Mindanao Challenge Day 7: Samal Island Tour

My stay in Samal Island would not be great if not for the people who helped me in every way they can. I remember everyone of you, Mader Fely, Kuya Lek, Ate Frances, Deejay, Abdul, Rashid, Nurj and Tatay Badong. It just warms my heart to know that there are still people who are willing to trust total strangers and invite them in their house.

I remember you all when I tweeted, “I will be 4ever grateful to all d people I met along d way. U guys made this journey a life-changing one. #mindanao400.” I will make a special post for the Kaalim family.

For now, I want to share my Samal Island Tour to my dear readers.

MANGONGAWONG FALLS, TAGBAOBO

Since there is an entrance fee to Hagimit Falls (and I think its so commercialize), we opted to go to Tagbaobo Falls instead. It just rained so the water is quite murky we weren’t able to take a dip. We just had our simple lunch of fish, rice and toyomansi kamayan-style.

MANGONGAWONG CAVE, TAGBAOBO

Then we did a 20-minute trek to the cave at Tagbaobo. Obviously unprepared for the cave, we didn’t bring flashlight.

LICUP VIEW DECK

I love this spot as I love panoramic views, the mountains, the sea and the horizon.

CANIBAD BEACH

I’m a bit frustrated with this beach because its dirty. Not to mention the entrance fee because its private property. What more, you have to pay Php20 to whichever beach you will stay on top of that the Php10 toll fee.

On the other hand, my friend Abdul who lives in Samal Island is so happy because it was his first time to visit this beach.

MONTFORT BAT CAVES

My friends say that before they can enter this place for free because they live just near it. Now they have to pay Php40 because it was “developed” already. I feel sad for them and to learn that Monfort is half-Spanish? Hmmmm….

I don’t mind paying even Php100 just to see this Guinness Book World holder wonder (they have 2.5 million bats) but to ask the locals to pay for their own wonder that I hate.

I arrived 5:15pm at Monfort bat caves. It was already closed but they have night tours but more expensive- Php80/pax minimum of 6 persons. Good thing, Sir Danny & Dra. Grace came, they are from Marbel and wants to see the bat caves before they live for Koronadal City. I just came with them and they were kind enough to bring me to the place where I am staying. Thank you so much! I hope to see you when I go back to Marbel.

 

Expenses for Today: Php 509

Php 165 – 3 Liters of gasoline
Php 55 – Fish
Php 10 – Charcoal
Php 9 – Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Kalamsi, Match, Salt
Php 20 – Toll Fee to Canibad Beach (2pax)
Php 40 – Merienda
Php 5 – Candies
Php 20 – Motorcycle washing
Php 60- Montfort Cave entrance (Php80 night entrance)
Php 125 – Litson Manok (it’s my last night in Samal, a celebration!)
______

Php 509.00.

Special thanks to Kuya Lek for lending us his motorcycle.

Accommodation– Free of charge, CouchSurfing c/o Kuya Lek and Ate Frances.

 

Word for Today:

Kauban. Companion or Kasama. Nagkaroon kami ng mga kauban sa Tagbaobo Falls.

 

Reflection for Today:

“For it is in our everyday life that we must find purpose and direction. It is in our everyday life that we need to experience growth, development, well-being and challenge… And it is in our everyday life that we need to experience that God is with us.” (Dare to Journey by Charles Ringma, Reflection 55)