camiguin – No Juan Is An Island

Philippines’ Beaches: What’s Not to Love?

October 5, 2017October 6, 2017Posted in Adventure, Beach, Ecotourism, Life, Photo Essay, Photo Story, Photography, Travel, travelspiration, World TravelTagged Balabac, Basilan, Batanes, Biliran, Bohol, Boracay, Cagayan, calaguas, calayan island, camiguin, Caramoan, cebu, coron, Davao, el nido, ilocos, Kalanggaman, Leyte, marinduque, Onuk Island, palawan, panglao, Philippines beaches, Romblon, siargao, siquijor, Surigao7 Comments

The Philippines, being an archipelago, is dotted with innumerable pristine, sparkling beaches. Some white, others black, a few brown, and surprisingly pink too! We have beaches that are as fine as talcum powder to gritty, sandy ones, while others are pebble lined. Majority of these tropical paradise boasts off crystal clear water that comes in azure to turquoise colors. Regardless of the color and texture of beaches’ sand and water, Philippines’ seashores will make one’s “beach escapade” memorable and fun!

Besides the obvious aesthetics of our beaches, here are other reasons why bumming around the beaches of the Philippines is a must doPhilippines’ beaches have a laid-back vibe, especially the small-town beaches and the off-the beaten ones. They are the ultimate relaxation zones perfect for experiencing serenity and peace of mind. One can go for an afternoon walk along the shoreline or sit down under shady palm trees while reading a book. Or just lie down, let the crashing waves touch your feet and the gentle wind kiss your lips. Totally relaxing and an awesome escape to a stressful life!

Philippines’ beaches have a laid-back vibe, especially the small-town beaches and the off-the beaten ones. They are the ultimate relaxation zones perfect for experiencing serenity and peace of mind. One can go for an afternoon walk along the shoreline or sit down under shady palm trees while reading a book. Or just lie down, let the crashing waves touch your feet and the gentle wind kiss your lips. Totally relaxing and an awesome escape to a stressful life!

Philippines’ beaches are home to various water sports and activities. From surfing, to snorkeling to SCUBA diving, kitesurfing, kayaking, island-hopping and many more. Plus, the marine life is teeming with wonders. One will never run out of things to do. These activities can keep you fit and make your vacation more fun-filled.

Philippines’ beaches showcase some of the most jaw-dropping sunrise and sunset views. Everything turns into a picturesque, surreal nature art once the sun starts to rise. It is even more dramatic during sundown. Sunset by the beach is one thing I look forward the most.

Philippines’ beaches are generally cheap. While some of our beaches are becoming more and more commercialized, I want to believe that majority of our beaches are still inexpensive, and some even for free. One could spend some time along the beach without worrying about spending much – paying for entrance fees or buying pricey food because again, the cost isn’t really high.

Philippines’ beaches are home to good and hospitable Filipinos. I want to think that Filipino hospitality is evident in almost all parts of the country – whether at the mountain villages, to seaside towns, and various rural areas. Most Filipinos are willing to lend a helping hand in whatever ways they could. Some families would invite you their homes, some would even cook the freshest sea catch of the day for their visitors to have a sumptuous meal.

They say “life is a beach”. Whether you have a beach bod, dad bod or whatever kind of body figure you have, the beach is one welcoming place for you to experience life, to live life.

Don’t be a wasted soul, be Juanderlust. Take it easy everyJuan.

The Sunken Cemetery (Camiguin, PH)

September 30, 2015September 30, 2015Posted in TravelTagged asia, camiguin, Catarman Camiguin Philippines, cemetery, island born of fire, mindanao, philippines, Sunken Cemetery2 Comments

“I dig art. With a shovel. In the cemetery.” — Jarod Kintz

Perhaps, one of the most interesting tourist attraction I have been to is an underwater cemetery. Most of you might get shocked but there is such a place called The Sunken Cemetery in Catarman, Camiguin, Mindanao, Philippines.

This unique cemetery features tombs underwater. It was believed that it was buried due to the eruption of Mount Vulcan Daan during the 1800s with only one giant cross seen above water. This landmark in the island province has become a picturesque spot to remember the deceased buried there.

At present, very few of the remains of these gravestones can be seen during low tide. If you want to witness the underwater features of this place, you can snorkel or skin dive. Some may find it creepy, but because of the clear waters and teeming marine life in the area, it is still a delight to see. The place also becomes more magical during sundown.

How to Get to The Sunken Cemetery:

From Manila, you can fly to Camiguin via Cebu. Also, you can fly to Cagayan de Oro City. Once in CDO, take a shuttle to Agora Terminal. From there, take a bus bound for Balingoan Port and ride a ferry going to Camiguin. Upon arrival in Benoni Port (Camiguin), you can either take a multi-cab or tricycle to the town of Catarman. From the highway, one can already see the giant cross.

Don’t be a wasted soul, be ‘juan’derlust. Take it easy ebri’juan’…

White Island (Camiguin, PH)

May 28, 2015May 28, 2015Posted in TravelTagged camiguin, mambajao, medan island, medan white island, medano islet, mindanao, philippines, sandbar, VisitPH2015, white island, white island camiguin5 Comments

“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.” – David Viscott

Wanna get kissed by the sun as you bum around a sandbar that seemingly floats in the middle of the sea? With an unobstructed view of the sea and sky… with your feet being tickled by the very fine white sand and relaxed by the cool turquoise waters?

White Island, an uninhabited sandbar, located about 1.4 kilometres off the coast of Mambajao (capital town of Camiguin Island, Philippines). Also called Medan Island or Medano Islet, the shape and size of the sandbar changes depending on the tides. At times, it looks like a boomerang or a horse-shoe, and at times, the center part is submerged making it appear like 2 separate pieces of land.

Being unpopulated, there are no structures of any sort. Not even a single tree/plant can be found here. The mid portion of the C-shaped Island is a radiant, clear, cerulean lagoon-like body of water. The backdrop of the island is the verdant slopes of Mt. Hibok-hibok and Mt. Vulcan on one side, and an ostensibly continual view of the sea on the other side.

This is one of Camiguin’s main attractions, drawing in a large number of tourists all-year round. The island can be accessed from Brgy. Agoho or Brgy. Yumbing in Mambajao. Outrigger boats can be hired from any of the resorts adjacent to the island.

Boat rentals are available for P400 – P500 (two-way trip). The locals also rent out beach umbrellas for P200 each.

Do not forget to bring with you food and drinks and your sunblock specially when you intend to spend several hours in the island. The place is indeed perfect for swimming, snorkelling, camwhoring, bumming or waiting for both the sunrise and the sunset.

Truly, White Island is an embodiment of a postcard-perfect tropical delight.

How to Get to White Island:

From Manila, you can fly to Camiguin via Cebu. You can fly to Cagayan de Oro City. Once in CDO, take a shuttle to Agora Terminal. From there, take a bus bound for Balingoan Port and ride a ferry going to Camiguin. Upon arrival in Benoni Port (Camiguin), you can either take a multi-cab or tricycle to Brgy. Yumbing or Agoho. Finally, rent an outrigger boat to White Island.