Discover southern part of cebu...

[tadz1158]

ARGAO, CEBU


The Municipality of Argao is approximately 66 kilometers from Cebu City and is located in southeastern part of the Province of Cebu.

It is a third class municipality which is bounded on the north by municipality of Sibonga, on the south by municipality of Dalaguete, on the west by municipalities of Dumanjug, Ronda, Alcantara, Moalboal and Badian, and on the east by Bohol Strait.

It has 45 barangays and has a total land area of 21,044.72 hectares.



BUGASOK FALLS IN ARGAO

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For visitors who has a streak of great adventure, I will suggest Bugasok falls hidden far in Argao’s mountain barangay called Conalum. Considered a national treasure, Bugasok can be reached by walking upriver along forested cliffs and solid boulders. Going to the location would seems exhausting but you will become numb of the splendid falls that comes out from two big rocks.

Getting to the falls would be a 6 to 8 hour trek upstream from the bridge located in the village of Linut-ud. A bonus to this enchanted walk along the forested cliffs and solid rock boulders is the unique plants and birds that can be seen along the way. There are already arranged nature tours to the falls and other areas.

In reaching the area, and for a view of the falls, one should cross the river that feeds the falls, climb some part of the mountain, and then go down on the other side. It’s not an easy task but the breathtaking view of the falls will be reward enough for such a tedious excursion.

[tadz1158]

BALAY SA AGTA in Argao, Cebu


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A narrow footrail by the side of Mount Lantoy in Argao, leads to the mouth of the Balay sa Agta Cave

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Visitors need to stoop when passing by a low stretch of the narrow mountain side trail to the Balay sa Agta Cave

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At close to noon, sunlight filters in the cave like blessing from heaven through the cave skylight

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A view of the mountain from the mouth of the Balay sa Agta in Argao, Cebu



An agta is a Philippine mythical creature described as tall, brown, and hairy, and usually portrayed as smoking a big tobacco pipe. As to why a cave in the southeastern town of Argao in Cebu should be named “Balay sa Agta” (House of the Agta) would soon get clear when one gets to the very end of the structure.

The Balay sa Agta in the village of Conalum is 475 meters long while its height varies along the whole length of the cave.

At one point near the middle, or in the spot where there is a large circular hole in the roof of the cave, the height has been measured to be 175 feet.

Traversing the whole length of the Balay sa Agta is not for the faint-hearted. The intense darkness of the cave that not even the strongest flashlight of Argao’s tour guardians can dispel could serve to discourage prospective visitors.

Then there are the bat droppings and water droplets falling from the roof that simply prohibit any looking up with your mouth open. The trail is also rocky, uneven, and slippery and sometimes requires climbing up some rocks only to go down again.

Going to the cave in bad weather could also be dangerous because rains in the mountains could suddenly inundate the dry riverbed inside the structure.

While all these scenarios could argue against a visit to the cave, the thrill of new discovery and the wonders inside might actually advocate for a contrary view.

Although nothing could be done about the darkness, tour guardians have designated areas all along the length of the cave where visitors could seek refuge in case of a sudden water flow.

Visiting the cave without the tour guardians is also simply not done. So far, though, no one has dared venture into the cave without them, said Rainerio “Eryong” Alcarez, head of the Argao Tourism Commission’s eco-tour guardians. He also explained that they are called tour guardians and not tour guides because they not only guide, they also guard.

Swallows nest on rocks inside the cave but near its entrance and their song can hearten a timid spirit.

Early one, the cave branches to smaller chambers—a Guano deposit can be found at the end of the first chamber and rock phosphate at the end of the second chamber.

Visitors will be asked to follow the main chamber that will lead to a large circular hole in the roof that they call the skylight near the middle of the cave. Guardians said the best time to visit the cave would be when it’s sunny and at 11 a.m. It is at this time of the day that the sun’s rays move through the skylight and enter the cave like blessing from heaven. The movement of the sunlight is not replicated at any other time.

Along the cave, guardians point to places where the water flow will sometimes form a waterfall. Since visits are timed when there is no rain, what visitors see is the formation on the rock wall.

These formations are called calcium carbonate speleothems and they are produced through slow precipitation. In Argao’s cave, the speleothems are of the flowstone type that takes the form of stone waterfall formations simulating glittering frozen cascades.

Further on, the shadow created on the cave wall when light is shone on a group of stalagmite appears like a grotto.

Near the end of the cave, where it is darkest dark, is a stretch that bats consider their home. Beware anyone who looks up while talking there.

Finally, at the end of the Balay sa Agta is dry lakebed that appears as a depression on the cave floor. This is where the water flows to when there is rain.

Here, also, the mystery of the Balay sa Agta is finally revealed. Visit the cave to learn its secrets and how it got its name.

Please take note:
(The Argao Tourism Commission arranges tours and visits to the Balay sa Agta and other places of interest in the town for a minimal fee.)

[tadz1158]

This trip brings you to the majestic Bugasok falls. This is located in Barangays Linut-od and Butong and this is a daily tour of 6 to 8 hours including travel to the site. It has a 3-5 participants per tour. The cost of the tour will be P650 per person with inclusions of lunch, snacks and guide fees. The difficulty is described as medium to hard.

One must bring the following:


Umbrella
hat/cap
Shorts
hiking boots or sandals
extra dry clothes
camera
photo equipment.


Discover one of the natural treasures of Argao. Take a 40-minute river trek trhough forested cliffs to Bugasok Falls. For the more daring, jump off from the top of the 20-meter cliff into the deep river below. Only 40 minutes travel time from the town center to Conalum using a four wheel drive vehicle or motorcycle locally know as "habal-habal".

[tadz1158]

Never dare visit the "Balay sa Agta" (House of the Agta) without the eco-tour guardians of Argao's Tourism Commission because they ensure that visitors are safe and they have equipment that makes the visit to the 475-meter long cave seem like a walk in the park. Besides, the guardians know just where to shine their llight onin the dark to reveal the Balay sa Agta's secrets.

This is a 6 to 8 hours trip including transfers, lunch, and activity. This will cost P800 per person inclusive of lunch, snacks, and guide fees. Difficulty is described as medium to difficult.

Requirements:


Climbing skills needed
Go for-it-attitude
Good condition
No fear of heights



What to bring:


Extra cloths (shorts and t-shirt)
Sport shoes
water proof bag
housing for camera
photo equipment



It's 40 minutes travel time from the town center to Barangay Conalum using four wheel drive vehicle or motorcycle locally known as "habal-habal".

[megan21]

i love the beaches in moalboal!

http://www.traveljournals.net/pictures/l/1/19934-whita-sands-beach-a-moalboal-cebu-philippines.jpg http://www.traveljournals.net/pictures/l/1/19934-whita-sands-beach-a-moalboal-cebu-philippines.jpg

[tadz1158]

i love the beaches in moalboal!

http://www.traveljournals.net/pictures/l/1/19934-whita-sands-beach-a-moalboal-cebu-philippines.jpg http://www.traveljournals.net/pictures/l/1/19934-whita-sands-beach-a-moalboal-cebu-philippines.jpg


Right Megan. This is a good thing that you have posted something of Moalboal. This is also one of the sites we can also see in the southern part of Cebu. This is great.

[purpleaf]

How far is the "southern part" from Cebu City proper? Is it accessible by jeepneys, buses, or cabs?

[megan21]

How far is the "southern part" from Cebu City proper? Is it accessible by jeepneys, buses, or cabs?

it starts from 25 ++ km (municipality of san fernando) down south.. but naga is "south" already, but still "near" to the city...hehe... accessible by Ceres buses and other liners, the southern part of cebu splits into two-ways. from carcar rotunda, either go straight to argao, or go right to moalboal! :)

[tadz1158]

How far is the "southern part" from Cebu City proper? Is it accessible by jeepneys, buses, or cabs?


It depends on where you are going. If you are going to Argao please take note of the following:

Cebu City to Argao

Argao can be reached through a convenient ride in either air-conditioned or non-airconditioned buses at South Bus Terminal along N. Bacalso Avenue in Cebu City. Those buses bound for Argao leave the terminal at 15-minute intervals.

Argao is a two and a half hour travel from Cebu City by bus but travel time can be cut down to less than two hours if visitors use their own vehicle. Around the town, one can ride in tricycles, trisikads, jeepneys, and the "habal-habal" (this is the local name of motorcycles-for-hire).

[stella]

I've noticed that Cebu has a lot of places to visit. How big is this city?lol

[megan21]

I've noticed that Cebu has a lot of places to visit. How big is this city?lol

Yup!.. No wonder Cebu is the number one tourists spot in the Philippines. :D

[Gr@ciousJDC]

when you visit cebu, try visiting the Camotes Island...they say you can compare the beaches here like in malapascua and bantayan

[brandon]

when you visit cebu, try visiting the Camotes Island...they say you can compare the beaches here like in malapascua and bantayan

I have friends from Cebu, I might ask them about this place. We're looking at heading to Camuigin islands.