Dampalitan Beach

       I took a two week leave last holiday season. But of course I don't want to spend my vacation just for shopping and eating. We chose to spend the last days of the year unwinding in a remote beach. The beach is  called Dampalitan island in Quezon.

The island is also within the vicinity of Kwebang Lampas. The beach here is much longer but I think the other is much finer and so is the water.  When I was snorkling I saw lots of broken corals, effect of dynamite fishing? probably? A short and calm boat ride from the main road is needed to reach the beach. We were actually planning to stay in the island for three days but due to an LPA (low pressure area) we had to choice but to shorten it to two. But this also came as a blessing in disguise, since we were the only guests on the beach... this island was all for ourselves (except for the locals ofcourse). We had a very good sunset, we drink under the light of an excellent fullmoon... on the beach with very calm water. All I can say is what a way to end the year. 


Edit: 1/22/13
  The place is somewhat reminiscence Anawangin since there are pine trees along the beach. The beach goes around the island, and on the northern side has several mangroves. The fish we grilled are fresh catch bought from the fisherman along the area. 

Sunset

The Usual Suspects

The Camp

The beach

Gianne acting as a judge for a group who came after us

Puting Buhangin / Kwebang Lampas

  Since a few years ago, one of my yearly summer activities was to find and go to secluded beaches around Luzon. Our regular destination was in Zambales, but for this year we moved to Quezon. Puting Buhangin/Kwebang Lampas (white beach/overshoot cave) was already in my radar way back. But it was only this year that overnight camping was allowed. 


  The beaches in Quezon is known for their black sand, but this beach was an exception. It is white and fine, as my friend said 'boracayesque'. The length of the shoreline not that long, in the other end is where the cave is located. The cave pass through a cliff exposing the open sea. In the cave and the rock formation outside, we saw several species of fish when we tried to snorkle. I even saw an eel which I though was a sea snake. Regular fishermen also try to sell their catch, we were able to buy more than  a kilo of Lapu-lapu for only 50 pesos. There were other visitors on the beach but still not crowded considering its the height of summer. 
  Adding to the beauty of the trip, a 10 minute walk is needed before reaching the beach. Passing by mangroves and a beautiful shoreline. 

PowerPlant Landmark

The Cave

Cliff Jump