The Three Sites in Moalboal : Haven for Divers and Non Divers Alike

 

         Sitting in solitude in the seat of the bus and leaning against the window, I looked at the people around. They seemed to be yearning for freedom from the stressed life in the city and desiring to escape from their daily routine. Maybe some were wanting to go home while others were wanting to ramble.

         It was early morning, not even a tinge of sunlight could be seen. I waved farewell to my comfortable bed and as the bus started its journey, I dwelt on the length of time when I would arrive in my destination. Then without notice, I gradually closed my eyes unmindful of the sights along the way.

         I began to slumber, dreaming of flying into the emptiness of cerulean hue, soaring with angels and butterflies around me and blissfully enjoying this delusion until reality disrupted me.

         I arrived in Moalboal confused about my dream. Nevertheless I was glad I awakened at right location. I got off the bus and felt the welcoming embrace of the rising effulgent sun.

         The meeting place was Basdako, Moalboal. Originally, I wasn’t a part, but I invited myself to join the Trek and Dive Group. I hitched that opportunity because I could not resist the call of the blue waters even if I was not totally prepared for the event. I had no gears . . . no equipment at all. But since my hankering heart never loosened up and the universe conspired with my stubborn spirit. HAHA 😛 😀 We looked for ways and means; the diving gears were settled. And then blissful moments arose, laughter was all around and positive vibes harmonized the air.

        This pup that seemed to savour the bliss and cheers of our group made my day start super beautifully.

        Everything was set for diving synchronized by the good weather, the bright sunbeams and other agreeable elements of the ambiance. It was a perfect day for the event.

        Look at the crystal clear water. Such a beauty, right?

         And now the boat has sets its sail, balancing itself on the waves and gliding like a flying eagle ready to capture its prey.

          Eventually, the diving started. These were the  sites, the best diving sites in Cebu I have ever gone to.

1. Pescador Island : An Island of Deep Blue Sea Wonder

         As observed, Pescador Island is a small uninhabited island with a light house, some rocks and bushes.

        The description seemed monotonous. What really makes Pescador Island worth visiting? I had this query every time I hear the island’s name. Now that I am in the island, I found out that the answer is the island’s deep blue sea.

       When I finally submerged in the water and neutralized my buoyancy, I saw a vast deep blue sea. I couldn’t even see the sea floor. What was visible to my eyes was the amazing rock wall of the island. What stunning rock formations Pescador Island has! See the picture below. The divers looked like they were flying beside a very tall building.

        I sank myself deeper and deeper and then I saw this kind of tube-like coral displaying its beauty and radiance. I had no idea what its name was. If you do have, tell me please. This pic made me hungry for it reminded me of Chinese Ngiohong. Haha! 😀 🙂

        We continued exploring the blue waters of Pescador Island. I saw one big frog fish which unluckily I wasn’t able to capture an image because my cam displayed an SD card error sign. Sigh!!!

        Some parts of the island had a number of corals bonded on the wall as if  the corals were showcasing a stunning coral curtain.  Nature really knows how to beautifully craft and design a place.

         We continued our scuba diving feat until we reached this part of the island where we saw not just walls of rock or coral curtains but also a cave called the Cathedral. As I entered the cave, I saw a very high ceiling. This high ceiling may be the reason for its name Cathedral. Haha! 😀

        I was almost a hundred feet deep from the surface, my deepest dive so far. I was really happy for the chance to dive in Pescador Island, I conquered my fears of being in the deep and my undesirable thoughts of entering the cave.  Obviously I had fun and enjoyed the underwater wonders of nature. 🙂

      I would surely come to this island. The underwater show is not yet over for there would be more wonderfully exciting sights to behold depending on the seasons. If I would be lucky to be in this place at the right time, I would be able to witness dolphins, manta rays, sharks and many more spectacular wonders of the sea.

2. Panagsama Beach : Its Famous Sardines Run and More

        The second segment of our dive in Moalboal was the Panagsama Beach.

         As usual upon descending into the waters of Panagsama Beach, the sardines seem to welcome us to their show, exhibiting their swaying dance here and there. Even though there was less visibility, we were still able to spot the SARDINES RUN. This photo shows that, above the diver there were sardines forming like a big whale shark with wings. haha! Tell me, what do the sardines form in this pic?

        So much for the sardines… We continued our diving. I looked for other creatures in the water. I saw corals, fishes… corals, fishes… corals, fishes… corals, stone fish… Wait whaaaat? Yes, a stonefish. How perfectly it camouflaged with the corals! I spotted a juvenile stone fish. Still a baby, it was so cuuuute.  😀 Haha! Can you spot it?

        I was mesmerized with the comeliness of the surroundings. Underwater world is such a magical world! Scuba diving has opened my eyes to the beauty of the underwater world. That’s why this place must be respected. Fishes or corals or whatever marine beings belong here and not in tanks. They should be free living in their natural habitat.

        Upon proceeding to our diving, I got a cramp. It hurt me so badly, that I couldn’t even move my right leg. I wanted to solve this problem but then I saw a turtle. Setting aside my cramp, I swam towards the slumbering turtle. I excitedly took a snap of it. Due to my excitement and thrills my cramp just vanished. Thanks Mr. Turtle. You literally saved me.

       And that’s it. Our Pangsama Beach venture had finally ended

3.Talisay Reef : A Sanctuary for Turtles

        This was the first time I heard about this place, a sanctuary for turtles. Upon hearing this info, I just couldn’t contain my excitement. I love sea turtles, and I am thrilled to see not just one but a lot. I wanted to see them swimming freely, enjoying their freedom in their natural habitat.

        When I submerged in the water, I excitedly searched for sea turtles. But to my dismay there was no turtle around. Oh myyyyy! Where would they be?

        We kept on swimming… kept on flying into the blue water of Talisay Reef and stopped at the sight of this lone fella, a very huge trevally fish.

         Still, no turtle… Ughhhhh! But… oh my God! I saw a snake. My heart pounded so fast that I wanted to abort this diving venture because I was totally shocked and scared of what I saw. Later did I realize that it was a Moray eel. This unique creature is harmless, but if you put your finger in its mouth, for sure, it will chop it off with its sharp teeth. Haha!

        Finally, I saw a turtle. What a pleasant surprise! I was so happy seeing it that I couldn’t wait any second to have a snap with Mr. Turtle. Hehe! I tried to move slowly near it, so that it wouldn’t be startled with my movement. I stayed more than a meter away. I made sure I didn’t touch the corals nor the sea turtle. And taraaaaaann..! Here’s my pic with Mr. Turtle.

        I saw more than ten turtles and the feeling that I saw them was awesome. I hope that this sanctuary will help them to continue living in this earth freely without fear of captivity. I also wish that people would be more respectful to nature.

        After that I saw a school of cuttlefish. And they looked like angels flying.

        I now realized that my dream had come true. The turtles were the butterflies and the cuttlefish were the angels. Haha!  I am sorry, I have no snap with the cuttlefish because I was taking a video of them.

         So this was our diving adventure in Moalboal. Just see my video. I summarized our three dives here, I hope you’ll enjoy…

         The day ended with Moalboal’s grand show of the setting sun, splashing great hues  in the sky leaving the day with moments of fulfilled promises for everyone.

       I have set foot in Moalboal many times, but each venture is different. There are no similar ventures. Each experience in the same place weaves a different story because something new awaits the adventurer.

        This may be my most memorable experience in MOALBOAL, truly a haven not just for divers but for everyone who loves the ocean.

        The ocean needs to be respected.  Respect every God-given gift and the return will be endless possibilities.

       Before I end this blog I would like to thank the awesome people who gave me the chance to dive again, Rain, Jai,  Kuya Val, Kuya Pinngoy, RVM and company. If you want to dive, just PM these people. And like the page Trek and Dive.

Thanks for visiting. 😀