CAN YOU cover the Bohol island geopark in a day? Good question. Well, since I have visited the heritage churches and the museums, I made a mental note that in my next Bohol excursion, I would visit some spots that I have missed since I was a kid and over time. Ahh, sounds like it’s another portal to a parallel universe, haha!
By mapping a logical loop, starting from the northwest in Tubigon, cutting straight inland to Balilihan, and working back down to the coast by afternoon, I believe that a single day is enough to bridge the gaps in my Bohol itinerary. Or so I think. We will see if we can effortlessly test this itinerary successfully.
Morning: Tubigon mangroves and Balilihan waterfalls
The day will begin at the Macaas Mangrove boardwalk in Tubigon. Getting there early ensures cooler temperatures and a quiet walk through the complex root systems before heading inland. Although I have savored the vibe of a mangrove park, one could not really get enough of it! Besides, this is in far Tubigon, so I want to experience the sheer novelty.
From Tubigon, the route cuts directly inland toward Balilihan. Ah, Balilihan of my young life where I spent countless afternoons climbing the watchtower at the back of my grandparents’ house! I am blessed with history that way. In my childhood, everybody can just climb the hanging wooden stairs inside the watchtower to see aboveground.
In Balilihan, we will relish the waters off Kawasan falls. Unfortunately for me, Balilihan is a go-to place, and yet, I haven’t surveyed these popular falls. Beats me, huh! Because it requires no difficult trek, haha, oh boy, I am avoiding the long treks, it neatly fits into the first half of the schedule.
Afternoon: Maribojoc’s heritage to the Loay coast
Heading back toward the coast, the route leads to the Punta Cruz watchtower in Maribojoc, a well-documented, unique triangular Spanish-era stone watchtower built in 1796. I have been to this distinct edifice in 2013 – yes, before the earthquake hit Bohol – with a friend, but since I returned to my home province in 2022 up until now, I haven’t rediscovered it yet. So, I believe it’s time to do so. Timing is everything.
Just minutes down the road is the Maribojoc coral stone staircase. A sister structure of the Inang-angan stairway in Loon, Bohol, which is often called the Loon coral stone staircase, it is a sweeping, mid-19th-century architectural landmark connecting the coastal settlement of Napo to the upland town center (Moto) where the historic Nuestra Señora de la Luz parish church stands. I have seen the Maribojoc stone steps inside a moving vehicle, after we stopped and walked around the Maribojoc wharf, and I promised myself to return and truly soak in its history.
Next stop will be the Loay watchtower. I have long wanted to investigate this structure. Located in Barangay Villalimpia, my research says it is distinct primarily for its minuscule size, its unusual placement right at the water’s edge, and how it interacts with the local geography. Fascinating!
In Loay, there are two watchtowers. It was designed as a split-town defense system unique to Loay. The town was divided into Ubos (the lower coastal area where the tower stands) and Ibabaw (the upper town where the parish church is located together with another watchtower).
Standing on the shore where the local river meets the sea, it offers a point of comparison to Punta Cruz, and I am interested to see how its design really stacks up against the Maribojoc fortress.
Late afternoon: Ancestral Baclayon finish
The final stretch of this trip brings me closer toward Tagbilaran City, where the late afternoon sun makes it an enjoyable time to move indoors and explore two ancestral homes in Baclayon. I decided to visit two so I can have comparative notes of their differences and similarities. You must remember that they are heritage structures, and hence, must share related or contrasting characteristics defining that era.
This prepared itinerary will hopefully come to life in September. And by then, I could store up several materials for my succeeding articles. Classic writer mindset, haha!
***
The author owns and manages Belinda Communications Consulting. You can reach us via email at belca.87@gmail.com. Engage with us on X @ShilohRuthie./PN
