Saturday, August 24, 2013

BALAY SA AGTA - BUGASOK FALLS + MAHAYAHAY BEACH



I have explored the caves in Palawan, Camotes, Bohol and some parts of the province but I must say, Balay sa Agta was the most interesting one. Not only because it is considered as one of the biggest in Cebu but also because locals believe that a mythical creature inhabits the cave. Whether or not the latter is true makes it more interesting.

Located in Brgy. Conalum, Argao , the cave is popular to most adventure seekers and since I did not want to be left behind, I decided to go there yesterday. I was with Erl, Marj, Norman, Dess, Mckoy, Keith, Zen, Bela, Gerly, Shem, Zizi and Dorms.


HOW TO GET THERE:

Head to South Bus Terminal and take a bus leading to Alcoy, Lilo-an or Oslob. Just tell the driver beforehand to drop you off in Big Brother Home Depot and for sure, nothing else can go wrong.

Before the trip starts, the guides usually recommend that the participants attend a brief orientation for five to ten minutes to prep things up.

Motorcyles for hire (a.k.a. habal-habal) are available so they can take you to Usmad which is usually the starting point but since the sullen sky yesterday was a bit concerning, our guide suggested we head to the cave right away.

The trail towards the cave can be really dangerous so you have to listen to your guides and follow their leads. I was told that there were already a couple of people who tripped off and died and I am certain nobody wants to add up on the list.

heading to the cave was not a walk in the park for sure

just one of the scenic views before reaching the cave

Finally, the mouth of the cave

looks like the entire gang had fun



Of course, I had my moment too. 

new cast of survivor??



SIDE TRIP

After exploring Balay sa Agta, we decided to have our lunch and went to Bugasok falls afterwards. It rained a few days before we went there so the water was not as clear as we thought it would be so instead of swimming, we decided to cross the river instead to check a better view of the falls. That for me, was a fun part since Zen had to get my right foot out for it got stuck between two huge rocks.

Just a short ride from Nature’s park, you can also visit Mahayahay beach. The price of the cottages is between 200 - 350


EXPENSES

Bus Fare – PhP 65 – Php 80 (This depends on the liner you take)
Guide Fee - PhP500 for every 4 persons
Habal2x (Round Trip) – PhP 130 – PhP 160 (This usually depends on the weather)
Municipal Fee – PhP 20

Note:  You will have to shoulder the Habal2x fare and the food /snacks for your guides too; but it’s always better to travel with a group so you can share the expenses. For a group of 13, Php 500 should be more than enough for the entire day’s trip.



IMPORTANT REMINDERS

v     Travel light since the unforgiving roads can be burdensome.
v     It’s always best to contact your guides ahead of time. See the contacts below
Look for Brian - 09323270067
Landline # - 032-4858063