Relaxing in Boracay

It's been months since Tutel and I had a real vacation!  The preparations for the wedding played most of our days... now that has become one of the best memories we'll have... it's time to get some FUN and relax... just the two of us...  destination ---- Boracay!

I have been working with my company (Airline company) for 11 years, I have traveled up North to Tuguegarao and down South to General Santos.  Have been visiting places in Visayas and Puerto Princesa, but ironically I have never been to Boracay!  So, after 11 years I finally have visited Boracay!

The famous Boracay landmark  ---- the Grotto by the sea.

Tutel was here before, so after getting ourselves some snacks, we just strolled along the beach.  She pointed out places where she ate, where she had drinking sprees with her friends.  The beach was long, so we had a long stroll. At some point we have to stop to get some refreshments... until it was late and the beautiful sunset greeted the evening.

Beautiful Sunset!

While we were walking along the shore, there were several "agents" offering activities for visitors.  At first we were not interested... then I bacame curious about the activities.  So we asked a man ,who introduced himself as "Strong", about the offers, and the choices are -- banana boat ride, para-sailing, helmet diving, ATV, Snorkeling (which I have not done for quite a long time).  He offered us 3 activities for a reasonable price... so we took the deal.  Next day we were looking forward to --- ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) ride,  Helmet Diving and Snorkeling.  

Before heading back to our Hotel, Boracay experience won't be complete without getting yourself a Henna Tattoo.  The Tattoo would stay for about 1-2 weeks...not bad for a short taste of body art.

Tutel getting a "SUN" Tattoo.... I got myself a Dragon on my right arm.

After getting some rest at our hotel, we decided to go out for dinner.  We have always liked eating seafood... and we thought that this was the best time to get it.  We found ourselves in one of the many dinner buffets along the beach side... it was a satisfying dinner!

Next day after breakfast... the FUN begins!

We were picked up by Manong "Strong" from the hotel and there was a shuttle to take us to the ATV activity area.

Tutel on an ATV... our first time to drive an ATV... as they say, there's always a first time!

The activity doesn't end up riding an ATV.  There were 2 stops points for this activity.  First stop was the "mini zoo".  While we were going to the first stop, I was a little scared.  Not because I'm afraid of riding, but I was afraid for Tutel.  I have been driving so I knew how to get up the mountains, or slow down for downhill.. but she has never driven a motor cycle before nor has driven .... so most of the time we were going up the mountains... I stayed behind her and coached her --- "Gas... Gas" and for downhills --- "Breaks"... and she did just fine.  I was proud of her!  Arrived at the first stop!

Tutel afraid to touch the Bat!

  

There were monkeys in some cages and different species of birds that were very nice to watch.  It took about 15 minutes to visit the whole zoo then we head off to the next destination ---- the mountain top view deck.

The climb up was not that hard... and the view was worth the effort.

The view from the deck was spectacular!

After the sightseeing, it was time to head back.  The ride going back was faster.  Tutel had been comfortable, so it was a smoother drive... and I was no longer afraid for her.

Manong "Strong" then took us to Station 1.  Speed boat ride to the Helmet diving site.   When we got there, many tourists were already queued for the activity.  We waited a few minutes for our turn on a floating raft...  a briefing for hand signals... OK. NOT OK. DOWN. UP.  DECOMPRESS (air from ears). Pose for picture...

The wait was over!  Our turn... 15 feet below the surface.... step down from the ladder... the helmet was quite heavy.... oh, the water was cold!.. let go off your steps and fall down under!.. Decompress.... OK? okay!

The view underneath was amazing... fishes, corals... an entirely different world down below... another first for Tutel, so I was really happy for her!  While my first time to do helmet diving, I have been snorkeling before... but the difference is that you have a better view with helmet diving.

15 minutes underneath was worth taking the activity!  It was difficult to walk around but it was a good experience! Diver signals UP.. up we go...

It was almost lunch time but we decided to get the last activity done so we can have the afternoon for ourselves... maybe to stroll around again, or take a swim...  so off to snorkeling!

Tutel was feeling cold, so I snorkeled alone... maybe next time,  after I have taught her how to snorkel.... so off to the fishes and corals once again!

here we go... peace fishes!

It was a blast!  I was catching up with school of fishes....nemo... red.... yellow... blue.... amazing!

The vacation was FUN.  A lot of "firsts"... until next time Boracay!