Just before this year
closes out, we are bent on looking at two more tourism packages to be opened
for public, at least before the month of November ends. The first one already
being launched in October – the remarkable Throwback Tour Package showcasing
the town’s history. The other one is the Island and Mangrove Cruise featuring
scenic seascape of Bato, Tagabuli and Tuban.
We intend to make it a
fun and learning destination because the site is a declared Marine Protected
Area (MPA) by the LGU and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). It
has always been like that, making ecotourism a stage to increase resilience of
marine ecosystem by being part of marine life conservation, protection and
management. The MPA here is a 50-hectare area located in the border of Tagabuli
and Tuban and another 25 hectares in Bato.
The Passig Islet
docking point in Bato, which is manicured with huge mangrove forest and a
boardwalk, serves as an anchorage area for the tour which features island
hopping in Tagabuli’s secret islands.
While cruising the vast coastal waters of
Sta. Cruz you will be brought to an unspoiled mangrove sanctuaries in Tuban and
Tagabuli. The little secret islands are must-stops for at least an hour or two
not just to take pictures but to also study the symbiotic relationship of the island
ecosystem to the upland areas of Sta. Cruz that serves as backdraft to this
incredible seascape. The islands have no structures except for a shed provided
by the Agriculture Office which serves as headquarters for fishery law
enforcement officers. This means that no overnight stay is allowed in the
islands.
The Tagabuli fish
cages is another attraction that can be detoured during the cruise. Fish
culture through cages is a prevailing industry in Tagabuli Bay, as this area is
a harbour considered by the community as perfect for milkfish production. While navigating the bay, one can also view
the mountain ranges of Tagabuli, Melilia, Saliducon, Sinoron and even the
towering Mt. Apo.
The last stop of this
day tour is the popular Passig Islet in Bato. It is a 2-hectare white sandbar
with open cottages and function hall and ideal for beach frolicking, bathing
and sundown relaxation. The perimeter of Passig are seaweeds farms which the locals of Bato
have been doing through the years as a means of livelihood.
The package tour costs
300 pesos per boat, which only includes guide fee and boat rental. The boat
operator serves as your tour guide. The maximum capacity of the boat is 5
persons only. Guests are advised to bring foods and bottled water because there
are no vendors in the islands. For tour bookings, please contact Lea through
her cellphone number 09095517414 or Roy 09469212443. Please book ahead because
the appropriate time to do the tour will be advised by them considering the
time of high tide and low tide.
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