Things To Do
in Las Navas
Las Navas is a coastal municipality in Northern Samar known for its fishing communities, quiet beaches, and rural island life. The town serves as a local hub for nearby barangays and offers traditional markets, nipa-roofed boats, and scenic coastal vistas. Visitors will find a slow-paced atmosphere, friendly locals, and an authentic taste of Samarano culture.
Access is typically via regional airports and inter-island ferries, with basic tourist infrastructure and easy day-trip connections to larger towns.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Las Navas Church, an iconic landmark that showcases beautiful architecture. As the sun rises, take a leisurely stroll through the town's quaint streets, soaking in the local culture and vibrant atmosphere. Stop by a nearby café to enjoy a traditional Filipino breakfast of tapsilog or longsilog.
After lunch, head to the Las Navas Municipal Hall to learn about the town's history and governance. Explore the local market, where you can find fresh produce and handmade crafts, perfect for souvenirs. Spend some time mingling with the locals, who are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a local eatery to enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties like lechon or sinigang. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the town plaza, where you can often catch live music or cultural performances. End your evening with a nightcap at a nearby bar, absorbing the relaxed ambiance of Las Navas.
Set off early to the nearby beaches, such as Calicoan Island, where you can bask in the sun and enjoy the soft sands. Begin your day with a refreshing swim in the clear waters or try your hand at snorkeling to explore the vibrant marine life. Grab a quick breakfast at a beachside shack, enjoying fresh coconut water and local delicacies.
Engage in thrilling water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding, perfect for those seeking adventure in the stunning coastal setting. Alternatively, you can simply relax on the beach with a good book or join a beach volleyball game with fellow travelers. Enjoy a packed lunch with your toes in the sand, savoring the flavors of grilled seafood.
As evening approaches, gather around a bonfire on the beach, sharing stories and laughter with new friends. Enjoy a freshly grilled barbecue dinner prepared by local chefs, paired with a stunning sunset view. Wind down your day by stargazing and listening to the gentle waves lapping against the shore.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| ☕Coffee at a local café | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🛵Short tricycle/jeepney ride | $0.20-1 |
| 🏨Basic guesthouse per night | $10-25 |
| ⛴️Inter-island ferry fare (short route) | $1-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural and coastal Filipino experience with friendly locals
- Fresh seafood and simple, flavorful local cuisine
- Low-cost travel and fewer crowds compared with tourist hotspots
- Good opportunities for photography of fishing life, shorelines and rural landscapes
- Limited tourist infrastructure and lodging choices
- Basic healthcare and emergency services — major facilities are in larger towns
- Travel can be disrupted by seasonal weather (typhoons and heavy rain)
- Limited nightlife and few upscale dining or shopping options
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Magkano ito?" - How much is this?
- "Saan ang palengke?" - Where is the market?
- "Pahingi ng tubig" - May I have some water?
Places to Visit in Las Navas
Visit one of these nice places.
Early-morning light on the shoreline with colorful banca (outrigger) boats and fishermen returning with their catch — excellent for atmospheric shots.
Vibrant market stalls, woven baskets, piles of fresh seafood and the everyday commerce of town life offer candid street-photography opportunities.
Low-tide sand flats and mangrove fringes reveal patterns, reflections and birdlife — ideal for nature and landscape photography.
Scenic rural scenes with nipa huts, coconut palms and rice paddies that capture the agricultural rhythm of the area.
Food in Las Navas
Las Navas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Whole fresh fish grilled over charcoal and served with rice and soy-vinegar dipping sauce; ubiquitous and available at markets and seaside grills.
Must-Try!
A local version of ceviche made from raw fish cured in vinegar or citrus with onion, ginger and chili — refreshing on hot days and popular at seafood stalls.
Classic Filipino stews — adobo (vinegar-soy braised meat) and tinola (ginger-chicken soup) — common homestyle dishes found in carinderias.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main market is the best place to sample early-morning street snacks, buy fresh seafood straight off the boats, and try fried local treats; try grilled skewers and bananas (saba) based desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Filipino culture prizes respect for elders — greet older people politely and accept offers of food or seating graciously.
Casual, lightweight clothing is fine, but dress modestly when visiting churches or attending local ceremonies.
Some older locals may expect gestures of respect such as a handshake or the traditional 'mano' (offering the back of an elder's hand to the forehead) — follow the lead of hosts.
Filipinos are warm and hospitable — smiling, using 'po' and 'opo' (Polite forms) and saying 'salamat' (thank you) is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Las Navas
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected — rounding up bills or leaving small change for good service in eateries and for porters or guides is common practice.
Cash (Philippine peso) is king, especially in markets, tricycles and small eateries. ATMs may be limited; bring sufficient cash or withdraw in larger towns. Mobile payment apps (GCash, PayMaya) are increasingly accepted in some vendors, but connectivity can be spotty. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside larger establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally the best time to visit: clearer skies, calmer seas and easier travel between islands. Expect warmer days and cooler nights during the early dry months; ideal for beach time and boat trips.
Heavier rains and a higher risk of typhoons — sea travel can be disrupted and some dirt roads become muddy or impassable. Bring waterproof gear, monitor weather advisories, and be flexible with plans.
Many towns hold annual fiestas throughout the year; visiting during a fiesta offers cultural performances, food, and community celebrations but accommodations and services may be busier.
Las Navas at Night
Hiking in Las Navas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short hikes along coastal ridges and headlands yield panoramic sea views, lighthouse or waypoint viewpoints and good sunrise/sunset photography opportunities; trails are often unmarked so travel with a local guide if possible.
Gentle walks through mangrove areas and tidal flats offer birdwatching and ecosystem exploration; paths may be boardwalk or muddy depending on tides and season.
Short inland hikes across coconut groves, rice fields and small ridges provide countryside vistas and encounters with village life; wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
Airports
How to reach Las Navas by plane.
Located in Catarman, Northern Samar; the closest regional airport with flights to larger Philippine hubs. From Catarman, overland travel by van or bus leads to towns in Northern Samar; arrange local transport in advance.
Major regional airport in Leyte with frequent connections to Manila and Cebu; from Tacloban, reach Las Navas by a combination of bus, van and possibly ferry transfers — travel time is longer but options and flight frequency are higher.
Regional airport in Western Samar; an alternative depending on flight schedules and onward ground/ferry connections to Northern Samar.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Waray speakers (Visayan language group), with deep local cultural traditions and strong community ties.
Many households rely on fishing and small-scale agriculture (coconut, rice, root crops); family-run operations shape daily life and economy.
Predominantly Roman Catholic with local parish activity central to social life; various barangay-level religious and community groups are active.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is the most popular sport — pick-up games and local tournaments are common, and courts in barangays serve as social hubs.
Volleyball is widely played, especially among youth and during community events and fiestas.
While not a competitive sport for most, fishing is a central pastime and livelihood, and small local contests or community fishing events occur periodically.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Las Navas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but possible — rice, vegetable dishes, fried or grilled eggplant, salads and fruit are commonly available; specify no fish sauce or shrimp paste and carry snacks for remote areas.
Vegan choices require advance explanation of ingredients (many sauces use fish or shrimp); fresh fruits and plain rice meals work best.
Rice-based diet helps gluten-free travelers, but check soy sauce use (contains wheat) and ask cooks about sauces and marinades.
Pork features in many dishes, so request seafood or chicken options; certified halal restaurants are unlikely locally, so plan ahead if strict observance is required.