Potipot Island

Earlier this year, my cousin and I went to Potipot Island. It’s our second time to be here, but our first time to spend overnight on the island.

We left Parañaque late in the morning. After several hours of driving over 260 kilometers of well-paved roads, we reached Uacon, Candelaria. Several beach resorts dot the shore in Uacon, the gateway to Potipot Island.

Sightseeing Baler (Part 2)

From Natulo Falls, we hopped on the tricycle driven by Syder and headed to out last destination – Ermita Hill. Along the way, we passed a rockslide, which blocked half of the road.

We made a quick stop at Tromba Marina, which is located at the base of Ermita Hill. Tromba Marina is a shrine commemorating the tragedy that befell Baler when a tsunami hit the town in 1735. The sculptures show a family of seven scrambling up to safety. The seven figures represent the seven families that survived the tragedy by seeking refuge at Ermita Hill.

Waking Up in Mahabang Buhangin

I woke up at 4:30 a.m. lying on the beach. I was stargazing the previous night and was too lazy and tired to get to the hut. It’s not often I get to sleep on a beach on a starry night.

I went to the hut, got my camera and set it up for the sunrise. It looked like I had luck in capturing the sunrise here than in Puraran, Catanduanes or Caramoan, Camarines Sur.

Calaguas: Mahabang Buhangin in Pictures

Mahabang Buhangin - the gem of Tinago Island, Calaguas Group of Islands.

Island Hopping in Caramoan

One and a half hours later after leaving Codon Port in San Andres, Catanduanes, Mang Rey, our boatman, docked in Matukad Island. I marveled at the karst  rock formation and explored the beachfront. We didn't go to the top of the rocks to see the lagoon and have a glimpse of a panoramic view of the island since we are short of time.

Approaching Matukad Island

Adieu Puraran

It’s our last day in Puraran. I was awake as early as four thirty. Sunrise was still obscured by the clouds. Today was more cloudy that yesterday. I’ve been disconnected from the rest of the world unmindful that Typhoon Quiel was battering Northern Luzon.

Day 2 in Puraran Beach

Woke up at 5 a.m. the follow day hoping to catch the sunrise. But clouds were covering much of the horizon. I was a wee bit disappointed because of that. I lingered on the beach hoping the clouds would clear up.

As I patiently wait by the beach I noticed a number of locals are starting to gather at the beach not far from where I am. A fishing boat soon came on shore and offloaded some fresh catch of the day. The locals were there to buy some of their catch.

Day 1 in Puraran Beach

The other passenger that rode with us in the tricycle from Baras town owns Putting Baybay Beach Resort. His wife manages the resort and she’s very nice and accommodating to us. We pitched our tent near one of the beach side shed that they own. She only charged us P50.

Low Tide at Puraran Beach

This is Puraran beach during low tide. No waves just still waters reflecting the beauty of the Puraran. It's also best time to explore Tibo Rock - the rock outcrop in front of the beach.