Hitting two birds with one stone, our recent trip to Cebu was not only to attend my cousin-in-law's wedding but an opportunity for our family to have a vacation as well. One of the highlights of our trip was the Bojo River Aloguinsan tour.
A shuttle came to pick us up at 6:30 am. We were still able to have our hotel buffet breakfast at 6am. It took us about two hours to reach the town of Aloguinsan from our hotel in Cebu City where Bojo river is located.
Everyone was excited for the river cruise. We had to hike through the trail surrounded by lush greenery to reach the reception/ dock. It was a hot summer day and even with a toddler in tow, I didn't really mind, because walking through the path itself (which is actually almost the riverbank) is already a sight to behold. There are many different kinds of plants all around, and you can also see the calm river lined with mangroves. Nature lovers will surely enjoy this place. At the end of the trail was the reception area / dock where we were welcomed by locals singing and dancing to Visayan songs.
Refreshing coconuts as welcome drinks for the tired trekkers.
The river is lined with different kinds of mangroves where the fish would lay eggs. Mangroves also provide the oxygen for the marine creatures. Our tour guide, Jumilyn Manigos, a fisherman's daughter and president of the Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS), said that we were the only group booked for the tour that day. They are really doing a good job in preserving the natural eco-system of the river by not allowing tourists to flock the area all at the same time.
She gave us more information about the place, then a diver gave us instructions on snorkelling. At the end of the river is an inlet where the river meets the sea. That is where snorkelling would begin.
We rode a hand paddled boat or a "baroto" so as not to disturb the waters and surroundings with noise. (A big thumbs-up for me!)
Another local guide, Bella, rode with us together with two bankeros. She was remarkably knowledgeable about the whole thing; the river, it's history, plants, mangroves, marine creatures, etc, she's amazing!
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| The bubbles in the water are oxygen released by the mangroves |
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| Water here is brackish water- a mixture of fresh water and seawater |
Finally we reach the breath-taking view of the
Tañon Strait. You cannot help but revel in God's majesty. How wonderful His creation!
“You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you." Nehemiah 9:11
My water baby AS can't wait to jump! It was his first time to snorkel.
But my SC seemed to think otherwise. =)
So we (SC and I) just stayed in the boat while the rest went out farther to the sea to snorkel. They were with a group of divers assisting them who came as part of the tour package so no need to worry. I suggest to those who will try snorkelling to bring a waterproof camera.
When we returned back to the reception area, everyone was famished. A buffet lunch was waiting for us. Because I had to give my kids a bath, I came in late for pictures.
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| Steamed rice, humba, grilled bangus, tinolang manok, ginataang puso ng saging, lakatan and pink lemonade |
After our hearty meal, we had to leave this beautiful place and go to our next destination - the Farm House. This time SC was fast asleep in my arms so the only thing I enjoyed was the food.
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| camote |
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| Pan Bisaya |
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| Salbaro |
I really enjoyed eating with one hand (lol) the pan bisaya and salbaro (coconut bread) dipped in hot chocolate while relaxing in the "farmhouse".
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| AS feeding the pigs |
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| He caught a fish! |
It was truly a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone. The next time you're in Cebu, try Aloguinsan's Bojo River Eco-cultural tour and visit the Farmhouse too. =)
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