Tourist Destinations

Camarines Norte boasts breathtaking beaches, majestic waterfalls, crystalline rivers,

verdant and lush mountains, historic churches and shrines, vastly rich cultural heritage,
distinctive cuisines, the World's First Ever Rizal Monument, and kind-hearted and good-
natured people. It is reputed to be the Land of Gold and Golden Oppurtunities.

1. Calaguas Islands

There is no shortage of powdery white sand and pristine blue waters at the Calaguas
islands. The best part about these islands is that you can camp out and even eat fresh
seafood after getting it fresh from the ocean.

The Calaguas group of islands is made up of: Pinagtigasan Beach on Tinaga Island,
Cumalasag, Pinagtakpan, Pinacastillohan, Guintinua, Huag, Calangcawan Sur, Mantigbi
Beach, and more.

 Location: Calaguas Islands, Vinzons

 Operation Hours: All Day
 Fees: P120 – P150 Entrance Fee, P100 tent pitching fee, and P500 for cottage
rental. Waling-waling resort has rooms and cottages for P3,500 a night.
 What You Need to Know: There aren’t a lot of commercial establishments, so its
best to bring your own supplies and tent. It is best to visit the island between the
months of February and September as the weather is perfect for travel.

2. Bagasbas Beach
Bagasbas beach has four kilometers of stretch of fine, grey sand and moderate to big
waves. The waves are consistent all year round and have sandy bottoms that make it
one of the safest surfing grounds in the country.

Those who like kite flying will also love the strong winds this beach has. You can even
go extreme and go kiteboarding.

 Location: Date, Camarines Norte

 Operation Hours: All Day
 Fees: Free
 What You Need to Know: There are surfing instructors to teach beginners at an
affordable rate. While it may be a public beach, it is clean and a great place to
hangout and enjoy with family and friends.

3. Siete Pecados, Mercedes Group of Islands

photo via Instagram, @joybbagason

This is one of the best places to visit as it comes as a packaged deal. There are seven
islands in total: Apuao Grande, Apuao Pequena, Canimog, Canton, Caringo, Malasungi,
and Quinapaguian. They all have pristine, fine white sand beaches and turquoise waters
to swim in.

 Location: Mercedes, Camarines Norte

 Operation Hours: All Day
 Fees: Free for the beach, P1,000 – P2,000 for boat
 What You Need to Know: Some of the islands have marine sanctuaries, bat
sanctuaries, ruins, lighthouses and more that you can check out. While snorkeling
and swimming is the activity of choice during island hopping, You can also trek, go
snorkel, swim or climb and hike to get better views at hilltops.
4. Mampurog River

This is a hidden surprise and a unique attraction that is beginning to be discovered by

tourists. It features deep, cold, and crystal water to bathe and relax in. The lush foliage
is a scenic background to the water feature and many come here to swim and have
picnics.

 Location: San Lorenzo, near Daet

 Operation Hours: All day, but best to go during the day time
 Fees: Free
 What You Need to Know: Make sure to bring your own water and food, and also
make sure to clean up after yourselves. Try out the delicious pineapple as it is the
sweetest fruit in the area.
5. Malatap Falls
This low-rise waterfall isn’t as majestic as the other falls in the area, but it does draw
tourists to visit nevertheless. It’s big boulders in the clear, blue waters against the lush
forest and greenery is nothing short of magical.

 Location: Labo, Camarines Norte

 Operation Hours: All day, but best to go during the daytime
 Fees: Free
 What You Need to Know: There are natural pools perfect for kids. Those who like
a little hike can climb up the boulders, and those who want to relax can dip their
feet against the rushing waters.
6. Mahabang Buhangin

The beach is a long stretch of powdery white sand with crystal clear waters that rival
those of Boracay, though it isn’t crowded by numerous commercial establishments
which makes it a relaxing place to go to. The lush foliage and rolling hills make a
beautiful contrast to the white shores.
 Location: Tinaga Island, Calaguas Group of Islands, Vinzons
 Operation Hours: All day
 Fees: P120 – P150 Entrance fee, P100 tent pitching fee, and P500 for cottage
rental. Waling-waling resort has rooms and cottages for P3,500 a night.
 What You Need to Know: You can go camping on the beach, but there is an Eco-
village called Waling-waling that offers great food and accommodations. You can go
swimming, snorkeling, and island hopping.
7. Colasi Falls

This natural water feature towers at 70-feet high and is tucked into the natural
formation of the land. It is mostly surrounded by cliffs and greenery. The basin is deep
and wide which makes if perfect for swimming. Part of the excitement is going near the
cascading falls via bamboo raft.

 Location: Barangay Colasi, Mercedes

 Operation Hours: All day, but best to go when there is sunlight
 Fees: P500 – P700 for the tour guide
 What You Need to Know: Best to contact the Mercedes Tourism Office to arrange
a planned visit. Also, going to the falls requires a two hour hike from the jump-off
point, so be prepared to trek and to hike to get to there.
8. Cadig Cave

This cave, a natural wonder in Camarines Norte, is a tourist spot that shouldn’t be
passed up. The cave rests deep in a forest at the foot of a mountain.

There are several dark compartments with stalactite and stalagmite formations that are
a sight to behold. There is also the picturesque scenery of rolling mountains and
valleys.

 Location: Labo, Camarines Norte

 Operation Hours: All day, best to go during the day time
 Fees: P1000 – P2000 for tour guide and gear rental
 What You Need to Know: The trek to the cave is two hours from the jump-off
point. It is recommended to get a guide and caving equipment before exploring the
cave. There are also streams with natural pools where you can relax and soak in the
scenery.

9. Paradiso Verde Organic Farm & Resort

This is a family-oriented resort where kids can enjoy the fun slides and playground, and
the adults can relax in the jacuzzi and pools.

The resort is a favorite for those who like to do team building activities as they have a
center for this particular purpose. They have rappelling, wall-climbing, and even
obstacle courses.

 Location: Barangya Malasungi, Labo

 Operation Hours: The resort is open all hours to accommodate guests, activities
are open during the day time
 Fees: P1500 – P3000 for a room and entrance
 What You Need to Know: There are cottages available for day visitors and rooms
for those who will stay the night. There is an organic farm inside the property where
you can get fresh produce and products.
10. Pineapple Island Resort
This place is the perfect weekend getaway destination amongst tourists. It’s main
feature is its premier waterpark within its five hectares of eco-tourism property.

While the place is a sight to behold, they also have a restaurant called Chef Mama that
serves the best Filipino food and delicacies this side of Camarines Norte.

 Location: Barangay Calasgasan, Daet

 Operation Hours: The resort is open all hours to accommodate guests, activities
are open during the day time
 Fees: P2000 – P4000 for a room and entrance
 What You Need to Know: The entire area is dotted with trees and makes it a
relaxing getaway from the busy city. They also have many decent rooms for
overnight stays.
Food delicacies
Boasting of one of the best cuisines in the country, the Bicol region is best known for its
Bicol Express, laing, sinantol (ground santol meat with gata), kinunot (manta ray
cooked in gata), and pinangat or tinuktok (ground shrimp or crab wrapped in gabi
leaves and cooked in gata), all of which have gata (coconut milk) and sili (chili) as
ingredients.

Coconut Milk or Gata

In Camarines Norte, coconut trees are everywhere. Fresh coconut juice can be found at
seemingly any place, and it remains the best summer drink to quench the heat of the
sun. Healthy and delicious, coconut water and coconut juice are becoming popular
drinks not only in the country, but all over the world

Bicol express

Gata or coconut milk is almost always a part of a typical Bicolano recipe. The distinct
taste of the gata adds so much flavor to the cooking. Bicolanos also love their sili. They
like their sili two ways: hotter and hottest.
Ginataang Bilo Bilo

Some of the country's best dessert can also be found in the region. Ginataang bilobilo
(coconut milk based dessert with ube) and banana turon with ube are but a delicious
sampling of the many available treats.

Banana Turon with Ube

Where to eat:

Where to eat:

Catherine’s Restaurant at Bagasbas beach

Chef Mama at Calasgasan, Daet which serves the best dessert

Paseo de Bienvenidas in Daet for the best home cooked meal

 Sinantol, one of Bicol's Must Try Bicol cuisine found in Camarines Norte.

Aside from this attractions the province also serves as the gateway of Bicol Cuisines. Filipinos consider
Bicol Cuisine as one of the best in the Philippines because of the distinct flavors of its dishes. Each
dishes found in Bicol has the mixture of the spicy sili or chili peppers and the creaminess of gata or
coconut milk.

SINANTOL
Bicol is one of the provinces in the Philippines that is known to produce santol or cotton fruit. Santol is
a tropical fruit found in Southeast Asia. Due to the abundant production of santol in the province,
Bikolanos made a dish out of it and called it Sinantol or Ginataang Santol.
 Sinantol or Ginataang Santol

Sinantol is made of shredded santol and Bikolano's favorite ingredients, sili and gata along with either
smoked fish or pork.

Sinantol has the right blend of saltiness coming from the smoked fish, sourness from santol,
creaminess from gata and spice from sili. You may find the combination weird at first but you will end
up loving this dish.

WHERE TO FIND: Villa Eusebia, Villaflores Street., Labo, Camarines Norte

KINUNOT
Kinunot na Isda, flaked fish in coconut milk, is a popular cuisine in Bicol Region. It is made of
either pagi, Stingray, or shark meat, moringa leaves, chili peppers and coconut milk. Kinunot is a
simple dish with hard to find ingredients most especially when you live in the metro. That's why this
dish can usually be savored in restaurants and eatery near fishing ports.
 Kinunot na Pating or flaked shark meat.

Kinunot na Pating or flaked shark meat in coconut milk has sweet shark meat and moringa with the
right creaminess from gata.

WHERE TO FIND: Gonzalo Eatery, Mercedes Fish Port Compound, Brgy. 7, Mercedes, Camarines
Norte

TINUMOK
Tinumok is a dish that originated in Bicol. It is made of chopped matured coconut meat, shrimp or
pork, onion, ginger, and garlic wrapped in gabi or taro leaves and simmered in coconut milk.

Tinumok.
Tinumok at first bite will give you a sweet and salty taste but later on, you will find the dish a bit salty
when eaten alone but once you partner tinumok with rice the salty flavor will eventually lessen and
will balance the sweetness of the fresh taro leaf and the coconut milk.

WHERE TO FIND: Candist's Kitchen, Paracale, Camarines Norte

BICOL EXPRESS
Bicol Express is a favorite dish of most Filipinos. It is a stew that is usually made of pork simmered in
coconut milk with sili, onion, garlic and shrimp paste but in Camarines Norte, they cook Bicol Express
the traditional way.

Original Bicol Express.

The traditional way of cooking Bicol Express uses balaw or Bicol's version of fermented shrimp along
with the usual ingredients of the dish. Instead of serving the former after it was cooked, the dish should
be set aside and serve the following day. Doing so would make the dish more flavorful compared when
it is served right away.

WHERE TO FIND: Candist's Kitchen, Paracale, Camarines Norte

PILI ROLL
When you say Pili, Bicol would always be the first province in mind of most Filipinos. Pili tree is a
tropical tree that grows in volcanic soils that bears pili nuts that have rich buttery flavor.
 Jannah's Pasalubong Pili Roll.
In Bicol, different variety of products and dishes were made out of this nut and one of this can be found
in Camarines Norte- Pili Roll. Pili Roll or Pili Cake is made of soft cake roll filled with sweet milk and
chopped pili.

Pili Roll's chiffon or soft cake is fluffy and melts in your mouth. The caramelized filling, on the other
hand, has the right sweetness that compliments the buttery flavor and texture of the chopped pili nuts.

WHERE TO FIND: Jannah's Pasalubong, Santa Magdalena Street, Vinzons, Camarines Norte

Culture

Some beliefs and customs related to farming the life cycle, talismans, and
divination survive in the consciousness of the contemporary Bicol, even the educated.
There are still pre-hispanic beliefs in the hierarchy of supernatural that the region
adopts ranging from bad to good. The comon expression "tabi po, maki-agi tabi" (excuse
me please, i would like to passed by) acknowledges the invisible world or the third
dimensions.
The Christian God and heavenly host have replaced the supreme god gugurang
and the minor deities, each of whom had a special function.
The darker side inhabited by witches and monsters seem to live on the minds of
some Bicol Christians. Also some ancestor worship in some areas; post harvest
thanksgiving ritual, sagugurang, is retained by bicol farmers by way of offering food to
the spirits of their ancestors.
 Touching the body of an image of Jesus or other saints was also part of their
religious beliefs, wherein they do believe that it can cure their pains and problems.
Beliefs on God, the soul and life after death are strongly held by the people.
Related to these, there are annual rituals like pabasa, tanggal, fiestas and Flores de mayo.
Camarines Norte is nestled between two regional tongues such as Tagalog and Bicol. It
has a distinction for being a crossroads of the Tagalog and Bicol cultures. As of the
latest count, there are more Tagalog speaking people in Camarines Norte than those
who have Bicol as their native tongue. This linguistic situation lends itself to a greater
cultural cohesion with Bicolanos and Tagalog because it provides a wider corridor for
Camarines Norte to have larger cultural base.
The customs of the camarines norte includes; Bicolanos are more tolerant,
friendly and sweet, close family ties, theytalk a lot,and the way of courting a lady are
preserved.

AGTA TRIBE: TAPIS AND BAHAG The traditional attire of the Agtas is the tapis
(skirt) or bahag (breech cloth) made from the bark of the gumihan tree, although
nowadays they have shed these off for the wear of their lowland brothers. They still
adorn their heads, however, with a multi-purpose container called takupis made from
the kalagimay plant where they keep their lime from burnt seashells, nganga (betel nut)
and pepper leaves called ikmo or lukmoy. In lieu of ornaments, the natives scar their
bodies (asde) with designs bequeathed to them by their ancestors. Asde is supposed to
rid the body of “dirty ” blood and protect it from different illnesses. To carry her baby, a
breastfeeding native wears the uban, a piece of cloth slung from the shoulders.
There are different festival in Camarines Norte, the Bantayog Festival,
Pineapple (pinyasan) Festival, Gold-panning or Pabirik Festival, Palong
Festival, Kadagatan Festival, Busig-on Festival, and Mambulawan Festival.
The Bantayog Festival is a historical commemorating festival in Camarines Norte that
features the first Rizal monument which is also the centerpiece of the celebration held
simultaneous with the foundation anniversary of the province. The Bantayog Festival is
also celebrated in each town of the province with their own festivals such as the
“Pinayasan” in Daet; “Palayogan” (from the root word Palay and Niyog) in Sta. Elena;
“Babakasin” in Vinzonz; “Pabirik ng Bayan” in Paracale town; and the “Mananap” in San
Vicente.The Bantayog climb is an annual event organized by Oryol Outdoor Group Inc.
as part of the activities during Bantayog Festival. Pinyasan (Pineapple) Festival
showcases Camarines Norte’s premier agri-product which is the sweetest pineapple
called Formosa.

 Summer Surf Fest

 Annual Kiteboarding Competition
 Paragliding and Hang-gliding Towing Competition

The Pabirik Festival is a week long celebration which commemorates the past
culture, traditions, history and customs of Paracale considered as a gold town of
Camarines Norte. A highlight of the Pabirik Festival gives emphasis on its rich mining
industry while showcasing its gold products all of which are available in the
municipality. Pabirik means “pan” which is a medium used by the natives of
Paracale in gold panning.
The Palong festival coincides with the feast of the Black Nazarene and is celebrated
through street dancing and an agro-industrial fair to which the natives express their
gratitude for the abundance of ornamental plants known as rooster combs or “palong
manok”.
The Kadagatan festival is celebrated by fishermen to give respect, express gratitude
and recognize Mother Nature for the vast marine resources the town of Mercedes are
blessed with.
The Busig-on festival is based on the epic of the hero Busig-on who hails from Labo
town and also of Bicolano values. The festival is a showcase of talent and skills in a
competitive manner while showing the town’s places of interest and featuring the
town’s unique historical values.
Held to coincide with the Feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, the festival aims to
forge unity and cooperation among the local community, promote culture and arts,
revitalization of mining industry, exposition of the town''s best, homecoming and
involvement of Balikbayans, all geared towards advancement and economic growth.
Camarines Norte have some beliefs that get your curiosity, that beliefs are:
At the time of a woman’s conception, she should avoid eating eggplant. The color of
theeggpant might be the color of the baby’s skin. An expectant mother should not have her
picture taken or her child will die at birth. A very close relationship between the mother
and the child starts with breastfeeding. Children get kabag when they eat camote.
Parents should avoid giving this to their children especially for supper. Babies are not to be
given ice cream as they will have weak lungs. They are not to be givenany cold food.
At thirteen, a child can take care of his siblings and can be entrusted with money.
Children, especially teen-agers, are required to be home before sunset or before
chickens start to perch on branches.
Children are taught to do household chores at seven or eight years old. They cook rice,
washdishes and sweep the floor. At a very early age, the child is taught politeness with
words especially when answering or greeting parents. The child learns that because of
the age gap, he has to give his parents due respect.
When a child does a misdemeanor in the presence of visitors, he is punished soon as
thevisitors leave. Punishment may be a smacking of his buttocks.
When the old and young walk together, the younger ones should walk a few steps
behindthe older people.
A young lady’s Sunday attire should be a skirt with a hemline below the knees.
Her dressshould be sleeved and not transparent.
A mosquito net as wedding gift brings bad luck. On the other hand, arinola will bring prosperity.

products
Known for its rich deposits of gold and silver, the province of Camarines Norte is
becoming a major player in the Philippine jewelry industry through the concerted efforts
of local jewelry producers, the provincial government, and the Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI).

Bulawan showcases fine gold jewelry from Camarines Norte, with each piece intricately
handcrafted by generations of jewelers. The exhibit traces the evolution of style,
techniques, tastes, habits, and customs of Filipino jewelry - from the traditional to the
modern.

Bulawan: The Evolution of Camarines Norte Jewelry is presented by DTI Camarines

Norte, the Province of Camarines Norte, and Yuchengco Museum.

Bags
These quality native bags made by hand from dried leaves not just used as bags but
now become a fashion. By the unique designs made creatively from organic materials
makes it export qualified. Why most Filipinos use it because of its affordability. The
makers made it from what are abundant around which are Abaca, bacbac, karagumoy,
sabutan, romblon and tikog that makes it inexpensive. Aside from that, it is being
promoted as environment-friendly products that can help not just the makers but the
nature as a replacement from those plastic bags.

Check out these beautiful and natural colors and embrace your native side. Contact us
ahead of time if want it to be more personalized or if you’re planning to give one as a
“pasalubong” for someone abroad. We also have ready-made bags for souvenir after
visiting Legazpi. And for entrepreneurs, we are accepting bulk orders just visit us and
we are ready to serve you.
 Baskets
Look into native home materials with these beautifully designed native baskets made
from Abaca, bacbac, karagumoy, sabutan, romblon and tikog. These affordable baskets
have different uses that can be a container at the same time as a décor. Most Filipinos
use these native baskets as a replacement for plastic wares at home.It can also be used
in all occasions in catering companies, fiestas or any simple occasions because it’s light
weight, not fragile, high quality, and easily kept after for another use.

Visit us for more of the products you will surely need for “pasalubong” or a souvenir
after a trip from Legazpi. We are also ready for wholesale orders from entrepreneurs.
Just contact us in advance and we are happy to work for you. We are promoting a less
plastic usage for nature purposes by using these native baskets. Buy now and choose
local products that can help local people for our local success.
 Decorations
Love these native artistic decorations for home, church, garden or any areas. These can
also be used in parties for a native but classy theme. Most interior designers choose this
kind of decors because of its availability and inexpensiveness, durable, and made
especially by bare creative hands. We can create a design of your choice or make it
personalized. You can bring one as a “pasalubong” or souvenir after exploring Legazpi
or for someone abroad with native taste.

As Albay encourages people to avoid using plastic, these decorations made from Abaca,
bacbac, karagumoy, sabutan, romblon and tikog will surely help not just Albay province
but the world. With our export quality hand-made products you can have plus its
uniqueness and availability.

Bring back the custom with these native decors that you can also spread if you want
bulk orders for retail. Visit or call us now for more of the details.
One of the prides of Bicol region, Philippines is the production of native products which
are basically made up of abaka. Abaka is a sort or specie of native banana which is
being harvested because of its fiber. With the use of the fiber that people can get from
abaka, they can produce more high quality products like lampshades, chairs,
accessories, furniture, baskets, slipper and some others. Generally, these products are
handmade and can be done manually by most of the skillful people in Bicol region. You
can take a look at the sample pictures below and be able to have a glimpse on the
native products that the place is offering.
These native products are mainly used as a display and decorations in any houses. So,
anyone can purchase these products in any authorized stores. Abaka products are the
main products which can be exported to some other countries. According to the survey,
there is a higher rate of exports of abaka products this year, 2013.

Abaka is a way of life

Most of the people in Bicol Region, most especially the Albay Province are producing a
well-crafted product which they can use for their daily living. This kind of chores is very
important for them since this is their primary source of living. Though there are some
other jobs or works which they can do, still, they are so eager to show their creativity
by doing any native products made up of abaka fiber. After all the process being done,
they are selling their products to some other neighbor towns and cities. In fact, some of
their products are being exported to Metro Manila, capital of the Philippines and in
some parts of the country.