I met Nice and Sarah a few years back when I was still working for a Korean company in Clark, Pampanga. We haven't seen each other since I left the company and it felt like it was about time we reconnect. Since I'm already based in Zambales and Nice and Sarah were both based in Pampanga, we thought we could meet halfway. We were all looking for some peace and quiet as we reassess ourselves so... our destination --- Oyster Island.
Formerly known as Playa La Caleta, Oyster Island is an islet approximately 30 minutes away from the crowded shores of Bagac, Bataan. I learned about this through Bataan Nature Adventures. They offer packages on the island and its nearby cove. We availed of their 2D 1N package for 1600.00 PhP per head inclusive of tent accommodations, toiletries, island tours and eat-all-you-can buffet (breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus snacks and socials), booked through Sir Mike. I mean come on, how can we say no to this?
DAY 1
I got to Balanga earlier than Nice and Sarah so I took the liberty of exploring the town while I'm waiting for them. Picked up a few items from the local convenience store and returned to the Balanga Central Bus Station just in time for their arrival. From there we were picked up by Kuya Glen to join the other campers who were already at Jollibee Plaza. After a few chitchats, we're off again to the Central Bus Station. Haha. Kuya Glen, really? We didn't mind, though, since we were all excited. From the terminal, we rented a jeep to Bagac. Then from Bagac, a speed boat was already waiting for us. Interesting boat, seats were not arranged like the usual island hopping boats do. Seats were arranged like that of a bus' and surprisingly comfy, too.
After some 20 or so minutes we were greeted by clear waters and a lovely cove in sight. Touch down! The sand was not white and sure, it could be finer, but what matters is that the shoreline is clean.
Our tent was already set up for us with each of our team names attached to it. Ours was Team Ja, that's me. :) Our tent was huge, I think you could fit six persons in it. I'm loving this whole Survivor-themed escapade so far.
We were welcomed by Sir Mike's team with fresh mango juice and singkamas on a stick with alamang. Talk about merienda ala probinsya. Wait there's more! I wasn't expecting much of the buffet lunch but boy oh boy, was it a lot! Half of the dishes, I haven't heard of but they look so inviting, I couldn't resist. This was the first time I had rice after how many months. Haha. That in itself was worth the price. I couldn't believe that was just our first meal. Haha.
After lunch, sunlight's already painful. We took a nap. After which, we had a few beers and resumed swimming and photo ops until sun down.
(my photo)
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| Thank you Sarah G for this. :) |
SOCIALS
It's mandatory. Worry not my introvert friends, I'm anti-social most of the time too but I have to say, the socials was pretty darn genius. I have always wondered, how can one be in such a large group tour yet not share a single word with his or her tourmates? Well, this might be the answer to that.
Grill sets were arranged at the dining area per team. Sausages, smores, junk foods and even fondue. Yes fondue, smores and fondue, someone pinch me. Quick roll call and team introductions and the socials began. During the socials, different teams (the one clipped at your tent) compete against each other. I won't spill the game for you guys, sorry, find it out for yourselves. Lol. The losing team at the end of each round had to take shots of the island mix prepared by Kuya Mike himself. Our team was very competitive, we lost only once that other teams shared their shots to us just so we can taste it. Lol. T'was such an awesome experience. We stayed at the tables even after the games and shared stories with new found friends until midnight over a bottle of vino Shout out to Sir Edwin and co. 
DAY 2: ISLAND TREKKING
After a hearty breakfast, we're off to explore Oyster Island--- the very core of this entire escapade so this should not disappoint. Plus we were told that we will be cliff diving/jumping so you can only imagine how excited I was. The terrain was easy, it should not take you more that 30mins to reach the island by foot, yep you heard me. Very accessible as you can just walk through the stone bar (see what I did there? 
) to reach it. Of course, I preferred to be at the back of the pack so I can snap photos whenever I want to without worrying the person after me.
The landscape was just beautiful. Next to Palawan, this has to be the clearest waters I've ever laid eyes on. Yes that was me after the jump. I honestly wanted to tell you more about this island trekking experience but no, I'll just leave to it you guys, discover this gem on your own. I tell you, it doesn't disappoint, totally worth the try. See the photos for yourselves. :)
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