The Mangrove Eco-Tourism Park “Katunggan It Ibajay” is blooming a booming tourist attraction at Barangays Bugtongbato and Naisud, Ibajay, Aklan.

The nature’s haven is being touted as the only and most diverse natural growth mangrove community in the Philippines and Southeast Asia as confirmed by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center – Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC-AQD).

                           

    

 The mangrove trees of the Katunggan it Ibajay make for another invincible, if silent, battalion. While the Bakhawan Eco-Park in Kalibo is an inspiring reforestation project, Ibajay’s Katunggan is a preserved forest that has remarkably stood tall against the inroads of civilization, thanks to the efforts of the local people.

The 44-hectare site is one of the country’s most diverse mangrove forests, having 28 out of the 35 mangrove species.

Walking through the park on the elevated bamboo footpath is both a hearty exercise and educational experience. The way is lined with informative posters that serve as visual guides on the wet season birds and fiddler crabs that call the forest their home.

 

It’s good fun, too—the occasional thick stem or branch impedes your path and enlivens the walk, and you’ll need to crouch low, hug the tree, or step over to pass through. Think of it as a friendly game between limbs, yours and the tree’s.

References: http://www.choosephilippines.com/specials/lists/1543/reasons-visit-ibajay-aklan-en-route-boracay/