Try Tabogon
The town of Tabogon, Cebu, had just sparked in the public mind because it was supposedly listed in President Duterte’s itinerary in Cebu yesterday. The President was said to be visiting the town, where the incumbent mayor is a relative. In a way, the President’s visit put Tabogon in the map.
Not many travelers consider Tabogon as a possible destination. It is a small… well, sleepy town. It only perks up now and then, when there’s some kind of community celebration.
And that might just be the good thing about Tabogon. People who crave for peace and quiet may find refuge there. And yet, the town also has room for some adventure.
There are many activities to enjoy in Tabogon. One may go diving, fishing, or simply nature watching. Divers who’ve been to the place say the town has an interesting marine life.
The town is three hours’ drive from Cebu City. At the North Bus Terminal in the city, the traveler may take a bus bound for Tabogon or Tabogon-Bogo. He may tell the friendly bus driver or conductor to get him off at the town center.
Tabogon is situated in the northeastern coast of the island of Cebu and is about 93 kilometers from Cebu City. The municipality is bordered on the north by Bogo City, on the south by the town of Borbon, on the west the town of San Remegio and on the east by the Camotes Sea. The town has 25 barangays.
The original name of Tabogon was “Agoho,” after a big agoho tree in the area. The tree was a landmark and the place eventually came to be known by it. But as the place started to experience attacks by Moro pirates, community leaders would frequently evacuate the people to the nearby hills for safety. In the local dialect, the very act of gathering and directing the people to a place is called “tabog.” In time, the place came to be called “Tabogon.”
Today, Tabogon has nice resorts ready to accommodate visitors. The town also has many interesting places for visitors to check out.
Salag Mangrove Park
The swampy park is known for its clean water. Another interesting feature of the park is the Hanging Bridge. Some people find crossing the bridge to be quite a challenge – but what awaits at the other side is really worth the daring. At both ends of the bridge are forests that both look and feel mysterious.
Guiwanon Cold Spring
It is a medium-sized pool of cold, clean and clear water. Tall trees surround the natural pool, giving bathers good shade. There’s a minimal fee charged for access to the pool. There are also rental cottages available.
Bitoon Gamay
The name literally means “small star.” The small spot is quite rocky, and proper footwear is advisable in going to the water. The water, though, is very clean and the whole area is surrounded by big rocks – makes one feel secure.
Nipa Beach
Located right at the boundary of Borbon and Tabogon, it is a public beach known for its white sand and crystal clear waters. It’s a very nice beach; but since it is public, it can get pretty crowded at times.
Tabogon is really worth a visit. It would be a pity for Cebuanos from the other towns to not experience what the town has to offer.