One of the booming attractions of Bantayan Island is the secluded and beautiful Balidbid Lagoon. Not only the island is the home of pristine beaches but it also has a hidden and tranquil paradise that one must visit and explore when on Bantayan Island.
THE BALIDBID LAGOON
Balidbid Lagoon is a saltwater lagoon nestled on the eastern coastline of the island. What made this lagoon a breathtaking site are its winding river that meets the open sea, the long stretch of white sandbanks on its curvy beach, and the lush greenery of Mangrove trees and other tropical plants that surround the whole lagoon.
A year or two ago, if one wants to see the lagoon one must avail of the Island Tour Package of Bantayan Island which is a little expensive, or the other choice was to pay an entrance fee for a cheap price and then walk and swim going to the lagoon. Yes, one can walk going there because the seawater river is shallow and calm.
Nowadays, in partnership with the Tourism Department of the island, there are ready-to-go and willing-to-wait locals providing Round Boat Trips going to the lagoon for only 100 pesos per person (1.8 USD). A cheap fare in return for the marvels you can get from the lagoon!
Entrance and fare.
We only discovered the entrance to the Lagoon by chance when we travel bound for Madridejos. As funny as it is, we didn't Google the places we want to explore on the island because we wanted to be surprised by the natural scenery. We want to discover its raw beauty first before our own eyes than see it first on the internet! So we felt thrilled and excited about what to see on the lagoon!
After we paid our fare, 200 pesos (3.6USD) a Boat Trip good for two and free fare for babies. We registered our names on the Tourist list and proceeded to the shore where locals happily waited for us with big smiles. (Guests/Passengers means income on their part). The inclusion of the trip is, passengers could drop off and enjoy the curvy white seabanks of the lagoon (unlimited) and wait for the next Boat trip to pick them up.
I thought we will ride the one boat docked on the side but we were surprised to see that other locals came carrying another boat for us to use. They were helping each other and they were very friendly too!
Taraaa! Let's go!
When all was set, the small boat departed slowly moving on the sea/river. I sat on the front part of the boat while the husband and daughter sat near the boat driver. As gently as the boat moves, the lagoon was slowly unveiling its beauty to us.
The waters and view!
We could see the lush greeneries of the mangroves protecting the lagoon. The water was so calm that we could see the plants and fish on the seabed. Along the way, we saw some locals enjoy swimming and fishing.
The travel was a long way of unwinding rivers and the swamps of Mangroves. The dazzling flowing water due to the sun's light is also a sight to behold. Some parts of the river appeared dark green while some parts appeared so clear.
Beautiful white sand bar.
In a couple of minutes, we already reached the white sand bars of the lagoon. I honestly was in awe of this hidden beauty of the lagoon. The driver asked us if we would like to drop off and enjoy the sand but we choose to ride on the boat this time gentler and slower for us to have more time for our sightseeing.
Before we arrived and made the last turn of the lagoon we met some foreigners enjoying themselves at the seaside. Meanwhile, my daughter was all smiles during the trip.
The Grand view.
The finale of this Boat trip is the beautiful scenery of the curvy white sandbank on the right side of the river and the Baigad Lagoon Beach on the left side. The one on the right is an ongoing project of the Department of Tourism, so, for now, it has no cottages yet but still, one could enjoy and swim there and take shelter from the shades of the tree against the scorching heat of the sun. While the one on the left side, the Baigad Lagoon is a private beach resort but open to public day use from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM only.
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The boat driver told us that we are near the open sea and asked us if we wanted to drop off at this time. We decided that we will just enjoy the roundtrip and will come back if we had brought some mat or tent with us.
The whole trip only took less than 30 minutes but it felt like we had a whole day doze of the Vitamin Sea and Natures Therapy. My lungs were filled with wonder during the trip. It made me reflect on how a simple boat ride could give me such fulfillment and relaxation. Indeed nature has its way of soothing our minds and body effortlessly.
If you also want to see and explore the Lagoon (maybe this time there are cottages already) here's how to get there:
📍Going to Bantayan Island, take a ferry bound for Sta. Fe from Hagnaya port. Once you arrived in Sta. Fe, go to Brgy. Balidbid ( 15-20 minutes by motorbike), you will see a signboard on the street that says "PAUNDA sa Katunggan Balidbid Lagoon, Sta Fe, Cebu". Stop right there because you just arrived at your destination.
Reminders:
🏞-This is an ongoing project development of the Department of Tourism and the locals, so there are no established public cottages yet.
🏞-Bring your food and water.
🏞-Bring SPF lotion to protect your skin from the heat of the sun.
🏞-Leave no trace only your footprints.
That's it for our refreshing boat trip to Balidbid Lagoon. Thank you so much for reading. I wish you all safe and well always.
Don't forget to Smile often!😊😀😍
