If you've been to Bantayan Island in Cebu, you have surely gone to the Virgin Island as one of the island hopping destinations. It has been called 'virgin' for quite a long time and I've been curious whether this little paradise has lived up to its name.
This is isn't the first blog I've written about Bantayan Island (that's how I love this place) so go ahead check out the fun things to do in Bantayan and some tips for island hopping in Virgin Island and other unpopular destinations surrounding the island.
Visiting it for the second time, I have noticed several changes as I walked past the main entrance. Because I often travel with a budget, I surely took notice on the sign board with the updated entrance fee. From just Php 100, it has increased to Php 500 / two pax with Php 100 per person in excess of two people. Really? Why? I didn't understand at first because nothing was really changed except for some minor repairs and repaints.
When I walked farther into the forest area, I began to understand why they've doubled their fees. One of the friendly staff told us about a diving cliff or moreso a man-made diving board. He directed us to the forested area to get to the diving spot. I saw newly constructed bamboo pathways hemmed in the big boulders amid the mangrove area.
After a few meters, I saw a wide wooden platform overlooking the sea beyond the cliff. The bamboo pathways had little corners where the small native huts with seats were situated. Those pretty little cottages somehow lured me into taking a nap after a stroll under the scorching sun. The breeze up there was as invigorating as a chilled drink but it tends to get really hot and humid during the day so prep up with your sunscreen and sunglasses.
The construction of the bamboo pathways made exploration to some parts of the forest possible. Now, you could actually walk on those tapered ends of the boulders which you couldn't do before.
As you get to the end of the bamboo bridge, the forest trail start. There's really no guide or resort staff to walk you to the diving spot or to guide your way in the forest so it's the best time to explore and get lost. (hyperbole, I know right) Walking without a guide seems scary at first. I got that Little-red-riding-hood feels as I walked past the tall trees alongside the trailed path. I felt a wolf is gonna snatch me anytime soon! LOL.
If you just follow that trail - that single trail (or so I thought), you won't lose your way. At the end of the path, it would feel like you've passed through a portal to another world. Who would have thought that the forest would lead you to another white sand beach? Yes. This part is a perfect spot for yoga or some quiet reflection. While it gets so hot during the day, some coconut trees lined across the beach could share their shade for a tired 'hooman'.
Facing the beach, walk a few meters to your left and you'll find the much awaited diving spot. You could dive all you want. Don't worry lifeguards are always on their watch.
Going back to the main resort, I already felt a little haggard (hagardo versoza!) so grabbing a snack or a drink at their mini restaurant would be a perfect 'endgame'. Their prices are a bit higher than the usual like doubled compared to the prices in the main island.
You might also want to lounge on this floating hut as you wind up your trekking. Pretty much a perfect photo opp!
Except from the ones I mentioned above, nothing significant have changed especially in the main resort.
I admit, my impression of a virgin island is far from what I have recently seen and experienced. I used to imagine an uninhabited beach island with large boulders surrounding it. It seems that they are slowly turning Virgin Island into a resort with more facilities which for me is not bad at all. I embrace changes so long as these modifications are not destructive.
You may cast doubt with the rawness of the island but one thing is certain, the waters and the beach are as pristine and 'virgin' as they have always been. For the nth time, I'll never get tired of going back to this little paradise.
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| grand entrance! |
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| Greetings! |
Visiting it for the second time, I have noticed several changes as I walked past the main entrance. Because I often travel with a budget, I surely took notice on the sign board with the updated entrance fee. From just Php 100, it has increased to Php 500 / two pax with Php 100 per person in excess of two people. Really? Why? I didn't understand at first because nothing was really changed except for some minor repairs and repaints.
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| bamboo pathways ahead |
After a few meters, I saw a wide wooden platform overlooking the sea beyond the cliff. The bamboo pathways had little corners where the small native huts with seats were situated. Those pretty little cottages somehow lured me into taking a nap after a stroll under the scorching sun. The breeze up there was as invigorating as a chilled drink but it tends to get really hot and humid during the day so prep up with your sunscreen and sunglasses.
The construction of the bamboo pathways made exploration to some parts of the forest possible. Now, you could actually walk on those tapered ends of the boulders which you couldn't do before.
As you get to the end of the bamboo bridge, the forest trail start. There's really no guide or resort staff to walk you to the diving spot or to guide your way in the forest so it's the best time to explore and get lost. (hyperbole, I know right) Walking without a guide seems scary at first. I got that Little-red-riding-hood feels as I walked past the tall trees alongside the trailed path. I felt a wolf is gonna snatch me anytime soon! LOL.
If you just follow that trail - that single trail (or so I thought), you won't lose your way. At the end of the path, it would feel like you've passed through a portal to another world. Who would have thought that the forest would lead you to another white sand beach? Yes. This part is a perfect spot for yoga or some quiet reflection. While it gets so hot during the day, some coconut trees lined across the beach could share their shade for a tired 'hooman'.
Facing the beach, walk a few meters to your left and you'll find the much awaited diving spot. You could dive all you want. Don't worry lifeguards are always on their watch.
Going back to the main resort, I already felt a little haggard (hagardo versoza!) so grabbing a snack or a drink at their mini restaurant would be a perfect 'endgame'. Their prices are a bit higher than the usual like doubled compared to the prices in the main island.
You might also want to lounge on this floating hut as you wind up your trekking. Pretty much a perfect photo opp!
Except from the ones I mentioned above, nothing significant have changed especially in the main resort.
I admit, my impression of a virgin island is far from what I have recently seen and experienced. I used to imagine an uninhabited beach island with large boulders surrounding it. It seems that they are slowly turning Virgin Island into a resort with more facilities which for me is not bad at all. I embrace changes so long as these modifications are not destructive.
You may cast doubt with the rawness of the island but one thing is certain, the waters and the beach are as pristine and 'virgin' as they have always been. For the nth time, I'll never get tired of going back to this little paradise.
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| instragammable ayt? |
Till our next laag*!
*wander, saunter
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