Guyam Island (Gen. Luna, Surigao del Norte)

Posted on 22 July, 2017 by Benjie Layug — 1 Comment ↓

Guyam Island

After lunch at Daku Island, we again boarded our respective boats for the short trip to our third and final island in our tour – Guyam Island. Located just few hundred meters north of Daku Island, this small, 4,300 sq. m. (46,000 sq. ft.) tear-drop shaped island is 84 m. (276 ft.) long, 64 m. (210 ft.) wide and has a 230 m. (750 ft.) long coastline which one can walk leisurely around in a little more than 15 minutes. The island is unpretentious but is equally interesting as Naked and Daku Island.

Check out “Naked Island” and “Daku Island“

PDI writer Amadis Ma. Guerrero makes landfall on the island

This picturesque, privately owned island has resident caretakers that collect a PhP10 entrance fee from every visitor. This islet has a small stretch of powdery to coarse, ivory to white sand and is home to a small grove of coconut, talisay (beach almond) and pine trees that have thrived there for years. It also has interesting coral rock formations that are perfect for snorkeling.

The small grove of talisay and coconut trees

The part of the island facing the the Philippine Sea is littered with boulders and hard corals that protect the island from storm surges and from constant tidal terrain movement.

The author walking along the rocky part of the island (photo: Ms. Louise Santianen)

A few meters away from this miniature tropical paradise, tourists can enjoy surfing, fishing and swimming. Supposedly, the island also offers a nice view of the raging surfing waves that Siargao is best known for.

The author doing an Oblation pose …… (photo: Ms. Louise Santianen)

The island, located around 2 kms. (1.2 mi) south-southeast of General Luna municipality, can be seen when you are in General Luna boulevard.

Guyam Island seen from General Luna boulevard

Two to three wooden cottages are available for rent. If you wish to stay overnight, you can pitch your tent for a small fee. Bring your own food and water.

The best feature of the island is its stunning view of the sun setting in the west but we weren’t going to experience this as we had to return to the mainland, just a 10-min. boat ride away. Despite being small, this island has quite a lot of charm for island lovers.

Siargao Tourism Office: Paseo De Cabuntog, Brgy. Catangnan, Gen. Luna, Siargao Island. Mobile number: (0921) 718-2268 (Ms. Donna Grace T. Estrella – Siargao Tourism Coordinator)

How to Get There: Skyjet Airlines has daily, 100-min. direct flights from Manila (NAIA Terminal 4) to Siargao (Sayak Airport). ETD Manila at 6 AM (M8-421), ETA Siargao at 7:40 AM. Return flights: ET Siargao at 8:10 AM (M8-422), ETD Manila at 9:50 AM.

Skyjet Airlines: Manila Domestic Airport, Parking A, Terminal 4, NAIA Complex, Brgy. 191, Pasay City, Metro Manila. Tel: (02) 863-1333 and (02) 823-3366. E-mail: sales@skyjetair.com. Website: www.skyjetair.com.

Daku Island (Gen. Luna, Surigao del Norte)

Posted on 22 July, 2017 by Benjie Layug — 1 Comment ↓

Daku Island

After our short stopover at Naked Island, we again boarded our boats for the short trip to Daku (or Dako) Island, the biggest among the three popular island destinations in Siargao. Named after the Visayan word for “big,” it’s unlike the other two islands (Naked and Guyam Islands) as it is inhabited, with a village of 300 residents, mostly fisherman, grouped in less than a hundred families.

Check out “Naked Island” and “Guyam Island“

This unheard of paradise, with its cool vibe and breathtaking, picturesque scenery, has one of the finest best beaches in the Philippines, with a long, powdery white sand beach sprinkled with countless tall coconut trees (the best sweet-tasting fresh coconuts are a-plenty here) and surrounded by superb crystalline waters. Seaweeds are non-existent here. Locals also say that the beach area changes every season.

Our boodle lunch

The island was our longest stopover as we were to experience a boodle lunch, prepared by Chris G. Estrella (husband of Siargao Tourism Coordinator Donna Grace T. Estrella) of Mayambago Catering Services. The fare included grilled chicken, squid, tambakol (yellow fin tuna), ganga (spider conch) and hot dogs; steamed rice; and a dessert of ripe mangoes, bananas and sliced watermelon; all washed down with fresh buko juice and soft drinks. For a first timer like me, the cleanliness of the place was etched in my memory and I found it unbelievable at how the locals managed to maintain the place, with no plastic or other waste materials scattered along the beach.

The two huts we occupied

With its fine white sand, very clean surroundings and pretty cool winds coming from the Pacific Ocean, I was enticed to swim in such a place. The island is also ideal for surfing. During the amihan (southwesterly wind), there are fun right-hander that breaks during large swells. Its waves, small and great for beginners, break on the protected eastern side of the island.

Aside from swimming, other activities on the island include snorkeling (around the southern end of the island), fishing, skim boarding, beach bumming and kayaking (you can rent a double kayak at an affordable price and kayak as long as you want).

Ideal for a family or group picnics, you can rent a centerpiece cottage lined up on the western side of the gorgeous beach for a day for PhP250. For PhP50/kg. cooking fee, you can also have your rice and fish cooked for you. Additionally, tourists and visitors alike can experience the cool vibe and island culture as well as feel the serenity and tranquility of the place with an overnight stay in simple beachfront native huts for as low as PhP700.

Keep in mind, though, that there is no electricity on the island. The community has a tiny chapel, a small community center, a day-care center but no commercial establishments (just a single, small sari-sari store where you could buy some snacks and drinks). Still, secluded Daku Island is certainly a truly wonderful destination to visit. For me, it is even more beautiful than Boracay Island (minus the maddening crowd and the hustle and bustle of city life), making it a perfect getaway for those who want to have an unspoiled vacation.

Siargao Tourism Office: Paseo De Cabuntog, Brgy. Catangnan, Gen. Luna, Siargao Island. Mobile number: (0921) 718-2268 (Ms. Donna Grace T. Estrella – Siargao Tourism Coordinator)

Naked Island (Gen. Luna, Surigao del Norte)

Posted on 22 July, 2017 by Benjie Layug — 1 Comment ↓

Naked Island

After our short visit to the Cloud Nine boardwalk at Gen. Luna, we again boarded our respective vans as we were scheduled to go on an island hopping tour sponsored by Surigao del Norte District I Cong. Francisco Jose “Bingo” Matugas II. When we arrived at the port, we had to wade the shallow water, as it was low tide, to get to our two motorized outrigger boats moored some distance away.

General Luna Port at low tide

Offshore are the three white sand islands we were to visit – Naked Island, Daku Island (the biggest of the three) and Guyam Island (the tiniest).Once on board, we proceeded on our 25-min. boat ride to our first destination – Naked Island.

Check out “Daku Island” and “Guyam Island“

A lone palm tree amidst sparse vegetation

Also called Pansukian Island, Naked Island is, in fact, only a bare, 200 m. long sandbar with no trees (just some occasional patches of bushes), no structures (save for a wooden bench), no nothing. It’s just a tiny speck of pristine, powdery white sand (with some patches of rock) in the horizon, surrounded by a deeper, crystal-clear lagoon between the blue sky and the turquoise sea, similar to the more famous White Island of Camiguin, only smaller. And, just like White Island, this sandbar also changes positions depending on the tide.

Check out “White Island“

Patches of rock on the island

It was a good thing we arrived during low tide as this island submerges significantly during high tide. With not a single tree in sight for you to rest under, Naked Island is a perfect place to get a tan without getting bugged by the crowd (though some take the “naked”” in the name too literally by posing naked). However, attempts have been made to green the island as some plants have now been growing in the sand.

Daku Island seen from Naked Island

For those afraid of getting a sunburn, it is advisable that you visit the island early in the morning to somehow avoid the peak of the sun’s heat. If you intend to stay longer, bring your own beach umbrellas, sunscreen lotion and mattresses. You can actually own Naked Island for a day and do whatever you like by actually renting it but you have to reserve it ahead of time.

L-R: Ms. Donna Grace T. Estrella (Siargao Tourism Coordinator), Mr. Donald Tapan (noted photographer) and the author

Aside from swimming with a school of fish, snorkeling and sunbathing, you can also take pictures of migratory birds such as terns who frequent the island or or just relax by the shore, with a book and a tall, cold glass of juice, while enjoying the great view of the neighboring islands. Additionally, it is also a perfect spot for surfing because of the large waves.

The author, with Mr. Pete Dacuycuy, seated on the lone wooden structure on the island

Siargao Tourism Office: Paseo De Cabuntog, Brgy. Catangnan, Gen. Luna, Siargao Island. Mobile number: (0921) 718-2268 (Ms. Donna Grace T. Estrella – Siargao Tourism Coordinator).

Cloud 9 Boardwalk (Gen. Luna, Surigao del Norte)

Posted on 21 July, 2017 by Benjie Layug — 1 Comment ↓

Cloud 9 boardwalk

After our Sugba Lagoon tour, we returned to Del Carmen’s port and then boarded our respective vans for the 38 km. (45-min.) drive to Gen. Luna, arriving at the town’s iconic Cloud 9 boardwalk by 4 PM. This wooden boardwalk was built for the hundreds of spectators, judges, VIPs, tourists, non-surfers, competitors and photographers, during the 2014 Siargao International Surfing Cup in September, so that they can be very near where the waves are at Cloud 9.

Cloud 9’s white sand beach

One of Siargao’s most famous landmarks, many world-renowned, champion surfers like Alana Blanchard, Paul Fisher, Chris Zaffis, John Mark Tokong, Philmar Alipayo, Philippa Anderson (Australia), Sandon Whittaker (Australia) and Piso Alcala have strolled its length. We too would pretty much walk up, on the same wooden planks these world’s top wave riders walked on, to the area where the large waves form.

The 3-storey observation deck

The third storey

At the end of the 100-m. long boardwalk is a 3-story observation deck on stilts where surfers can relax after a hard-day’s practice , watch their fellow surfers riding out the waves or while the cool afternoons away. During every Siargao International Surfing Cup (the country’s most-awaited surfing event), this observation deck is laden with colorful banners of different surfing-related brands (RipCurl, Stoked, Fluid Surf, Billa, etc.).

The author

Surfers with their surfboards (photo: Donald Tapan)

As we arrived during high tide, surfers of all ages, genders, and nationalities, beginner or professional, were already starting to enjoy the waves of Cloud 9. This famed surf spot, in the country’s southeastern Pacific seaboard, was so-called after the popular chewy chocolate bar that can keep your glucose level high until those with sweet tooth can get their next meal. In the 1980s, foreign surfers subsisted on this candy bar when the obscure surf spot was yet a best-kept secret. Today, because of the heavenly feeling it brings, riding its 16-ft. high waves is much like walking on Cloud 9.

This dramatic and powerful reef break, which crashes onto shallow, razor-sharp coral, offers right and left death rides to daring surfing buffs. In 2012, CNNGo, the travel news web site of the Cable News Network, listed Cloud 9 as No. 8 in the World’s Top 50 Best Surf Spots. Its surfing areas are categorized as Jockeying Horse for the beginners, Quicksilver for the intermediate class and Cloud 9 for the professionals. For beginners, surfing lessons are offered by local surfers at Php300/hour, while surfboard rental is at Php200/hour. Children as young as 8 years old are allowed to take lessons.

A selection of surfboards for rent

Surfers paddling towards Cloud 9

Even during high tide, the area is not really for swimming since a large expanse of it is shallow, waist-high waters. Locals say that waves start to pick up in August to September when the southwest wind (habagat) is prevailing, the beginning of the surfing season. Even during our third week of July visit, sun-baked local boys and pro surfers who can teach you the basics of surfing were everywhere. The waves look small in our photos but they’re actually quite big and powerful. Everyone was having the time of their lives experiencing this ethereal out-of-this-world emotional journey.

Surfers strutting their stuff at Cloud 9 (photo: Mr. Pete Dacuycuy)

Siargao Tourism Office: Paseo De Cabuntog, Brgy. Catangnan, Gen. Luna, Siargao Island. Mobile number: (0921) 718-2268 (Ms. Donna Grace T. Estrella – Siargao Tourism Coordinator)

Narvacan Outdoor Adventure Hub (Narvacan, Ilocos Sur)

Posted on 17 February, 2017 by Benjie Layug — 1 Comment ↓

Narvacan Outdoor Adventure Hub

The Narvacan Outdoor Adventure Hub (NOAH), a very unique adventure camp and outdoor sports complex in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur founded in 2005, is another reason to visit Ilocos Sur (aside from the Spanish-era Earthquake Baroque churches and the Old World charm of Vigan).

Narvacan Beach

Opened last October 2012 by the local government headed by Mayor Zuriel S. Zaragoza, this one-stop shop offering various extreme activities will surely showcase one’s adventurous side and are very close to the elements: water, wind, earth and fire.

Bantay Abot Hill seen offshore from a Hobie Cat

NOAH hosts the Philippines’ first full-scale Via Ferrata (literally meaning “Iron Road” or “Iron Path”), a vertical 280-meter climb into a steep rock wall of the majestic 1,050-ft. high Bantay Abot Hill designed with the regular tourist in mind – no climbing experience required despite the challenges posed by the cliff face.

Media Tour Group at NOAH

Now a major tourist destination and a significant leap in the transformation of the once sleepy agricultural municipality of Narvacan into an adrenaline junkie’s paradise, NOAH aims to promote tourism and the beauty of the town with its grand, rocky mountains and magnificent view of the sea.

Arko Restaurant

Aside from the Via Ferrata, NOAH’s other attractions are paragliding, Hobie Cat sailing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, 4×4 ATVs, dune buggies, etc.. It also has an in-house, beachfront restaurant (Arko Restaurant) which is the first establishment that will greet you along Sulvec Port Road. It serves both local and foreign dishes including Ilocos Sur’s very popular bagnet (deep-fried, crispy pork belly). Its backyard is a campsite (Php150/tent). There’s a “sustainable” bunk for bonfires and outdoor toilet and bathing facilities.

Windsurfing lessons by the beach

For those learning to sail, wind surf and kite surf (the “water” activity), the uniquely located Bantay Abot Hill, directly in front of a 3 km. stretch of beach (from the abandoned Sulvec Port all the way to the Narvacan River), causes a special wrap-around, mid-day, side shore wind in the land breeze, making it safe (you still have to wear a life vest) as it does not pose the danger of getting blown out into the open sea.

The author trying his hand at windsurfing

Though fun, windsurfing isn’t easy as the sail gets heavy when wet and, when the wind hits, its much harder to control the boom and pull it back to your body. You can enjoy the sea breeze and the offshore scenery via Hobie Cat sailing. Cost is Php2,500 for windsurfing plus lessons (6 hours), Php800/30mins. for the Hobie Cat (maximum 2 pax) with a pilot and introduction to sailing, and Php800/hr. for windsurf board rental.

Thea author (left) with blogger Dave Gatensby on board a Hobie Cat

Riding dune buggies, 4 x 4 jeeps and ATVs (drivers must have a driver’s license), considered the “fire” activity, can bring out the Mad Max in you as you follow the hilly track and explore the mini sand dunes via an exhilarating, off-road experience tailor fit for first time riders. Starting from the Rock Garden (a luxurious beachfront event place), a number of ramps provided lots of thrills. Cost is Php2,500 per 4 x 4 (5 pax maximum capacity).

Off road driving (photo: www.solitarywanderer.com)

To climb the Via Ferrata (the “earth” activity), you have to have to no fear of heights and be reasonably fit, with strong legs and upper body to do it. First, you have to don, with the assistance of the staff, protective gear such as helmet and other rappelling and climbing gears (carabineers, harness, etc.), all high-quality equipment from abroad. Bring bottled water. Then you have to hike, under the scorching sun, to the base of Bantay Abot. From there, you have to pull ourselves up 150 m. to get above some boulders.

Climbing Bantay Abot Hill

Along the way are handy ropes and cables. While climbing, your two carabineers are actually clamped into a steel cable so that, when you slip, you will still be attached to the cable, saving one from a fall. Upon reaching the zipline platform, you have decide to proceed with the Via Ferrata or exit the hill via NOAH’s 520 m. long zipline.

The author atop Bantay Abot Hill

Moving at 40 kph, a zipline ride lasts about 50 seconds (it’s a bit slow near the end) as you zipped down, with a bird’s eye view of the beautiful scenery, to Arko and the Bay Boulevard.

The author getting ready to zipline down

Others who continue on with the trickier Via Ferrata, climb the vertical, 300-foot high rock face aided by steel steps drilled into the rock, a setup like climbing a step-ladder. This is not a totally vertical climb as there are diagonal portions on the Via Ferrata that require spreading your legs wide to maintain balance and keep them upright. Reaching the top is the highlight of the climb.

The Via Ferrata (photo: www.solitarywanderer.com)

You descend the summit by rappelling via a Tyrolean traverse cable (100 ft.) – perfectly safe as its safety feature actually allowed one to let go of their hands even when suspended 200 ft. from the ground. The Full Mountain Adventure (Via Ferrata, Tyrolean Traverse and the zipline going back to camp) will cost Php800/pax. Php300 for zipline only.

The Tyrolean Traverse

The highlight of a NOAH experience has to be the “air activity of paragliding (hence the media launch theme “Love is in the Air”), a competitive as well as recreational sport. Wind conditions change throughout the day and there may be several windows within the day for a successful launch.

The author (in blue) getting ready to paraglide with Carlaa Montero of Sarangani Paraglide as my pilot

Participants (again, you should not have any fear of heights) ride pickup trucks or buggies, along a zigzagging dirt road, to the top of Bantay Abot to be followed later by the paragliding gear.

Up, up and away…..

Participants will have to fly tandem with experienced pilots. You are both positioned along the slope, with the chute spread out above and, when the wind rushes in, you both run off the heights and become airborne, hundreds of feet up, as you fly into the setting sun.

Selfie while airborne

Exhilaration rushes as you savor the joy of flying, at the same time being mesmerized by the beautiful and breathtaking vista of the rugged Ilocos Sur landscape, mountain ranges and the vast blue West Philippine Sea spread out before you. After a 15-minute flight, you make a solid landing at the beach.. Check out my paragliding video here.

View from the air…..

Narvacan Outdoor Adventure Hub (NOAH): Bulanos Beach, Brgy. Bulanos, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. Tel: (02) 734-8883. Mobile number: (0919) 349-8473 (Two-6 Olangco). Facebook: www.facebook.com/NarvacanOutdoorAdventureHub/. Instagram: @narvacanoutdooradventurehub.

How to Get There: By public transport, take any Vigan City (Ilocos Sur) or Laoag City (Ilocos Norte) bound Partas (Cubao) or Farinas Transit (Manila) bus and tell the driver to drop you off at the Sulvec Port Road and, from there, get a tricycle going to NOAH in Bantay Abot. By car, take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) or the Manila North Road until you reach Narvacan. From there, take the Sulvec Port Road on the left and go straight until you see NOAH’s Arko Restauarant on your right.

Kampong Ayer (Brunei)

Posted on 11 September, 2016 by Benjie Layug — 1 Comment ↓

Kampong Ayer – The Water Village

This Water Village (Malay: Kampung Air), along the banks of the Sungai Brunei (Brunei River), is an area situated over Brunei Bay that is home to a sizable population of 39,000, representing roughly 10% of the nation’s total population. The district, a culturally important part of Brunei that preserves the nation’s river dwelling origins, has a unique architectural heritage of wooden homes with ornate interiors.

The mainland jetty

Built entirely of stilt houses and wooden walkways, it is the world’s largest water village and the most famous water settlement of Southeast Asia. One of the most important centers of trade in Borneo, people have lived in Kampong Ayer for over 1,300 years. When the fleet of Ferdinand Magellan visited in 1521, Venetian scholar Antonio Pigafetta dubbed it the “Venice of the East.” Kampong Ayer has been the capital of the Brunei Sultanate for hundreds of years.

The modern-looking, 20-pax bot penambang (covered water taxis)

Boarding our modern-looking, 20-pax bot penambang (covered water taxi)

The author (right) with members of BEAT (led by president Mr. York Virtucio at left) on board our water taxi

The establishment of the land town, acting as a population magnet, did not lead to its depopulation and arrival of new residents and natural increase maintained the population balance. Most of Kampong Ayer had survived heavy World War II bombardment. Around 2013-2014, smart new, two story stilt houses made of concrete were built in the center of the Kampong Ayer and given to the people in need of a new house but not wishing to live on land. Even today, many Bruneians still prefer the lifestyle of the water village to residency on dry land.

View of the mainland

The villages on the river’s north bank (the same side as the city center) used to cover a much larger area, but many of the stilt houses have been razed to spruce up the waterfront area around the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

Entering the narrow waterway

We were to have a personal experience of this heritage as we took one of the many 20-pax bot penambang (modern-looking, covered water taxis) that provide rapid transit daily between the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, in the center of town, and the water village itself. Our private water taxis resembled a long wooden speedboat. Before leaving the jetty, we all wore life jackets.

A foot bridge

The Water Village is really made up of a cluster of 42 small, contiguous and relatively cramped stilt villages (kampongs) linked together by more than 29,140 m. of foot-bridges.

This self-contained, close-knit community consists of over 4,200 structures, including homes, mosques, restaurants, shops, schools and a hospital, all interconnected by maze of 36 kms. of boardwalks. All of the six water village mukims (districts) are collectively known as the water village (Kampong Ayer) but, for administrative purposes, are identified as separate mukims.

One of two mosques

The marine fire brigade

From a distance the water village looked like a slum but it actually enjoys modern amenities. The government, through the District Office, has provided it with numerous facilities including foot-bridges, concrete jetties, piped water, plumbing, electricity, telephones, schools, two mosques, clinics, seafood restaurants, a police station, a museum and a marine fire station.

A colorfully painted house on stilts

Many of the houses also have air conditioning, satellite television and internet access. Some of the residents even keep potted plants, in container gardens, and raise chickens. They even say that if you look at the main roads on the banks opposite the village, you’ll see luxury cars lined up on the shoulder of the road. Many of these cars belong to water-village residents.

A village jetty

The wooden, sun-bleached houses, painted with shades of green, blue, pink and yellow, have not been done-up for tourists. From afar, we could see the 30 km. long Temburong Bridge, which is still under construction (it is expected to be completed in 2019), and the golden roof of the largest residential place in the world, the Sultan’s Istana Nurul Iman. We made our first and only stopover at a village jetty. Getting off the boat was an adventure on its own as we had to climb some worn-out concrete steps.

A second mosque

The unfinished Temburong Bridge

Upon reaching the top of the jetty, we walked along a treacherous, banister-less boardwalk, some with loose or missing planks, again another adventure by itself. Walking along these planked walkways (a bit of balance is required) while observing the various homes is probably what draws visitors here. However, while the houses were far from squalid, we noticed rubbish floating or carpeting the inter-tidal mud at low tide. For an apparently affluent country like Brunei which could afford to tidy it up, it was disgusting and disappointing.

Climbing the stairs up the jetty

We finally arrived at a local concrete home which was way too nice to be anything close to an authentic village house. The entry hall even had a chandelier. Just like in a mosque, we had to remove our shoes before entering. Inside, there were lots of tourists like us. Obviously, it’s part of the tourist trail. There, a good refreshment was served – 3 kinds of colorful kuih bingka, a local traditional sweet cake, plus tea. Our snack here capped our Water Village tour and we again made our back to our boat for the trip back to the mainland.

Traversing the wooden boardwalk

Removing our shoes prior to entering

Our tour of the nondescript Kampong Ayer wasn’t really a visit into the past. Rather, it was just a peek into the everyday lives of some very friendly Bruneians while seeing some of the changes that has taken place over the last thousand years or so. Interesting but not amazing. Venice it isn’t by a mile.

Three different kinds of kuih bingka

Kampong Ayer: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Kampong Ayer is accessible by boat or land bridges. To get across the river, just stand somewhere where a water taxi can dock and flag one down (the fare is B$1, one way). To get to these villages from the Yayasan Complex, itself built on the site of a one-time water village, follow the plank walks, behind the Hua Ho Department Store, that lead west, parallel to the river.

CYC Beach (Coron, Palawan)

Posted on 31 January, 2016 by Benjie Layug — Leave a reply

CYC Beach

After lunch at Atwayan Beach, we again boarded our boat and proceeded on to our next destination – CYC Island, a part of the Coron Island Ultimate Tour we availed of from Asia Gran View Hotel. From our boat, we had to alight into the waist-high and clear waters of the sea and walk, a little way, to the island’s beach.

Approching CYC Island

Guests are advised to put on booties and be extra careful walking as there are rocks under the water and they may injure their feet. Although there were other tourists already there, the beach was not too crowded.

Cheska, Kyle and Jandy land on the beach

CYC, short for Coron Youth Club, is the only free beach in the area. Other beaches charge a PhP100 entrance fee (Coron’s islands are jokingly called the “Hundred Islands”). The island’s beach sand is white (though not as white as Banol’s and the other beaches in Coron) and its surrounding waters are crystal clear.

Kyle playing in the sand

There were also some rock formations and beautiful mangrove trees located all over the island but guests are discouraged to go there by the guides due to the possible presence of stonefish partly hidden in the sand. There are also sea urchins and sea snakes (locally known as walo-walo).

Some of the mangroves surrounding the island

Being a public beach, I expected the beach to be dirty but, surprisingly, it was clean. Its long, shallow sand approach makes it ideal for kids to swim in and its water temperature is perfectly lukewarm. The sea breeze adds to the memorable experience. Two dogs were serenely watching us as Kyle played with the sand.

The island’s two resident dogs

The dogs were said to have come from the opposite island, swimming back and forth before the day ends. The monkey who used to live here is already dead. The wide beach has a division as part of its white sand was said to have been illegally quarried by a politician for his private beach, thus deforming the island’s beach.

View of the main island from CYC Beach

The island has no cottages but the area is suitable for camping (just bring your own tent, food and water). Go there when it’s off season so you can get the most out of it. If you love snorkeling, you will love this beach as well.

A tangle of mangrove roots

There’s not much sea life in the shallows, with just a few sporadic clown fishes, but there’s some very good snorkeling farther off, in deeper water, to a coral forest on the reef to the east of this pretty beach. Here, you will find beautiful colorful coral walls and much sea life. If you’re a non-diver, you can have your Discover Scuba Skills Test here.

CYC Beach, great for a swim and relaxation, is still good for a 30-minute to 1-hour stay even if you are not into snorkeling or camping.

The author at CYC Beach

Asia Grand View Hotel: Governor’s Ave., Jolo, Brgy. 5, Coron, Palawan. Tel:(+632) 788-3385. Mobile number: (0999) 881-7848. E-mail: gsd@asiagrandview.com. Manila sales office: Unit 504, Richmonde Plaza, 21 San Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Tel: (+632) 695-3078 and 531-8380. Mobile number: (0917) 550-7373 to 75 Fax: (+632) 695-3078. E-mail: info@asiagrandview.com. Website: www.asiagrandview.com.

Skeleton Wreck (Coron, Palawan)

Posted on 31 January, 2016 by Benjie Layug — Leave a reply

Skeleton Wreck site

From Twin Lagoon, we again swam back to our waiting outrigger boat. Once boarded with my family, we proceeded to Skeleton Wreck, a snorkeling destination near Banol Beach off the northwest corner of Coron Island. When we arrived at the site, there were already a number of boats, divers and snorkelers milling around the site. We donned our masks and snorkels and swam towards it.

Approaching the site

The Skeleton Wreck’s name comes from the fact that the keel, ribs and stringers of this old, 25 m. long steel-hulled fishing boat wreck are almost all that are left, giving it a skeletal appearance. It was beached, with the bow a dozen meters from Coron Island, and the stern pointing directly away from the island. The top of the wreck is in about 6 m, of water and it sits on a pretty reef.

Donning masks an snorkels, Cheska, Jandy an our guide Japeth take to the water

The wreck slopes along the reef from 5 m. deep at the bow to 22 m. at the stern. Because the water is so clear, it can already be viewed from the surface. Around it are beautiful corals. Somebody threw some bread to the sea and a variety of fish, with an amazing array of lovely colors, all shapes and sizes, came towards us

Bow of Skeleton Wreck (photo Christian Lucas Sangoyo of www.divesitedirectory.co.uk)

The Skeleton Wreck can also be done as a dive. A pass through on the starboard side of the hull, at 14 m., allows one to swim from the inside of the boat out over the coral reef. It won’t take long to cover the wreck, so those intending to have a long dive here will probably want to finish up on the reef. Beware of sea urchins. This is also a good spot to have lunch and you can have a quick dip before continuing on your tour. It costs PhP100 per person to moor up here.

(photo: www.cheaptravel-coron.weebly.com)

Seven Commando Beach (El Nido, Palawan)

Posted on 5 December, 2015 by Benjie Layug — Leave a reply

Seven Commando Beach

The last part of our Island Tour A was to be spent at the picturesque and very laid back Seven Commando Beach which boasts the clearest beach waters in El Nido. Accessible only by boat, it is called as such because, a long time ago, seven soldiers (others say 7 fishermen) were stranded on the island. According to locals, their names can be seen printed on the rocks here.

Picnic huts along the beach

Store selling food and drinks

Ideal for swimming, beach volleyball, silhouette shots or just beach bumming, it has fine and clean but a little coarse white sands, turquoise clear waters, calm waves (very nice for snorkeling and swimming), fabulous rock formations and coconut trees.Despite having a souvenir shop, a stall that sells quite pricey smoothies, water, alcoholic drinks (beer, pina coladas, mango daiquiris, etc.)and food (chips and bananacue), and a restroom facility in this area, the wide, clean and white beach still retains its natural charm.

Swinging hammock

Sunset at Seven Commando Beach

For those who are not into swimming, you can just lounge around and have very refreshing halo-halo on a coconut shell (PhP150), fruit shakes, fresh coconuts (PhP50) and other thirst quenching refreshments at the store while enjoying the view, especially during sunset time. There is also a swinging hammock seat and sheltered beach tables which can be used for free.

The author (third from left) with, L-R, Meng, Osang and Melissa

Also within this beach is the 4-room Vellagio’s Resort which opened last January 2015. Full moon parties are held on this island in February. As the beach is only a 10-min. boat ride from the mainland, it is sometimes the first stop on the island hopping tour as it gets really crowded by beach bums in the afternoon.

Small Lagoon (El Nido, Palawan)

Posted on 5 December, 2015 by Benjie Layug — 1 Comment ↓

The Small Lagoon

From Secret Lagoon, we again boarded our motorized outrigger boat for the continuation of our Island Tour A, this time to the Small Lagoon. Along the way, we passed by, but didn’t stop, at the entrance of the Big Lagoon. On arrival, our outrigger boat parked , alongside other boats, just outside the entrance of the Small Lagoon as it could not access the interior as its entrance is narrow and its waters are shallow.

The entrance of the Small Lagoon

Boats parked at the entrance

To view the wonders of the lagoon, we would have to either swim the 150-300 odd meters into the lagoon from our boat, if you’re a good swimmer, or kayak. Those who opt to swim usually get really tired going to the end of the lagoon, since the waters are deep inside. We all chose the latter.

Jandy, Melissa and Osang get on their way ……

Our boatman, Luchie and I follow suit ……

Kayaks here are rented for PhP300. Though made for two people, a third person was allowed to seat between the two sitting compartments. Jandy joined Melissa and Osang in one kayak while I was joined by Luchie and another boatman. Tess, Venus, Sandy, Pam, Melai, York, Lydia and Weng also rented kayaks.

Melai and Pam with their boatman

Sandy, Venus and Tess

York, Lydia

Donning our orange-colored life jackets, we made our way to the narrow archway between the rock face. Once through, we were ushered into eerily quiet and serene waters of a beautiful, turquoise lagoon enclosed by towering limestone cliffs. The giant limestone walls towering over us bounced around our echoes of wows.

The massive limestone cliffs enclosing the lagoon

The small cave at one end of the lagoon

We were always on the lookout as we kayaked as there were also a number of swimmers inside the lagoon. This place is also great for snorkeling and there were also some snorkelers checking out the underwater creatures beneath.

The author paddling away

There was a rocky area where people could climb up and dive off or use it as a stage where they can do their selfies. We also checked out a small cave and pool at the end of the lagoon.

The Resort Bayview Hotel El Nido: Sitio Marimegmeg, Brgy. Corong-Corong, El Nido, 5313, Palawan. Tel: + 66(0) 76 281 406. Fax: + 66(0) 76 384 369. Mobile numbers: (0915) 250-7368 (Globe) and (0920) 975-8690. E-mail: theresortelnido@gmail.com. Website: www.elnidobayview.com.

This travel blog, a diary of the author’s local and international travels, aims to provide the reader with news and information on people, places and events that would interest the avid traveler and tourist. But, it also aims to be much more, providing insights on the wonders of this beautiful country, as well as the world, beyond the strict confines of the city. Have a BLAST seeing old churches, exotic temples, educational museums as well as palm-fringed islands; white sand beaches; thundering waterfalls; placid lakes; fiery sunsets; turquoise seas; cathedral-like caves; swirling rivers; majestic mountains; stupendous, amphitheater-like rice terraces; awesome volcanoes and the like. Get to know the movers and shakers in the tourism industry; find out where to titillate the palate; rejuvenate your body; feed your adrenalin, unwind and relax; satisfy your craving for history and culture; and find out what's being celebrated and where.

BENJAMIN “BENJIE” LAYUG, an architect by profession (he finished his B. S. Architecture degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1982), is also a copy editor for two publishing houses; travel writer; blogger; architectural historian; author; concert. movie and musical reviewer (for www.pep.ph); and a motivational speaker.

As a free-lance travel writer, he has, in the past, contributed articles to Travel Update, Philippine Daily Inquirer, COLORS, TODAY, 7107 Islands Magazine, Business Day and Bluprint. He currently writes for Artplus Magazine and the Business Mirror.

He is also the author of the following travel books:

A Philippine Odyssey (New Day Publishers, 2005)
Pathfinder’s Travel Guide: Boracay (Great Books Trading, 2006)
A Tourist Guide to Notable Philippine Churches (New Day Publishers, 2007)
A Tourist to Notable Philippine Historical Landmarks, Monuments and Shrines (New Day Publishers, 2010)
A Tourist Guide to Notable Philippine Museums (New Day Publishers, 2012)

Some of his books now appear in the local library shelves of the National Library of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, University of Sto. Tomas, U.P. Diliman, Centro Escolar University, San Sebastian College, Miriam College, Silliman University, to name a few, as well as internationally at the National Library of Australia and the University of California Berkeley Library.

Now a senior citizen, he is probably one of the oldest, if not the oldest, active travel blogger in the country today. He also has a lifestyle blog called F.Y.I.:Firing Your Imagination (www.firingyourimagination.blogspot.com). Benjie has traveled to two-thirds (53) of the country’s 81 provinces and over 20 countries in 4 continents.