We went to Palawan last March 27 - 30 to unwind. As soon as we arrived in Puerto Princesa, we were served by some kakanin. It was all made that morning in preparation for our arrival. I tell you that puto was heaven. I think I almost finished a pack because it was that good.

Then we traveled by land to the port. I think it took an hour or two before we reached the docks to transfer to our boat ride to Arena Island. It took us another hour or more to reach the island. The current was also too strong so we experienced that feeling wherein it felt like we've been there for hours but it didn't feel like moving.

Since we arrived in the afternoon, we just went out to the beach to swim for a bit and to disconnect to the world.

The next day, we were out to snorkel and to release some baby sea turtles. Isla Arena is like a sanctuary for sea turtles. If you explore the island, you will see some green boxes with dates on it. Up close you will see nothing inside it. Well, if you saw a green box in a particular spot, it means a sea turtle laid its eggs there.

They gave us two sea turtles each. The left one is a kicker and the other one is too sleepy or lazy to move.

We watched them swam towards the sea and I felt so happy to see them go. You will see their heads pop up every now and then to breathe. I was so happy to see my first turtle being the first one to go further. What a brave little one. I hope he/she reaches his/her home safely. I know he will because I believe he/she is a survivor like the others.

It was so beautiful under the sea. Even if I'm not a pro when it comes to swimming, I still went as far as I can just to see God's creation. It was truly breath-taking. I even wish I could reach them and go up close. The kuya who assisted us informed us that they caught a horseshoe crab! Kabuto, I choose you! If I remember it correctly, I think it was as old or even older than dinosaurs.

When it comes to food, we definitely felt spoiled. You'll feel like a VIP in an instant. Every day, we had breakfast, snack, lunch, merienda, and dinner. All the meals were freshly prepared and cooked for us. There was never a time that they served the same food for us. We totally binged on the fresh seafood that varies from mussels, clams, crabs, fish, and lobsters. How can you say no to that? Aside from that, our meals were also served in different spots of the beach, from under the treehouse, up the tree house, in our veranda, inside the casita, near the beach, and under the stars. 

They even let us have a bonfire, a place to stargaze, and a karaoke night!

This is a sea turtle and they were present in the island during the time of our stay. Unfortunately for me and Nike, we were scheduled for a massage when there was a spotting of the sea turtle. Our company even saw her laid eggs! So lucky! I only saw her when she was still in the sea and checking the island for a good spot. Well, maybe next time. I swear that I will definitely go back to see them.

Aside from the relaxing and fun vacation Isla Arena offered, we also learned a lot about sea turtles--from how they create decoy spots, to laying their eggs, to protecting it. I swear I was in full on marine biologist mode to study them.

There were also other wildlife to see and appreciate. We saw chickens all over the place, and also a peacock and a peahen! You can also play volleyball, maybe badminton, and frisbee in the area. We weren't able to try it but yes, Isla Arena is jam packed with activities that will truly make your trip worth it!

Arena Island / Isla Arena

(02) 401 9778

arenaisland@gmail.com

www.arenaisland.com

www.facebook.com/arenaisland

I hope to upload more photos soon! Our first summer hurrah was definitely one for the books because of our Arena Island experience!

Love lots, xx

Style Reader 

We started the day as early as 3AM, met each other at around 4AM, and went on in our journey. We arrived there at around 12PM, when we were supposed to be in our tour at 8PM. The 3-hour drive we thought we could accomplish that early was actually more than 6 hours! Whew.

But we didn't let it ruin our day. We ordered food which was really good as we were all famished from the long drive.

We started going around the islands at past 1PM. We passed by the Bat Island. It was shadowed by black figures. When we got closer, we saw bats sleeping on the branches of the trees. Not a single branch was bat-free.

We soon reached the snorkeling site. If ever you'll go on this tour, too, make sure to look before you jump. There were ropes that can cut you without you noticing them. That's what I did before I jumped. Luckily, I was able to avoid them and the sharp edges. You need to be careful of the corals, too. There were high parts which can also wound you. A lot of my friends had cuts and bruises because of that.

After admiring the corals and fishes, we immediately took the helmets for the next diving activity.

It was a great experience. I recommend it to those who wear high-grade glasses because finally you can see underwater without removing them! :)

We then transferred to another island where we will be cliff diving inside a cave towards the sea. I have already established that I am afraid of heights. I think I have cleared it out quite a few times here. But I was in another situation where I had to face it. Either I'll embrace it, have a big gulp and just jump, or I could walk away. But a group of young Koreans were already blocking it so I really don't have a choice. I think I was 7th on the line and some of my friends already jumped without hesitation. When I knew I was gonna be next, I told myself that I just had to go. I was ready but was stopped because some locals will jump from the very top of the cave. That's when I felt my knees go wobbly because the fear already sunk in. My friend who was gonna jump right after me took over, and did it before me! I told myself it's now or never. I don't want to get left behind. Imagine the adrenaline I needed to have just to conquer that. There was no way that I could run and jump for buelo. There was only a bit of space for my feet to take a step or two before I could jump. I was so scared to hit my head, or for my nape or back to scrape the rocks. That's why I held my breath and took the leap before I could scare the wits out of me.

It was scary, exhilarating and liberating all at the same time. I didn't even know how I did it. My friends were happy to see me on the water with them. Whew! Then I realized that I was able to do it. Wow. Definitely an achievement unlocked for a scaredy-cat like me.

We played for a bit around the beach before we went to the next island.

We learned that one of the local fantasy series shot some of their scenes here.

We can't believe that you'll see this beyond the cave.

It was definitely a great day with these crazies!

I can't wait to have another adventure with Team Virus!

Love lots, xx

Style Reader

Photos by Merjovel Lopez, Nike Amistoso, Dani De Leon & Rochelle De Mesa