“Where there’s a river, there’s life!” As they say and it can never be truer as this body of water penetrating the land can be a source of food, livelihood and instrumental in irrigation. When late environmentalist, Gina Lopez spearheaded a clean-up drive for Buhatan river in Sorsogon back in 2014 and they saw the ecotourism potential of this river. Following the path of successful river rehabilitation and ecotourism development like Bohol’s Abatan river, Cebu’s Bojo river and Puerto Pricesa’s Iwahig river to name a few.
BREASC
In 2016, the Buhatan River Eco Adventure Service Cooperative (BREASC) was established. It is run by the locals giving them livelihood as tour guides, caterers and boatmen.
The Buhatan River Visitor Center is the jump-off point for the recreational activities at Buhatan River. It is located along the Maharlika highway Buhatan bridge near the Roxas Public market. The river winds and extends 3km towards Sorsogon bay.
Buhatan River Activities and Rates
Eco-activities that can be booked here are the river cruise via the floating cabanas and kayaks. Either a leisurely cruise with accompanied by a musician with some snacks or a bird watching tour. In the afternoons, a sunset cruise and firefly watching is also an option especially during summer.
Rates are as follows:
- River Cruise – Php 3,000 up to 10 pax with snacks
- Kayak – Php 300/person for 1 hour; Php 500/person per hour at night.
Set Meal Options
BREASC also offers set meals for tours. It is recommended to book meals in advance. Here are the choices for their set meals. Each set is priced at Php 3,000 and is good for 10pax:
- Menu Set 1: Broiled Tilapia, Chicken Asado, Steamed Shrimps, Rice Wrapped in Banana Leaves, Fresh Fruits, bottled water
- Menu Set 2: Tilapia with Gata, Chicken Piccata (fillet), Steamed Shrimps, Vegetables Pakbet, Rice Wrapped in Banana Leaves, Fresh Fruits, bottled water
- Menu Set 3: Daing na Bangus, Chicken Asado, Steamed Shrimps, Mixed Vegetables w/ Gata, Rice Wrapped in Banana Leaves, Fresh Fruits, bottled water
- Menu Set 4: Sweet & Sour Fish, Chicken Inasal, Steamed Shrimps, Langka & Alimasag w/ Gata, Rice Wrapped in Banana Leaves, Fresh Fruits, bottled water
Birdwatching Cruise
I was able to visit Buhatan River twice last summer. The first time wasn’t as fortunate. It was raining and we arrived late in the evening. We weren’t able to cruise and just enjoyed the meals.
My second visit was a lot better. Weather was fair and we have enough time in the afternoon for a little cruise. It was a relaxing ride along the river. Nipa palms and mangroves flank along the river beds. It was a tranquil ride and I enjoyed seeing a few common birds in the area. Spotted where a few collared kingfisher, nankeen night heron, red-rumped swallows and little egrets.
We weren’t able to reach the end of the route where there was a floating cottage waiting with snacks as we had to go back for another activity later that day. But it was enough time to experience and enjoy the cruise.
Essential Information
For booking and inquiries please see details below:
Buhatan River Eco Adventure Service Cooperative (BREASC)
Mobile: +63939.206.0998
Facebook Page: /buhatanrivercooperative
Email: [email protected]
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
