On our island vacation at one of the most famous islands in Northern Cebu, the Bantayan Island, we made sure to visit and explore the island's popular and captivating world of Mangroves, the OMAGIECA Mangrove Eco Park.
So in this blog, let us be amazed together as we explore and filled our eyes with wonder of the evergreens of this beautiful ecosystem. Taraaa! Let's explore Omagiecia!
OMAGIECA, OBO-OB, BANTAYAN ISLAND
This interesting acronym which almost sounds like MAGIC stands for Obo-ob Mangrove Garden Integrated Ecotourism Conservation Association. From the name itself, one would know that this is an initiative of the Local Government Unit with the help of its people to protect and conserve the Mangrove Trees and at the same time showcase and educate every island guest about the beautiful and vibrant Mangrove trees. This verdant Mangrove Park is located on the coast of Brgy. Obo-ob, Bantayan Island.
Welcome to the Mangrove Eco Park!
It was a lovely afternoon when we arrived at Oboob, the huge signage which bears the name of the park and the mascara art by its side was what welcomed us. There were several tourists coming in and out of the park, so we immediately went to the reception area and ask about the Entrance fees. The entrance fee costs 60php (1.08$) for adults and 20php (0.36$) for kids while babies are free, so we only spend 120 (around 2.15 USD) for both hubby and me.
Before we started our walk, we checked first the Map to know what we should expect along the way and then registered our names on the guest's log.
Let's start strolling then!
Bamboo Boardwalks
As soon as we passed the entrance, the eco-friendly and rustic boardwalk of the park was more than ready to transport us to the world of Mangroves. I was excited and thrilled with every footstep I made.
The two bamboo bridges which later on I realized the one-way entrance and exit of the park tell us how organized and prepared Omagieca is to accommodate all its guests. There are signages and staff in each corner telling us which direction to follow which means there are no shortcuts and no crossing of paths of other people.
The chance of exploring all the parts of the park is fair and a must because one needs to pass that certain part in order to proceed to the next spot. And the first spot/attraction of the park is the instagrammable giant letters that spell I AM OMAGIECA. Of course, we had our photo taken and right after, we proceeded to the next attractions of the park.
Exploring the Mangrove's verdant Corridors!
As I continued my steps, I found myself slowly immersed in the enchanting domain of the mangroves. Wherever I look, I see lush, peaceful, and harmonious mangrove trees.
Walking along the winding boardwalk was full of surprises, either the path will lead you to the more refreshing and tranquil mangrove forest, or it will lead you to another instagrammable spot!
There are breathtaking spots such as the Mangrove trees of different kinds and the clear river running going to the sea, the Mangrove tunnels, the young mangroves, the little fish swimming in the shallow water, and the different picturesque resting areas. Even the boardwalk is a magnificent view itself!
I climbed on one of the huts and I fell in love with the overlooking view of the Mangrove trees with the background of the sea. The mangroves in different shades of lush green were like dancing by the breeze of the wind as I look at them from above. I don't wanna go down! haha.
But of course, my favorite was the refreshing feeling it gives and the unique connection to nature (trees and the sea) it provides as I take my stroll.
64
Also, the labels which contain the information about the trees are beautifully written and artistically hang on the trees which I think added attraction.
Resting Huts and Instagrammable spots!
Walking in this beautiful ecosystem is quite a long stroll, but one will not get tired because there are plenty of Huts, a resting areas where guests can relax and enjoy sightseeing of the view.
78
The first hut that we passed by was the Orientation Hall and the restaurant hut. I guess this park has everything we need during our walk. We skip the orientation Hall because we wanted to discover things on our own.
Other instagrammable Spots that stand out in Omagieca are Camp Sawi and Camp Wagi that are once featured in a Filipino movie. These locations may appear simple to one's eye, especially to foreign guests but the message of these spots has a strong impact on Filipinos as this means "A failure or heartbreaks in love life, that ended to success, strength and moving forward ".
I find the open huts unique and very homey too. The huts are adorned with curtains and seashells. Guests flock to the huts especially the teens for picture taking.
I couldn't deny that during our stroll I felt a deep sense of connection to nature. The fresh air, the soothing sounds of the trees due to the sea breeze, and the greeneries of the Mangrove made me feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Island Mementos!
After we had our satisfying and revitalizing stroll around the Mangrove Eco Park, we went ahead to the island shop to buy some souvenirs. There are necklaces made of seashells, coin purses made of coco shells, ref magnets, shells with some art on them, and island bags made of indigenous materials.
There are various kinds of them and all are beautiful! How I wish to buy them all! But the one I chose was a small keychain made of a shell that has the word "Bantayan Island" written on it.
Where is Omagieca?
If you love strolling, I recommend you visit and explore Omagieca when you are on Bantayan Island. To find the place, rent a motorbike (from Sta. Fe) and drive going to Brgy. Obo-ob. You can ask the locals where this amazing park is or simply navigate Waze to Omagieca, Brgy. Obo-ob, Bantayan Island. Remember to leave no trace, and enjoy your visit to the fullest!
That's it for my Omagieca Experience! I hope you enjoyed it too. Thank you so much for reading. I wish you all safe and well always.
Don't forget to smile often!😍🤗