#first time was hightide second time was low tide
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just beat megalodontia for the first time on bonerattle arena today! and then i beat it again
#first time was hightide second time was low tide#bonerattle is so much fun. woomy#its not ruins of ark polaris but its cool enough anyways!#mossball.txt
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Many of Filipinos still are not aware of the province of Zamboanga Sibugay. Relatively, the province was officially carved out from Zamboanga del Sur just last 2001, the 79th of out 81 provinces of the Philippines. Moreso, its tourist destinations dotting the new province proves promising. From waterfalls to pristine beaches, Zamboanga Sibugay has many destinations to offer to all categories of tourists.
Last December 2016, I was able to visit the Zamboanga Peninsula, a landmass jutting out from Mindanao main island, forming the landmass that is now Zamboanga City to Misamis Occidental. In between are Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte. Favored by a more rainy climate, Zamboanga Sibugay is also a best place to cultivate rubber trees. It also has a mountaineous core and vast coastline that features many beach resorts and beautiful islands. We just passed by this province on our way to Pagadian and Tangub City, hence, my indelible interest to explore Zamboanga Sibugay lingers until I was able to book a flight with Philippine Airlines from Manila to Dipolog after a couple of years. I was able to solo travel and here are the destinations I was able to visit.
MALANGAS Island Hopping
Malangas is one of the coastal municipality of the province located at its southwestern flank. Facing the smaller Dumangquilas Bay, the town is endowed with smaller group of islands featuring white sand beaches. Malangas offers an island hopping activity that you can enjoy for a day. Luckily I knew a local, Ms. Jonna Balagon, a dedicated educator, and she was able to arrange a boat day tour in her beloved Malangas.
Map of Malangas indicating the spots I visited
Arriving at night from Ipil, the capital of the province, I stayed in La Dicha Lodge, where I also had my late dinner in their inhouse cafeteria. My room in La Dicha lodge offers basic amenities that is ok for me. I had a huge mattress, a clean bathroom and since it was raining that night, I do not need to turn on the AC unit. I slept peacefully with calming sound of rain.
Assigned room with double bed
balcony with river view
the reception area
loving this facade
spacious lawn of La Dicha Lodge
I checked out early and transferred to Ms. Joanna’s home where she had me finish a hearty breakfast. I met her dear mom, Ms. Julie Balagon and sister too. They joined us in the island hopping. We left their home bound to the where our assigned boat is docked. Chartered a motorcycle, we arrived on a stony beach and a white outrigger boat is waiting for us there. Momentarily, the engine roared alive and we are on our way. In less than an hour, we will reach our first destination.
We visited Muyong Island – privately owned, however, they allowed tourists to visit. We are welcomed by a long stretched of cream colored sandy beach. Dry white corals also litter the beach. There are huts that we can use. That day, we are the sole visitors in the island.
We moved to Nipa Nipa Island before noontime. This island features a more fine and whiter beach. I liked it better here. We arrived there with a family already occupying the other side of the beach. They are already enjoying their meals together while sheltered under the trees. I immediately frolicked around and dipped on its cool and clear waters. Rain clouds starts to form afar and we hurried to next destination.
Mother duo – Mommy Julie and Mam Jonna
In less than 20 minutes we arrived in Kigay Sandbar, however, it was hightide. The stilted structures seems to float above the indundated sandbar. We jumped out of the boat and swam to reach the sandbar. It was roughly waist deep however, I can feel the finer sand on my submerged feet. We explored the floating structure and took pictures from there. Its roof deck is flooded with rainwater. I tried my snorkel equipment here and have seen many camouflaged fishes, crustaceans and starfishes. Warned by the looming rain, we hurried back to mainland.
After preparing my departure, I sadly bade goodbye to Joanna’s family. Before I finally leave the town, She escorted me in their Municipal Hall and was able to meet Tata Baquiat – their supportive mayor. It was another unforgettable experience and an honor to exchange thoughts and ideas with Mayor Tata. Finally, I was on a chartered motorcycle and sped off to Diplahan terminal. I am thankful of Joanna as she is the one who arranged my tour in their lovely place. I am wishing to be back and experience the laid back vibes there.
with Mayor Tata Baquiat
The Municipal Hall of Malangas Facade
With our dearest Mam Jonna aka ‘Cherchar”
Travel Guide to Malangas.
Ports of Entry: Pagadian, Zamboanga City or Dipolog. From these airports, charter tricycles to their central terminals and take Ipil bound bus. From Pagadian, alight at Diplahan junction. From Zamboanga and Dipolog, take Pagadian bound vehicles and alight in Diplahan junction. From Diplahan, you can charter a motorcycle or tricycle to Malangas.
TAGBILAT FALLS.
From Diplahan, I took the two hour bus ride back to Ipil. Arriving at their central terminal, I walked to my next accommodation, Casa Mea Hotel. It is located near the Ipil Rotunda Obelisk. After checking in, I rested a bit, took a bath, and prepared myself to explore the night scene in Ipil. I chose an AC Double Room with private T&B. Room amenities include TV set, dresser, telephone, hot shower, two towels and coffee/tea set.
facade of Casa Mea
Reception Area
AC Room, no external windows
With the recommendation from Mr. UJ Almocera, one of the established bloggers in the region, I found myself in front of Mi Jardin – a buffet restaurant. After scanning the dishes, I confirmed my seat and enjoyed my heavy dinner, then continued to explore the town on foot. I noticed a lot of outdoor balut kiosks, where vendors would setup modest tables and chairs at nightfall. This is not typical to where I reside.
Solo visit at Tagbilat Falls or Malagandis Falls
The following day, I met my driver bound for Titay. After driving for about an hour, we arrived at the Titay Public Market and changed the motorcycle since we will be passing winding roads to Tagbilat Falls. Luckily, he knew as well the trail and he was able to guide me to the catchbasin of the falls. The trek took me less than half an hour, and the momentarily, the view of the curtain waterfall emerged in between thick bamboo clusters. The Tagbilat Falls or Malagandis Falls features a wider cascade that is actually larger than its height. The roaring side and burst of wind emanating from the basin was therapeutic for me. I immediately ran to its catchbasin and balanced over exposed rocks to get a better vantage point of the waterfalls. I chose not to bathe into and spent some time exchanging stories with my tour guide over a makeshift bench placed under shade of swaying tall bamboos.
Picture with my tour guide
Raging cascade of Malagandis falls
Travel Guide to Tagbilat/Malagandis Falls:
Ports of Entry: From Zamboanga and Pagadian, take Dipolog bound bus and alight in Titay Public Market. From Dipolog, take Zamboanga or Ipil bound bus and alight in Titay Public Market. You can charter a motorcycle and tricycle leading to the trail to the waterfalls.
BULUAN ISLAND
This island is one of the poster image of Zamboanga Sibugay’s tourism aspect. Featuring a teeming marine ecosystem coupled with hilly island core and creamy white sand beach, this island is destination for both locals and tourists. The jump off point is located in Barangay Buluan, about 15-20 minutes drive from Ipil proper. Initially, I was able to visit the island with the Ipil Municipal Hall staff. I got invited since one of them will be celebrating his birthday in the beautiful island. Arriving at the port, we approached our assigned boat via a long stilted footpath. The waters below appeared to be murky due to its muddy soil. On my second visit, we got on our assigned boat on a low tide, and we need to wade the shallow waters and muddy bed that swallows our feet ankle deep, it is best this time to remove any footwear. The boat ride would last from 15-20 minutes depending on sea conditions. We arrived on a busy weekend and the island is already teeming with visitors. After securing our rented hut, I immediately went around the public area. One of the staff has shared a bit of the grim history of the island. He showed me a mound topped with stones believed to be a burial site of the rebels who occupied the island decades ago.
established blogger, Mr. UJ
On its western side, you can try to snorkel and see the coral reefs on its shallow parts. I have tried to free dive here however the current proves daunting. I joined the team with their hearty lunch. I am so thankful to them inviting me and I enjoyed Buluan Island for free.
Travel Guide to Buluan Island:
Ports of Entry: Pagadian, Zamboanga or Dipolog. From Pagadian, take Zamboanga bound bus and alight in Buluan junction. From Zamboanga, take Ipil bus and alight in Buluan junction. From Dipolog, take Zamboanga bound bus and alight in Buluan junction. You can charter a tricycle and motorcycle to bring you to the port area. There are no public transport in this area and you may keep your driver’s contact number to bring you back to the highway.
ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY CAPITOL COMPLEX
This is one of the elegant and stunning capitol building I have visited. The capitol complex is located on a hilly portion of the provincial capital where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the town. Its unique architectural features differs from the commonly greek inspired facades. The facade features three colors – yellow, blue and maroon. The roof has a dominant conical structure at the middle, and the visible columns features an ethnic style support structure jutting out that speaks of the province’s cultural background.
View deck from Capitol Complex
When I entered the building, I was awed by its spacious and high ceilinged open air hall with a built stage. My favorite part of the capitol complex is the balcony at the other building where you can view downtown. As your explore more of the capitol building, its architectural features would certainly marvel the visitors.I am thankful to Sir Tino Ferio for bringing me here.
Photo of Ipil Downtown from Capitol
Travel Guide to Zamboanga Sibugay Capitol Complex:
Ports of Entry: Pagadian, Zamboanga and Dipolog, take Ipil bound bus. Once at Ipil, you can charter a tricycle to bring you to the capitol complex.
IPIL ROTUNDA OBELISK
Ipil is a crossroad to Zamboanga, Dipolog and Pagadian. Exploring the Zamboanga Peninsula would definitely lead you to this recognizable obelisk. It is erected on a traffic roundabout, surrounded by commercial establishments and was inaugurated last 2015. The obelisk is embelished with baybayin script characters that spells the name of the province.
Photo with Sir UJ, Ipil Mayor Ana Olegario and tourism officer Sir Tino Ferio
Ipil Obelisk
Map indicating the spots I visited while in Zamboanga Sibugay
Despite being a new province, the existing natural wonders of Zamboanga Sibugay are waiting for more visitors to see and experience. From the major thoroughfares of Ipil, I can see mountains that could be future mountain climbing destinations, many view decks and more waterfalls and beaches to open. The province has a promising future in terms of tourism since there are many islands that can be explored and developed. I am thankful for the locals who assisted and helped me in visiting their beloved province, and that yearning to return still linger until this day.
ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY: travel guide Many of Filipinos still are not aware of the province of Zamboanga Sibugay. Relatively, the province was officially carved out from Zamboanga del Sur just last 2001, the 79th of out 81 provinces of the Philippines.
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Beach Camping: Hide and Seek. . Just like the deer here on Padre, easy to miss from the beach with usually only ears or antlers and sometimes their head visible up in the dunes, my van and trailer are not that noticeable, even with the tent popped up. . Being tucked up towards the dunes helps temper effects from the wind on trailer and van. . It is also necessary to park closer to the dunes if staying longer than a couple hours. Between the shoulder where I’m camped and the water is like a two lane road, though packed sand, not pavement. It narrows a good bit in places, especially the further down island you go. North bound traffic always has the right of way here. . There’s little to no traffic this time of year, but some people haul ass more than they should through here, and campers stay tucked towards the dunes. . More importantly, it is to stay dry of high tide. The tide crept in further than usual tonight, eliminating half of the traffic path for vehicles and coming within about twenty feet of camp. Higher tide no doubt pushed further in by today’s strong steady wind. . When I got here the first night, not knowing the tide times, I made a mark in the same with the time (second image) so I could better gauge if it was coming in or going out. . I’ve learned that largest tidal range here is 3.4ft/1.05m. Not a huge threat, though on a really flat beach, a rise of three feet can reach quite a ways inland. . In comparison, the Bay of Fundy, which reaches from the eastern tip of Maine up between the provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, has a 50ft/15.24m difference between high and low tide. . Beach camping brings a different set of details to learn and understand. . . #beachcamping #padre #padreisland #nationalseashore #myoutdoorlife #adventure #expedition #overland #adventuring #overlanding #nomadlife #adventurerig #rooftoptent #rooftoptentliving #rtt #offroadtrailer #solotravel #travelblog #wanderlust #lifeontheroad #borntoroam #letsgetlost #letsgosomewhere #homeonwheels #tinyliving #vanlife #vandweller #roadwarrior #thedesertiscalling #hightide (at Padre Island National Seashore) https://www.instagram.com/p/BscL8afhSiQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=f08xsg9oacu2
#beachcamping#padre#padreisland#nationalseashore#myoutdoorlife#adventure#expedition#overland#adventuring#overlanding#nomadlife#adventurerig#rooftoptent#rooftoptentliving#rtt#offroadtrailer#solotravel#travelblog#wanderlust#lifeontheroad#borntoroam#letsgetlost#letsgosomewhere#homeonwheels#tinyliving#vanlife#vandweller#roadwarrior#thedesertiscalling#hightide
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