Nature-ral High

Nature-ral High
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail
Showing posts with label Philippine Island Beach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philippine Island Beach. Show all posts

January 13, 2019

Sta. Ana Beaches - Rivals of the South

   Last year, we spent our Christmas 400KM away from Manila... in Isabela, Cagayan Valley. A few weeks before our trip, Adrian was advised by his pedia to visit a beach. To get some vitamin-SEA. Isabela is a town far from the coast, given this, we decided to visit Sta. Ana, Cagayan. I heard a lot of good review of the beaches around this town, plus we had never been there. One caveat though is that its 263km distance from Isabela!.
   It was a long drive but I love road trips. As long as the view and the road is good (and no traffic). For the first day we stayed in a resort in the city proper of Sta. Ana. Sta Ana is a sleepy town in the north of Luzon. There are a few vehicles but the city is self-sustaining. The resort have good rooms but for the food you have to cook it yourself (or ask he resort to do it for you for a fee). They have kitchen equipments and utinsils that you can use at no extra charge. The beach has black sand and the water is not that calm, this is because its December and northern monsoon is affecting the place. Part of the reason we stayed here on our first day is that so we can rest after a long drive as the more beautiful beaches is farther and more secluded. 


We saw this sight on our way to Tugegarao. It was so beautiful we had to stop to capture the scenery
Black sand beach of Sta Ana



Adrian enjoying the beach


Our dinner bought from the market near by


  For our second day we move to another beach 30 mins away from Sta. Ana - Pozo Robo. It is more secluded than the previous day beach and has finer white sand. The resort has nipa hut rooms that has CR and air-condition, but you have to cook and bring your food. They have common areas for cooking and dine. The beach thrives with lots of sea creatures. Similar to the beach in Sta. Ana, the water is not calm, but if you swim on low tide, the water is calmer as it broken by the shallow corals. 

   I believe long time ago. Only locals visit the place, and only backpackers spent overnight since they are the ones who has equipments. 
   The place is excellent that made the long drive worth it. But it will  be a long time before I visit the place again. 




The view of the beach from our cottage vantage point

Oor accomodation. It was made in the middle of the forest.

 

Beach at low tide. So many creatures

Hill beside the beach According to our neighbor there are stairs to reach the top. But we had no time to take the hike


Hermit crabs are very abundant in the beach,  among others

On the second day, we were the only visitors on the beach. 





The yard beside our cottage



Pozo Robo  resort. 




Gian made a Christmas tree out of seaweeds


The trail from the main road to the cottages. 




So serere and unspoiled





Side trip: 
   On our way, we stop over Tugegarao and drop by St. Peter Cathedral. It is an old churd made on the 1600s. We also drop by Magapit Suspension Bridge. The biggest bridge that connects the east and west of Cagayan river. 
The cathedral is colored red/maroon, which makes it exceptional



Even the door is well crafted.

The church ceilings is beautifully painted. Reminds me of Sistine Chapel


Longest and biggest suspension bridge in Cagayan which run over Cagayan river. 




August 10, 2015

The beauty that is Alibijaban

  As I step into the island, I could not believe myself that such an place exist within Luzon. From the fine white sand, abundance of mangroves, the serenity of the place, calm waters, plentiness of marine life.... I think I am lost for words.

  A sandbar also appears during low tide of the day. Which makes the place more surreal.


  I did not regret that we decided to stay for two nights on the place. Since we had the beach all to ourselves. Alibijaban is a small island within the coast of San Andres, Quezon. We did not mind driving for 8 hours going to the island. It was such joy to drive on country side. The fresh air and the zig-zag road that will remind you of Baguio, but be prepared to experience unfamaliar sights - Chickens crossing the road, kids playing on the pavement, there is even a instance of a boat crossing the street! Traffic is almost a thing of the past after passing by Batangas. You also dont need to worry where to park going to the island. The town proper has a nice port where you can park safely for a very small fee.


  The island has a community of a few houses. You can buy fresh catch if you will be able to wake up early and haggle with the fishermen. The community does not have electricity but most houses have solar panels for their electric needs. They community have a small store. A mini canteen and other establishments for their basic needs. 


    I just have a request for those planning to go to the island. Please, please let us keep it as is. Don't let it be another Calaguas. Follow LNT rules at all times, so that we can share it to the next generation. 


See you again in the future, Alibijaban!




Locals of Alibijaban






San Andres has a very good port. It even has a big parking lot








Kids at the port


Kids at the port


Sea Creatures






More sea creatures




Socials




Mangroves is very abundant on the island














We saw a shipwreck. According to locals 
it was parked here and was accidentally burned




The island has good trails








An Unknown flower








Bloat Fish


Games that kids play - Snail race (exciting!)


Their version of a Doll House


We saw a store in a village. 


The village source of electricity. Solar.






A farmer gathering mangrove lumber




Our camp








Cottage by the sea
















The island has a sandbar that comes out during low tide














At last a much better headstand












The total  distance of the place from Manila