Hermit's Cove: A Hidden Paradise in Aloguinsan, Cebu

One Sunday morning, we needed to scratch some wanderlusts' itch. And off we went to Hermit's Cove in the mid-western town of Aloguinsan in Cebu. The place we went to was slowly becoming popular among locals and tourists in Cebu. Thanks to social media and government promotion.

The Journey On The Road Less Traveled To Hermit's Cove

We had two choices of which road to take from Cebu City to Aloguinsan. The easier but longer route would have been to travel via Naga passing through Toledo City and Pinamungajan before reaching Aloguinsan. Since we already left the city in the mid-morning, we decided to take the shorter route through Carcar City and Barili. It wasn't a bad road to take. There were a few rough stretches. But most of the way was paved. Only the unfamiliarity of the road was a challenge. We didn't know how to get to Hermit's Cove as it wasn't mapped on Google yet. The closest we could find on Google Maps was Kantabogon Road.

Hermit's Cove

The town of Aloguinsan is not yet very well mapped out on Google Maps. When using Google Maps and, we suggest to type in Bojo River Cruise since you will take the same road. But Hermit's Cove is further ahead where you turn right when you see a directional sign.

For those who are commuting, follow this guide:

• Take a bus from the Cebu South Bus Terminal to Pinamungajan. Buses to Aloguinsan are rare. 
• From Pinamungajan, take a habal-habal or motorcycle for hire to get to Hermit's Cove. Ride only on habal-habal motorcycles that are accredited by the Aloguinsan Tourism Office as indicated by their identification cards. Fares for habal-habal rides are indicated in the photo below.

Fare matrix

Show 'Em The Money

Just like any tourist place, entrance to Hermit's Cove is not free. A parking fee of PhP 15 was collected for our vehicle. Each person has to pay an admission fee of PhP 50. The fee covers the use of a cottage, the grill, the toilet, the shower, and the beach. A pail of clean water for bathing and washing is available near the portable toilet for PhP 20.

Cottages

Orientation 

Hermit's Cove is an ecotourism site and locals are tasked to manage and preserve the natural beauty of the place. So after we paid for the fees, Manang Odie asked us to stay for some orientation for first time visitors. She was one of the stewards at the place.

Orientation for first time visitors

Manang Odie is part of the Kantabogon Ecotourism Association (KEA). The group is tasked to manage Hermit's Cove. The KEA envisions the place to be a wholesome place. They want people to commune with nature. As suchs several activities are not allowed. Here is a list:

• No smoking
• No liquor
• No gambling
• No karaoke or videoke
• No harming or touching of corals, turtles' nests, or other wildlife
• No graffiti-writing
• No bonfires or open-fire cooking
• No sleeping on tables
• No leaving of non-biodegradable materials
• No wasting of water on toilet and shower
• No loud and unnecessary noises

Visitors are enjoined to respect the local culture and way of life. They must follow these simple rules:

• Dispose of waste properly. 
• Respect the privacy of other guests
• Be responsible for their personal belongings.
• Immediately report accidents and injuries to the community.

Tarpaulin posters where these community guidelines are printed on are placed conspicuously at various areas around Hermit's Cove.

What's In a Name: Why Hermit's Cove 

According to Manang Odie, a hermit once discovered this beautiful place. That is why it is called Hermit's Cove. The name of the hermit was Tabogon. Thus, the barangay was called Kantabogon. Kantabogon is a shortened version of Kang Tabogon. The phrase literally means owned by Tabogon. This explains why the barangay where the hermit lived is now called Kantabogon.

The Beach at Hermit's Cove 

We parked on top of a hill. We then had to descend through an 87-step stone and wood stairway to get to the beach. Once we started our descent, a nice overhead view of the beach was revealed to us.

Hermit's Cove

Hermit's Cove

Food

While I was driving, everyone else was asleep. Except for my brother who was helping me navigate through Google Maps. We were so focused on navigation that we totally forgot to buy food. We only remembered when we were just a few meters away from our destination. Thankfully, there were some vendors at Hermit's Cove selling some barbecue. We bought some dolopapa and some pork barbecue. Dolopapa is a type of barbecued squid.

Dolopapa

In the afternoon, we snacked on some fried cassava chips locally known as caycay. It was sweetened with latik or caramelized sugar.

More Things To Do At Hermit's Cove 

After enjoying the cold waters of the beach at Hermit's Cove, we were just about to get bored. So I approached one of the vendors and asked about what other possible things we can do aside from swimming or bathing in the beach or just basking in the hot afternoon sun. They suggested that we do a boating tour. The boat tour will allow us to explore the rocky Aloguinsan coastline and get a glimpse of the Bojo river delta. We took the suggestion but got the scare of our lives with the big ocean waves. On days with better weather, we could have gone further to bathe in another beach,do some turtle watching and even some early morning dolphin watching at the Tañon Strait.

Another association also facilitates snorkeling at Hermit's Cove with trained snorkeling guides. On the day we went, they weren't there. That's because it was dangerous to do snorkeling with strong winds whipping up big waves.

Important Contacts at Hermit's Cove

Here are some telephone numbers that tourists can call to inquire about Hermit's Cove:

Aloguinsan Tourism Office: +63 32 469 9042

Kantabogon Ecotourism Association: +63 922 331 3885

Hermit's Cove

Have you been to Hermit's Cove? We want to know about your experience. You may share them in the comments below.