Baobawon Beach | Plaridel, Misamis Occidental

If virgin & crowdless beaches sparkling with fine white sand are your kind of island getaway, then come to Baobawon Beach. Better come now before hordes of tourists start flocking in.

Yes beach bums, Baobawon Beach is probably one of those real beachy-goodness spots that no one tells you about. It is tucked on the fringes of Plaridel, a quiet but progressive town in Misamis Occidental.

Discovering Baobawon Beach

I used to travel a lot in the past around Misamis Occidental. But back then, all I saw from my speeding view were patches of dark sand shorelines partly hidden by thatch-roofed houses. I have to admit that I judged it too quickly, not knowing that it actually hides a postcard-perfect hideaway somewhere out there.

I long held the thought that other than being an important road link to Dakak Resort in Dapitan, there’s nothing touristic about Plaridel. Not until I got an invitation to explore Baobawon Beach. Uh-oh, Bao-bao, whuuut?

Indeed, not for long, our boat convoy started to cruise along a placid inlet towards a maze of lush mangrove forest. I always adore coastal towns that have mangroves because it tells me how much a place puts care in enriching its marine biodiversity.

Then, like magic — from lushness to vastness, the scene turned into a medley of blues & greens as we reached Iligan Bay. Truly, at that moment lunch over crispy lechon excited me more than seeing another grey-sand beach.

But as our boat sailed further & exposed the first glimpses of the island I was only told as “rustic”, I gawked at its blinding sheet of white sand. Whuuuuuuuut?!?

Seriously, I was floored to see a long ribbon of white-swathed beachline framed by tall coconuts against the azure MisOcc sky. Right there I was already pulling heartstrings —- oh boy, I’m in love!

Baobawon: Romance and Magic

True enough, barely anyone was on Baobawon Beach. Save for a few makeshift cottages, there are no resorts, no stores & halleluiah there are no pesky karaoke beltings! It’s just you & the virgin beach on a hearty date.

Its rawness is what makes this beach differently pretty. Here, you have to create your own piece of theatre. Its cleanliness is admirable. In fact, the only litters you see on the shore are driftwoods, fallen coconuts & leaves. And it is in its nothingness that fills the joy of being in a place that exudes the castaway feel.

Oh yes, lunch was awesome. There was lechon that my friend Mulan had the first massive digs. Then, there was “otap”, undoubtedly the star on our beach table. Yes and yes, move over Cebu because Plaridel’s version is comparably delicious, if not better.

After giddily snapping shots here & there, it was time to give my audience of crablets & periwinkles a one-fat-man bathing show! Baobawon Beach is a wonderland. It’s someplace where you can fire your hashtags #beachalert #gonebeachin and #wanderlust in a shameless haze.

Okay, I’m guilty. I underestimated the beautiful spots of Plaridel. But I’m making up for it because Baobawon Beach truly packs an amazing punch on the list of new holiday destinations to visit. Now it’s time to pack those bikinis folks & head to Misamis Occidental.

-oOo-

Don’t miss other exciting destinations in Misamis Occidental.
Check out the heritage town of Jimenez here

Shout to travel partners
Tourism Promotions Board
Department of Tourism – Region 10

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