MysTerry Travels: Weekends in Magalawa

Weekends in Magalawa

It was the last day of the work week for us, which was unfortunately not a literal day but night (call center folks can so relate to this) so we had to go directly to the bus station from the office so we can make it to our destination at least before 14:00. We arrive at Victory’s Kalookan bus terminal at 5:30 but were not even able to ride the 6:00 bus (they have a bus departing every 30 minutes) and had to take the 6:30 bus - that’s how many travelers they have so if you want to ride the earlier trip you have to be at least an hour before the desired departure time. We were supposed to be riding the bus directly going to Sta. Cruz ( Iba Zambales) but the first bus bound to Sta. Cruz only leaves at 7:00 which would give us 1 more hour to basically do nothing so we opted to take the bus going to Olongapo. We dropped off the Victory station there and rode another bus bound to Sta. Cruz, you just need to tell the bus conductor to drop you on the way to magalawa Island if you opt to take this route.

On the way to Olongapo surprisingly I found it hard to sleep (I always slept on bus rides) maybe because I had enough sleep the night in the office :D. Anyway, so we arrived on the road to Magalawa at around 13:30 and rode the tricycle to take us to the port to Magalawa. The trike ride is really an adventure by itself as the road is rocky but it was fun except it was very dusty so have something to cover your eyes, nose and mouth. After around 20 minutes of the bumpy tricycle ride we arrived at the port which is probably the fishermen’s port as well as we saw barrels of fish being transported so it’s a bit messy place. As always the boat ride is entertaining, knowing you are above water and safe is one of the best feeling in the world, while hoping the boat won’t sink for whatever reason at the same time.

Arriving at Magalawa I told myself it was better than Boracay, well this depends on your preference of course. I prefer Magalwa because it was peaceful, no clubs, no people roaming around selling you stuff and the food was great. I felt like we got more than what we paid for with the food (package from Armada resort is 1500PHP for a Fan Kubo Accomodation – varies according to your group size) plus the free equipments for snorkeling. Since the Island is private you will really find the peace you are looking for sicne the owners decided to cater only a certain number of people where they can still maintain the island’s cleanliness and tranquility as I was told by one of its owners (the Island is owned by a family). I really liked their idea, and even dreamed for a moment to have my own island and resort and who knows I might really be blessed with one. :)

It was great to meet the people taking care of the island, and even meeting those other visitors trying to find whatever it is that they are hoping to find in the island. Traveling really does give you a better perspective in life. Seeing new people and beholding a newfound beauty tells you that there is more to life than all the hurt, the pain and the confusion. I know, I sound very lonely but I’m not, at least not anymore – we all have to go through these things at some point in our life but remember we just got to hold on and look forward to discover another beautiful creation. Seeing the grandeur of nature reminds us of God’s sovereignty, telling us that He is in control.

Below is the link to Armada Resort's site so you can check on their rates:

http://magalawaislandresort.com/

Below are the pictures taken from my phone (these are raw pictures so you know what to expect):

me on the nose of boat (don't know what it is really) on our way to the island