Tayangban Cave Pool

Call it a cave, call it a pool, to me this spot is a freaking goldmine. If it wasn’t for a little sign on the side of the road, I would probably pass by without even considering the possibility that there would be a hidden gem behind a fence, some trees and bushes.

There is something mystical about this place that makes me feel like I’m in the middle of the jungle. Maybe it’s the fresh cold cave water. Maybe it’s the swing that brought out the Tarzan in me. Probably the coolest cave I’ve been to so far, but then again the amount of times I visited a cave can be counted on probably one hand.

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1. Sunscreen. This should go without saying. However, I just watched an Irish guy cut his trip short because he failed to bring sunscreen. This guy has been covered in giant blisters for days. His head, his face, his shoulders. Maybe he did bring sunscreen, and failed to apply it. Sunscreen is one of those items that simply having it isn’t enough. Please apply it also. The sun here is hot. Hot like you’ve never experienced before, unless you’ve previously been this close to the equator. Even if you think you can handle the heat, your skin surely can’t. Bring sunscreen. Apply it. Have the best trip of your life.

 

2. A reusable water bottle. Plastic disposal is a worldwide problem. Plastic disposal in Siargao is a more acute problem. There currently isn’t an elegant solution to trash reception and disposal on the island. Some plastics are burned, some are tossed in the sea, and some go to a dump that grows larger every day. A reusable water bottle will prevent you from needing to purchase and dispose of plastic water bottles. Most resorts and many restaurants have large water dispensers where you can fill your water bottle for free or a small fee. In addition to saving the planet, you also get to save money. Use your savings to buy a beer for that beautiful person you saw in the surf.

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This November 27-29, we are lucky enough to play host to the first annual Siargao stop on the Philippines Kiteboarding Association (P.K.A) international kiteboarding tour. The P.K.A. organisation was formed to advance and promote the adrenaline fueled extreme sport throughout the Philippines. The P.K.A. was established 2 years ago. In it’s few years of existence, it has already accomplished many things to unify and promote the sport of kite-surfing. Viento del Mar is pleased to be the host of this year’s competition held on Siargao Island. In the previous season 2014-2015, the latest tour was wildly successful. More than 200 adrenaline-chasing extreme athletes from more than 20 countries joined. The impressive men and women came from destinations ranging from across Europe, as far as the Americas and of course throughout Asia.

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Last week we decided it was about time to take our little banka boat for a ride, after a few months of being out of action. Our group included our British neighbour, two of his guests (a couple from Australia) David & Fleur.

On the first day we missed the tide. The beach in front of Viento Del Mar is quite shallow, so it is impossible to maneuver a boat from shore during low tide. This gave our worker time to extend the shade on the boat. It gives the passengers a welcome break from the intense sun.

The next day it rained. A lot! By the time it stopped in the afternoon we were busy doing other things. We dug a hole, buried our food inside with some hot stones, and then preceeded to drink San Miguel beer for the next 6 hours. Unfortunately our neighbour stood on some glass and had to get stitches in his foot. He was fine thankfully. The dinner was fantastic.

On the third day we had some success…. to begin with. We managed to get the boat in the water before low tide. The bacon and egg roll we all ate for breakfast definitely helped our progress. It was a drunken promise from the night before. Chef David cooked the sandwich and we topped it with HP brown sauce, courtesy of our neighbour. Lush! After one more cup of tea we headed to the beach.

With 4 men at the back and two girls at the back we lifted the boat into the water.

Our worker walked the boat over to a location where we can still take it out at low tide. While he did this we went to gather supplies – a few beers, 2 bottles of tequila, fuel, ice and antibiotics for yesterday’s acccident. Everything we could need for a trip to Dako island.

We drank the beer before we left. Then we walked along the beach and out to the boat. Released the anchor and wound the cord around the engine. Our neighbour was the one who attempted first. To start the engine you must pull the cord as hard as you can. This proved somewhat tricky to someone who just had 5+ stitches in their foot. After a few more failed attempts by the boys we concluded that the spark plug was wet. A local boatman approached us on his boat to give us a hand. Still no luck. Defeated, with no tools but 2 bottles of tequila we just sat on the water, floating peacefully as the sun started to descend.

We were disappointed that we did not manage to start the boat and go island hopping. Not that it mattered. We like to make the best of a bad situation here in the Philippines.

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