Apo Reef - Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro
Going to Apo Reef takes a lot of adventure.. well, a lot of transporting actually.. heee.. about 2.5 hours of bus ride from Manila to Batangas port. Then 3-hour ferry ride from Batangas to Abra de Ilog.. 3-hour van drive from Abra de Ilog to Sablayan and 3-hour motor boat ride going to Apo Reef Island.. less than 12 hours.... not bad.. i enjoy a long and butt aching journeys anyway :0)
So, 8 of us (campers) plus a tour guide and 2 boatmen sailed on the seas of Occidental Mindoro last May 22nd. I admit that i was a bit nervous during the 3-hour cruise as our boat fought for some big waves to reach the island. We departed from Sablayan at around 11am so it is expected that it's going to be a rough ride going to the island.
As soon as we set our tents near the beach, Chef Janjie busily set his mini outdoor kitchen.. imagine? in this secluded island we have our own kitchen and chef? Really, our tour organizer (Biboy) brought a chef who prepared our sumptuous dishes during the beach camping holiday.
Late afternoon on the same day, we leisurely stroll around the island.. cruising at the mangrove lagoon, fun photo shooting at the light house, play on the water and non-stop laughing and joking around. In the evening, after our delectable meal we went for a few drinks, stargazing and shared life stories among others. We were like children in our own world. Laughing heartily the whole night. I enjoyed it so much. :)
The next day, we went on raft snorkeling for about two hours. We saw school of fishes and and some colorful corals around the reef. Then took pictures at every chance. In the afternoon we wander on the other side of island then went swimming for the last time as we will be leaving earlier the following day.
And so Sunday, we waved goodbye to Apo Reef at 5am. The sun was rising while we were gliding through the calm waters. It was an unperturbed sailing. :0) Luckily, we also saw some dolphins.
8am, we reached Pandan Island. We had a breakfast and snorkel for a few hours. Not so fortunate though as the huge Pawikan is nowhere to find. It's ok though, no big deal. maybe next time. :)
It was truly a rare chance for me to be around with cheerful people. I was just so glad that i didn't miss this trip or i would have regret it. Thanks to Biboy, Aymi, Myra, Len, Dingdong, Janjie and Minda. It was my most fun adventure. It wasn't the best place I have been but i did have the best time. :)
(Btw, thanks to willjohn. i stole his photos and post them here.. hehe.. those are really fun shots. i really enjoyed looking at it every now and then.)
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