Unwinding at Arena Island, Palawan

Instead of heading to Singapore, an unexpected turn of event led us to reroute our flights to Palawan, Philippines and bum around in a small island 4 hours South of its capital. 

I was not expecting for a "slow" vacation and was really looking forward exploring Singapore's busy streets but I must admit, after spending the whole day exploring, swimming and snorkeling the rich waters of this turtle and marine sanctuary, I was converted.

Arena Island, Palawan, Philippines

The island can be reached via pump boat in just 1 hour from the town of Narra, Poblacion. We had the privilege of being on board with some foreign divers who romanticized to us how beautiful and rich our country is. I felt really proud of being a Filipino at the time. 

The island has two guest lodge that overlooks the turquoise waters. The caretaker told us that it costs about PHP15000 per night or about $300 per night to have the whole island to yourselves. For those on a budget, there's an open treehouse which you can rent for about PHP1500 - PHP2000 per night. For more accurate prices and updates, you may check their website:

http://www.arenaisland.com/ 

Named after the word "arina" which means "flour" in English, the island is not only unique because of its white fine sand but it also serves as home for green turtles and leatherbacks which are considered endangered species of the turtle family. 

Each turtle hatches about 200 eggs which the caretakers carefully protect against predators by building wire cages around each spots in the sand. The eggs spends around 40-45 days incubated before they hatched into tiny turtles. Once they are big enough to crawl their way to the ocean, they are released and hopefully will return to this place and lay eggs in return.

There is an enclosed lounge area in the island for daytime visitors. You can take your lunch here. 

A pre-arranged lunch is needed since there are no stores or commercial establishment in the island.

Big Bangus (milk fish), Chicken barbeque, Grilled Eggplant, Tomatoes, Onions and fish sauce on the side plus good old plain rice. Lovely Filipino lunch it is ^_^.

My husband and I spent the rest of the day snorkeling, swimming and talking that we didn't noticed that the sun was about to set and it's time leave this piece of paradise. 

I guess, there's always a reason why things don't go as planned but I am thankful to God because he led me here. I thought I needed to "move-faster" and "see-more" but it was a breathe of fresh air for me to not follow a tight itinerary this time. I feel so blessed to have this whole island all to ourselves. With its inviting and clear water to throw ourselves into, its fine white sand to massage our restless feet, fresh food for our belly and wonderful creatures of God for us to see. 

Another good trip worth remembering.