Great Escapes in Pinamungajan

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu’s varied landscape is screaming with a wide number of offerings for whoever fancies an adventure. Whether one prefers to lap up the dramatic coastlines or fecund mountains situated all over, there is always something for a city dweller who wants a great escape.

If you’re the adventure dragon, escape the gleaming cityscape and head on to one of the province’s least explored corner to get the best of both worlds – adventure and R&R. Come to Pinamungajan!

 The municipality of Pinamungajan is tucked amidst a backdrop of evergreen forests, and flanked between soaring mountains and a charming shoreline in the mid-west of Cebu. Here are a few destinations worth the two-hour drive from the city:

Campalabo Islet

The beach culture hype is taken a notch higher with Brgy. Tajao’s Campalabo Islet, a sandbar. During low tide, the one-hectare pearlescent sandbar protrudes in the middle of a 15-hectare marine sanctuary, well-guarded by the local Bantay Dagat. The view is breathtaking with a sight of Mt. Kanlaon towering in the horizon, as well as the vast Tañon Strait where dolphins playfully summersault above the waves.

As the turn of tides make way for Campalabo to emerge from beneath, a few rock formations nearby, locally termed as “paril”, appear where migratory birds from Olango Island take a halt.

 During summer solstice in mid-June, the water is knee-deep while for the rest of the year, the sea level rises up to seven feet during high tides. It’s always best to swing by Campalabo during summertime, of course when the tide is low.

 Campalabo is just a 20-minute boat ride from the Brgy. Tajao wharf. You may visit the municipal office nearby to inquire about transportation which is usually taken care off by the Bantay Dagat group. The government, however, charges a boat parking fee of P100 for large outriggers while P50 for the average-sized motorized bancas.

 In 2002, according to Municipal Councilor Tonton Yapha, the Pinamungajan Marine Sanctuary was officially declared a protected area and in 2004, coral rehabilitation started. So it is yet another SCUBA mecca for certified divers for as long as they provide their own gears. Foreigners’ fee is pegged at P150 while locals have to pay P50.

 Proper attire: Whether you’re off for a quick dip or a prolonged swim, get ready with your rash guards and board shorts.

Brgy. Lamac

Of the 26 barangays in Pinamungajan, Brgy. Lamac is popular among visitors, especially those who have been to one of their caves.

Adrenaline junkies start their adventure through a leisure trek up the limestone hill, Mt. Sinangkulan. It’s an entry level uphill trail of black marmol stones leading to Kamangon Cave and Sinangkulan Falls.

 The local tourism office has professionalized the caving activity by providing experienced guides, the necessary gears such as helmets with head lights, and ropes for safety precaution. It only requires one to get in touch with the municipal office for proper coordination.

Kamangon Cave

The largest and most stunning of the 102 caves in Lamac is Kamangon Cave, from the root word “k” which is the Visayan term for crawl. And yes, you had to crawl your way into a small opening to get to the other side of the cave. There’s no other access. 

 Though I cringe at the mere thought of spelunking, I always end up throwing a dare to my self. Kamangon is definitely worth the try. It’s remarkably adorned with abundant stalactites and stalagmites sparkling like crystals, and a number of underground passageways. Once you get further, you’ll be surprised exploring nooks and crannies with different stalactites and stalagmites formations resembling animal-like figures such as that of a rooster. No wonder it’s the most visited cave in Lamac.

Kamangon is a dry cave in Mt. Sinangkulan that is home to nocturnal bats. Historically, this cave is among the many in Lamac that was an evacuation center during World War II. Entrance fee is below P100.

Sinangkulan Falls

A few more climbs from Kamangon is Sinangkulan Falls. Locals often spend their afternoon picnics by the foot of the falls, blobbing in the cold, fresh water, and swooning over the gushing waters. The huge area may serve as a camping site for outdoor enthusiasts who wish for bird-watching opportunities.

Trekking/hiking attire: A reliable hiking shoes will carry you through long walks. Put on a woven shirt, preferably one that is breathable and easily dries up to protect you from demanding weather conditions. Men should opt for convertible pants. For camping, there are lightweight windbreakers and cargo shorts designed specifically for a comfortable camping experience.

Hidden Valley Resort

For a well-deserved R&R, Brgy. Lamac’s famous landmark will take care of it – the Hidden Valley Resort, which is owned and managed by the highly-acclaimed Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative.

With an ample number of well-appointed rooms that can accommodate a large number of visitors, Hidden Valley Resort is set in the middle of lush greens of valleys and rugged terrains where R&R is highly achieved.

It’s a 30-minute ride from the town proper, approximately 14 kilometers away from Brgy. Poblacion. Their easy-on-the-budget rate is another reason to choose Hidden Valley Resort for your next holiday stop. Food cooked traditionally is relatively cheap, too. They also accept walk-ins as cottages are provided for a typical Sunday bonding.

Hidden Valley’s main come-ons are the cold spring water pools, children’s and standard-sized pools. The resort sources their water from Sinangkulan Falls.

Getting there: For private cars, one may choose from the Naga-Uling or Carcar-Barili routes. There are daily van/bus trips to Pinamungajan and Toledo (via Pinamungajan).  (THE FREEMAN)