january-2011

PHOTO LESTER LEDESMA
July
See the dolphins at Tañon Strait
When you see a school of dolphins swimming right by your
boat, breaching the bow wave for the fi rst time, it’s a surreal
sight. And in Tañon Strait, between the islands of Negros
and Cebu in the Visayas, it’s a vision that has always lured
travelers. I have always wanted see these mischievous sea
mammals up close and in their natural habitat. When I fi nally
got a chance to go to Tañon Strait, the dolphins did not
disappoint. They were surprisingly bigger than I had imagined,
but just as playful. They glide near your boat, then quickly dive
out of sight. Some occasionally leap and spin out of the water
as though performing especially for you. Although you can’t
jump in, swim with the dolphins or feed them, seeing them
up close is nevertheless amazing. Kids are also sure to enjoy
it. Best to plan a trip from March to October. Tañon Strait is off
of Bais City, an hour away from Dumaguete. Rates for boat
rentals in South Bais Bay can range from PHP2,500–5,000.
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Dumaguete from Manila and Cebu.
www.cebupacifi cair.com
August
Help the elephants at the
Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai
Elephants are a common sight in Thailand. Like many other
tourists visiting Thailand, Bessie Crum was drawn to the
elephants. “I’ve always been intrigued by these large, very
strong, intelligent animals.” She and her husband Kyle, both
website developers and travel bloggers (www.onourownpath.
com), have journeyed through the Americas and Asia. They
soon found their way to Chiang Mai, north of Bangkok. “But
after seeing these elephants in the cities, I soon became aware
of their mistreatment.” That’s when she found the Elephant
Nature Park, a conservation project on rolling mountains and
vast fi elds where formerly abused elephants roam free and are
well cared for. Here, with the help of expert guides, visitors can
feed the elephants and help bathe them. Bessie got to feed
the oldest elephant in the herd and feel a baby elephant kick
from inside the belly of her pregnant mother. “It was magical.
I was able to walk up to so many of them, to feed them and
pet them, and I didn’t feel uneasy. And you get to give back
and help them at the same time.” Rates start at THB2,500
(PHP3,600+) for a day trip. www.elephantnaturepark.org
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Bangkok from Manila and Clark. Chiang Mai is
accessible by plane or bus. www.cebupacifi cair.com
D ARING ADVENTURES
The dolphins glide near your boat, then quickly dive out
of sight. Some occasionally leap and spin
out of the water as though performing just for you.
{ 37 }
September
Surf the wild waves of Siargao
Yearning to hang ten? Editorial assistant Dianne Villafuerte
always wanted to learn to surf and she wanted to learn it
in the “surfi ng capital of the Philippines,” Siargao. Off the
northeastern part of Mindanao and facing the Pacifi c Ocean,
Siargao Island has earned the title for good reason. It’s got
hundreds of surf spots (including the world-renowned Cloud
Nine surf break), and both eager beginners and full-fl edged
surfers can ride the swells — or at least learn how.
With an instructor, Dianne got her fi rst lessons in surfi ng at a
spot called G1, which has “really nice, consistent baby waves,”
she says. For her, just being able to lie on the surfboard in
the middle of the ocean was already a dream come true. But
once she could keep her balance standing on the board, she
was stoked. “I felt empowered when I was fi nally able to do it
consistently. It felt amazing. I’d love to do it again and again
— never mind the cuts and bruises.” The best times to surf in
Siargao are from July to November. In September, witness the
annual surfi ng competition.
Cebu Pacifi c fl ies to Siargao from Cebu, and to Surigao (a ferry ride
away from Siargao) from Cebu and Manila. www.cebupacifi cair.com