One of the most memorable places I went to during my backpacking trip to West Visayas is Yato Island off the coast of Guimaras Province.
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| An edible seashell |
Three words to describe this Island:
Captivating. Simple. Unexplored.
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| Yato Island (an island off the coast south of Guimaras mainland). Original picture from designofmine |
Sadly, this island is just recovering from a major Oil Spill that happened last August 11, 2006. When I roamed around the island, the oil sludge are still preventing the mangroves to grow and thrive in their natural habitat. It was a big loss to the locals and the nearby towns.
This small island can be roamed around for 2 hours. Only 11 families inhabit this place, the men are fisher folks and the younger ones are taught of their trade. The kids go to Cabalagnan for education (elementary).
I'm just captivated by the simple beauty of this island- virgin white beach, mangroves, stunning rock formations, beautiful sunrise and sunset, marine life, the locals are accommodating and friendly.
I will just let the pictures tell my story:
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| Entrance to a foreigner's private resort |
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| Cabalagnan port, with the view of Yato island |
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| Yellow Rocks |
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| John Robert (10yrs.old) shows a shell |
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| Sigay shells used for sungka |
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| Virgin island, unexplored, captivating |
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| Cicada |
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| Joven (15yrs.old), my tourist guide |
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| The dead mangroves bec of the oil spill |
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| Starfishes are replete in the island |
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| Back portion of the island, among the mangroves |
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| Yato Island during low tide |
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| Its a regular thing for them to find shells |
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| Kids get seashells for food |
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| Hunting for dinner |
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| Long stretch of unspoiled white sand |
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| What is this? some sea creature? soft corals? |
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| Another soft corals |
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| Sunset view |
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| Yato Island in the morning |
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| Kids playing |
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| Copras (coconut meat to be made oil) |
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| this is the island life: chill and relax after the evening's successful catch |
Important Infos:
Accommodation: None. You have ask the locals if you can stay in there kubo. Or you can set up a tent, just ask permission
Cellphone signal strength: Globe: None; Smart: Low; Sun: None
Food Supply: No available food in the island, bring something from Cabalagnan.
Electricity: None which makes it more exciting.
Water Supply: Water Pump
How to get there:
From Jordan, you ride the jeepney to Cabalagnan, Nueva Valencia. From Cabalagnan, ask the locals of how to get there (pray that they would bring you to Yato Island). Tell them, you just want to spend a night or two. Befriend them first. I was able to go there because I befriended the boatman from Cabalagnan.
Or you can rent the boat, you can bargain, maybe P200-300 is acceptable as its is very near the coast of Cabalagnan.
Look for Joven and tell him, I told you about it. Use your charisma. So, this is not for the faint-hearted or the tourist but for adventure-seekers and backpackers- those who want to try the off-the beaten path.
Travel Time: From Jordan to Cabalagnan (about 2 hours); Cabalagnan to Yato Island (about 15 mins). Patience is a virtue, it would also take you to places you never dreamed of.
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Ending this with a fitting verse from the Bible:
"Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them... Let them give glory to the LORD and proclaim his praise in the islands."
(Isaiah 42:10,12 NIV)
I think I want to do this more! Going to places that you can't find in the internet and telling something about it. Exciting and cool! What's next
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thanks for reading journeyingjames- my running stories and travel discoveries--
let's walk, run, climb, ride, swim and fly.
