Dolphin Watching, Island Hopping and Beach Bumming

We got on the boat 5:30AM today for our scheduled activity of dolphin watching and island hopping. It has to be early as dolphins appear only early in the morning just as the sun rises so we had to act early and fast if we wanted to see them.

sleepy head

Around 10-15 minutes from the shore, we slowed down on an area where they say dolphins usually appear. Honestly, it is a hit or miss activity as there really was no guarantee we can see one. After 10 minutes of waiting and circling around the area. We saw some fins starting to rise from the water, but they were quick to get away.

Moving further and minutes later, we saw another group of dolphins again, mostly their fins showing from the water.

Then another group showed again. It truly was a hit or miss activity. If you weren't looking at the right direction, you could have missed your chance already as they are quick.

Luckily, there were a lot of dolphin sightings this morning. It is hard to catch them on cam though as they seldom flip and if they do, they are very fast.

 

 more dolphin sightings!

are the dogs also looking for dolphins?

Just an hour since we sailed off, fewer dolphins show themselves until we can't see them anymore. For that, we went next to Balicasag island.

Balicasag island is home to a marine sanctuary and if you love snorkeling, this is where you can see a lot of colorful fishes and some corals on the protected area. 6 from our group took the snorkeling activity, paying PHP350 each for the guide and rental of snorkeling gears.

As for me, I was very hungry that I just stayed on the island. We haven't had our breakfast yet as we have to leave the apartelle early. I ordered some items for breakfast while chilling at a table being blown by the cool see breeze. Ethan was sleeping at that time.

As the sun went up, Ethan also awoke and again continued to play with the sand and water. He's very happy indeed throughout the trip so far!

Shayne and Ethan

Balicasag island, even if how lovely it was, is not that good for family swimming. The shore is mostly covered with rocks that may hurt your feet if you don't have the right gear. As such, I just stayed inland.

There are places to explore in the island however. Years back, I remember following a trail going to the lighthouse. I did the same today with some family members who chose to stay at the island than snorkel.

the lighthouses, new (left) and old (right) one

the lighthouses

The nearby chapel of Sr. Santiago Apostol was closed today.

We just spent the time taking pictures with the lighthouse under the fine weather this morning.

Then we went back to the tables and benches where we left our things (same place where I had breakfast). We're still waited for a few minutes before the snorkelers went back. We decided to have a more heavier meal (brunch) and stayed for a bit longer in the island. They were selling fresh seafood so we ordered some food and asked them to cook to our liking. It took awhile though for the food to be prepared and served.

Meanwhile, Ethan is mimicking a tarsier strapped into a tree again.

Ethan playing before we left Balicasag Island 

Our last stop was at Virgin island. I'm not sure if that's the official name of the place but that's how to locals and boatmen call it. It is actually a small inhabited island and if the tide is right, a stretch of sandbar appears leading to the island. It is indeed a very beautiful place, the sand is pure white and the water is so clear. The sun is up as it is lunch hour but we weren't bother as we were focused at the beauty of nature.

Ethan having fun at Virgin island

 

Ethan with Julie

having fun in the water

playing with my dad and my mom

Ethan and my mom

starfishes

playing with the sand 

 

It was already mid-afternoon when we came back to Alona Beach in Panglao island. The rest of the day was spent resting in our room and checking out the shops nearby before we headed early to bed as we are checking out from the apartelle and flying back to Manila tomorrow.

En route to Vigan

Woke up early today to the smell of Vigan longganisa, a small and plump meat, similar to sausage, primarily distinct from other longganisa as being garlicky, because the region of Ilocos is rich with native garlic. It is also best with sukang iloko, a native cane vinegar that is usually spiced up with a number of small peppers, which serves as its dipping sauce.


A few of us had spent the early morning dipping and swimming at the beach and by 9:00AM, our bags were packed and we're ready to hit the road again, southbound to the direction of Manila, but we intend to pass by Vigan, Ilocos Sur and stay there for the night.


On our way, we passed by Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, a century old lighthouse built during Spanish regime, sitting on Vigia de Nagparitan Hill.


This lighthouse located at the town of Burgos, Ilocos Norte, although aged and old, still functions as a lighting guide for ships entering the Philippine archipelago.


We were glad that we were able to come up the tower and have a glimpse of the view of the surrounding area on a not-so-hot day of December. We were told by the caretaker that are days that the lighthouse is locked up, especially when he isn't around. He was already on his way out when we came and there weren't a lot of visitors but he accomodated our request of opening the door leading to the top.
 

me


Be careful though when climbing up as the stairs may be a bit rusty. Don't rush your way to the top for you may hit your head with something hard on the way.


I'm very glad that despite the age of the structure, it is still maintained by the government. This brick-walled lighthouse is definitely a must place to visit when you happen to pass by the area. There is also a small museum showing relics and history of the place.


Half an hour before lunch time, we arrived in the capital city of Laoag, Ilocos Sur and immediately proceeded to Saramsam Restaurant for a meal. The restaurant located at Rizal corner Hizon Streets in the city is arguably one of the good restaurants to experience local delicacies. Eating at the restaurant, which literally means informal and constant dining, is an experience by itself. Prominently displayed within the corners of the place are different goods, handicrafts and artworks that one can appreciate or take home (for a price).


So these are the items we have ordered and tried:

Lauya a Baka - meaty beef bones, potatoes and cabbage delicately soured with tomatoes


Dinardaraan - also called dinuguan in other regions, pork blood stew


pork stew?


Insarabasab - slices of grilled pork, mixed with salt, vinegar, onions, & calamansi


Poque-poque - grilled eggplant, tomatoes, onions, egg


It all has been a great lunch for all of us. Not only did we experience some weird sounding delicacies which turned out to be delicious viands, but it definitely had our stomach full and even if we wanted to try other things like dinardaraan pizza or saramsam pasta, we were already not able to accomodate those.

Our next stop was at the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac, Ilocos Norte. It is dedicated to the past president who passed away and is also where is body, preserved by covering with wax, is on display to the public. Unfortunately taking pictures is not allowed inside.


Ferdinand E. Marcos words


Then we headed to the city of Vigan, Ilocos Sur and went straight to Baluarte, a zoo-like sanctuary open to public for free owned by Chavit Singson, the former governor of Ilocos Sur.


I was amazed by these colorful birds who appears to be very friends as I am taking pictures of them..


.. then they started kissing..


.. and later on necking! Oops enough of this already!


There were also other animals in the zoo like these:

ponies


camel


deers


eastern bearded dragon


albino burmese phyton


There was even an enclosed butterfly garden for children to appreciate!
 

One of the main attractions is a show of the siberian bengal tiger.


We got hungry later on and looked for something to munch. I happen to see a vendor selling Vigan empanada just outside baluarte. Vigan empanada is a fried local delicacy warapped in flour and filled with meat (usually Vigan longganisa), egg and some vegetables.


To make one, they mash flour into a small shape first..


.. roll it thinly then put the filling inside..


.. then fry it up! Best served again with sukang iloko! The crunchy covering and the yummy filling makes me drool even as I write this blog.


After this, we went to the hotel we will be staying for the night, checked-in and currently resting, at least until dinner time.