Karlo Pacana
10 Reasons to Visit the Ecotourism Capital of Cebu
Looking for a mystical river, a centuries-old watch tower, a colorful festival, delicious local cuisine, rich marine life, enduring rituals, and endearing people? Want to know the reason behind the title “Ecotourism Capital of Cebu”?
Alodome
The King of Sinulog is off to Aloguinsan, a 3rd district municipality in Cebu comprising 15 barangays, named after Kinsan, an abundant fish in the area. Here are 10 other reasons why you should pack your bags and visit this beautiful place in the sun.
1. Hermit’s Cove
It is said that a hermit once lived in this area in Kantabogon. Before reaching this breathtaking secret beach, you must pass through a treacherous road that goes to the edge of a cliff for about 20 minutes. The entrance fee to Hermit’s Cove is PHP 50 per person, inclusive of access to open cottages. Overnight stay is not allowed. It’s better to buy food in advance, since there are no restaurants in the area.
2. Baluarte
More than a century-old watchtower used to defend against Moro slave raiders in the 18th century. Baluarte is a well-landscaped park that offers a good picnic spot for the whole family to enjoy the sunset. The entrance fee is PHP 10 per person.
3. The Farmhouse
The venue for the Green Culinary Experience, Organic Demo Farm, Souvenir Shop, and Handicraft demonstrations. See rows of organic vegetables and livestock, and taste local snacks such as biko, pan bisaya, camote, puso sa saging, and a hot cup of sikwate. You can reach The Farmhouse by calling the tourism office at +032 469 9042 before your visit.
4. Viewing Deck at the Public Market
The place where you can buy everything you need before heading out to the beach has a viewing deck to the Tañon Strait accessible by a ramp. From here, you can also see the Alodome, the Municipal Hall, the Parola, and the Aloguinsan Bridge.
5. Hidden Beach Resort
The most accessible beach in Aloguinsan. The Hidden Beach Resort entrance fee is PHP 15 per person; overnight tents are PHP 300; tables and chairs are PHP 200; cottages are PHP 300; fan rooms are PHP 600; and air-conditioned rooms are PHP 900. Beach quality is more or less the same as Hermit’s Cove. Cooking is available upon request.
6. Acacia Tree by St. Raphael the Archangel Parish
The church is located on a hill named after St. Raphael the Healer. Look for the Acacia tree in front of the church and identify a piece of hardwood protruding from its trunk. Local reports indicate that it was part of a church bell attachment that was consumed by the tree over time.
7. Parola
After a flash flood claimed the lives of thirteen residents, Chinese merchant Lim Kee built the Parola in 1948 as a breakwater to protect against future floods, and it would serve as a testament to how the people of Aloguinsan respond in the face of adversity.
8. Lunhaw Farm Resort
Once a private estate, Lunhaw Farm Resort is now open to the public. This resort features three eco-friendly villas, a pool, and a dining area with a spectacular view of the mouth of the Bojo River. Published room rates range from PHP 4,000 to PHP 7,000 per night, inclusive of breakfast.
9. Kinsan Festival
Every year in June, they celebrate the famous and colorful Kinsan Festival, named after a fish that is usually abundant in the area from May to July.
10. Bojo River
Want to know about mangroves and the river ecosystem while listening to stories of Maria Tang-an, the traditional Asinan, the forest of the Lost Monkey, the barter area of farmers and fishermen, and the finding of the lost Yamashita Treasure left by three Japanese warships? I bet you do. By taking the Bojo River Cruise, you can swim and watch the rich coral reefs underwater in the vast protected marine sanctuary, with bird watching during dusk and dawn as an added bonus.
Getting There
From Cebu South Bus Terminal, you may board a yellow Sepo bus to Aloguinsan, ask the bus ticket agent to drop you off at Aloguinsan Public Market, and pay about PHP80 for a 2-hour land trip. From there, you can ride a motorcycle to any of the aforementioned destinations. For less hassle, you can rent a van for a day for about PHP 3,500 to visit everything listed here.
For further inquiries, you may contact their Tourism Office at 032 469 9042. Later!
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Read: Overnight Camping in Aloguinsan, Cebu
