BEACH BUMMING AT SEPOK POINT, MARICABAN ISLAND, BATANGAS

The Sepok expedition is one special bucket list adventure because it is the first and only island in the Anilao Peninsula that I have visited.  I was struck by the awesome white sand beauty of the place, with its crytal clear water ideal for diving and snorkeling and the buffet lunch that our hotel prepared for us.  It was a pity though that we only got to stay for a half day which was not enough for me to do some exploring of its rock formations and venture to the other side of the island.  Maybe next time I will be more prepared.

This pillar of rock is probably the icon of Sepok point as it overlooks a commanding view of the Verde Island Passage off Batangas Bay.  Here you can see the crytal clear water of the sea making it ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.  However much of the coral reef of Sepok point have been obliterated probably due to past dynamite fishing and the development of the resort paving the way for white sand beach instead of rocky reefs.

The white sand beach was still a delight to see since it makes it easier to wade through the water without the risk of getting cut by sharp stones.  There were some sea urchins in the vicinity which made some visitors weary of the sea botom while walking in the deeper portion.  Nevertheless the experience of swimming in Sepok was fun indeed.

Sepok  Point is not your usual destination as entry to the island is a privilege extended to guests who are checked-in at the Eagle Point Resort in Anilao, Batangas. The owner probably was able to get exclusive rights to Sepok Point which it offered to its guest who prefer beaches with a little bit of security and privacy.  So we really got the feel of the "exclusive" treatment during our stay here.  We also never have to bear with annoying vendors of pearls, necklace and the like because I feel those are the kind of things we don't want to be pestered around with.  So for that I give a thumbs up for Sepok Poont! 

I was actually accompanying a group of Environmental Science students from De La Salle University Dasmarinas who were on their Ecology field trip.  Here, they are required to conduct snorkeling and observation of the marine biota in the coastal area of Sepok where they have to analyze and arrive with their preliminary assessment on how much environmental degradation occurred in the area.

And as for me,  I had the entire morning to appreciate the beauty of the place, bumming around taking pictures and simply document the experience of cherishing rare moments like this where you feel that this might be the first or list time you will be able to step on this white sand beach.  Of course I was doing it while observing the students making sure no mishaps or untoward incidents happen to any of them.

This is one of the sea urchins near the shore on the rocky area of the beach.  One of our students who is a Japanese national, demonstrated to us how to eat sea urchins and why it is a favorite delicacy in Japanese cuisine.  I also had the opportunity of tasting this exotic food when I visited White Island of Camiguin.  It has a unique texture and probably would be difficult for me to eat without immersing it first in vinegar.

For now this is my story of Sepok Island.  Was it a worthwhile visit and did it gave any health benefits to me?  Yes, of course!  Every time a person experiences something pleasant such as a first time visit and simply awed by the captivating beauty of the the place, it causes our brains to release feel good hormones that spreads throughout our body promoting faster repair, rejuvenation and a better outlook in life.  So remember, travel for a longer life rejuvenate mind and spirit!  Make your bucket list now and embark on your own adventure of life!