Since the family was already in Dalaguete for a family gathering, we decided to take on a new adventure, the Butanding experience. Left there at 6am and arrived an hour after, we were immediately greeted by our guide, Gio. Too bad I lost his contact details. Among 13 of us, 7 decided to really swim down with the butandings while the remaining 6 just enjoyed watching from the boat, including me, sadly!
Take note, watching (stay in the boat) and swimming (underwater) with the butandings differ in price.
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| receiving area |
After settling the payment in the receiving area, we were then given our safety gears: life vests (for all) and snorkeling masks (for those who will swim). One tip, you better just rent their GoPro camera to take your photos. The guide, along with the 3 boatmen, are already used to taking good shots underwater.
After, an orientation was provided for all tourists. Safety reminders and protocols were discussed thoroughly. Worry not, it just took about 10 minutes.
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| life vests on! |
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going to the boat
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| there it is! excuse our faces haha! |
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| closer |
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| and.... closer ....under |
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superrrrrr!
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After the butanding experience, we had to feed ourselves too! Gio offered us to eat at his place since we bought cooked food from home instead of buying from the food stalls which I’m sure could be a bit pricey.
We then decided to go to Sumilon Island. Gio contacted one of his neighbors for the boat ride at a very affordable price. After the 15-minute boat ride, we finally saw the beauty of Sumilon’s sandbar beach. Take note, an entrance fee of Php50/pax will be collected once you arrive. This is now a new policy of their mayor, according to the collectors.
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| to sumilon island |
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| the mandatory jumpshot |
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| white sandbar |
Photo credits @rhodeego
