Things To Do
in Kauswagan
Kauswagan, a coastal municipality in Lanao del Norte, Philippines, sits along Iligan Bay with a backdrop of green hills and fishing boats. It preserves a laid-back, rural charm where families fish, farm, and gather at the market. Life here revolves around the sea and the local barangays, offering fresh seafood and simple island-style hospitality.
Visitors can expect quiet beaches, friendly locals, and easy access to nearby attractions while staying off the more crowded routes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Laguindingan Airport and travel to Kauswagan, settle into your homestay surrounded by lush rice paddies. Engage with your Maranao hosts as they teach you traditional greetings and house blessing rituals. Savor a warm welcome meal featuring local staples like rice, grilled freshwater fish, and tangy atsara.
Take a leisurely stroll through the town center to orient yourself and admire the colorful wooden houses adorned with Maranao artwork. Visit Barangay Camp Aloran and chat with local families about their everyday lives and community customs. Sample freshly roasted coffee brewed over coconut husks and sweetened with muscovado sugar.
Join your hosts for a festive kampana ceremony at the village plaza as the sun dips behind banana palms. Enjoy a communal potluck dinner under twinkling lanterns, featuring flavorful renditions of piaparan and tinagtag. Drift to sleep lulled by the gentle chorus of night insects and distant gong rhythms.
Rise early and head to the bustling Kauswagan Public Market as vendors display rows of gleaming fish, plump vegetables, and fragrant spices. Wander through colorful stalls piled with exotic produce like talong and sili, bargaining playfully with friendly merchants. Sip a warming cup of kapeng barako brewed by a local street vendor to fuel your taste buds.
Join a hands-on cooking class led by a Maranao grandmother at her open-air kitchen. Learn to prepare traditional dishes such as pastel, burong tomasek, and tamu-tamu using locally sourced ingredients. Feast on the fruits of your labor while sharing stories of recipes passed down through generations.
Stroll along the riverside promenade as the setting sun turns the Kifayo River gold. Sample street snacks like banana cue and maruya from roaming vendors. End the evening with a soothing foot massage at a small riverside spa, reflecting on the day’s sensory delights.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🥗Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🥤Coconut water | $1-2 |
| 🚗Short tricycle ride within town | $1-3 |
| 🏨One night at a budget hotel | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful coastal town with fresh seafood and friendly locals
- Quiet escape from crowded cities and good access to nearby attractions
- Limited nightlife and nightlife venues
- Fewer English-speaking services in remote areas; longer travel times from major hubs
- "Maayong buntag" - Good morning
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Palihug" - Please
- "Tagpila ni?" - How much is this?
- "Asa ang [place]?" - Where is the [place]?
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Wala ko kasabot" - I don't understand
- "Pwede ko mokaon dinhi?" - May I eat here?
Places to Visit in Kauswagan
Visit one of these nice places.
A working pier at sunrise with silhouettes of fishing boats and early-morning activity.
Wide coastal views, sunsets over the bay, and boats bobbing in calm waters.
Colorful skies reflected on the water and the town’s waterfront life in the golden hour.
Natural areas ideal for birds, reflections, and intimate nature shots.
Food in Kauswagan
Kauswagan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh fish lightly marinated with citrus, chilies, and onions; commonly found at seaside stalls and markets.
Must-Try!
Whole or filleted fish grilled over charcoal, often served with soy-vinegar dip and calamansi.
Light, comforting fish soup with ginger and leafy vegetables; available at local eateries.
A versatile Filipino classic; you’ll find it prepared in homes and casual restaurants in town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively daily market where you can buy fresh seafood, produce, and ready-to-eat snacks along the coast.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet locals with a smile and say 'maayong buntag' or 'hello' when appropriate; address elders with 'po' to show respect.
Dress modestly in rural areas and places of worship; shoulders and knees should be covered for visitors.
Ask for permission before photographing people, especially in smaller villages.
A small token when visiting homes or attending gatherings is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Kauswagan
Ensure a smooth experience
5-10% in full-service restaurants; small tips for good service in cafes and bars.
Cash is widely accepted in markets and small shops; some restaurants accept debit/credit cards. ATMs are more common in larger towns, and mobile wallets are not yet universal in rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid days with plenty of sun. Perfect for beach trips and boat excursions; stay hydrated and use sun protection.
May through October brings higher rainfall and occasional storms. Plan for indoor activities and keep an eye on weather updates; some back roads may be muddy.
Kauswagan at Night
Hiking in Kauswagan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short hikes offering coastal and bay views.
Moderate hikes with scenery of farmlands and sea.
Airports
How to reach Kauswagan by plane.
Major gateway to the region near Cagayan de Oro; about a few hours by road from Kauswagan.
Useful alternative gateway to northeastern Mindanao; longer drive to Kauswagan.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest group, largely Christian, with strong rural and fishing traditions.
Minority communities, including Maranao and other Mindanao groups, in some barangays.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in town; local courts are common and games are a staple during gatherings.
Common in schools and community centers; casual local leagues.
Traditional fishing is both a livelihood and recreational activity around Iligan Bay.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kauswagan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at market stalls and some eateries. Look for dishes with vegetables, tofu, rice, and fruit; ask for fish-free preparations when possible.