Bohol’s culinary heritage is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. The Calamay Making and Asin Tibuok Experience offers a chance to explore the region’s time-honored traditions. Participants can enjoy the art of crafting Calamay, a beloved sweet delicacy, while also gaining insight into the intricate process of artisanal salt production. This unique opportunity not only celebrates Bohol’s vibrant culture but also promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking a genuine cultural encounter. What lies beyond this captivating experience? The journey is just beginning.
Key Points
- This cultural and culinary tour in Alburquerque, Bohol offers a hands-on Calamay making experience and a guided tour of the Asin Tibuok manufacturing process.
- The 5-hour tour is priced from ₱1,432 per person and includes roundtrip hotel pickup, admission fees, and a Calamay souvenir.
- Participants will visit the 17th-century Sta. Monica Church to learn about Boholano culture and history, and taste freshly made Calamay.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, and a private group option is available for a more tailored experience.
- The tour highlights the significance of traditional salt production and the artisanal Calamay making process, providing an immersive cultural experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The "Calamay Making and Asin Tibuok Experience" offers a 5-hour cultural and culinary exploration in Alburquerque, Bohol.
Priced from ₱1,432 per person, the tour includes roundtrip hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided visit to the Sta. Monica Church, hands-on Calamay making with local artisans, and a tour of the Asin Tibuok manufacturing process.
Participants can learn about Boholano culture and history while indulging in the sweet and savory local delicacies.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and a private group option is available.
Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later, and a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Itinerary Highlights
After pickup from selected locations in Panglao, Dauis, and Tagbilaran City, the tour begins with a guided visit to the Sta. Monica Church.
Here, guests will learn about Boholano culture and history.
Next, you will enjoy a hands-on calamay making experience, where they’ll learn from artisans and taste the fresh, sweet sticky rice treat.
The tour then moves to the Asin Tibuok manufacturing site, where guests will discover the traditional method of producing this unique artisanal salt.
Cultural and Culinary Experiences
Guests enjoy Boholano culture and history during the guided tours.
They’ll learn about the significance of the Sta. Monica Church and its architectural features.
At the Calamay making experience, participants get hands-on with artisans, crafting the sweet sticky rice treat.
Afterwards, they’ll savor the fresh Calamay, experiencing the authentic flavors.
The tour also includes a visit to the Asin Tibuok manufacturing facility.
Here, guests discover the traditional method of producing this unique, artisanal salt, gaining insights into the local culinary heritage.
These cultural and culinary experiences offer an enriching window into the traditions and flavors that make Bohol such a distinctive destination.
Inclusions
This tour includes a roundtrip hotel pickup and drop-off within Panglao and Tagbilaran City.
The package also covers the driver and parking fees, as well as a local tour guide to lead the way.
Admission fees to all the sites visited, including the Sta. Monica Church, Calamay making, and Asin Tibuok manufacturing, are also included.
As a bonus, you will receive a Calamay souvenir to take home.
Tips and gratuities are taken care of, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
The inclusions for this tour are:
- Roundtrip hotel pickup and drop-off
- Driver and parking fees
- Local tour guide
- Admission fees to all sites
- Calamay souvenir
- Tips and gratuities
Accessibility and Flexibility
The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors with mobility challenges to fully participate.
Travelers can also opt for a private group option, tailoring the experience to their preferences.
To ensure a smooth pickup, the tour provider requires complete hotel details for pickup coordination. The driver will arrive 10-15 minutes before the activity starts, providing ample time for guests to get ready.
With these accessibility and flexibility features, the Calamay Making and Asin Tibuok Experience caters to a diverse range of visitors, enabling them to fully immerse in the cultural and culinary delights of Bohol.
Calamay Making Experience
Participants first learn about the traditional process of making Calamay, a sweet sticky rice treat that’s a beloved Boholano delicacy.
During the Calamay making experience, they:
- Mix sticky rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar to create the Calamay batter.
- Carefully cook the mixture over a charcoal fire, stirring continuously to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Mold the warm Calamay into small, individual pieces, giving each one a distinct shape.
- Taste the freshly made Calamay, savoring its rich, creamy, and subtly sweet flavor.
This hands-on activity allows visitors to appreciate the artistry and tradition behind this iconic Boholano confection.
Asin Tibuok Manufacturing
After the Calamay making experience, visitors then embark on a guided tour to explore the unique process of producing Asin Tibuok, a traditional artisanal salt.
The guide leads the group through the salt manufacturing facility, explaining the meticulous steps involved. Visitors witness the evaporation of seawater in large, shallow pans, followed by the careful collection and drying of the resulting salt crystals.
They gain an appreciation for the time-honored techniques used to create this distinctive Boholano delicacy. The tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship that goes into producing Asin Tibuok, a beloved local specialty.
Guided Tour of Sta. Monica Church
Following the Calamay making experience, visitors embark on a guided tour of the Sta. Monica Church.
This 17th-century church, with its distinctive façade and bell tower, offers a glimpse into the region’s rich Catholic heritage. The tour guides visitors through the church’s interior, highlighting its intricate altars, ornate furnishings, and detailed religious imagery.
Visitors can:
- Admire the church’s impressive architecture, blending Spanish colonial and indigenous influences.
- Learn about the history and significance of the Sta. Monica Church within the local community.
- Observe the faithful engaged in prayer and devotion, seeing the sacred atmosphere.
- Appreciate the church’s role as a cultural and spiritual center for the people of Bohol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Join the Tour Alone or Do I Need to Be Part of a Group?
The tour can be joined individually or as part of a group. The tour is open to solo travelers, and there’s no requirement to be part of a group to participate.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Special Requirements for the Calamay Making?
The tour doesn’t list any dietary restrictions for the calamay making. Participants can enjoy the experience regardless of their dietary needs or preferences. However, it’s always best to check with the tour provider for any special requirements.
Is It Possible to Extend the Duration of the Tour or Add Additional Activities?
Yes, the tour’s duration can be extended or additional activities can be added. Guests can contact the tour provider to request customized tour options and discuss any special requirements or preferences.
What Should I Bring or Wear for the Calamay Making and Asin Tibuok Experience?
For the Calamay Making and Asin Tibuok experience, wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Bring a camera to capture the cultural activities, and don’t forget water and sunscreen if needed. The tour provider will provide all necessary materials.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Suitability for Children on This Tour?
The tour is suitable for all ages and families. There are no age restrictions, and children are welcome to participate in the calamay making and asin tibuok activities under the supervision of their parents or guardians.
Recap
The Calamay Making and Asin Tibuok Experience in Bohol offers a unique opportunity to take in the region’s rich culinary heritage. Participants can engage in hands-on workshops, learn traditional techniques from local artisans, and explore the meticulous process of artisanal salt production. This experience celebrates Bohol’s vibrant culture and time-honored culinary practices, providing an engaging and educational journey for visitors.