So i finally get to go on trip after a stressful straight 6 months. Me and my boyfriend, Ryan went on an adventure to Cebu (Malapascua Island) to celebrate our anniversary and as part of our 'traditional trip' every anniversary. This is our 3rd Anniversary by the way. Time has flew very fast, indeed!
Goofing around inside the plane
We left Hong Kong on September 22, 2015 and we catch the earliest flight to Cebu at 9:40am. It takes about 3 hours to reach Cebu City,
The first thing we did after we landed was to have a quick lunch at Mang Inasal. After the quick lunch, we went straight to North bus terminal to take a bus that will bring us to Maya port (also known as Daanbantayan). We took a different bus ride that cost P160 per head, I would describe it as taking a jeepney ride where it will stop by many different location and it took us nearly 6 hours to get to the port, in which it was already night time. We reached the port by 8:30pm and of course it is risky to travel by boat. So I would highly suggest to take the CERES bus service. It is a lot faster and should only take around 3-4 hours TOPS! Anyways, we had a mini non-aircomditoned bus adventure for 6 hours. We met a motorcycle driver and he suggested us to stay over in the closest inn called "KEKOYS". We paid P1,200 for an air-conditioned room for 1 night (it includes breakfast in bed).
The next morning, we took off by 8am but unfortunately the boat does not leave until 12noon or until it gets full. So we didn't wanna wait any longer so we agreed to rent the whole boat for P1,500. It takes about 45 minutes to get to Malapascua Island.
View outside our veranda
We finally reach the beautiful island of Malapascua Island. We were greeted warmly by the locals. We stayed in Kokay's Maldito Dive Resort and Richelle, a staff from the resort assisted us to our room. I personally picked Room #7 located in the 2nd floor, as it has the best view and we have our own veranda. The room smells very nice. I felt at home with this place.
Long legged bed. Nicely decorated
Cheers!
His new toy
After exploring our room and unpacking our stuff, we went to inquire for scuba diving. We went to our resort diving shop, DIVE SOCIETY. We spoke to this guy called John and he have arranged us to Try-scuba for P3,500 per head. He also helped us prepare for the equipment and suits that we will need to use for the following day. We left the place feeling extremely excited.
On our second day in Malapascua Island, we woke up very early to have a good breakfast and to ready ourselves for the scuba diving. We met our dive master, Bryan and he quickly brief us with some information about scuba diving and taught us the signs that we need to learn to be able to communicate with each other underwater. After the brief we need to get change. I swear it was really hard to wear the suit, we need to wet our body in order for us to wear it,
Healthy breakfast
ROW ROW ROW YOUR BOAT
We went to a nearby beach area, where the water was calm and good for starters. We took about 30 minutes to learn how to breathe properly, communicate, and some other useful things that we need to do underwater. After the lesson, our dive master started to bring us deeper. We get to see small but fat fishes and some small corals. There is actually some moment that I actually forgot to breathe and it is hard to think underwater, Bryan needs to remind me to release my ear pressure from time to time. It was an awesome experience and I am actually glad that I did try this and now it is out of my bucket list. I would really consider taking the 5-6 days diving course that will reward me with a diving licence. Well, maybe I will do it next year.
On our third day, we went on an island hopping trip to Kalanggaman Island. It is a 2 hours boat ride. Kalanggaman Island is located nearby Leyte and it is in the middle of the ocean (I would say in the middle of nowhere). We paid P1,500 per head for the whole trip. This island definitely took my breathe away. It is divided into 2 different part, a calm and a wilder water side. The water was just amazing. Never seen anything like this in my life. I am speechless and felt fortunate to have been able to see this beauty through my own eyes.
Kalanggaman Island
Divided into 2 sides.
Right: The wild water side
Left: The calm water side (Beware not to swim far as the wind will drive you away from the shore)
While waiting for our lunch to be ready, I took around an hour to sun tan while chatting with my boyfriend and we took some time to walk around the beach and take some pictures and videos of course. We also tried to get in to the wild water side and we almost fell as the water was too strong. I tried to go in the calm water side but only to realize that the sands are too soft and i nearly fell. No wonder they put on a sign that it is restricted to swim in the calm water side as the wind will push you away from the shore and will be unable to return. It sounds quite scary. Anyways for lunch we had grilled chicken and grilled fish. It was delicious and we also get to socialise with the people who are with us in the tour. It was a very nice day.
Sunbathing while waiting for our lunch
Picture Picture
This is life!
Leaving Kalanggaman Island
So It is our time to say goodbye to Malapascua Island. We both feel very welcome and have felt at home in Kokay's. The hospitality of the staff are really warm and i will surely come back to this place.
Last breakfast in Kokay's. Filipino breakfast (TAPA)
One last view of Kokay's
After taking another long bus ride back to the city, we went directly to my boyfriend's grandma house in Lahug to pick up his 2 brothers and cousin to proceed on to our next trip to Dalaguete. We took Ceres bus service this time and it only took us 3 hours to get to Dalaguete and we stayed in a nearby inn and took the night off.
The next morning we woke up early to hike the Osmena Peak (known as the highest mountain in Cebu). We took a motorcycle ride to take us to the starting point of the trail. I love riding motorcycle. It is refreshing yet dangerous but FUN.
So the hike started and I am the only one who came prepared for a muddy, windy, wet hike. Thank God i wore shoes while the others are on their slippers. They had to walk bare feet, as the slippers are making it more slippery. We somehow had to step on the grass just for us not to fall. It was very hilarious watching them struggle, While hiking up, we saw many vegetables planted on the soils and I find this amusing as I don't see this everyday in my life.
Cabbages
So we finally reach the top of the mountain. Although it was foggy but we can still see some view and the fogs does go away for a few seconds and then another one comes then gone and so on. It was rainy at that time when we reach on top but it was amazing to be up there.
On top of Osmena Peak
On top of Osmena Peak
The windy look of mine
After the hike, we continue on to another area in Dalaguete, to my boyfriend grandma's sister home. He showed me around and showed me the rice field where he used to play around as a child. We had our lunch over there and for first time i tried drinking Coconut wine. It was weird at first but i got the hang of the taste later. Overall, It was a nice day. Since i have lived in a city my whole life, I really do appreciate being out of the city and see nothing but nature.
Rice field in Dalaguete
So we finally came back to Hong Kong on September 29, 2015. It was very sad that our trip is over but this only means that we had an awesome trip for us to feel sad. But this is not the end of our travel journey. We will be traveling more in the next few months, for sure!
Here are some of the best food that we ate during the trip. They're all delicious.
From top left: Sizzling Fish, Pancit Canton (very big portion), Kinlaw, Sinigang Shrimp, Pasta Parmigiana, Mango Float, Mussels with Cheese, Carpaccio and Michelle's Soup (Broccoli Soup)
Ryan has made a video of the whole trip. It will be uploaded in my next blog.
Yours Truly,
Michelle Chan
