Take it Off at Puka Beach!

On the first day, my sister invited me to go island hopping.  I wasn't too giddy because I felt that nothing will top El Nido and I would just end up unimpressed, which was actually what happened.  But then spending time with sis and her friend had made the trip at least worthwhile.

So as expected, there was the usual clear azure seas, white sand beaches, towering limestones, stuff that I've already seen.  The boat guide let us see the crocodile island, named one for its shape.

We did snorkeling for our first stop.  It was really difficult to take pictures underwater.  The current was strong enough for me to get drawn away if I would not hold on to a rope or to the boat's wings.   While wrapping my arms and holding on I sigh...  El Nido is better.

After 30 minutes or so we made our way to first and only island stop--- Puka beach.  It was an almost naked white island except for the big limestone cliffs planted parallel to the shore.  So while sis and friend were busy doing selfies, I, was busy thinking of things to do other than doing that... LOL.  And like heaven sent, a local asked me if I wanted to buy some snacks from him, after I declined, he pointed me to a cave nearby, if I might want to check it.  And I said, what cave? I couldn't see any entrance.  As I walked closer, it was still small that I had to bend down, and, at some point, had to crawl my way in.

These 2 kids were my guide, and for P20 they walked me in the cave and explained to me what it was about.  One kid in charge with lighting the pathway, and another with the talking.  The cave used to be a hiding place for Japanese soldiers back in World War 2.  It wasn't really big, maybe 20 meters in length by 7 meters wide.  And like in any caves, there were a few stalagmites and stalactites.  I was a bit hesitant to move forward because the flashlight wasn't bright enough to illuminate the area, at least the one directly in front of us.  It was too dark for me.  When I complained about that, the kid in green said in the local dialect "try taking off your sunglasses, maybe that will make it a bit better."  hehehe ...

Me in my walk of shame