Five years are enough time for a place to change. Such is the case for Mantigue Island in Camiguin, North Mindanao. With Cebu Pacific Air’s direct flights from Cebu recently introduced last April, I was lucky enough to join a band of bloggers raring to explore the island wonders to promote its flight accessibility and tourism. I guess its serendipity that I go back to this island as I was yearning to go back to Mantigue Island since I had a memorable visit there in 2008. As our boat launched under a hazy mid-morning sky and a sentimental air, I can’t help wonder what does the island look now? Is the family where we stayed in still there? After a mere 15-20 minutes boat ride over medium swells, the island was there to answer.
Tag: Islands
Return to Kota Kinabalu and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
I remember how excited I was almost 8 years ago when I was finally going out of the country to travel for the first time. Kota Kinabalu was the first stamp on my newly acquired passport and I finally got to experience riding an airplane via AirAsia. It was so memorable as we climbed Mount Kinabalu then,enjoyed some islands and nature parks. A similar kind of excitement was brewing when I joined Zest Air’s inaugural flight to Kota Kinabalu last weekend. There was no climbing this time but I still recall the cold air and the somewhat hangover-state-of-mind while climbing the summit of Mt Kinabalu when I saw the mountain through my plane window. The rain-cloud draped city looks back like a familiar friend but noticeable is the aging state and a few constructions to perk up the city skyline. Off coast, the islands of Tunku Abdhul Rahman Park still looks pristine. I immediately recognized Manukan Island there and remembered our fun beach bumming and snorkeling excusion. Ah yes, its nice to see you again Kota Kinabalu.
Paddling through Erratic Waters for Bubog Island Sibaltan
We traveled about 37km by bus from El Nido town proper to Sibaltan with our kayak in tow. My friend wanted to see the potential of the place for a kayaking destination. No doubt there are good ones like the mangroves by the Sibaltan Beach and river but the one we’re targeting was that cute little island just in front of the Marine Santuary Guard House called Bubog Island. Despite the looming rain clouds and strong wind on the horizon that morning the sun shone itself in the morning and we were just excited to test the waters.
The Universe Moves in My Stillness
Being still does not mean don’t move. It means move in peace.
~ E’yen A. Gardner
Photo Print | Faith as Strong as the Rocks
Death is an endless night so awful to contemplate that it can make us love life and value it with such passion that it may be the ultimate cause of all joy and all art. – Paul Theroux
Photo Print: Warm Seashore Glow
Now more than ever do I realize that I shall never be content with a sedentary life, and that I shall always be haunted by thoughts of a sun-drenched elsewhere. – Isabelle Eberhardt
Terengganu: The Crystal Mosque and the Islamic Heritage Park
And I thought it could only happen in fairy tales. A structure made entirely of crystal. Well for this, the Crystal Mosque (or Masjid Kristal), it’s mostly made of crystal with some metal and glass. Nonetheless it’s a beautiful, one of a kind structure found in Kuala Terengganu. We were supposed to visit a floating mosque but got lost here on an island within a city to find the golden ochre walls of this mosque reflecting the warm light of the afternoon sun.
