**Hello! Hello dear Hivers in this very interesting community. I hope you are doing great on this lovely day.**

It was a bright sunny day when we arrived at **Bantayan Island** if you have read my previous post. As we passed by the sign that welcomed us to **Bantayan Island**, the friend was already checking up on us whether we were on our way to their house already. But due to the scorching heat, we had to stop our motorbike and rested for a while! It had been 10 years that I came to **Bantayan Island** and I was glad to be back once again! https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/48UmAHFumzJtv5mvkZQ1MGq2TCEUvTsiojifA8w1B6neHtCmZdQgquRvav1v6a81Cq.jpg Dropping by this place I found thru surfing the net called **OMAGIECA Mangrove Eco-Park** was not part of the plan yet on that day but being unfamiliar with the way to the friend's house, we asked a local for directions to **Bantayan proper**. It was, then we learned it would be difficult for us to get to our destination in time as the road was then closed in preparation for the traditional Holy Friday procession. Thinking it would be better if we'd take a detour and find one place to visit and explore instead, the **OMAGIECA Mangrove Garden** came out as the best option because of its accessibility to our location and so this is the content of today's blog! **Our Delightful Stroll around OMAGIECA Mangrove Garden/Eco-Park!** **C'mon! Let's Gooo!** https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/2449zErntDxNUit1KSqHX1epGecV3zmpXr95JczvgEGyWBkbZsLB9X4HKf2j9Y282GiT3.jpg >**OMAGIECA Mangrove Eco-Park** is located in **Oboob, Bantayan Island**. ***OMAGIECA*** stands for **Obo-ob Mangrove Garden Integrated Eco-Tourism & Conservation Association**. **Finding the Mangrove Garden** It was about 10-15 minutes from our last stop just past the boundary of the municipalities of Sta. Fe and Bantayan that we reached the **OMAGIECA Mangrove Eco-Park**. Using a Google map and taking the left turn going westward from the main road, we started our adventure finding this mangrove garden ourselves. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/48Px2Q7zt2Wh6gfAbuTRDqreivzq7B1Us3TJbX1Yn1ggXqcAtvris6rkptCq4oTvsa.png Source On the way, this array of mahogany trees stood proudly and mightily caught my attention and I was amazed at how similar their heights and sizes were giving a lovely shade to all motorists and passersby! https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23u62oWBEWpi6aVhGqpVv1m4KwhQKvDHGCFb2wsnEWszycbG8YiJQomhi8YEuZMy4LnpL.jpg Seeing a large tarpaulin conspicuous along the road, and a number of local and international tourists hovering around the area, we knew we were at the right spot! https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23xVKNKiWvjw1oR5yPo7UN5N8Aprhxv1WNJTRjUrvwN2c9fF9sHhSuC8PetZ3bUbXaCWC.jpg As we got off, the husband and the son were drawn into these stalls just across **Omagieca Mangrove Eco-Park** that sold a lot of different island souvenir items made from native materials and picked two bracelets for themselves.

https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23wX1YtZS6XRwdud1KghpPje8cXryqVVM5iT3qL1YZxnxbQUkCcHb4fQ5TYekjHyGLjsM.jpg

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------------------------------------------------------------ ### Welcome to Obo-ob Mangrove Eco-Park **The Entrance** https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23w2qS2MBzcw4D9nbKyRSmPJJWwTVySvq9fX8Uo8DVMjtx6ZTpUKKqQSzHQUkMZnLE29S.jpg After paying ₱60.00 ($1.07)per adult and ₱20.00 ($0.36) for the children, we immediately started our stroll around the place. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23tvgXbhyaicreLriQUmLriVhYxAxS4weDUoGCkQ2gJSAj2P1zCetcSJex9RT4KM7gf9Q.jpg Just past the main entrance, you can immediately see recycled plastic bottles and seashells artistically designed and used as decorations right at this spot.

https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23yTdGUQTDKQoebvzuuEfjJMHWtL1ujeRctsvDwL7YS6fTBL44zLuhGdvjS3ppwanjGch.jpg

https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23yTYxsiaLYFRnczMebGh9rTXHRDGcwWbteVKVFU65jpGxdewSZSsFhe2Vy4fCZfL3FfH.jpg

In order to get around the Mangrove Garden, you can take the Boardwalk and enjoy the scenic view along the way. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/2423xA5oxTKyrDTUsrf4bdCPu1v1vL4FQPq3q9J2tV6ouKWoGsMsPRZ8rxQfekJCvZtr2.jpg Starting our walk, many other local tourists came ahead of us and took photo opportunities at this very large signage that tells **"I AM OMAGIECA"**. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23wqpX5oobRQHqkY3CqY6yHfUXRDhEj9BrcYPosTtxfuWUzZLGwh5FQGSCgqj7CoH8YFR.jpg On the way, I was amazed and impressed at how environment-friendly the place was! The place was very clean and you can't see plastic trash around. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/241tX43NL3zafhLJZBgiHrfmExYn3ZpzCZFeCdXN7qRZGEYBmoUqgiLMvy1EncNs7t2XV.jpg Going further, this giant sea lobster welcomes and shows you the way for the **Mangrove Tour**. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23wCDgq3ZM2iKXqS17Pe5Kxeo2Zrob7Loi796puDSNt8oNE96qnN9qVHa1pkpugQwZKKS.jpg On the right is the **OMAGIECA'S Restaurant** that's ready to cater tourists who wish to dine in and enjoy their specialty, the authentic **Imbao Soup** or **Clam Soup** as the sign in front of the resto says. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/242DGWnZxMwpqPN54MH4CGsZJJ7j3buZ2cbdW3BDhhNavCN7W4DXQTVjgaS97dYmti8xS.jpg Going further, these posters show some snap summary of the place with encouraging and witty quotes that stand silently but noticeably posted at its bamboo handrails right at the back of the giant lobster.

https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23xyX1G8qBbk5HQxj3UpzeN4iYEzdN2SwJ13utF11U4kgzYrJMKyNfGGPZV55R8jMge9A.jpg

https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23zkkUi8vUShY7ZbyfHK8QZeaxiaEbkeBKqKVU81cY7JLdZ95DrongFqo9L2CxQNZ9wKS.jpg

While you are at the place, don't spend too much time in one spot as this sign warns you not to do so. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23vsQTe3t84rnSxbP97etwYDYoZJWK5ubw4u7sjQgsLArESWiyRm5jgC1BumvAEnMhYfD.jpg _{The sign says, "Don't take too long taking pictures at this spot to give way to others who also wish to take photo snaps of the place.} You can also take a photo opportunity with these very cute sea creatures! https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/241tWiptXmW22vjZJ11CGuUyY31BBow8VjejJP2iapoCU4qf7UUniLBcpKzaM83BfzSs3.jpg Walking farther, I discovered there are three kinds of mangrove trees grown and protected in this environment-friendly paradise. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23vsNga7upGQZyp6dcAfLQ4XgqDKjwHAAF4GPZwsBqbkrnZ6egoaLpdKkrjwoxHAjPefz.jpg The **Bakhaw Lalaki** or **Male Mangrove** where ***bakhaw*** means ***mangrove*** and ***Lalaki*** means ***male***. As I asked one of the caretakers/staff in the place how to identify this species of mangrove, I learned that **Bakhaw Lalaki** has this sharp pointed elongated leaf. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23tvaDAejs18ei289YxYgagmSeSnHboHYCiaEA2ztXGdLxgot4vArkXFNRbmAAaobrXSF.jpg While the **Bakhaw Babae** (***babae*** means ***female***) has a much smaller but broader leaf. You can compare the shape and size of these mangrove leaves in the photos. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23x14sURCmsaYsfkdbmVgCFLEkG2QnJXrzNupndaJrwHM5CF7U1hHnstSdEJeD6hzp1v7.jpg The third one is the **Pagatpat** which I am most familiar with as what Cebuanos call **Mangrove** in the local dialect. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23wMW9ddJ9na1FAqU12YCjXEC1HZfCuQNjz9Wm6aCevDezE5JHbJdprkTwTbXZ9nfXHHd.jpg This is also another perfect spot for a photo snap while strolling around the area! https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23u65VnW4iqXGeMz6ZVvqTFZm9qmikYyh3cLJG2iwfcYKuLcbrBENYsm1hx2CMNx81mqJ.jpg Being popular because a Filipino movie, this sign that says, **"Camp Sawi"** is where other guests were excitedly waiting for their chance to take their photo opportunity. ***Sawi*** in the local dialect is used to describe someone who's ***a failure, unfortunate or broken-hearted*** in English as what the theme of the movie was about. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23tbw4kq72faPYGDujLdgPqkdqCVuw7i6w6fRV3tW5XDaWjxca78xYgdBreFxUm3j5iH1.jpg Of course, we won't just pass this spot without our entry too!***lol*** https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23tmFUm2oQheq1qw9ykwB97fL9e6hzVVskjer3rC7q4xmBgYozuBrKnQatUv4uVPBLned.jpg Walking along the path, the lush foliage and green surroundings were so refreshing and enlivening that you won't mind the heat of the sun.

https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23vsNPhP7QVmBkbxUXGS8NSv1kCp7fVe3b86ME3kKAU4pPcyZtNMNrg4eVT8uRybzbVi9.jpg

https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23tvZwKsS3CZ4tgdaTxpooZVbjtrb3527dy2gJ4aai4cdmciD2Y3TCA6qEdPCRMuxuPTf.jpg

https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23zS1BWjxKsbgQReJQQtcQTZkMhTbhNngY7G6ZFZFYmiTkQarEZscwdgmzq3aJk8fG3xZ.jpg If you wish to seek shelter from the scorching heat, you can actually enjoy the shade of some nipa huts/sheds made of light materials along the way. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23w2o857iujQrrpkqyP3ihNYjjZkTiSzD5QaCHRjqzpsWGq2ZNXgBeb1adcoabxeL2zrD.jpg https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23wgMdHM4m3yUg6NMvNSoviFVSuz6XW2CSJWgt1UaendWMuUcZgu4UFN6PjjWp7avjPxd.jpg Posted at one of these nipa huts, you can see how big the portion of the **Municipal Waters of Bantayan** that reached about 116.5 hectares in the Southern Part of Oboob declared as **Marine Protected Area** according to the Municipal Ordinance. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23yJSuZWtD32qg8zWT7aDfSAxWk526VRonx2fXofwL31bzseBc9Xmvk2HrhzebnLbHxHP.jpg It was in this spot I saw for myself a lot of species of fishes swimming freely like sea horses and other kinds I can't recognize.

https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23yJJuEsG7EKiJ2MY83fN5sNehkT5jcqNwrFSDpyx5p1uJ5rdyX7wepMtJW8pscBVhANk.jpg

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**Fish Feeding Area** **Did you see the sea horses?** There were a lot of them there! https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23tHNVT935GUW1ygqmw95E8eXxryVsPJou8vrZ3ZmQD2NKV2tXYUwVfrGiRVM868GR3r5.jpg While walking, I came to realize how we, humans, can be the best instrument to take care and protect our environment for it to take care of us back. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/242DDzq3U5EFUhfhmqyRKFpKVsNovVs9r7jpJ6DGxP4Hm3EhXBhkijoW9UmLrvxFBbBcY.jpg Schools of small fishes happily swimming can be seen in this area while walking along this path. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23wC9oG7XLnxKwk6jGsfrtpBNH9rLbc2HzXjbFytBTsoyZAhYgVCqae5GwFTh87LqKZdD.jpg

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Reaching halfway before taking the left turn back, this very lovely spot with the sign that says, ***Camp Wagi*** is truly picture perfect. It's like the finish line of a race around the mangrove garden as ***"Wagi"*** means ***victory*** or ***success*** in English! https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/2432FcPH474zexUSB9tjNNvwCnfAn9AXKBRx2PJ4dPWm5wErBe5FAQWCBAMkjMX2qQyRn.jpg Just next to it is another memorable photo opportunity you can take while enjoying your walk around the place! https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/242DTBoHyjtkbKRZPTj3GuotCcSg5K6KNAXGRgmA72BYriw4zjuBA6Hgn2uPsd5b8atFA.jpg The mangroves grow healthily at the area which is a sign how the local government gives value and significance to the mangrove ecosystem.

https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/242rnWX28onfqQsJkKmFE7WkvfLsFgXovXidAxFYD3TS3VQMGWV5RUCw91ELoCAgaaPpa.jpg

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Going back to the main entrance, you can pass by this artistically designed arch that tells you're entering the **Mangrove Tunnel** with these especially designed round balls hanging along the path. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23tvgqNDSPc3ybpMWEuAH8MTN1n3QGvyCHSuDKV2Uo2jaBr4HVAYxAs9jCUwR9mtEimT9.jpg I'm not quite sure, though, if these balls light at night and are hanged there for this purpose or they're just there for decorations. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23wMYT5ZJhJqGjfPkGCwjFTfxuzKYLp7B3DbDTtibFnAf24pRLTMw2mCRK8fjXtrG1ZiY.jpg This is another arch you can pass by when you stroll around the place with a line that says, **"Travel is Life"**! https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23vsJNtBkEgZcmrF7DHAyByCtZWSvTw81yqK3hjR739uJcPW3inQaswanmm5ZUmV9kB4R.jpg Going a little further, you will reach the path towards the **"I AM OMAGIECA"** signage which means you are now back at where you started. https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/244obEtP1pBZiuWUx9exGwy9zPWeFzfsYebYNHxPWg171sJyw61YbwVxsJvRoMqxifMGX.jpg https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/missjoycee/23zkndXomvnNmkzbvZrdkjWhAmZr8rYQdm1yhH3MaZW7rXZmSKXyWFA6b5oeGjY7pwiRY.jpg That was not only a delightful stroll enjoying the scenic and magnificent view of the mangrove forest and the marine life but actually, an informative walk around the **OMAGIECA Mangrove Garden/Eco-Park** learning about the **Mangrove Ecosystem** and its effects on the environment. ------------------------------------------------------------ If you wish to see the beauty of **OMAGIECA Mangrove Eco-Park**, come and visit this Mangrove Garden in Bantayan Island, yourself! **How To Get There** 1. **By bus/ferry**- From the North Bus Terminal in SM City, Cebu, take the bus bound to Hagnaya Port, San Remigio, Cebu for about 4 hours travel. From the port, take a ferry to Sta. Fe port and from there, you may take a Taxicab (*as how the locals call the three-wheeled vehicle commonly used as public transportation*) to **OMAGIECA** just about 15-20 minutes from the port. If you reach the signage that welcomes you to the **Municipality of Bantayan**, take a left turn westward or the next corner. Either of these roads will bring you to your destination. 2. **By car/motorbike**- Navigate Waze or Google map to get to Hagnaya Port, then to Sta. Fe port and to **OMAGIECA Mangrove Garden/Eco-Park**. Or you can just rent a motorbike available in **Sta. Fe** and drive to your target destination at ₱300.00 or $5.33 for 24 hours. (*as told by the friend who lives in Bantayan*) **Some Tips:** 1. Visit the place in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the extreme heat of the sun especially during summer. 2. Bring a bottle of water to hydrate yourself while enjoying your walk around the mangrove garden. 3. Wear a hat or cap when you go there as the path may be too hot when you pass. 4. Leave no trashes as the place is so clean and environment-friendly. 5. Enjoy your walk and take a lot of pictures for keeps. **This is all for today dear Hivers! Thank you so much for reaching this far. See you again in my upcoming blogs about our Bantayan Island adventure. Until then....**🤗 >**Lead image edited thru Canva. All photos are mine unless stated otherwise.**

[//]:# (!pinmapple 11.15106 lat 123.75032 long d3scr)

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