Tingko Beach in Alcoy
Cebu is filled with beaches from the north to down south. You will never be without a good reason to take a dip. However, it’s a fact that most of the good beaches in Cebu are already privately-owned. Hence, you would have to pay a certain amount for the entrance fee. Nice resorts with better beaches, of course, have higher fees.
But down south, there’s a beach haven for both locals and tourists alike. It’s a public beach like no other. Tingko in Alcoy is a public beach that anyone can get in for free. This is most likely the reason why a lot of people flock to the beach, especially on weekends. However, make sure that you pick the public entrance since there’s a nearby resort that requires you to pay an amount for entering.
Alcoy is a municipality that is two to three hours away from the city. But this distance and time required for the travel doesn’t hamper people from visiting the place. Tingko has a long stretch of powdery sand located in Daan Lungsod, Alcoy. The water is clear and cool that really entices its visitors for a swim.
image from: wikipedia.org
You can bring your own food from the city and just cook there. Most of the locals would just buy fish or meat and grill them there. You can also drink beer, so make sure that you have brought the drinks beforehand. You wouldn’t want the hassle of looking for a store when you are already there. However, it is important to make it a point to dispose of your garbage properly, especially your leftovers.
If you want to stay overnight, you can setup your own tent by the beach. You can just camp with your friends while gazing at the stars. You can even just sleep by the beach with just a large enough beach towel. This is a cheap option to staying overnight. If you want a more comfortable lodging, you can also go for huts or rooms nearby. There are several rooms for rent that are offered by the barangay near the beach. There is also a tanod (local barangay guards) stationed there daily so you are assured of your safety. There are also other private rooms that you can get near the beach. Just make sure that you get there early enough to be able to make a reservation.
The place is relatively safe as proven by the number of people who visit. However, it’s always better to keep your belongings checked and safeguarded at all times. You don’t know when thieves will strike. You can drive to the place with your friends or just choose to commute. There are plenty of buses going back and forth Alcoy. If you are going there for a day, it wouldn’t be practical to go home late as buses have a last scheduled trip. So make sure you have set an itinerary ahead of time.
