of Buenavista, Bohol.

Before going to this village, I heard stories of the place and it was not quite what I had imagined.

It was more.

From Tagbilaran City, the town of Buenavista is more or less a two-hour trip and the strip of Cambuhat River can be traveled in less than 30 minutes from the town center. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with leis that I eventually found out was from the produce of the village.

In the long stretch of Cambuhat River, we cruised for around 20 minutes in the heat of the 10 AM Sun. Yes, it was hot, but totally fun because you could enjoy the scenery and take turns paddling! 👍

Upon approaching the “port”, we heard drums beating and were surprised to see a black figure dancing on a bangka with drummers- cruising with us! It is said to be a symbol shown to us, to represent the beliefs of locals on the existence of an Agta (a black-colored supernatural being) living and protecting the river. 

We were then guided to their little Oyster Farm and were educated on its process and how their community benefited from it.

The story we have heard made us appreciate more of what came next.

Tada!

An eat-all-you-can lunch! All of it they took from the river! (except the rice of course. And the fruits. And the buko juice.)

Nom.nom.

We were all satisfied. (Burp)

But it did not end there.

We were then presented with a cultural show with songs from the town and a dance showing how to make landang, a local ingredient for a famous local snack, binignit (Which they served after the show- full of eating). We tried some of the processes and it was not easy.

We were fascinated by the making of landang and even tasted the bark itself- its sole ingredient.

Lastly, yes there is still more.

We were shown their own pride of loom weaving in a local house just a walk away from their complex. It was cool and we had our turn too! We were not able to damage anything luckily. 😉

*And ALL THAT per 300/person! You can avail of these from Monday – Friday at 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. If you want to have in on package, tour prices are as follows:

1 – 4 pax          = Php 1000

5 – 10 pax        = Php 850

11 and above  = Php 750

*They also accept bookings (2 days before the planned visit) through the Municipal Tourism Officer Designate:

Contact person Tel Mail

Ms. Analiza Chua 038)513-9188/09217340162/09269220402 roanechua@yahoo.com.ph

*Courtesy of Bohol Tourism Office

I love this place. Please let us help support this village and have a visit too!

Thanks to my former Professor Ma’am Emmylou P. Noel and her Ecotourism students for letting me experience all of these with them! Cheers for more Ecotourism destinations and trips!

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TIPS in GOING TO A VILLAGE FULL OF SURPRISES!

1. Plan ahead.

2. Wear your most comfortable attire.

3. Do not forget sunscreen (hats, shawls, etc.)!

4. Prepare yourself to do something new and exciting.

5. Starve yourself before going there (for the buffet and this is OPTIONAL Hehehe).

AND OF COURSE!

6. Respect the locals!

You are just a visitor after all. 😉

Thanks for reading!

#BeholdBohol

#ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines

#Ecotourism

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