Summer Escapade in Bongao

It was holy week when a friend (together with her friend) from Manila arrived in Bongao. They wanted to spend their holy week in Turtle Islands. Unfortunately, they got surprised when we said that it's not easy to get there because of no regular travel schedule. I remember their faces like what they just heard was a jaw-dropping news. And the worst scenario if they get stranded for months because of weather condition and availability of transportation. In order to maximize their summer vacation,  I chose the nearest place in Bongao.  It was Holy week and the tourism people also had their long break.  So I decided to join them in their island hopping adventure here in Bongao (instead of leaving them to the Tourism people). We hired a local boatman to guide our trip using his pumpboat to Tongsinah, Luuk buhi and Lagasan. I was hesitant and worried at first because they might not enjoy the place.I know that these visitors are backpackers and they have been in so many places.But surprisingly, they love it there, really! They enjoyed swimming in the white sandy beach and tried the sand spa. And according to them, it works like magic! They crazily sunbath giving then a  sun-kissed skin--imagine swimming under the heat of the sun at noon time!  

Aside from the beach, they also tried the native food and malaysian food. They conquered the Bongao peak that is approximately 350 meters high. They also went to Batu-Bato . What is new in this place is the actual trade and barter of goods. Unfortunately, we didn't witness the so-called market-market because we went there around 9 plus (if I am not mistaken). The exchange happens at 7:30 am. So we just toured the place, visit the mosque and captured some nice panoramic views.


Some Photos of  Luuk Buhi & Lagasan:

  

Some photos with my friends during our visit in Lagasan:

Manda Island, Mapun

Mapun is one of the municipalities of Tawi-Tawi. Manda Island is part of Mapun municipality which is a Marine Protected Area. It is a perfect place that offers diving spots with numerous coral beds lushing lavishly that is visible to the naked eyes. It is also a nice spot for snorkeling. It was an awesome experience to be in this island. The sights of unexplored white sandy beach and the scene of huge rocks formation are just splendid. However, it was kinda freaky experience getting near the rocks. It was a different feeling because the rocks look ghastly and spine-chilling. Anyhow, going to Manda Island is not easy. You need to hire a pump boat or motor launch to get there. Oh, I can just imagine the big waves we encountered going back to Mapun from Manda Island. Nonetheless, it was a worth it experience! 

White Island, Camiguin

White Island is uninhabited huge sandbar which is about 1km off the shore. This vast sand bar associates that of a horse shoe or any shapes depending on the season. There are no shades such as tents, trees or anything that can protect you from the heat of the sun. Many tourists usually go around 5 A.M. and go back at 8:00 A.M. But we went there when the sun was about to set. You can hire a boat from any of the beachfront resorts facing the island.The fare is about 400 per boat.

My first impression when i got to this place was a dumbfounded "wow". I haven't seen such a huge sandbar before. Plus the sight of tourists who are like partying and goofing around is just exciting. I just love it there! The current at White Island can be strong, thus the tourists are allowed until 5:30 P.M. only. I simply love the backdrop of Mt. Hibok-hibok and Mt. Vulcan from the White Island. We love to capture photos of this calm, serene and tranquil place that really blew us away. I fell in love with the place the moment I laid my eyes on this sandbar.It is the perfect getaway from the crowded, hectic and messy city life.