A paradise treat for Angel

A paradise treat for Angel I was finally leaving Manila for a 14 days ‘taster’ of the Islands with a fairly busy schedule ahead. I took a propeller Cebupacific plane from Manila airport to Coron which is the largest island in the Palawan province. On arrival I took the mini-van to the town centre and was planning to stay there for 2 days before moving on to the next island. However, when I left the mini-van and retrieved my bag the driver and travel agent lady (Jenny) said that they were heading for the harbour to take a boat to Sangat Island and if I was interested to join? This island is a black limestone one with white beaches and has diving and snorkeling facilities. It wasn’t cheap but the thought of some rest and white beaches got the overhand and within 10 minutes I decided to change my plans and jumped back into the car. We entered a small wooden boat and left in the complete dark with only the 1/3 moon and many stars. For the next hour we went in almost complete silence (from the passengers) only the motor making a noise but enjoying the views. Even in the dark it was beautiful; the moonlight put a glitter on the waves and due to a flashlight we could see fish jumping from the water. I’ve noticed that I had a big smile on my face and knew that I’ve made the right decision to jump this ship for Sangat Island. Only the next morning I could enjoy the views and see what I’ve signed up for, I’m staying in a wooden hut facing the sea and it’s amazing views. The monkeys walk around your hut but run off when you come near so no wonder it is suggest to leave your doors closed to make sure they won’t gain entry and explore your room. The place has big open air restaurant for all your meals and they just finished the outdoor bar around a massive rock which will be opened in a few days but was already open for beers, chats and music.

Sangat Island

The rock bar

My first day I spend chatting to the other visitors on this island, been snorkeling for hours and seen many colourful fish and reefs just meters away from my hut, went to the WWI shipwreck for some more snorkeling. The rest of the day I’m resting in my hammock or eating more food. They prepare 3 times a day amazing fresh food starting with breakfast; fresh fruit, home made bread, crisp bacon, eggs and cheese, lunch; bbq-ed fish kebabs, chicken legs, roasted vegetables, and a fresh salad, dinner; pork rendang, grilled fish, green pumpkin curry, rice and salad. The staff are all Philippinoos with 2 lost Brits (dive instructor and receptionist) and are the sweetest and loveliest people I’ve met so far but how could you not be when working on an island like this? Every day most of them commute in with a 20 minute boat ride from the mainland and say they feel like one big family. Anida is the resort dog – a female rotweiler- but as sweet as the sugar coated bananas you get as afternoon snack and always happy to see you. So I had a problem as how long can I stay on this island and still catch my next flight to the next set of Islands? Well I wasn’t the only one with this problem as on arrival I met a Dutch guy who was still there after 4 days and indecisive if he was leaving or not the next day. I’m one of the few who is carrying my bag with my valuables with me as they say you can leave your valuables in your hut as nobody can leave this island unnoticed! It was a great two day treat and taster of this part of the Philippines (Palawan)

Paradise