Third day.
Woke up at 5:00 am to prepare for the very early island tour. We rented a pump boat (for Php1,500.00, the whole day) that will take us to Balicasag Island and hopefully see some dolphins along the way. Arthur was our Boat Captain and he was accompanied by 2 of his friends who will serve as his navigators.
Feeling sleepy and excited at the same time, we boarded the pump boat and sailed away towards the island. The air was still a bit cool and the sun was just beginning to come out from the clouds.
At first, the waves were a bit scary but after about 10 minutes, it was as if the waves were rocking me to sleep. Seeing the vast ocean made me realize how small I am in this world, that I am simply a speck. It made me realize that there is really a Higher Being orchestrating all of these majestic views and scenes in front of me and it will be such a tremendous shame if I won't contribute to taking care of our wonderful nature.
I was hoping to see dolphins but unfortunately, they didn't show up. We were joking that since it was a Friday the previous night, they went out to have fun and had a very late night. That's why they failed to get up early in the morning. Well, there's always a next time.
Two hours into the sea, I began to see Balicasag Island looming nearer. I flashed a huge smile because finally, I will be on land again!
Before officially landing on Balicasag Island, we transferred to what seemed to me as the smallest boat I've ever seen so we can head off to their Marine Sanctuary for some snorkeling. Balicasag Island has a 400 meter Marine Sanctuary (also called SouthWest-Wall) of healthy corals as well as different kinds of fish that definitely make snorkeling fun and memorable. Too bad I don't have any waterproof camera and had to leave my trusty digicam behind, that's why I don't have photos of the beautiful schools of fish and wonderful corals. I was only able to take a photo of the crystal clear water before I bravely transferred to the small boat while punishing everyone with my shrieks. I swear, the tiny boat and the waves scared the wits out of me.
It was fantastic to see so many fish in different colors- electric blue, bright orange, deep black with white spots, yellow. It was just breathtaking. Had we known that we can feed the fish, we could've brought slices of bread with us. But even if there wasn't any food, the schools of fish weren't shy to go up to us and welcome our presence.
Afterwards, we boarded the tiny boat and headed to the shores of the island. Not having eaten any breakfast, I was starving. Good thing we can have lunch at the island. We approached a small Nipa Hut and sought out some ladies that were selling the freshest seafood you can ever lay your eyes on. I think we bought every single fish they offered and then some. After telling them how we want them cooked, they were off to clean and cook the ingredients.
While waiting for our food, I was out exploring and clicking away.
Yes, I saw DYESIBEL.
Soon, I heard a voice calling out my name. It was lunch time! I eagerly jogged towards the hut and perched myself on the bamboo seats, smiling stupidly while all the dishes were being laid on the table.
Kilawing Barracuda
Grilled Squid
Buttered Shrimps
Steamed Jackfish (Mamsa)
Grilled Pomfret (Ilak)
Sinigang na Samaral (Rabbitfish)
What can I say? Everything was amazingly fresh and delicious! Of course, we invited Arthur and 2 of his friends to dine with us. It was such an excellent lunch- fabulous food, wonderful view of the sea, awesome people. We were so excited to eat that we didn't even bother to ask the ladies the price of each seafood that we ordered. All I know was we paid them Php1,500.00 for everything- that already included the rice and a 1.5 liter bottle of Coke.
Before we left the island, I bought some souvenirs from the ladies who cooked our lunch.
Lunch was definitely satisfying.
Balicasag Island- check. Next stop- the sand bar.
