Lots of tourists go to Bantayan Island for its beaches, but nature lovers will discover that there’s another thing worth seeing here: the Obo-ob Mangrove Garden. This eco-tourism park aims to let visitors know the importance of mangroves in the ecosystem. Enjoy an eco-friendly walk along a bamboo path, where you can enjoy a nice view of the lush mangrove forest. If hunger strikes during your tour, no need to worry because there’s a floating restaurant onsite where you can grab a bite.
The mangrove garden is located in one of the fastest-growing seaside barangay of the municipality of Bantayan, Brgy. Obo-ob. OMAGIECA was founded and established through the effort of Brgy. Captain Paul Umbao, a recognized public servant who worked hard with integrity and honesty.
OMAGIECA is an ideal place located in Brgy. Obo-ob which features a beautiful mangrove trail and a 100 hectares of mangrove forest which thrive under the care of the community.
The mangrove forest has a picture ready bamboo trail where tourist can traverse for just Php20.00 for Adult and Php10.00 for children as entrance fee. Other features of OMAGIECA includes Kayak, Boating and Pumpboat riding.
Bantayan, Cebu
Obo-Ob Mangrove Forest is a very large enchanting Mangrove park in Barangay Obo-ob in Bantayan Island, Cebu. It is also known as OMAGIECA which stands for Obo-ob Mangrove Garden Integrated Ecotourism and Conservation Association, a community-based eco-tourism initiative by the local government. One of the most famous tourist spot in the island of Bantayan.
The sound of the blue waves lapping against the white seashore and a break of dawn welcomed our vessel as we approached the port of Sta. Fe in Bantayan Island. That moment then I realized and have set the bar that I’m gonna be having a blast on this vacation.
I haven’t had enough sleep that night because I started traveling since 11:45 PM from Cebu City. Transportation was so fast because it was midnight and there was no traffic. The people in the bus were surprised that it only took around 2 hours to travel from Cebu City to Hagnaya Port in San Remigio.
Bantayan Island houses an area for mangrove preservation that is maintained and managed by the local organization named OMAGIECA. The Mangrove Garden in Obo-ob raises environmental awareness about how mangroves play a significant role in marine ecosystem. It contributes to the fisheries, coastal protection, erosion control and carbon sequestration.
Bantayan Island, a lovely patch of splendid things is situated north of Cebu and is the largest of the Bantayan Group Of Islands. It is consist of 3 municipalities namely Bantayan, Madridejos and Sta. Fe. This island which is 4 hours of land travel and an hour on the water offers one of the most breathtaking sights in all of Cebu Province. Long stretch of powdery white sand beaches and shimmering azure waters in Sta. Fe will instantly treat visitors to a grand welcome. Not only that it is a haven to beach lovers but the island itself is a paradise which showcases a plethora of hidden wonders.
When we talked about Bantayan Island. Obviously, what comes in your mind is a white sand beach. Lets admit it! Guys! Bantayan Island is not just all about beaches but they have got an Eco park where you can experience and learn something new. The Obo-ob Mangrove Eco Park.
The Eco park has a bamboo walkway through the mangroves which makes for a refreshing stroll with good photo opportunities. You can also go kayaking or take a tour of the mangroves on a small boat.
The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) ??” Bantayan chapter is not against planting of mangroves, but is against planting of bakhaw (Rhizophora species) on seagrass areas.
Robert Ybañez, who represented the chamber in a dialogue with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bantayan last Tuesday, said the government’s mangrove reforestation project in Bantayan has affected fishermen who rely on shell gleaning in the seagrasses. It has also obstructed the navigation lanes of the fishing boats.
11 Ways to Experience Bantayan to the Fullest
I am not a well- founded writer, I am not even good in translating my thoughts into words and to express myself correctly for I don’t have a rich vocabulary to aptly describe the ideas in my mind. Neither do I have profound ideas, great insight and creative concepts; but one thing is truly accurate, I love blogging.
I am so fond of blogging that I just realized I have been sharing my perceptions by way of brief entries for almost a year and a quarter. This favorite pastime of mine has inspired me to live by the name of “The Wanderlust Keeper”. I have the desire to go places and experience t …
~OBO-OB MANGROVE ECO PARK
A nice two-hour adventure on Bantayan Island is the Obo-ob Mangrove Eco Park.
The eco park has a bamboo walkway through the mangroves which makes for a refreshing stroll with good photo opportunities.
You can also go kayaking or take a tour of the mangroves on a small boat.
~OMAGIECA’S RESTAURANT
The Eco Park has a restaurant right on the water which makes for a cool atmosphere while you dine.
The restaurant is open from 9 am to 8 pm daily.
~PARK ENTRY FEES
Adults – 50 pesos
Students and Children – 20 pesos
Kayaking – 150 pesos
Boating – 350 pesos
~HOW TO GET TO OBO-OB MANGROVE ECO PARK
From Santa Fe, travel on Santa Fe – Bantayan Road toward Bantayan Municipality.
Pass under the “Welcome to Bantayan” sign and start looking for Obo-ob Road on your left.
Turn left on Obo-ob Road. There are a couple of signs there that mention the eco park.
Aventurier 