Durhan Beach Resort, Tabuelan, Northern Cebu

Northern Cebu has its own share of tourist destinations. Aside from the cool springs we also have white beaches. Tabuelan is blessed with white sands stretching its long and curvy shore lines.

Obviously the sea was angry that day. The waves are so big that surfers can be very happy. The water is not clear and very much disturbed. Our presence will add to the disturbance.

But what can we do? We are already here and we came from a 3 hour ride journey. We cannot go back and spare this place after all that we've been through. Bear with us, oh cruel and mighty Poseidon!

In spite of the big waves and unattractive water, we still try to swim and enjoy the sea. The view is superb and spectacular. Our timing is just so off.

The sand is powdered white and perfect for "patintero". We decided to play and showcase our talents. The game is between "all siblings" VS "all cousins". This is a part of an endless rematch as both teams had been competing endlessly. "All Siblings" has been winning to the dismay of the all cousins. 

So how do you think they can pass the defense provided by their uncles? That is supposed to be their problem but they are children and children have no problems with it. They are simply enjoying the situations they have on the line.

So to answer to my question, they simply lie and enjoy the sand. Simple and amazing.

Durhan Resort also provides rooms and cottages. The landscape and plants are well groomed. This place is perfect for family. But you need to bring everything you need because this place is isolated and away from the market. They have a convenience store inside but you may not like the prices.

The green and white surroundings is perfect for relaxation. This place is perfect for a family bonding activities on a budget.

Enjoying the Cold Spring: Durano Eco Park

We had a lot a fun with the cold, crystal clear and fresh water of this resort. The climb up to the mountain of Carmen, Cebu is tough but worth it. Check these photos and let us know if they are convincing enough for you try it.

We arrived around 8AM in the morning and they were still cleaning the big tubs. Well they looked like it and the edges looked rough but I think the constant flow of the water has somewhat smoothed the sides and floor. While the staff were cleaning, leaves continue falling into the water. I guess they were also part of the package. They closed the secret hole of the tab to keep the water and then slowly the water fill in and later overflows back to the river. 

We occupied the two connected cottages. Each cottage is rented for 500 pesos per day so we paying one thousand. Entrance fees for adult is 20 and 10 for children. Infant is free. Should you want to visit here, you need to bring everything. The place is isolated and you cannot expect to buy vinegar or charcoal in the middle of the forest. Yes, we are in the middle of these verdant mountains. Snakes can be roaming around but if you are a nature lover and loves trekking then this place is perfect for you. The resort is reach of fauna species as the owner is a collector. You will be surprise to see the varieties of ferns and orchids all around.

I love orchids but I am afraid of snakes so I rather stick with group than roaming around. We are now getting ready to swim and enjoy the coolest water ever!

I jumped immediately as advised by my big brother. He is right, for a while I feel cold but then my body adapted to the water temperature quickly. The water is just too cold that I cannot soaked in there for more than ten minutes. From time to time, we need to set at the rim under the heat of the sun to stop ourselves from chilling.

Swim Tere, swim haha! The feeling is so refreshing that I love it!! This is far different from swimming on man-made pools. No chlorine which means no bad smell. The water is sweet and tasty. Not only my throat is happy but also my eyes. This is a total wow!

We are glad that the sun is smiling over us. At least it can spare us from too much cold. Too much is not good haha!

Up there is the natures' curtain. Haha, at least snakes are not yet crawling up there. The worms could be but we just do not care yet.

 Down below, beneath the natures' curtain is a happy family. Laughing and enjoying one of the natures' wonderful gift to mankind. Thank you mother earth, thanks to our heavenly father!!! Amen.

We, the lovely ladies had our picture moments too. A lot of it actually. Happiness is the key to beauty. We are all smiles all the way and that makes us beautiful.

And here comes the source of our happiness. The spring is right here so the water in this area is far better than the rest of the pools.

You can lie down on the floor or enjoy the big pillow-rock. We all love the water and why not? Haha!

Want as massage? This water flow can be perfect for the job.

Right beside the pools is the angry river.

Relax... relax... relax...

We tried to stop the water from flowing but our numbers are not enough. We end up getting a massage. Nice!

This kid is just hungry and needs some refill. But he is not quitting yet. He will be back to the water soon...

Cold Spring at Durano ECO Farm

This cold spring is located at the mountainous part of Carmen, Cebu. Just two hours ride from Cebu City, you can relax and cool down on the pools made to temporarily store the water flowing from a cold string located at the foot of a nearby mountain. There are seven connected pools in this resort to choose from. The water flows to these pools before it goes back to the river beside these pools.

The water is super cold and taste delicious. Yes, we all tasted the water while swimming, dipping and playing on these pools.

I will tell and show more on my future blogs. It had been a long time from my last blog but I planned of putting more blogs into this site. Welcome me back and enjoy the read.

The Tide is High in Bantayan Island

After spending the night at Bantayan Island, we woke up early as we were looking forward for the high tide. We wanted to experience the beach here at its best.

We just soaked ourselves and relax, like this was the only thing we wanted to do that day. This was the clearest water ever (though Boracay is the coolest) and the perfect beach for swimming (far better than Boracay, I should say). You can stay into the water longer than when you are in Boracay because it was just cool enough.

The deepness is almost uniform so if you cannot swim or you do not have the endurance to swim for hours then you can just stay near the shore and still enjoy the cool and crystal clear waters. And you should go barefoot because the sand it so good for your bare feet.

The Sand. Well we were not able to stop ourselves from playing the sand. We just love the sand there and we all wish to go back even just for the sand alone.

We were on the public beach, that is why you can see some garbage. I hope that the public will be more careful and vigilant in taking care of this area here. They need to preserve this place or we will all miss this for life. Reading it in blogs is never enough. We should all go and visit this beach again and again, whenever possible.

We had fun with the sand and with more fun on the water.

It was hard to leave this paradise. The inhabitants here were very lucky and we envy them a lot.

This is the most memorable family trip we had in our lifetime. This beach had made it extra special.

Family Dinner in Bantayan Island

We had our only dinner in Bantayan Island at Marlin Beach Resort. The restaurant was fronting the beach and somewhat native to look at. We dined here so that we can use their beach front that afternoon. We ordered in advance because from my experience the service here is slow.

At first, we enjoyed the view and scenery which produces good vibes. We started to play joke while waiting for the food. We laughed as we recount the adventures we have together during the day. Each one of us had it's own story to share. We pointed out the misadventures of one another and we enjoyed telling it more at the expense of the victim. Haha!

But then hunger knocked on our tummy. We started to think about food and we wanted to eat badly. The laughter subsided and our brains were so full of food and eating. Who can blame us? Our day were so full of rides, of island hopping, of swimming and of running along the beach. The elders provided us biscuits and water but it was not enough. We needed solid food and we wanted it right now.

They delivered our orders one after the other. We were starving and we all stared at the food as it was the only thing that matters to us. But no matter how hungry we were, we cannot afford to eat until everybody gets his own share. We must wait a little bit and just ease our hunger a little bit with the sight of our food at the center of the table. But this proves to be more difficult than imagining it.

Finally the wait is over. Ready, Get Set and Go!!

That is how you smile when your tummy is full after starving for quite a long time. After I told this story, no one can blame us if we cannot stop from laughing at ourselves every time we see all these photos. Haha!

When it's Low Tide in Sta. Fe, Bantayan

After our island hopping to smaller islands of Bantayan, we went back to Sta. Fe. We were all eager to swim but to our dismay, it's already low tide. Wherever we go, the water is below knee-deep. 

But it did not stop us from enjoying the beach. The shallow water did not discourage us from exploring the beach. The sand was so smooth, so white and powdered and we decided to play with it like little children happily playing the mud.

We started building sand castles and end up competing on who can build the tallest one. The losers of the game tried to destroy the taller ones in any way possible while those who think they were winners tried to protect their castles with their body. Can you imagine the faces of those with broken castles and those who runaway after a successful hit that cut the sand castles into half?

From building sand castles to chasing each other and to jogging around barefooted on the sand. We all shared the heavenly feeling of just walking on the beach. We keep on running and walking enjoying the touch of sand into our barefoot. That was how we spend our afternoon while waiting for the darkness to cover the island. 

While the young ones were busy spending their energy on the beach, the elders were relaxing themselves along the shore merrily looking at us and the wonderful scenery of the island. The resort has a superb view of white sandbars extending endlessly beyond our sight.