If you haven’t heard the news, summer is basically upon us again. And before we know it, it could be almost over already. I already had a dose of Vitamin Sea so Bunker Dive Resort ain’t the first for this season but because I loved our quickie how quick and easy it was to get there, here I am, bragging about it first.

Transportation

The JAM Liner Terminal was crawling around 5:00 AM but thankfully most of the people weren’t bound for Lemery, Batangas. With an accident in EDSA that early, it was three hours and twenny (felt the twang there?) minutes before we got off in front of Xentro Mall. After munching at Jollibee we immediately headed off to the pickup point but were shookt (in case you’re not familiar with millenial slæng, that meant “shocked”) when an extension of EDSA was in town; the main road was under construction so I practically started sunbathing at the back of the tricycle driver.

Around 45 minutes elapsed and there we were, walking towards other groups of people who were also waiting to be whisked away. To my not-so surprise, I met two (which later became three) folks from last year’s getaways. Twenny more minutes for the boat ride and we were finally at Bunker Dive Resort which is already part of the municipality of Bauan.

Having arrived later than anticipated and with the beach just in front of the resort, we di(d)n’t waste another breath and made out with the aquatic life. On a different note, pardon my sleazy sneezy look in that photo.

Freediving

Bunker Dive Resort is perfect for snorkeling and learning and practicing freediving. It even takes things to greater heights when the sun is up and about and not behind the comfort of clouds.

Seeing boats come and go with passengers in life vests getting off to snorkel made me realize that it could be the same site that I went to a few years back with a different set of friends. That time not a single soul in our group brought money so the boatmen collecting the entrance fee or something got pissed. Thankfully we were not shooed. Anyway, that’s another story.

I haven’t really thought of enquiring rates but it didn’t come as a surprise that scuba diving was also available. Malamang. Or could it be that the massive school of trevally below simply drowned the thought away? How I wish I had a fishing net. I heard it’s better than using dynamites. JK!

Video

Part of our Bunker Dive Resort day tour was a buffet lunch but according to the lady in charge, they serve meals by the plate when there are only a few guests or guests don’t eat at the same time, which was the case when we were there. Now, I generally have quite the appetite and if it weren’t for the satisfactory underwater sightseeing, I would’ve gone berserk and flipped a table complained. We had pochero, laing, and chicken feet and the amount served was just right for us so I no longer bothered asking if they would be refilling it.

The water was already cold in the morning but in the afternoon it felt even colder that even with fins, propelling around was no longer easy. Nonetheless, we still lasted for two hours and saw more creatures up-close as well as other schools of fish.

First off… Nemo!

The crown-of-thorns starfff… Wait, what? How could this be a starfish. *inserts grumpy emoji here* Turns out it’s a nasty coral predator. Puksain!

Brain, anyone?

A year-long supply of unlimited beer on me to the first one who can tell me the name of these transparent-looking fishes that open their mouth like “Whuuut?” while swimming swiftly. Offer expires in five seconds.

Accommodations

I’ve been told that sea turtles can be seen early in the morning; you can opt to stay overnight if you intend to catch a glimpse of them or if a day trip simply isn’t enough for you. They have fan and air-conditioned accommodations with rates starting at ₱1,750 inclusive of boat transfers and meals. For details you may contact them via their Facebook page. I’d say I’d spend the night next time.

Sunsets look stunning everywhere IMO (okay, that was “in my opinion”) and it isn’t any different when observed from Bunker Dive Resort and its neighboring resorts. The platforms photographed below add a touch to it. Some people were even well-prepared that they had props for their photos as the sun was being extinguished. If they want it that way then next time I’ll have a photo of me taken wearing this, wearing only this.

Tips

• If you’re going for just a day trip be there at your earliest to maximize your stay and experience!
• There was no corkage for food and drinks.
• There was free water and coffee so you might wanna skip bringing those.
• Neighboring resorts might be cheaper so you might wanna check them as well. One of them is Camp Raya.
• Be sure to check the schedule of the last bus going back to EDSA. It was 7:00 PM when we were there.

Expenses

Visited: March 2018

The post A Day at Bunker Dive Resort appeared first on Itinerant.

When I first heard of Fortune Island and the pillars on it which resemble those of the Parthenon, I immediately locked it as a target because I know for a fact that in this life I’ll probably never step foot in Greece. So when I read in the comments of a blog post (while looking for beaches to go to) about a trip to Fortune Island organized by #JJTours, I hit up two friends and in no time I was already at the bank paying for our down payment. What did just happen.

Transportation

We huddled at the McDonald’s by the Buendia MRT Station on the day of the departure where Red Chuca, the tour manager, told us that the three of us wouldn’t have been accounted for had I not reminded him of our payment the day before; he was on the road when I made the deposit and it slipped his mind.

We left in two vans at 03:30 and arrived in Nasugbu, Batangas two hours later. Breakfast was at Jollibee before we proceeded to Fortune Island Resort which seemed to be the gateway to the island. There’s no electricity, freshwater source, store where you can buy food, and restroom (well, they said there was a functional one but I no longer bothered looking for it) on the island. That means that if you’re staying overnight given those conditions, you should know what you’re up against.

The Island

Looking at Fortune Island and its Grecian pillars from a distance undoubtedly made me bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. It was around 20 minutes past the hour of eight when we arrived on the island. Travel time was an hour but takes longer for sure when the waves are feeling treacherous.

It’s already stated in many blogs but I’m still gonna say it anyway. Fortune Island used to be a luxury resort but was constantly ravaged by typhoons which eventually led to its abandonment. The structure below is what used to be the main building. There also used to be a pool which now only contains rubbish (what else).

This shipwreck is actually the remnants of the resort’s restaurant. It must’ve been obliterated by—you guessed that right—a typhoon or was simply left to decay. You can see pictures of how it used to look like in other blogs.

Camping

We set up camp right beshinde (an invented portmanteau of “behind” and “beside”) the main building where there was a good deal of shade provided by some trees.

Grecian Pillars

Wasting no time, I found meself exploring thee island with me mates. The pillars can be reached by a flight of stairs which also lead to the other side of the island where the real fun happens. Atop are some statues as well.

Because it would be dull to just stand around and look like one of the pillars (#twinning), I tried becoming Spidey for a change. (My left arm was actually trembling so hard when the photo below was taken that I could’ve egg rolled all the way down and sustained injuries.) Don’t try standing on any of the busted pillars though. I tried it and if I weren’t cautious I would’ve met more than just bruises.

And this is what where we just came from looked like from above. At first I was dumbfounded as to why people would opt to pitch tents under the ridiculously blazing sun but when night fell I understood why. On the right side of it is where you can cliff jump noob style. (Cocky, I know.)

At some point, I got annoyed by the heat that I decided to break one of the statues to show Zeus and his kin who’s boss. Hah!

Cliff Jumping

This, my friends, is the other side of Fortune Island as seen from above.

Steep stairs lead to it where you can jump off the cliffs to your heart’s content.

Look at me swim like a tadpole and act like I just conquered the island. Hilas!

The lowest point where one could jump would be at the foot of the stairs. People who don’t know how to swim can just take it from there and have a life vest ready. There was also a rope where one can hold on for dear life. I wanted to try a front flip but sort of got dizzy after jumping twice from a high point so I tried diving instead (not that I’m any good at either).

When it was almost 12:00 we retreated to our camp for lunch and went back right after with the rest of the gang.

From the picture below, there are two high points, one on each side, where you can jump off. The one on the left is convenient because of the presence of a platform where one can reflect about his/her decisions in life. (If Mother Nature created that I’m gonna marry her in my 30’s). However, it’s more difficult on this side as you will have to swim your way back to the stairs. On the other hand, the one on the right has no platform but it’s very near to the rope (and stairs) that will save your life. Pick your poison.

Video

Here’s a video of Matze, a German guy who was with the group, me, and Norry battling our way into the sea. It’s nowhere near being professional but I enjoyed making it. I just launched a video-editing software and Avicii did the rest of the job. Ah, let us not forget about that little surprise.

About half of our group took the plunge and in between us there was this group from Baguio which captured everyone’s attention as all of their girls actually jumped off. There were a number of bloopers, though, which included denim shorts becoming a skirt after the jump (“‘Yung shorts ko naging skirt!”) and a guy declaring that he’s okay being gay as long as he doesn’t have to jump (“‘Di na. Bakla nalang ako.”). Hahaha! In the end he still leapt. Kudos!

Siesta

When everyone already had their fair share of risking life jumping, we went back to the other side for a dip. Some continued cliff jumping at the noob style spot I was arrogantly referring to earlier. At three o’clock we headed to the left side of the horizon towards the end of the beach in an attempt to spot sharks.

This part of the beach is ideal should you want to answer calls of nature at nighttime. Dunno if it’s always the case but during our stay it was free from camping tourists.

A scene reminiscent of bayanihan, the Filipino term which means communal effort to achieve a goal best exampled by people literally lifting a house on their shoulders in order to move it to a new location, was demonstrated by live shells!

The shade and peace and quiet at the end of the line made it a perfect spot for everyone’s siesta.

There were no sightings even after an hour so we went back and went for another swim. Red had a Tribord snorkeling gear which at that time wasn’t available in the Philippines yet. It’s a mask that not only allows you to breathe through your mouth but through your nose as well. Truly badass. I had no underwater camera so I couldn’t show any proof but take it from me (and my broken heart) that the underwater scenery was superb. Probably among the best that I’ve seen.

Sunset

The final activity for the day was the sunset watching, set at 17:30. It was lovely. The sun almost made me believe in forever as it seemed to take all the time in the world setting.

While the sun continued teasing all its spectators, I backed away to the farthest part of the cliff to take a panoramic shot of the island.

When the sun was finally succumbing to its last emotional moments, I had it eaten by one of the lions just because. (I honestly don’t know where the use of “just because” to end a sentence originated but for the sake of it, please spare me.) Of course, one last shot as the sun started crossing the horizon was also obligatory.

Socials

We rinsed ourselves with whatever means possible and then had dinner which was as scrumptious as the other meals. We then moved our tents so that we could feel some wind as there was none at all where we originally pitched them. Socials commenced after everyone settled with their new locations but before that, our group was already setting off with a simple concoction of GSM Mojito and Sprite. Haha!

A lot happened during the socials and there was enough booze to knock everyone out ’til the end. Hahaha. I particularly liked that game of words in which you have to say a word that’s related to the one the person before you mentioned. The tricky part was the vetoing of the following:

• Words that start with “s” (damn this)
• Proper names
• Numbers
• Repeated words (per round only)
• Words not related to the previous word (obviously)

For every error and no word spoken within three seconds the person has to take a shot. I had a lot of blunders and WTF moments like starting a round with an s-word. Shot! As the mechanics wouldn’t be able to fill everyone up, a different shot glass was “rotated”. We also played Categories, where some really interesting ones were brought up. It was a night of absolute frolicking and thankfully none of the other campers told us off.

Come morning over breakfast, everyone was laughing over what happened, how it suddenly rained, and whatnots. Not that I really love drinking, but for me socials usually work better over a few drinks, especially if it’s to cap off a very long day. We had breakfast, gathered our shit things together, and started crossing back to the mainland minutes past ten o’clock (where we were finally able to rinse ourselves properly). Before we boarded the boat someone was calling everyone about a forgotten underwear and when I saw it I was, like, “Jesus Christ, that’s my underwear! Stop raising it above everyone’s head!”

From left to right (photo courtesy of Sir Jun): Red, Erwin, Faty, Alona, Alfred, Dolly, Basil, Matze, Denisse, Rod, Eike, Norry, me, Bianca, Jeremy, and Dana

We had bulalo for lunch in Tagaytay before finally parting ways at our meet-up place around four in the afternoon. It was my first time participating in a group tour and it was fulfilling having survived it with majority of the participants being strangers, in an island where scarcity was of great abundance.

Tips

If you intend to visit Fortune Island, here are my two cents (or three?):

• Everyone wasn’t kidding about the absence of freshwater there. If you’re the type who really needs to take a bath at the end of the day, bring enough water for that purpose. I survived with just two glasses just to kick the itchiness away.
• Wet tissues can be very great alternatives for the item above.
• Bring booze just because! Alam mo ‘yan!
• I haven’t taken pictures of them but garbage was all over the place. It would be great if regular cleanups could be done because I would say that the Greek architecture is among the reasons why tourists visit Fortune Island. If they’re taken away by some typhoon, the island might find it hard to compete against way cleaner islands.
• Because of garbage, pesky flies can be all over the place. So bring candles if you can! Or bombs! Really!
• If you got a snorkeling gear, definitely bring it. I would go back to the island just for its underwater scenery. You will even see something down there that will make you think how it got there.
• If you find it hard to find people to go with and you’re on-the-go to meet new people, you can watch out for organized tours like what we availed from #JJTours. They always include round-trip transportation and meals.

Lastly, Denisse and Sir Jun also blogged about the trip. Click!

Visited: June 2015

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