aloguinsan river cruise

Aloguinsan, Cebu: Bojo River Cruise Experience

Post author By Project Gora
Post date October 24, 2020

Just 2 hours away from the bustling city of Cebu, lies a sleepy and tiny coastal town of Aloguinsan. Located in southwestern Cebu, this beautiful town is considered as one of the best eco-tourism destinations in the province. In fact, its prime attraction, the Bojo River Cruise , also known as Aloguinsan River Eco-Cultural Tour, was awarded as one of the Top 100 Global Sustainable Destinations by Green Destinations for three consecutive years (2016, 2017 and 2018).

Table of Contents

Sustainable Tourism in Aloguinsan, Cebu

Bojo river cruise, overall experience, travel notes.

Aloguinsan was the fourth stop of the Sustainable Community-Based Tourism Recognition (SCBTR) , launched recently by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DoT). This campaign aims to identify the best sustainable tourism destinations in the Philippines with the help of selected sustainable tourism experts and assessors. The three (3) recognized sites will receive endorsements from Dot and TPB as well as grants that will help improve their services. Aside from acknowledging sustainable tourism sites, this campaign aims to inspire sustainable tourism practices and encourage potential investors.

Meeting the Community Behind the Success of Aloguinsan

We arrived on a sunny morning in Aloguinsan after 2 hours of travel from Cebu City. As I walked on the wooden boardwalk going to the river, I heard a group of women singing Visayan folksongs. Walking along the mangrove forest while hearing folk songs and birds chirping was quite enchanting. We were then welcomed by the members of Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS) .

Established in October 2009, BAETAS is composed of the members of the Aloguinsan community with the primary responsibility of protecting the Bojo River and Tañon Strait , the largest marine protected area in the Philippines. We gathered for a simple merienda comprised of buko juice, pancit, bread, suman and hot chocolate. And because plastic straw bans are spreading in the whole world, BAETAS has also implemented the use of metal straws to help reduce the impact on the environment.

Providing Alternative Income to the Aloguinsan Community

The LGU of Aloguinsan started the Bojo River Cruise project in 2009 with the primary objective of providing alternative income to the Aloguinsan community. According to Ms. Jomelyn S. Manigos, Vice President of BAETAS, the LGU trained the members, who are fishermen and housewives around Bojo River, with mangroves conservation, flora and fauna identification, tourism and management.

Since then, the river cruise has attracted thousands of tourists which in turn, created opportunities and provided supplemental income to the members. She proudly shared that after the LGU spent over a million for their training and education, they have now returned the investment threefold.

Because of the success of the Bojo River Cruise project, the locals have stopped with their former sources of livelihood which are dynamite fishing, bird poaching and kaingin (a system of slash-and-burn with no return to forest). According to Ms. Jomelyn S. Manigos, these people are now the protectors of the river and the forest surrounding it.

Community Efforts for a Low Tourism Footprint

The locals created a small nature reserve centered around the mangroves, where the Bojo River meets the Tañon Strait. Currently, the Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS) impose a maximum of 70 tourists per day to protect the Bojo River and reduce environmental impact. They have also adapted use of motor-free modes of transportation along the river. In addition, clean-up drives in partnership with different sectors in Aloguinsan are being done monthly to ensure protection of the mangroves and corals and create public awareness on waste management.

I was intrigued by Bojo River Cruise and curious how it might differ from other mangrove tours, since it is distinguished as an Eco-cultural Tour spearheaded by the community. The tour began from a small wooden dock in the water, which looks out over Bojo River. Our group boarded a non-motorized boat with two boatmen and one tour guide. Mr. Jerry Bansiloy, our tour guide, made sure we stay safe on the tour by requiring us to wear your safety vest at all times. He also gave us native hats to protect us from the scorching heat of the sun.

The Bojo River Cruise was an incredible activity as it merges two completely different landscapes into one experience. It was a scene almost too perfect to be real. For a moment, we were slowly rowing through the river with magnificent views of the mangroves and the next we were on a glass bottom boat with awesome views of the corals. We even saw a pawikan (sea turtle) frolicking underwater!

Very few tourists would choose a destination for its mangroves, and mangroves have continued to be overlooked by the big players in the tourism industry. But as we rowed down the Bojo River, I realized that mangroves can be quite a hit with travelers, especially now that Millennials are interested in cultural and sustainable tourism . The idea of being able to give back to the community is very appealing to a new generation of tourists and I’m saying this because that how I see the Bojo River Cruise. Seeing how the project has changed the lives of the locals and its positive impact to environment, I won’t mind paying 750 pesos for another river cruise tour.

Aloguinsan River Eco-Cultural Tour Facebook Page @AloguinsanRiver Contact numbers: (032) 469-9042, (63)933 120 9480 and (63)997 371 5698 Email: [email protected]

How to get to Aloguinsan

From Cebu City South Bus Terminal, take a minibus bound for Pinamungajan. Ask the conductor to drop you off Aloguinsan Poblacion and take a habal-habal to Bojo River. Bus fare is around 80 pesos and habal-habal ride from Poblacion is around 20 pesos.

400 per person – Walk-in rate (excluding meal)
750 pesos per person (minimum of 5 pax) – Inclusive of tour, handicraft demo, welcome drinks, lunch, snacks, and complementary goodies. Requires advance booking (at least 2 days).
additional 200 pesos per person (minimum of 10 pax) – glass bottom boat tour
Tags Portfolio , Sustainable Travel

By Project Gora

Hey there! My name is Milet Miranda, and I'm a full-time corporate employee during weekdays and a traveler during weekends (and holidays...you get the picture). I'm a foodie at heart and I love joining food tours. When I'm not traveling, you'll find me walking my dogs or biking around my neighborhood.

Bojo River Cruise, Aloguinsan: Where the River Meets the Sea

by Leslie | Jan 19, 2021 | Blog

Lush greenery, calm water and captivating beauty of Bojo River in Aloguinsan, Cebu

Bojo River Cruise: Sustainable Tourism

The Bojo River Cruise, also called “Aloguinsan River Eco-Cultural Tour”, was initiated in 2009 through the combined efforts of key tourism players such as the local government, community, and other stakeholders.

Quite remarkable, the river destination was named as one of the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations in the World from 2016 to 2018 and was also recognized as the Best Community-Based Tourism in 2017.

Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS)

In 2009, the Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS) was founded. Most of its members are trained fishermen, housewives and farmers. The goal of this community-based group is to provide its locals an alternative source of income while preserving the river and its wildlife.

Aside from their traditional livelihood, BAETAS were equipped with the necessary know-how to operate a more sustainable livelihood that is, ecotourism. They were trained to become skilled tour guides. As a result, they become an excellent provider of information about the Bojo River, its rich biodiversity and local culture.

Our fresh coconut juice with re-usable straw and a native flower called Gumamela

Before getting into the native boat calle d “banka”, we were oriented by a BAETAS member—she briefed us about some historical details of the community and the eco-tourism activity that is operated here. It was emphasized that they only offer day tours so that the envir onment won’t be overused, and to also allow the river to rest.

Bojo River Cruise in Aloguinsan

Friendly bojo river cruise.

Bojo River Cruise

Bojo River Cruise & Eco-Cultural Tour is one of the most popular attractions in the Municipality of Aloguinsan in Cebu, the Philippines. This eco-cultural tour at Bojo River provides you not only fun time and ride on an outrigger boat but also an environmentally enlightening experience.

Along the river, you will see various species of mangroves, among other flora and fauna, being protected and propagated by local authorities and inhabitants. It is a great place for nature lovers and environment-minded people to enjoy a boat ride by the river that is linked to the open blue sea. Okay… let’s start the tour…

The Ecological Tourism

When you take the river cruise, the package includes some lectures (or I should say ‘introduction’ lessons) on mangrove trees and their place in the environmental world.

The community of fisher folks and their families are running this interesting and educational tour for both environmental protection and sustainable livelihood. And more, the package tour includes bird, wildlife, handicraft lectures and demo. More importantly, a buffet lunch and some snacks will be provided as you embark on this river cruise and adventure. You can also attend the educational lecture about the birds in the area. The proceeds of the Bojo River Cruise will be used to fund local community programmes and projects. This entails that the whole undertaking aims to provide a source of income or alternative approach in providing ecological livelihood to the local families. The association is called BAETAS (for Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association), which is a local people's organization in Aloguinsan. This organization started in 2009 that is being supported by the local authorities and the Tourism Department. For me, it is a cause worth supporting in addition to the fun and environmental input you can gain from the cruise. Try it!

The River Cruise

It will take around 3 hours to complete the Bojo River Cruise package service and environmental lessons. (Actually, it is not a lecture per se but only introducing you, basically, to the names of trees and mangrove species). And of course, they provide your some guidance on how to take care of our nature and Mother Earth. The cruise is a daily schedule and depends on the tide. That’s because the river itself is linked to the sea water. As you might have guessed already, a cruise is done only during high tides, so that the boats would easily glide over the river’s waters. In this river, the locals have identified around twenty (exactly 22) various species of mangroves. The concern for mangroves have been highlighted by environmentalists and enshrined in the Philippine environmental laws and policies due to these plants special place in protecting the marine environment, among their other significant roles in ecology. And, if you love birds—not hunting them—you will also enjoy the cruise since there are over 61 bird species that have been identified in the area. Of course, you might only see a few of them but it is great to know they are there and in great number. If you wish to see more of these bird species, you should do it as another activity you can enjoy with at this place. Just bring with you binoculars and other equipment you might need. This hobby is only for the patient individuals—you know what I mean!

Bojo River Cruise tv commercial shooting

And, more fun activities

After the river cruise in Bojo River, you can continue your day’s adventure by doing hiking and sightseeing at the hills and landscapes of Aloguinsan. For example, you can walk the 400-meter long bamboo bridge (in existence when this was written) along the river and enjoy the river’s sight and surrounding creation.

Of course, you can also swim, snorkel, etc. Then, as you continue walking you can proceed to the hilltop where you can find a native style gazebo waiting to give you rest. You can spend some time there enjoying the place, the summer breeze and the tranquil environment. Now, going back to the river cruise, let us give you some ideas about the rates they offer…

Suggested Bojo River Cruise Rates

The cruise is usually provided as a group service tour. This is very practical, economical, and environmental approach I’m sure. Here they are… For 5 guests: Php800.00/head For 6 to 10 guests: Php550.00/head For 11 to 15 guests: Php530.00/head For 16 to 20 guests: Php500.00/head For 20 to 30: Php480.00/head And for 30-50 guests: Php450.00/head It means “the more the merrier” and all the cheaper. I know you can do the math well. Please, make sure that you get the most recent and updated rate by using the suggested contact info below…

Contacting Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association

If you are interested to know more and inquire, or better yet want to reserve a cruise to see and experience the place, you may use the contact details as follows:

BOJO ALOGUINSAN ECOTOURISM ASSOCIATION

Address: Barangay Bojo, Aloguinsan, Cebu, Philippines Telephone: +63 32 583-6797 Email: [email protected] Mobile: (Rudney Carcuevas) via TM/Globe: 0905-9133-055 Sun: 0922-4798-822 Jomalyn: +63 926 490 6670 Website: http://www.aloguinsan.gov.ph/attractions_and_activities.php It is recommended that you contact the operators so that you come at the right time when the water tide is high. Your decision to take this expert suggestion would fundamentally affect your experience especially if you want (and your gang) to enjoy sliding over the waters of Bojo River via 'sakayan' cruise. Have fun!

Lectures about mangrove, birds, and the environment is being provided during the Bojo River Ecotourism tour. Image Credit: www.iluvcebu.com

More nice places in Aloguinsan

The below sites and attractions will help promote the area and improve the livelihood of the communities in various places. More pages with descriptions of the enumerated items will come up sometime soon.

Bantayan Beach
Hidden Beach Resort
Kantabogon Beach
Ulbohan Underground River
Kantabogon Legendary
Tap-anan Beach
Batalyon Hill
Nahulgag Pinuti Lagoon
Municipal Park
Baluarte Park
Sayaw Cascade

Thanks a lot for reading through this page.

Please, continue supporting Cebu especially for having experienced Yolanda by visiting this site again or often for further travel guide information.

Have a wonderful vacation!

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Bojo River Cruise: An Informative Eco-Cultural Adventure
Cebu Destinations

Bojo River Aloguinsan

The south of Cebu has long been known for great and awesome sceneries. From scenic beaches, rich marine life, breathtaking waterfalls, adrenaline-rising adventures, magnificent vintage churches, and other unique sites.

One of the most unique adventures to have in South Cebu is the Bojo River Cruise. It is an adventure that is totally different from the rest.

About Bojo River

Bojo River is located in Barangay Bojo in the municipality of Aloguinsan. It is about 1.4 kilometers from the starting point to the inlet intersecting the sea. The name “Bojo” was derived from a Spanish word that means “river ceiling”. In the Cebuano dialect, Bojo is pronounced as “bo-ho” which locally means “hole” or an “inlet” most specifically the inlet at the end of the river joining the sea. The inlet was believed to be a place of refuge for the people of old during bad weather and a hiding place for Cebuano warriors from Spanish and Japanese colonizers.

The water in the river is saline, a mixture of fresh and saltwater. There are minerals under the river that gives the greenish color of the water. Greenish as it may be, the water is 100% guaranteed to be clean and safe.

There are numerous mangroves growing in the river. There are about 22 species of mangroves growing in the area. They serve as wave barriers and home to fish eggs that are nursing under their roots before they are mature enough to go to the sea. The leaves of the mangroves, when they fall out, serve as food for the crabs. The decayed ones give off nutrients to phytoplanktons, the food for baby fishes.

Aside from mangroves, the river is also a home to numerous species of birds (71 species). There are 10 species which are migratory and can only be seen at dawn and dusk.

The local government of Aloguinsan has made an initiative to create Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS) with an aim to preserve the river and its wildlife. Another purpose of the association is to provide an alternative source of income for the locals and the community. The BAETAS started in 2009 and had gathered locals to be trained to run their ecotourism project. Most of the members of the said project are housewives, fishermen, and farmers that are yearning to earn additional income to help sustain their families. Some have not even finished their studies but because of the training that they had undergone, they are more capacitated to run the project.

What to Expect During the Bojo River Cruise

The tour will begin with an orientation about a brief history of the river and the do’s and don’ts during the whole duration of the cruise. It is very important to abide by the rules before, during, and even after the tour to help in the preservation of nature.

After the orientation, life vests will be provided and guests will be boarded to small boats. There are trained tour guides who will be at the cruise and they will explain informative facts about the river. The whole cruise will take around 45 minutes of relaxing boat ride.

At the boundary of the river and the sea, the current is quite strong so it is advisable to be cautious and follow what the tour guides will say. Amazing corals can be seen underwater and those who are courageous enough can take a dip in the waters to witness the underwater treasures.

Guests who did not avail the packaged tour can only enjoy the river cruise. Packaged tours include a thorough lecture about mangroves, ecology, and wildlife; a conventional send off ritual performed by a village “mananambal” (a faith healer) to drive away bad omens; a buffet lunch; a river cruise; and a mat weaving demonstration.

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Aloguinsan, Cebu: An Eco-Cultural Cruise Down the Bojo River

On a recent family road trip from Cebu City, I finally experienced the Bojo River Cruise in Aloguinsan, a small town along the southwestern coast of Cebu island with a big heart for environmental and heritage conservation through sustainable community-led tourism. Their flagship eco-tourism venture is a scenic cruise down the Bojo River, where visitors paddle through a well-preserved river-to-reef ecosystem with the guidance of a knowledgable local guide.

For initiating the Bojo River Cruise and other eco-tourism attractions in Aloguinsan, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) awarded Mayor Cynthia Moreno the “Inang Kalikasan for Eco-Tourism” award in July 2013.

The Bojo River flows out to the Tañon Strait through limestone cliffs.

From River to Reef

Flowing from inland springs to the Tañon Strait for 1.3 kilometers, the turquoised-colored Bojo River is a vital refuge to 61 bird species and 96 plant species, including 22 species of mangrove alone! Departing from a simple makeshift wooden jetty, the three-passenger paddleboat follows a narrow stream line by dense thickets of mangrove trees, which our guide was quick to identify with both local and scientific names.

Birdwatching is also another activity visitors can experience at Bojo River, especially at dawn or dusk. A bamboo boardwalk was built along the riverbank leading to a hilltop view deck for this purpose, but was being upgraded with more durable materials during our visit. As our boat approached the mouth of the river, limestone cliffs rose in view, draped in greenery, like gateways to the sea. Besides a diversity of birds, long-tailed macaques once thrived along these precipices, but were sadly driven away by treasure hunters who dug into the rock faces looking for legendary Japanese gold left behind from World War-II, according to our guide. He hopes that the monkeys will soon return now that the river is a protected area.

The mouth of the Bojo River harbors a beautiful coral reef!

The coral wall teeming with lots of colorful reef fish.

The real surprise of the Bojo River lies underneath the waves at the mouth of the river, where the turquoise water suddenly shifts to the deep blue of the Tañon Strait. Donning a mask, snorkel and fins, my sister and I plunged into the water from the bangka , above a beautifully preserved coral reef teeming with a rainbow of fish. According to our guide, this pristine coral reef stretches for kilometers along the town’s coastline with a significant portion gazetted as a marine sanctuary.

The Legend of Maria Tang-an

The Bojo River cruise does not only enlighten visitors on natural wonders, but also introduces them to traditional customs and folklore of the locality. As our boat rounded a gentle bend approaching the sea where the water became even clearer and brighter, our guide gestured to a small opening in the cliff face that locals believed led to the realm of Maria Tang-an , a benevolent engkantada or diwata (forest nymph) who, like Maria Cacao of Argao and Maria Makiling of Laguna, lent valuable items to villagers for special occasions. In times of yore, the residents of Aloguinsan would visit this opening to request for dinnerware for fiestas, wedding dresses for betrothals and other such valuables. They would also return the items at the same spot.

Unfortunately, as the story goes, a woman once returned a wedding dress badly damaged, thereby upsetting the enchantress who fled away from her river home. However, locals believe that the engkantada still visits the Bojo River now and then; and that visitors must show respect for her abode by keeping their voices low and avoiding horseplay, lest you suffer the smite of an angry forest spirit.

Traditional Song & Dance at Bojo River Cruise

Womenfolk serenaded with traditional Cebuano song and dance.

A delicious lunch buffet of local fare included grilled tuna!

A Taste of Local Culture

Besides local legends, other aspects of traditional culture are revealed throughout the tour. Before boarding the boats for the river cruise, an old man circled our group, wafting smoke from burnt-out coconut husks in a clay pot. This traditional practice is called palinâ , a ritual with pre-Hispanic roots that’s still performed to this day to ward off evil spirits and ensure a safe journey. Besides ensuring safe boat trips, this traditional practice is still being observed by some people who depart cemeteries in Cebu, especially during funerals and All Souls’ Day.

The palinâ ritual is performed to ward off evil spirits.

Upon our arrival at the jumping off point of the river cruise, a group of ladies wearing billowy dresses and red hibiscus flowers in their ears serenaded us with traditional Cebuano songs like Rosas Pandan – a humorous folksong about a young man drooling in admiration for a beautiful maiden – to the accompaniment of a solo guitarist.

We were then led to a thatch-roofed waiting area where a lunch buffet of local dishes were offered such as humbâ (Visayan-style pork stew), grilled bariles (tuna), ampalaya (bitter gourd) salad and chicken soup made with manok bisayâ (native chicken). Our tour also included native snacks, which were served at The Farm in Aloguinsan, a demo organic farm at the town proper. Among the local snacks offered were bananas with ginamos (fermented anchovies), pan bisayâ (native bread buns) and Aloguinsan’s bread-like version of salvaro , made with flour, grated coconut, kamay (sugar variety of a red color) and tubâ (fermented coconut wine) as leavening agent.

My sister enjoying the pandan weaving demonstration.

Pandan weaving is one of the native handicrafts of Aloguinsan.

After lunch, a woman offered to demonstrate the pandan weaving , a native handicraft of the area, before we finished the tour. We were taught how to weave dried pandan leaves into coasters, which we took home as self-made souvenirs.

From start to finish, the Bojo River Cruise was a wonderful eco-cultural experience. While the natural scenery may not be as grand as those found in other river cruises, what this charming community-led tour lacks in scale, it makes up for with its fascinating insights into nature and culture. As an emerging destination where tourists can experience authentic rural life just a few hours’ drive outside a metropolis, the Bojo River Cruise is one of Cebu’s hidden gems.

How to Get There

While there are infrequent buses that directly link Aloguinsan with Cebu City in two to three hours, the more convenient way to get there is via Toledo City. From the South Bus Terminal, several buses travel to Toledo City (1 hour), where one could transfer to Aloguinsan by jeepney (1 hour). Alternatively, one can bus to Carcar City, then head for Aloguinsan by habal-habal motorbike.

The Bojo River Cruise costs PHP 650 per person for a group of at least six, inclusive of river cruise, lunch buffet, native snacks and tour guide. Book your tours at least two days in advance. Walk-in visitors can enjoy the river cruise at PHP 400 per head, but I’d recommend going for the tour package as it provides the complete experience and better value for money.

If you plan to snorkel at the mouth of the Bojo River, it’s best to bring your own snorkeling equipment. Wear rash guards as jellyfish are common in the area.

For inquiries and reservations, contact Rudney Carcuevas, President of the Bojo Aloguinsan Eco-Tourism Association (BAETAS), at +63 9059133055.

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3 Replies to “Aloguinsan, Cebu: An Eco-Cultural Cruise Down the Bojo River”

The rich reef at the mouth of the river is simply amazing, and it stretches all the way to Hermit’s Cove in Kantabogon. Jonjie (our dive instructor), a few other divers, and us are planning to explore and evaluate the place as a potential dive site. Of course, we would need the LGU’s help on this; hope that they will give us their support.

Sounds like a great plan, if responsible scuba diving will be ensured! =)

That’s right. As far as we know, the reef is largely unexplored. So evaluations by pro divers must be made first before it can be declared a dive site.

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Bojo River Cruise: An Eco-Cultural Tour in Aloguinsan

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Bojo River Cruise in Aloguinsan Cebu

Table of Contents

Looking for a unique eco-cultural experience on a river cruise? Want to learn about mangroves and their role in the ecosystem? Want to support a community with a passion for sustainable ecotourism? The King of Sinulog is off to experience the Bojo River Cruise in Aloguinsan. Read on as I share to you what I have learned on this one of a kind nature trip.

Bojo River Cruise Arrival at the entrance

The project run by the Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association was funded by the local government unit which served as alternative sources of income for the community. The ecotourism movement started in 2009 and started training 400 participants for more than 4 months and only 52 survived. Some of these members were not able to finish schooling, but because of their trainings, they are now empowered and more than capable to run the project. What’s more remarkable is that in 2015, they bested other countries in Asia Pacific by winning the Best Community-Based Initiative Award for their efforts.

Bojo River spans about 1.4 kilometers from the starting point up to the river mouth. The river cruise would take more or less an hour. Because the cruise is dependent on the tides, better ask ahead before coming to Bojo River. The river water is also brackish due to the saltwater intrusion, a mixture of fresh water from the natural springs and saltwater from the sea. However, the river cruise is safe since the waters are very calm and there are no crocodiles in the area. The design of the banca or small boat is also stable because of its katig or support arches on both sides. Life vests must be worn at all times.

We were also reminded to lower our voices once the cruise started so that we could listen to what the guides are saying that way we won’t be a disturbance to the mythical beings coexisting in the river like the local folklore of Maria Tang-an, a river fairy that lets townsfolk borrow things during fiestas and weddings. This and other stories made us more eager to start the cruise.

Our guide introduced himself and shared a little history of their association. Part of their training included learning all about the ecosystem in Bojo River and their role in protecting it. Currently, the river is home to 22 species of mangroves with which they know the local and scientific names through partnering with experts from universities in the city.

Being keen listeners, we learned from our guide that mangroves have breathing organs called tensile roots that shot up from the ground like sticks which is why there are bubbles during high tide. Mangrove leaves also have holes in them not because of insects but due to its salt gland. Once these leaves fall out, they become food for the crabs. Some decay which in turn give off nutrients to phytoplankton which serve as food for baby fishes. Aside from being wave barriers, mangroves also are home to fish eggs that are nursing under their roots before heading out to sea upon reaching maturity.

Bojo River is also home to 71 species of birds, ten species of which are migratory birds that show up during dusk and dawn. Bring binoculars with you along the renovated boardwalk for a better view.

The short sticks act as breathing organs

Halfway through the cruise, our guide told us that these thick mangrove forests were once hiding places of the locals during the Second World War. However, after the war, the people started cutting the mangroves for daily use. Now, only a portion is left but they are slowly replanting and restoring it to its former glory through the help of companies and non-profit organizations.

Further down the cruise, we come across the asinan , salt-making areas wherein locals boil saltwater for three days until they dry up and become sea salts.

Nearing the river mouth, we also come see the Forest of the Lost Monkey, home of macaques that went on diaspora because of hunting in the ‘90s. Looking at the limestone cliffs, you’ll see holes that once served as their habitats. According to our guide, there were once two relatives who came here to hunt monkeys but ended up with one shooting the other since he thought that his relative was a monkey after retrieving a kill. People believed that the guy was somehow possessed by a spirit that protected the area. Another cause for the disappearance of the monkeys was the hunt for the Yamashita Treasure believed to have been left by three Japanese warships that docked in the river mouth ages ago.

Seeing a cathedral-like door on the left cliff, we were told that it was once the shrine of Maria Tang-an, the diwata mentioned earlier. Before, people used banana leaf as paper and chicken feather tips as pens for their material requests which will be available in three days. Stories say that Maria Tang-an refused further requests because some borrowed things were either broken or never returned.

Going out of the river mouth, you’ll see Negros Island with Mt. Kanlaon as background. You’ll see the transition of the water clarity from brackish, to clear water to deep blue waters of the Tañon Strait. You can choose to swim here to cool off the heat as long as you’re not harming the corals. This is also the turning point of the cruise then heading back to finish the rest of the journey.

Rates and packages

We availed of the walk-in option and paid PHP400 each. However, if you’re travelling with a group of more than 5 members, you can avail of the complete package at PHP650 each for a better experience which include lunch, then organic snacks, tour and handicraft demo at the Farmhouse.

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 Bojo River and pay PHP20 per person for a 10-minute ride.

Contact information

You may call the Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association at 032 583-6797 or email them at [email protected] . You may also check their website

Written by Karlo Pacana

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ALOGUINSAN NATURE ESCAPE: BOJO RIVER, BEACH AND WATERFALLS

Trip Highlights

Cruise Bojo River on a Paddle Boat to where the river meets the sea

Enjoy the serenade of local folk songs!

Snacks and Lunch prepared by the community

Relax at Hermit's Cove white sand beach

Visit Baluarte Park overlooking the sea

Visit the majestic Mantayupan Falls, the tallest waterfalls in Cebu Island

Drop by the beautiful Pasilong sa Naga and Naga Boardwalk to end the day

Description.

Just two hours away from Cebu City, visit Aloguinsan and Barili towns for the perfect Nature Escape and Eco-Tour. Bojo River was recognized as one of the Best Tourism Villages in 2021 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

Upon arrival, native snacks will be served along with a serenade of native folk songs. The local guide will give a brief history of the community's eco-tourism activities. Cruise along Bojo River in a paddle boat, up to where the river meets the sea. You have the option to swim in its cool waters. After the cruise, lunch will be served by the community followed by a hands-on demonstration of native crafts.

After lunch, you will be brought to Hermit's Cove, a beautiful white sand beach with a view of Mount Kanlaon in neighboring Negros Island, where you may swim or snorkel.

Afterwards, you will visit the majestic 98-meter high Mantayupan Waterfalls in Barili town, the highest waterfalls in the island of Cebu. After a refreshing look, stop over nearby Milk Station for some goat’s milk ice cream or snacks.

On your way home to Cebu City, you may stop over Naga City to visit the Boardwalk. Take in the sea views and walk through Pasilong sa Naga, a beautiful elevated walkway and fountain. Explore the many food vendors and watch the sunset along the boardwalk. It's a great way to end your day.

Why take this tour?

ALOGUINSAN NATURE ESCAPE TOUR

Five attractions in one day - the Bojo River Cruise with snacks and lunch served by the community, complete with folk-song serenade and handicraft demo. Hermit's Cove white sand beach. Baluarte Park overlooking the sea. Mantayupan Waterfalls, the tallest waterfalls in Cebu Island as tall as a ten storey building. And the beautiful Naga Boardwalk and Pasilong sa Naga Fountain.

ALOGUINSAN NATURE ESCAPE TOUR - RATE

2pax: PhP 6580/pax
3pax: PhP 4500/pax
4pax: PhP 3450/pax
5pax: PhP 3100/pax
6pax: PhP 2650/pax
7pax: PhP 2450/pax
8pax: PhP 2300/pax
9-10 pax: PhP 2200/pax
Private Air-conditioned Transportation with driver
Welcome drinks and snacks
Bojo River Cruise on paddle boat
Lunch with Folk Song serenade
Visit to Bojo River with Entrance Fee
Community guide at the Bojo River only
Visit to Hermit's Cove with Entrance Fee (self explore)
Visit to Baluarte Park with Entrance Fee (self explore)
Visit to Mantayupan Waterfalls with Entrance Fee (self explore)
Optional stop over: Milk Station (goat's milk ice cream etc)
Optional stop over at Naga Boardwalk and Pasilong sa Naga Park (self explore)

ITINERARY (Estimated)

7AM Pick up at hotel
9:15 AM Arrive Aloguinsan - Snacks. Bojo River Cruise, Lunch, Visit to Hermit’s Cove
12:30 PM - Leave for Mantayupan Falls
1:10 PM - Arrive Mantayupan Falls
Optional Stopover at Milk Station
2:15 PM - Leave for Naga
3:30 PM - Arrive Naga Boardwalk x Pasilong sa Naga
5 PM - leave for Cebu City
6-6:30 PM - Arrive hotel
*Depending on the tide, Hermit’s Cove could come first before Bojo River Cruise

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Bojo River Tour: An Awesome Eco-Cultural Adventure In Cebu

From its towering limestone cliffs to its tasty local delicacies, the Bojo River tour in Aloguinsan has all the hallmarks of fantastic weekend getaway in Cebu. Just recently, me and a bunch of my favorite peeps went to Aloguinsan to explore a river that has been perpetually pitched to us by a family friend. And, I’m truly glad she introduced it to us since everyone had a blast during our recent trip to this part of Cebu.

The Farmhouse: Our first stop in Aloguinsan

Our trip in Aloguinsan started on a high note, thanks to the delicious snacks offered by the Farmhouse. As part of our tour package, we were served with a variety of tasty local treats, such as sikwate, biko, and my personal favorite – pan bisaya. In addition to the mouthful goodies, the place where we ate our snacks has a classy old-world feel. There’s a harp and a set of antique furniture here, which can conjure up images of Spanish colonial houses.

After we nibbled our snacks, one of the guides in The Farmhouse took us to a short tour around the area. Personally, I think the quick tour was great and informative, and can be an inspiration for those who want to dive into organic farming. As a matter of fact, I’ve learned a couple of things that could help my hog-raising business flourish.

A warm and refreshing welcome in Bojo

From The Farmhouse, we took a short drive to the famed Bojo River of Aloguinsan. Upon our arrival, a quartet of accommodating locals welcomed us warmly with lovely necklaces made of flowers. One of them, then, led us inside and into their welcoming area. Along the way, I got a sneak peek of what’s to come as well as the majesty of the Bojo River.

Afterwards, we were greeted wonderfully with a serenade from a group of talented townsfolks.

Before we could hop aboard our boat, our tour guide asked us to step inside their nipa cottage, for some instructions regarding the cruise. As we were listening to our friendly, we were treated to a fresh serving of buko juice. It was, of course, refreshing, and it also gave me an extra boost energy for the cruise (coconut juice by the way is a natural energy drink).

There was also a palina before the tour started, which is a ritual or a traditional practice with pre-Hispanic roots that is still performed today to ensure a safe voyage and ward off evil spirits.

The Bojo River Cruise

A few minutes later, we departed from the wooden jetty, to commence our Bojo River cruise. Our guide introduced herself to us, and shared some history of their cause and association. While I wasn’t a keen listener (I just couldn’t resist the urge to snap photos), I was still able to pick up a few lessons about the river’s flora. For instance, I discovered how important the decaying mangrove leaves are in the river’s eco-system. Plus, I’ve learned that the Bojo River is home to over 70 species of birds.

Also, the guide told us that river was once a home to native monkeys. The story about the monkeys in the river was interesting, but I’m not giving you any spoilers this time. It is best that you hear it for yourself

As we got closer to the river mouth, a familiar sight caught my eyes – the limestone rocks that serve as a gateway to the sea. If you have been to Coron, the steep limestone rocks in the river’s mouth would definitely remind you of your trip to this beloved destination in the Philippines. Draped beautifully in greenery, these cliffs are truly a sight to behold.

Once our boat was outside the steep rock gateways of the river, the clear and clean turquoise waters, all of a sudden, shifted into deep blue. We were told that we’re already in Tañon Strait – the 161-kilometer strait that lies between the islands of Cebu and Negros.

Here, you can snorkel and admire its gorgeous marine creatures and corals, which you can see above without diving. Unfortunately for us, though, we forgot to bring our snorkeling gear.

Nevertheless, we had a great time swimming near the river’s mouth, even without goggles. With its lush surrounding vegetation, cool brackish waters and the shade given the steep rocks, our swimming adventure in Bojo was remarkably cool and refreshing. We spent more than 20 minutes there, just swimming around, and admiring its spectacular sights.

As much enjoyable and fun it was, we had to return to the jetty to round up our eco tour in Bojo. As the saying goes, all good things come to an end. While we’re heading back to our cottage through the bangka, my stomach started to grumble, and it was longing for a hearty and tasty Filipino dish. Thankfully, the next stop on our Bojo River tour was a lunch buffet at their cottage.

Lunch at Bojo River

The lunch provided the folks in the river were actually a part of our tour package. As I’ve expected, our taste buds and gastronomic urges were treated to a variety of Filipino dishes, including utan bisaya with chicken, humba, and sinugbang isda. We were also served with fresh camote juice sweetened with calamansi. From the presentation to the flavors, the meal was very much Cebuano I must say. It’s not the best buffet in Cebu, but it was pretty tasty and filling.

Walking the bamboo bridge

After eating our lunch, we took a walk at the bamboo bridge, along the river, to snap photos and enjoy some of the sights we didn’t see on the cruise. The bridge was a little long, and gave us a ton of fascinating views of the river from different angles.

A weaving demonstration

I thought the tour was over, and I was already preparing my stuff for our next adventure. Surprisingly, a couple of friendly women came to our table, to demonstrate the art of pandan weaving. Armed with beautiful smiles, these two folks taught us how to make the puso (the famous hanging rice of Cebu) and banig (a traditional hand-woven mat used for sleeping).

The tour culminated also on a positive fashion, with the staff singing Cebuano folk songs, and thanking us for visiting their place. Honestly, the river’s staff was one of the most accommodating groups of people I’ve ever met. They are totally friendly, and they would do anything to make your visit worthwhile.

On to the next adventure – Hermit’s Cove

Well, our trip didn’t end there. After our wonderful Bojo River eco-tour, we went to Hermit’s Cove to appease our craving for salt water and pristine sands. I will probably release a separate travel guide to Hermit’s Cove in the near future.

How to get there:

We traveled there through a private van owned by my lovely cousin, so I can’t give you my personal experiences, as far as public transportation to Aloguinsan is concerned. But trust me, there are plenty of other ways to get to Aloguinsan. Also, you might want to check out Tickets to Ride since they are offering jeepney tours to Bojo River and Hermit’s Cove.

Packages and rates

There are a couple of ways to experience the Bojo River cruise – the walk-in option and the package tour. We took the package tour, and I would recommend that you go for this option too. The walk-in tour is cheaper, with an affordable fee of 400 PHP per person. But on the low side, this option only includes the river cruise along Bojo. The package tour, on the other hand, includes the morning snacks, farm tour, river tour, lunch and a whole lot of other stuff, giving you a much more pleasant experience.

Rates for the package tour

800 PHP per head – For 5 people or less

550 PHP per head – For 6 to 10 people

530 PHP per head – For 11 to 15 people

500 PHP per head – For 16 to 20 people

480 PHP per head – For 20 to 30 people

450 PHP – For 30 to 50 people

An important note : Tours must be booked at least two days in advance, with a down payment of 250 per person.

One of the things that I really like about the Bojo River Cruise is its purpose. Unlike other tourist spots and attractions, the money you pay for the tour will be used to preserve the environment as well as to give a source of income to the locals in the area.

Contact person

Janeth Fortunado

Mobile number: 0933-120-9480

Got a question? Feel free to reach out to me through my Facebook page!

Aldrich Infantado

Aldrich Infantado is a travel junkie and a writing aficionado who loves to share amazing travel tips to his fellow travelers.

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One comment.

Adrenaline Romance

Nice! We would love to do this river tour again. 🙂

Bojo River Cruise in Aloguinsan Cebu

November 22, 2016

Tired of the usual beach outing this holiday? How about trying an eco-cultural tour in Aloguinsan? It’s a small town along the southwestern coast of Cebu island which is gaining renown for its nature tours that advocate sustainable and responsible tourism.

Bojo is one of the 15 Barangays in Aloguinsan and since the river is located in the barangay, it was named as such. The term “Bojo” is actually a Spanish word which means “river ceiling”. But in Visayan dialect, it simply means a “hole” where the river exits the sea.

This eco-cultural tour is run by the Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS) and was funded by the local government unit which also serves as alternative source of income for the community. The ecotourism movement started in 2009 and started training 400 participants which comprises of Aloguinsan locals. And in 2015, they won the Best Community-Based Initiative Award for their efforts.

What Does Eco-Cultural Means?

Eco-cultural tourism is a concept in which ecological and cultural aspects of a landscape are combined to create a site for tourists. It is proposed as a way for communities with otherwise marginal cultural or ecological resources to develop.

Source: Sagepub

The River Cruise

Bojo River Cruise in Aloguinsan Cebu | Blushing Geek

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a warm welcome by the locals with a Visayan song number. Each one of the guests will also be given a welcome lei (which was made from plant stalks), and a fresh coconut juice as a welcome drink. A short orientation about the cruise and the place will also be given before prepping for the cruise.

The Bojo River is about 1.4 kilometers long. The river near the station is 3 meters deep during high tide and the river mouth is 8 meters deep. The river cruise would take more or less than an hour. The river cruise is dependent on the tides, so it is better to book in advance or ask ahead before coming to Bojo River.

The river is a mixture of fresh water from the natural spring and saltwater from the sea, so you’ll absolutely enjoy swimming there because it wouldn’t strain your eyes that much. The cruise is super safe because the water is very calm and most importantly, there’s no crocodiles in the area, haha confirmed!

The design of the banca or small boat is also stable because of its katig or support arches on both sides. Life vests must also be worn at all times. (Though in my case, I took it off while swimming coz it made me feel uncomfortable and so hard to swim while wearing it.) They also have a mirrored-floor boat that is perfect if you want to see what’s under the water during the cruise (see the image below). Unfortunately, it can only be used during high-tide.

During the duration of the cruise, it is also advisable to minimize or lower your voices to give way to the guide’s lectures about the river and to also not disturb the mythical beings coexisting in the river like the local folklore of Maria Tang-an, a river fairy that let the town folk borrow things during fiestas and weddings.

Our Experience

We didn’t hire any agency for this tour, instead we made our own bookings and had our own private vehicle for this trip. We were divided into two groups, our group started as early as 6AM and arrived at Aloguinsan after an hour and a half. We also made a mistake because we went directly to the Bojo River Cruise instead of registering and confirming our booking at the “Farmhouse”. Haha, good thing we arrived there earlier than the desired time of the cruise which is 9AM so we still have an hour to relax and take some pictures.

One thing I noticed when we enter the “ Farmhouse ” was the cozy ambiance. We were greeted with those gorgeous passion fruit vines and environmentally friendly place. The staffs were also very friendly and our bookings were a success, though the staffs and including us were in a little chaos because both of us had the hard time finalizing the members of our group, haha. But no worries, all were properly sorted out.

My favorite of this trip was the food (who wouldn’t eh?). The food served during this trip is far beyond what we were all expecting. I already got the feels after that warmest welcome, and I was really, as in really happy because their foods are not those packed lunches that was normally served on a package tour. And not to mention, their food was so yummy! I have to remind you that we have 1 walk-in member so the food was only good for 8 persons. But to our surprise, they serve too much food. I mean, we also had a takeout eh? Haha. And also, did I tell you that while eating, we were serenaded by those sweet folks in the Bojo River? When it comes to service, these guys are really superb!

Filipino snacks during our Bojo River Cruise tour in Aloguinsan | Blushing Geek

After the river cruise, we are supposed to go back to the “Farmhouse” for our snacks, but since we’re on the way to the Hermit’s Cove and we are still full, we decided to proceed to the said place. But that was after the last part of the cruise (which we actually didn’t have any idea about, haha), which was the “ puso ” making tutorial (which actually differs on different tours, some had pandan weaving, etc.). It was such a fun and great way to end our time at the Bojo River right? So yeah, after that part, we proceed to the Hermit’s Cove, which I will be covering in my next post .

We finally indulged ourselves with the cold water at Hermit’s Cove and all our stomachs we’re grumbling for more food, so right after that, we decided to head back to the “Farmhouse” and claim our free snacks and to also free ourselves from the scorching sun.

When we arrived there, we were greeted by this homely place and with the staff offering us those refreshing lemongrass and calamansi juice, and a cold towel to refresh ourselves. Our snacks consisted of those yummy and healthy delicacies.

Overall, my experience with Aloguinsan River Eco-Cultural Tour was great and worth every penny I’ve spent.

Btw, as usual, I’ve taken a massive picture of the place and you can view all of them in our Facebook account .

Both the Farmhouse and Bojo River have comfort rooms, and an information area where you can confirm your bookings or ask some questions. They also have a small stall where you can buy some memorabilia, shirts, keychains and the likes.

At the Bojo River, you will also see an information tarp that is composed of the habal-habal (motorbike) fare for each designated area you want to go. How convenient is that?! They also have a small parking space available which you can utilize for free.

Getting There

We used a private vehicle for this trip, so I am going to provide two ways on how to get there.

Through Private Vehicle

Just navigate with Waze and search for “Bojo River Aloguinsan”. There’s a parking space available in the area without fee.

Through Public Vehicle/Bus

The first step would be going to the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) and riding a bus that is heading to Aloguinsan. If you’re in a hurry and there’s no available bus that is heading to Aloguinsan, you can freely take a bus that is bound to Pinamungajan and from there, you can take a habal-habal (motorbike) to take you to Aloguinsan Farmhouse.
If you are riding a bus to Aloguinsan, your drop off point would be the Farmhouse which can easily be detected for its signboard is just at the side of the street. Or you can just tell the bus driver or bus conductor to drop you off in Aloguinsan Farmhouse. And from there you can hire a “habal-habal” driver to take you to Bojo River.

Travel Tips

As of March 7, 2016, the “centralization” of the tours in Aloguinsan will be implemented. Which means all bookings and transactions should be made directly to the Tourism Office. You can book online or through the phone. You can find their contact details on their official Facebook Page .
If you commute to Bojo River through habal-habal or motorbike, you can ask the driver to come back for you at a later time (set a specific time or just ask his mobile number) to avoid the probability of being stranded at the place or to wait for any available public transportation.

General Information

Place: Aloguinsan River Eco-Cultural Tour
Location: Bojo, Aloguinsan Cebu
Opening hours: 8AM to 5PM
Entrance fee: Php20
River cruise: Php900 (inclusive of lunch, snacks and with free tumblr minimum of 6 person) Php550 (river cruise and tumblr) for walk-ins
Date of the trip: April 2016

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You’re making me want to travel!! 😀

Yay, you really should this Holiday! Hehe

Thanks for taking us along on your tour. Fun to see a new place and the activities there.

Your welcome Sophia 🙂

Wow it looks like a fascinating experience! Such lovely photos 🙂

Thanks Anna. It sure is very lovely, plus the service is superb!

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CEBU | Bojo River Cruise, An Eco-Tourism Activity in Aloguinsan

Posted by Lonely Travelogue | May 11, 2018 | Cebu

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. Alternative Livelihood for the Fishermen Alonguinsan is a coastal town. Most of its people rely the sea for their everyday food. Now, aside from fishing, folks can tour people in Bojo River. In this way they are playing part in protecting the environment while they earn more from tourism.

Provides Education to the Local People Before there is Bojo River Cruise, fishermen in Aloguinsan used to cut mangrove to make charcoal for cooking. We cannot blame them because they were not aware how important the mangroves are in our ecosystem. Ms. Jamaila, one of the locals who welcomed us saw the impact and importance of eco-tourism in the lives of the local community. “As eco-tourism destination we only have day tour. We do not have night tour so that environment can relax. Limited people, limited structure – the more you construct structure the more you cut trees so there is no environmental protection ” She added, “ we wanted more people because the more the guest the more the income. But we realized if we do that, we are one day millionaire and we cannot pass this to the next generation” The locals now knows of the long term effect of protecting the environment – far from what they are who use to cut down mangroves to have food for the day. of course this did not happened overnight. Collaborative effort means sacrifice for the community, support (moral and financial) from the LGU and patience from the consultant.

Women Empowerment Majority of the workers and volunteers in BAETAS, are women. Only a portion of them are men. This is very important for the community because women who are usually at home waiting for their husband catch can now contribute to the household budget. It gave them more economic value to our society.

Bojo River Cruise is a recipient of Asia’s Best Community Based Tourism Initiative in Asia Pacific awarded by Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). It also belongs to World’s Top 100 Sustainable Green Destination in 2016 and 2017. 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 Take a bus bound for Toledo City at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. In Toledo City, take a jeep to the town of Aloguinsan. Then take a habal-habal to take you to Bojo River Cruise. Bojo River Cruise Alonguinsan, Cebu Province, Philippines Contact: +63 933 120 9480/ +63 919 906 7172 Price: Php650/pax but depending on the number of person.

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Aloguinsan features Bojo River, The Farmhouse, Hermit’s Cove tours

A small town located on the western seaboard of Cebu, Aloguinsan is gaining renown for its nature tours that advocate sustainable and responsible tourism.

One of the notable activities for town visitors is a downstream ride on a small baroto (wooden boat) along the Bojo River as fishermen guide point out mangrove and other flora as well as bird species.

Aside from the river cruise, the town also offers a culinary treat at its organic farm and exploration of a cove that was once home to a hermit more than a hundred years ago.

The town, which faces the island of Negros, is 72 kilometers via Toledo and 58 kilometers via Carcar from Cebu City. It is reachable by vans for hire or buses via Toledo City. Those with their own transport may take the Carcar City or Toledo City route going to Aloguinsan.

NATURE RESERVE. The Bojo River Nature Reserve covers an area that includes the 1.4 kilometer-long Bojo River Nature Reserve and the surrounding environment that serves as home to 61 bird species and remarkable native flora. (Photo by Boboi Costas)

The Bojo River Village Tour

Just two kilometers from the town center of Aloguinsan is a village of local fishers and their families. They protect the Bojo River Nature Reserve, an area that includes the 1.4 kilometer-long Bojo River Nature Reserve and the surrounding environment that serves as home to 61 bird species and remarkable native flora.

The community manages the Bojo River Village Tour, which involves a ride downriver as a fisherman guide point out mangrove and bird species along the riverbank.

A 400-meter long boardwalk that cuts across the mangrove forest provides the option of going on a trek along the river. The bamboo boardwalk connects to a 150-step natural trail carved on a hillside that leads to a gazebo overlooking the river landscape.

Aside from the river cruise with its corresponding orientation and short lecture on mangroves and wildlife, the Bojo River Village Tour includes an ancient send-off ritual performed by a village medicine man, a mat-weaving demonstration, and a buffet lunch.

If guests request it, the community — which has organized into the Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS) — can also run bird-watching tours and stage a special cultural performance with the river providing a stunning backdrop.

Green Culinary Adventure at The Farmhouse

Still in Aloguinsan, a group of local farmers has enthusiastically adopted natural farming methods to be able to produce food organically.

At the Farmhouse, good health and sustainable living practices are raised to a new level. The restaurant uses locally grown ingredients to prepare traditional dishes that draw on Spanish and Chinese influences.

It is one exciting, flavorful, and trend-setting culinary experience that shouldn’t be missed.

This culinary adventure tour includes a walk around the vegetable farm, livestock area, chicken coop, vermiculture and tilapia pond. Guests are treated to a demonstration of how the puso (rice cooked in diamond-shaped containers made of palm leaves) is made.

Want to bring some of those fresh vegetables in season home? You get to harvest what you need through pick and pay.

The tour, which is managed by the Cultural Heritage for Aloguinsan Tourism (CHAT), ends with a mouth-watering buffet lunch.

Exploring The Hermit’s Cove

Guests can also choose to relax in a secluded cove where a hermit once made his home more than a hundred years ago. With its fine white sand and swaying palms and crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful marine life, it’s not difficult to see why he picked this bit of paradise.

Today, a community of fishermen and their families call the Baybay Cove in Kantabogon home. They celebrate through songs and stories the hermit’s exploits and extraordinary life.

Only five minutes by motorized banca from the town center, a tour of this tropical destination includes snorkelling with a local guide at the underwater garden within the 18-hectare marine protected area.

Be amazed at the majestic myriad of fishes, corals, and marine turtles that are plentiful in the area. If you’re lucky, you just might get to see some whale sharks.

Lunch is an authentic fisherman’s fare prepared the ancient Filipino seafarer’s way. Witness as well the community’s old fishing rituals and techniques and its traditional arts, and participate in handicraft-making.

Tour itineraries and structure vary, depending on weather and tide. The tour is being managed by the Kantabogon Ecotourism Association (KEA).

Aloguinsan eco-tour rates

Walk-in package is P400 per head and includes river cruise and swimming.

The full tour package is P650 per head for a minimum of five persons. This includes a welcome lei, welcome drinks, lunch along the Bojo River, snacks at The Farmhouse, handicraft demo, river cruise, and swimming.

A student package is P850 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.

Interested in any of these tours? For booking or inquiries, call the Tourism Office at (+6332) 469-9041 , Rudney at 0905-913 3055 , Jamaia at 0922-658 0094 or 0949-375 8978 , or Jerry at 0917-730 9757 . It is recommended that guests book at least two days ahead. You can also contact the community through their Facebook page .

Getting to Aloguinsan

There are several transport services from Cebu City to Aloguinsan, including a van for hire, rent-a-car, and bus, going to Toledo City. You can also bring your own transport and take the Toledo City or Carcar City routes. Travel time is around two hours.

Where to stay

The accommodations in Aloguinsan are in or near the town center. These include:

Almaxi’s Apartelle 0910-429 9687

Lunhaw Resort Call: 0920-118 3050 or 0922-395 7519

You may also want to experience homestay accommodation of which the town has plenty to offer.

You may be interested

Marlen Limpag

Marlen is the editor of MyCebu.ph and co-founder of Cebu-based journalism startup InnoPub Media. More by Marlen Limpag

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Eco-Cultural Tour in Bojo River, Aloguinsan, Cebu

When our counterparts from our US office visit the country, it is equated to a subsidized tour in some Cebu destinations . The only bad thing for that is if you’re the one in-charge in planning and organizing events for them. If you’re safe from the task, then it is always fun to join these discounted tours. Last summer, we decided to pick the Bojo River cruise in Aloguinsan over the usual and boring, well for me, island hopping activity in Mactan.

Our fellow from the US got interested in the idea of a river cruise and with that, we immediately booked a reservation via the tourism office. A day after a fun run, where a 12-km run made my legs sore , I found myself in a van wobbling the 3-hour ride to Aloguinsan, Cebu. The town is not that widely heard nationwide as it has no majestic falls like Kawasan or massive whale-sharks in Oslob . But the municipality has a river where you can cruise going to the sea.

Bojo Aloguinsan Eco-Tourism Association (BAETAS) is a community based eco-cultural tourism and the package being offered already covers everything from the environmental fee, snacks, lunch, tour guide, and the river cruise itself. We paid Php650 per person for the tour. I heard that you can avail cheaper rates as the number grows bigger.

We were welcomed with garlands and directed to walk on a short trail covered with lush foliage. At the end of the path was a group of women, accompanied by a guitarist, singing some folk songs I didn’t even understand. Language barrier. The sparkling songs they were singing will make you stop, watch, and even join them with glee.

Right before we stepped inside the cottage, they handed each of us a coconut for a refreshing welcome drink. We were supposed to have snacks first but since we arrived at a later time, the organizers decided to serve the lunch and just have the snacks in the afternoon before leaving the place.

Food served is not that varied in terms of options but the simple spread of local cuisine was really filling and satisfying. On a summer day, we savored some grilled fish, savory chicken stew, pork humba, ampalaya salad, and fruits.

There were several groups during our visit but the guides affirmed that they only allow 50-60 guests per day. This is to control the carbon footprint in the tourist attraction and for the tourism activity to be sustainable. The river stretched on a 1.4-kilometer span and is a protected area. It covers 6 hectares and home of 22 mangrove species and around 60 species of bird.

The community, on the other hand, has 41 members with most of them farmers and fishermen. The development of the eco-cultural tourism really helped the locals in the community because they get a portion from the fee. So don’t be aghast with the tour rates as you get to help the people in the locality and at the same time enjoy the beauty of the surroundings as well as the appetizing food that comes with the package.

Before going on board the baroto boats, a short briefing was done as well as the Palina, a traditional way of asking blessings for good luck. One of the guides mentioned that bubbles are natural to the mangrove area and don’t take it as the presence of crocs. She reassured that there are no crocodiles in the river. She also reminded everyone not to take bird’s nests, and maintain a low conversation during the cruise.

river mouth bojo river cruise aloguinsan cebu

River cruise starts from the mangrove area and channels narrow passages still bordered by mangroves. Few meters before the river mouth, towering limestone cliffs will appear on both sides. The view from the river going out to Tañon Strait was really captivating. Our guide insisted to stop for a while to take photos with the limestone cliffs and the river mouth included in the background.

Life vest is provided so you could swim in the sea. The marine life underwater is not below par having colorful and big corals. Since it was around noon when we had the river cruise, the tide went higher and waves became stronger. When a bigger group arrived, we alerted our guides to go back to the jump-off point.

After a rest and a short nap, the local women introduced us to puso weaving. Puso is the local term for the cooked rice wrapped in a casing. On that day, we learned how to scrupulously create the native casing out of coconut leaves. The ladies patiently taught us the proper way of making the artistic rice pouch.

The locals advised us to proceed to The Farmhouse, the hub that also serves as the office accommodating tourists for the Aloguinsan Bojo River Cruise to avail the snack included in our package. The staff prepared our snack comprised of boiled banana and sweet potato, rice cakes, bread, sikwate (chocolate drink), and a refreshing lemongrass drink. It was such a simple and rewarding break after a day in Aloguinsan.

Before heading back to the city, we dropped by Aloguinsan Baluarte. The park, on a hill, provides an unobstructed view of Tañon Strait with cold breeze exaggerated by the trees. The baluarte, made of coral stones and lime, is a testament to the Aloguinsanons’ courage and bravery and a reminder of people’s resilience in times of crisis.

The day tour was indeed a short trip to break the pressure at work. Overall, our main goal to tour our friend from the US was achieved. It was also a great time for him to learn some from the local culture through songs, food, and cultural heritage present. The Php650 package rate was really reasonable with the way the locals accommodate their guests.

JUST A TIP . They mentioned that the river cruise is more enjoyable if it is high tide so better check with the tourism first with your preferred schedule and arrival time. Other destinations in Aloguinsan are the Hidden Beach and Hermit Cove.

How to Get to Bojo River, Aloguinsan, Cebu

We went there in a van from Cebu City. But for the commute, here’s the route you could take. Take a bus bound to Toledo City at South Bus Terminal. From Toledo Terminal, ride a jeepney bound to Aloguinsan Market and flag a habal-habal to Bojo River. If you made a reservation through the tourism office, you will be asked to drop by The Farmhouse first. This is to secure your receipt that needs to be shown to the BAETAS members in Bojo River.

ALOGUINSAN TOURISM OFFICE

Contact Numbers: 032-469-9042 0933-120-9480 0997-371-5698 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Aloguinsan-River-Eco-Cultural-Tour-321967567122/

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Top Sights Philippines Bojo River (Aloguinsan, Cebu)

Bojo River (Aloguinsan, Cebu)

Central Visayas , Philippines

A 1.4-km stretch of river in Aloguinsan, Cebu features mangroves, “nipa” palms and some 60 species of birds—all told, a natural “museum” that reconciles visitors to the rich natural biodiversity of the Bojo River that empties into the Tañon Strait.

Small groups of visitors ride local boats called baroto and embark on an intimate natural history of Bojo River that takes three hours from beginning to end.

Community-based guides explain the significance of the nipa palms, mangroves and other indigenous plants to local life. Visitors learn how every organism plays a part in the local cycle of life, as the baroto makes its way past the river’s nipa palms and reaches the open sea and its complement of resident sea turtles, manta rays, and dolphins. Local handicraft demonstrations and cuisine tasting round out the entire Bojo River experience.

Aloguinsan is some three hours’ bus ride from Cebu City’s South Bus Terminal.

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Bojo River and Hermit’s Cove: The Stunner’s of Aloguinsan

Everything happened on a random. I immediately hit going the moment I saw the Facebook invite notification. A weekend getaway to Aloguinsan is something I couldn’t afford to miss, after previous derailed plans.

Though the trip was going Dutch, resisting would mean my loss. The chance of traveling with the awesome folks of Cebu Bloggers Society is an opportunity in itself.

Aloguinsan seats southwest of Cebu City and is sandwiched between the municipalities of Barili on its south and Pinamungajan on its north.

The place seemed closer to the metro but getting there is a bit of a frowner. The southward traffic gridlock, the crooked highway, and the cramped public transport discourages partly willing travelers. However, if you give in to your adventurous genes’ persistence, you will definitely find your way to Aloguinsan—no matter how hard it is to reach.

How We Got There

From Cebu South Bus Terminal, we hopped on a minibus to Pinamungahan via Carcar. Despite being so small, the conductor kept on compressing the passengers to fill every spaces with paying occupants. The legroom was unsurprisingly small. My knees were constantly rubbing roughly with the seat in front of me. I also had to fit my butt to the restricted space. Sleeping is nearly impossible.

Travel time was almost three hours, though private vehicles could take it in less than two.

Another option is to take a Toledo-bound bus, and then transfer to a jeepney bound for Aloguinsan. The advantage of this route is the chance of boarding a comfortable bus to Toledo. However, this route may eat a lot of your travel time compared to the track we took.

Booked our Aloguinsan Tour at The Farmhouse

We alighted near The Farmhouse, which hosts the municipal tourism office. It was close at that time, so we headed to the town’s public market to have our breakfast.

We had no specific itinerary that day but we planned to try Bojo River Cruise first before frolicking along the gorgeous strip of the Hermit’s Cove.

Walkway to the tourism office within The Farmhouse compund

We paid ‎₱400 each for the Bojo tour. That only includes a guided cruise and swimming.

I heard they offer packages with meals. The 650-peso package includes welcome lei, a refreshment, handicraft demo, snacks, lunch, river cruise, and swimming. However, to avail the 650-peso package, you must book your tour two days in advance.

Since the tourism fees of Aloguinson’s top tourist spots are centrally collected at The Farmhouse, we also settled our entrance fee to Hermit’s Cove, which is ₱100 each.

Bojo River Cruise

Our payments did not include the fare to the drop off areas. We had to hire a motorbike taxi ( habal-habal ). Good thing that the habal-habal fare had been standardized by the LGU and the tourism proponents. Excessive fare collection was avoided.

We received an orientation before we started the actual tour. According to our guide, Bojo actually means springs, also known locally as “tubod” . These springs are contributory to the aquamarine river.

Bojo River is saline at high tide due to the intruding seawater. This makes the riverbank an ideal ecosystem for mangroves and plankton, and at the same time, a nesting sanctuary for mothering fishes.

Our guide paddled us along the one-kilometer river while introducing us the mangrove species we met along the way. It was rather surprising to hear him mentioning their scientific names and identifying the species based on their physical features.

Bojo River Cruise with Mark Monta and Philip Pingoy

Our paddler brought us past the mouth of the river and showed us the coral gardens from the surface. We were not allowed to get off because of the strong current. He paddled us back to the river and encouraged us to swim when it was safe to.

Cebu Bloggers Society at Bojo River Aloguinsan

By the way, Bojo River Cruise is operated by Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association (BAETAS), which was recognized as the winner of the 2017 ASEAN Tourism Award (ASEANTA) for Best Community-Based Tourism (CBT) in Southeast Asia.

On the other hand, Bojo River emerged as one of the world’s Top 100 Sustainable Destinations in 2016, and that is according to Green Destinations .

Hermit’s Cove

From Bojo River, we headed to Hermit’s Cove. The ride was scorching, grubby, and rough. The road was already in place but wasn’t paved. Rocks shot around in projectile every time they got side hit from the rolling wheels. The motorbike riders are pretty careful nevertheless.

At the end of the road is a stairway to the Hermit’s Cove. Under a bright sunlight, a picturesque blend of ivory, green, and aquamarine peeked through the cliff bush. The water was so clear that you can see the sand and rocks beneath it.

Before we walked down the stairway, we registered at the tourism booth, which is compulsory for all tourists. By the way, the ₱100 entrance fee we paid at The Farmhouse already includes a use of a cottage.

It was lunch time already, so we take out some food from the eatery near the tourism booth, and brought them to our cottage for lunch.

The gorgeous ivory beach of Hermit's Cove

The beach was somewhat crowded that visit. Every cottage was occupied. Other guest ended up taking shelter under the shade of the beach trees.

The strip was pebbly and the water fronting it was quick-deep. We loved the spot near the cliff. Aside from getting a natural sun shield, the water below it is cool and relaxing.

We spent almost 3 hours frolicking, swimming, and picture-taking.

Fisher's boats floating off the coast of Hermit's Cove

Aloguinsan Travel Guide

To get to Aloguinsan, you can take a Pinamungajan-bound minibus near or at door 6 of Cebu City South Bus Terminal. You can ask the conductor to drop you in front of The Farmhouse in Aloguinsan. The 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.
Walk-in rate for Bojo River Cruise is ₱400 per person but that does not include any meal. If you want food included in your tour, book the ₱650 package two days in advance. Contact BAETA (Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association) or Aloguinsan Tourism office through (032) 469 9042 , +63 997 371 5698 , or +63 933 120 9480 . You can also reach them by emailing [email protected] . Bojo River Cruise operates only from 08AM to 05PM.

The local transportation is serviced by habal-habal and the rates are standardized by the LGU. A trip from the farmhouse to Bojo River is ₱40, Bojo to Hermit’s Cove is ₱40, and from Hermit’s Cove to the town proper is ₱50. These motorbikes can also bring you to Toledo, Carcar, and Mantalongon.
The entrance fee to the Hermit’s Cove is ₱100 per person . If you book with a group, a cottage use is already included with your entrance fee. Note that no overnight is allowed within the beach premises.

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The Bojo River Cruise is an enchanting experience in Aloguinsan, offering you Cebu’s very own version that is similar to the cruise in El Nido, Palawan. This magical cruise has been named as one of the top destinations in the world with its relaxing tour of a river ecosystem that has natural beauty unmatched by any other in Cebu.

There is a long wooden bridge leading to the start of the river cruise that is full of mangroves.

The whole river cruise takes 3 hours to complete, and the enchanting experience of riding down one of Aloguinsan’s crown jewel is an experience not to be missed. Several white-sand beaches along the river where visitors can be secluded and have the beach all by themselves.

General Information:

The Bojo River tour can only be done during high tide. Please check the tide calendar first, as they don’t sail during the low tide.

Visitors may also visit the nearby public beach of Hermit’s Cove as it is just several minutes away.

Updated Rates 2022:

Bojo river cruise full tour package.

PHP 850 / person ( minimum of 6 pax to a maximum of 10 pax )

Inclusions-

Welcome drinks
Lunch (Bojo River)
Snacks (The Farmhouse)
Handicraft Demo
River Cruise

PHP 400 per person

Inclusions –

Additional Glass Bottom Boat

PHP 200 per head ( minimum of 10 pax and a maximum of 15 pax )

How to Get There:

By Bus: Take a bus bound for Pinamungajan from the South Bus Terminal (beside E-Mall) and ask the conductor to drop you off at The Farmhouse in Aloguinsan. You may also take a bus bound for Toledo and transfer to a jeepney bound for Aloguinsan once you arrive at the Toledo Town Center.

By Car: Navigate using Waze or Google / Apple Maps and key in Bojo River Aloguinsan as your destination. There are plenty of parking spaces available.

Location Information:

Bojo River Cruise is located in Aloguinsan, Cebu. It is the town right after Barili and is very close to many tourist spots south of Cebu. It is around 2 hours away from Cebu City.

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Aloguinsan, Cebu: Bojo River Cruise Experience
Traveling Morion
2019 GUIDE: Bojo River Cruise / Aloguinsan River Eco-Cultural Tour
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2019 GUIDE: Bojo River Cruise / Aloguinsan River Eco-Cultural Tour
2021 GUIDE: Bojo River Cruise and Aloguinsan River Eco-Cultural Tour

COMMENTS

2021 GUIDE: Bojo River Cruise and Aloguinsan River Eco-Cultural Tour
Exact location: Aloguinsan, Southern Cebu — approx. 2 hours away from Cebu City. 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.
Bojo River
Top ways to experience Bojo River and nearby attractions. Hermit's Cove and Bojo River Eco Private Tour. Full-day Tours. from. $132.00. per adult (price varies by group size) Off the beaten path Bojo River Cruise. 4WD Tours. from.
Aloguinsan, Cebu: Bojo River Cruise Experience
In fact, its prime attraction, the Bojo River Cruise, also known as Aloguinsan River Eco-Cultural Tour, was awarded as one of the Top 100 Global Sustainable Destinations by Green Destinations for three consecutive years (2016, 2017 and 2018). our group with the Bojo River Cruise tour guide.
Bojo River Cruise, Aloguinsan: Where the River Meets the Sea
The Bojo River Cruise, also called "Aloguinsan River Eco-Cultural Tour", was initiated in 2009 through the combined efforts of key tourism players such as the local government, community, and other stakeholders. Quite remarkable, the river destination was named as one of the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations in the World from 2016 to 2018 ...
Bojo River Cruise in Aloguinsan
After the river cruise in Bojo River, you can continue your day's adventure by doing hiking and sightseeing at the hills and landscapes of Aloguinsan. For example, you can walk the 400-meter long bamboo bridge (in existence when this was written) along the river and enjoy the river's sight and surrounding creation.
Bojo River Cruise: An Informative Eco-Cultural Adventure
Bojo River is located in Barangay Bojo in the municipality of Aloguinsan. It is about 1.4 kilometers from the starting point to the inlet intersecting the sea. The name "Bojo" was derived from a Spanish word that means "river ceiling". In the Cebuano dialect, Bojo is pronounced as "bo-ho" which locally means "hole" or an ...
Aloguinsan, Cebu: An Eco-Cultural Cruise Down the Bojo River
Their flagship eco-tourism venture is a scenic cruise down the Bojo River, where visitors paddle through a well-preserved river-to-reef ecosystem with the guidance of a knowledgable local guide. For initiating the Bojo River Cruise and other eco-tourism attractions in Aloguinsan, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR ...
BOJO RIVER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
The memorisable Bojo River ... is scenically located just south of the township of Aloguinsan , on the lower western coast of Cebu 🇵🇭. Bojo is Spanish ... meaning - Coastal Trading. Without organised tour ... another way ( as I did ) to find your way to Bojo River Aloguinsan , from Cebu City. • firstly can catch a V Hire Van , from ...
Private Aloguinsan Day Tour with Bojo River Cruise from Cebu
Explore Aloguinsan and the Bojo River on a paddleboat tour through the countryside. Depart the city of Cebu for a relaxing day in the country, led by a local guide who provides in-depth commentary on the area's history and culture. After seeing the sights along the river on the paddleboat journey, disembark for a traditional Philippine lunch and a stop at Kantabogon Beach.
Bojo River Cruise: An Eco-Cultural Tour in Aloguinsan
Bojo River spans about 1.4 kilometers from the starting point up to the river mouth. The river cruise would take more or less an hour. Because the cruise is dependent on the tides, better ask ahead before coming to Bojo River. The river water is also brackish due to the saltwater intrusion, a mixture of fresh water from the natural springs and ...
Aloguinsan Nature Escape: Bojo River, Beach and Waterfalls
Five attractions in one day - the Bojo River Cruise with snacks and lunch served by the community, complete with folk-song serenade and handicraft demo. Hermit's Cove white sand beach. ... 9:15 AM Arrive Aloguinsan - Snacks. Bojo River Cruise, Lunch, Visit to Hermit's Cove; 12:30 PM - Leave for Mantayupan Falls; 1:10 PM - Arrive Mantayupan Falls;
Ultimate Aloguinsan Cebu Travel Guide: What To Do, Where To Go And
READ: 5 Reasons To Visit Aloguinsan's Bojo River. Note that the river is well-managed and going there will help so many people in the area. ... After the short cruise, spend the rest of the day at the Hermit's Cove, which is only 10 minutes away from the river. Take a motorcycle because it's the easiest and fastest way to get around.
Bojo River Tour: An Awesome Eco-Cultural Adventure In Cebu
The package tour, on the other hand, includes the morning snacks, farm tour, river tour, lunch and a whole lot of other stuff, giving you a much more pleasant experience. Rates for the package tour. 800 PHP per head - For 5 people or less. 550 PHP per head - For 6 to 10 people. 530 PHP per head - For 11 to 15 people.
Bojo River Cruise in Aloguinsan Cebu
The Bojo River is about 1.4 kilometers long. The river near the station is 3 meters deep during high tide and the river mouth is 8 meters deep. The river cruise would take more or less than an hour. The river cruise is dependent on the tides, so it is better to book in advance or ask ahead before coming to Bojo River.
CEBU
Bojo River Cruise Alonguinsan, Cebu Province, Philippines Contact: +63 933 120 9480/ +63 919 906 7172 Price: Php650/pax but depending on the number of person. 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.
Aloguinsan features Bojo River, The Farmhouse, Hermit's Cove tours
The bamboo boardwalk connects to a 150-step natural trail carved on a hillside that leads to a gazebo overlooking the river landscape. (Photo by Boboi Costas) Aloguinsan eco-tour rates. Walk-in package is P400 per head and includes river cruise and swimming. The full tour package is P650 per head for a minimum of five persons.
Eco-Cultural Tour in Bojo River, Aloguinsan, Cebu
Bojo River Cruise provides extra income for the local community. Bojo Aloguinsan Eco-Tourism Association (BAETAS) is a community based eco-cultural tourism and the package being offered already covers everything from the environmental fee, snacks, lunch, tour guide, and the river cruise itself. We paid Php650 per person for the tour.
Bojo River (Aloguinsan, Cebu)
Aloguinsan is some three hours' bus ride from Cebu City's South Bus Terminal. A 1.4-km stretch of river in Aloguinsan, Cebu features mangroves, "nipa" palms and some 60 species of birds—all told, a natural "museum" that reconciles visitors to the rich natural biodiversity of the Bojo River that empties into the Tanon Strait.
Bojo River Cruise: An Exciting and Informative Eco Adventure
9:15 AM - ETA Bojo River trailhead, Aloguinsan 9:30 AM - register at the reception center, breakfast, picture taking 10:00 AM - start river cruise 11:15 AM - finish river cruise, hike to the viewing deck 12:15 PM - back to the reception area, prepare to depart 12:30 PM - back on the trailhead, negotiate for a habal-habal ride to ...
Sustainable Ecotourism Destination in Cebu: Bojo River, Aloguinsan
How to Book the Bojo River Cruise. Booking system for the Bojo River cruise needs to be improved. I contacted the Aloguinsan River Eco-Cultural Tour Facebook page to enquire and was directed to contact one of the numbers posted in their page. As for the rates, Cong. PJ Garcia of the Third District where Aloguinsan is a part of published P850/pax (for 6-10 people), P800/pax for (11+ people ...
Bojo River and Hermit's Cove: The Stunner's of Aloguinsan
Walk-in rate for Bojo River Cruise is ₱400 per person but that does not include any meal. If you want food included in your tour, book the ₱650 package two days in advance. Contact BAETA (Bojo Aloguinsan Ecotourism Association) or Aloguinsan Tourism office through (032) 469 9042, +63 997 371 5698, or +63 933 120 9480.
Bojo River Cruise is an Enchanting River Cruise Experience
Location Information: Bojo River Cruise is located in Aloguinsan, Cebu. It is the town right after Barili and is very close to many tourist spots south of Cebu. It is around 2 hours away from Cebu City. The Bojo River Cruise is voted one of the top destinations of Cebu and offers an enchanting tour of the river of Aloguinsan.
5 Reasons To Visit Aloguinsan's Bojo River
Take one, then tell the driver to drop you off the Bojo River. The fare is about 100 pesos only, one way (per person). They accept walk-ins but best to book ahead most especially if you want to avail of their full tour package. Call the tour management at. (032) 469-9042/0933 120 9480.

Aloguinsan, Cebu: Bojo River Cruise Experience

Sustainable Tourism in Aloguinsan, Cebu

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Bojo River Cruise, Aloguinsan: Where the River Meets the Sea

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Bojo River Cruise in Aloguinsan

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ALOGUINSAN NATURE ESCAPE: BOJO RIVER, BEACH AND WATERFALLS

Trip Highlights

Cruise Bojo River on a Paddle Boat to where the river meets the sea

Enjoy the serenade of local folk songs!

Snacks and Lunch prepared by the community

Relax at Hermit's Cove white sand beach

Visit Baluarte Park overlooking the sea

Visit the majestic Mantayupan Falls, the tallest waterfalls in Cebu Island

Drop by the beautiful Pasilong sa Naga and Naga Boardwalk to end the day

Why take this tour?

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CEBU ISLAND HOPPING VIA SPEEDBOAT

PARASAILING IN MACTAN CEBU

3-IN-1 PARASAILING + BANANA BOAT + JETSKI

CEBU ISLAND HOPPING VIA OUTRIGGER BOAT

CEBU SUNSET YACHT CRUISE WITH DINNER

Bojo River Tour: An Awesome Eco-Cultural Adventure In Cebu

The Farmhouse: Our first stop in Aloguinsan

A warm and refreshing welcome in Bojo

The Bojo River Cruise

Lunch at Bojo River

Walking the bamboo bridge