Have you ever heard of a story of a journey where the protagonist has to go thru hell to get to paradise? It’s such a redundant story really, that we never thought would actually happen to us. Malkapuya was supposed to be one of best place that our itinerary has installed for us. And sure enough it was, One thing though, An arrogant and boastful storm was raging upon Coron.
It was about 7am when we woke up… Bad news. A storm was above Coron. Overcast of the Island was imminent. Barely, the Island of Coron showed up that morning. And we’re like, are we still going to push thru with our tour? We’re skeptical about the weather as it might get worse as the day progresses.
We’ve decided to push thru anyway, since the PAGASA weather station forecasted an even worst weather following this day and we may miss the opportunity to go to Malkapuya… And, with the assurance from our reliable boatman that it’s safe to travel.
The ride actually started smoothly. The waves were not that furious and the wind was not blowing that hard… But that was until we got into the middle of the sea. The first big wave that send our stomach rolling was somewhat, fun. I thought that first wave was cool, as the water splashes into our faces. But, as it turns out, that first big wave wasn’t that big after all. As we get further and further, the waves can no longer get smaller. I’ve been in a rough boat ride before. But not like this one. We could see each of the waves forming and gaining strength before punishing our boat. It was heart pounding. Time after time, wave after wave for about two hours. It’s not like we’re going to die here. I was more concerned about our gadgets, camera etc. Because each of us have a life vest anyway. Hehe.
Finally, we’ve reached the Islands. It’s now safe to bring out my camera, as waves here were somewhat, ordinary. Salt water are known to cause rust in your gadgets, so I don’t want to compromise my beloved seed(Nikon d90) with the raging waves.
Our boat docked at the other side of Malkapuya. It’s a little over five minute walk to the entrance.
It is gorgeous… That’s all I can say about this Island. The long white beach is perfect for those people who wanted to just relax or even take a nap, do some pictures of themselves etc. And of course, who wouldn’t want to swim in this paradise?
There’s a view deck at Malkapuya where you can see an overview of the island and the raging sea. I thought here. Now, If the ride to Malkapuya was hell. What more, on our way back? Going to Malkapuya was optional, getting back was mandatory.
We did talked about staying in the Island overnight. As the storm was still gaining strength. But that didn’t materialize because it’s too pricey to stay here. And our boatman told us that if the weather gets a little bit better. We’re out of here…
What was weird in the Island was that, At one side of Malkapuya, “The photos atop this paragraph”. It was like there’s no storm at all. It’s quite warm at this side, And the water isn’t that ferocious either. Just a little rain, and that’s it.
But at the other side… It was like this (above photo). The wind here was quite strong. I actually felt like I’ve been blown away by it. And it was so cold and we could really feel the ferocity of the storm.
We swim and had our lunch here, while waiting, if the weather will get any better. We’re supposed to go to another island here near Malkapuya but decided not to, due to the bad weather. We’ve decided to go back as soon as island near Malkapuya was already visible. The weather was getting better it seems.
Did I mentioned earlier about the big waves? Yes , I think?… I was wrong. The waves on our way back was ferocious. And I mean “ferocious”. And the weather was getting better too?… Wrong again.
One of our boatman actually told his father about going back to Malkapuya. But his great father said “No”. And their great bangka(boat) named Bianca, can withstood whatever the sea has to offer.
Later we knew when my brother asked our boatman about how many years has this been his profession.
He said. “I don’t know. I don’t actually remember when I did became one. It’s like when I was born. I’m already a bangkero(boatman)”.
Those are pretty strong words. An answer that you can definitely trust. And is someone who certainly know what he’s doing. Regardless of the situation in the middle of the sea.
Especially in a times like these, where the only person you can trust with your life is the person who trust his instincts and experience with his proud Bianca(The Boat).
I know that there’s much worse boat ride out there, but so far for us. This was the MOST… Big waves after big waves kept pounding our boat. It was like the ride ANCHOR’S AWAY from enchanted kingdom. Our boat goes up and down, back and front, with the salt water catapulting into our faces. And the splashes of water getting inside our boat… But with the experience of our boatman and the durability of Bianca… We get to live to tell the tale. hehe
Below here and just above are photos from my brother from his underwater camera from our boat ride from hell on our way back…
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