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Maribojoc Bohol Travel Guide

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Maribojoc is a coastal town on the southwestern part of Bohol. The municipality is 14 km away from the province’s capital, Tagbilaran City, and may take at approximately 30 minutes from the capital to the town. The municipality offers a panoramic view of the neighboring island, Cebu province.

Considered a 4th class municipality, the town occupies an area of 5192 hectares which is subdivided into 22 barangays, to wit: San Roque (Aghao), Agahay, Aliguay, Anislag, Bayacabac, Bood, Busao, Cabawan, Candavid, Dipatlong, Guiwanon, Jandig, Lagtangon, Lincod, Pagnitoan, Poblacion, Punsod, Punta Cruz, San Isidro, San Vicente, Tinibgan, and Toril. According to the 2007 census, the town has a population of 18, 113.

The town's hall is located just beside the road leading to Tagbilaran City. Beside it is the town's plaza with a monument of the country's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

The town's public market is located at the back of the municipal hall.

The town was said to be named after a tree which resembles a pine tree (Agoho), whose leaves look like hairs but thicker and firmer compared to the former. The tree was abundant in the locality. The locals call it Maria Buhok (Hair) in the ancient times which, after many generations, was uttered Maribojoc. However, history claims that the original name of the municipality is said to be “Dungguan”, a word that means place of anchorage, derived from the old port located at the shore of the bay where sailors used to land and engage business with the early settlers. Basing on that, the name can be considered appropriate as the town is situated on a little bay which is fairly sheltered from strong winds.

Maribojoc was known to be a fishing village when Jesuit priests first landed in Bohol bringing the cross for the first time to the town. It was when the Jesuits left the town in 1767 that the Maribojoc parish, officially known as “Parrowquia de Santa Cruz”, was established.

By the year 1768, the Agustinian Recollect friars took over. It was on the year 1852 that the construction of the Maribojoc Church was first started. The church was erected on what was once a swampy land. The construction was said to be about 20 years of hard work until it was finished in 1872.

The convento was located at the back of the church, which is unlike other churches wherein conventos are located at the side. Thus, it offers an unobstructed view of the sea. At the back of the church is a flight of stone stairs built in 1864.

The town became a regular municipality on October 15, 1860.

The town is also famous because of its old Spanish watchtower located in barangay Punta Cruz. It was known by most as the Punta Cruz Watchtower.

Built in 1796, the tower was said to be a former look out point against invaders and marauders. A peek in the window at the top of the tower can show you the neighboring provinces, Cebu and Siquijor, and also the island of Mindanao.

At present, the tower stands as a regal monument that was able to withstand time. Beside it is the magnificent ancient cross that seems to watch over the waters of Maribojoc.

Another popular attraction of the town is the Abatan River. The river was enticingly lined with palm trees and mangroves. Those who were able to cruise the river believed that it is truly a different encounter than that of the more popular Loboc River. With its calmness and tranquility, together with its deep emerald waters, the River truly is inviting.

A new attraction of the town is the burmese python at barangay Dipatlong, Maribojoc. The snake was said to be about 38 inches in circumference. The python was kept as a pet at the backyard of the house of the owner.

The municipality has its own Maribojoc Bohol Mangrove EcoTour which was implemented by the San Vicente Mangrove Association in the year 2003. It offers a guided tour through a 500-meter bamboo boardwalk while looking at the mangroves at about 21 species. The tour guide explains the mangrove habitat and what it contributes to the ecosystem. It also offers demonstrations named as: Shell “Embao” gathering, Shrimp “Takla” gathering, Mangrove Planting, Nipa Weaving, and Coconut Climbing.

Other eco tours in the town of Maribojoc are the Night Boating Mangrove Tour and the Alimango Boardwalk Nature Tour. The Night Boating Mangrove Tour was formally launched in last 2008. It offers a home-stay and cruising mangrove during the night with fireflies flying around. The Alimango Boardwalk Nature Tour offers a boardwalk tour amidst the mangrove area of the Abatan River. These mangroves serve as a habitat of the alimango (crab). More importantly, the mangroves protect the land by serving as barrier during storms.

Fishing is considered one of the sources of livelihood as the town lies in front of the Bohol Strait. Inhabitants also developed agriculture as another source of living.

Maribojoc is blessed with a variety of landscapes surrounding it. It has mountains both for trekking and climbing. One can hear the cries of monkeys fooling around tree branches just by moving closely in the mountains.

It is a town whose people have warm smiles and honest hearts. It is a town waiting to be explored, discovered, and conquered.


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