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Corregidor Adventure with Columbia Sportswear
Corregidor Adventure
The work week ended great with a day trip to Corregidor Island and a photo challenge with Columbia Sportswear Philippines.
Sun Cruises
Only an hour and half ferry ride away from Manila, one would be surprised that this is actually the first time travel blog Let’s Go Sago have laid foot in Corregidor Island.
The day started with the Sun Cruises‘ ferry ride near Harbour Square along Manila Bay. After getting clad with the Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero shirt, we were ready to set forth.
Sun Cruises @ Manila Bay Terminal
The 1 1/2 hr Ferry Ride
The ferry ride was actually very similar to the ferry ride in HongKong going to Macau, only smaller and faster. Make sure to be ready with your burp bags just in case you have a sensitive tummy.
The Corregidor Adventure
Also known as “the Rock,” the island fortress of Corregidor serves as a memorial for the heroism of its Filipino and American defenders during World War II. We docked at the eastern part of Corregidor Island. The atmosphere was welcoming and the tourist buses which looked more like trams were perfect for the nature of the tour.
Welcome to Corregidor Island
“Tourist Bus” / Trams
Our friendly and funny tour guide Armand made sure the rest of the day was fun with his jokes and humors interjected every now and then while sharing to us Corregidor’s extensive history and World War II facts.
First Canon
Kuya Armand, the funny “Tour Guide”
Our first stop was a a big canyon beyond life-size imagination.I came to know that it was operated not by one but by a group of soldiers back then with each bomb measuring about 12 inches think.
Imagine that!
This was followed by a visit to the Battery Grubbs, Mile Long Barracks, the historic Malinta Tunnel, and the Eternal Flame at the Pacific War Memorial (more photos on these on Friday’s next post).
Battery Grubbs
More canons
Lets’ Go Sago’s official entry to the Corregidor Photo Challenge by Columbia Sportswear Philippines
We also visited ruins, bases, barracks, a lighthouse, and more canons.
We relieved our history books from elementary years about how the Americans and Filipinos defended Corregidor way beyond the fall of Bataan. Imagine the whole island devoid of trees and forests with hundreds of bombs landing every single day during the battle.
Corregidor Ruins
Corregidor Canons (Sago at the center)
More World War II ruins
Eternal Flame
Altar at the Freedom Park
Pacific War Memorial (Freedom Park)
After the war, it was again devastated when the Americans took the island back from the Japanese conquerors and how they fought back with honor to the point of sacrificing their own lives rather than to surrender to enemies. Thousands of Japanese died, through self infliction or otherwise.
This history of bravery, honor, and horror is what constitute the story of Corregidor beyond the island and the waters surrounding it.
Corregidor Museum
Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero
Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero
Let’s Go Sago wearing the Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero collared shirt
After the tour, we were able to freshen up at the island hotel where the Columbia Sportswear Philippine group was waiting for us and assisted us through a thermal screen test revealing our bodily temperature.
The red color means the temperature remains hot while the blue ones, where perspiration mostly happen, means it’s cool.
Using sweat, the Omni Freeze Zero technology acts by accelerating the wicking process to keep the wearer dry and lower the fabric’s temperature effectively cooling off the wearer under hot environments.
This part explained the system behind the technology we were wearing all along. It was great to know that together in our historic and fun adventure, was a science that keeps us cool when necessary.
Cedric Valera of Travel Factor undergoing the thermal screen test. Observe the reddish result from the person beside him while Ced (on right) has a lot of “cool” blue spots on his Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero shirt.
Corregidor Island is not a destination, it’s an eye-opening ride through the World War 2 era of bombs and tunnels. It was an experience of history and adventure that can leave you perspiring at the end of the tour so be sure to equip yourself with the Columbia Omni-Freeze Zero shirt to stay cool all along the journey. I also learned that the island offers more activities beyond what we had including zip lines and other team building activities with overnight accommodations.
Camiguin: The Powdery Sands of White Island
“A C-shaped white powdery sand bar” is how our boat captain described the White Island of Camiguin in his own native language. There’s nothing in the island – no trees, no cabanas – except two or three tables set-up where food is being sold. However, this simplicity is somewhat can make you fall in love with the island.
Yumbing Boat Terminal Going To White Island, Camiguin
White Island, Camiguin
We departed from the Sunken Cemetery around 4:20 pm for our next destination, Camiguin‘s White Island.
We were divided into two groups, each boat can accommodate up to six persons only. Unlike our trip going to Mantigue Island, it was a smooth sailing one where the ocean was calm. Aside from that, there were no other travelers at Yumbing Terminal, perhaps they were already in the island to catch the sunset.
Clear waters of Camiguin
sea grass along the shores of White Island
I was blown away as our boat come closer to the picturesque White Island with Mt. Hibok-Hibok as its backdrop. Its shape, the pure white sand and the clear water – the view was simply breathtaking. With only a handful of fellow visitors, you can hear clearly the waves of the ocean as it rushed to my feet.
White Island
A Panoramic view of White Island, Camiguin
White Island, Camiguin
White Sand
It’s a perfect location to wear your two-piece while relaxing under the heat of the sun, there were a few guests when we arrived. I passed by two foreigners who probably came from snorkeling.
For those who are not adventurous, you can just swim and experience the cool and clear water of the island.
Mt. Hibok-Hibok on the background.
If I’m not mistaken, this is the only white sand beach I saw during the entire trip. Although, Mantigue island leaves you with a wonderful experience under the water – swimming with sea turtles and different kinds of fish, White Island remains my favorite from the many attractions we’ve seen. I find peace in its simplicity.
*Story & Photo by Marjorie Pineda-Uy
Moreover, a small group of friends can rent a boat going to White Island at about P500 and rent a snorkeling gear at P100. If you’re planning to visit the White Island of Camiguin and bring food, please don’t forget to do the aftercare. Let’s help in preserving this paradise.
A Preview of My Camiguin Trip
We woke up early with a cool Camiguin breeze that passed through the door of our cabana. I went out to see the beautiful sunrise and spent a few minutes standing, staring at the beach.
Bahay Bakasyunan Sa Camiguin
My Enjoyable Borneo Reef World Experience in Kota Kinabalu
Following our brief and cloudy Kota Kinabalu City tour on our first day, we thank God for a sunnier Saturday morning as we headed for some island hopping adventure in Palau Sapi and Palau Manukan plus exciting water activities at the new Borneo Reef World.
After a filling buffet breakfast in Pacific Sutera hotel, everyone was ready with their sunnies, sunblock creams and swim suits.
Peanut Soup at Sutera Harbour
My heart thumped faster realizing what lies ahead for the whole day. Basically, I’m not a water-person besides the fact that I can’t swim; water activities makes me cringe to a certain extent.
But the excitement of experiencing what the Borneo Reef World has to offer somehow encourages me that I can do this as I am still in the process of accepting and conquering my fear of the ocean. 😛
Kota Kinabalu Island Hopping Tour: Palau Sapi & Palau Manukan
Our day cruise started with a jetty ride from Sutera Harbour Resort around 9am going to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in Palau Sapi island; followed by Palau Manukan.
Both pleasant beaches of Kota Kinabalu was populated by quite number of visitors that day. With clear waters, restaurants, and resorts, both islands are ideal destination for a relaxing stay.
Welcome to Palau Manukan
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park – Palau Manukan,
Resort/Accommodation at Palau Manukan
Palau Sapi
Palau Sapi
Borneo Reef World
Following the brief Kota Kinabalu island tour in Palau Sapi and Palau Manukan, we are ready to see the Borneo Reef World, the largest Reef Activity Pontoon in Asia.
Borneo Reef World
Dining Area, Borneo Reef World
After the standard briefing, each guest was provided a blue basket to place our important belongings.
My eyes immediately caught this door. I thought it was the entrance for the Seawalking activity, which I’ve been thinking since I woke up this morning.
Underwater Observatory, Borneo Reef World
It turned out to be an underwater air-conditioned observatory. The gigantic observatory offered a fantastic underwater view of sea creatures without having to swim or getting wet in the proceess.
Underwater Observatory, Borneo Reef World
Underwater Observatory, Borneo Reef World
Underwater Observatory, Borneo Reef World
Snorkeling
Here comes my first personal challenge: snorkeling. Although still afraid of the water, I set aside my fears and pursued going down to try it.
I’m glad I did it and found it enjoyable. I wouldn’t say I did it without any problems but I think this is a good first step. 🙂
After which, the much awaited Sea Walking / Helmet Diving activity followed. ‘Sea Walking’ is literally how the activity name describes it – walking on the sea floor, albeit with a giant helmet so even non swimmers could take this opportunity to simulate diving and going down to the lower levels of the ocean. You might experience some pressure in your ears but the visual rewards of seeing the fishes and the underwater reefs is rewarding enough. Just make sure though that you don’t have pressure-related health issues.
LivingMarjorney on Sea Walking
Thanks to my dear friend Iris of PinayAds and her underwater camera, I got a souvenir photo!
Helmet Diving/Sea Walking (Special Thanks to PinayAds for this underwater shot)
After a whole day of swimming, snorkeling, sea walking, and even scuba diving, get to enjoy coffee and snacks while waiting for the the lunch buffet set with fresh seafood dishes, vegetables, and fruits.
Buffet Lunch at Borneo Reef World
Lunch Buffet at Borneo Reef World
Team Kota Kinabalu
I could say that the Borneo Reef World was a wonderful experience which led me to a breakthrough first step of conquering my fear of the ocean; aside from the awesome water adventure, of course.
We left the pontoon via a luxury ship headed back to Jesselton Point in Kota Kinabalu.
Borneo Reef World luxury ship
Here’s a list of things to do in Borneo Reef World:
- Introductory scuba diving
- Scuba diving for Certified divers
- Snorkeling
- Underwater Observatory
- Sea Walking or Ocean Walker/ Helmet Diving
- Underwater Photography
- Simply enjoy the heat of the sun, sun bathing while relaxing at the double deck pontoon
- Enjoy good food. They serve seafood, vegetables and fruits
- Earn a friend or two. Meet people from different parts of the world.
Upon landing, the group was divided in two – one went to shop in Sabah Suria while others went straight to the hotel to freshen up and get ready for a night of tour and cultural awareness Mari Mari Cultural Village (read more of Mari Mari Cultural Village at www.livingmarjorney.com).
*Photos and Story by Marjorie Pineda-Uy