June 7, 2010 A Day at Ursula Island
One of the perks of my work assignment in Palawan is being able to visit its isolated beautiful islands. Docking from the west side of Ursula Island after almost two hours of boat ride from Rio Tuba in southern Palawan, the feeling was priceless. It's just us and nature. Locally known as Birds Island, it is an uninhabited island but a haven to thousands of migratory birds that usually flock during sunset hours. If you are lucky enough, sea turtles can also be seen.From the internet, I found out that the island was declared as Palawan’s Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary through Presidential Proclamation No. 14 on April 30, 1960. Now I have a reason why the island is so much protected by locals.
It was our restday and we spent it by having a picnic at the island. As soon as we set foot, some us went straight into the water to swim in the clear and calm waters around.
It was our restday and we spent it by having a picnic at the island. As soon as we set foot, some us went straight into the water to swim in the clear and calm waters around.
The island can be explored around for 30minutes. Somewhere in the middle of the island was a dried up water well. It's purpose, we don't know. Screw pines with jackfruit like fruits can seen abundantly. Several species of trees tower inside the lush vegetation.
Finding Nemo
The island is surrounded by a large coral reef making it rich in marine life. Giant clams and spider shells locally known as the taklobo and saang can be seen in their natural habitat among the reefs. Colorful fishes like the Nemo (clown fish) and sunfish were also sighted. One of our great divers in the group also caught a small ray and a shoe-like fish.
Here's a gallery of our exquisite restday at Ursula Island.
Staying for a day relieved us from our work stresses. We could camp for the night but we have work to report with the following day. None-the -less, a great adventure was once again added in our timelines.
Note: Some photos credited to Yusof, Karen and Macy.
We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.- Jawaharlal Nehru