Beside The Sea... Zamboanga Del Sur, Philippines!

Grande Santa Cruz Island was calling my name! I wanted to take 'Beside The Sea' to the next level with a whole island visit! Did I have a whole mangrove to myself? Yes! Did I get to see some colourful vinta boats? Yes! The rest will be revealed in due course because perfection cannot be rushed! After a swim in those crystal clear waters, it was time for my very own seafood platter! 

My destination would look like paradise but believe me I was feeling quite the opposite, those 'Red Horse' Litro bottles had done the trick! Choosing to prioritise an extra thirty minutes in bed, breakfast didn't happen and I was not pleased about my own questionable choices. There's nothing quite like revisiting the scene of the crime the morning after, I was about to make a meal of that sunshine day but I needed to get on with it and I did that! Myself and my guide hopped aboard a narrow green boat, that boat clipped across those crystal clear blue waters with the quickness! The first stop found me clambering onto a shingle beach in the most ungracious way, I was not with it but I was present enough to see the upcoming mangroves. I felt very special because I had those views all to myself, those stingless jellyfish were giving a show! No, they could stay well away from me because I didn't believe that 'stingless' claim! I saw a row of colourful 'vintas', boats used by the indigenous tribes such as the 'Yakan' and 'Tausug' peoples.  

Back to those mangroves, conservation efforts were being made to protect them and it was believed the people who live on that island were proud custodians of them. It was an absolute pleasure to see the glass like waters pass me by, I was able to see every single stone and fish that passed me by. I had travelled a similar route in Malaysia but these Philippine mangroves gave me a different energy, it was pure and the sun was shining. Thankfully I wasn't required to get into that water, the view from the boat was perfect as it glided through every corner and crevice of that almost secret hideaway. My hangover had almost gone! I definitely felt much better with that pure sea air accessing my lungs, those natural settings were taking me back to nature. I did not regret those beers from the previous night but you know those views were the antidote, nothing would come between the schedule and my enjoyment! My time within those mangroves came to a close when the boat returned back to those anchored vintas. A Pink Beach? Let's go, Z!

A sand bar? Before I was able to see the 'Pink Beach', a little detour by sea was made to 'Little Santa Cruz Island'. Located on the 'Basilian Strait' about 2.7 miles south of Zamboanga, my boat didn't need much time to reach 'Little Santa Cruz Island' to find that 'Bond' worthy film set. No, 'James Bond' had not been filmed on that 'sand bar' but it was giving that kind of energy for sure! Rules and regulations applied to me and my tour guide, we were only able to spend less than 10 minutes on the sand bar. Even though the waters were pristine and very inviting, swimming was most definitely prohibited. Stepping from that small boat allowed me to anchor myself on that much watched island, I was already looking for those pink shades but I wouldn't see them on that smaller version of 'Santa Cruz'. I noticed two other people standing in the near distance, also with their tour guide, I didn't have patience because I wanted my photo just the same! Securing those views, I was clever with my photography skills. Back to the boat? Yes, po!

Protecting endemic creatures, this sand bar on Little Santa Cruz Island had a promise to keep. It was also known for a certain pink tinge, I did clock a certain pink change in colour as I marvelled at that piece of natural beauty. After visiting, it now makes complete sense why I wasn't allowed in the sea, swimming is forbidden due to limit sun lotion leaking into the water. The irony was I wasn't wearing any sun lotion at that point, not the brightest decision if I have to tell the truth! Now, I stupidly knew that was a choice but not for the right reasons. I needed to learn! I needed some lunch, I still didn't feel wonderful but I also knew that lunch time would be fast approaching! The day had thus far been perfect, minus the hangover it felt great to be not far from the city, those islands were impressing me much! I would be making up time in the water because I didn't feel comfortable swimming during my first visit to the Philippines. Both 'Santa Cruz' islands were heavenly, it was the tonic I needed because the previous day had been busy! 

Upon arriving at the Pink Beach on Grande Santa Cruz Island I felt like the fourth member of 'Destiny's Child', channelling 'Survivor' was the mood I was going for because those beach settings were like no other! The Pink Beach slapped, I felt like I was living every single kind of 'Beside The Sea' fantasy! Did I swim in the sea? Of course, I did! It took some self-encouragement but I managed to find a sweet spot without it being deep. I spent the longest time luxuriating in that moment, the water felt perfect, it wasn't warm but it wasn't cold neither! I was making mad exceptions, I don't usually swim in the sea because I don't like the feeling of the salt but you know that Pink Beach in the Philippines left me with no choice! Feeling those waves, catching those views and listening to those Tagalog conversations was bliss! If truth be told, I knew the post-trip depression would hit me badly! 'Pantropiko?' You know that I played that P-Pop song by 'BINI!' It was one of the best beach experiences that I've had, sorry 'El Nido!' 

Now, I was getting hungry because as previously mentioned breakfast didn't happen that morning! It was around lunch time and I was going through it! I waited on my chosen bench for my lunch to be brought to me, I had been informed that a seafood platter would be on the way for me to devour. I demolished the prawns, rice and the fruits without hesitation but I am not a fan of anything crab like, that was a no from me. It was a brief period that I was able to spend on the Pink Beach because due to local regulations, all guests were required to vacate the beach before a specific time. I had enjoyed a wonderful day 'Beside The Sea' and frankly I was looking forward to relaxing in my hotel room before my insanely early pick up the next morning. I had many amazing memories from that day trip to the islands from Zamboanga because 'iTRAVEL Tourist Lane' had pulled off a second wonderful day of activities. It was time for me to say goodbye to Zamboanga del Sur, the next morning would take me north! Get me to Dakak, bab! 

I'm A Survivor! 

Desperately Seeking Adventure