Things To Do
in Naawan

A local seafood ceviche-style dish made from fresh raw fish or shellfish marinated in vinegar/citrus, ginger and onions; widely available at markets and seafood eateries.

Must-Try!

Whole fish or fillets grilled over charcoal and served with rice and dipping sauces; commonly found in seaside grills and karinderyas (small eateries).

Light fish soup with ginger, green papaya or chayote and leafy greens — a comforting dish found in local homes and small restaurants.

Polite greetings (smiles and 'Maayong buntag' or 'Magandang umaga') are appreciated. Show respect to elders and community leaders; modest dress is appropriate, especially in religious settings.

Remove shoes when invited into private homes; when attending church services be modestly dressed and quiet. Ask permission before taking close-up photos of people, especially in conservative or rural communities.

Light bargaining is accepted at some markets, but do so politely. Support local vendors and be friendly—personal interactions are valued.

Generally the best time to visit: sunnier days, lower rainfall and calmer seas ideal for coastal activities, island hopping and photography. Temperatures rise in March–May, so expect hotter afternoons and plan early starts.

Hottest months with high humidity; bring sun protection, stay hydrated and schedule outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat.

More frequent rain showers and occasional heavy downpours; sea conditions can be rough and some boat trips or outdoor plans may be disrupted. Mindanao experiences fewer typhoons than northern Philippines but localized flooding can occur.

Short, easy walks along mangrove boardwalks and coastal trails suitable for nature observation and photography; great for low-effort hiking and birdwatching.

A significant forested range in Misamis Oriental offering day hikes and multi-day treks depending on access points. Travel to the trailheads requires coordination with local guides and transport from Naawan to the entry towns.

A popular waterfall near Iligan with steps and short trails leading to viewing platforms and pools — reachable as a day trip from Naawan and ideal for combining hiking with waterfall swimming.

Most residents are Cebuano/Visayan speakers and practice Visayan cultural traditions; Filipino (Tagalog) and English are also widely understood.

The population is predominantly Christian (Roman Catholic and various Protestant denominations), with local parish activities central to community life.

Many households are involved in fisheries, aquaculture, coconut farming and small-scale agriculture — community rhythms follow harvests and fishing seasons.

Basketball is extremely popular across the Philippines, and Naawan is no exception — local courts, barangay tournaments and youth leagues are common community focal points.

Volleyball is played socially and competitively, while sepak takraw (rattan-ball kick game) is locally popular in rural areas and barangay events.

Fishing is both an economic activity and a recreational pursuit; local competitions or informal outings are common among residents.

Vegetarian options are modest but available: vegetable stews, egg and tofu dishes, and rice-based meals at karinderyas. Communicate clearly (in English or Cebuano) about no meat/fish; markets and larger eateries can accommodate basic vegetarian needs.

Vegan and strict gluten-free options are limited in small towns; bring snacks or plan to visit larger nearby cities for specialty restaurants. Use simple staples like rice, fresh fruit and vegetable dishes, and verify ingredients when possible.

Carry necessary medication and be explicit about allergies (English is widely understood). Cross-contamination in small kitchens is possible, so exercise caution with severe allergies.