Enchanting Coron: Banana Island

Banana Island was just 15 minutes boat ride away from Malcapuya. It was named after a banana because of its shape.

Banana Island has also its boat parking side and swimming and snorkeling side.

When we arrived we do a little more swimming, snorkeling, beach bumming and of course picture taking which made us tanner than ever. We also played a bit of volleyball which lasted long enough before we felt the scorching heat under our skins.

The water was high just few feet away and you will instantly see wonderful corals and fishes.

I enjoyed swimming in Malcapuya than in Banana Island. Maybe because there were so many fish in the water and Im always freaking out whenever I feel that there's something moving down with my feet and legs under the water. And also, the sand in Malcapuya is finer and whiter. But if you love snorkeling more than just swimming and beach bumming then you'll definitely love this island more than Malcapuya.

Enchanting Coron: Malcapuya Island

"So far, the most beautiful island i've ever been to". As I described Malcapuya Island on my instagram post.

Going to Malcapuya took us two and a half wavy boat ride. Yes, wavy as in maalon. When we leave Coron town the sea was as calm as the blue skies. I was able to read a book and it was really a nice morning. But after just 15 minutes nababasa na ng alon yung book na binabasa ko. The waves were not as big as of Siargao's but it was like galit na alon. Nakakahilo at nakakatakot. I prayed plus the boatman seems to be used to it so it went just fine.

As we approached, I cant see a beach. Malcapuya was known to have a beautiful stretch of white sand beach. Then our guide said that it was on the other side of the island and boats were prohibited on that side. Boat parking lang pala ang side na to. And so we have to walk a little to reach the beach part.

Hindi masyadong maganda sa boat parking side though water was still very clear and there were some who still enjoys snorkeling on that part. When we arrived on the beach side this is what welcomed us (photos below).

I was in total awe when I saw it. It was beyond beautiful I think. The striking heat of the sun didnt stop us from enjoying this place and took never ending photos.

It was noon. Tirik na tirik ang araw. Naiimagine nyo ba kung gaano kainit? Nagdadalawang isip ako na magswimming. I saw my mom and brothers enjoying the water. Nainggit ako so I decided to swim. Im dazzled the minute Im on the water. Hindi mo na mararamdaman ang init. Tamang tama lang ang lamig ng tubig pangontra sa init ng araw. I've never enjoyed swimming on a mid-day but this time I did and thought it was really good. Yun nga lang, after that day sunog na sunog balat ko but it was somehow worthit.

We ate our lunch here and spend some time swimming again and exploring other parts of the island like the part where there's a small hill.

We climbed a little to reach the top of that small hill (picture above). And this is the view of the beach from the top (pictures below).

This is what the other side of the hill looks (picture below).

You can also spend an overnight in this island for 1000 pesos per person plus boat rental ranging from 4000-6000 pesos depending on how long will you be staying on the island.

the house where you can spend a night

tents for shed and lunch

rest rooms

The house uses a generator for electricity. You should make an arrangement in advance if you want to spend an overnight through your tour master or you can just bring your own tents if you are on a budget trip and dont want to spend a thousand bucks for a comfortable lodge.

So what do you think of this island is it really lovely or I am just exaggerating? Well I think you should see it for yourself.

Siargao Adventure: Naked, Daku and Guyam Islands

After our cave exploration and that "buwis buhay" jump on Mangkukuob Cave we set sail to our next destination, the three lovely islands of Siargao.

We docked in first to Naked Island. Why naked? Well, as the name implies, it is indeed naked! You can see nothing but a fine white sand and some seaweeds carried by waves through the shores.

It is the best place for sun bathing. Weather you like it or not you will be sun bathed in this island.

After our pictorials we decided to move to the next island. It's getting really hot and we have to maximize our time. So bye Naked Island and hello Daku Island!

palm trees, refined white sand, blue waters- paradise!

Among the three islands, Daku was my favorite. When I was a child, I always dream of going to a white beach with palm trees and hammock. And everytime Im in a place like this it feels like my dreams were reality all over again. A real paradise.

This is where we also did our much anticipated Metro Magazine-peg photo session. Conceptualized, visualized and directed by none other than Zai! If you want to see our "flaming" photos just click here and feel the heat. Warning: view at your own risk.

Here are some of our behind-the-scene photos in my favorite Daku Island. Caption these!

And this is my favorite photo of me taken in this charming island.

Dyosa ng Daku Island

By the way Daku means "big" in Visayan, therefore it is the biggest among the three.

Our last stop was the Guyam Island. If you're looking for a tranquil uninhabited place then Guyam is perfect! This is a real depiction in my mind when someone is asking "if you were stranded on an island...". I wouldnt mind being a damsel, without the "in distress", stuck in this island. Well, atleast for a week. Just leave me with food and good books.

We didnt stay too long. We bid the island goodbye and wished to come back.

There's plenty of beautiful places to discover in our country. I never thought that Siargao has so much more to offer than surfing. Another wonderful place to be.