Oslob Whale Shark Experience

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.

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.

life vests on!

going to the boat

there it is! excuse our faces haha!

closer

 and.... closer ....under

superrrrrr!

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.

to sumilon island

the mandatory jumpshot

white sandbar

Photo credits @rhodeego

Camotes Island: The Day Tour

Camotes Island in Cebu is located east of the province, and is composed of four small towns namely: Poro, Pilar, Tudela, and San Francisco, the top tourist destination because of its fine white sand beaches.


6:45am - departure from SM area to Danao terminal (fare is Php 35 each)

7:55am - arrival at Danao terminal ( trisikad fare is Php 10 each)

8:00am - arrival at Danao Port (fare is Php 180 each, non-aircon)

9:00am - departure from Danao Port (30 minutes delay from the scheduled 8:30am trip due to forecasted typhoon)

11:00am - arrival at Consuelo Port

11:10am - arrival at Bella Vista Mare Resort (pick-up fare is Php 50 each)

The tour started around 11:30am. The receptionist showed us the map of the island and suggested we start from the farthest destination which is the Buho Rock.

Entrance at Php 20

K enjoyed the cliff diving. He enjoyed most the mid-ranged cliff but, still tried the highest one. Too bad I was not able to get a video!

Moving on, we headed to Timubo Cave, Along the way, we passed by the famous Baywalk where locals and tourists relax. We then arrived at Timubo Cave.

It is a freshwater cave with an entrance fee of Php20 each. We went inside the cave and we began swimming. The water was cold and it was indeed very clear.

After the swim, we went to Lake Danao, a freshwater lake.

Kayaking and boating was at Php50 each per 30 minutes. Group boating was also available.

Our last destination is the Mangodlong Rock Resort.

The white sand beach and the vast peaceful area is a complete bliss!

It is definitely breathtaking!

We went back to the resort (Bella Vista Mare Resort) and proceeded to Santiago Bay, to which the resort was facing. We took a walk to the seashore and had dinner to one of the food stalls there. Take note, it will take  a long time  for the food to be served so, be patient!

Santiago Beach (view from our room)

BellaVista Mare Resort

09177925583