Sorsogon's Buhatan River Cruise Offers Sunset Views and Local Delicacies

The Department of Tourism Philippines is highlighting the Buhatan River Eco-Adventure in Sorsogon, offering visitors a unique experience of the country's natural beauty and local culture. This 90-minute community-initiated tour includes kayaking, firefly watching, and dining at a floating bamboo cottage before sunset.

The Buhatan River was once considered dead and polluted, but through the assistance of environmental organization Bantay Kalikasan and the community's efforts, it has been revived. Local residents, such as river tour guide Myrna Fulo, speak of regular clean-up drives and mangrove planting initiatives to improve the river's condition. Tourists can enjoy a 3.9-kilometer relaxing ride along the river, listening to the sounds of local and migratory birds, and may even harvest oysters to eat fresh.

The cruise features local delicacies, including lemongrass juice and pili nut treats, served while guests relax in a floating cabana. At the end of the cruise, a floating restaurant awaits, offering fresh seafood like steamed mud crabs and grilled tilapia, often prepared from the day's catch. After sunset, the mangrove trees come alive with twinkling fireflies.

The Buhatan community benefits significantly from the river cruise. Women manage food preparation, while men serve as boatmen or fishermen. This collaboration has fostered community spirit and provided new livelihood opportunities, including for the elderly who plant lemongrass. Fishing in the river is regulated, and illegal cutting of mangrove trees is prohibited to preserve the environment.

While the COVID-19 pandemic initially impacted the cruise, it reopened to tourists in February 2022. The eco-cruise offers visitors a chance to experience not only natural scenery but also a story of community resilience and the importance of environmental conservation. Contact details and pricing are available through the Buhatan River Cooperative.