“Mangrove” or “Bakhaw” in Filipino is one of the unique species of trees that grows in the tropical region across the globe and The Philippines is known to be one of the natural habitat of this incredible genus. As of 2014, the country is on the list of the Top 20 Mangrove Habitat Nations with 2,064.24 km2 or 206,424 hectares Mangrove Forests and the 220 hectares of that can be found in the Visayas particularly in Kalibo, Aklan.

The Bakhawan Eco-Park in Barangay New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan was founded in 1990 with the unity of the community which transformed mudflats into a mangrove forest. This is all efforts made by the Municipality of Kalibo, Uswag Foundation, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the People’s Organization or the Kalibo Save the Mangrove Association (KASAMA).
This site was fostered in order to prevent flood and storm surges across the community which is near around the coastal areas. To date, Bakhawan Eco-Park in Kalibo is known to be the most successful mangrove reforestation project in the Philippines which already received tons of local and international awards and also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the province.

The park is a 1.0 kilometre trail which is made of bamboo that takes the tourists into the mangrove forest. So, all in all, you’ll be touring around in this majestic mangrove forests for 2 kilometres (back and forth) and this is one of the best eco-walks I have so far aside from my experience in my own native place in Roxas City, Capiz. This is a must-visit Eco-Tourism which is home of different species of mangrove trees which also serves as the sanctuary or haven for various varieties of birds and marine species such as crabs, fish, shells and the famous “tamilok” or shipworm in English known to be the exotic food which can be found on wood or logs immersed in the sea water.

HOW TO GET THERE?

This place was actually listed in my itinerary as one of the places to visit in the Visayas region. So, after that adventure in Mararison Island in Culasi, Antique, I travelled for two and a half hours (Depart: 10:05AM – Arrived: 12:30NN) under the comfort of the Ceres bus (ordinary bus) for P110 (as of October 2017). You can also take a UV Express or van from Culasi, Antique going to Kalibo with a difference of almost P30 in the fare rates. But for sure, wherever you are, you can always reach Kalibo at glance since there are plenty of transportation mode just around the corner. 

Kalibo is highly progressive town in which there are lots of establishments offering comforts such as hotels for accommodation and or restaurants to satisfy your cravings. You can dine in at the famous Ramboy’s restaurant to taste Kalibo’s best cuisine which is truly delectable.

You can approach the tricycle driver to take you to Bakhawan Eco-Park in which they would probably charge you for P80 pesos but anyhow, you can negotiate to lower it down up to P60 pesos since it’s a special trip. But if you don’t mind, you can directly go to the terminal going to Brgy. New Buswang and wait for the tricycle to be full then that’s more economical in which you’ll be paying P10 pesos only. It will be a 10-20 minutes ride. You can also asked the driver to wait for you to take you back to the city proper from the park or you can just go directly to the terminal, just in front of the entrance of the park for the same price.

Once you arrived, you will see a humble structure that welcomes the tourists and guests. You have to register of course and pay for the entrance for P150 per person since I am not Antiklanon (local tourists) but it’s only P100 for the locals but you must present your ID. Wag manloko bes, hanggang dito ba naman? Then, you can hit the bamboo trails at 1 kilometre long trail which will take you deeper into the mangrove forest. It will be a short and healthy trail plus an instagrande place which you shouldn’t miss to be part of your experience.

In between 200 to 300 meters, there’s a small shed or a nipa hut in which you can take short rests and catch your breath and sight the spectacle richness of the mangroves all around you. Please don’t throw your trash as there is available trash bins in which you can properly disposed your garbage accordingly. You also have to experience to cross the river not with a boat but with a bridge made by a bamboo.

Just across this bridge, a few meters away, there is a fish culture for Plapla and Bangus in which you will be catching up these huge species by feeding them for P10. The eco-park is not indeed protects the community for danger of strong storm surge but also provides a means of livelihood. Almost 400 meters away from the end, you can take another rest in the garden of some sort with open-air picnic huts which you can rent as well as for those who loves to stay overnight, there’s a tent also available for rent. The place is safe and secure with comfort rooms available just anytime nature calls you in.

A few hundred meters trail and you’ll arrived in your destination. Congratulations you have made it! You have reach the 1 kilometre trail. In the end, there’s still beauty that awaits you, the long sandbar borders, the lagoon and the open sea. There are also water activities which you can enjoy such as Kayak or ride a bamboo raft to get around the lagoon or take a stand at the sandbar. Or you can simply enjoy and relax at the scenery with a fresh air from the esplanade with cottages and lounges.

There is no food or fancy restaurants available inside the eco-park except for a small sari-sari store near at the end of the trail so better make sure to take a hearty meal before going for a trail. And please be reminded to never ever drop your garbage anywhere, remember that this not just a habitat but a safe haven which provides not only safety but a source of living to the locals.