Calatrava brings together several distinct themes: pandan weaving, petrified wood and a viewpoint overlooking the Tañon Strait towards Cebu Island. The craft is part of the town’s economic history and is celebrated with its own festival; Badyangon tells the story of ancient forests, while the Skywalk offers a sweeping view. Pandan weaving, the protected Badyangon fossil site and the Skywalk each represent craft, natural history and a view across the Tañon Strait towards Cebu Island. Two dates help put Badyangon in context: it was discovered in 2024, and the petrified wood is estimated to be around 15 million years old. The site is in Barangay Mina-utok.
Pandan Weaving and the Lilas Pandan Festival
In Barangay Mahilum, women traditionally made pandan mats, locally known as “banig,” as an additional source of household income. Another product is linked to the life of Neneng Dela Cerna: she has been making bags from pandan mats since elementary school.
Calatrava’s Lilas Pandan Festival celebrates pandan weaving every year on June 29. If you are planning a trip around the festival, check the date in advance. At the opening of the month-long Lilas Pandan Centennial Festival and 2024 anniversary fiesta, a river parade took place on Saturday morning. More than 30 pump boats travelled from Barangay Lemery towards the port in Barangay Lo-ok; the boats carried images of Saints Peter and Paul, Calatrava’s patron saints. The festival is held annually, while the parade described here was part of the 2024 edition.
Badyangon and the Skywalk Eco-Park
The Badyangon petrified wood fossils were discovered in 2024 in Barangay Mina-utok. They are estimated to be around 15 million years old and are considered remnants of ancient forests, with the wood preserved over time through mineralisation. The site remains protected. This adds a geological perspective to the area’s cultural themes, shaped by a very long natural history.
The Skywalk Eco-Park is in Barangay Tigbon. From there, the view stretches across the Tañon Strait to Cebu Island. A staircase of 193 steps—186 steel and seven concrete—leads to the observation platform. The park opened to the public in October 2021. If you plan to visit the Skywalk, check its current accessibility in advance.
Local Church History
The Roman Catholic church in the town centre is considered the focal point of Catholic worship; it is said to have been founded as early as 1880. In 2021, St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Calatrava was included on the list of jubilee churches for the celebration of 500 years of Christianity.
Discover more destinations: Sara, Sibunag, Hinoba-An, Guimbal, Carles, Buenavista, Maasin, Oton.
For the broader travel overview: Western Visayas.
