Pure Shores

Before the summer just ended abruptly, my wife and I managed to sneak up some surprises of our own by going out island hopping in the channel between Cebu and Bohol. We invited a few of our friends and our families to join us to make it more fun. It rained for days before that putting a damp into the initial excitement we had. We must have pleased the Gods that it was, to our delight, gave us a perfect, bright sunny day. We went to several islands passing off the shallow hilutungan channel known for its marine conservation efforts and diving spots before proceeding to Pandanon Island.



Pandanon Island has gained increasing popularity these days for its natural sandbar that extends shallowly into the sea. Its a private area that has been opened to public for a fee. Its not a great place to dive or snorkel but certainly makes it up with it family oriented atmosphere.





The islands beaches might not compare to the powdery white sand of boracay but its natural beauty, exclusivity and peacefulness truly makes this place a place for die hard sun worshippers seen here making that trademark jump shot.



There were several interesting inlands we visited. We passed by Panganan Island for a while and then went to Sulpa Islet for some sightseeing. We saw so many sea urchins so we decided not to swim but instead collected some which some of my friends ate. I didn't as the taste is not just for me.





Some of the interesting shots of fishermen at sea. We happen to pass by them from a great distance so i had to bear with these shots. Nevertheless its a great opportunity to see them work despite the heat which was past 2pm when i took these shots.




Lastly we drop of hilutungan channel for diving and snorkeling. I don't dive and snorkel that often so to see a lot of fishes swarming all over you can be a little bit exhilarating. The country boast of of the richest marine biodiversity in the world and to see things being done to preserve the environment is a commendation worth a thousand praises.




These are the the keepers of Hilutungan, the guardians of the sea that had make conscientious efforts to save the rich marine habitat of the place which by the way has been declared a marine sanctuary together with Olango island.





It was such fun for a day and surely will be going out for another surprise next summer. Hopefully,...when it doesn't rain too early.