This trip was a gift from a friend so pardon me if I have no idea on the cost or directions because we took a private car to get here.  But I did include in this post a how-to-get-to-Aloguinsan instructions as taken from their flyer.

Upon arrival, we were given leis in their BAETAS Center.  It was also in this kubo that they gave an orientation of the tour.  We also had our meals here.  Souvenirs (mostly local delicacies like kamote or sweet potato cookies) were also available.

After giving us a lei each, they then sang a Cebuano welcome song.

While listening to them, I took in this very rustic view of Bojo River.

I was also amazed at this flower arrangement consisting of Gumamela (Hibiscus), Calachuchi (Plumeria) and cosmos flowers.

Buko (young coconut) was also served together with local delicacies like puto (steamed rice cake), budbud ( glutinous rice cake wrapped in banana leaves) and pancit.

My friend loved the pancit while I loved their budbud because unlike those sold in city markers, this one was made of pure glutinous rice.  It was so delicious I was able to finish 3 pieces.

During our meal, a guide discussed mangrove ecology and gave a bird wildlife lecture.  It was only after this that we were allowed to go on a river cruise.

These children were having the time of their lives swimming in their clean river.  They also gamely posed when they saw me aiming the camera in their direction.

These are the views I had during our river cruise.

Our guide also pointed at this yellow bird (Can you spot it in the picture?) and shared that it just laid eggs.  I was not able to spot any other birds but we could hear them the whole time.

These are my favorite among my Aloguinsan photos.  This is where the river meets the sea and what’s interesting are the mountain formations that serve as the doorway to where these two meet.

At the sea, the color of the water changed from murky green to blue.

The only thing that I did not like about this tour is that the “beach” was too rocky that’s why they brought us to another spot so my friends could go swimming.  I opted to read a book and this nook became my makeshift crib.

Afterwards, we had lunch consisting of grilled fish, adobo and tinolang manok.  This happened to be one of my lazy days though so I was not able to take photos.

All in all, it was a good trip that according to my sustainable tourism advocate friend was eco-tourism at its finest because it was “by the locals, for the locals.”  Proceeds from this tour help fund community basic services and river protection and provide alternative income to families.

Getting to Aloguinsan:  Aloguinsan can be reached by public buses or vans for hire (V-hires) from the Cebu South Bus Terminal in Cebu City with an estimated travel time of 1 to 2 hours.  One may also take the Awayan, Carcar via Valencia route with the same estimated travel time.

Contact details:  
Website: www.aloguinsan.gov.ph
E-mail: noliville@yahoo.com
Telephone Numbers: + 63 32 469 9312; + 63 32 469 5604