Saturday, May 26, 2012

island hopping: Gilutungan, Pandanon, & in the middle of nowhere...

It’s the last weekend of summer, and I just needed one more hoooraaah. So what could be a better way to cap off the summer than to go to an island with white pristine beaches. I’ve always wanted to go to Pandanon island ever since I saw a picture of the ruins.


Dreams do come true! ;) 


Wake up call at 6 am. Time to pack up and go. Sunblock. Check. Underwater cam. Check. Bling blings. Check.



We headed to the port where our boat is docked. We had to ride a mini banca to reach the big banca since it’s low tide. Well, we could’ve walked since it’s only waistline deep. LOL.



abandoned ship!
row, row, row your boat
The boat was pretty big you could run around it. The engine is starting… and we’re off! I love staying in the bowsprit of the boat. I love the feeling of the wind in my face, seeing the beautiful islands, and feeling like you’re floating in the clouds.

i feel free!!!

anchors away!
First stop. Gilutungan island. Time to dive in the water.



That was refreshing! Just enough to cool down from the scorching heat. Now we’re heading to Pandanon island. 


touchdown!!!
Yes! We’ve finally reached the island. I was so excited I jumped off the boat before it was anchored. I was taken aback by the beauty of this island. It’s like paradise!





Pandanon is more than just a mound of sand. There are two sides to this island. The west end is where the island community dwells. We strolled around and met some friendly locals. Island living is simple living without the hustles & bustles of the city.

do tha superman!

boat/home
 The cottages are on the east side of the island, where you can see the ruins, a white pavilion, and a long stretch of fine white sand. The beach was so tempting I put down my cam, forgot to reapply my sunblock(Ooooopsss…) and just go for a swim. 


i love the beach!
surfin'

After a satisfying swim, a sumptuous lunch, and a few refreshing bottles of beer, it’s time to go…

Next stop. In the middle of nowhere...

i claim this islet mine!!!

Time to go diving and explore the creatures under the sea…


found a blue starfish!
and an old newspaper


It’s late in the afternoon now, I guess it’s time to head back to the shore. Last hoooraaaah for summer well spent. I may have sunburns on my back but it was all worth it. See you next summer! Wander girl out.