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”?
The King of Sinulog is off to Aloguinsan, a 3rd district municipality in Cebu made up of fifteen barangays, with a name derived from 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 going to the edge of a cliff for about 20 minutes. Entrance fee to Hermit’s Cove is at PHP50 per person inclusive of open cottages. Overnight stay is not allowed. Better buy food ahead since there are no restaurants in the area.
2. Baluarte
More than a century old watchtower used as defense against Moro slave raiders during the 18th century. Baluarte is a well-landscaped park that is a good picnic place for the whole family while watching the sunset. Entrance fee is at PHP10 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 prior to 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 Tañon Strait accessible by a ramp. From here, you can also see the Alodome, the Municipal Hall, the Parola and Aloguinsan Bridge.
5. Hidden Beach Resort
The most accessible beach in Aloguinsan. Hidden Beach Resort entrance fee is at PHP 15 per person, overnight tents at PHP 300, tables and chairs at PHP 200, cottages at PHP 300, fan rooms at PHP 600 and air-conditioned rooms at 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 situated on top of a hill named after St. Raphael the Healer. Look for the Acacia tree in front of the church and find a piece of hardwood sticking out from its trunk. Local stories say that it was part of a church bell attachment that got consumed by the tree through time.
7. Parola
After a flash flood claimed the lives of thirteen residents, Chinese merchant Lim Kee decided to build the Parola back in 1948 as a breakwater for future floods which would then serve as testament to how the people of Aloguinsan react in the face of adversity.
8. Lunhaw Farm Resort
Once a private estate, Lunhaw Farm Resort is now opened to the public, this resort has three eco-friendly villas, a pool and dining area with a spectacular view of the Bojo River mouth. Published room rates range from PHP4,000 to PHP7,000 a night with 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 in months of 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, 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 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 hop on a yellow Sepo bus plying to Aloguinsan, tell the bus ticketer to drop you off at Aloguinsan Public Market and pay about PHP80 for a 2-hour land travel. From there, you can ride a motorcycle to any of the aforementioned destinations. For less hassle, you can rent out a van for a day for about PHP3500 that way you could visit everything listed here. For further inquiries, you may contact their Tourism Office at 032 469 9042. Later!
