Subic (Laki) Beach in Calintaan Island, Matnog, Sorsogon

So there we are out in the sea on a small motorized banca in total darkness. Thank goodness it was smooth-sailing. Back in college, this same friend hosting this overnight beach camping let me tag along on a scary banca ride while hunting whirlpools for a case study we’re doing. That’s right, this area is known for this phenomenon caused by currents affected by the cluster of islands nearby.

Those islands are Tikling, Burungan, Calintaan, and Juag. We are going to spend the night in  Subic Beach in Calintaan Island. It is said to have a pinkish beach. How is that possible? We are about to find out.

It’s almost 8PM when we docked to Subic Laki. Laki is tagalog for “big” and so yes, there is a Subic Liit (small). Subic Laki has electricity, cottages, fresh water, and the usual comforts you will look for in a beach. Subic Liit however, doesn’t have those. But what it lacks in amenities, it makes up in its unspoiled “liit” stretch of beach. I wouldn’t really know for sure because we are not going to Subic Liit.

The group of Islands just 30-455 minutes from Matnog Port.

We spent the rest of the night sharing stories while a glass gets passed around. I didn’t drink but I was the first one to pass out. While we have the best cottage, no one slept indoors. The hammock is so much better!

Not really a great spot for sunrise.

I was up before sunrise and I am so ready for the pink power the beach is about to unleash.

The pinkish color of the beach is courtesy of the pulverized red corals mixed with the white sand. The Pink Beach of Sta Cruz Island in Zamboanga and the Pink Beach in Bahamas are just a few examples of other pink beaches.

One beautiful morning in Subic Beach

For your convenience.

A morning beach stroll is a nice way to start the day and I didn’t stop until I reached the end of the beach.

I estimate Subic Laki to be at least 700m long.

A beach resort is never a beach resort without sand castles.

speaking of castles..Tah-DAAN!! Hammocks all around..

We had a heavy breakfast of mainly seafood. I didn’t have extra clothes and I’m already on “Side B” of my underwear so I just waded in the water. There were a lot of corals but it wasn’t too uncomfortable that you’ll need to wear flip-flops. The water is so clear though.

The water is so clear, it’s hard to tell how deep it is.

The corals won’t matter at this depth. Good for them, they were very good swimmers.

I look at them doing different strokes as they almost disappear as they go further out to sea. Show-offs! These guys think they’re the only ones good at something, I’m also good at something! Where’s that hammock!?

I can live like this forever..

Meanwhile the other guests were enjoying their stay as well.

Are they about to play “The Longest Line”?

Arrival and departure. Overnight Stay or Day Tour. It’s a busy day.

I went out for another short walk to the other end of the beach where I found a small hut and an old banca. I also studied the sand up close.

I wonder if the banca still floats.

Don’t forget a sunblock and your sunglasses. I don’t have both.

You see just how many red corals there are.. No, you can’t??

HOW ABOUT NOW, HUH?!?

We were staying under the shade of a tree when someone approached our cottage. He sang a couple of local songs for us. I learned he’s quite the celebrity of Subic Beach. He’s a little different but means you no harm. Let him enjoy a little of whatever food you have and he will appreciate it. He sure did enjoy the squid we have!

I forgot his name, but he’s very friendly.

Soon, we had to pack up and leave. So long, Subic Beach! Maybe next time, I get to try The Little One.

On the banca, I can’t tell just how deep the water really is. Because the water is very clear, it seems to drop right down to the ocean floor.

Wait, we are not going home just yet. We will also do a quick visit of Juag Island. There are no cottages or picnic tables but there’s a lot of fish.

You get to feed them and even swim with them!