The Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Baclayon is ride beside the coastal highway of Bohol. The local government has set up a little park in front of the church. Though getting to the park might be a little dangerous since you would have to cross the highway to get to it. Ordinarily, this would really be dangerous but since there was very little traffic here, crossing it would be a breeze.
The park itself it nothing really impressive. There are a few huts where people can have picnics. There is a statue of Jesus Christ facing the church, but that is about it. Just behind the park is a mangrove forest separated by a narrow channel of salt water. As you know, mangroves tend to grow in shallow salt water areas. Just further along the road I noticed a wooden bridge for visitors to explore the mangrove forest. However, I wasn’t really interested in that.
I proceeded to a piece of land jutting out into the sea where visitors can take in the wonderful sea view. The water is quite shallow here and you can clearly see the seaweed in the water. I was delighted by the clarity of the water just as it was in Loay town. From here people can take outrigger canoes to Panglao and the nearby islands. It is not overly busy though there were some canoes parked in the shallow area.
It was heartening to know that the local government does not rely solely on their centuries old church to bring in the tourists. Actually, I do not think they earn much from it anyway other than the fame that comes with it. But the boat rides, the mangrove forest are a welcome addition to Baclayon town list of attractions.
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