Sometimes, an unplanned side trip can give you a profound experience, which turns it into the highlight of your whole trip, in general. This was exactly the case for me when we visited the beautiful province of Bohol, and decided to take a quick trip to Balicasag Island.
Balicasag Island, which is a part of the municipality of Panglao, Bohol, in the Philippines is an almost circular island with a diameter of about 600 Meters, located 18 kilometers away from Tagbilaran City or about 30 minutes away by boat from the popular Alona Beach. The day trip usually starts early at 5:30am.
Our boatman guiding the boat through corals at sunrise
Along the way, pods of playful dolphins usually swim with the boats as if they are giving you their well-wishes as you embark on your quick ride. The boatmen would usually idle through the area which gives you ample time to enjoy the experience and take photographs.
The island has white sandy beaches and is surrounded by corals. A diverse range of marine wildlife can be found in the area and the waters surrounding it including, Hawksbill Turtles, giant clams, and numerous fishes, thus making it a popular scuba diving and snorkeling location.
Exploring Balicasag Island and swimming in the coral reef alongside turtles and thousands of fishes was a hearty experience. Filming the beauty of this island from the sea, air, and land was an experience that will always bring me smiles when I look back someday.
This fragile island is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination. Considering the concentration of marine life in the area, responsible and educated tourism should be promoted, and further steps in conservation and preservation of the island should be taken.
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Also, check out this article:Â Watch: An Aerial View of Liwliwa, Zambales
