Zamboanga City : Pink Sand

Beach day!!! 

Yey!! I am the happiest!!!

So we woke up early, got ready and left the hotel around 6 in the morning and went to the nearest Jollibee, where we had our breakfast thus became our meeting place. 

 We also had taken away for lunch in case we get hungry on the island. :) Woohoo!

I missed Jollibee. Hihi  

Then we hopped into the tricycle to bring us to Paseo del Mar,

our jump off point to Pink Sand.  

We went to left side of Paseo del Mar where the Tourism Office was located, and we waited for other passengers who would like to join us so we could cut some cost on the boat. 

When fixed, we signed in the manifesto, paid around Php150/ pax (Php 1000/boat),

listened to the short orientation and wore our vests before hopping into the boat.  

The journey didn't take much.  I think it was more or less 20 mins.  

By the way, we had escorts to and from the beach.  

It's a must.    For security purposes. 

But it wasn't scary. :)  Believe me.  

I was more of excited than aghast. hihi

Yey! 

We're almost there.  

I can see it.  I can even smell it. Hehehe

And when we arrived, OMG!

My heart just stopped.  :) 

I said to myself, the beach at last after several months of being in the sandpit. 

I was a bit jarring when we were traveling because it was gloomy.

Mr. Sun was hiding behind the greyish clouds.  :(

But we still hoped that he would change his mind. 

So while waiting for the sun to come out, 

we rested a bit, talked and changed clothes.

I've noticed that they have several huts for visitors to occupy for a fee.

There's also the newly built shower and toilet room for use.

The water supply is still scarce, but it's already in the process according to the locals. 

Also, an area for souvenirs (made by the locals) was also set up in one area in the island. 

You can check it out if you want to a take away from the island. 

Visitors need to bring their personal food though as they don't have restaurants or sorts.

But they do have grilling stations.

All you have to do is bring your stuff. 

Please, remember, take your trash with you and dispose of them properly. :)

FYI, an overnight stay is still a big no-no on this island because of security issues. 

Not so long after, Mr. Sun came out. 

Giving more life to the beach. 

Making it more picture perfect. :) 

The sand was not as powdery as it seemed.  

You could feel the granules of the sand and the corals. 

The sediments from the red pipe corals made the beach appear "pink" that's why

it is named as Pink Sand. 

the view of the beach when you look on your left side. 

taking in the beauty 

took time to stroll around

Tested the water :) 

When we dipped into the water, 

we didn't go far because the tides are dangerous 

according to the Environmentalist we

talked to during our visit.

Better safe than sorry. :) 

my tummy's pregnant with food

Lifeguard, where art thou? hihi

play beach volleyball with your friends

Aside from dipping into the turquoise water, one may opt to

play beach volleyball, go fishing, and stroll around the mangrove area. 

The mangrove area was impossible that day because it was low tide. :(

The boat couldn't go into the mangrove area.  

You can also check out the Badjao cemetery on the island provided you have a guide with you. 

All of which, we weren't able to do.

So we just strolled around. 

spotted this red organ pipe coral

By the way, the Little Sta. Cruz, the small island that you can see on the right side of the photo above, is off limits to tourist.  

In case you want to set foot there, you'll need special permission to do so.  

Of course, with military escorts as well. :) 

The time moved so fast that day. :(

We had to go back to the city by 2 pm. 

Now, I had a photo with one of our escorts. 

I asked permission, of course, so that I won't be in trouble.  hihi

Thank you, Sir! 

another photo before I completed my goodbye :( 

the gang. :)