November 1, 2008 A Private Getaway on a Paradise Island
The best thing about commissioning a plant is that you get to travel places during holidays. Thanks to the Process B peeps for tagging me to their shift restday getaway to one of Palawan's secluded paradise. We left Rio Tuba by 2PM in a van and dropped by Narra, Palawan. We immediately went to the market to buy food and other items we will be using for the overnight stay in Isla Arena. We rode a tricycle that brought us to the port area. And by 5PM, we were already aboard a boat to Isla Arena.
Along the way, we witnessed the simple and quiet life of the fishing community nearby. We saw fishing boats with their catch for the day. We passed by the coconut planted shoreline with bamboo platforms for fish sundrying. Then we were out into the open sea.
Isla Arena is a small private islet somewhere off the coast of Narra, Palawan. It is neighbor to the Rasa Island, also in Narra. The 45 minute boat ride was pretty smooth. As we ger closer to the island, we were mesmerized by the beauty of this secluded paradise. Clear blue waters, calm sea, a sand bar, dazzling shoreline, lush vegetation... a hideaway redefining safe haven.
Kilometer distance turned to meters. We couldn't get hold of our excitement as we saw two lovely casitas on the northern side of the island. Then it was time to unload from the boat.
Kilometer distance turned to meters. We couldn't get hold of our excitement as we saw two lovely casitas on the northern side of the island. Then it was time to unload from the boat.
Tropical the island breeze
All of nature wild and free
This is where I long to be
La isla bonita - Madonna
All of nature wild and free
This is where I long to be
La isla bonita - Madonna
We set foot on the eastern side of the island. A tree house greeted us of which we had the courtesy to have photos with. We then immediately climbed on it and marveled with the awesome scenery. We laid down our bags here.
Alden went to see the caretakers which happened to be his relatives. The rest of us explore the island instantly. There's a watchtower in the center of the islet giving a 360˚ view of the surroundings. A big balete tree stood on the southern part of the island with tables underneath the canopy. Several hammocks also were hung under the shade of trees which is not limited to coconut. The sunset view was really stunning as we witness the fading of light.
Alden went to see the caretakers which happened to be his relatives. The rest of us explore the island instantly. There's a watchtower in the center of the islet giving a 360˚ view of the surroundings. A big balete tree stood on the southern part of the island with tables underneath the canopy. Several hammocks also were hung under the shade of trees which is not limited to coconut. The sunset view was really stunning as we witness the fading of light.
Spending the Night
Considering of the location of the island away from civilization, the island thrives on its own. A small water desalination system and solar cells were installed on the island to provide the water and power utilities needed.
Assignments for dinner preparation was delegated. The caretaker was kind enough to lend us some cooking utensils. Others went to cook the shelIs and crab we bought earlier from the market. I got the grilling part. Some took part in setting the table. After dinner we had a swim on the warm waters near the sandbar with the quarter moon above us.
Assignments for dinner preparation was delegated. The caretaker was kind enough to lend us some cooking utensils. Others went to cook the shelIs and crab we bought earlier from the market. I got the grilling part. Some took part in setting the table. After dinner we had a swim on the warm waters near the sandbar with the quarter moon above us.
US$700 a Night
Upon arrival and having ourselves settled for a short rest, we learned that accommodation at the casitas was at US$700. No joke there. It was really an OMG reaction. We are just merely average blue collar job workers. But since Alden knew the caretakers, we got to pay only PhP2000 for the treehouse with beddings included. But some of us slept at the hammocks for an outcast experience. Talk about being on Survivor. Great that none of the coconuts fell upon those us who slept at the hammocks.
Given our location in the open sea and the islands area, we heard the huge waves brought by the high tide. It's as if the island was gonna be swallowed by tsunami. It was a thrilling night sleeping under the trees.
Given our location in the open sea and the islands area, we heard the huge waves brought by the high tide. It's as if the island was gonna be swallowed by tsunami. It was a thrilling night sleeping under the trees.
December 1, 2008 The Morning After
Morning came and the waves quieted themselves. We got up early and witnessed a beautiful sight, the sunrise. Some of us had their cups of coffee while watching the rays of the sun projected among the clouds. Then there was the sun with all its glory.
Diverse Marine Life
Since it's low tide, we walked on the calm sea waters. Further beyond the sand were live corals with small colorful fishes swimming away from us. I saw several clown fishes too. I don't know if one of them was Nemo. There was this floating cage nearby that we checked and found out live sea turtles and parrot fishes. Some of the sea turtles had tags on their flippers. We later found out from one of the caretakers that the island is a marine sanctuary. Sea turtles lay down their eggs on the island. The eggs are then collected and enclosed in a screen with a tag. The newly born turtles will only be released to the open sea once they are ready. We were lucky to be shown also the ping pong sized turtle eggs. We were on drop jaw seeing and learning all of these things. It was really a good effort to protect the island with its diverse biodiversity. A huge notice board was also erected to remind visitors of the island regulations.
The Casita
After having our coffee, we went to check one of the casitas why an overnight stay at the island costs that much. What we saw redefined the word luxury for us. I loved the open shower area though.
Now, who wouldn't like to stay in such a private cottage with a picturesque view right outside?
More Fun at the Island
Walking around the island can be completed in just 10minutes. Swimming was so much fun in the inviting waters around the island. We had the sandbar too for ourselves. Alden and Fred even boating.
Here are other photos taken around the island.
Leaving the Island
Our stay at the island soon was about to end. We had a once of a lifetime experience at Isla Arena. Lucky us that we had the chance to visit the island which usually caters to the rich. It was already 130PM when we boarded the boat that brought us to the island the other day. If I had to describe my stay, it's gonna be "wow".
“Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white.” – Mark Jenkins