Traveling has now become a number one recreational activity for almost everyone. Well, we couldn't deny the fact that traveling to certain places would really give us the relaxation and enjoyment we wanted especially if that place would give us the serenity and peace to embrace life and appreciate nature.
This is my first travel post by far. With this, I will try my best to make it informative and descriptive, so that I could virtually bring you to this place. If you're that type of person who enjoys nature and serene places, away from the bustling sound of the city and very fond of biology, set your next unwinding travel in...
Aloguinsan, Cebu!
Disclaimer: Prices and fees mentioned are all based on the time we've visited the Aloguinsan, Cebu. These may change without prior notice.
Aloguinsan is a fourth-class town with an annual income of only P8.8 million and population of just a little over 32,000. It is the only area in the Philippines that was included in the list of the world’s top 100 sustainable tourism destinations.
Source
The best thing about being a sustainable tourism destination is that, the ones who benefit from the tourists that are visiting the place are its people. In Aloguinsan, the ones managing the tourist destinations that I am gonna mention below are the people of the community in collaboration with its LGU (Local Government Unit) such as, the housewives and fishermen that dwell in it. Fascinating, right? Instead of going to cities or other places to work, they involve themselves in developing and serving the tourism of Aloguinsan at the same time, they earn. What's more, these tourist places are untouched and remained as natural as it could be. Well except from having minor renovations such as having areas to house the guests that are coming.
How to get there?
There many ways on how to get to Aloguinsan, Cebu. As for this post, let us focus on commuting by Vhire from Cebu City.
Vhire/Van (Cebu City to Toledo) - Php100.00/head
Multicab (Toledo to Aloguinsan) - Php35.00/head
You can find the Vhire Terminal to South Destination in Jonquera Street or commonly known as Kamagayan. Landmark is near University of San Carlos Main Campus.
Route Cebu City to Toledo City is common, so you could either board right away if there is a vacant one or wait for the next van. After nearly 2 hours of travel, you'll arrive at Toledo, City Terminal. No need to tell the driver that you'd drop off at Toledo, just wait until they arrive at the Terminal and you're good.
When you're now at Toledo, you can ride a multicab going to Aloguinsan. From Toledo City Terminal, you have to walk or ride a trisikad (bicycle with side car) to get to McDonalds. You can find the multicabs going to Aloguinsan across 7eleven next to McDonalds. Just tell the driver to drop you off at Aloguinsan Public Market.
Multicab to Aloguinsan
Aloguinsan Public Market
According to the locals there, you could also opt to ride buses from Cebu South Bus Terminal heading to Pinamungajan, Cebu (Php80.00/head -- this, i'm not sure of but this is what they mentioned) and ride multicab to Aloguinsan.
Where to go?
There are four (4) travel destinations that I would share to you and I will live it up to you which place to visit.
Before anything else, I strongly suggest you visit the Aloguinsan Tourism Office or commonly known as The Farmhouse.
There you could register your names as visitors, and you could also ask for the tariff to prevent overpriced habal-habal (motorcycle) fares to get around Aloguinsan, Cebu.
Sample Tariff
Included in the tariff are the entrance fees of the tourist spots except for the Hidden Beach which is privately owned.
Motorcycle Fares
Bojo River Cruise
This is the highlight of our Aloguinsan Visit! After booking at the Farmhouse for a Bojo River Tour, we directly found our way to Bojo, Aloguinsan where it is located. (You could book Bojo River either at the Farmhouse or in the Bojo River reception area itself.) We chose the walk-in rate since we haven't booked ahead of time, but still it did not disappoint us. Walk-in rate is just the Bojo River Tour alone, without lunch and other additions. It costs Php400 per head.
If you want to have the full-packaged tour with glass floor boat including Lunch and a welcome song as you arrive, you can call and book ahead of time. Yes, you have to book ahead of time like 2 days before your planned tour because they still have to prepare everything for you, including the right time to have the tour because they will have it during high tides and also, they will depend on the weather. No worries because they will update you for your schedule after booking.
Menu for the Lunch that would be included in your tour
As we arrived at the Bojo River visitor receiving area, we were warmly welcomed by the in charge and offered us with seats for the orientation before starting the tour.
Entrance
Dock for the boats that will tour you.
One of the Guest/Visitor Receiving Area
In the orientation, we learned that these people did have training in partnership with the University of San Carlos before officially launched in 2009. They had a crash course to learn the scientific names of the different kinds of mangrove trees present along the river. They even had to pass the moving exam provided by the partner University in order to be an official guide in Bojo River Tour. All funded by the LGU! How great, right?
In the Bojo River Cruise, we toured the 1.4km stretch of Bojo River for about an hour. We listened to the boatman that will paddle the boat as he introduced the different kinds of mangrove trees that we see along our tour.
He also told us the story of Maria Tang-an and even pointed to us the believed door of the mansion of Maria Tang-an as we passed by it as we approached the mouth of the river going to Tanon Strait (the sea between Negros and Cebu). You can opt to have swimming session as you reach the mouth of the river, just wait for the go signal of the boatman. As for us, we just chose to be in the boat and admire the fascinating view.
Bojo River Tour is under the management of Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS). For booking purposes, you can contact them.
Hidden Beach
The beach is literally hidden. We have traveled a long way from the national high way to get to Hidden Beach. LOL. When we arrived at the gate of Hidden Beach, we really cannot spot where the beach is, we have to go down to witness the inviting beach. Nevertheless, the place is still thumbs up!
Signage that you could see along the National High Way.
Signage that you could see prior seeing the Beach itself :D
Look at that! Full yourself <3
A perfect place to enjoy and admire the sunset.
Here's the fees:
If you're planning to have an overnight stay, you can choose from air-conditioned rooms or fan-rooms.
Air-Conditioned Rooms
Fan-Room
Also, please do not forget to bring your own food because they don't serve food here, though they have a small store for primary needs like water, shampoo, tissue and the like. You can buy food at the Public Market before going here.
During our visit, we bought half kilo of rice (uncooked) and one pack of longganisa (uncooked).
If you're lucky, sometimes they cook food for their guests. We pleaded the in charge to cook for us and tadaaa!
We have these for only Php70.00.
If you want to book ahead of time, you can visit their page Hidden Beach Resort or you might want to contact them 09394769012 and look for Ma'am Leisel.
Baluarte Park
You cannot miss the refreshing place provided by the park located on top of hill! If you want to chill and enjoy an overlooking place of Aloguinsan, visit Baluarte Park. As part of their tourism, visiting the park requires you to pay a small amount for the entrance fee.
The place is relaxing and full of trees to shade you from the great sun.
You can also have photo sessions here!
Baluarte Park is a historic landmark, still stands as mute testimony to the courage of the early inhabitants of Aloguinsan.
Source
Hermit's Cove
Still craving for beach? Hermit's Cove is at your service! The people of Aloguinsan believed that long ago, there lived here a hermit, hence the name of the place "Hermit's Cove".
As you arrive at the motorcycle drop off, you could see the hut where to pay the entrance fee.
This beach is also managed by the people of Aloguinsan in collaboration with the LGU. There are locals assigned in the beach to guide you and look over your things as you get to enjoy what the beach has to offer.
Furthermore, snorkeling is also available at Php1000.00 per 5pax with a guide already. Unfortunately for us, we haven't experienced it since there's only two of us and we have to pay the fee for the group and there's no one there to join with. According to the in charge, overnight stay is not allowed in the beach, however, they could offer you a place to stay near the beach at Php1250.00 per room good for 5pax. For more details, you could contact them.
How to go back to the City?
In going back to Cebu City, you can just follow what you rode in going to Aloguinsan.
Ride a multicab from the Aloguinsan Public Market to Toledo, City and then ride a Vhire/Van from Toledo, City to Cebu, City.
Now that you're finished exploring the wonders that Aloguinsan, Cebu has to offer. You can now leave the place happily with precious memories to put to heart and share to others.
That's all I could share to you and may you find this useful in preparation to your next travel.
May this travel post guide you in your travel in Aloguinsan. Take care!
Photos are mine unless otherwise stated. Thank you for dropping by.