Travel Diary : Kwebang Lampas

I know the title may seem odd to some but don't let it put you off because once you get to experience this unspoiled paradise, I can assure you that you will also find that little piece of heaven somewhere not far from home.



I grew up in the province of Quezon and spent almost every summer at the beach. I remember the black, coarse sands and salty wind. The pungent smell of the sea as fishermen brought their haul to the shores with the awaiting buyers and sellers. I didn't mind that salt water turned my hair into a dry mess nor that my skin is burnt because there's something about the vast waters that feels like a safe place, a solace.


Kwebang Lampas has been gaining rave reviews on social media and I was surprised to learn that this majestic beauty is only an hour from where I live. I've lived in Quezon most of my life and it felt like this paradise is right under my nose yet I failed to recognize it. So when I finally got the chance to go home last June, I've requested my family to join me on this adventure. I've looked up the photos and I still couldn't believe my eyes that somewhere so close to my hometown is a paradise patiently waiting to be discovered.




We hired a jeepney to take us to the Capascapas near the power station, this is the jump off to Kwebang Lampas. At the jump off, there's a lake clad by mangrove. You can hire a boat for 25php to take you to the other side. If you're into trekking then you can hike your way to Kwebang Lampas. Flex those legs and walk for a good 10-15 minutes. The road is a bit tricky, though safe. There were lot of scattered branches and it can be slippery during off season.
You can opt to take the shorter route with a price of course. With 250php you can reach the pristine beach by boat in about 3-5 minutes.







It was mid June and contrary to the rainy weather forecast, it felt like summer. We literally had the entire island to ourselves. I took a deep breath and decided to float in the water for a few minutes. I felt a sense of freedom.I spent the entire morning basking under the scorching heat of the sun while bumming around with my siblings and their children. My parents watched us patiently under the nipa hut.





The island is a stretch of white, fine sand with a mix of scuba blue and lucite green clear waters. It is surrounded by tall, coconut trees and nipa huts.. The bermuda grass under the shade of the coconut trees was indeed a surprise. I lay there for a couple of hours, eyes closed while listening to the sound of the waves, disconnected from the digital world.







At the far end of the island is a small cave surrounded by rocks. It is easily accessible via a short swim or trek among the rocks. The cave which spans through under a cliff protruding out from the mountain ranges.It’s a relatively small cave that has an opening out to sea. The water inside the cave is shallow and noticeably warmer than the waters of the cove . The openings on both ends of the cave serve to illuminate its interior.






Kwebang Lampas is certainly a quick beach escapade whether you're residing in the Metro or somewhere in Quezon Province. By 5pm, we found ourselves in an outrigger ready to head back to the city. With smile on our lips, we bid goodbye to Kwebang Lampas. It was a whole day of laughter, family bonding and tons of photographs.Being there with my loved ones was an added bonus to this new found gem.With its unspoiled beach and pristine waters, it felt like it's a secret you wish you could keep in the hope of preserving its true nature. Truly a paradise worth visiting over and over again.

Travel Diary : Phuket

As I gaze into the lucite green waters while we're being anchored to the shores of Maya Bay, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. It was May 28th and 365 days ago, I was at the exact same place, slightly calloused, broken, alone but with a determined spirit to not accept defeat as I ventured Phuket by myself.

This time, I was with a group of friends, slightly whole, happier and a better version of myself.

There's something about Phuket that feels like home.  When I saw it for the first time last year, I felt a sense of belonging as if I was Thai in my past life. I wandered the streets with nothing but a heart for adventure and Thai phrases to come in handy. I embraced everything about Phuket, the busy streets of Bangla Road down to the solemn and free shores of Kata Beach. Everything seems ordinary to one's eye yet if felt as if I found a refuge, a place of solace in this foreign land.

It was everyone's first and I felt a sense of responsibility to have everything planned down to the smallest detail. To say that we are more than prepared is a bit of an understatement. Centara Kata was our home for 4 days. It was short walk to the beach but situated at the heart of Kata Island where everything you need is a stone away. We were the perfect tourists.  Itinerary planned and tours booked.

Our means of transportation towards Phi Phi Island, was a speed boat; enough to carry an approximate of 30 pax. It was a diverse group and we were joined with a group of friends from New Zealand. We sat at the edge of the boat, bracing the strong winds and scorching heat of the sun. There were a lot of singing and dancing in between stops ( and I couldn't be happier that they are my travel buddies for this trip)

The moment we set foot on the aqua waters of Maya Bay, I breathe deeply and hold in the salty air,  I close my eyes briefly.  As I get acquainted again and mesmerised by the beauty that surrounds me, my panoramic view was then clouded by a group of tourists who just arrived to explore the island. The beauty of Phuket was placed on the map after the 2000 movie " The Beach " which  put it as a top tourist destination in Asia. It is indeed a touristy place hence it would be best to cruise around the island early in the morning, this should bide you tranquility until 0900 o'clock.

If I could stay longer, I certainly would. Phuket and its serenity would always leave me with a sense of calm and peace.  Unlike most places or beach escapades I've been to where I have loads of mementos/souvenirs to remind me of its beauty and charm; Phuket specifically deviates from all of those. Indeed, I took a ton of stills needed to showcase a beach getaway; but the canvas of Phuket painted in my head along with the shared memories made with these wonderful people were more than a priceless keepsake.