Potipot Island 04

"Where are we going this long holy week??" My friends kept on inquiring as everyone was anticipating the long holiday during this year's Lenten season.

It was already Thursday evening and we still didn't know where to go. My other roadtrip buddies were already basking in Pagudpod and we were still in manila scouring for available transportation at hand. Our options: Potipot Island in Zambales or Hundred Islands in Pangasinan. Since we only plan to stay overnight and come back on Saturday, we eventually decided on the nearer one.

Friday 5am. Two cars. Seven people. Destination: Potipot Island, Zambales

I got to know about Potipot Island through a website feature. The pictures on the internet really looked nice so I figured that the place must be worth paying a visit. Plus, Zambales was just several hours drive from Manila... nothing a Sagadan bred driver like me couldn't handle. Haha.

Somebody please whip my back and teach me humility.

The drive to Subic, Olongapo only took us about an hour and a half because there were very few cars on the road that day. From Subic Freeport, we passed through the towns of Subic, Castillejos, San Marcelino, San Felipe, San... something else. I forgot but there were 3 towns that started with San. Then Cabangan, Iba, Masinloc and eventually Candelaria. The jump off point to Potipot Island is located in Brgy. Uacon in Candelaria.

There were several resorts in Brgy. Uacon wherein travelers can stay. The most prominent one was Dawal Beach resort. They have many types of rooms, swimming pools, recreational facilities and a restaurant that serves good food. Next we have the smaller Sunbloom resort, where we stayed. This one mainly has rooms only but all fully air conditioned. We got a room for P800 per night that was good for 4 persons. Not bad. The only thing missing in this resort was a restaurant. Since we didn't bring any food with us, we had to go to neighboring Dawal resort to eat.

Potipot Island can be clearly seen on the shores of our resort. It takes a mere 10 minutes via an outrigger to reach the place. I think one can actually just swim to the island since it was really very close to the shore. Looking at the island from the shore, you will notice the very distinct difference of the sands under your feet. The Brgy. Uacon shoreline has, sorry to say, dark brown sands while Potipot island has white sands not far behind from that in Boracay. Honest.

Well, ok, it's not as white and as powdery as Bora's, but it's definitely commendable.

We rented an outrigger boat for P300 r/t. The banca guy will then drop you off the island and will come back to fetch you according to the length of time you wish to stay. Overnight campers are welcome on this island, for a measly fee of P15 each person for the maintenance of the island. I heard that the island belongs to a family that generously opened the place for people to visit. Hey, I think I see something good over there. Halo-halo anyone?

No man is an island... as the saying goes. We hit sand around 4 in the afternoon. It was apparent that we weren't the only vacationers around. My first impression of the island was, "wow, it was better than I thought." It looks like a place where you can shoot survivor. The island remains natural and untamed, except for the halo-halo vendors of course. One can circle the island by foot in 30 minutes. I can describe the island in three parts.

First part is Boat docking side. Nice clear water with nice white sands. I didn't notice it at first but the nice clear water and the nice white sands only go as far as ten feet from the shore and then it suddenly drops to a shocking depth of who knows how deep. My companions were surprised when I told them to use their goggles and go under the water. It was darkness of the abyss after just a few steps from the shore. Personally, I like the setup. It's very unique in a sense.

As I dove down to explore the murky depths, I found out that the waters below were much colder. During that moment the sky was overcast so I couldn't really see much under the water. It just felt silently cold. I like it.

Second part is the Coral and Rocky side. This part was also very interesting as it had many different kinds of rocks and shells scattered on the shoreline. There were also trees that have grown horizontally as if they were reaching out to the sea. Starfish and hermit crabs abound on this area. There were not much sand, it was as though the area was covered with washed out corals and seaweeds. This was definitely a nice place for picture taking.

Third part was the Shallow and Grassy side. I felt like being in a planted freshwater aquarium tank as I dove down this area. It was like a huge grassland submerged underwater. Everywhere was just grass, grass and more grass. I call it grass because it really looks like the grass on land that cows eat. It didn't look like seaweeds but I'm sure it was a kind of seaweed. Have you ever been to Taal Lake and saw the freshwater plants growing there? That was what it looked like. This was also the side of the island where the sun sets. As we lay in the shallow water transfixed on one of the most spectacular sunsets we have witnessed, deep down in our hearts we know that we have found yet another great destination.

Whip your backs you sinners!

On the Island.