Candaba represents the lowest point in Central Luzon. It is noted for its wide and scenic swamps, the habitat of mudfish and catfish. The popular "burong isda", a distinct Kapampangan fermented delicacy, is made from catfish or mudfish produced in Candaba.
What are the famous tourist spots/destinations/interesting activities in Candaba?
I am a Candabena, I was born here, I am a native Candabena. I am proud to say that now a days Candaba is known for many attractions to name few are; Candaba swamp, Hanging bridge, bird sanctuary, among the activities are back packing, trekking, bird seeing, and fishing.
Let me share some information if you want to visit Candaba Swamp.
CANDABA SWAMPCandaba Swamp
The Candaba Swamp is one of the primary wetland sites in the Philippines. It has gained international recognition for being a preferred nesting place of many migratory birds, and is one of over 60 wetland sites monitored by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Candaba Swamp is located in the municipality of Candaba, Pampanga, 60 km northeast of Manila. The swamp encompasses about 32,000 ha, composed of freshwater ponds, swamps and marshes surrounded by seasonally flooded grasslands. During the wet season, the entire area becomes submerged underwater, but dries out during the months of November to April, when the swamp is converted to farmland by the locals. Rice and watermelon are usually planted, comprising the vegetation of the flood plain, together with patches of nipa palm and some mangrove species.
The Candaba swamp also acts as a natural flood retention basin during the rainy season. It holds the overflow from five smaller rivers (Maasim, San Miguel, Garlang, Bulu and Peñaranda), then drains into the larger Pampanga River
I read blogs about Candaba swamp but I was not able to get sufficient information. Even the "definitive guide to backpacking ..." blogs don't contain much information. So I decided to just go there together with willing friends and find out for ourselves( andyan naman si Mr. Magtanong Right?!!) hehehe
We explored two routes, one via Baliuag, Bulacan and another via Candaba town proper, which I am nearer to Town Proper cause I am from barangay Pasig.
Getting to Candaba swamp from Manila (via Baliuag)
1. Ride a bus to Baliuag (Baliwag Transit is in Cubao). First trip is at 5AM (more or less). Fare is 62 pesos, non aircon bus.
2. From Baliuag town proper, hire a tricycle (Php 200.00). Make sure you mention you are going to the swamp, and not to Candaba town proper. Ask the driver if he knows Brgy Bahay Pare. There is a rough road from that barangay to the swamp. Some drivers will say they know the way, but what they actually know is the way to Candaba town proper, and not to the swamp. Bahay Pare is midway between Baliuag and Candaba.
This is the rough road from Baliuag to Candaba town proper (see photo below). There is also a small dirt road to your right if you are heading towards Mt. Arayat (background) that leads to the swamp if you don't wan't to go via Bahay Pare. Locals know this dirt road (sorry none of us brought a GPS, so I can't give the exact coordinates) so be sure to ask around. Its about 1 - 1.5k walk.
Baliuag - Candaba road 
Going home (via Candaba)
We waited for the sunset in the swamp so it was already dark (6:30 PM) when we reached the Baliuag-Candaba road.
Candaba swamp afterglow
Tricycles don't normally ply this route so we walked the 4-5km to Candaba town proper. From Candaba, you can:
1. Hire tricyle to town of Sta. Ana (Php 70.00)
2. From Sta. Ana there are buses to Manila if you are there before 7:30PM. If not then you have to ride a jeepney to San Fernando (Php 18.00)
3. From San Fernando there are buses to Manila 24 hours a day (Php90.00).
The swamp is an extremely important staging and wintering area for thousands of migratory birds, particularly during the months of October through April. Rare migratory birds, such as seven purple swamphens (Porphyrio porphyrio), Chinese pond herons (Ardeola bacchus), and black-crowned night-herons (Nycticorax nycticorax), are included in the list of species documented in the swamp by birdwatchers. In 1982, about 100,000 ducks (Anatidae) were observed in a single day, a record for any site in the Philippines.
Because of its biodiversity, and because there are few other places close to Metro Manila that support such a range of wildlife, the swamp is a favorite spot for birdwatching, conservation education, and other nature-oriented outdoor activities. In order to protect the area, the swamp has been declared a bird sanctuary, under close monitoring by the DENR and the local government. Regulations include a permanent ban on hunting and strict management of land use.
Some of the migratory birds:
the egrets
oriental pratincole
the purple herons
san pwede ako makahanap ng pampanga house and lot?
ReplyDeletePampanga is such a paradise, perfect weekend getaway. You can also check these Things to do in Pampanga
ReplyDelete