Whacky Sidetrip: Malapascua Island, Cebu

Photo Bum. ay naku, hindi po yan syokoy.

Because it’s summer and the memories are just waiting to happen, we couldn't let any moments pass. 

sunset en route to Malapascua Island.

After our Kalanggaman Island Hullabaloo, a few of us decided to go on a side trip to the Malapascua Island. Dropped of some of our friends at Maya Port then off we go.

We docked at the northern port of the island near Los Bamboos Resort. A clearing with bermuda grass was perfect for us to camp. Hurriedly, we pitched up our tents and cooked dinner thinking that electricity would cut-off soon just like my first time here. Well, boy, was I wrong! The island has a 24-hour power source!

beach bums meet moutaineers.

The night was full of stories and laughter as we share a drink [or was that one too many?]. I was pleased that my EWIT Mountaineering friends are getting along just well with Riz and my highschool friends. These are victorious moments - when 2 different worlds collide but instead of rumbling thunderstorms, positive energy radiate from each individual contributing to the driving energy of the universe. Bow. I believe that says it. The alcohol has already kicked in. Lights out.

Morning came and oh, was it a joy to hear the sound of waves crashing on the beach-break.

Red Arrow indicates our camp site.
Blue Arrow indicates where we went to swim/beach-bum.
salamat Google sa picture.

Whacky Trivia:

Malapascua Island was formerly known as Brgy Logon, a part of the Municipality of Kandaya [now known as Daanbantayan]. The island's current name is derived from Spanish words, Mala Pascua, meaning Bad Easter. It was said that Spaniards called the island such when they got stranded during Christmas due to bad weather. 

Does this look like misfortune to you?

But the island is far from being an island of misfortune. This island is considered as a diver's haven. Its coral array is a sanctuary of different species of marine life, not too mention the infamous thresher sharks and manta rays. The lush underwater life has given a hundred-fold of fortune not only to fishermen but also locals who are into tourism.

This is my 3rd time in the island so it's nice to know that not much has changed from my last visit. By that, I mean, it has not been corrupted with too much of technology. 

After we huddled and agreed to cook breakfast/lunch by the beach, we hurriedly went to the beach around Brgy Langob, the side facing away from Mainland Cebu. The sand is finer compared to the one where the resorts are situated. 

The long shoreline is crude and modest - that with all the seaweeds lying on the sides. It's a residential area so no caretaker is in-charge to clean it. But the water's still clearer and cleaner than the side facing the mainland.

Like fishes about to dry up, we wasted no time. We got into the water and had our dose of saline fix.

ang dolphin dive ni Osang. Verdict=fail.

mali ka. hindi galit si Ton-ton sa sunblock

iwasang mapansin ang makatindig balahibong paa ng iyong lingkod. 

Traced the shoreline and went to 'Bantigue' where there's rock formation and shade. We spent until around 3PM swimming, snorkeling and basking under the heat of the sun.

Osang emote. 

No freshwater readily available to wash the saline out since we didn't book for any of the neighboring resorts. Instead, we had to activate our puss-in-boots eyes and asked locals to give us a go at their deep wells.

It was indeed another trip to remember. I don't think this is my last time. I have to try diving and snorkeling above the sunken ships and shallow coral reefs. I also forgot to ask our local guide, Angel, to bring us to the light house.

Special thanks to Angel for being our tour guide, contact and host.

The Cast

Whacky thoughts:

Though hiring an outrigger to bring us around the island for snorkeling or touring the island's spots [all in one day] would've given us the ultimate high on this Malapascua trip. I realized that it may not be destined for us to do so. For one, we don't have enough time and two, the idea came up as we were about to leave. I'm glad we didn't. Those missed out sidetrips are the reasons that'll bring us back to Malapascua.

Whacky NOTES:

Budget Breakdown:

Transportation from Maya to Malapascua - 80.00

Transportation from Malapascua to Maya - 100.00

Dinner/Breakfast/Lunch - 150.00

Night Socials - 20.00

Afternoon snacks (swaki) - Free!

How to get to Malapascua Island from Cebu City?

1. Ride a bus bound for Maya from the North Bus Terminal. The Cebu North Bus Terminal is about a half kilometer from SM City Cebu. The bus stops at Maya port, which is also the drop off point for the outrigger boats bound for Malapascua Island. Estimated Travel time: 4 hours++
2. From Maya port, take a 30-minute (depending on weather conditions) boat ride to Malapascua Island. 
3. That's it! You have arrived Malapascua Island. ^________^

How did Whacky Adventures* end up in Malapascua? Read the story here:

Cala-Kalanggaman Island Hullabaloo

Getting to Kalanggaman Island.

Isla Manoc: The chicken-less island

on a pinhole.

Excerpts from Discovering Carnaza Island.

We were all prepping up to get into beach bum mode when Ate Jennifer [local] approached us and told us to try going to this remote island between Cebu and Masbate. I was about to check with my friends if they want to go but before I can say another word, I saw very big affirming smiles. So off we go to Isla Manoc [later found out what the correct name of the island is as we heard her saying 'Isla Lamanok'].

pia aka mama pig.

Up until now, I'm still not sure whether the island is called 'Manoc' or 'Manoc-manoc'. I'm having difficulties finding an online reference that would put the confusion to rest. What I know is that it's between Masbate and Cebu. One thing remains sure, we heard Ate Jocelyn [local] wrong. We thought the island was called 'Lamanok Island'. Fail. 
.....
So we popped into one of smaller outrigger boats primarily used for fishing and off we go to Isla Manoc [Manoc Island]. Ate Jocelyn was kind enough to make these arrangements with her neighbor.

the cast.

Isla Manoc is composed of 2 islands connected by a shallow sand bar. According to the boatman,  the name came from the islands' figure. From a far, it looks like 2 chickens facing each other. He said, one is the cock [not the cock you're thinking, perv!] and the other, the hen. Another version also talked about hearing chicken crows in the island on midnight. ~Eerie. Note, the island is has no permanent residents due to the scarcity of fresh water so I don't think you can find any chicken roaming, scratching for food.

The islands are located in the Visayan sea, in between Masbate and Cebu. It serves as a temporary shelter for tired fishermen and migratory birds. It's around 45 minutes from Carnaza. The ride's a bit rough but I think it's because we were on a small boat.

The hen.

The hen.

The cock.

Interesting enough, one side of the island has rough waves crashing the sandbar while the other has calm and nearly steady waters. The sand isn't very fine. It's composed of broken down corals. So walking barefooted could become a bit challenging. [Learned it the hard way.]

rough on the right. calm on the left.

rough on the left. calm on the right. [view from the cock island]

lab-lab time.

practicing tsunami walk.

We simmer the hours and the sun's heat with glimmering sounds  of laughter and awe. We grilled the 2 kilos of fish we bought earlier that day, snorkeled like our first time and swam like kids on a kiddie pool. Saying we had fun is an understatement.

farrah aka bb pig..

Around 1:00PM, we decided to go to another island, Isla De Gato. I'm not sure how much time it'll take for us to get to the island. I was out to charge myself for another set of fooling around. On the way, we passed by the other side of the island. We were amazed with the rock formation and white sand shorelines tucked in between. I saw a spot with a long stretch of shoreline and suddenly thought of just stopping by to explore the area. Unanimously, we decided to just spend the rest of the day there.

mind play: a cat and a turtle.

on the way to Isla De Gato. sun-bathing or sleeping? 

Pit Stop.

It turned out to be a very good decision as we were able to harvest bags of edible sea urchins locally known as swaki.

swaki

4:00PM. We decided  to go back to base camp to witness the sunset. Off went our boat with restless spirits still bagging with us our fresh catch.

Ended the day with a spectacular view of the sunset over a cliff beside our base camp. It was like orange, yellow, blue and violet ink was splashed across the sky.

Whacky Thoughts:

Sometimes, taking sound decisions together or by majority can yield unexpected good results. It's best to take everyone's choice into consideration as a sign of respect of individual diversity. Just as long as everyone stands by one decision, nothing can go wrong. [I hope. :D] \m/

Budget Breakdown:

Island Hopping. Boat Rental - 800.00

2 kilos of fish for lunch - 160.00

Afternoon snacks (swaki) - Free!

Entrance Fee - Free!

Contacts:
Roger/Neli Recla via Hazel Recla Beloria - 0929.718.9927

Related Stories:

Carnaza Island: a series of unplanned events.

Discovering Carnaza Island, Cebu

Whacky Notes: Carnaza Island Must Know

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Whacky Notes: Carnaza Island Must Know

Here are some information you probably might want to have before going to the island:

• Destination: Carnaza Island
• Origin: Cebu City North Bus Terminal. Ride the bus bound for Maya-Kawit or Maya-Bagay. Inform the bus conductor that you're dropping off at Tapilon Port, Daanbantayan Cebu.
• First Trip to Maya: 2:00AM. Bus are available anytime.
• Origin: Tapilon Port, Daanbantayan. Ride the outrigger boats going to the island. Note there are no ferry boats going there. Do not hesitate to ask locals where the boats are as some of them do not have signboards. 
• First Trip to Carnaza is at 7:00AM. Last trip: 4:00PM.

• Travel time.
• Bus [Cebu-Tapilon]: 3-4 hours. Make sure to calculate travel time via bus as last trip going to the island is 4:00PM.
• Outrigger boat [Tapilon-Carnaza]: approximately 2 hours. Expect slightly bigger waves if you travel by the afternoon.

• Fares.
• Bus fare ranges between 140-160 pesos from North Bus Terminal. Bring a student ID or senior citizen card for discounts. :]
• Boat fare is between 80-100 pesos. But it can get cheaper depending on your haggling powers.

• Accomodation.
• There's only 1 resort on the island. I don't have their contact information nor their rates though but according to locals, this resort is owned by Lito Osmeña.
• You might want to consider camping out. Bring your tents and find a suitable area to setup camp. Make sure you register in the Brgy Hall or notify the Brgy Captain for safety purposes.
• Another option is home-stay. If your skin's tougher than usual, try to approach any local and ask to stay in their abode overnight. 
• Note: Limited electricity, water, comfort rooms.

• Supplies.
• There are some local convenient stores [sari-sari stores] scattered around the island. Prices are island prices meaning they are a tad more expensive than the usual.
• It's wise to bring your own supplies - food, water and toiletries.
• Portable camping and cooking utensils would be a great idea, otherwise pack up some balls and borrow it from locals.
• Fresh seafood is available daily. Ask some locals and they would be more than happy to sell some of their fresh catch.

• Budget Breakdown.
• Good for 8 people on 2 days-2-nights trip.

• Contacts:
• Roger/Neli Recla via Hazel Recla Beloria - 0929.718.9927
  - You can ask permission if you plan to camp out. They are genuinely kind people. Proven and test. :] They'd be more than happy to accommodate. They won't ask for a fee but we gave them anyway to show our gratitude.

• Itinerary.
• None. It was a spur-of-the-moment kind of trip.

Whacky Turn-off:
We noticed that the locals have not fully organized means on proper residential waste disposal, evident through plastic wraps found in shorelines near residential areas. Human and animal waste do not have proper drainage nor disposal on some household. Some just let it flow to the sea. So before taking a dip, be sure to look around [or smell around]. We learned it the hard way. :P

Whacky thoughts:
If you're up for an adventure, I suggest you pack up your backpack, bask under the sun and stars, be one with nature, and camp out to this island less-travelled! 

\m/

Whacky Notes:

Carnaza Island: a series of unplanned events.

Discovering Carnaza Island, Cebu
Whacky Notes: Carnaza Island Must Know 

Isla Manoc: The chicken-less island

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Discovering Carnaza Island, Cebu

Related Entry: Series of Unplanned Events.

In attendance: [L-R] Pia, Farrah, Jen, Osang, Kaye, Riz, Niiru

It was already 4:00PM when we arrived in Tapilon Port, Daanbantayan. With supplies hurriedly bought from a local convenience store and pent-up excitement for this venture, we made it on the last trip to the island. We asked a local for information and possibly ask for an area where we can set-up camp. She suggested we find shelter at Mr Roger Recla's place as this is where most backpackers stay. Northern winds [just a hunch] started to bring some waves as we board the pumpboat, but this didn't stop us from pushing through our whirlwind plan.

The sun was starting to set when the boat sailed. It was going to be a long and bumpy boat ride. Good thing I had my portable speakers and ipod [borrowed from pia] to ease the tension.

sailing swiftly away...

After grueling 2 hours, touchdown Carnaza Island! [woot! woot!] It was already dark when we set foot on the island. It was good to know that technology has penetrated this humble place. But according to locals, electricity cuts off after 9:00PM. We met Mr Roger Recla, one of the Brgy Councilors of the place and ask permission to camp in his compound. He and his wife were so accommodating and welcoming. It was like we were not strangers to them. We were so happy to have been blessed with such good people. They even allowed us to borrow some of their utensils and use their comfort rooms. Hurriedly, we set-up camp and prepared a meal. Blazed a bonfire by the beach with T5 to calm the nerves and plan out our beach bumming experience the next day. We were all excited how the island looks in the morning because the evening was just magical. Stars are spread like sugar spilled on the table. It was absurd how many twinkling lights are on the heavens. We tucked in in our tents all smiling and excited about the day to come.

lights off.

The next day, we were greeted with Mr Sun's radiant energy and a refreshing view of the beach. It was soothing to see the view that's still far from commercialization. Quick 'vegan' breakfast and off we go to beach bum. Booyeah!

no, hindi gutom si ate peah.

We were all prepping up to get into beach bum mode when Ate Jocelyn [local] approached us and told us to try going to this remote island between Cebu and Masbate. I was about to check with my friends if they want to go but before I can say another word, I saw very big affirming smiles. So off we go to Isla Manoc [later found out what the correct name of the island is as we heard her saying 'Isla Lamanok'].

Carnaza Island is a turtle-shaped, promising yet humble island near Malapascua Island. Foreign and local tourist from Malapascua actually stop by the island to bask and snorkel - proof of how beautiful Carnaza is. It is ideal for beach bums as white sand coasts are spread out partnered with lush and diverse marine life.

to that beach less-travelled. [view of Carnaza, on the way to Isla Manoc]

view on the way to Isla Manoc.

Osmena's Resort. view on the way to Isla Manoc.

On our way back, we stopped by a white sand shoreline with small rock formation on the other side of the island. The water was so clear it was like threading through a newly-cleaned swimming pool. I can see my feet clearly playing through the sandy seabed. It was perfect for snorkeling as you don't have to swim far to see diverse marine life radiantly springing into action.

Of course, the mandatory jump shot.

swimming and eating, our favorite hobby.

pose off.

...

When we got back, the sun was about to set. We decided to climb a small cliff right beside our 'campsite'. We were awed with the play of colors as the sun slowly sets. It was as romantic as the night that was. It was like watching a movie or a painting. It was that beautiful.

our campsite on the lower right side.

the other side.

picture failed.

sun-kissed and stoked.

shadows goofing off.

It was a bitter-sweet ending. All smiles because it was an adventure to remember, glad to have gone on this adventure but sad as the day is about to end. It was all worth-it. Closed this trip with a promise that we will be back but with a purpose. More on that in future entries.

Beach bums with Nanay and Tatay Recla

Big thank you to the warm people of Carnaza Island for allowing us to experience the island life, and to Tatay and Nanay, Mr and Mrs Roger Recla, who watched over us and showered us with hospitality.

Credits to Farrah for some of the shots taken.

Whacky Notes:

Carnaza Island: a series of unplanned events.

Discovering Carnaza Island, Cebu

Whacky Notes: Carnaza Island Must Know

Isla Manoc: The chicken-less island

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