Highlights of our Pandan & Apo Getaway

Highlight #1 - Our 60 seater plane to San Jose, Mindoro.

We took the 545am flight to San Jose, Mindoro via Asian Spirit. It was really hot inside the plane...they only turned on airconditioner after we gained some altitude. It took us an hour to get to San Jose Airport.

Highlight #2 - The Van ride to the town of Sablayan.

When we got to San Jose Airport the Van I rented out to take us to Sablayan is nowhere to be found. Panic Mode On. After waiting for 20 minutes and still no sign of the van, the group decided to take the bus going to sablayan as our last resort. We hired 2 tricycles to take us to the bus terminal. Just before we reached the exit of the airport I saw a lightgreen hi-ace making it's way to the airport! Yipeee! Our van is here! No more dusty bus ride!!! Turns out the driver waited for us at Sikatuna Hotel. Hmmm...miscommunication I guess...but I was just too happy to see the van that i had no chance to get mad. Hehehe!

Highlight #3 - The really slooooooow boatride to Pandan Island.

It was the slowest boatride i've ever had! Knowing how impatient i am...hehehe! No other choice but to enjoy the boat ride and daydream of pandan.

Highlight #4 - We're finally here at Pandan Island!

It's so worth the wait! I've been wanting to go here for almost 2 years now...I can't believe I'm here! The pictures wont do justice to how great this place is...It's simply enchanting!

Highlight # 5 - Pandan Sunrise

Waking up early is not my thing but since I'm here at this beautiful island of Pandan...I just can't miss the sunrise! And it was soooo worth it! Look at that beauty!

Highlight #6 - Apo Island

It took a 2 hour boat ride to get us to this captivating island of Apo. Cool blue green waters, white sandy beach, great coral reef, colorful marine life, the lighthouse, the lagoon...truly my little paradise!

Highlight #7 - Snorkeling without a lifevest!!!

I'm so proud of myself! I conquered my fear! Actually, I cheated hehehe...i attached the lifevest to my shorts just in case i'd need a lifevest. After several minutes of snorkeling around pandan island i realized the lifevest was no longer attached to my shorts...i wanted to panic but i know I'd be in trouble if i do...so i took one deep breath and continued to snorkel. So this is how it feels to snorkel without a lifevest! hehehe!

Highlight #8 - The Pawikan Experience

Imagine swimming with a pawikan bigger than yourself...scary at first but soon you'll realize how gentle this sea creature is and only then will you be able to appreciate her beauty and grace underwater. But how about seeing the pawikan take a dump right infront of you? Not a pretty sight huh?! But then again, it's worth the experience of seeing it in action. Makes my pandan experience worth going back to again and again.