Aloguinsan's Hidden Treasure

"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going."

This place definitely live up to that quote. The seeker embarks on a journey to find what she wants and discovers, along the way, what she needs.😊

Mermaids needs its dose of salt water and here I am!! One of the many isolated places in the Queen City of the South that will truly catch your eyes, the Hermit’s Cove in Aloguinsan. It is a coastal beach just at the bottom of the western cliffs of the mountain side of the town. How cool could that be?

The shoreline at 8am on a Sunday

Before we even get to this stunning spot, on the way to this very remote place is definitely arduous. The road wasn’t paved. The ride can be scorching, shabby, and rough. We had a van so it isn't as bad as the motorbike riders. You have to be very extra careful.

There are 2 routes available

At the end of the road, you will see the parking area, the registration booth and some local information.

Before heading to the stairway to the cove, you have to pay the entrance fee of P100 and log your name to register. The fee includes free use of cottage and grills. 👍🏻

registration area

After we're all set, we're going down! 🤣

Under a bright sunlight, a picturesque blend of ivory, green, and aquamarine peeked through the cliff bush. The water was so clear that you can see the sand and rocks beneath it.

view from the top

stairs down to the cove 💋

The entrance fee already includes the cottages. Best time to go there as early notably on weekends (as it can get packed) so you can select a roomy, under the shade hut. We went there on an early Sunday, arrived at the spot around 8am so we were the 4th group to have the luxury to pick the best spot! YAY!

Filipino beach outing last a day so our most concern are the follow:

• Comfort Room

• Shower Room

• Changing Room

• Store

• Grilling Station

Luckily, the local government have provided these to the tourist to make it easy and a memorable experience.

COMFORT ROOM:

This is not for free. There is a fee of P5 in each use. Now before you flip out, please bear in mind, this is also for the benefit of the tourist. If you have noticed the public toilets here in the Philippines (no offense).. its nasty, skanky as not all are courteous enough to consider the next user. I personally like this idea. Its a win-win! We helped in providing job to the locals plus, a clean and sound moment in the loo area. 😉

Separate Rooms for W & M

SHOWER ROOM:

Same as the toilet, this is not for free either. Every bucket of water cost P5. The water source is from the top of the cliff, plus the water bill, thus explains the charges. But hey, its definitely worth it than going home with a sticky salt water hair. 😁

PS: The time we went there, the fresh water is scarce due to water source got broken. Luckily were early and knew about it right away, my group decided to get the whole barrel of water for reserve. We paid P140. Trust me, its worth it!

CHANGING ROOM:

If you want to change your outfit to your swimmies, Hermits cove makes it easier for you. They have areas where you can just change clothes for free, even after you swim/shower or before you head out to the inviting beach!

STORE:

There is no actual Sari-Sari store in the area though there are some locals who are selling food and drinks. You can also buy some ice(P2) for your drinks but it can be limited.

Prices may change:

Fresh Fruit Shake - P50

Halo-Halo - P50

1 kilo of pork - P220

1 kilo of fish - P200

Fresh Buko - P25

Fresh Coconut drink for P25

GRILLING STATION:

Beach outing wont be complete without grilled meat! And yes, you can grill for free of course. However, if you wont bother doing so, you may want locals to grill it with a fee of P75 per kilo.

Its an all in package fee. They will clean, season, cook and deliver it for you. You not only have enough time to just enjoy the moment, your helping the locals earn cash too! Awesome right? 😘 😘

FUN FACT:

SANDY or DEAD BROKEN CORALS:

Sadly the beach area doesnt have that powdery sand. Its most likely composed of dead corals and shells. But regardless, a perfect shade, a good music, the splashing wave makes it a perfect to relax.

im sleeping.. shhh... 😂

The shore is mostly compose of these.. 👌

ACTIVITIES:

Hammock - Yes, its P50. But its nothing but as relaxing chill at the beach,. Just a heads up, you will fall asleep. 😄

Rubber Boats - To those who cant swim, dont worry! They got it covered! The locals would want you to enjoy the crystal clear water and get some tan!! For P50 for the big floater and P30 for the small one.

Swimming - The sun hits the water which gives its bright to dark blue color that calls you to get in to it.

Rock Cliff- On the left side of the cove you'll see rock cliff where you can enjoy the salt water under the shade 😁

A little reminder for everyone:

Overall, the experience was great! I was able to sleep by the shore, have my drink, enjoy the splash of salt water, delighted with great company, just speechless with the charm of the ocean. The place is definitely challenging to go to but if you want a closer place from Cebu City to get away from the hustle and bustle, this can be a good place for recreation. 😄

HAVE FUN!!