Katunggan Mangrove Park

After breakfast at Paguia Cottages, we checked out and boarded our multicab for the 24.8-km. (40-min.) drive to Katunggan Mangrove Park.

L-R: the author, Grace, Jandy, Gelyn, Lorraine and Lourdes

It has a series of wooden boardwalks, suspended on stilts over the wetlands, that zigzag through the mangroves, leading to picnic huts (available to rent from pHP150 to 500 for a three-hour period) perched over the crystal-clear ocean. These huts also serve as great spots for jumping into the water.

Black mangroves (Avicennia germinans)

The myriad of roots of the black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) that reach up through the dense substrate of the high tidal pools. It differs from the red mangroves in that its roots, called pneumatophores, extend out horizontally, under the waterlogged sedimentary soil, and then vertically up towards the surface.

The wooden and bamboo boardwalk

When the tide is low, these roots can supply air to the underground root system, an adaptation that allows it to live in a habitat that the red mangrove can’t.

Pneumatophores

Popular among local families, the park has one entrance, and it is the only way to access its boardwalk and huts.

Picnic huts with access to the sea via wooden ladders

Typically busiest on weekends, the ideal time to visit the park for swimming is during high tide.  Aside from swimming, other activities you can do here are stand up paddle boarding and kayaking.

The park’s restaurant

Katunggan Mangrove Park: Brgy. Benoni, Mahinog, Camiguin. Open daily, 6 AM to 6 PM.  Admission: Php50/pax (Php30 for Mahinog residents).