Ticao Island, Masbate: Philippines' Hidden Wonder

Work allowed me again to go to a new destination to discover. This time, it's TICAO ISLAND, MASBATE. The Province of Masbate is made up of three main islands: Masbate, Burias and Ticao. Ticao is accessible through the Pilar Port, or the Port in Bulan, Sorsogon.

Port in Bulan, Sorsogon

I took the boat to Ticao at the Bulan Port. The boat ride was roughly an hour and fifteen minutes. The boat left the port at around six am. The next boat was around 9 am. When we traveled, the water was serene since it was still early morning, so after enjoying the boat ride for several minutes, I fell asleep, only to awoken by someone from outside, who was collecting the fare.

Leaving the port of Bulan... the sun starting to peek from the sky

Once we reached the port of  San Fernando, we went to a nearby eatery and had coffee. We then took a habal-habal (motorcycle) ride to San Jacinto where we were told better lodgings were available.  We went to Ticao Lodge in San Jacinto and for P800.00 a night, I got myself this room:

It has a tv and its own cr. And some old airconditioning.

Ticao Lodge

The path leading to Ticao Lodge

We were belatedly told by the caretakers
that we can take a dip at the beach if we wanted to
- they can just open the gate.                

I had to bring my coloring materials to make me forget
 that I am missing my family.

After completing my task, I could not NOT SWIM when I am surrounded by the beautiful sea! So my officemates and I rode a habal-habal to Bayanihan Beach Resort. Besides, it was scorching hot in Ticao, so I really wanted to dip in the sea (My other officemates just watched me since they are from Masbate and they are already used to the sea/have had enough of the sea and the sand).

From the shore, I could see rain in Bulan

Sandy shore

While dipping my feet in the water, I saw this black thing that seemed to be alive. I thought it was an urchin. Upon closer look, it was a school of fish! The water is that clear because I just used my camera phone (which is not even the latest model) to take the picture!

The black thingy...

...is actually a school of fish!!

I met a few friends. 

The next day, we took the fastcraft back to Bulan, which left the port of San Jacinto at 5:00 am. We
got to Bulan at 6:15 or so.  The view from the sea was amazing: Mayon Volcano was at the right, and Mt. Bulusan was on the left side of the boat. Two volcanoes in my sight. I couldn't help but say a prayer of thanks for the opportunity given to me.

Mount Mayon and its perfect cone. Far away, but still equally majestic

Sunrise at Mt. Bulusan

 On the way back to Sorsogon City, I got a shot of Mt. Bulusan. I thought it was just a cloud at the peak, but it's actually smoke!!! Mt. Bulusan just spewed ash about a week or so ago.

 

I hope I can go back to Ticao Island and explore its beauty. I heard, island hopping is available. I was told that I have to visit Catandayagan Falls and Bongsalay Mangrove Forest Reserve.

It's really more fun in the Philippines!