Paguriran Island: A Full Blast Romance

My girlfriend has arrived in Bicol from Manila earlier that day and after a few hours of rest, we took off for Sawanga, Bacon District, Sorsogon City. It is a 106-km ride from Ligao City and will be our longest non-stop tandem ride to date.

It was smooth-riding all the way to Sorsogon City until things started to get bumpy because of some road works in Bacon. We arrived in Brgy. Sawanga just before the sun sets giving us a few minutes to admire Paguriran Island. Unlike my Kababayan Claire’s (Lakwatsera de Primera) Whirlwind Affair with the island, ours would bloom into a full blast romance.. we’re settling in for the night!

Touchdown in Sawanga just before sunset. too bad we have overcast skies.

The island is between Bacon and Prieto Diaz at KM 607. Sorsogon City is KM 580.

The following morning, I woke up very early to witness the sunrise only to be rudely greeted with rain showers. Hopeful, I would go out every 10 minutes to check if it has improved. It hasn’t, and it has worsened. I gave up on the sunrise and instead prayed for the rain to stop at least. It actually did. Time for a stroll on the beach.

The rocky beach exposed during low tide.

Mangroves, pneumatophores, brittle star, sowbug.. Science stuff man!!

Told yah it’s a full blast romance experience.. CHEEZZY!!

After much foreplay on with the beach, it’s time to head out to the island.. We’re reaching the climax of this trip! :p There is a sandbar formed by the waves coming from each side of the island and this serves as a bridge. Even without this, the water only reaches up to our knees. The island is very rocky and they are very sharp. You’ll be walking on these, so take your flip-flops with you!

The stunning lagoon. Stunning, I tell ya!

The view here is just amazing! Mayon Volcano can be seen to the west but she has been hiding all day!

cliff diving anyone??

They say that on a really low tide, you can get near the nearby islets.

if you’re going to swim in the lagoon make sure you watch out for the rocks as they can easily cut you.

When it started to rain again, we went back to our cottage for our brunch. Sipping your coffee on the porch with the island in view and the fresh air is what you call a vacation!

it has it’s own bathroom with shower and sink. You may even sleep in the attic! Check their FB page.

The wind can get really strong and if you fall, you’re done!

Conquered!

more zoom shots..

a satellite view of the island and the beach.

Some locals collecting shells and some kids playing on the beach.

When it was time to leave, I noticed that Dhona was sulking and jealous. I tried to reason with her but she just would not take NO for an answer.

Taking Dhona to the beach.. Told yah it’s a full blast romance!

We took the route via Prieto Diaz to avoid the roadworks in Bacon. It is longer but smoother. It rained hard when we reached Daraga but we safely made it all the way back home, just in time to prepare for Noche Buena. It was a merry Christmas!