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

Stories from Bolobadiangan Islands

"Each affects the other, and the other affects the next, and the world is full of stories,

but the stories are all one."

-- Mitch Albom, The Five People You Meet in Heaven

10AM. The tides finally rolled back in. The motor boat that was once stranded on the sand had to be anchored properly now to keep it from floating away. Mang Sonny walked us to it and told us that Mang Mode (pronounced as Moh-dë) and another boatman (that I have regretfully forgotten the name) will take us to the other islands. The island tour will cost us PHP1,000. And, I am hoping that it will be worth it. We hopped onto the boat, more confidently now and more relaxed than the first time we were in it. While our two boatmen were busy maneuvering it away from the shore using long bamboo sticks as lever, I was giving my husband the "Yehey! this is it" look.... He knew I was excited...... I can't help it.... Watching these raised masses of earth scattered all around, I can't help but ask --

 "What's the story over there?"

The fight to keep Freedom Island free: a must read

photo coutesy of Coastal Lagoon Las Pinas - Paranaque

Last week was the first time I've heard about the already approved plan of building a 625 Hectare reclamation area right in front of Freedom Island, the last remaining coastal periphery of salt marshes, mangrove frontier and avian refuge for over 80 species of birds in the whole Metro Manila area. Being able to house such a biodiversity, it was declared a critical habitat in 2007 through Proclamation 1412. The environmental impact assesment office of the DENR said that the company who already won the bid to construct the reclaimation area for 14B pesos has already passed the necessary documents and has already submitted the necessary data to comply with environment regulations. He candidly said on TV that if there will be a time that something goes wrong, they can easily fine and incur penalty to the company responsible for any damages done.
Now, I wonder:
Can we really pinpoint those people who will be responsible for any environmental loss?
Make them accountable for anything? Can we really put a price on environmental damages?
Does somebody really care enough?

Travel Bohol part 2 - Dumaluan Bohol beach hotel resort, Panglao Island

Dumaluan beach resort is actually right beside Bohol beach club, it is located in Panglao Island, about 30 minutes from the port and main Bohol island.
It's one of the most recommended places to stay in when you are in Bohol and if you are after the white fine sand beach that Panglao Island offers. The beach hotel resort actually have a newer and much improved hotel buildings and has extended their amenities from cottages to pingpong tables and kayaks but seeing we're on a tight budget, we opted to get the quadruple sharing room (2 queen size bed with private toilet and bath) in the older guest rooms they rent out. It is also best to arrange a pick up transport service from the port. If you're travelling in a group, it will be much convenient and cheaper. 

parking slot outside the port reserved for Dumaluan

Travel Asia: Autumn in South Korea Part 4 - Nami Island

Autumn in South Korea: Part 4


NAMI ISLAND

Gapyeong Station

To get to Nami Island, ride the Korail train and get off at Gapyeong Station. From there, there are buses and taxis that are willing to take you to the ferries and then to the Island. I've found this blog budgettravel2korea  that gives you other options when commuting especially if you're not part of a tour bus or just in for a quick day trip. However, be aware that I have not personally tried them out. It would always be best to always ask and research ahead of time to make sure all the details are up to date and correct. It would also be best to check the Namisum hotel website that contains shuttle bus information or just call them up if you need directions even if you're not checking in.

Nami Island or Namisum Island which is also situated in the Gangwon-do province was not originally an island but was only formed when the water rose because of the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam in 1944 . It was named after General Nami who was executed, together with his mother and faithful followers, at a young age of 28 because of treason, which was later found out was based on false evidence.  

Below is a poem supposedly written by General Nami when translated in English:

"I will cut the boulders of Mt. Baekdu until my sword is worn away,

                           I will water my horse with the waters of Duman River until it dries up,

If a man cannot subjugate an entire nation by the age of 20,

then no one will deem him a hero."

In 1965, Byeong-Do Min, donated two thousand trees to the island that included Cherry, Ginkgo, Redwood, Tulip, White Birch, and White Pine. The fascinating way the trees were planted and grouped plus the serene surrounding made it famous to tourists and artists. But the kick off for me was when I learned that this was the  place where the Korean teledrama "Winter Sonata" was filmed.  

On March 1, 2006, Nami Island was renamed Naminara Republic and declared it's cultural independence. An imaginary self governing country that embodies the hero General Nami's greatness. They issue and invented their own "passport" that serves us ticket to get to the Island, own currency, stamp and telephone cards. 

Immigration center of Naminara Republic

The Island boasts of its tolerance for artistic people. You can see it when you go around the island. They have their own art gallery, area for concerts and events, museum and a music hall. Even the groundskeeper shares his artistic side by forming heart shaped lump of leaves on the park grounds. You can't miss it, it's everywhere. =)

Korean pots display at the Nami hotel lobby

Our stay at the Namisum hotel is actually very pleasant, we have a queen size bed over a wooden platform and a huge window that has a clear view of the lake outside. It also has internet connection too but no TV (which I think is good because Dennis and I are always tempted to just waste away in front of it whenever there's one around). Instead, they provided us books found in shelves that contains Korean literature and Haikus. The perfect "soul" book for the place.

Dennis and me tree-watching

There is a map available in the hotel that can serve you well when exploring the island. Not being able to speak Korean or communicate in English to non-speaking Koreans, it is hard for us to order food with a Korean menu. So we always look for restaurants with pictures on them and just point out what we like to eat. (which is what we did mostly in this trip). We opted to go out even though there is a cafe restaurant in the hotel because we find their price a little expensive for us.There is an area in the island with rows of small restaurants that has just that when we scouted for something to eat. There is also a convenience right at the port where we bought snacks and drinks. We were told that they don't have 24 hr stores or restaurants in the island so we made sure we had food to eat if we ever get hungry.

Dennis eating a Korean street food

Korean Streetfood

Now, as I mentioned in the beginning of this journey in Seoul, this was the trip where my "then" boyfriend and "now" husband Dennis proposed to me. And, he couldn't have picked a better place. The place is quiet, romantic, and the time ---perfect.  =)

Sharing with you our engagement photos below. 

Our proposal picture

Engagement photo in Nami Island

To End, South Korea is actually a very pleasant country. Even if many people do not speak English, I would still come back and take the time to get indulged with its rich culture, learn it's history and get to know it's people and of course create more beautiful memories. Maybe someday, with our kids (?) 

Icar

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