They initially told us that the trip to Bawbawon Island was canceled.
The Coast Guard did not allow any boat trips due to strong waves, and we were just sad. So on the 3rd day of our Laag-Laag to MisOcc tour, we already accepted that we won’t be able to visit Bawbawon, a hidden paradise in the municipality of Plaridel.
But after exploring the Gakit in Lopez Jaena in the morning, they informed us that the Coast guard had finally made the go signal. You don’t have any idea of our thrill and excitement when we received the news. We’re going to Bawbawon!
We traveled for about 30 minutes before we reached the port in Plaridel. Of course, we experienced once again the warm Misamisnon welcome from the LGU. We were advised to group into 8 and assigned a boat to us.
Bawbawon is literally and figuratively a hidden gem. You have to go through a dense mangrove forest to reach it, and it’s clear that only a few people know about this secluded beach haven. Its name was derived from the same local word which means shallow. With mangroves and rich marine life, the water level tends to be too shallow for motorboats during low tide.
On our way to the island, I was on the same boat with my fellow content creators. We braved through the rough but manageable waves at the beginning, but once we arrived at the mangrove area, the water was calmer.
I finally understood why Bawbawon is such a special place once we arrived on the island. It’s not just a usual beach getaway, it’s surrounded by coral reefs, mangroves, and rich marine biodiversity.
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The Bawbawon Island Experience
Upon reaching the shores, we were welcomed by a pristine beach. At that time, I told myself how grateful I am to be back to traveling again and exploring beaches such as this. I would love to walk on the shore first but the next announcement was even more appealing, “lunch is served.” Haha
Imagine we’ve already had our breakfast at our hotel, then followed by another heavy and satisfying breakfast in Oroquieta City, then another early lunch in Lopez Jaena. After all of that, we were about to have our “real” lunch? Haha Beat that.
MisOcc officials and LGUs spoiled us with too much delicious seafood, local delicacies, and Lechon! I can still have enough time to explore the beach after lunch, so I went there and was again amazed by a long table of sumptuous food, boodle fight style!
Takaw! Haha
Photo by: Mayor Gadwin E. Handumon / Plaridel LGU
Look at the creative combination of pancit and rice! It’s definitely a carbo overload and we loved it. We also enjoyed the fresh seafood and vegetables. To say that I was full was an understatement. MisOcc definitely gave us an unforgettable experience – the food and hospitality are over the top!
It was time for me to explore the island. I just walked along the shores and took some photos. After all we’ve gone through during the pandemic, it’s happy to be back traveling and kicking it off in Misamis Occidental.
Siempre kailangan ang selfie. Haha
It was also the perfect time to just enjoy the moment. Seeing my fellow participants taking pictures, and enjoying the vibe of the beach gives me so much joy and gratitude. I’m thankful that tourism is finally back with a blast!
The senti and introvert moments were only just for a few minutes, because I had an awesome time and conversations with the LGU, especially with Mayor Gadwin Handumon and the rest of the participants.
Mayor Gadwin Handumon with the President and Vice-President of PHILTOA. Photo by: Mayor Gadwin E. Handumon
DOT Region 10 Regional Director Marie Elaine Unchuan with the energetic tour operators. Photo by: Hillscape Travel Services
I would love to stay longer. I wanted more of the island but sadly we had to go back. It was already low tide and our boats won’t be able to pass through the shallow mangrove area, and we would be stuck on the island. Well, I was thinking that would be an awesome experience. Haha But we have a schedule to follow and we still have many destinations to explore in the province.
When I wrote about the 20 tourist spots that we explored in Misamis Occidental, I put Bawbawon island on the number one spot. Yes, and I mean it. Read the article here: 20 Best Tourist Spots in Misamis Occidental (Laag-Laag sa MisOcc)
Bawbawon Island should be on everyone’s bucket list when visiting Misamis Occidental. It’s not just about the pristine beach. It’s about the overall experience of a peaceful commune with nature.
Group shot. Photo by Mayor Gadwin E. Handumon / Plaridel LGU
How to go to Plaridel (Bawbawon Island)
From Manila, you can either take a flight going to Ozamiz or Dipolog. From Ozamiz there are buses that would take you to Oroquieta all the way to Plaridel. Once you’re in Plaridel, there is enough local transport that would take you to the port. It is highly advised that you get in touch with the Municipal Tourism Office to get assistance.
Facebook Page: Plaridel Tourism Office
Address: Ipil-Dipology Highway, Plaridel, 7209
Phone: 0915 851 6204
Plaridel Seaport
Plaridel, Misamis Occidental
Phone: 0946 503 8232
There are also several ways on how to go to Bawbawon if you’re from Mindanao or Visayas.
From Davao, it will take 8 hours by car or public transport. If you’re from Cagayan De Oro, it’s only 3 hours by car and ferry.
From Dumaguete, it’s about 4 hours of travel by ferry and car.
Our trip to Bawbawon Island is part of the Laag-Laag sa MisOcc2022 tour by the Provincial Tourism Office in cooperation with all the LGUs, DOT Region 10, and of course, the Philippines Tourism Promotions Board.
More Misamis Occidental Blog Posts
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- Cotta Fort: Historical & Cultural Heritage of Misamis Occidental
- Jimenez: A Heritage Treasure in Misamis Occidental
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