Tag: Aloguinsan

Aloguinsan’s Bojo River Cruise: An eco-friendly journey to discovery

The Bojo River Cruise in Aloguinsan, Cebu, is a captivating eco-cultural tour that has earned international recognition as a sustainable tourism destination. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, environmental education, and authentic community engagement.

Unlike commercialized attractions, the Bojo River experience is managed by the local community, which ensures its preservation and provides a genuine glimpse into the lives and traditions of the people who call this place home.

A makeshift bamboo footbridge going to Bojo River cruise starting point

The Bojo River Cruise Experience: A Journey of Discovery

The tour begins at the Aloguinsan Tourism Office, often referred to as “The Farmhouse,” where you are welcomed with a warm reception that may include native songs and a traditional lei. This initial contact with the local community sets the tone for the entire experience, which is centered on hospitality and cultural exchange. You will receive a brief but informative orientation about the river’s history, its significance to the community, and the importance of preserving its delicate ecosystem.

Baroto (paddle boat) tour at Bojo River

The centerpiece of the tour is the river cruise itself, which takes place on a traditional wooden boat called a baroto. As you glide along the 1.4-kilometer-long Bojo River, you are immersed in a serene world of lush greenery and tranquil waters. The river, a mix of fresh and saltwater, is bordered by an extensive mangrove forest, a vital habitat for a diverse array of flora and fauna. Your knowledgeable local guide, often a former fisherman, will point out the different species of mangroves and other plants, explaining their role in the ecosystem and their traditional uses by the community. You’ll learn about the unique root systems of the mangroves that serve as natural nurseries for fish and other marine life.

The cruise is a feast for the senses. You’ll hear the symphony of bird calls from the 60-plus species that inhabit the area, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot migratory birds. The water itself is a mesmerizing shade of turquoise, a result of the minerals in the riverbed. As the boat approaches the mouth of the river, the landscape changes dramatically. The dense mangroves give way to towering limestone cliffs that seem to guard the entrance to the vast Tañon Strait.

The calm azure waters of Bojo River

One of the highlights of the tour is reaching the point where the river meets the sea. Here, the calm river waters collide with the deep blue expanse of the strait, creating a stunning visual contrast. Depending on the tide and weather, you may have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the clear, cool water or snorkel to admire the vibrant coral reefs that lie beneath the surface. For those who opt for a full tour package, the experience is often rounded out with a delicious buffet lunch of local cuisine, a demonstration of traditional handicrafts, and even a palinâ ritual, a pre-Hispanic tradition to ward off evil spirits and ensure a safe journey.

The dock or the starting point of the cruise

How to Get There

Getting to Aloguinsan and the Bojo River Cruise from Cebu City requires a bit of travel, but the journey is well worth it.

  • By Public Transport: The most common and cost-effective way is to take a bus from the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Look for buses bound for Aloguinsan. The bus ride typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. Once you arrive at the Aloguinsan town proper or public market, you can hire a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) or tricycle to take you to the Bojo River Eco-Cultural Tour site, which is just a short 10 to 20-minute ride away.
  • By Private Vehicle: If you prefer the convenience of a private car, the drive from Cebu City to Aloguinsan is straightforward. You can use a navigation app to guide you. The travel time is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. To avoid traffic, you may take the Naga-Toledo road, and then continue to Pinamungahan. This option gives you more flexibility and comfort, especially if you are traveling with a group.

Many tour operators also offer all-inclusive private day tours from Cebu City, which include round-trip transfers, the Bojo River Cruise, and other nearby attractions like Hermit’s Cove and Mantayupan Falls.

Bojo River has a floating cottage near its delta

Tour Fees and Packages

The Bojo River Cruise is known for its community-based approach, and this is reflected in its pricing. The fees are designed to support the local fishermen, guides, and families who manage the tour. It’s important to note that prices can change, so it’s always best to check with the Aloguinsan Tourism Office or their official social media pages for the most current rates.

There are generally two options for visitors:

  • Walk-in/River Cruise Only: This is a more basic package, ideal for those on a tight schedule. The fee for the cruise itself, which includes a guided tour and the option to swim, is approximately PHP 400 per person.
  • Full Tour Package: For a more comprehensive and immersive experience, the full package is highly recommended. It typically includes the welcome reception, the guided river cruise, a buffet lunch of authentic local dishes, and a handicraft demonstration. The price for this package varies depending on the size of the group, with rates around PHP 850 per person for a minimum of 6 people. To avail of this package, it is essential to book at least two days in advance.
It is best to spend the cruise with special someone or friends

Best Time to Visit Bojo River

The Bojo River Cruise is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, from February to May. The weather is generally sunny and pleasant, perfect for the cruise and other outdoor activities.

Crucially, the cruise itself is highly dependent on the tides. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, the tour can only be conducted during high tide. The boats cannot navigate the shallow river during low tide. Therefore, it is strongly advised to contact the Bojo Aloguinsan Eco-tourism Association (BAETAS) or the Aloguinsan Tourism Office in advance to check the high tide schedule for your planned visit. This simple step will prevent disappointment and ensure you can fully experience the cruise.

You may also check our travel guide to Aloguinsan for more information.

Just appreciating the beauty of Bojo River and its surroundings

What to Expect

Beyond the breathtaking scenery, the Bojo River Cruise offers a truly enriching experience. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Authentic Local Hospitality: The tour is managed by the community, and their warmth and genuine passion for their home are palpable. You will be greeted with smiles and treated as a valued guest, not just a tourist.
  • Educational Insights: The guides are incredibly knowledgeable about the river’s ecology, the names and uses of the various plants, and the folklore and history of the area. This is not just a scenic ride; it’s a learning experience.
  • A Slow and Relaxing Pace: The tour is designed for you to slow down and connect with nature. The pace is leisurely, allowing you to absorb the peaceful surroundings and the quiet rhythm of the river.
  • Delicious Local Cuisine: If you choose the full package, you’ll be treated to a delicious buffet of traditional Filipino dishes, prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
  • A Commitment to Sustainability: The Bojo River project is a testament to the power of community-based eco-tourism. By visiting, you are directly supporting the preservation of a natural wonder and providing a sustainable livelihood for the local community.

The Bojo River Cruise is more than just a boat ride; it is a journey into the heart of a community that has successfully reconciled tourism with environmental and cultural preservation. It is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil escape and a powerful lesson in sustainable travel.

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

Everything happened on a random. I immediately clicked 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.

Spending quality time at Bojo River

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 cramped. 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 or Pinamungajan-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.

Update in 2025: Ceres has now direct route to Aloguinsan

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 850-peso package includes welcome lei, a refreshment, handicraft demo, snacks, lunch, river cruise, and swimming. However, to avail the 850-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.

A wooden bridge to Bojo River

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.

Bojo River

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.

With Mark Monta of FaceCebu.net and Philip Pingoy of AlmostABlogger.com

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.

The SuperCebu family with Lloyd and Behold

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.

Klook.com

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.

Hermit’s Cove stairway gate

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 ₱850 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 aloguinsantourism@gmail.com. Bojo River Cruise operates only from 08AM to 05PM.
The mouth of Bojo River
  • 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.

Unang nilathala nuong Oktubre 2016.

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