Speaking of beaches...

Everytime I hear a name of a beach, I feel like it is an open invitation. I can swim but I don't like swimming. I prefer to stay in shade rather than sunbathe. Just being there and walking along the shoreline is more than enough for me.  In the course of my search for the best beaches abroad, I had been to Patong Beach in Phuket, James Bond Island, Koh Phi Phi Nationall Park, East Railay, West Railay, Koh Hong, Koh Poda, Ao nang in Krabi, ferry terminal in Surat Thani, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Pantai Tengah, Pantai Cenang and Tanjung Rhu in Langkawi, ferry terminal in Kuala Besut, Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar in Kuala Terengganu, Siloso Beach in Singapore, Bintan Island, to the amazing island of Bali. In the Philippines, I had been to the Blue Lagoon, Pannzian Beach and Saud Beach of Pagudpud, Pundaquit and Capones Island in Zambales, SBMA and Olangapo Beach, Sto Domingo Albay, Tiwi, Mactan, Alcoy, Sogod, Boljoon, Santander, Liloan and Bantayan Island of Cebu, Panglao and Balicasag Island of Bohol, Larena of Siquijor, Apo Island, the blvd of Dumaguete, Dauin in Negros Oriental, Alubihod and Isla Naburot of Guimaras, Boracay Island, Samal Island in Davao, Honda Bay of Puerto Princesa, Sabang beach near the Underground River, beaches of Coron and Busuanga, Tikling, Subic and Huwag of Matnog, Bacon Beach, Rizal Beach of Gubat, Buhang and Dancalan of Bulusan, Dancalan of Donsol, and of course, there are the beaches of Sta. Magdalena, Liang, Balading, Villa Veronica, Talaongan, Ubak and Olango.

Usually we look for a nice clean beach, safe to swim, no undercurrent, with a marine life to enjoy, fresh seafoods, a sunrise or a sunset, and of course, something within the budget. I'm trying not to be biased, but Olango Beach in Sta. Magdalena is on top of my list. I grew up here and learn how to swim in this beach and until this day, I'm still loving it. I feel so fortunate to have the chance to enjoy this beach as my own.

During the summer months even extending until September, Olango Beach looks like a lake, quiet and peaceful. During the rainy season it can be rough and fit for a beach break for surfers . Just like any other beaches, it has Kodak moments and if you are there at that moment, it will get into you and you will never forget it. On high tide, you can swim and catch a wave. During low tide, you can still swim or go to the reefs and check out the marine life and have some of the edible seaweeds as snack. Olango has a small fishing community that supplies the barrio with its fresh catch, you can join the fisherman on their boat or just wait for them to dock and buy some fish. It is a very clean beach even though the sands cannot be compared to that of Boracay or Perhentians, the shoreline is not as wide as that of Pantai Cenang, there is black sand underneath but not as black as that of Pannzian, it has live reef and fish but not as diverse as Apo Island, not as deep as Koh Poda but it will do. It will do.

There is sunrise in Olango, you just have to wake up early to enjoy it and at the same time enjoy the view of Samar on the other side. or watch big cargo ships pass by. Full moon is also one of the best time to be here. It can be very romantic.  :)

Accommodations is very limited in Olango. For now, there is only one, (www.olango.sangkap.com) which is family owned. There is electricity, but no hot and cold shower, no television and no internet. It can still very well fall into the category of off the beaten track. Prior reservation is a must if you are planning to stay overnight, walk ins will be politely refused. I only hope that it will only be later than sooner that this place will be commercialized.

So when do you come here? After whale shark watching in Donsol, after you have conquered beaches in and out of the country or before you cross the San Bernandino Strait to Samar.

Olango Beach remains to be public beach that gives every traveler a sense of privacy. What an irony.