Balsa de Agua: A new picnic-on-water experience in Misamis Oriental

Grass picnics are overrated.

A new trend of picnic-on-water by riding on floating cottages has recently emerged in social media. Floating cottages are slowly getting recognized in the tourism scene and certain portions of Misamis Oriental have decided to ride its waves.

Balsa de Agua is one of the floating cottage operators in Misamis Oriental. It allows guests to get onto floating bamboo rafts that drift a couple of meters away from shore. At first glance, the raft looks like your run-of-the-mill cottage with make-shift bamboo benches and a table at the center. This cottage setup is surrounded by a panoramic view of the surrounding ocean that serves as one of its first strong points.

Upon further exploration of the raft, guests will find a type of mini-pool which actually resides inside the balsa. So as everybody enjoys the festive mood and the scenic views, some can actually do so while relaxing in the small saltwater pool. This mini pool is also perfect for groups bringing kids who don’t know how to swim yet.

The highlight of every ride, of course, are the picnic parties that every raft will be having. The bamboo rafts are spacious and strong enough to hold quite a number of people.

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It’s a unique over-the-ocean experience that doesn’t really require travelling too far from the shore and allows guests to enjoy the sceneries of the island and the sea in a different perspective.

RATES & OTHER INFORMATION

COTTAGE RATES:

• Floating Cottage: P3,000 per day, good for 20-30 persons

INCLUSIONS:

• Mini pool
• Dining Area
• Grilling Station
• Dressing Room
• Free Life Jacket
• Pump Boat Ride (back and forth)

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Corkage fee: None
• Contact number: 0967-872-3919
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BalsadeAgua/

HOW TO GET THERE?

Exact location: Brgy. Baybay, Alubijid, Misamis Oriental, Mindanao — an hour away from Cagayan de Oro City

BY BUS: Find your way to the Westbound Bus Terminal of Bulua. Take a bus that will pass by Alubijid and get off near an overpass at the center of Alubijid. From there, charter a motorcycle or habal-habal to take you to the Boardwalk Mangrove Park in Brgy. Baybay. The boardwalk is the jump off point going to Balsa de Agua.

BY CAR: Navigate with Waze or Google Maps and set your destination to “Alubijid Boardwalk” in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental. Parking space is available upon arrival.