Bohol’s Last Frontier: Bien Unido’s underwater grotto

Bohol province has  other things going for it as a tourist destination, aside from its white-sand beaches, the Loboc River cruise, historic churches  and tranquil atmosphere.

The town of Bien Unido has an underwater grotto and nature attractions.

Bien Unido Mayor Nino Boniel  said the town is accessible and good for budget-conscious tourists.

Boniel was a guest of the 888 News Forum at the Marco Polo Plaza on Tuesday to promote his municipality.

A Star Craft fastcraft has daily trips to Bien Unido with boat  fare of  P200 to P280.

The  Bohol Yacht Club at the town’s Port San Pedro offers accommodations with 30 bedrooms, function rooms, bars and an infinity pool in a 3,000-square-meter facility.

Bien Unido, which is known as “Bohol’s Last Frontier.”  is part of the Danajon Bank, a  double-barrier reef that is one of six in the world.

An added attraction is the underwater grotto.

In 2010, the town   installed  14-foot statues of the Virgin Mary and Señor Sto. Nino 60 feet underwater in  the reef to remind illegal fishermen that God created the seas and to  discourage destructive fishing.

The mayor said the grotto was the first in the Philippines, a reminder for us to take good care of our environment for the future generations.

Bien Unido is also known as the seaweed capital in the country.

Under a  “Lakbay Aral” package, visitors can learn how seaweeds are planted, harvested and processed in the town’s plant.

Tourists can also go and island hopping  and diving.

“The Bien Unido Island Tour Experience allows you to explore the several fine beaches in the coastlines of the different island barangays,” Boniel said.

Bien Unido has a population of 22,000 in its 15 barangays, eight of which are island barangays.

Bobby Joseph, National Association of Independent Travel Agencies in the Philippines chairman emeritus, lauded the efforts of the Bien Unido government officials.

Joseph said that it’s important for stakeholders such as the local government, barangays and its people to take part in promoting and sustaining  local  tourist spots. /UP masscom Intern Caryl Baylon