Have Fun In Aklan, Enjoy A River Cruise

by GABRIEL M. DELFIN

Pinamuk-an River Cruise, Tinagong Dagat may be included in more fun. 

Yes, let us experience this River Cruise. Know firsthand that it is really fun to be in Aklan, our home province. River Cruise is a new experience for us Aklanons.

Yes, it is a new experience on board a boat-platform which doubles as a Floating Restaurant. A two-in-one experience, so to say.

And breath Fresh air along the way from the mangroves of the waters of New Washington, and of Batan and view to enjoy the beautiful sights along the way.

For the natives, especially for those living along the shorelines of our rivers, the view may not be new. Rather, it may be common views they see every day. But the experience of cruising, sailing and thinking of nothing but the joy of being with friends, co-workers or family members. And thinking of nothing but biting the delicious lunch prepared by the boat’s caterer. It makes one feel like “a one-day millionaire”. For one thing, it promotes family bonding.

The route of the cruise? Lagatik River, the river south of the Poblacion of New Washington. The river that connects the port of New Washington to Sibuyan Sea and the high seas, and to the rest of the country’s maritime ports. Then to Pinamuk-an River, or the Andagao Bay as it is referred to in our maps. This is also south of Pinamuk-an, an island barangay across the town of New Washington and then on to Tinagong Dagat (if it is high tide). Stop-over in Capis-pisan bakhawan islete where rest house is constructed by the College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences of the Aklan State University (formerly Aklan National College of Fisheries).

As planned, the cruise shall eventually include a voyage to and around Tinagong Dagat, the historic lake in the municipality of Batan. This lake is surrounded by barangays Tabon, Ipil, Magpag-ong, and Cabugao in Batan and Man-up, Lupit, Ambolong, and Cabugao in Altavas. The said lake is a rich fish breeding ground of the province of Aklan. The main entrance is between Barangays Ambolong and Tabon island. Another entrance is a small river between Ipil island and barangay Magpang-ong.

This tourism activity is the fruit of the vision of the local private leaders, educators as well as investors to develop tourism destinations re-enforces the theme, “It’s more fun in the Philippines”.

This initiative to provide a cruise is being undertaken by the Bataan-Dumaguit Ferries Coporation.  Engr. Jonathan Salvador, an Outstanding Aklanon Awardee, started a ship building business. He heads the said corporation. Pionerred by the Metallica Marine and Consultancy services, the company constructed Aklan’s first Roll-On, Roll Off (RORO) vessel, “M.V. Mighty Sailor”. It is the same company that constructed this cruise ship. 

The boat’s construction is of international quality and safety standards. Its platform is constructed on three joined boats. Engr. Salvador calls it a “tri-maran”, an innovation of the “katamaran” (two joined boats). One seat is on the same platform with tables for the meals of the passengers or tourists. A small kitchen is located at the stern of the boat.

Cruises are for three hours, three times a day (7:00 – 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM and 3:00-6:00 PM). Meals are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner with live music by musicians on board.

The tourists on the cruise may opt for individual or group lunch. The rates of the services desired is available upon request. For cruise only, the rate is P2,500.00 per hour with a minimum of two (2) hours. For meals, bento lunch is P350.00 per person or P400.00 per person for buffet lunch.

Besides the Capis-pisan islet, other possible short stop-overs are Fish Fattening Farms, Fish/Oyster Farms, and other areas of interest.

The Home Port of the Cruise ship is sitio Malogo, barangay Polo. This is the barangay next to and east of Poblacion, New Washington. The place is now called THE YARD, also a shipyard where ship-building is undertaken. It is accessible by road through the Kalibo-Dumaguit road. To reach travelling by car, turn right at McKinly road corner. The yard at the end of this road has a waiting area for clients with a resto bar and souvenir shop. 

The Kapihan sa Aklan of the Aklan Press Club was held at the Floating Restaurant on Saturday morning, September 22, 2012. Early January this year, Koreans staying in Aklan had their cruise-lunch at the boat. The Dinner Cruise is now popular among families and school groups, as well as professionals. They enjoy their week-end by starting with a cruise at the Lagatik river on board the cruise boat. More groups are planning to cruise and have fun, enjoy the beauty of nature and breathe fresh air! /MP