Lian, Batangas launches training to promote ‘balsa’ tourism

LUCENA CITY — The iconic floating bamboo rafts, or “balsa,” of Lian town in Batangas, are being developed as a local tourist attraction through a sustainable tourism training program launched by the Department of Tourism (DOT)  in Region IV-A and the municipal government.

The “Sustainable Balsa Tourism Development” training program, which runs from Sept. 21 to 26, is being attended by local bamboo raft operators and other tourism stakeholders involved in “balsa” tourism in the coastal municipality facing Nasugbu Bay.

The municipal government described the training program as an important initiative, noting that bamboo rafts have long been part of Lian’s tourism landscape and a source of livelihood for local operators.

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Every April, Lian holds the “Balsa Festival” involving a parade of decorated rafts. 

The festival gives residents a platform to showcase their creativity while highlighting the importance of bamboo rafts to Lian’s identity as a beach and tourism destination.

Lian is known for its beaches, coastal attractions, and relaxed seaside atmosphere. Located along the western coast of Batangas, the municipality attracts beachgoers, families, and visitors seeking a seaside getaway near Metro Manila.

Matabungkay Beach is the destination most closely associated with Lian. It is known for its sandy shoreline, beach resorts, and distinctive floating bamboo rafts, which provide visitors with a unique way to enjoy the sea.

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Typically equipped with roofs and space for visitors, the floating rafts serve as venues for people to gather, eat, relax, swim, and spend time on the water.

The training program aims to promote a more sustainable, organized, and improved balsa tourism experience while protecting Lian’s natural and cultural resources, encouraging community participation, and continuously enhancing visitor experiences, the local government said in a Facebook post on Monday, Sept. 21.

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Lian recorded 1,480,091 tourist arrivals in 2025, including 837,984 overnight visitors and 642,107 same-day tourists, according to municipal government data. /das