Chronicles: Balinmanok: Exploring a Paradise

May 27, our second day at Balinmanok, Pangasinan. To make-up for the lost time that we had yesterday, we all wake up early to witness the sunrise. According to the villa’s attendants the Jacuzzi has a nice view of the sunrise. So while drinking our Chuckie we headed to the Jacuzzi.

the sunrise

"Chuckie" our morning drink

The waves are still strong, the same as yesterday. We walked along the sands and stones and climb the different rock formations that outstretch the shore. Though the presence of the morning sun is hot, you will feel a sense of relaxation as you watch the sea and its waves, boats of fishermen traversing through and small crabs crawling in the sand.

We then asked the villa attendant on where the location of the famous Balinmanok shipwreck. The attendant guided us on the way to the other side of the resort. The shipwreck is located at the right side of the villa near some houses of local fishermen. The shipwreck is some 50 meters away from the shore and now became a home of schools of fish. According to stories, the ship is a Chinese vessel that has a huge load of contraband items including shabu. Unfortunately we cannot go near the shipwreck because of the strong waves.

the Balinmanok shipwreck

strong waves near the Balinmanok shipwreck

During our breakfast we decided to visit the Culebra Island which is known to be inhabited by sea snakes or “tugasi”. The villa’s attendants were the ones who arranged for the boat ride. They advised us to have the boat ride as early as possible while the sea is still calm. So, right after breakfast we immediately prepared for the ride.

We waited on the shore of the villa for our boat ride to come. The sand of the villa is not fine or perfectly white; the rocks are also sharp and rough. But what you would really like is the clear sea water. While waiting for the boat we stayed at the balsa playing and taking pictures. It’s almost nine in the morning when the boat came.

our footprints in the sand

children playing in the balsa

We had a quick island visit at Culebra and a cave in a barrio. When we returned to the villa, we hang-out again in the hut at the cliff. We finish our Villa Balinmanok experience by having our lunch at a “papag” near the shore. Our Lunch is “Sinigang na Lapu-Lapu sa Kamias” and Fried Lapu-Lapu. While waiting for our hired tricycle to bring us to Burgos market we again took some pictures of the place.