The Early Bird Catches the Wave

The alarm buzzed at 4 a.m., a time I usually reserve for dawn patrol surf sessions, but today was different. My wife and I were about to embark on a full-day adventure to the Moalboal Islands and Kawasan Falls. The early start was a small price to pay for the promise of turquoise waters and vibrant marine life. As we climbed into the air-conditioned bus, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement, reminiscent of the anticipation before catching the perfect wave.

Our guide, Liezel, and our driver, Clifford, greeted us with warm smiles. The drive to Moalboal was an adventure in itself. Clifford, with his rollercoaster driving style, managed to cut the three-hour journey in half. As a seasoned traveler, I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected, and this ride was no exception. We arrived safely, albeit a bit breathless, ready to dive into the day’s activities.

Diving into the Deep Blue

The first stop was Pescador Island, a short boat ride away. As we waded through the shallow sea to reach our vessel, I felt the familiar embrace of the ocean, a sensation that never fails to invigorate me. The boat, small and intimate, was perfect for our group of three. With the sun warming our backs, we set off towards the island.

Snorkeling at Pescador was like entering a different world. The coral reefs were a kaleidoscope of colors, teeming with life. Schools of fish darted around us, their scales shimmering in the sunlight. It was a reminder of why I fell in love with the ocean in the first place. After half an hour of exploring, we moved on to the sardines run, a spectacle that left us in awe. Thousands of sardines moved in unison, creating mesmerizing patterns in the deep blue. The current was strong, but with life jackets on, we felt secure as we swam among them.

Our guide led us to another part of the island, where we had the chance to swim with turtles. Spotting these gentle creatures among the coral was a highlight of the trip. Their grace and tranquility were infectious, and I found myself floating alongside them, lost in the moment.

Chasing Waterfalls

After our marine adventures, we headed back to shore and made our way to Kawasan Falls. The walk to the falls was a peaceful 20-minute trek through lush greenery. The sound of rushing water grew louder as we approached, and soon we were greeted by the sight of the falls cascading into a pool of crystal-clear water.

Swimming under the falls was an exhilarating experience. The water was refreshingly cool, and the force of the falls was both powerful and soothing. Renting a life jacket was a small price to pay for the chance to swim behind the curtain of water, a moment that felt both surreal and invigorating.

We wrapped up our day with a delicious lunch by the beach, savoring the flavors of fried chicken, rice, noodles, and spring rolls. As we sat back, satisfied and sun-kissed, I reflected on the day’s adventures. The Moalboal Islands and Kawasan Falls had offered a perfect blend of thrill and tranquility, a reminder of the beauty that lies beyond the surf. It was a day well spent, and one that I would carry with me as we continued our journey chasing waves and new experiences.