Feb – Mar 2017

Philippines

A 10-day adventure by Vander Wonders Read more

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Day 8
Friday, March 3, 2017 at 12:43 PM
🌙 7 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Philippines Tagpan Point 11.195583, 119.27224711°11’44” N 119°16’20” E
A day in paradise
March 3, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ 🌙 7 °C
This is paradise, pristine white sand beaches, snorkeling in crystal clear waters, rock formations that that surrounds the area simply left me speechless. There are loads of swim throughs to hidden beaches which is really unique.

El Nido which is the northern side of Palawan island is the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago, a group of islands with steep karst cliffs.

This is by far a highlight of our trip in the Philippines and probably of our larger trip too. The most spectacular thing is it is not jam-packed with tourists, and it is still very unspoiled. (It probably will become more developed over the next few years as it gains international travel status- and by the looks of all the building sites around.

We were lucky to have a piece of unspoiled paradise.

{Issy}Read more
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Day 8
Friday, March 3, 2017 at 1:59 PM
🌙 6 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Philippines Tapiutan Strait 11.200254, 119.27517711°12’1” N 119°16’31” E
Epic snorkel
March 3, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ 🌙 6 °C
Just an unbelievable reef from as little as 60cm deep to about 10m deep. This little taste of what the underwater world is like make very excited about our dives tomorrow!

Isabel and I both lost it on a idiot tourist who stepped on the shallow corral with his aqua shoes and in the process destroying almost 2 square meters of coral.

I am not sure how travel companies can prevent this but they should not allow inexperienced snorkelers in the water with aqua shoes as they just think because it doesn't hurt them its fine. I would have loved to see that guy try do the same thing barefoot.

{Roedolf}Read more
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Day 8
Friday, March 3, 2017 at 2:54 PM
🌙 6 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Philippines Matinloc Island 11.177225, 119.28049511°10’38” N 119°16’50” E
Secret beach
March 3, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ 🌙 6 °C
The beach was even harder to get to than the others, there was a small hole in the rocks above the water that we had to swim through, luckily it was quite big below the water.
Naturally most of our touring companions did not even attempt it. One guy actually gave his gopro to the guide to take pictures inside, what a waste to come all this way just to let someone else take a picture for you, you might as well sit at home and watch it on discovery channel.

Anyway we enjoyed the little secluded beach and Isabel even made fun of all the girls we have seen on our travels posing like models in the shallow waves and I caught her on camera, haha.

{Roedolf}

We learned through our wonders people in general are scared... or we just were lucky enough that parents gave us the confidence and fearlessness to do things. We snorkel further out , we swim through tiny holes even if there's waves. We lecture (and shout) at stupid uniformed tourists that step on coral. We are not scared and we love to adventure.

{Issy}Read more
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Day 8
Friday, March 3, 2017 at 9:44 PM
☁️ 8 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Philippines El Nido 11.178802, 119.39027411°10’44” N 119°23’25” E
Tapiutan island fun
March 3, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
Thrilled to say the least, this is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Oh so heavenly, with a pristine beaches and dramatic cliffs surrounding it. We had a ball here, swam, I lied in on the sand just in awe of the natural surroundings. They cooked us lunch on the boat while we relaxed.

{Isabel}

They started cooking the fish and chicken on the way to this beach and with some rough seas the chicken got a few seawater splashes while still on the grill, must be that natural sea salt that made it taste so good 😂.

Honestly the fish doesn't look appetizing at all but it tasted great. Isabel tried the fish but her visual sense overpowered her sense of taste and she could not finish her piece, while I smashed it.

Probably the coolest thing about the lunch was the fact that they cooked it using just the meat and coals, no spices, a lot like you would have to do on survivor and as I enjoyed the food I felt like this is whats its got to be like on survivor as I felt partially wet, sandy,sticky from the saltwater, sun burned , itching sandflies and jellyfish stings, then eating bland rice, fruit and some old fashion plain fish off the grill.

{Roedolf}Read more
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Day 9
Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 10:10 AM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Philippines Dilumacad Island 11.194378, 119.33949411°11’40” N 119°20’22” E
Dive at helicopter island
March 4, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Awesome to dive here after snorkeling here yesterday, I wondered what it looked like down deep and now I know.

The place has such beautiful coral life and abundance of small fish. We saw 2 blue spotted rays and a banded sea snake.

Unfortunately the dive company only had a 12 liter tank for me, so I was expecting a shorter dive. I still tried practicing slow breathing and kick and float to conserve air but I was too heavy so struggled with buoyancy and ended up only lasting 42 minutes. The DM urged on the conservative side and gave me more weight than I needed even though I told him I only need 4kg. I get that, its easier for him to deal with a heavy diver than one that does not sink.

Still a cool dive and showed me I can probably do 50 minutes on a 12 liter if my weight is right.

{Roedolf}Read more
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Day 9
Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 10:45 AM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Philippines Paglugaban Island 11.129701, 119.31356911°7’47” N 119°18’49” E
Dive at Paglugaban
March 4, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Wow wow wow, all I can say is wow. This site is the highlight of the day. Its not so dramatic as Richelieu rock in Thailand but almost as colorful.

We are incredibly blessed to be able to enjoy nature like this.

{Roedolf}Read more
Bobo Van der westhuizenDit is uitsonderlike kleure !!!
3/5/17Reply
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Day 9
Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 12:40 PM
⛅ 30 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Philippines Miniloc Island 11.150956, 119.32899511°9’3” N 119°19’44” E
1
Dive surroundings
March 4, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C
Today we are exploring the underwater world of El nido a bit further (&deeper). I am baking on the sundeck after our second dive, felt a bit chilly after 26 degree water (this mermaid might "struggle" for real @ future beach destinations).The maximum depth we went on the second dive was 17m, the diversity of colors and coral was immense. We saw a turtle, trumpetfish, angelfish, noody branch, moorish idols, fusiliers, and loads more.

It is nice and relaxing between the dives, we saw a little bit more of the scenery on the other side of El Nido where Miniloc island is, where one of the prestige resorts are located.

{Issy}Read more
Sonja Gouws Mermaid!
3/5/17Reply
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Day 9
Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 1:21 PM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Philippines Miniloc Island 11.150908, 119.32901311°9’3” N 119°19’44” E
Dive at Twin rock
March 4, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Not the best dive of the day due to the poorer visibility and the fact that we had to swim quite a distance from the boat mooring to the actual reef.

We saw a couple of scorpion fish which I always love to see. The one actually crawled on the sand which I have never seen before.

We also saw loads of noodie branches, even two on top of each other, I wonder what they were doing?

{Roedolf}Read more
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Day 9
Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 4:34 PM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Philippines El Nido 11.17902, 119.39017311°10’44” N 119°23’25” E
Duik
March 4, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Mooier as mooi, stiller as stil... dit bly een van die ongelooflikste dinge om te doen, om net te wees en God se grootheid in die natuur te beleef.

{Issy}
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Day 10
Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 7:57 AM
0 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Philippines Paglugaban Island 11.137889, 119.31986611°8’16” N 119°19’12” E
Shimizu Island
March 5, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ 0 °C
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Day 10
Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 8:08 AM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Philippines El Nido 11.181271, 119.39167411°10’53” N 119°23’30” E
Dinner
March 5, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Two very hungry divers back on shore. We washed of the saltiness & relaxed a bit under the ac, before we headed out for happy hour cocktails. We strolled a bit further down the beach for a delicious greek dinner. A greek salad never tasted so good, got a decent protein & salad fix. Roedolf tasted Saganaki for the first time and was very happy with the presentation and the devine taste of melted cheese!

{Issy}Read more
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Day 10
Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 8:38 AM
⛅ 21 °C
Altitude: 17 m
Philippines El Nido 11.18212, 119.39209711°10’56” N 119°23’32” E
Shopping local
March 5, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
Getting water and a snack for the day in this tiny little shop where Roedolf nearly fits. The ladies are very friendly and loved it when I danced on the beat of the music. Its crazy how there are so many of the same shops all trying to survive.

{Issy}Read more
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Day 10
Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 8:44 AM
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Philippines Ipil Point 11.173452, 119.37962311°10’24” N 119°22’47” E
7 Commando beach
March 5, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
The first of our stops and the least exciting stop if you ask me. The reason I say that is this beach is home to a private resort and with that comes actual civilization and small vendors. Which kills some of the experience for me.

I prefer the deserted Island feeling!

{Roedolf}Read more
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Day 10
Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 9:46 AM
🌧 23 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Philippines Ipil Point 11.173772, 119.37931111°10’26” N 119°22’46” E
Commando Beach
March 5, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ 🌧 23 °C
We are doing the so called Tour A adventure today. At our first stop we were instructed like this "sir, mam, make swim" & " make picture" so thats exactly what we did.

{Issy}
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Day 10
Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 9:58 AM
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Philippines Miniloc Island 11.155198, 119.32273911°9’19” N 119°19’22” E
Small Lagoon
March 5, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
The is just have to be one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Its magical to be surrounded by these perfect cliffs and underneath you are the turquoise waters, that can not be properly captured on a camera.

I imagine this must be what heaven looks like.

{Roedolf}Read more
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Day 10
Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 10:00 AM
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Philippines Miniloc Island 11.155198, 119.32273911°9’19” N 119°19’22” E
Kayaking at Small Lagoon
March 5, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Unbelievably beautiful!! We put my kayaking skills to test again- moral of the story it is not my forte. Apparently I row one stroke close and one far -anyway still heaps of fun to do this in the breathtaking green turquoise waters of the Philippines. Roedolf mounted the gopro on a couple of rocks to take some synchronized jump pics. We explored the caves and fled from other tourists to have a bit of the idyllic surroundings to ourselves.

{Issy}Read more
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Day 10
Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 11:00 AM
☀️ 28 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Philippines Miniloc Island 11.153531, 119.32228911°9’13” N 119°19’20” E
#nofilter#biglagoon
March 5, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
This is an unbelievable place, it is not hard to take a perfect picture in paradise, no filter or enhancing is even necessary, its breathtaking as is. The tranquil turquoise-green waters surround the orchid-lined limestone walls and showcase a kaleidoscope of marine life. Scientists believe that these lagoons were actually caves which abound in these islands. The roofs of these caves must have collapsed millions of years ago, and these lagoons have emerged in their stead.

http://www.gopalawan.travel/El_Nido_Tour_A

{Issy}Read more
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Day 10
Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 11:00 AM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: 10 m
Philippines Miniloc Island 11.153531, 119.32228911°9’13” N 119°19’20” E
Big Lagoon
March 5, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
The pictures pretty much says it all!

{Roedolf}
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Day 10
Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 3:08 PM
⛅ 28 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Philippines Miniloc Island 11.144795, 119.31281311°8’41” N 119°18’46” E
Secret lagoon
March 5, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
Last stop for the day is a little lagoon thats only accessible through a hole in the cliff wall, I almost did not fit through the hole.

While its an amazing natural spot, it was too crowded with people for such a small site. We did not spend much time there before we went swimming at a nearby beach to chill and do our "day counter" photo.

{Roedolf}Read more
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Day 10
Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 7:14 PM
🌙 22 °C
Altitude: 15 m
Philippines El Nido 11.181783, 119.39080811°10’54” N 119°23’27” E
Greek feast
March 5, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ 🌙 22 °C
After walking up and down the beach and the main street in search of variation, disgusted by the local restaurants that sell beautiful parrotfish & unicorn fish we return to the greek gem again. We refuse to support places like this. I nearly cried when I greeted the waiters, this place had amazing food and great service; last night did not disappoint. This place was our safe haven in a very primitive town.

{Issy}Read more
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Day 11
Monday, March 6, 2017 at 7:31 AM
☀️ 31 °C
Altitude: 9 m
Philippines El Nido Airport 11.203326, 119.4129311°12’12” N 119°24’47” E
Laaste Phillepynse brekkie
March 6, 2017 on the Philippines ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
Roedolf smul vir oulaas aan sticky rice ek deel glad nie in die opwinding nie. Ek sal nou my voortande gee vir droë oats.

{Issy#
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Trip end
March 5, 2017