Think about a time when you were captivated by the beauty of your surrounding. Think about the excitement and exhilaration of trying something for the first time. Think about those moments when time seemed to have paused and you were just right there, alive.
I cannot express enough how grateful I am that beautiful beaches are within arms reach. This is one of the best advantages of living in the Philippines.
It's truly unfortunate that my husband wasn't able to come with us on this trip. But allow me to give you a peak of how our trip to Dumaguete x Siquijor x Apo Island went. And before I go on, I should already say, once this pandemic is over, go travel. See these places. Fall in love with, and experience the beauty of our country.
Itinerary:
Day 0 - Arrival to Dumaguete
Day 1 - Bais Bay Dolphin Watching and Manjuyod Sandbar
Day 2 - Island of Siquijor
Day 3 - Snorkeling at Apo Island
Cost and Getting There (incomplete as usual)
Airfare (Cebu Pacific Seat Sale) -P 1,220.68 per person roundtrip
Flying Fish Hostel 3 nights - P1,838 per person
Manjuyod Tour Boat with Lunch - P 4,500 for 7 persons
Siquijor Day Tour Van (exclusive of entrance fee per destination) - P2,800 for 7 pax including lunch
I don't have details for Apo Island Tour, I think Xel and Robi just made a deal with a multicab driver on the day of our tour.
I've spoken to several people who've been to Dumaguete and they keep saying that the place is chill; it has such relaxed vibe, and so on. And I did get a bit of that, although I'd say Dumaguete City is much more developed and a bit busier than the picture they have painted in my head, if you get what I'm saying.
I did mention in my previous posts that I love using local public transportation. It's pretty easy to get around nearby areas by riding a tricycle. And again, an opportunity for me to say "lugar lang". If going a bit farther than the city center, there are multicabs and buses.
I'd have to say the places we went to eat were far too tourist-y for my liking , except maybe the restaurant at our hostel. Not that there's anything wrong with that, we did eat a lof of delectable and sulit food but part of me wants to get a feel of what it'd be like on a normal evening for a local. Where do they eat. What do they do on their spare time. Where do they hang out for coffee. Well, maybe they still go to those places we went to. Afterall, they did serve good food, and at Sans Rival Bistro, smooth flavored coffee.
Day 0 - Arrival
I can't recall the name of the bistro
Day 1 - Bais Bay Dolphin Watching and Manjuyod Sandbar
I honestly do not like it when we call something "a version" of something else. Dubbed as The Maldives of the Philippines, Manjuyod Sandbar is an absolute gem of its own. They do not have floating convenience stores in the Maldives. You can get buko juice and BEER from neighbor outrigger! Also, can I say, mouthwatering seafood for packed lunch!
Tide was still low when we got there early morning. So we went Dolphin watching first at Bais Bay
Tide has risen around noon
Summer refreshments?
Look at that water!
Day 2 - Island of Siquijor
Tired from chasing dolphins and hours of photo op the day before, we got up early in the morning to catch the 6:30ish am trip giving us the opportunity to catch the breathtaking sunrise along Rizal blvd.
We made arrangements beforehand and we our van was already waiting for us upon arrival.
Writing this post, brought the feelings back. Have you ever had that kilig moment with a place -- seeing something so beautiful you want to cry? I was at awe. The color of the water sparkling before our eyes at the port. I kept mumbling "hungggandaaaaa".
I sincerely hope each and every humanbeing get to feel that at some point in their lives.
I'm not a very good swimmer but I cannot let the opportunity pass. I did the Cambugahan Tarzan Swing!
Okay my energy has depleted. I will post Day 3 | Apo Island Tour and Flying Fish Hostel review on a separate post.
I might also do an in-depth Siquijor post coz I just love the place and I'm seriously missing it right now.
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