Labo

Day Trips

Wake up early and drive to Caraycaray Falls, immersing yourself in the lush greenery on the short trek to the falls. The sound of rushing water and chirping birds accompanies your hike as you navigate stone steps and wooden walkways. Upon arrival, take time to marvel at the cascading waters and snap photos of the scenic landscape.

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the pool beneath the falls, refueling with packed sandwiches and fresh fruit. After eating, cool off with a refreshing swim in the natural basin at the foot of the falls. You can also explore nearby small caves and take leisurely nature strolls along the river banks.

Return to Labo town proper and stop by a local carinderia for dinner, sampling sinigang na hipon or pinangat na isda. As dusk falls, wander through the municipal plaza and admire the illuminated Mother of Perpetual Help Church. Wind down the evening with a cup of kapeng barako while chatting with friendly locals under twinkling streetlights.

Set off early to Labo Eco-Park, where verdant trails lead you through secondary forests and rolling hills. A park guide points out endemic flora and fauna as you ascend to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Camarines Norte lowlands. Pause at a scenic overlook to enjoy a light snack and capture photos of rice paddies and coconut groves below.

Following lunch at a nearby eatery, continue your hike to hidden picnic spots by a tranquil creek. Dip your feet into the cool, clear water as you listen to the rustle of leaves and distant birdsong. Return via a different trail that passes through fruit orchards and strawberry farms, with opportunities to pick fresh produce.

Head back to town and freshen up at your accommodation. Stroll along Labo’s main street, stopping at a sidewalk vendor for banana cue or turon. End the day by sampling halo-halo at a local dessert shop, enjoying the festive atmosphere of evening chatter and street lights.

Drive to Barangay San Vicente for a guided tour of the mangrove boardwalk, tracing the coastline and learning about the ecosystem’s importance. Your guide explains the nursery role of mangroves for fish and crustaceans, and you spot juvenile crabs scuttling among roots. Breathe in the salty breeze as you take in panoramic views of the wetland and distant fishing boats.

Enjoy a seafood lunch at a floating restaurant, savoring grilled bangus and freshly caught crabs with local vinegar dipping sauces. Afterward, hop on a small boat for a river cruise through narrow channels lined with dense mangrove forests. Your skipper shares folklore about coastal spirits and points out rare bird species perched overhead.

Return to shore and wander through the local wet market to observe daily catches and colorful produce. Join a cooking demonstration to learn how to prepare ginataang alimasag (crab in coconut milk). Relax back at your lodging, recounting the day’s adventures under a canopy of twinkling stars.

Journey to Panganiban Falls, arriving just as sunlight filters through the canopy onto the mossy rocks. Hike along a forest trail guided by local porters, pausing to photograph ferns and wild orchids clinging to tree trunks. Upon reaching the falls, stand in awe of the tiered cascades plunging into crystal-clear pools.

Unpack a hearty lunch of grilled skewers and fresh coconut water by the poolside. Then, rent a bamboo raft to gently float on the calm pool, immersing in the soothing sounds of running water. Explore hidden crevices behind the falls and discover small grottoes draped in lush vines.

Head back to Labo town and visit a roadside barbeque stall, sampling inihaw na liempo with atsara. Later, catch a local folklore performance at the municipal hall, featuring Bicolano songs and dances. Cap off the night with a serene walk along quiet streets, breathing in cool evening air.

Depart early to the banks of the Calauag River, setting up a riverside picnic with blankets and local delicacies. Take a gentle riverside walk to spot dragonflies, kingfishers, and water lilies drifting on the surface. Enjoy morning tea while listening to the rippling current and watching small wooden barges glide by.

After a homemade lunch of pancit canton and suman, embark on a bamboo raft ride downstream. Glide past limestone boulders and dense foliage as your guide shares tidbits about river lore and ancient fishing techniques. Disembark to explore shallow tributaries on foot, cooling off in clear pools.

Return to Labo for an alfresco dinner at a riverside café, feasting on grilled tilapia and ensalada. As dusk settles, take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank promenade, enjoying festival lights if available. Conclude with a refreshing buko juice while savoring the nighttime river breeze.

Wake with the town’s lively market as vendors arrange colorful fruits, vegetables, and fresh seafood. Sample local street food like bibingka and okoy while mingling with early shoppers. Shop for snacks and souvenirs before attending morning mass at the historic Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

Join a heritage walk led by a local historian, exploring ancestral homes and colonial-era landmarks. Stop by a small museum showcasing artifacts from Labo’s past, including traditional farming tools and photographs. Enjoy a light lunch at a café housed in a restored heritage building.

Explore the public plaza, where artisans display woven mats and handicrafts on open stalls. Dine al fresco at a nearby restaurant, sampling kwek-kwek and tempura alongside craft beers. End the evening with a moonlit stroll past illuminated town hall arches and the church façade.

Rent a bicycle and head out on a rural trail that winds through rice fields and coconut plantations. Feel the cool morning breeze as you pedal along unpaved roads, passing farmers tending to their crops. Stop at a roadside karinderya for pandesal and hot coffee before continuing your ride.

Take a break at a local farm offering a guided tour of vegetable plots and egg-laying hens. Learn about traditional planting methods and help harvest fresh tomatoes or lettuce. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch featuring organic salads and grilled chicken.

Cycle back toward Labo town as the sun sets, casting golden hues over the fields. Return your bike and freshen up before heading to a casual grill house for pork sisig and gulay rolls. Relax at a nearby café, sampling a flavored iced tea while chatting with fellow travelers.

Travel to a nearby coastal village renowned for its fish sanctuary and pristine shorelines. Join fisherfolk on early morning net casting, learning sustainable fishing practices passed down generations. Collect fresh prawns and small fish, then help sort the catch as the tide rises.

Visit the coral nursery site where volunteer initiatives restore damaged reefs. Snorkel among transplanted corals and spot colorful reef fish in clear shallows. Refuel with a beachside barbecue featuring your morning catch and coconut rice.

Return to Labo for a quiet dinner at a seaside restaurant, savoring kilawin and grilled squid. As night falls, stroll along a moonlit beach, collecting shells and listening to gentle waves. End your day with a star-gazing session by the shore, guided by a local astronomy enthusiast.

Start the day with a cooking class in a traditional Bicolano home, learning to prepare laing and Bicol express. Help crush chili peppers and shred gabi leaves as your host shares family recipes. Savor your culinary creations served with steamed rice and local tea.

Join a pottery workshop at a nearby artisan’s studio, shaping clay into pots and decorative items. Learn about traditional firing techniques and the significance of pottery in Bicolano culture. Enjoy merienda of suman and hot chocolate midday.

Dine at a famed local karinderya, sampling an all-Bicolano buffet of pinangat, ginataan, and grilled seafood. Attend a cultural night featuring live music, folk dances, and storytelling under festive lantern lights. Cap off the evening with homemade ube ice cream and engaging conversations with performers.

Embark on a scenic drive toward a nearby volcanic foothill for a moderate hike. Observe endemic bird species and wild orchids as you ascend forested trails. Pause mid-hike for snacks and to enjoy views of rolling hills leading to the Pacific Ocean.

Continue to the summit plateau and unpack a light lunch of sandwiches and fresh fruit. Explore the crater rim and learn about the volcano’s history from a local guide. Photograph panoramic vistas of patchwork fields, coconut groves, and the shimmering sea beyond.

Settle atop the viewpoint just before dusk to witness an unforgettable sunset. Watch as the sky transforms into brilliant hues of orange, pink, and purple over the horizon. Return to Labo under a canopy of stars, celebrating your adventure with soothing herbal tea at your lodge.