We had a comfortable sleep at HSL Beach Resort the other night. Thanks to the manager, Ate Marie for her gracious accommodation. The next morning, we walked along the shoreline to enjoy the cool breeze and the calm sea view. The weather was good. My hubby and I are so excited for our island hopping today!
We had a hearty breakfast in a nearby tapsihan (back of Buena Lynn’s resto). Tapsilog for me with 3-in-1 coffee and longsilog for my hubby with water only. He was avoiding coffee due to his heartburn. Our meal costs P140.
We hired Tonton’s outrigger boat (referred by Ate Marie) for our island hopping. I was thrilled when Tonton mentioned two new islands to explore, Coral Garden and Haligi Beach. Kabayan Beach is our last stop. Boar rental was P1,000 equipped with snorkel gears and a life jacket. We bought a packed lunch and bread for fish feeding before we head off to our exciting activity.
Coral Garden
Travel time from White Beach to Coral Garden was twenty minutes only. This was our first time on this island. When the boat stopped, my hubby was so excited as he hastily plunged into the water right away. I was hesitant to jump because I was scared to see those underwater creatures. But later I joined him.
Visibility was very clear. It was so amazing that we were surrounded by beautiful angelfish, trumpet fish, starfish, and lots of corals of different kinds. I was scared of getting close to big corals for they looked like a giant monster ready to eat me! But later, I let go of my fear and I pushed myself to swim to my heart’s content.
But there were the scary long-spine sea urchins. I suffered terrible pain caused by its sting in Sogod Beach Resort in Albay. I am aware now not to get close to it.
We enjoyed feeding fish. Marine life was so abundant and colorful. Coral Garden was an amazing spot to snorkel. The current was a bit strong but we had a wonderful experience. After our adventure here, I realized, I have to fight my fear so I can enjoy more the beauty of the world under the sea.
Haligi Beach
Again, it was our first time on this island. Although small, the beach area was beautiful. The creamy white sand was not too fine but the water was crystal clear. We happily snorkel in different directions. We stopped to eat our lunch. We gave packed lunch to Tonton and Dek.
After we were satiated we rest a bit and snorkel again. I tried to wade farther but when I peeked under the water, my spine shivered to see those flatbed stones with holes. Looked like there were hidden creatures inside those holes that will drag me down if I get so close. Here I go again with my fears. Haha!
Funny, I went back to the shore as fast as I could. In contrast to my husband, he really had a great time for he had gone so far far away. When he went back I joined him and we snorkel hand in hand. Hahaha!
Beach stones scattered on the shoreline were beautiful. I picked some as my souvenir.
Kabayan Beach
Kabayan Beach is the last leg of our island hopping. Crashed corals were scattered on the shoreline. We were caught under the heat of the blistering sun so we stayed on the shaded part of the beach. I remember how I was saddened and some of my Accounting team on our visit here seeing dead corals under the water. That time we didn’t enjoy our snorkel and instead, we just strolled around in the long stretch.
Kabayan Beach had a long stretch of creamy white sand. We didn’t snorkel anymore. We just lazed on the shore, picked beautiful beach stones, had picture-taking then we headed back to the White Beach.
We dipped ourselves into the clear water of White Beach. Had fun for about thirty minutes and then we rinsed.
Our island hopping in Puerto Galera was so delightful. Though this was my second time on this stunning island, I was still captivated by its charm especially the underwater creatures.
By 4:00 pm, we explored along the long stretch and then bought pasalubong items for our loved ones and colleagues.
T-shirts (P90 to P110)
Bracelets (P35)
Souvenir items like wooden fish (P150)
Key chains (P35)
At night, we had our dinner at Breakfast Unlimited just beside Hiyas resto. Fried rice, sunny side up egg, bacon, and hotdog, this is a breakfast meal for our dinner. We didn’t feel like drinking beer so after we ate we walked along the shoreline again.
Just like the other night, we enjoyed the moment sitting peacefully on the sand. What a beautiful night it was as the unimpeded horizon was filled with the glistening stars and the cool breeze was so comforting. So sad, time was so short for a wonderful vacation like this. And tomorrow is a goodbye.
Our last morning
It was windy and cold the following morning at 5:00 am. Sun rose up late that day. We walked around and later had our breakfast at Buena Lynn’s resto. We ordered fried rice, egg, pansit bihon, coffee and water. It was a light breakfast only. I was so lazy to pack up, I don’t want to end this stress-free day. But we have to move on now.
MV Blue Penguin was delayed for 10 minutes due to a technical problem. We proceeded to Muelle and boarded another boat. The sun was hovering in the sky giving us a smooth trip going back to Batangas Pier.
My hubby enjoyed it a lot and so do I. And because of this, we will go back to this beautiful island with the kids as he had promised them. Yes, it’s a family activity next month, and I am so elated for another exciting water getaway! Yahoo!
(Ate Marie’s cp no. is 639163652377.)