ISLAND BREAK: BORACAY PART II

I think it was six o’ clock already when I was conscious. However, my body literally got up from bed by seven.

We fixed ourselves and went to the Tan’s Coffee Shop located at the roof deck of the Main Building of TGH for our breakfast.


Set breakfast served was the usual si-log meals. I opted for corned beef-si-log. Their brewed coffee looked average for me but I wonder what made it taste way better than how I prepare my coffee, especially when I added some brown sugar and milk.

Pouring some milk over a cup of TGH brewed coffee

Tap-si-log

After we finished our meal, we talked to Kuya Hazel Joi about the activity package he had been recommending since last night. The package consisted of island hopping, helmet diving, globe riding, snorkeling and Fly Fish riding.

After 10 minutes of walking, we reached Bulabog Beach, home to Boracay’s water sports activities. Next, we rode on the speed boat to the helmet diving area.

Tourists at Bulabog Beach

Bulabog Beach

Helmet diving area by Red Coral

Then, we listened to the safety briefing in which we learned basic hand signs before the dive. Our chests were filled with excitement and tension.

The group before the dive

The instructor

One after another, we immersed into the clear blue water wearing the helmet weighing almost 20 kilograms but when submerged in water feels like 2 kilograms.

Helmet diving oxygen lines

A s what was instructed to us, when we feel the water pressure, we need to neutralize. This is done by taking a deep breath and then exhaling it not through your nose and mouth but through your ears (sometimes through the eyes). You can feel the popping in your ears if you were successful.

Under the water, the divers lined us up and gave a piece of bread cubes to feed the fishes. We had a chance to touch a coral with a clownfish playing near it.

Helmet diving

Nemo!

When we rose to the surface, Angela had her ears bleeding due to pressure (not meant to scare you guys). We asked her if she can hear us or if she can feel any pain, she said she was alright. The instructor immediately applied first aid and said that it was a normal injury due to decompression in the ear but I was still unconvinced that there was no need for further medical care.

We headed back to Bulabog beach for our next stop: globe riding or Zorb™ as most people call it. We rode in a multicab until we passed by Fairways and Blue Water Resort. The Zorb™-ing area was adjacent to Ilig-Iligan Beach.

The giant ball

There were actually two types of Zorb™: the orbit type, where the person inside is fixed with a harness; and the hydro type, where the person can freely move with water inside. We tried the hydro type in threes. We enjoyed it but only a short blast of fun though. Maybe it is because the descent is not too high or the distance travelled was short.

Nearby was the serene Ilig-Iligan Beach and from there, we had a nice view of an incredible rock formation, the Gateway Arch.

View of Gateway Arch from Ilig-Iligan Beach

Ilig-Iligan Beach

T.G. Resto on the beach

Afterwards, we had lunch at T.G. Resto. Our set consisted of sinigang na sugpo, pork barbecue, garlic and buttered shrimp, chicken curry, nilagang baka, and grilled squids.

Garlic and buttered shrimps

Grilled squids

Chicken curry in potatoes and carrots

Pork barbecue

After the meal, we took pictures of the sand sculpture on the beach. Don’t fail to give some donation to the one who made the sculpture as a sign of appreciation.

Boracay sand sculpture

Subsequently, we went to our succeeding activity: snorkeling. We saw different species of fishes, starfishes and sea urchins. Unfortunately, we had no underwater camera to share the view underneath.

Over the clear waters of the snorkeling area

While enjoying, Tonie warned me that there was a sea snake underwater. I put on the snorkel again, submerged my face and saw the blue-striped sea snake. I tricked the others that there was a huge sea snake underneath, and everyone hurriedly went up the boat (especially those who do not know how to swim). Everyone laughed and the boatman clearly said that those creatures do not make any harm unless they were threatened. We continued to appreciate the wonders of the sea.

I felt the island hopping was short though. Not because we didn't have ample time but the threats of big waves and rain clouds we can see from afar the area of the islands. We decided not to push through. However, the scenery was more than enough for the sight.

 

 

Then, we directed back to Bulabog Beach for the Fly Fish ride. It look simple from afar, just hold tight while the Fly Fish was pulled by a speed boat.

Fly Fish

Jane, Christian, Klara, Harold and Mark accepted the challenge first. After a few minutes, Jane and Christian were already out of the Fly Fish but that never stopped them from trying again. It seemed that they already knew the technique.

Next were Iron, Jess, Angela, Chris and Kelvin. The anxiety I felt increased when I see Iron out of the water stripped of the life vest. Luckily, he immediately grabbed it and he was saved. What if it happened to me? I became paranoid because I do not know how to swim. Angela and Chris decided to stop but it seemed that Kelvin and Jess were unsatisfied.

When it was my turn together with Luther and Tonie, Christian and Jess said that they would like to try again. The moment the speed boat dragged us, we were literally flying. I felt like a pendulum bouncing between the air and water. My grip became vulnerable but my adrenaline rush kept me from losing grip. After 6 rounds, I shifted into rested position and had my feet massaged by the water. This technique was more comfortable and secure (I thought I was cheating though, lol).

It was a roller-coaster ride plus surfing in one, the most extreme water sport that I have tried so far. This is a must-try for action-chasers, but not meant for the faint-hearted. Here's some random action on the Fly Fish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We returned to the beach by speed boats. The ride was like Fly Fish Part II: Next Level!

 

 

 

 

Aside from Fly Fish and speed boat rides, Bulabog Beach is also home to parasailing, banana boat riding, jet skiing and more sports acctivities.

Smiley-inspired parasails

Jet ski

After the actions during the day, I think a soothing massage and a delicious dinner are the best to keep you revitalized.

We dropped by the market near d*mall. We bought the items we needed for the dinner. We decided to cook our food since cook set and utensils were available at the guest house and to minimize expenses. That night, we prepared stir-fried chop suey vegetables and pork caldereta.

After dinner, we went to d*talipapa to buy t-shirts, bracelets, locally-made items of all sorts.

We passed by a store called Isla Paraiso. They sell souvenir and custom-made items like T-shirts, bags, umbrellas, etc.

We also sneaked inside Tatak Bora and another art shop in front for their locally-made handicrafts.

 

Thankfully, the store owners allowed us to buy until 10 p.m. although they usually close by 9:00 p.m. I think souvenir items here are generally cheaper compared to other areas in Boracay.

To be continued...