“When anxious, uneasy and bad thoughts come, I go to the sea, and the sea drowns them out with its great wide sounds, cleanses me with its noise, and imposes a rhythm upon everything in me that is bewildered and confused.”
– Rainer Maria Rilke
Adele’s ‘Someone like you’ kept playing in my mind like a broken CD as I sat by the battered window seat inside the rickety old bus. Outside the window fluffy white clouds adorned the vast blue sky and hovered over a landscape dominated with greens: trees, shrubs and fields after rolling fields of rice paddies. Lakes and fish ponds could be seen occasionally breaking the monotony of vegetation.
I would’ve fully enjoyed the scenery if not for our manic driver who was crazily moving in and out of traffic in a way that will make Harry Potter’s Knight Bus proud and made me wish I had taken a different bus instead.
After 3-hours of roller coaster ride courtesy of the Ceres bus we finally managed to safely reached the northern town of Sara. I quickly transferred to an equally worn-out jeepney bound for Concepcion, hoping that the vehicle would leave soon so I could still catch the lone public boat going to my destination. Thankfully it did and by 10:00 AM I was already scrambling on my way towards the pier. I didn’t bother going to the tourism office for fear of getting left behind by the boat.
2 wrong turns after and a local woman, Ate Ising, who apparently saw my frustration, graciously accompanied me to the right place. I found out later that the boat I was supposed to take already left but Ate Ising arranged for the next one to make a detour and drop me off to Bulubudiangan Island. Thank heavens for kind locals like Ate Ising, if not for her I would have ended up renting a private boat which will surely put a large dent on my finances.
Most of the passengers of the boat were local traders and it took a while to load up all their goods. By the time we left the port it was already past 11 AM. Good thing the sun was playing hide-and-seek with the cottony clouds so it wasn’t completely hot.
The clock ticks away and we finally arrived on my desired destination. I never thought Iloilo could be more gorgeous until I finally laid eyes on Bulubudiangan Island.
Love at First Sight!
Bulubudiangan otherwise known as Sand Bar Island is one of the best beaches that can be found in the northern part of Iloilo. Many tourist, both locals and foreigners alike, came to this place to snorkel in the crystal clear blue water and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding islands. True to its name, the island feature a long stretch of sand bar that would shift to different directions depending on the wind.
Who wouldn’t fall in love with this view?
4 barking dogs served as my welcoming committee upon landing on the island. It was understandable considering no one knew I was coming, having made the trip in a spur-of-a-moment-kind-of style. Thankfully, the caretaker arrived after a few minutes and I was spared from ending up as dog food.
Welcome to Sand Bar Island Beach Resort
Kuya Nino introduced me to Kuya Sonny, the kind and generous owner of the island. The latter then interrogated me; asked why I didn’t contact them in advance and why I was travelling alone. For a single heartbeat, I felt I was being drilled by the military. LOL!
He told me that they were not expecting anybody that day so I really took them by surprise when I suddenly popped up on the beach. They were even more curious by the mere fact that I was alone. Apparently, I was the first solo female who attempted to camp out on the island by herself. Kuya Sonny told me that I was very brave but very foolish at the same time. Nice compliment huh?
After answering their queries, satisfying their curiosities and haggling for the rates, Kuya Sonny led me to the place where I will be nesting for two nights, a bamboo cottage near their house.
My humble abode for 3 days and my favorite hammock
With all my bags properly stowed away in the cottage, I excitedly went back to the hammock which I’ve seen along the way. The sun was unrelentingly hot by then so I decided to spend the first few hours taking it slow; just chilling on the hammock, listening to the whispers of the waves and admiring the spectacular view.
I could still remember how grateful I felt at that very moment. I realized, as I sat on my swinging hammock, that I was blessed with lots of things and most of the time I was too stubborn or too jaded by my problems to see that. I was never contented with what I have, always seeking those things that were not.
Being given the chance to explore is one of those blessings. I realized that not everyone has the choice or the means to travel. Many people doesn’t have the luxury of time or the money or the freedom or the strength. As it was, I barely made enough money of my own but thankfully it was enough to take me to places I’ve only dreamed of before.
Traveling has and always been a dream and getting to live it is a miracle of its own. For this I will forever be grateful. =)
To be continued…
Solo in Iloilo Part 4 - February 1-4, 2011. This is a series of articles featuring my solo adventures in Iloilo; my sojourn within the city, the iconic churches of Iloilo and the Island of Bulubudiangan in the northern part of Iloilo.
+ Part 1: Snapshot – Kalungkutan
+ Part 2: Seeking Paradise in Bulubudiangan
+ Part 3: Sun-kissed and Stranded
+ Part 4: Travel Guide | Bulubudiangan Island
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2012 Joanna Jane Liwag
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Gabz says:
Pumunta ka pala dito. Buti ka pa, ako na taga-Iloilo d pa nakapunta dito. :D Sikat talaga tong sandbar na to.
Gabz recently posted..Guisi Beach: Guimaras’ Well-Kept Secret
Joan says:
Punta ka na din. Malapit ka lang naman dyan. Worth yung travel time kasi talagang mapapamangha ka sa ganda.
gayE @ pinaytraveljunkie says:
Roller coaster ride nga ang Ceres! Gosh, this beach is sooo pretty! Miss ko na talaga Pinas beaches!
gayE @ pinaytraveljunkie recently posted..Cabo Frio, Brazil Holidays: That Thong-Tho-Thong
Joan says:
Katakot talaga mag-drive yung sa Ceres Bus. Kala ko titilapon ako any moment eh. Hehehe.
Tara beach tayo pag uwi nyo!!!
Chyng Reyes says:
divine. is it the one in concepcion?
Joan says:
Yup. Mga 30 minutes na boat ride from Concepcion. Punta ka din dyan, promise super ganda!
ma. raquel perez says:
how many days you spent at Iloilo???great vacation! want to go there too by august…….thanks for the great post…
Joan says:
4 days po.
Day 1: City Tour
Day 2-4: Bulubudiangan Island
Day 4: Miag-ao
Punta po kayo dun promise maganda
Joanna Jane Liwag says:
Yup. Mga 30 minutes boat ride from Concepcion. Punta ka din dyan. Promise super ganda!
Ruby Monterey says:
nice :)
Jonadel Pilapil says:
nice.
Jeramie Sulogastoa says:
from where in iloilo is this located or its near by landmark? thanks..
Joanna Jane Liwag says:
Concepcion, Iloilo po sya located
Jeramie Sulogastoa says:
gusto ko mag visit sa place na to expensive ba.. thanks!
Joanna Jane Liwag says:
hindi naman po mahal. basta maabutan lang yung pampasaherong bangka kasi mahal pag rent.
Jeramie Sulogastoa says:
Joanna Jane Liwag as in mam d cya expensive yong cottages po na tutulugan mura lng po..?thanks!
Jeramie Sulogastoa says:
mga magkano naman po bayad sa pampasaherong bangka..? salamat!
Joanna Jane Liwag says:
Jeramie Sulogastoa 20 pesos yung fare sa passenger boat. Yung cottage po natawaran ko dahil mag-isa lang ako kaya pasok naman sya sa budget.
Jeramie Sulogastoa says:
ah… salamat po!
Maui of The Travelure says:
Hi Joan. Yes, Ceres Liners are the Kings of the Road! Taga-Iloilo ako so I know how they are like. But then, I haven’t been to “THE Sandbar”. Salamat sa post mo, I could be visiting this year! :D
Maui of The Travelure recently posted..Laguna Day Trip Under Php 1000.00
Joan says:
Super kapit mode po ako kasi baka tumilapon ako eh madami pa man din akong dala. Nakakaloka talaga. Hehehe
zherwin says:
very nice. ganitong mga lugar ang gustong-gusto kong puntahan, yung tipong pagpunta pa lang is already an adventure in itself, tapos pagdating mo dun, napaka-tahimik at walang masyadong tao. sana maka-bwelo na ulit ako sa travel.
zherwin recently posted..Worth it?
Sarry Amora Honoridez-Perez says:
perfect destination for summer! hope to be there:)
Joanna Jane Liwag says:
you should go there soon. it's the perfect beach with an awesome view!
Erwin says:
How about food? may mabibilhan ba sa island?
Joan says:
You have to bring your own kasi walang commercial establishments dun except for the caretaker’s house and the cottages. Although may plano magtayo ng tindahan yung may-ari, I’m just not sure kung meron na by now. Better bring your own na lang kasi wala talagang ibang bibilhan. Pati water you have to bring your own din although may tinda naman sila na water at mga softdrinks
Joana Cinco says:
First, I have to say that your images are so beautiful. Makes me appreciate the place even more! Second, this totally reminds me of our resort in Leyte. Especially the last photo :)
Mai_Budget.Biyahera says:
Wow sis! You are indeed brave. =) I’m actually going to Ilo-Ilo this year. I could consider going to this beach if there’s extra time to spare. =)
dong ho says:
my kind of beach. summer na talaga.
dong ho recently posted..the mind museum taguig
Francis Balgos | Ang Pala-lagaw says:
Being bounded by the Sea
from East, downward to South tip which is the city to the West..
Iloilo province is rich in beautiful locations, most of them off beaten paths.
ayan! I miss Iloilo more!
This place you visited is too remote,
I remember in college when we meet people from Carles, Concepcion and these other locations..
We always have this notion of island people going in the city..
of course its a bad habit..
But slowly these beautiful places are gaining popularity recently..
with backpackers, photographers and blogger.. like you!
promoting its rare beauty!
From being Ilonggo myself!
Thank you!
Francis Balgos | Ang Pala-lagaw recently posted..Roxas City | A Night Stroll In Baybay Beach
Julien says:
Congratulation !!! You’re the first filipina not afraid to travel by herself. The few filipino I know are so scared to move as soon as it’s too far from their place or just don’t know.
And nice pictures, it gives me motivation to go there.
Julien recently posted..reductions accommodation (breakfast included)
Joan says:
Actually there are several Filipina solo travelers already. So to clarify that, I’m not really the first. To name some there’s The Pinay Solo Backpacker, We are Sole Sisters, Flip Travels, Chyng Reyes and many more. They have paved the way to solo traveling and inspired a lot of people, especially women. You can check out their sites too. ^_^
ian | going places says:
Aside from being mesmerized by Concepcion’s Bulubudiangan island and beaches, I enjoyed reading your travel story and realizations. Isn’t it there are direct buses from Iloilo City’s Tagbak terminal to Concepcion? Are they aircon or not?
We’re planning to visit the islands of Concepcion soon.
jeydy says:
Hi dear! Ok lang kaya kung hindi ako mag overnight dito? punta kasi kami ng Ilo Ilo may tutulugan na kaming lugar. Gusto ko lang to bisitahin for a day :)