Things To Do
in Baao
Baao is a tranquil municipality in Camarines Sur, Philippines, known for its warm hospitality and verdant rural landscapes. Nestled among rolling hills and rice fields, it offers a laid-back provincial vibe with a strong community spirit. The town serves as a gateway to nearby natural and cultural sights in the Bicol region, easily reachable from Naga and Legazpi corridors.
Visitors can savor bold Bicol flavors and experience everyday life in southern Luzon.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the small town of Baao and check into a local guesthouse. After settling in, enjoy a relaxing breakfast at a nearby café, trying out local delicacies. Take a leisurely stroll around town, soaking in the sights and sounds of this quaint community.
Visit the historical Baao Church, renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. Spend time at the nearby Baao Lake, where you can rent a kayak or simply relax by the water's edge. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery, sampling traditional Filipino dishes.
As the sun sets, head to a local spot famous for its seafood, indulging in the catch of the day. After dinner, explore the night market if available, filled with local crafts and delicacies. Wind down the day with a peaceful walk along the lake, appreciating the serene atmosphere.
Start your day with a traditional Philippine breakfast at a local diner. Engage with the locals and learn about Baao's unique culture and traditions. Visit the Basilica Minore de San Lorenzo Ruiz, an important spiritual site for the people.
Join a traditional weaving workshop in the town, where you can learn about the craftsmanship behind local textiles. Enjoy lunch at the workshop, where you can sample homemade snacks prepared by artisans. Post-lunch, visit a local souvenir shop to shop for handcrafted items.
Dine at a family-owned restaurant that serves authentic regional cuisine. Share stories with your hosts about Baao's heritage and culinary practices. Conclude your night by attending a local cultural performance if available.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-2 |
| 🏨Budget hotel/hostel (1 night) | $15-30 |
| 🚶One-way public transport | $0.25-1 |
| 🛍️Groceries for a day | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly, welcoming communities and a laid-back pace
- Access to rural scenery, markets, and local cuisine
- Limited nightlife and upscale dining options
- Fewer direct international flight connections; longer trips from major hubs
- "Kamusta ka?" - Hello/How are you?
- "Salamat po." - Thank you.
- "Pira ang ini?" - How much is this?
- "Saan ang banyo?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Pwede po mag-English?" - Can you speak English?
Places to Visit in Baao
Visit one of these nice places.
A traditional church with architectural details that glow in golden hour light; good for both exterior and interior shots.
Vibrant central area with a fountain, benches, and locals going about daily life—great for candid and street photography.
Patchwork fields and gentle hills yield expansive wide-angle compositions, especially during planting or harvest seasons.
Sunset views, mangroves, and calm waters offer silhouettes and sea-scape opportunities.
Food in Baao
Baao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Spicy pork or chicken simmered in coconut milk with chili peppers; commonly found in Baao eateries and markets.
Must-Try!
Taro leaves stewed in coconut milk, often with shrimp or meat; a staple in local homes and restaurants.
Taro leaf dish cooked with fish or meat in a tangy coconut sauce; a regional favorite served in many spots around town.
Young jackfruit cooked in coconut milk, sometimes featuring shrimp or pork; widely available in local kitchens and eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling mornings with fresh produce, seafood, rice, and ready-to-eat snacks like balot, kwek-kwek, and grilled corn.
Evening bites such as banana cue, grilled corn, and small fried treats near the town square.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet elders with polite language and use respectful terms such as 'po' and 'opo' when appropriate.
Dress modestly when visiting churches; avoid loud behavior in sacred spaces and during religious events.
Ask permission before photographing people or private property.
Shoes are often removed before entering homes; bringing a small gift is appreciated when visiting families.
Safety
Tipping in Baao
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service; rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common in restaurants.
Cash is widely used; some shops accept cards, but ATMs are more common in Naga or Pili for larger purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry, hot days with higher humidity; good for outdoor exploration, but stay hydrated and protect yourself from sun exposure.
Frequent showers and occasional tropical storms; plan indoor activities and carry a light rain jacket or umbrella.
Baao at Night
Hiking in Baao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest-covered volcanic peak near Naga City with multiple trail options and rewarding views.
Short hikes to viewpoints offering panoramic scenes of rice fields and rural life.
Airports
How to reach Baao by plane.
Domestic flights to Manila and other Philippine cities; about 25–40 km from Baao depending on route; taxi or van access available.
Regional international and domestic flights; about 190 km from Baao; driving or transfer via highways.
Major hub with international connections; farther away but an option for connections via Manila; typically used for longer trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Roman Catholic, with small Protestant communities and other faiths; strong sense of family and community activities.
Bikol (Bicol) is widely spoken alongside Filipino/Tagalog and English in commerce and education.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular organized sport in schools and communities; informal games are common.
Local communities engage in fishing along rivers and coasts; leisure boating is common in nearby waterways.
Rural roads provide scenic routes for cycling and short hikes through hamlets and fields.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Baao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Bicol dishes rely on meat or seafood and some condiments (such as bagoong). Navigate by asking for vegetable-based dishes prepared with coconut milk and no fish sauce. Good options include Laing, Ginataang Gulay (vegetables in coconut milk), and other veggie dishes cooked without animal products.