Palad Sandbar
The one thing I’ve heard tourists mention over and over when I got on the island is the Palad Sandbar. I figured it must be something really special so I decided to go visit. But our boatmen got to the spot early so the sandbar wasn’t visible yet.
But the water is only knee-deep so you can jump out of the boat and explore the cute piece of land. I really didn’t care if I can’t see the sandbar in its full glory because the water is enough for me. It’s so enthralling it might be the clearest and the most beautiful I’ve seen so far.
Waters this clear make me yearn for more. More beaches to conquer and more blue waters to swim in.
Ungab Rock Formation
A few minutes away from Palad Sandbar is this impressive rock formation. I doubt if tourists are allowed to climb it but you can swim directly below it. Beneath the arc is a cool, shaded area where you can take a dip and, of course, take selfies.
Surprisingly, the beach is deserted when we got there. Perfect.
It was scorching that day so I took shelter inside a small cave. It’s so small only two people can fit inside.
Then I looked out and gasped. For a while I thought it was the planet of the apes.
Get that much-needed “me time”
Part of the beauty of traveling solo is discovering a part of yourself.
It’s like Survivor in a way. You’re taken out of your comfort zone and forced to thrive in a new environment. And in moments like this, when you’re stripped of some of the luxuries you’re used to, somehow, a real-er you comes out.
You start to assess yourself. You reflect and ask questions.
Are you living up to your potential?
Are you in the right job?
Do you really like what you’re doing?
Are you surrounded by the right people?
Why are you here?
What other places are you willing to travel to?
Or you could start plotting the path you really want to take. That Aha! moment might come to you while mindlessly wading your feet in the crystal blue waters as you sit on the side of the boat or while watching the bright orange sky slowly disappear on the horizon.
As the boat neared Buyabod port on the day of my return, I took one last look at the small speck of land on the horizon that had a huge impact on me. It was a generally quiet weekend but a lot was happening inside my head.
I’ve come a lot more alive sitting idly on its white, powdery beach.
As the waves rhythmically rippled on my bare feet, the faint voices in my head felt a lot louder.
And each time I turned my head, only stunning images came to view. It was a feast for the eyes. Marinduque’s Maniwaya Island is alluring. Suddenly, it made everything clear, as clear as its turquoise waters: I want to keep doing this.
Beautiful moments like this are gentle reminders that there is more to our daily grind. And that we owe it to ourselves to leave everything behind, even just for a couple of days, and go on trips.
Trips are all about moments. And these moments where you get to enjoy yourself, lost in thoughts, are the ones that can ultimately shape you.
So if you haven’t done it yet, pack an overnight bag and travel solo. There’s a lot more to learn about the world and yourself.
Have you gone solo backpacking? What do you love about it?
