If you think you have already witnessed all the captivating beauty of Southern Cebu without visiting Aloguinsan yet, think again. Prepare to be amazed and experience Cebu’s very own huge lagoon ala El Nido, Palawan!
Bojo River is Aloguinsan’s crown jewel and has thus far been named one of the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations in the World on the occasion of World Tourism Day 2016 and Best Community-based Tourism at the ASEAN Toursim Awards 2017.Aloguinsan Town is in the middle of tourism rich province of Cebu. In 2009 its local government together with some consultants and the community joined forced to create a sustainable eco-tourism activity known to us today as the Bojo River Cruise. This initiative put Aloguinsan in the eco-tourism map of the Philippines. The project is one of the successful, diverse and community-building endeavor I have seen.
Bojo River Cruise is the full contrasts of the activities in Moalboal, Badian and Oslob. Although both are found in the richness of nature, Bojo River Cruise is for the soul – feeding you with calm and embracing you bliss.
Unless you are coming from Toledo City you will not be passing by the town of Alonguinsan if you are going to the much hype destination in Cebu such as Oslob, Osmena Peak, Moalboal or Kawasan Falls. This town really needs a determined heart to be visited because its not in the usual Cebu tourism route. This maybe a good relief because it can be preserved and stillness abound .
From Cebu City travel time to Bojo River Cruise is approximately two hours if you have private vehicle. A rustic sign and a promising entrance will welcome you as you reached the Bojo River Cruise. Cemented and manicured pathway will lead you to the reception where a signature Cebuano welcome will make you smile.
Since we had a prior booking we were welcomed by a group of mothers singing lively Cebuano songs with a guitarist playing and smiling at us. Then we were given a floral garland like we were dignitaries from all over the world. After that we had our sumptuous lunch of fresh fish and local dishes of the Cebuanos. Lunch, tour and refreshment is included in the Php650/pax package.
Hini-usang Kinusbao – the Effort of the People
The Bojo River Cruise is the product of the collaborative efforts of the local government of Aloguinsan which provided the funding, the consultants such as biologist and ornithologist who provided the knowledge and the blood and sweat of the community.
Initially there are 400+ folks from the community joined the collaboration to have an alternative source of income, to protect the environment and to empower the society. As of December 2017, there 41 active members of Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS) – the association that manages the river cruise.
Through the collective effort of the community, LGU and consultants the nature has given people the dignity to the live. According to Jamaila, one of the empowered woman in Aloguinsan, Bojo River Cruise provided an Alternative Livelihood for the Fishermen, Education for the Local People and Women Empowerment.
Travel Tips:
•Book ahead of time to enjoy full Cebuano hospitality.
•As an eco-tourism destination, they have a carrying capacity of the 60 – 70 per day to relax the environment at night. It is better to book early.
•You can swim there, and they have a nice shower room.
•Give a tip to those who serviced you and even to those who do not deserve it.
•It is advisable to go there early or at least before lunch because river cruise depends on the tide.
How to go to Alonguinsan
From the South Bus Terminal in N. Bacalso Ave., ride a minibus going to bound for Pinamungajan. Ask the conductor to drop you in front of The Farmhouse in Aloguinsan. Bus fare is ₱80 and travel time is 2 to 3 hours.
Another option is to take a Toledo-bound bus and transfer to a minibus or jeepney to Aloguinsan.
If you’re bringing your own vehicle, just navigate with Waze and search for “Bojo River Aloguinsan”. There’s a parking space available in the area.
Packages
₱400 per person – Walk-in rate for Bojo River Cruise (excluding meal)₱650 per person – Inclusive of tour, lunch, snacks at the Farmhouse, and complementary goodies. Based on advance booking (at least 2 days), minimum of 5pax.
STUDENT PACKAGE:
₱850 per head for a minimum of five persons. This includes a welcome lei, welcome drinks, lunch at The Farmhouse, snacks along the Bojo River, handicraft demo, river cruise, swimming, and a tour of heritage sites such as the baluarte (heritage park), old stone church, and parola.
BOJO RIVER VIDEO –> watch here
©REGINE MAE REGIDOR
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