Part 2.3 - Hopping on 123 Islands, Tough Job!

We all woke up at around 4AM. While Jenneth was busy preparing our sandwiches (which served as our breakfast of sorts), Foyan and I showered. Not together, of course. Geez people. Anyway, we left the hotel at 5:30 and went to the info center which was just walking distance from the hotel. Our boatman and guide was already there, and while they were busy preparing our boat, we busied ourselves cam-whoring. After 30 minutes or so, time to board the boat.

The boat trip was quite smooth. We contented ourselves watching the sun rise from the horizon of sea and of course, islands. There were some fishermen getting their early catch. The whole scene was just very basic and relaxing, watching man and nature work together. Good stuff. Anyway, our first stop was Governor's Island, which was one of the only three islands with facilities for sight-seeing (and probably one of the biggest). So, we went up the 123 steps over the limestone hill to the viewing deck above. It was quite a tedious task because the steps were steep, but when we got to the top, all of that was forgotten.

Still catching our breath, we stood amazed as an almost 360-degree view of the whole place unfolded right before our eyes. It was breathtaking, something that needs time to digest. We just felt blessed to have been able to see such beauty, and we thanked our lucky stars that the weather was perfect. Why did it took me (and them for sure) all these years to go and see the Hundred islands, I have no idea. All I knew then was, I want my own island :D

So, Foyan and I went to our boat while Jenneth stayed behind to take some pics of the Big Brother house that was built on the island for the very famous reality TV show (it could be rented for P10,000 per night, by the way). So we just asked our boatman to take us to the other side of Governor's Island where the house is to pick up Jenneth. Then, on we went to Quezon Island.

This island is the main touristy island and complete with facilities such as toilets, changing rooms, eateries, and a swimmable beach. No electricity though, but we were told some people do overnights there, camping style. Here, one can also go snorkeling, and on some parts of the island, they said one can see giant clams under the waters. Well, we didn't get to see giant clams then, but there were a few arm-less mermaid statues :D By the way, the ride from Governor's to Quezon Island was rough. For a non-swimmer/thalassophobic like me, it meant almost ruining my pants. Now THAT's scary!!!

We stayed in the island until before noon. We're still supposed to go to the third island (Children's Island) where many families go for picnics and stuff, but we thought it looked the same as the other two islands, so we 'maneuvered' our boat and headed to one of the caves where another famous local TV series (Marina) was filmed before. The cave dissects the entire island whose name I can't remember. It was cool though, perfect for camwhores like us. After that, back to the mainland...