Burias Tinalisayan Sandbar

MASBATE… Swimming at Tinalisayan Sandbar

so Only an hour travel distance from Animasola Island is the Tinalisayan Sandbar and Island. While cruising from Animasola going to Tinalisayan, there were sightings of dolphins. Small fishing boats were also present in the area; in fact we called one fishing boat and asked for a catch from him. He had several varieties of fish, we even bought from him for dinner and it’s way cheaper when bought at the market.

this is Tinalisayan Island
this is Tinalisayan Island

Reaching Tinalisayan Sandbar, you may see the sandbar from afar. Since it’s still high tide, only smaller portion of the sandbar is on sight. You can also feel the water currents in the area.

the pebble sands of Tinalisayan sandbar
the pebble sands of Tinalisayan sandbar

We anchored at the tip of the sandbar. It was a coral/pebble sandbar. Not that good for running barefoot. Yet the place was clean, and reefs were present in the surroundings. Snorkeling is allowed in the area, simply equip yourself with life vest, as water currents are active. According to our boatmen, several species of colorful fishes were abundant in the area. I didn’t attempt on going snorkeling since I don’t know how to swim. I just stayed at the banks and enjoy myself at the shallow portions of the sandbar.

posing on the beach
posing on the beach

Our boatmen told us that the sandbar would appear in another 2 hours, so we waited for it. Near the sandbar was the island of Tinalisayan. We tried to cross there following the shallow portion of the sandbar. It was quite a struggle when the water was flowing across the shallows also. Slowly walking, we reached the other end of the sand bar.

at the Tinalisayan Island after crossing the sandbar
at the Tinalisayan Island after crossing the sandbar

Nobody’s residing in the island but they have cottages. They have built comfort rooms, tables and chairs maybe for daytrips wanting to stay at the island. The sands were quite fine compared to the pebble/coral sands of the sandbar. Some parts of the beach in the island are rocky that it’s best to spend time at the sandbar rather than near the banks.

this is the Tinalisayan Sandbar taken from afar
this is the Tinalisayan Sandbar taken from afar

We were directed to pay an amount of Php 50 for a stopover at the island. This surprised us in Burias. There were collectors merely asking us to sign the logbooks, asking us payments without issuance of receipt. Oh well, not to spoil our stay, pay!

my pose with the sandbar
my pose with the sandbar

As 4pm is nearing, the tide slowly lowering that the tadpole shape of the sandbar is appearing. Its so nice to see the contrast of colors. From a darker blue to a lighter blue. It is giving emphasis on the shallow the shallow portion of the beach. As seen from afar, or up the island, the tail is like wiggling forming a curve line connecting the mainland from the sandbar.

the sandbar on low tide
the sandbar on low tide

I didn’t expect it to happen yet as the tides lowered, slowly the sands were exposed bit by bit. Oh what a lovely view coupled with the not-so-shining-sunlight lit the area.

the rocks at Tinalisayan Island
the rocks at Tinalisayan Island

We have enjoyed the sandbar. We also have noticed some rock arrangements maybe made by some visitors. We enjoyed the waters, the fishes and the corals. It’s hard to leave but we need to move to another destination. And the next destination was the Sombrero Island where we will setup camp and spend the night with.

Been here: July 20, 2016

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I love to travel, I love to see different places, experience different cultures and turn strangers into friends. Travel is my life, travel is my passion!

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