Mapating Beach, Anilao

4/24/2016 – 3rd Stop

“Mapating” comes from the root word Pating which means “shark”. Adding the prefix “ma-“ may change its meaning to “full of sharks” or “has the quality of having sharks”. But don’t panic as there are no sharks – well I have not sighted any so you’re okay to party.

When the boatman said we’ll go next to Mapating Island, I found myself repeating the word. Not that I’m scared of sharks or what – in the first place I don’t know how to swim so there’s no reason I’ll go to the deeper parts – but it looks like I may have been full of wonder and excitement towards the possibility of seeing sharks. I’ve seen sharks in aquariums (hammerhead); saw their noses bruising due to bumping on the glass walls – I pity them. They should be free. So going back! It was named Mapating.

Disclaimer: This wasn’t the boat we used. Ours has no roof to protect us from the sun.

Here’s one that was described as “Caribbean Sea” by one of the 2 seafarers with us. He said as if  adoring the beauty of the place. He was a local, had seen lot’s of places, he’s been to several countries. To think that he’d still find this little island a paradise is really something.

I got the chance to get sand sample -again as a remembrance. I make sure to get only a small vial of it. I know I shouldn’t disrupt the natural ecosystem of the places I go to. What I’m taking is a part of the ocean; belongs to the ocean and the inhabitants of it. I am not sure if there were also people sacking sand to sell 30-50 kg of it for P50 like in Maricaban – hope there’s none. They may not have other means to live but I am hoping they’d  learn to take care of the planet that gives them something to live.

It’s a mixture of cream white and gray sand. I’m sure that my eyes saw speck of gray on the dry parts. It’s still white on the eyes anyways. Just go there for yourself and let me know if you see green or blue. I have never been a fan of gray sand but this one taught me it doesn’t diminish the beauty of God’s creation. Mapating Beach is   b r e a t h   t a k i n g. 🙂

And hey, it’s picture-worthy.

Southern part of the island with big rocks. They are pretty to look at though as they’re neatly arranged – naturally? That I’m not sure.

To the northern part is this picturesque view of the ocean. From the area where the boat landed, your eyes will be diverted to this area and you’ll be lured to ward to it’s direction.

From Anilao Port, you may ask your tour guide/boat man to drop you there.

Prices may range from 3000-5000. Equip yourselves with haggling skills!