Loon, Bohol - Outstanding Scenery and Other Natural Attractions

Outstanding Scenery and Other Natural Attractions

Cabilao Island. This island prides itself of having one of the most beautiful dive sites in the Philippines where about 200 sightseers, mostly divers, arrive everyday during peak days of the summer months. Tourists avail of the amenities of at least three beach resorts and three dive shops. The hammerhead, its main attraction along with the coral gardens that form a wall below the tidal flat, has been complemented by the pygmy seahorse, a species endemic to Indonesia but first sighted in the Philippines in Cabilao.

Cabilao Island Lake. Bohol’s only natural lake is found in the middle of the small island of Cabilao. Frequented by migratory birds, enclosed body of water is fringed with trees below slopes of solid rock on whose surfaces are embedded several fossils of marine organisms. Viewing decks have been constructed by an association of local fisherfolk.

Green Footprint Lagoon. A recent discovery, this smaller lake in Looc, locally known as "imbawan", also on Cabilao Island is shaped like a giant's footprint and a habitat of the "latu" seaweed (Caulerpa sp.) and an unidentified red shrimp species.

Cabacongan Fish Sanctuary. This protected area, that is also found on Cabilao Island, is a favorite learning site for fisherfolk associations of Bohol and other provinces. Aside from the rich marine fauna, it offers a majestic view of mainland Bohol across the Sawang Pass, an important navigation channel for boats and catamarans plying the Cebu-Tagbilaran route.

White Beaches and Sand Bars. Strips of white sand abound in Loon. The more frequented beaches are found in Napo, Basdacu, Basdio (Rock Island Cove), Mocpoc, Pantudlan, Looc and Cambaquiz. In Pantudlan, wave motion created by strong winds gradually transfers the sand bar on one side of Baluarte Point to the other.

Mangrove Gardens. Sandingan, Loon’s other island, can be reached through a man–made causeway that runs through a breathtaking panorama of mangroves on the Tajang Pass which offers an alternative site for boating and swimming as there are at least two picnic huts owned and rented out by nearby Calayugan Norte. In Canigaan, also on Sandingan, a leisure islet for picnic groups has been established by the community beside awe–inspiring mangrove gardens. From the seaside corner of Sandingan High School a visitor to the island also gets a beautiful view of the mangroves and the lofty mountains of Loon. In the other coastal barangays, the mangrove forests also offer livelihood opportunities for the local residents. In September 2005 in Napo, an area where exceedingly tall mangrove species grow on white sand became a location for the ABS-CBN television series "Panday". It is worth knowing that the mangrove areas of Cantumocad and Pondol are inhabited by monkeys.

Caves. Loon is a spelunker’s paradise. Caves of karst origin are found in both highway and island barangays. Recently reported are more than 30 caves in Cantam-is Baslay alone.

Mount Canmanoc. This prominent geological landmark of Loon is a potential tourist destination as it offers a commanding view of the sea, town center and neighboring mountains. On its slopes grow native trees, including the endangered molave, on whose branches birds of different species feed on its fruits and build their nests.

Mount Tan-awan. A visitor to this highest point of Loon gets to see Bohol at all angles as well as nearby Cebu. Most of the major telecommunication companies have installed their transmission towers and cellular sites here.

Moalong River and Antaeg Spring & Lagoon. The sylvan banks of this meandering body of water serve as home to myriad birds and monkeys. Upstream, the river reveals some aspects of the Loonanon culture and showcases how the local government unit was able to tap the abundant water resource for household consumption. Visitors can indulge in the soothing coolness of spring water cascading between rocks and boulders or trapped in lagoons. Some private groups have already visited Moalong and were amazed to see such a pristine environment in this secluded part of Bohol. Student organizations, too, have expressed interest in conducting ecology cruises on the turquoise river and have requested the office of the mayor for tour-guiding assistance.

Waterfalls and Springs. Local sightseers enjoy the hidden Piong Falls located between Cantaongon and Canmaag. In some upland barangays, water flows from springs that have encouraged the local folks to develop their own bathing and washing areas. Recently discovered are quite a number of majestic waterfalls that flow into the open sea though the Moalong River. One of these is Nagtuang's Kabantian Falls that seems like a water stairway as it drops six times before reaching a lagoon.

Danicop Hidden Valley and Springs. Accessible from the national highway in Basac, this sylvan paradise and nature spa located in Ticugan is cleverly protected by trees growing on cliffs and mountain slopes. Its main features are the rock formations on cliffs, the onrushing waters the locals call "Lungkajab", and springs that flow from the mountainside.

Hanging Gardens. On the shorelines of Napo and Lintuan endemic plants and natural bonsais grow on rocky overhangs that also protect picnickers and shell gleaners from the heat of the sun or a heavy rain.

Endemic Animals. In addition to the hammerhead shark, pygmy seahorse, monkeys and exotic birds mentioned earlier, other animals like the “mamag” (tarsier), “kagwang” (a lemur-like species), “tinggawong” (bearcat) and “tambaloslos” (although believed to be legendary) have been sighted in Loon.