DESTINATION: Bugang River - Pacific Ocean - Pandan, Philippines
Posted by: 
silverquill
N 11° 44.424 E 122° 03.716
51P E 397781 N 1298018
The Bugang River has one numerous national and international awards as the cleanest inland waterway in the Philippines. There are several tour services that offer boat trips up the river, and even a hike to the headwaters.
Waymark Code: WMB3ZP
Location: Philippines
Date Posted: 04/02/2011
Views: 2
The nearby Phaidon resort offers two experiences on this river. A boat trip is available that takes a route down the coast and then up the river as far as a foot bridge at Santa Rosario where there is opportunity to walk through the village and even visit the coop where woven bags and hats can be seen and purchased.
The second is on overland trip to the Malaputi Springs where there is a natural swimming hole, well maintained with tables and shelters and a few stores, and a church. There is also a pumping station here as this is also a water supply.
Then a hike is available from the swimming area to the headwaters of the river. Which are a pair of deep springs. The smaller one has been measured to a depth of nearly a hundred feet (30 meters or more) without finding the bottom. No swimming allowed here. The trip is not difficult, but will take one across a swinging bamboo bridge.
Along the river one may see carabao, a rope ferry, and boys diving and fishing. The headwaters is also home to some rare species of butterflies and birds.
"In 2005, Bugang River was the winner of the “Dangal Ng Ilog” Award during the 1st National Summit on the State of Philippine Rivers." Pandan Antique Philippines
"Already considered the country's cleanest inland body of water, Bugang River once again coveted an award from the prestigious Green Environment Apple Awards in the United Kingdom this year.
According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the awards are considered among the highest honors in environmental advocacy and organized by the Green Organization, an independent, non-political and non-profit ecology group based in the UK.
Perez expressed her pride for the achievement. She also lauded the local government and the people of Pandan, headed by Mayor Plaridel Sanchez VI, for their efforts in maintaining the cleanliness and the pristine beauty of Bugang. She further cited Bugang as truly a nature's gift to the Antiqueños, having already won a total of 3 awards, including the recent "Hiyas ng Turismo" Award by the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapiligiran." December 6, 2006, Iloilo City, Philippines The News Today