Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Sandbar Compass

There are four points of the compass. In Bohol's compass of sandbars there are two: North Sandbar and South Sandbar. Although officially part of Bohol, these sandbars are also accessible from Mactan Island.

North Sandbar or Bongan Sandbar is part of the municipality of Talibon. It is 2.5 hours by boat from Punta Engaño in Mactan or 3 hours from Cordova in Mactan. When the tide is high and the long stretch of white sand is submerged, you know you've come to the right place when you see the lonely concrete watchtower sprouting from the sea.

North Sandbar or Bongan Sandbar

The other end of North/Bongan Sandbar. The watchtower is off to the side (not in photo).

South Sandbar or Mundong Sandbar is part of the municipality of Tubigon. It is 1.5 hours by boat from Punta Engaño in Mactan, or an hour from Cordova in Mactan. When the tide is high, the only clue to this little patch of sandy paradise is when you see a strip of turquoise in the vast deep dark blue canvas of the sea.

During high tide, South/Mundong Sandbar becomes a shallow pool (chest height water), but those who don't know how to swim must be careful to not go over the edges as it plunges into the deep quick. The current could also be strong as the tide comes in.

South Sandbar or Mundong Sandbar

At high tide

Crystal Clear

It is best to start off the journey toward these sandbars early in the morning when the sea is calm, and head back to the mainland early in the afternoon. The sea could get restless late in the afternoon.


How to transport yourself from Mactan Isalnd to either of the sandbars:
Rent a pumpboat at any of the ports in Mactan: Cordova Wharf, Maribago Wharf, or Punta Engaño Port (beside Mövenpick Hotel). These sandbars are not included in the usual island hopping destinations offered in Mactan, so prices may vary between boat operators. Unleash your haggling powers!


I surmise the name North and South may have originated from boat operators in Mactan
because it looks like the basis for its direction is Mactan, not Bohol.

16 comments:

  1. Waaaaaah! Kanindot tan`awn especially sa last pic!! Mejo dugai2 lng jd ang byahe huhuh.

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    Replies
    1. Tulog nalang while on the boat para inig mata, abot na :D

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    2. Hahah that's the problem. kai dili nako makatulog sa byahe... not while my daughter is awake. XD

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  2. Wow! Great article.
    I haven't heard of this interesting fact.
    I'll try to visit the North sand bar if the weather permits.


    www.truebluecebuano.wordpress.com

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    Replies
    1. Hi True Blue Cebuano. Glad you found your way here and I hope you find your way to the sandbars soon!

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  3. you're making me miss cebu... bad!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jewey! Diba daghan man nindot na beach sa Australia? Naa pay pakapin shark hehehe just kidding

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  4. Hi the last sandbar is not Bagonbanwa as it is a separate island nearby. Its real name is Mundong Sandbar

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    Replies
    1. Hi Michael. Thanks for the information. I have updated the post :)

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    2. You can also access Mundong via Tubigon, esp if you are coming from Bohol. Much nearer at 30 mins :) check out Sea Drake Island Cruises

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  5. Hi. Ask ko lang how much expenses per pax sa island hopping? Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Hi! Although there are many island hopping operators in Mactan, I have only tried Fun and Sun, Island Banca Cruises, and Sunrise Island Hopping. Sunrise Island Hopping though is based in Cordova. Please contact these operators to ask for a quote. Links for these operators can be found here: http://mustachioventures.blogspot.com/2016/06/mactan-island-hopping.html

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