Sumilon in Oslob, Cebu was once listed as a must-see sandbar in the Philippines. Was so lucky to have enjoyed this famous papaparaside, recently.

But before that, let me first applaud search engines. For without it, I never would have known that hitting two adventures with one stone's possible. The beauty of DIY!

It's hard to miss, really. I mean the island. Even when excited or engrossed swimming with the gentle giants, the private island of Sumilon can be easily spotted.

The whaleshark encounter won't take too long. So usually, a sidetrip elsewhere's arranged. Mostly, the cheapest and nearest is Tumalog Falls. A few minutes ride up the mountain via habal-habal.

Well Sumilon's a road (or sea?) less traveled. 

Though just a short 10-15 minute ride via a relatively large outrigger boat, price haggling was cruel. Even when raining, Php 2,000 was still the last price given (entrance per head they already included).

Expensive. I was hoping to bring it down to Php 1,000 based on the blogs I've read. But since they won't budge, might as well grab whatever. For that moment in Sumilon.

Happily, the trip was worth it. And hope these pictures would help paint that thousand words.

Almost there!

Oh sandbaaar!

Ooops, we're only allowed up to this point

Bad weather, but not the sight!

I can stay here loooong

:)

Clear waters despite the weather; fine creamy sand; the stillness of nature; the melody of the waves; amazing rock formations; not too salty water and little creatures living. It was a sight to behold. I wish I could fill in my lungs all the positivity and fresh air of that moment.

I wish too, to have stayed longer. If only I'm richer by a few thousands, I'll pay for a day trip in Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort-- an exclusive island were day tours range from Php 1,500- 2,000 per pax.

Bucketlist, prepare. 

Bluewater Sumilon Cebu crystal clear waters DIY trip Oslob paradise Philippines private resort sandbar sidetrip in Oslob Sumilon travel blog travel itinerary wander

Saturday, February 21, 2015

So what about the title?

First of, several series of Survivor of many countries were shot in this idyllic place.

Second, it's almost unreachable and so far away you have to survive the travel hours. But then again, those hard-to-find, best-kept-secrets were sure to blow the mind away.

Agree? If not, then maybe this post-card-from-us will drive the point.

I wouldn't mention that by bus or by private car, the province of Naga, Camarines Sur was 10-12 hours away. In Naga, in the all-known SM, vans can be found bound to Sabang Port, town of San Jose at Php 100/person. From there it takes about 1.5-2 hours to the port.

In Sabang Port, 2 more hours of nature-tripping to reach Guijalo Port, Caramoan. The boat ride from Sabang is operational at 6am, with an hour interval until 11am. Since we went there during the Holy Week, we were able to depart before that. Individual fare is at Php 120.

Unlike in Batangas, the sea was calm here. I was able to enjoy the feast of nature. It was reassuring too that we were somehow just rounding the island.

For an overnight stay in Caramoan, it's a must to rise early

In Guijalo, we were asked Php 30 for the environmental fee. 

Caramoan's truly a blessed island. It was a good feeling seeing stretch of rolling hills, sprawling rice fields and pristine rivers. The town is far from developed yet. So it's really wise to go for package tours. In the long-run, it will save you more. (Think, per person in a trike was Php 50)

It's not only the beaches and islands to enjoy, this <3

The adventure starts 30-minutes from the port- in Paniman Beach. Rates for boat rental range from Php 2,500-3,000, but we didn't feel it much because we were on package.

Get ready for adventure at Paniman!

So all aboard!

We first went to the famous Matukad Island. If you've seen postcards of Caramoan, you've probably seen it. The water here's so clear. Wading with water, it makes it a milky combination. The sand was so fine it reminds me of polvoron.

Zoom-out of Matukad Island

Next we found ourselves in Lahos Island. Lahos was like a stumpy sand bar. When the sun strikes the sand, it sparkles! That it's like a sand bar, you get to experience two sides of it. Both were equally stunning!

Hello Lahos! Here we come!

And so we're coming clooooose!

We hopped on next to Manlahos Island. It's quite a small island. We found refuge under the limestone rocks. Again, the waters' just so clear!

Manlahos from afar

We were supposed to go to Sabitang Laya, but we weren't able to so we headed to an island across Manlahos. (Will insert name here once I remember the name :P). It wasn't white but it was fine and perfect as mudpack. Birds keep on chirping it wasn't that quiet.

I will remember your name :)

Would I want to survive Caramoan again in the future? I'd say yes! There are still so many islands to explore that we cannot squeeze in an overnight stay like the stretches of Sabitang Laya or the saaaaandbaaaar!

I shall return!

blog Camarines Sur Caramoan DIY trip explore Guijalo Port Matukad Island Naga paradise Philippines reviews Sabang Port Survivor travel

Sunday, June 01, 2014

Puerto Galera is the place to be for an affordable long weekend get-away!

Going to Galera is just pretty quick. We rode a bus to Batangas Port from Alabang (less Php 150) for about 1.5 hours. From there, we jumped on a ferry ride (Php 500 2-way, plus an environmental fee) for approximately 45-50 minutes. Arriving at the port, our boat fee in Minolo Shipping lines included a van transfer to White Beach.

There are various three entry points in Galera namely Sabang Pier, Muelle Pier and White Beach and luckily, we got a discounted accommodation for the latter.

In White Beach itself, we didn’t really get to enjoy swimming because the current was too strong (not good for a non-beach-swimmer for me though). So we hired Kuya Fhel and his own banca to set forth an adventure for the next day. Meanwhile, we made sandcastles, watched the sun set, laughed at free gay shows and drooled at fire dancers.

Early even before sunrise, we were already up for an island tour. At Php 1,000 we got to island hop, snorkel, see the Coral Garden and have free ride by the outrigger! Memorable! Equally memorable are also these ticks on my bucket list:

• Basked in the golden sunset

•  Watched fire-dancers

• Woke up just before dawn to explore para-paradise!

Papapapapa...

• Meditate by the beach!

Feeling Balinese in Puerto Galera

• Sand in my hair! Slept by the beach!

I hope you see why ;)

• Boat ride but not in the boat! (Just imagine we were holding onto the outrigger! Clue: 3rd photo)
• Threw out-of-this-world questions to the world!

Because it was this conducive

• Be lost in an island

Rock of Ages again

I wouldn't also forget that almost minutes off the shore going home where the ferry just conked-out. Although just thinking about it, even without that, I wouldn't dream to be offshore for 45 minutes in an open sea! This might be the only factor that will make me say ‘yes’ again to Puerto Galera. 

Batangas Port blog Coral Garden Minolo Shipping Lines Outrigger boat paradise Philippines Puerto Galera reviews travel verdict

Sunday, November 03, 2013

It's a moot point to go overseas looking for fine beaches. Because even if I haven't gone Magellan-like searching, I am convinced, blindfolded, that the best paradise is just next door- well, actually an island next.

Hello Coron and I got my waterproof yet summery wear to enjoy you by!

Coron is a feast for the nature trippers. It can quench thirsty yearnings for greens and blues in an enchanting backdrop. To explore the many wonders of Coron, a 3-day tour might not be enough. Anyhow, this chunk of the pie is already delectable!

Of what I love in Coron:

1. Kayangan Lake! I don't have a waterproof cam and I regret not able to take a snapshot of Kayangan atop the hills. But what nailed it was the lake where we swam. It is just so breath-taking!
2. Banol Beach- Of the vast, sparkling expanse. WOW!

I only have a point-and-shoot camera yet see how the water reflect light.

Your 'red carpet' in Banol.

       3. Siete Pecados. Seven Peaks! Great place to see 'Nemo' and the gang. Perfect!

I'll be getting my point though with an underwater cam. 

          4. Off-road travel to Maquinit hotspring.

Been wondering why the soil is red? Because it's made of silica and dolomite, materials to make a ceramic.

        5. Jogging to reach the peak of Mt. Tapyas

So far yet so near!

        6. Fruit Shakkkkkeeees!- choose what suits your budget, from 5 pesos to grande 35!

    

Watcha:

• Island hopping is requires your one whole, undivided day, so make sure that you take in with you several 'whole-days'
• Souvenirs are much expensive in Coron than in Puerto Princesa. 
• Transportation is easy too, you can just take a trike, or better yet, walk. :)
• The locals are so used to non-locals. Left and right, tourists are everywhere! So this is the place to go find an Afam! :))
• Be careful where you go sing-along. It might get burned, for all you know. 

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Wednesday, December 26, 2012