Return to Manly Beach

It has been 9 years since I last visited Manly Beach. It was a business trip back in 2007 and now in 2016 the trip was for a short vacation.

We took the Manly ferry from Circular Quay using our Opal cards. It was early winter and it was quite windy and chilly. We opted to seat inside the ferry where it was warmer. I went out on the open area from time to time to take photo of the harbour and other interesting sights.

 I wanted to feel the cool breeze on my face but it was too cold so I went inside and chat with my partner. The cabin was clean and comfortable. There's a monitor which showed how many more minutes til we arrive at Manly wharf. The trip was about 30 minutes.

Arriving at Manly wharf, we took the mandatory photo before crossing the street going to the Corso.

 The Corso is a pedestrian plaza with shopping stores and food outlets. You will pass this area before reaching the beach.

We stopped at a dining area and ordered our fish and chips at Manly Ocean Foods. This food outlet serves several combination of seafood and chips. You know it's good when there's a long queue outside.

Many seagulls flock to this area waiting for visitors to throw chips at them. Be watchful as the birds can sneak and steal your  food.

The beach was at the end of the walkway . It still the same wide, clean beach with powdery off white sands as it was nine years ago.

 It has a long boardwalk where one can stroll end to end. There's a public restroom nearby. Most visitors occupied the benches just passing off the time. Though there were some brave surfers doing their stuff.

We found a bench and rested and enjoyed the view.

I wanted to walk on the beach so I removed my shoes and walked barefooted on the beach.

I felt the cold sands under my feet. It was a relaxing moment. I walked near the shore to feel the how cold the water was. It was refreshing.  I took several photos of the beach and the surroundings.

We stayed for over an hour and we had fun though short.

Fortune Island -Nasugbu, Batangas

Located about 14 km from the coast of Nasugbu, Batangas, Fortune Island was once a luxurious resort but due some circumstances , it was abandoned and no more developments were made on the island. However,  the pillar inspired by the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, has lured many tourists, locals and foreigners alike, to this island.

One way of getting  into the island is by arranged day tour but with meeting time of 230am leaving Manila at 3am. The travel time is about 2 hours. You want to arrive in Nasugbu as early as 6am to catch the sunrise and the first boat. The boat ride to the island is about 1hour. Better visit this island on a good weather as the waters can be treacherous on a rainy day.  For a day tour, it is ideal to leave the island before 3pm to avoid the rough waves.

Upon reaching the island, you will immediately be drawn to the greek inspired columns as they stand at the edge of the cliff, tragic but beautiful remnants. 

 

It is sad to see the dilapidated cabanas and main building.

Trash like empty water bottles and alcohol litter the place.
 

However, the turquoise colored waters , the semi fine white sand and the beach will compensate for these ruins. 

Please take note:

• There’s no potable water in the island ; you need to bring bottled water ( included in the day tour package is 5 gallons of water)
• Bring your own food both for day and overnight trip; please bring trash bag and take with you your trash when you leave the island
• No bathroom  - (you can take a shower back at the jump off point resort)
• No working toilets for visitors - though the caretaker has his own little toilet but there is no flash ; he can offer it to those with emergencies only but you need to fetch water from the sea
• The heat becomes so intense around 10am onwards so bring extra protection (umbrella, lotion, sunscreen, shades, wear rashguard.)
• Do not be deceived by nice photos of the island; there are also not so nice part like the garbage scattered around the island and at the beach left by irresponsible visitors
• After 4-5 hours at the island, nothing much can be done and the stay may become boring. 

Things to do in the Island

• Swimming, snorkeling, cliff diving, photo shoot, hiking

Going back to Manila, you can opt to take the route  via Ternate, Naic and other municipalities of Cavite all the way to the newly opened Cavite Expressway (Cavitex). You will see  green rice fields, sea view and pass through Kaybiang tunnel where you can stop and take souvenir photos. 

There are food stalls near the tunnel and you can try siomai, banana cue and arroz caldo.
 

Travel time to Manila via Cavitex is around 3.5 hours because of the heavy traffic both in Cavite and in Macapagal Boulevard.

Expenses:
Tour  Php1,800 inclusive of van, breakfast, landing permit, boat rental
packed lunch at Jollibee Php 100
bottle water 1 liter Php 25.00
miscellaneous/pocket money Php 300 

Inquire from tour operator at 09156238961 or visit FB page Yob Red

Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 4

After SEAFDEC, we sailed for about 15 minutes to Ave Maria Islet.

We passed by big rock formations and we reached the islet. Our boatmen docked our boat and gave us enough time to enjoy.

This islet has fine white sand and shallow water where you can spend time snorkeling, swimming or just lying down to relax. You can breathe the sea breeze while looking at Turtle island which is just across the waters.  Sadly, we saw some plastic bottles and empty snack packs. Too bad that visitors on this islet leave their trash. I hope that No Littering sign can be put up or maybe somebody can be tasked to clean the area. Otherwise trash will pile up, becomes an eyesore and ultimately destroy the cleanliness of the beach. There are no cottages on this island but you can bring blanket and picnic basket.

Please do not leave trash on your visit here.

You can also enjoy feeding the fishes while snorkeling. Bring some bread or crackers so that the fishes will come to you. There are nice brightly colored fishes and they will come to you once you spread the bread crumbs.

Across the islet is Turtle Island. It has also white sand beach but the sand is grainy- something you can place inside an aquarium. There were only 3 turtles when we were there. Entrance fee is Php5.00. Beside this island is a rock formation sort of a cave which is great for photoshoot.

Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 1
Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 2
Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 3

Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 2

Upon reaching Jordan Wharf in Guimaras Island, go to the Tourism Office to register and enquire about transportation and places to go. The tourism officer on duty will gladly answer your questions. Get some brochures to get to know more of the island.

For island hopping, Raymen Beach resort is the popular drop off point. Ride a multicab at Php50 fare and tell the driver to drop you at the resort. It takes around 45-55 minutes going to the resort on a straight drive. But if you're taking the public multicab travel time doubles.

Entrance fee at Raymen Beach resort is Php25. You pay at the reception and at the same time arrange your island hopping tour. You can choose your destination and the rate is Php500 first hour and P150 for succeeding hour. (My companion chose to go to SEAFDEC, turtle island, Baras cave)
 Tour rate is regulated by the Maritime Industry Authority which is good.

 The beach has creamy white sand, water is clear and there are buoys cordoning the swimming area. Cottages are also available from P500 and above and you can also order food at the resort. Shower fee is Php20

 

 The tour boat dock at the beach can carry up to 8 passengers maximum.

 Off we go to our first stop - Igang Marine station of SEAFDEC

Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 1
Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 3

Guimaras - Island Hopping Part I

Guimaras Island is 15 minutes by ferry from Iloilo City specifically from Ortiz wharf.  the wharf is about 200meters from Circle Inn Hotel. Ferry fare is Php14 one way. Take note of your token ticket as the name of the ferry you will ride on is indicated on the token. After paying, you walk on the concrete narrow pathway and search for your ferry's name. On your left , you will pass by small stores selling various goods.

Be careful as there are no railings on the wharf. The concrete stairs leading to your boat are heavily battered by the frequent docking of the boats. It has no handrails and safety is a concern specially to senior citizen, children and the physically handicapped.

Though there are men to assist the passengers, still I find the steps not safe. At the end portion of the wharf, one can see men fishing, friends chatting or just simply enjoying the cool breeze.

 At the other side of the wharf are shanties on stilts. I learned from one local that these shanties will be removed and relocated to pave the way for the improvement of wharf. I hope that will be sooner as it is quite dangerous living "on top" of  the sea on this condition.

 From the wharf you can also watch the sun setting.

My adventure continues...
Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 2
Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 3
Guimaras - Island Hopping Part 4