Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 12:36 pm Post subject: Enchanting Waniban Island
By Ana Felicia Dulay
IT WAS such a memorable and unforgettable trip to Mati, Davao Oriental to attend their Sambuokan Festival last month. After almost ten years, I went back to this enchanting, idyllic place in the Southeastern most part of Mindanao.
The group from Davao arrived Mati around 9:30 a.m. on October 26, just in time for the parade. We witnessed colorful floats and outstanding performances of different school bands at the municipal grounds of Mati.
After a round of hefty merienda, we rushed off to Waniban Island, at least an hour's ride via a speedboat from Mati pier. But first, the group went back to the hotel to pick up lunch and of course, bathing paraphernalia!
Waniban Island is such a revelation. It can easily parallel the best beaches in the world. With its pristine white sand and crystal blue waters, this is paradise unexplored and unexploited. The group spends the entire afternoon rolling on the shore and diving into the cool waters. With the sun barely peeping through the clouds, it was a perfect day for a swim, amid a perfect setting.
The island is not that big, more of an islet. You can easily tour the entire area in less than a day. There are huts and toilet and bathroom, and there is a caretaker that keeps watch of the place. The caretaker said that yes, guests are welcome to stay overnight. For a fee of P300, you can have this entire paradis for one night.
How to get there: Mati is a at least two and a half hours drive from Davao City. Vans at SM City Ecoland and buses at the Ecoland Terminal ply the route regularly. For those who wish to go island hopping, aside from visiting Waniban island, contact Mati Tourism Office at (087)-388-3234. _________________ Asia Expats Forum Expat Friends Dating
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