By: Nickson Garcia
I
have been travelling for some years now and although I haven’t completed the
7,107 islands in the Philippines (now 7,500 plus islands), I must say this
island (up to date) is what I consider living in when I retire. This island
is...SIBUYAN ISLAND at the province of Romblon.
I
first knew about the island when I worked at a media foundation company. During
my tenure, our president had environmental projects that helped the communities
in the island. Our president kept on telling the employees how beautiful the
island is and how rich it is with natural resources. From that point, I had a awareness
on what the island offers. Although I haven’t really been in the island during
the time, it felt like I have been there already.
The
actual time where I stepped foot at the island last was on the year 2014 as
part of my scheduled major mountain hike at Mount Guiting Guiting with my “G2399”
group (you may read full story here). Prior to my scheduled hike, I once again
heard the province of Sibuyan from my friend from “G2399” and a member of TheBACKPACKERS,
Isabel. She was born and raised at the island and only travelled to Manila to
study and work.
My
2nd time to visit the province was after two (2) years, when Untold
Adventures PH went to the province, not to hike, but to explore. On my 2nd
visit, I began to appreciate not only the island tourism sites but the locales
living in it. For me, there are several reasons why I enjoy the island and here
are some of it.
LONG HOURS OF FERRY
RIDE
For
some reason, I enjoyed sleeping in a moving transportation and that goes as
well when I am at a ferry boat for sixteen (16) hours with and in the middle of
the ocean. Make sure that prior to its departures, you have your personal
medicines and something entertaining to do together with your company of
friends or else you will be like me sleeping...and sleeping...and sleeping.
Remember, you are in the middle of somewhere thus; no WIFI or internet data can
be useful.
CLIMB MOUNT GUITING
GUITING
Many
mountaineers would consider this mountain as the hardest they have ever
climbed. I myself can testify to its technical difficulty. As I always say to everyone
who asked me on my experience, the key in conquering this mountain is extensive
preparation both physically and mentally plus the fact that mountaineers should
not be scared of heights. Rewarding views on the way to its summit awaits
everyone who attempts to conquer the mountain. Try hiking it and one will know
what I am talking about.
DIP AT LAMBINGAN
RIVER
The
very first tourist site we visited when I first arrived at island on the year
2014 and is located at Magdiwang, Sibuyan. I was in awe when I saw how clean
and clear the water is. You may choose to cool and relax yourself by dipping in
its water.
JUMP AT CATINGAS
RIVER
Considered
to be one of the cleanest inland body river in the world and is located at San
Fernando, Sibuyan. I first saw the river in a documentary when a famous celebrity
jumped the highest portion of the platform which is roughly about sixty (60)
feet high. For those who are ready for an extreme experience, you may opt to
jump the first or second level which is about twenty (20) and forty (40) feet,
respectively or the highest level of 60 feet. Jump at your own risk.
SLIDE AT BILA-BILA
FALLS
This
is one of the moments when during my 2nd visit we had nowhere to go
and we just asked around the community on what places can be seen on the
island. Fortunately, the barangay captain introduced us to Bila-Bila falls
located at San Fernando, Sibuyan. A hike of about an hour would bring you to
seven (7) different levels of the falls. As expected, the last one would be the
most beautiful. In addition, you can enjoy the falls in different way either by
sliding, using the monkey swing and jumping as high as forty (40) feet.
SUNBATHE AT CRESTA DE
GALLO
Probably
the most famous beach in the island and is located at San Fernando, Sibuyan. I
have been hearing this place ever since I had knowledge about the island. I was
really overjoyed when I was able to stepped foot in this pristine white sand
and clear turquoise water. Reaching it might be quite expensive and you might
need prior boat arrangements but getting in it was all worth it. I would even
recommend spending at least a night camping there but take note, there are no
electricity and “sari-sari” store so
you need prepare all your provisions.
EXPERIENCE THE HOSPITALITY OF SIBUYAN LOCALES
What
I like most with the island is not just the tourism sites but also the people
we interacted with. During my 2nd visit, I get to experience more
about the people. We have no itinerary at all and we were just blessed to have
met people who were ready to assists us in everything. When we have nowhere
else to go; when we have limited budget; when we have no place to stay; when we
have nothing to eat; and when we have no transportation to use, every single
Sibuyan locales where ready to help us along the way and we did not even felt
we were overcharge or abused in a way. It shows that a place is not only about the destination but
also about the people living in it. The best of all, we felt like we
could live there peacefully away from all the difficulties and challenges in
everyday life in the metro. I once even said that I could just be a porter/guide
for all the mountaineers of Mount Guiting Guiting as a joke.