Beachineering @ Maricaban Island

Dear Me,

I am not really a beach person. I love the waters but I really don't like the beach. For one, I don't know how to swim. Second, I am really having a hard time relieving myself off with the tan to burnt skin color. You see, I wasn't gifted with a fair skin.


Anyway, the lure of the beach and its surroundings is so irresistible that I was able to disregard (for a while) the effects of the sun.


Ironic how I love the summer and yet I can't totally allow myself to frolic. But sometimes, there are things worth neglecting, even for a few moments of pleasure and leisure.


Together with some climbing pals, we headed to Maricaban Island in Batangas. Cyril, a friend from MFPI, extended an invitation to our group in his hometown.


Maricaban Island is located about 5km southwest of the Calumpang Peninsula, Batangas; roughly 30 minutes by boat from Anilao; 3 kms from the famous Sombrero Island. The island stretch from end to end is surrounded by almost crystal clear azure waters and rich with colorful marine life. A perfect diving destination, an avid diver can choose from 24 diving points between the coast of the island and nearby Anilao.

Below is the itinerary that we used:

Day 1
06:00 Assembly time (711 Buendia / Kamias)
(yun manggagaling ng Cubao pede kayo sa Kamias na sumakay)
06:30 ETD Buendia / Kamias Station
09:00 ETA Batangas City Diversion road
(ALPS Bus Station, dito rin yung sakayan papuntang Anilao Pier)
09:10 ETD Diversion Road
(take jeepney going to Mabini Anilao Pier)
09:40 ETA Anilao pier
09:40 Buy provisions
10:30 Assembly of both Buendia and Kamias group
11:00 ETD Anilao pier
12:00 ETA Maricaban Island
12:30 LUNCH
13:00 Swimming
15:00 MERIENDA
16:00 Swimming
18:00 Prepare Dinner
20:00 DINNER
21:00 Socials
23:59 Lights out

Day 2
07:00 Wake-up call / prepare breakfast
08:00 BREAKFAST
08:30 Swimming
10:30 Prepare Lunch
12:00 LUNCH
13:00 Break Camp
14:00 ETD Maricaban Island
15:00 ETA Anilao Pier
15:30 ETD Diversion Road Batangas City
16:00 ETD Batangas City
18:00 ETA Manila home sweet home


I guessed that everyone had a great time. There were much laughing, chatting, social drinking, swimming, snorkeling, shooting photos, etc.


I thought I would get bored the whole time because I really could not find myself dipping in the water in the middle of the day. So, I brought Jessica Zafra's book, read it while lying down in the sand. Well, I fell into a light slumber as expected. I was woken up by this young boy inquiring what I was doing. Goodness. He woke me up. Hehehe. Anyway, the boys were already swimming despite the hot blaze of the sun.


I had my favorite moments while we were there. Here they are:

devouring green mangoes

enjoying the barbecue that Francis, Jenard, JR & Joy had grilled

listening to kiddie talks of 2 Batman-attired siblings

watching & making fun of Dyesebel (that's papi snorkeling)

night swimming with papi (teaching me how to float)

taking photos of everyone (from the time the sun set till early evening)

walking along the mini-Boracay beach front (the sand here is finer compared to where we set camp)

looking at the broad horizon and wondering how things can be breathtaking


The rest of the photos are here: http://ivanulrich.multiply.com/photos