I had been searching the internet for a mini-break by the beach when I chanced upon SilkAir‘s Sale for flights going to Kalibo, Cebu and Davao earlier this March. It was a perfect opportunity for me. my first option was Boracay via Kalibo. But I wanted to go at such short notice that it was impossible for me to find a decent lodging at a decent price. And so, I opted for Cebu instead.

The shore at Blue Orchid Resort, facing west, directly in front of Negros Island, this area is also a perfect spot for stargazing at night

along the road, i passed by these Lolas weaving hats from buli plant

My first ever trip on the plane was ten years ago and it was bound for Cebu. I toured around the city and then went to Bohol. I never really got to visit the island’s best beaches. Malapascua was the first choice, but I read in the reviews that it takes six hours from the airport to get there. Moalboal takes half the time, and is therefore, the next best option.

My favorite spot at the resort, just right in front of my bedroom, which is right at the end of the resort, giving me all the peace and quiet I needed

Just the perfect spot for reading too

Although, Moalboal is mainly for divers, I discovered that it has other options to offer. I initially wanted to do the canyoning at Montaneza, but I had the misfortune of being sick during my travel, so I opted not to do the whole canyoning tour, instead my trip was spent dong some relaxed snorkeling and a bit of hiking and sunset watching.

This is the sunset that welcomed me on my first day… the place has a forlorn air about it that just makes you want to stay more to somehow ease its loneliness… waxing all poetic here… :p

The view early in the morning at low tide… you can literally hear the diverse marine life breathing…

I found this really nice hotel called Blue Orchid Resort, which ranks no 1of 6 hotels in Moalboal. The place looked really charming, both in photos and in person. Although, I was quite disappointed with the bare minimum bedroom and not-so-creative meals offered at the resort, I was nevertheless, very impressed with the natural charm and tranquility of the surroundings.

Each day, I would have this for breakfast… and I was so happy! 🙂

Giant pink gumamela (hibiscus)

I didn’t like seeing this bird in the cage so much… when I got closer, it came towards me and there was a sign that says it loves to be petted on the neck… cute! but I still don’t like caged animals…

The owner of the resort is a very friendly German guy. He told me that my favorite reading and sunset-watching spot at the resort was his late mother’s favorite spot too. It gave me the creeps a bit, imagining the ghost of some old person sitting there just outside my room… but the creepy feeling went away quickly as I got more and more relaxed and used to the quiet surroundings, with nothing but the sound of the crickets and wildlife at night to lull you to sleep.

While having breakfast, the owner showed me this kingfisher that flew inside his bedroom… he said he will free it after taking a pic

what a lovely relaxing spot…

On my second day, I took a snorkeling trip with the divers at Pescador Island. Apparently, this dive site has a cathedral right below the island/rock. Unfortunately, I forgot to insert the disk in the waterproof camera to take pics. Although, it was not really worth taking pictures since the waters were murky with too much plankton. I also had to rent a wet suit and booties for protection against jellyfish, which were abundant in the area. I had to get back into the boat quickly when i saw lots of them, especially when I saw this type that looked like a giant flatworm, as it could just wrap around my unprotected face so very easily.

White Beach… mouais…

Late afternoon on day two, I walked a bit towards the sandy area of White Beach. I wanted to do a bit of snorkeling at first but I forgot to bring my mask. So I just lied down and watched the bustle of activity around me. Still, it was not very crowded, despite the presence of souvenir shops and restaurants. I liked that it was not very touristy.

My shadow along the steps, framed by the shadow of trees and shrubbery

This blue starfish was just right next to the shore and it stayed there the whole time I was at the resort, keeping me company 🙂

Day three was spent hiking in the canyons and waterfalls of Montaneza and then dipping into Mainit (literally means “hot”) Hot Spring, all arranged by the very friendly and helpful manager, Melissa Watkins… which I will have to write in the second part…

Until next time! Have a good week! 🙂