DiscoverMaribojoc
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Maribojoc.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Maribojoc
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Maribojoc
- Maribojoc is a silent sea municipality which lies along the southwestern coast of Bohol and it is known due to its low hills and wide mangrove forests that extend before the shimmering Bohol Sea.
- The historic character of the town can be traced to its watchtowers and stone forts built during the Spanish days to protect the people against the raiders of the Moros and today function merely as mute and silent reminders of the centuries of strength and stability.
- The quiet streets with the colonial cottages that line the town will provide travellers with a relaxing contrast to Bacolod, the busy capital of the province that will make them feel like they are moving back in time.
- The natural scenery, a combination of coastal plains and inland hills, leaves so much to be explored through leisurely walks, birds watching as well as photography particularly during the golden hours of the sunrise and sunset.
- A trip to the Abatan River, a short drive off, shows a serene body of water that is suitable in kayaking besides the forests around that contribute to a refuge of wildlife lovers around the area.
- Due to its moderate level and good roads, Maribojoc can be visited by all types of travellers based on their mobility hence the inclusion of all holiday makers.
- Capital (of the province): Tagbilaran City
- International airport: None in Maribojoc
- Nearest commonly used airports:
- Bohol-Panglao International Airport (Panglao Island, Bohol) – main domestic and international airport for the province
- Mactan–Cebu International Airport (Cebu City, Cebu) – major international gateway nearby
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Cebuano (Boholano), Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- The legendary Punta Cruz Watchtower is a hexagonal tower made of stone and constructed in the18th century; the tower provides panoramic views of the sea which is unforgettable during the twilight.
- The peaceful boardwalk in the mangrove parks of Maribojoc, SAVIMA, and ALIMANGO, allow one to observe the fine harmony of the coastal ecosystems.
- In case anyone is interested in visiting holiday experience that also includes elements of both history and nature, the ruins of the watchtower and the nearby park is a must-visit destination to consider when planning the holidays to Maribojoc, Bohol.
- The market stalls of the town are full of fresh coconut, rice and the local seafood that makes the town economically thrive and supports the residents and the tourists.
- The ruins of the St. Joseff the Worker Parish Church are still great reflections of the spiritual centre of the community and its unshaken faith.
- The blend of historic sites, nature and welcoming people has made Maribojoc a destination which remains a secret to many and thus when people visit it, they end up knowing about it only because of the passing mention of the name.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- The most predictable weather is the dry season between December and May that has lower humidity and clearer skies that are ideal in exploring the outdoors.
- The sea waters are calm during this period, thus kayaking in the Abatan River and swimming in the nearby beaches is safer and better.
- In booking your trip, it would be convenient to know that world pinoy flights offer direct flights to Tagbilaran City, which is the entry point of Bohol.
- The fresh air blown by the sea breeze is also used to counter the tropical heat and this enables the visitors to take more time to walk through the mangrove walks.
- Shoulder trip months in June or September may be a less busy time to visit with less congestion and more personal encounters with local artisans.
- Another thing that a tourist should know is that heavier rains occur during the monsoon season, and this may sometimes close off some hiking trails, as well as blunt visibility along the coast.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Punta Cruz Watchtower & Park
- Start your visit at the stone base of the watch tower where you can find the benches of the original watchmen, and which prove a monument in itself of the centuries of their watchfulness.
- Climb to the summit on the small staircase and gaze out over the Bohol Sea and the islands that surround it and provide a visual feast to the eye.
- In the afternoon, the light becomes gold and the sea will be a golden ribbon that is ideal in photography.
- The park all around it, with its decorative palms and local plants, is a peaceful spot in which to sit and reflect upon what you have been shown in history.
- Local guides usually recount some storeys of how the tower defended the area against raids, and this provides a richer insight into the history of the area.
- Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the heritage plaque of the tower specifies the construction period when it was built and visitors can enjoy the accuracy of the architecture used in the years.
Maribojoc Mangrove Boardwalk (SAVIMA/ALIMANGO)
- The boardwalk will take a gentle nature through the thick mangrove forests, and it will provide a safe and guided walk to the reminiscing walker and the nature lovers.
- You will find also on the road a great variety of birds, such as the white winged eagle, which you will find nesting in the high branches and this is a rare bird.
- The wooden planks of the boardwalk are up to 30 years old and create a rustic touch, which matches the greenery.
- There are a number of observation points where a little information panel is placed describing the ecological role of mangroves in erosion prevention of shorelines.
- Tourists will be able to stop and gather driftwood and know how it is used to support the local fishing communities.
- It is terminated at a small viewing station where you will witness a sunset which tints the sky in shades of orange and violet.
Abatan River Tours
- At the entrance of the river, kayaks are available together with life jacket and a lightweight paddle to safely navigate the river.
- Go rafting to see the flowing river which flows softly and has the sweet smell of rice paddies and coconuts surrounding the area.
- Families at the banks tend to fish with bamboo rods and this provides an insight into how the fishermen used to do it back then in the past.
- The clear water in the river is the best to see the freshwater fish and the guides will at times indicate the rare katabangan catfish.
- Row to a little island and have a picnic lunch amid the quiet in the nature.
- Go slowly on the way back and admire the varying landscape, in the afternoon sunlight piercing the canopy, and making a blaze of shade on the water.
Maribojoc Town Proper
- Begin the day where the town centre is and the streets are lined with small shops that are selling handmade baskets and local textiles.
- Sample the busy street market, where stalls with freshwater crunch, tropical fruits, and the smouldering smell of simmering simmering sinigang.
- Pay a visit to the demolished St. Joseph the Worker Parish Church foundation, which reminds strongly about the endurance of the town following the 2013 earthquake.
- Have a look at the stone figures of saints that remain to the footprint of the church and whose withered features speak volumes of unknown tales.
- Explore the narrow streets of the town, and you are likely to bump into many friendly locals, who are likely to welcome you warmly with a warm Kumusta! and a cup of sweet coffee.
- Close on the trip by spending a serene evening out at a nearby cafe and savouring the popular Boholano desserts made of caramelised bananas for holidays to Maribojoc.
Reason 05
Discover More
White Beach
- The powder soft sand of White Beach is miles long and provides an ideal place to walk and bathe in the warm early evening.
- The crystal clear water here can be swam easily and the sea waves are not heavy and family with small children can enjoy swimming.
- There are various small vendors near the beach selling freshly grilled fish and coconut drinks, which fill the air with wonderful fragrances.
- The natural beach is covered by small rocks that form a natural shoreline which hikers find interesting landmarks to explore as they walk through the beach.
- The setting of the sun on White Beach is a legend and the horizon changes a dark pink and fills the sky with amazement.
- Though so basic, the beach offers a serene escape to the higher tourist hubs in the other islands of Bohol.
Padhan Cave
- Padhan Cave is a cave found in the inner hills which is a great place to explore the stalactite covered chambers by the adventurous travellers.
- The opening of the cave is large, so that both experienced mountaineers and those who do not want to take risks can approach the cave without problems.
- Indoors, there is an array of corridors and walkings that weave and turn exposing structures of limestone that have been carved by water and time.
- There can be a small guide with you that throws light on the geological past and the folklore of the surrounding area of the cave.
- The cave is damp and cold inside and offers a natural shelter against the heat of the outside which is tropical.
- The back of the cave contains a secret chamber, where lies an old stone altar, suggesting the spiritual values which early peoples may have attached to the spot.
Local Market (Public Market)
- The market in the town is a breathing canvas of colours where the produce stalls overflow with crates of fresh pineapples, mangoes and banana chips.
- Both locals and visitors come here to have tried the signature kinilaw, raw fish salad that has been marinated in vinegar and spices which illustrates the culinary taste of Bohol.
- The open-air nature of the market also gives the market easy mobility and you can taste the various delicacies available locally without having trouble moving around as the sea breeze flows through the air.
- there are also handicrafts in most stalls, including woven baskets and elaborate carvings closely representing the art of the island, which make a very interesting memento.
- There is also a small space in the market where local craftsmen showcase their work and this makes the shopping experience involving and interactive.
- The vendors are always very social and greet you with a smile, which makes the market a good place to visit even when you are on your first visit, and when you are travelling regularly.
Old Stone Stairs
- The old limestone steps were hewn out of one block of limestone, and are surmounted by the little shrine where one has the panoramic view of the town.
- The ascent is difficult and culturally rich as each of the steps became smoother through the hands of many generations which climbed it throughout centuries.
- The stairs are especially noticeable when the sun is rising creating a dramatic effect with the light cast on the natural patina of the stone.
- There is a small plaque at the top which gives the origin of the stairs giving the name of the colonial architect who constructed them in the early $1700\text{s}$.
- The shrine on the top is a serene meditation, where one can stop and enjoy the vistas around.
- The whole ascendancy, although not a long journey, provides a slight hint of the past richness of the town and the physical work of pioneers.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Cebuano is the major language spoken in Maribojoc, usually mixed with the local dialects as a result of which the town gains a specific linguistic taste.
- Coconuts, rice and corn farming is the mainstay of the local economy and every harvest time there is communal ethos of collaboration.
- The devastating 2013 earthquake remains a memory of the strength of the town, and the community is still rebuilding the town to date.
- Conservative methods of fishing are taught and used since generations (examples are bamboo nets and hand-made boats).
- Local festivals, that are dedicated to patron saints, feature lively processions, music and lively street food stalls.
- The families usually congregate to give oral testimonies which inherit the storeys of the watchtowers and the formation of the town that keep the heritage of Maribojoc alive.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Fresh seafood, which is daily caught in the Bohol Sea, features on the menus of local restaurants and is either fried or grilled to release the natural flavours.
- The raw fish (Kinilaw) marinated in vinegar, onions and spices is a refreshing snack that is a tangy and aromatic bite.
- It is a meal of basically simmered pork, sweetness and savoury, flavoured with soy sauce and sugar, and produces a dish that is both comforting and most fulfilling.
- Local foods such as the banana and ubi (yam) chips are prepared using the locally available fruits and are a snack that both the locals and tourists like.
- A sweet and sticky candy that is covered with roasted coconut is called calamay which is a sweet indulgence and represents the fact that the island people love simple and natural sweets.
- Food in Maribojoc is very social and social since families and friends sit together and eat a wide range of food, a factor that strengthens social connexions.
Fun
- Visiting the old stone walls of the watchtower gives the historical lesson and an adventurous experience to the inquisitive tourists.
- The mangrove boardwalks will enable the visitors to experience a serene forest setting including the birdwatching and nature photography.
- Rafting Abatan River is a different way of looking at the ecosystem of the area, as well as moderate exercise in a calm environment.
- A day in White Beach allows you to spend your time at the beach under the sun, swimming in crystal clear waters and enjoying freshly grilled seafood on the beach.
- The seasonal festivals allow vibrant street dances, traditional music, and colourful processions inviting the tourists to take part in the feast.
- The local markets with their unique fresh products and handcrafts make shopping experience interesting yet educational and fun on holidays to Maribojoc.
Fashion
- Breathable lightweight garments are the best option to deal with the warm tropical climate in Maribojoc like cotton shirts, linen trousers, and loose dresses.
- Good walking shoes are needed to visit the cobblestone streets of the town, the steps of the watchtower made of stone, and the mangrove boardwalk.
- Hats, sun glasses, and swimwear are essential when one is going out with his friends on the beach and river paddling.
- Local festivals are also used to celebrate culture by wearing traditional Filipino clothing such as the barong Tagalog.
- It is also advisable that the traveller carry a light rain jacket particularly in the monsoon season in order to be ready when it suddenly pours down.
- Simple but fashionable accessories like a woven hat, made of straw or a silk scarf can match any outfit along with providing some sun protection and cushioning.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The marine area of Maribojoc Bay is naturally endowed with fish, crustaceans, and seagrass beds hence making it an ideal place to visit by snorkelling lovers.
- The mangroves that surround the shore are crucial ecosystems that act as nursery to most marine animals besides averting erosion on the shoreline.
- The rolling hills inside are filled with green coconuts and rice farms where a scenic glimpse of the traditional rural life is witnessed.
- Types of species that can be seen by the birdwatchers include the silvered kingfisher, the Philippine bulbul, and the endangered white-winged eagle.
- Freshwater waters of the area such as the Abatan River offer secure kayaking waters that demonstrate the natural beauty of the inland waterways of Bohol.
- Holidays to Maribojoc unexpected wildlife encounters like the rare water bird and the rare playful dolphin are some of the seasonal wildlife in the area that adds a surprise to the safari experience.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The holidays to Maribojoc Town Fiesta which is celebrated on May in honour of Saint Vincent Ferrer and the Holy Cross is characterised by colourful street parades and communal meals.
- San Jose Festival is celebrated on the first of May and it marks the historical opening of the St. Joseph the Worker, and consists of traditional dances and musical performance.
- The festivals attract tourists both in and outside the region, which presents an opportunity to learn more about the local traditions, traditional outfits, and local delicacies.
- Farmers and fishermen of the community present their products and harvest and transform the festival into a sustainable local business.
- The festivities are prestiged with fireworks that light up the night sky to give out a celebratory mood that appeals to both the locals and tourists.
- Attending the festivals offers a better understanding of the cultural cloth of the Maribojoc, and this enhances the relationship between the visitor and the resident.