March-ing Our Way To Summer: Aloguinsan

It's been months since my last quick vacation and being a proud wanderlust, I can't help myself from thinking which place will I be traveling to next.

Just like any other ordinary days, I was scrolling through my Facebook news feed, checking my friends' whereabouts and actually feeling envious on some of my friends' travel photos. Then came my friend's post of her quick trip to Aloguinsan that instantly caught my attention. The place is just grandeur for me to miss out.

For someone who is pretty much ecstatic when it comes to adventures, I immediately texted my friends about my planned road trip to Aloguinsan together with the boyfriend and vowed to join us on our whole day trip.

It's going to be a long entry since we visited three (3) places in one day.

We lost track of the way going to Bojo River and The Hermit's Cove due to the boyfriend's high speed driving and vague signage pointing the way to these aforementioned tourist destinations, so the boyfriend had to look for a perfect spot to make a U-turn and follow where the signage is pointing.

The road going to these places is actually narrow, so please don't be too complacent in boosting the gas just to arrive there faster.

                                                                                                                                                                  

1. BOJO RIVER CRUISE

Bojo River is the first tourist destination spot you'll encounter upon entering the narrow road. You can easily identify the place simply by looking at the tarpaulins posted at the starting point going to the river.

We felt so blessed and grateful because the weather was very cooperative that day.

Since those who arrive in the place early are entertained first, it's best to leave the city earlier, that's if your planned trip to Aloguinsan falls on a weekend, for you to fully maximize your time there.

Before getting into the baroto assigned to us, we were strictly asked to wear the life vest provided for safety purposes. The water may be clear, but it's actually deeper than you've imagined.

Our tour guide (whose name I can't recall) jollily introduced himself and explained a little about his job as a tour guide and how it financially helped him and his fellowmen. He also gave us a brief discussion of the river's history, the importance of its preservation, and how the government decided to open the river to public.

Apart from that, he also shared his knowledge about the different mangrove species surrounding the river, together with the scientific name of each specie. He is very eager to answer our questions as well, like the depth of the water and the bubbles present on some areas that are actually produced by the mangrove trees.

On our way to the river's mouth, our guide shared another trivia about the monkeys' existence in the area before they were hunted down or before they migrated to another place (I'm not sure what's the main reason behind their disappearance). These monkeys used to live inside the holes of the limestones. Now, not even a trace of monkey can be seen lurking around.

Upon reaching the mouth or known as Tañon Strait, our tour guide calmly paddled the baroto we're riding into the open sea. With huge waves banging the huge rocks and waving our baroto, I got too scared to grab my camera to take photos (though I've managed to take a few shots). Instead, I just sat down and held tight on the sides of the baroto to keep my balance.

We've managed to escape from those huge waves and jumped off the baroto to take a quick dip in this clean cold brackish water. Finally, a relaxing moment for us.

Luckily, the tide was getting higher when we reached the mouth that we got to fully enjoy the water.

Leaving the place with happy smiles because we finally got to see the beauty of Bojo River.

If you wish to visit the place, make sure to settle your payments in the Farm House first before entering the road going to Bojo River and The Hermit's Cove. We failed to follow their policy, but gladly, the lady who accommodated us politely asked for our payment without lecturing us, haha. All she asked from us was to post their policy online for others to comply.

Here are the corresponding fees for Bojo River cruising:

Walk-in:

Per head (without lunch buffet): Php. 450.00

Reservation:

Minimum of 5 pax

Per head (with lunch buffet): Php. 650.00

Book two (2) days prior your trip

2. LUNHAW FARM

Leaving the city without bringing any packed lunch is probably the funniest part of this trip. Nevertheless, we still managed to fill in our hungry stomachs in this hidden paradise located before Bojo River.

Lunhaw Farm is the ideal rest house for tourists wanting to enjoy their peaceful night in Aloguinsan. I'm sure you'll be needing some hot cocoa or coffee here at night with trees surrounding the vicinity of the rest house.

Since we didn't book for an overnight stay, we were prohibited from using their pool, but free to pose and take pictures of the place. We were even given the privilege to view their rooms. I swear this rest house is a must-stay for people wanting to escape the city.

Room rates (for overnight use):

2 pax: Php. 4,000.00

4 pax: 7,500.00

Additional guest: Php. 1,000 per head

Food menu:

3. THE HERMIT'S COVE

And now, we're down to our last destination in Aloguinsan. This time, we had to go through a rocky and dusty road before reaching the crystal clear water of The Hermit's Cove.

The caretakers of this fine gem don't accommodate overnight stay and strictly prohibits guests from bringing liquors.

I'm not sure of the exact reason behind the banning of liquors around the area, but in my opinion, the local government implemented this policy to avoid unwanted accidents like falling off the stairs going to the shoreline or going back up.

As a turtle's den, it's necessary for us to give time for these creatures to relax at night; thus, the existence of the no overnight stay policy.

We're surely loving the white sand plus clean cold saltwater here.

Obligatory group outtakes before leaving the place. Weekends are meant for family bonding and group outing, that's why the cottages were almost fully booked when we arrived the place.

We had to leave earlier so as not to arrive in the city late.

Apart from the places we've visited, I'm also loving the gentle approach of the people in Aloguinsan towards their guests. Thank you to the people of Aloguinsan for the warmest welcome!

Entrance fee:

Php. 100.00 (with cottage)

Water:

Php. 10.00 per pail

Curfew:

5:00 PM