Two weeks ago, my cousin Onyot raved about his trip to Aloguinsan. He said that they went to this really nice beach that’s secluded and just really pretty. Since I’ve been to Aloguinsan’s Hidden Beach at least four times, I told him that I knew exactly where they went. When he showed me their photos, however, I realized that he was actually talking about a different beach. This one was called Hermit’s Cove.
You’ve probably guessed what I did next. 🙂
The next day, I decided to travel to Aloguinsan to look for this Hermit’s Cove. I decided to take my mom with me since I needed a financier (as I’m currently jobless.) You know, just in case. Haha.
We left the city at around 7 am and by 9 we were already in Aloguinsan. Just a few hundred meters from the church, you will see the road-side sign below. When you see this sign, drive straight (turning left will take you to Barili.) The drive should be from 5 to 8 kilometers from this sign.
Now, take note of this structure. This is what locals call the ‘Coop.’ This is supposedly the local cooperative store but I didn’t see anything inside when we passed. So, I’m guessing it’s no longer being used. Anyways, when you see this, be sure to (turn right) take the road right next to it. The opposite road will take you to Barili.
Now the drive to Hermit’s Cove is a bit tricky and actually scary. So be very careful. The road is littered with loose gravel and pebbles. If you’re driving a motorbike, please take extra caution.
This part is the scariest since it’s a corniche (road along a cliff). Plus it’s pretty dangerous because of all the gravel. But it’s manageable even if you’re a beginner if you really slow down.
At the very end of the road, you will see the welcome sign and this small hut. Plus the very wonderful view, of course.
Here’s my mom. And she had to pose. Haha.
The space for parking was practically empty. So we were free to park anywhere. Anyway, the park space is big enough to accommodate around 10+ cars.
First look at the beach below.
View of the Tañon Strait and the island of Negros.
After paying Php50 pesos each, it was time to check out the beach.
By the way, entrance fee is Php50. If you’re a big group and you’re staying overnight, entrance fee is Php100. You take care of your own tent. The extra fee goes to the guards who will be watching over your group. You may also ask the locals to prepare food for you for a fee.
If you’re a really small group and you wish to stay until the next morning, fee could be from Php150 to Php200 each.
First look at the full beach. Beautiful! I can’t believe this hidden beauty is only two hours from the city.
A beach that’s quiet, secluded, and beautiful. Just what you need after a long, tiring week.
The staircase to the beach looks pretty impressive, too!
According to the locals, before this path was cleared, trekkers had to take a small footpath at the back of the hill to reach the beach. Thankfully, the locals started an organization that eventually led to the development of the area.
A row of open cottages can be found just below the cliff. Entrance fee actually already includes use of table and chairs. If you arrive really early, you can pick the best spot and barricade it. Haha.
The cove has a separate area for grilling and cooking. Which is awesome because bbq smoke can be quite annoying at times.
This dog is dreaming of ice cream, I bet.
Less than an hour after we arrived, it started to rain really hard. This family from a nearby barangay arrived by boat just when it started raining.
I was kinda worried that it wouldn’t stop raining and I couldn’t take more photos. Luckily, it stopped around 30 minutes later. Excellent!
This tiny house sells drinks, snacks, and all basic stuff the local neighborhood needs. I was told this was the only store in the area.
After the downpour, it’s now time to go swimming!
If you prefer to swim in the shade, this part is perfect for you.
This spot is perfect for young kids, too. Building sandcastles in the shade? Why not?
Enjoying the sun. Aloguinsan is beautiful!
If you’re looking for must-visit tourist spots in Cebu, the Hermit’s Cove should be near the top of your list!
Hermit’s Cove
Barangay Kantabogon, Aloguinsan, Cebu
Kantabogon Eco-Tourism Association (KEA) – 09235042066
Aloguinsan Municipal Tourism Office – 4699312
nonella.villegas@aloguinsan.gov.ph
www.aloguinsan.gov.ph
Expenses:
Bus – Cebu to Toledo – Php80
Jeep – Toledo to Aloguinsan – Php30-40
Habal-Habal – Aloguinsan proper to Kantabogon – Php40-50
Entrance + Open Cottage – Php50/head
Entrance + Open Cottage + Overnight – Php100-200/head
Nice, pero akoy gi sayangan sa lugar. We first came here around 2013. The place is really beautiful without the staircase (nice kaau ang cliff). The beach is really secluded and acts as a waypoint only sa mag snorkeling sa Hermit’s Cove marine sanctuary. Wala gyud tawo, and the only way to reach here is through that steep footpath or from the sea.
But, well, ani man gyud ni basta tourism. The only thing that keeps it from massive encroachment is its relatively difficult access from the highway.
I like the staircase that leads to the beach. The place looks like a real gem. I wish I can visit before it gets too popular.
Nice na kaayo.. As I remember sa una way back 2008 dili pa na ma access lugara pina agi sa sakyanan or by foot.. Need pa mag hire og pumpboat.. karon idol na kaayo nga lugar… if you want to see the old view pls check Aloguinsan na page sa Wikipedia.. akong picture ang gigamit sa ila page. Ako gaupload sa una while I was doing part time job in Aloguinsan.
taas ba ang beach ani kay gusto na ko mag hiking?
Wow!!! new paradise in Cebu
Hi, the place is so nice.we are planning to go there this weekend.I have a few questions.. makasugba? naay cr? safe ra mag overnight? thnaks
how beautiful the place is! thanks ley.
wish i could visit this hidden paradise this year…. thank you for posting… God bless…
Hello po! Ask lang po kame if yung daan papunta sa beach pwede ba daanan ng car?
Tas kung di talaga pwede may safe place po ba dun for parking? Tnx po sana may reply
Any resort where we could check in near hermit?
as far as I know, there are no resorts near hermit’s. please check with the LGU.
Very bad road… the entrance is expensive, me and my boyfriend pay 100pesos each not only that the habal.habal driver charge us 100pesos each going to that beach.. its like a 2hrs. travel of bus from cebu city to alogouinsan market, which we only pay for 70pesos bus fare…i never gonna come back again thier.. it is better going to malapascua or in daan bantayan… too much charges they taking from the tourist… it’s no fun and enjoyment at all.. same old beaches.
I had a BAD EXPERIENCE @HERMITS COVE , we travel a long way to reach d beach, no problem how hard d road is upon going to d beach , 100 entrans fee is ok coz according to them free cottage is available, but sad to we arrivd 7am but no available cottage their are vacant but reservd how come they wil ntertain reservation ? it is a free cottage, it should be FIRST COME FIRST SERV POLICY.
I had a BAD EXPERIENCE @HERMITS COVE , we travel a long way to reach d beach, no problem how hard d road is upon going to d beach , 100 entrans fee is ok coz according to them free cottage is available, but sad to we arrivd 7am but no available cottage their are vacant but reservd how come they wil ntertain reservation ? it is a free cottage, it should be FIRST COME FIRST SERV POLICY.