Once on this Island....

At the Northern tip of the Zanorte* lies an Island that never feels the absence of sunrise and sunset each day of the year. The Island boast of its rich Marine life, palm fringed beach, a sand bar and warm friendly people all waiting to greet you with their tropical postcard perfect grin...

I grew up looking at this Island every time I passed by on board a ship bound for Dumaguete or Cebu (Visayas Region)...the island glitters like a rough diamond amidst the cobalt to turquoise waters with shades of emerald surrounding it...and sort of making a promise that one day she will welcome all adventure seekers to experience her natural wonder!.....and I did visit SELINOG Island!

April, 2005:

We were told that on a clear sunny weather and calm ocean groups of Dolphins will accompany you up to the Island keeping you entertained on a long journey.... with that story, I almost headed the Expedition! LOL!.....Together with my friends we left Dipolog City early morning......On account, there were twelve of us including the boatman and his assistant on a tiny motorized banca......Armed with (food, water, tent, henna, drinks and) cameras...Perfect weather, there's no turning back!

On our way, we saw the majestic mountains from the horizon and the sea current was forceful enough making our trip faster!..... as we passed by off the coast of Dapitan...sea current slowly transforms to short seashore like waves....to a bigger waves.....roller coaster ride!..... shout!....screams!...everybody was having fun!... as we headed to the open sea.. the waves became larger!....and larger!.. then comes huge to enormous to gigantic (the adjectives are endless).... No kidding!..... those waves were no longer friendly!...... No one even dared to shout nor scream!....and some of us can't even afford to swim if something might happened.....it feels like our age was doubled at that moment plus a mid life crisis!.... the gods was not on our side and there isn't even a single Dolphin on that journey!.....

and Yes!..... Nature really knows how to surprise. We landed safely looking at a scene like from the movie "Blue Lagoon"......and then the boatman explains.....that we've crossed the seas on a shift of wind / sea current directions (Habagat and Amihan phenomenon) ..I did not listen!...LOL!.......that explains why the sun is up but the seas disturbed...

The sands on the island is so white!..alabaster white!.........we camped, cooked food and enjoyed the sun, sea and sand all day long! and the best part?! there's no other tourist on the Island! we've savored that moment! Must see: lighthouse at the western side of the Island facing Siquijor, long stretch of beach, coral reefs (the island is also a marine sanctuary maintained by Siliman University) and most of all the warm and hospitable locals!.....at night: you can see billions of stars!.......i guess you can test your knowledge in Astronomy there naming all those stars and galaxies............the Island has no electricity..... Nature at its best!...We were all having fun!

We left the following morning....... and again!.......we've crossed the seas on the same natural phenomenon!...LOL!.....

Cheers!

*Zanorte - Province of Zamboanga del Norte

Photos Courtesy of Rowella Pampilo - Beach explorer LOL!