Sablayan is a small town in Mindoro Island, just south of Luzon Island, Philippines. It is hard to reach by land from Manila, requiring bus ride followed by boat and bus ride again. Another option is by flight, followed by a bus ride. I tried both options to and fro. My initial plan was to hike Mt Iglit, however little did I expect the national park was closed for conservation. Hence, I was stuck in the town for few days before my next flight. As the saying goes, there is always a blessing in disguise.
 |
The little dorm
|
 |
| Resort compound |
 |
| View from resort |
 |
| Sunset view of the resort |
I stayed in a basic relaxing beach resort made of palm hut, on an endless black sand beach. It is about 30 mins walk from the town. The most amazing thing was enjoying the sunset in the sea, right in front of the resort with hardly anyone loitering in the beach. Seeing the sun slowly went down the sea with glowing red sky afterward was the most precious moment of the holiday.
 |
| Epic Memory |
 |
| Tranquility |
 |
| Nostalgic |
 |
| Amazing sunset |
Apart from the sunset, another way to spend the time in the town is to take a day boat ride to Pandan Island nearby. It is a private island with beautiful palm tree shades on the beach. I also did explore the island by trekking around 30 mins across the mini slope jungle to the other side with secluded beach. One has to hire a private boat, hence, it would be wise to share with other fellow travelers for 800 peso per return boat. As it is a private island, an entrance fee of 350 peso was imposed.
 |
| A private island with an entrance fee |
 |
| Secluded beach though mini trek across the Pandan Island |
 |
| Another hidden gem |
 |
| Isolated beach |
 |
| Crystal clear water |
 |
| Perfect snooze |
 |
| Paradise |
 |
| Perfect hangout |
 |
| Best way to relax |
I spent the other 2 days exploring the small town, looking for local food in the market and street stalls. I also walked to a nearby fishing village whereby the locals were busy with their daily life of fishing, drying the fish and boat making. There is also a public park on a mini hill called Parola Park.
 |
| Local fishing village |
 |
| Ready for fishing trip |
 |
| The process of fish drying |
 |
Locals drying the fish at the local fishing village
|
 |
| Traditional boat making |
 |
| Creativity and genius |
 |
A typical local sundry shop called sari sari
|
 |
| The local fried chicken tastes better than KFC |
 |
Busy morning market
|
 |
| View from Parola Park on a hilltop |
Overall, a supposedly trekking trip ended with a relaxing excursion and I did not regret visiting Sablayan.
 |
| An memoir journey |
No comments:
Post a Comment