Saturday, January 14, 2017

Say Hello to US-USAN ISLAND, GUIMARAS!

My short trip to visit a friend has guided me the with knowledge that the Island of Guimaras is cooped with beautiful beaches yet to be discovered and introduced to the public.

Tustusan Island is one of the many destinations where you can silently sit under the palm trees while enjoying the traditional home cooked adobo prepared by the family whenever you go to the beach. Going there reminds me of my Palawan days where I can just lounge by the beachside and marvel at sounds of the waves crashing, the wind cooling the nerves and the peaceful isolation of your surroundings.

“hark, now hear the sailors cry, 
smell the sea, and feel the sky 
let your soul & spirit fly, into the mystic...” 


Me: Abi ko ma island hopping 8?!?? Bugtaw na!!
(Wake up guys! It’s time to go on an adventure!)

Bob: Permi ka lang ga dali! Muna ginabayaan ka na lang kay!
(Rise and shine! What a great day for us!)

Me: Ai? May problema ka aga pa?

(I’m so excited!)

The result of booze and late night talks

It was suppose to be a look away snap. But some friends just don't get it. Hahahaha
Me: Te ano ma expect ko sa Tustusan? May Rumbuhan to?
(What is there to expect today?)

Bob: Naaaan. Expectations naman. Kaya na sasaktan ka eh. Wag kasi mag expect
(A grand surprise await those who expect)

Yes, the bangka has no cover. Enjoy the sun!

Thursday, January 5, 2017

MOVING ON AT NATURE’S TRAIL CAMP, GUIMARAS

It was a whirlwind holiday and the lone sailor surely needs a lot of beach lately. Basking under the sun is surely on top of my priority. Who can resist nature and the sea?

Me: I think I need to go the beach. *Thinking really deep*

Bob: You do. Come to Guimaras. I’m currently handling this new resort and I can surely hook you up for some great beach hopping

Me: Great! How about Wednesday?

Bob: Call Napay!

Land was created to provide a place for boats to visit.



And so the adventure begins.

Napay: Malakat ta sa Wednesday ha. Di na mag inarte kay maupod si Stephen kag Leo

(Beach on Wednesday at 7AM. Stephen and Leo are coming)

Me: Ma apas lang ko bi. May nahulat pa ko daan nga friend. Basi siya na ni true love ko. Di ka ka pakot ya

(Can I just come a little later? There is this someone who I want to join me. Maybe we can go there at 5pm?)

Napay: Te ma adjust ka naman? Abi sila naman pa hulat subong. Di kami ya maghulat simu samtang ga asa ka naman da sa wala. Arte mo.

(We should all go on time. I'm so excited!)

Me: Wow ha. May ganun agad? Sorry naman. Masubuan gid ko na ya. Pero game. Alas Siete tayo bukas!

(7am it is)


One of the many views you can see along the way



The morning after, At home waiting for like 10hrs..


ME: Alas otso na! Naka love ka pa ba?

(it’s already 8AM. What’s the plan)

Napay: Di ko kadala salakyan kay si baboy nang indian. Alas diyes na lang ta kitaay. Ready naman si leo

(Stephen can’t make it. He is a pig. Let’s just meet at 10AM)

Me: La na ko nakibot. Ready naman ko. Kay paanod ko ni akon feelings sa beach. Chikin

(See you then!)

In Guimaras:

Bob: Hi Guys!! Welcome to Guimaras. The land of the sweetest mangoes in the world. We offer the best beaches at a very affordable price.

Me: Bob! GRO ka?
(Bob! How are you?)

Bob: Huo. Amo na kabudlay mangita kwarta. Anyways, Guimaras is composed of more than 98 branggays and almost 50 undiscovered islands. Most Guimarasnon rely on crop production  for their livelihood.February is a special month for Guimaras as they begin harvesting mangoes for the famed MANGGAHAN FESTIVAL.

Me: Baw ka alam ba. La da welcome drinks? Manager ka di
(That’s nice.)

Bob: Wala! Bayad ka ya sang drinks mo kay empleyado lang ko di ya.
(Thanks Jan. Let go and tour the area)


Your welcome view when you arrive at theresort

And they have a wishing well! Perfect for romantic hopefuls

Even the corners can be a potential instagram post. hahaha

NATURE’S TRAIL RESORT
The area is not fully developed. yet. However, there is an on going construction for an adult and kid’s pool which will surely be much of an attraction. Aside from the cozy and peaceful ambiance, the resort offers a wide range of activities you can choose from.






Saya bes?

 Me: Ka mahal man na di man. Bi ko kay ikaw di manager la ko gastos?
(What is the budget when coming here?)

Bob: Abi pagpuli to sa Iloilo kung wala ka ya kwarta. Or didto ka sa rumbuhan tinir
(It’s quite affordable. Here is a detailed budget breakdown:)

Fare
400.00(one way) good for 4
Php 200
Entrance fee

Php 50.00
Food
(Depends on appetite)
Php 250
Total
Php 500.00

Accomodation:
Overnight stay:

Hobbitown: P850.00 good for 2pax
*fan room with personal bathroom

Bungalow: P2500 good for 5pax.
*airconditioned with personal bathroom







How to get there:
  • From the port, ride a jeep going to alibhon. Fare costs P14.00/ pax
  • Upon arrival, hire a tryke going to Sibunag at P150 for 2person
*you can directly hire a motor driver at P400 from Ortiz port going to the resort. This is cheaper if your are in a group of 4-6 people.

The sun, they excite me

Because i'm a rebel at heart. hahaha

Secret mangrove reserve inside the resort

The night will not cease to amaze you


Me:  La gid di food? Gutom na gani sa paghigugma, pati ba naman dire puwasa?
(I’m hungry. Do you have food available?)

Bob: Te sala ko nga nagutman ka sa pagpalangga? Abi ko ga diet ka man bala.
(Yes jan, we offer various kinds of meals from seafood, chicken and pork. We also customize the menu base on your preferred meal)




You might want to consider this:

  • The resort is all about comfort. Upon arrival, you need not worry about food because they offer a variety of choices to suit your needs
  • If you are looking for an escape away from the busy life, this is surely for you


Me: La gid di happenings? Manakop ta bala talaba sa dagat

(Can we go island hopping? I’m really craving for the beach)

Bob: Baw, abi ang pagka bighalan ibilin sa Iloilo.

(sure, i’ll schedule you for 8:30AM. Sound cool?)

Early morning view
How can you not forget your worries with this beauty in sight?
What to do there:
  • Go on an island hopping to Tustusan Beach 
  • Horseback riding! 
  • Sit by the beach and listen to the waves 
  • Take a walk to the mangroves 
  • Enjoy the peaceful place by listening to some jazz music playing on their PA system
 


Nature’s trail resort also offers team building packages that can cater to more than 50 person. Check out their Facebook page at NaturesTrail for more inquiries.
And so we trailed the islands of Guimaras. And this requires a new post.

The lone sailor will go on another adventure to bring you more discoveries!
For updates you may follow me on my instagram account @janraethesailor
Have fun!

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