Misok, Fun under the Sun, Sandbars!

For the past 5 years I often spend my Holy week vacation in Camiguin Island every year.I was fascinated with the mystical nature of the island.But this year I spend it in Misamis Occidental (Misok) for a change.And there's no regret because I really had a great time and find Ozamiz City a nice place.

From Iligan City we left at 8am by car, and we passed through the towns in Lanao del Norte that was been attacked few months ago.And we did realized that the news before was exaggerating, aside from the marines on some check points there's no other sign of devastation.Anyways, we have reached Mucas port around 10am, we had paid P25 each for passenger's fee and P275 for the vehicle fee of the barge to cross Ozamiz City port.It took us 20 minutes to finally reach the port.It was really an adventure for us because we're all first time visitors of the province and we forget to print a map for directions.So no other choice but to ask directions from the motorist and bystanders along the way.

First, we ask for the direction towards Coco's Island Resort located in Clarin where we had our reservations.It took us 20 minutes to reach the town of Clarin.We don't have a hard time finding the resort because it was popular indeed among the folksmen.Though it has a narrow and rough road yet it's worth it upon reaching the resort.

 
The landscapes are artfully created, and the staffs are warm and friendly.They only have 5 color coded standard rooms for only P1,500 double occupancy with P250 in excess. And an executive room with private pool for only P2,500. They also have a pool with waterslide and an swimming pool, videoke rooms, open cottages and a function hall.Two thumbs up for an over all rating, nice ambiance and excellent service.In fact, my favorite show Trip na Trip staffs and crews had stayed there before. After we have check in the resort we immidiately headed to MOAP (Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park) located in Sinacaban.We had paid P10 for entance fee, the parking is very spacious. We took a 10 minutes hike on a wooden bridge heading the MOAP 
restaurant.
 We have decided to take our lunch first before proceeding to the Dolphin Island. We have a sumptous meal,  seafoods on a reasonable price. And the ambiance was so cool,love it!

Right after our 'chow' time we headed to the receiving area of MOAP where we pay our boat ride and entrance fee to the Dolphin Island P200 each and other payment if you want to do some activities in the island.P250 fee for swimming with the dolphins,P50 for snorkeling, 
P2,000 for scuba diving, P100 for kayak 

 Well, in my own point of view the fees are worthwhile the experience yet it is not reasonable for a government owned amusement park. In fact the island is a Dolphin Rescue Center. Which means that those dolphins have illness and incapacitated. It is not for amusement purposes but for nursing the rescued dolphins. Although I understand their needs of funds for maintenance but I guess they have a budget allocation from the local government.They have to reduce their fees, so it will be affordable to the larger scale not only to those who can afford it.

 Anyways, it took us 15 minutes ride on a pooboot to the Dolphin Island, its the only island I knew that theres no dry sands around. Only sand bars for restaurant,hall and comfort rooms. A big pen for the dolphins on the right side and another pen for the corals on the left side. We tried snorkeling, I did not appreciated their man made reefs, only few variety of fishes although I was fascinated with the school of a colored royal blue small fish. After a while we swim with the dolphins, it was scary at first because they rush in front of us when we feed them.

 
But as we spend longer in swimming with the dolphins we had enjoyed and lost our fear.We even attempt to touch one of them but they swim fast away from us. Nothing less we can do but to take lot of pictures with them,thanks to Kitty's dicapac for our wet shots, we can bring the digital camera underwater. After 4 hours of swimming and snorkeling, we left the park with so much fun and enjoyment.

 We went to the city proper to bought some stuffs for our pool side bonding at the resort.We went to Gaisano Ozamiz take our early dinner and bought stuffs at the grocery. Then we headed back to the resort.We started bonding time after our vanity rituals.It was very relaxing drinking tequila on the private pool side and beach on the other side with a full moon on the sky. We shared stories and never ending pictorials:) 

Because of the enjoyable Dolphin Island experience and relaxing night, I was able to wake up so early. I went outside the room to inhale fresh air.And indeed it was so fresh very different from the urban air.I talked to one of the staffs and I was suprised to know that Coco's Island Resort had a branch in Guam.The resort owned by a filipina and japanese couple. After taking our complimentary breakfast we get ready for check out. Before leaving the resort, it takes us about an hour for the pictorials. On our way back to the city we dropped by a pasalubong center in Clarin, the House of Suman. It was amazing to see different kinds of suman and filipino delicacies.A must try is Suman Balintawak for P7.50 each, soooo yummy! Afterwards we went to Immaculate Conception Cathedral to pay visit for the Lenten season. Then we take our lunch in a food 
chain nearby.

 Then we headed to Naomi's Garden located in Banadero, as we wait for the barge schedule at 4pm. It was a 13 hectare botanical garden and tourist inn with P10 entrance fee. We take some pictures on unique plants we saw around and play on their children's playground.:)

 
We left the city bringing along with us an unforgettable summer adventure.