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All day long in Buluan on January 1

Beautiful Buluan

All photos of this blog entry courtesy of Ivy Marie Panes

Beach Buddies

Dolphin Island

Located near Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental, Dolphin Island is a sand bar that houses some dolphins, which are the major attractions for the tourists. Beach buddies may first have a little tour at the mangroves of the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP). Many endemic wildlife are caged near the bamboo-made bridge that runs around the park. Nearby the park is a picturesque wharf- the gateway to the infamous Dolphin Island. Visitors pay 350 pesos for the back-and-forth boat ride and another 300 for close encounter with the dolphins.

The dolphins are indeed attractive. They are caged around by a pen, where there is a bleacher for the visitors to sit and watch. In my case being a real beach buddy, I preferred to swim to an elevated sand bar area. It was one great experience when I was nearing the cream sand, the water birds flew away like cottons blown by the wind. I was with some 19 students who participated in the science field trip. Some of them followed and we made sorts of fun under the sun.

The Biodiversity-Rich and Scenic Buluan Island of Ipil

Sitting near the edge of the island's sand bar

The only island of Ipil happens to be a protected area or a sanctuary for marine life. The island is blessed with rich marine biodiversity as well as opulent stretch of creamy sand bar. It is being installed with a detachment that ensures the protection of the island's coral reef from fishing and related activities. Accordingly, the island's surrounding waters are occupied by a number of families of fishes, giant clams and sea turtles.

Long have I been wanting to visit the alluring island. Its bright sand lining can be seen even from a far distance. I almost have gone to the place last year but because our travel was in time with a "spring" low tide, it was not possible for us to be ferried to the island. Just last week, our science club's activity, which was to have the clean-up in the island was postponed because of the bad weather. Yesterday (August 23, 2012), I have finally stepped my foot on the enchanting island. I was with some co-science teachers and science club student-officers to do the clean up drive on the island. After we have collected and sorted the non-biodegradable garbage, we enjoyed bathing in the cool, clean waters of the white sand beach. 

Science Clubbers collect non-biodegradable garbage along the beach.

Just one of the scenic sights to enjoy at the island

Balas-Balas Islet of Dapitan

Among the beach adventures there could be, it has got to be being in an island that I prefer the most. So far, I have been to  the internationally-famed Boracay and Labason's 5-hectare Bayangan islands. The first one is populated with hotels while the latter has a community of fisher folks, roughly of 20 families.

Last April 27, I was with my friends for a summer getaway in an island, which people call Balas-Balas, probably because of the few sand extending from a small portion of the area. The best offer of the beach, aside from the natural scenery surrounding it, is its serenity. During my time there, I could vividly hear the sounds of the insects, birds and the splashes of the gentle waves on the rocks. Our chat could be clearly heard as there were no loud sound from some musical appliances. The water is great for swimming, however, one has to beware of some (box) jellyfish. Sitting on the sand, we took our lunch there while enjoying the view seen from the island. Being in this island is a relaxing time to have. 

The island can be reached through a pump boat ride. The water current is generally gentle so the travel back and forth wouldn't get one dizzy.