Camarines Norte - Walking Tour around Daet, "The Gateway to Bicolandia"

Walking tour is one of my favorite activities when traveling. I just love walking and wandering around while enjoying the different sights, trying out local delicacies and interacting with the locals. During my recent trip to Camarines Norte, I was able to roam around the town of Daet, the capital of the province. Since I have a few hours to burn, I just walked around to see what Daet has to offer. This post will also give you an insight on how to do a walking tour around the town.

[ CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST OF TOP-RATED HOTELS IN DAET, CAMARINES NORTE! ]

RIZAL MONUMENT

My walking tour started at Dr. Jose Rizal's Monument, "the first-ever Rizal monument in the Philippines". Completed in February 1899, it is older by 14 years than the Rizal monument in Luneta, which was inaugurated in 1912. Designed by Antonio Sanz, it is located near the banks of Daet River. This three-tiered, 20-ft stone pylon has a simple design Unlike other Rizal monuments, it doesn't have a statue of our national hero. Rather, his works such as "El Filibusterismo" and "Noli Me Tangere", as well as "Morga", in honor Antonio de Morga, the author of the book "Sucesos de las islas Filipinas" which is about the early days of the Spanish colonization in the Philippines were written on the sides of the monument.

MONUMENT OF MARTYRS OF CAMARINES NORTE

Just behind the Rizal monument is where the "Martir ng Camarines Norte" monument was erected. It has a National Historical Institute's memorial marker honoring the province's heroes who fought for our country's independence during the war in 1898. The marker installed by the National Historical Institure states:

MARTIR NG CAMARINES NORTE

Alaala sa mga Katipuneros at mga dakilang anak ng Daet at mga karatig bayan na nag alay ng buhay para sa inang bayan noong 1898: Idefonso Moreno, Tomas Zaldua, Telesforo Zaldua, Marianito Zaldua, Jose Abaño, Jacinto Rada, Vicente Salveria, Isidro Avila, Gavino Saavedra, Domingo Lozada, Angel Zaleta, Gregorio Del Valle at Florante Bacerdo at marami pang iba.

DAET HERITAGE CENTER AND DAET MUSEUM

You may continue your walking tour at the Daet Heritage Center and to Daet Museum located just across the street. It is formerly the old municipal hall and police station that was converted into a public library and museum. It serves as a repository of the town’s rich history and culture.

CAMARINES NORTE PROVINCIAL CAPITOL COMPLEX

Walk for a few meters towards the provincial capitol complex. It features an imposing 12-column facade that represents the 12 towns of the province. Facing the capitol building, a statue of Jose Maria Panganiban can be found on the left side, while on the right is a statue of Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, homegrown heroes of Camarines Norte. The capitol complex is quite huge, it also houses the "Museo Buluwan" (provincial museum) and the provincial cultural and arts center. It also has a mini stage, benches, tall trees, well-manicured lawn and a fountain at the middle.

CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

Located just in front of the capitol complex, it is modern looking church with a red dome dominating the whole structure. This new structure is where the former 16th century old St. John the Baptist Church stood.

FRIED SIOPAO

When you get hungry, there are a lot food establishments to choose from in Daet. But I highly recommend that you try the Fried Siopao at Caramels. Compared to the usual steamed siopao, fried or toasted siopao is made of pandesal with pork asado fillings. It costs 50 pesos per 3 pieces. Best consumed while it's hot! Yummy!

HOW TO TO DAET, CAMARINES NORTE

By Land: From Manila, take bus bound for Daet, Camarines Norte. Travel time is about 8 hours and fare is around 700 pesos.

By Air: There are no commercial flights to Camarines Norte. The nearest commercial airport is in Naga, Camarines Sur. From Manila, take and 40-minute plane ride to Naga. Then take a public van (188 pesos) or bus(around 140 pesos) to Daet, Camarines Norte, travel time is 1.5-2 hours.




This is my entry to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers’ Blog Carnival for October 2012 with the theme "Philippine Walking Tours" hosted by Glenn Martinez of Traveler on Foot.

This is part of my adventures in Camarines Norte last September 16-18, 2012. Camarines Norte, a province in Bicol Region is the 77th province on my list. I enjoyed the sights, adventures the friendliness of the people. I'm also happy to meet a good old friend who toured me around his home province. Join me as I continue my journey to visit all 80 province in the Philippines!
Map By: Wikipedia	Wenceslao Q. Vinzons Ancestral House Visiting the 400-year-old Vinzons Church, the Oldest Church in Camarines Norte Mercedes Fish Port, Cayucyucan Beach, Catandunganon River and Top Loading on a Tricycle Walking Tour around Daet, "The Gateway to Bicolandia" Riding the Waves of Bagasbas Beach, my 8th Surfing Experience! Travel Guide : Camarines Norte