Hermit's Cove

Hidden Paradise in a Quiet Town of Aloguinsan

After our lunch and handicraft making session at the BAETAS Center in  Bojo River, we went to Brgy. Kantabogon, Aloguinsan to see their latest tourist attraction - The Hermit's Cove.

Hermit's Cove  is 4 kilometers away from Bojo River. We left the center around 12:00 noon and took "habal-habal" to go to the cove. The fare per person is Php 40.00 but you have to have your buddy to ride on the motorcycle to avoid paying double.

15-minute ride to the secluded cove

When we arrived at the location, we were surprised of the longgg parking (yes, with emphasis). The word of mouth and social media influenced the sudden flock of tourists. Even the Kantabogon Ecotourism Association (KEA) members were surprised of the tourist count that day. KEA manages and maintains the beautiful cove.

Due to the number of tourists (which was pretty obvious at the parking), we were not able to have our cottage where we can take a shade. Still we have to pay the entrance fee of Php 50.00 per person.

Worth the travel and the butt-breaking habal-habal ride when you're rewarded with this view.

Group shot upon arrival

The view at the entrance.

After the uphill habal-habal route, we had to take the steps down to feel the sand and take a dip.

The crowd

Others brought their dome tents and own tables to put their things.Our bags were just placed on the sand :-) but when it rained really heavy we asked a favor from a nearby house to take a shelter. 

We chose to be at the near-end of the coastline...with this view. Ahhh!

Well, it's pretty obvious that we're enjoying here.

The cove is facing the Tañon Strait which separates the islands of Cebu and Negros. It's known to be the largest protected marine area in the Philippines. During our visit here, we saw a group snorkeling. I know that you have to have a reservation first or you  should coordinate with Aloguinsan Municipal Tourism Office if you plan to do these activities but I was not able to get more details. 

I can still imagine the sound of the waves. Getting intimate with nature.

We were not disappointed. It was all worth it. Hermit's Cove is indeed a must-see place when you're in Aloguinsan. After two and a half hours basking and swimming, we texted the habal-habal drivers to pick us up and drive us to our next stop for our snacks.

Next destination - THE FARMHOUSE in ALOGUINSAN

Bojo River Cruise

DAY OFF Trip

I was invited by my friends at work to go with them for a weekend trip to Aloguinsan last week. I didn't confirm that time because I had a scheduled meeting with another friend on the same day. When they told me that they are going to Bojo River, I said to myself  that I've been there and it would be the same thing if I go back. BUT I was wrong, I am still mesmerized with the place and the people - the whole community.  It also came to my mind that the newest attraction I am stalking to on Instagram and Facebook is there - the Hermit's Cove. So I suggested it to them to include in the itinerary. I really wanted to go to this small, secluded, and pristine bay facing Tañon Strait. 

Voila! I met my friend earlier than our agreed day that's why I was able to confirm to my group that I can go with them 2 days before the date.

April 26, 2015   Call time is 05:00AM at the Citylink Terminal (few meters away from the South Bus Terminal). We were able to depart quarter to six. We took a van en route to Toledo City for almost 2 hours. Then transferred to a multicab from Toledo Terminal to Aloguinsan Market (more or less 15 to 20 minutes drive). Upon arriving the Aloguinsan Market there are many "Habal-Habal" on standby waiting for passengers going to Brgy. Bojo where Bojo River is located. 

BOJO RIVER CRUISE (Brgy. Bojo, Aloguinsan)

We arrived here 15 minutes before 08:00AM.

We were welcomed by the members of BAETAS with a lei made up of Birds of Paradise flower.

230 meter-walk to the riverbank

Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAs) in their welcome song.

The view when you arrive the BAETAs Center. The serenity of the place simply overwhelmed us.

Welcome drink --- FRESH BUKO JUICE.

When we settled down, a briefing was conducted by Ms. Jomelyn Manigos (BAETAs Vice President). It cited an introduction to the town and the attraction and how it was developed. Capping it with a short presentation on the local flora and fauna and its role in preserving the ecosystem. We learned that the name “Bojo” is the Spanish term for “river ceiling.” However, in the Visayan dialect, it is pronounced as “bo-ho,” which refers to the “hole” (actually, an inlet) at the end where the river exits the sea.  Then, she discussed the rules, regulations, and safety precaution that we need to know before embarking on the cruise. 

After the briefing we were introduced to our local guides who paddled us in a 45-minute boat ride along the 1.4 km long stretch of the river.

There are 22 species of mangroves in the river and the local guides know by heart all their local and scientific names. Isn't it amazing? :-)

WATCH: Bojo River Cruise

Postcard-perfect view of Bojo River

River meets sea.  The river tour gives you a chance to enjoy a beautiful sight of verdant hills, lush mangrove forests, and high limestone cliffs. But nothing will prepare you for the awe-inspiring view as your boat heads to the highlight of the tour – the ‘hole’ to Tañon Strait.

When our guides told us if we want to take a dip, everyone jumped out to the water.

Our guides parking their boats while we are swimming.

 

What I particularly like about it is that it's a community-driven project. The Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourim Association (BAETAS) operates and manages the Bojo River tour. They are the custodians of Cebu's eco-tourism pride. The money that you pay for a tour around Bojo River goes to the local fishermen who maintain the place and serve as guides. 

On our way back to the BAETAs Center.

We finished the river tour early since we wanted to go to Hermit's Cove after. Our lunch was served at the center around 11:00AM. Lunch and snacks are part of the P650 per person (min. of 5 pax)package. They served us with a Filipino feast: Tinolang Manok Bisaya, Sinugbang Isda, Humba, Ampalaya Salad, Banana and Camote Tops Juice as our refreshment.

We had our handicraft making session after lunch. Every group has one person assigned to demonstrate how to make their native products. In our table, we were taught how to make a native glass coaster.

After our session, Sir Rudney advised us that we can leave early to Hermit's Cove and then the snacks will be served at The Farmhouse at 03:00PM. The members offered us another song for thanks and farewell before we left. 

It was really a fun tour and I was wrong with my impression when I heard that I'll be going back here. I am still amazed by the charm of the people and how they maintained their standards in promoting their eco-tourism site. You can really see and feel how they love their environment.


For reservations, please contact:
Mr. RUDNEY CARCUEVAS
President, Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS) 
M:  (0905) 913 3055
T:   (032) 469 9056

Second stop - HERMIT'S COVE (Click the link)