The Alluring Island of Bayangan - Oct 25, 2009

Mesmerising this island is. Cream sand, cool wind, diverse marine life, panoramic views... just everywhere, just alluring.

Bayangan is a 7-hectare island west of Labason in Zamboanga del Norte Province. The island can be visited through a pump boat ride, which would take 30 - 40 minutes to travel. It is best to go there early morning, like 5 am and return at around 10 am as the current gets a lot stronger in the afternoon.

From a distance (Labason Mainland), the island is seen as something flattened with extended white sand bar. But it is most amazing up close. As one approaches the island, brilliant sky blue waters can be observed circling around. It should be the white sand under that caused such reflection.

The extended sand bar is simply breathtaking. Walking through it would be an experience of stepping through shattered, dead corals in white appearance. It extends approximately a distance of a hundred meters. According to the inhabitants, the sand formation was just formed recently by strong winds and visiting typhoons.

What would be most enjoying is taking a swim through its cool, clear waters. The depth would be great for soaking and swimming.

It costs around 1, 500 pesos to rent a pump boat (with operators) to ferry the beach buddies to and fro. It is suggested that once in the island, approach directly the Task Force Bayangan Camp as a gesture of courtesy.