GLOBAL DRIFTER
By ROBERT J. FRY
March 10, 2011, 9:34am
MANILA, Philippines – It’s with apprehension and fear that I walk the plank, not off the boat but instead onto it. The drawbridge connecting the pier at Batangas, to the public ferry, is nothing more than a ladder splayed on its side. Balancing both a backpack and laptop carrybag, I dread each step, but thankfully make it on board without submerging myself.
Less than three hours (by way of bus and boat). That’s all it takes to leave the imposing cityscape of Manila, and find yourself sprawled on sand in sunny Sabang. Upon arrival, I’m greeted by the usual throng of touts hoping to gain a hotel commission or sell a shabby shark tooth necklace. Instead I look for my own lodging and find a quaint but clean room on the waterfront for P900. More than I was planning to spend, but seeing as I caught the last ferry of the day - I have only myself to blame.
Once you’ve passed the city limits of Manila, everything slows down. The pace of life out here is incredibly laid back, and while city dwellers may complain about the lack of activities, this is the tropics - so just embrace it! Kick back with a good book or beer on your balcony. No matter where you are in town, you’re never too far from the beach. The weather is warm all year round, so it’s always time to swim.
During the day, Sabang is all about scuba diving and snorkeling, with other watersports on offer such as jet skis and island hopping. At night, the town comes alive with naughty nightlife. Clubs and bars are abundant, with lots of go-go girls - all glitter and grins. Hobbling after them with lust in their eyes are older gentlemen, desperately trying to reclaim their youth and former glories.
You can hire a motorbike for next to nothing, like P500 for a full day’s riding. The laws are a little lax out here too, so don’t expect having no license to stop you in your tracks. There are many sights nearby that are worth exploring too, such as the nearby White Beach and many splendid waterfalls.
Snorkeling is superb, with crystal clear waters meaning visibility is uninterrupted in every direction. I float alongside shimmering shoals of fish that show no fear while I remain still. The fish display the sort of colors that put the neon signs in Las Vegas to shame. I spy an eel squirming out of an underground crevice, a pulsating green from tip to tail. Some of the other marine life present include; hawksbill turtles, reef sharks, pygmy seahorses and unfortunately - lots of jellyfish. Their sting is just irritating though, leaving behind nothing but a momentary itch.
Hire some gear (don’t forget fins) and you’re able to do some serious exploration! Caught adrift in an ocean current for several hours is more fun than it sounds. Washed up on a not too distant shore, I found myself living out a Robinson Crusoe fantasy. A small but sufficient beach, without another person in sight! Instinctively, although not hungry in the least, I began my search for coconuts, finding only debris and tin containers rusted beyond recognition along the way. I resigned myself to a little sunbaking instead. The unmistakable call of the wild welcomes me back to reality, with a monkey’s screech attempting to outdo a parrot’s squawk.
This is the life.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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