MANGROVE FOREST OF LOBO: "Wondering Walk through the Boardwalk of Lagadlarin"

THE BOARDWALK OF LAGADLARIN'S MANGROVE FOREST

MANGROVE FOREST OF LOBO

"Wondering Walk through the Boardwalk of Lagadlarin"

By: Ramon Q. Gayas Jr. (Ser Montaineer)

NOTE FROM THE BLOGGER: As we presently celebrates the Month of the Ocean, I dedicate this write up for wildlife's habitat that is very relevant to the sea, the Mangrove Forest. I wholeheartedly support that responsible use of mangrove forest in ecotourism is a great way to appreciate, nurture and preserve our beach forest, towards protecting the coastline and marine biodiversity, and strengthening our resilience to climate change.

OVERVIEW                                        

MANGROVE SWAMP

One cool stuff from the variety of adventures can be done once you set foot in the town of Lobo, Batangas is the trek through the “Boardwalk” of Brgy. Lagadlarin's Mangrove Forest. Formerly threatened with devastation, but folks are now eager to preserve this valuable wildlife's habitat as an Ecotourism site. A must visit attraction in Lobo which offers pleasant and enjoyable scenery. Just 20 minutes ride from the town proper and an easy 45 minutes to 1 hour boardwalk trekking, visitor enables for close-up mangrove forest experience.

TAKEN FROM OPEN TREE HOUSE

The trek through the boardwalk initially passing some Mangrove Palm trees (nipa fruticans), which eventually heading deeper to a wide bunch of Mangrove trees. You can glimpse to the "Mangrove Swamp" while passing - much closer from the bamboo bridge placed across - and might think for short, yet very potential "paddleboat tour". While climbing the man-made open "tree house" may give refreshment and makes you feels the ambiance atop the mangrove forest. Don't worry for the weariness, as there are established rest stop point in the area and a lot of photogenic spots ahead where you can stop by. More importantly, enjoy the surreal feelings from nature's sounds and being with it. All these are good for daylight tour and could be an extension of longer Lobo Batangas trip. Highly recommended!

ONE OF THE SEVERAL REST STOP POINT

OVERLAPPING BRANCHES OF MANGROVE TREE

PHOTO OPP SPOT AT THE END OF BOARDWALK

GROUP PICTURE ATOP THE OPEN TREE HOUSE COURTESY OF MS. RHONA

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Destination’s Profile	Major Jump-off: Brgy. Lagadlarin, Lobo, Batangas Possible Duration: 1 to 2 hours Daylight tour Features: Mangrove Forest, Swamp, Man-made Boardwalk, Open Tree House Possible Activities: Boardwalk Trekking, Photo Opp, Potential for Paddleboat tour and Wildlife observation
Transportation (As of May 06, 2017)	For commuters: P157 - BUS - Manila to Batangas Grand Terminal Terminal (BCGT) P20 – 2 JEEP - BCGT to Lobo Jeepney Terminal P55 – JEEP – Lobo Jeepney Terminal to Lobo Poblacion P60 – TRICYCLE – Poblacion to Lagadlarins Mangrove Forest Last trip of Jeep from Lobo: 1700 Last trip of Bus from BCGT: 2000                  For private transportation: Head out your trip to Batangas City Diversion Road via SLEX Star toll-way, take the road heading to Lobo Batangas. Afterwards, detour the ride to Brgy. Lagadlarin. Ask the local folk about parking area. Approximately 3.5 hours travel time from Buendia, Taft Avenue. For tricycle and jeepney service from Lobo, Poblacion to Brgy. Lagadlarin: You may contact Romel Casilihan at 09077722052
Contacts and Coordination	Lobo Tourism Office: 09954960103 For Eco-tour you may contact Prof. Caringal at 09369365887
Registration and fees	Register at Pasalubong Center Lobo Poblacion and pay P20 Environmental users fee
Guide fee / Guide assistance	Not required
Water source	Available at the Jump-off community
Trekking notes and Precautions	Trend status – Presently gaining popularity, as of May 06, 2017 Prerequisite – Having knowledge about Mangrove ecosystem is an advantage Daylight tour – Recommended Night trekking – N/A Cell phone signal – Sporadic in the entire boardwalk Amount of water to bring – 1L for daylight tour Sun exposure – In the afternoon, adjust your Itinerary Wildlife encounter – Mostly birds and swamps’ small fishes
Campsite / Camping notes	N/A
Side Trip and Facilities	Beach at Lagadlarin Shower area – At the Jump-off community Sari-sari store  – At the Jump-off community
Estimated Budget	P600 (mangrove forest daylight tour for commuter)

SAMPLE ESTIMATED BUDGET COMPUTATION

(Mangrove Forest daylight tour for commuters from Manila, Make adjustment depends on your preference)

Number of participants	4 persons
Duration	Daylight tour
Transportation	P314 - BUS - Manila to Batangas City Grand Terminal (back and forth) P150 – 3 JEEPNEY RIDES – Batangas City Grand Terminal to Lobo Poblacion (back and forth) P30 per person – Tricycle service from Lobo, Poblacion to Brgy. Lagadlarin (back and forth)
Guide fee	N/A
Registration fee	P20
TOTAL	P600 (w/ P106 contingency fund)

SAMPLE ITINERARY

(Mangrove Forest daylight tour for commuters from Manila. Make adjustment depends on your preference)

0400 ETD Buendia Taft to Batangas City Grand Terminal

0530 ETA Batangas City Grand Terminal

0600 Take jeepney to Don Ramos

0615 ETA Don Ramos, take jeepney to Lobo Jeep Terminal

0630 ETA Lobo Jeep Terminal, take jeepney to Lobo Poblacion

0730 ETA Lobo Poblacion, Register at Pasalubong center, Breakfast

0800 Take tricycle to Lagadlarin Mangrove Forest

0820 ETA Lagadlarin Mangrove Forest, explore and take photo

1000 Optional side trip to Lagadlarin Beach, then headback to manila