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

Pinkish Palid _ October 19, 2008

This one was just below the infamous balete of Palid beach.

Palid Beach - A Different Look Last Sept 2, 2007

The waves of Palid (Beach I) are not as huge as those in Liloy and Labason (which are so-called open seas) but they can be equally enjoyable, not by surfing but just by swimming through.

Observable in the picture of the beach here is the "balete" tree. Most of the beach-goers here in Ipil would use the tree as point of reference to tell their location at the beach. As seen here, Palid Beach I is both sandy and rocky.

Palid Beach (Anduhol)

It will take you to travel around 5 km from the Provincial Capital town of Ipil to get here. With an entrance fee of 10 pesos, and a cottage fee of 50 - 100 pesos, you can enjoy the relaxing breeze and cool waters. This beach is a bit rocky with few brownish sand. The sands though are more prominent and conspicuous at low tides. These pictures were taken last September 2006.

Ipil Wharf

Enjoying here is for free. Well, in 1999 this place was not as busy as now. But I think there are still some who come here and take a swim. Others spare time fishing here.

Lawis, Palid Ipil Zamboanga Sibugay

It was in '99 that I and my friends (actually my students) enjoyed the bounty of this beautiful place. I heard that it has been developed into a resort just this month.

But the fullness of the beauty of Lawis was during such times when we used to go there.