I know, I know! You might be wondering if I got the right title for this post or if I'm just trying to bait you into reading until the very end but unfortunately, I am certain that we got lost on the paradise island of Sumilon just when we were about to head home.
This might be a bit long, but come on! Aren't you interested to know more? If you are, we better get started!
Isn't this too risky?
After having fun at Sumilon's Sandbar for the very last time, we were eager to head back in Pulo Restaurant as we only have roughly 15 minutes before the last boat back to Oslob proper will leave the island. Last time, I mentioned that it would only take 5-8 minutes of walking from the sandbar to the front desk, but this time, we took a different route.
In Part 2, while I've explored and discovered more spots near the Pulo Restaurant, my boyfriend roamed around the Trek Trail of the island. Consequently, I've missed it! This time, I suggested that we try the Trek Trail as I want to exclaim that I've explored the entire island from end to end. I can remember he told me that it's just a short trail so went for it!
We made our way through what appeared like a baby forest. There were trees but they aren't big enough to cover the entire surrounding so no amount of light could strike through. Hence, it was relatively bright; no reasons to be scared at all. Shrubs and grass were all over the place, too.
A few meters right after, I noticed the trail started to be rocky, and not just any rocky trail, it was razor-sharp rocks that we stepped on. It was no biggie if only I wore the right footwear for the occasion but I wore my thick rubber slippers and because I was dripping wet, it was so slippery. I had difficulty moving without having to worry that I might cut my feet anytime. My footwear took time to dry; sadly, this was partly the reason why my pace slowed down.
Nonetheless, we continued walking until we saw how perfectly peaceful the other side of the island is. It was quiet and at ease. There were no other tourists, just the two of us. And the scenery, we had it all to ourselves. 😍
I was definitely enjoying our little tour when I realized that we don't have the luxury of time. We're down to 10 minutes before the departure of the boat and we're still on the trail; never thought the trail's this long. I kept asking my boyfriend if we were still on the right track and he said there was only one we just have to keep walking. The fact that we were the only tourists left on this part of the island made me a bit worried. "What if we'll never figure this out?"
You might be wondering how come I was still able to take not just a few but a lot of shots of the place. Well, let's just say that I'm like a professional paparazzi. But paparazzi of nature tho haha 😅 Now before we proceed, can we all just appreciate the beautiful back portion of the island of Sumilon. And mind you, this doesn't get to be featured most of the time. If you ever come to Sumilon, make sure to explore the Trek Trail and allocate ample time, so you don't have to rush just like us.
If you plan on swimming here, it's advisable that you bring a company or two. Better safe than sorry! Because if you need help, it might take a lot of screaming before your voice could reach the other end of the island to ask for help. I'm sure you don't want that to happen. So yeah, the buddy system comes in handy. 👌
Then at some point, the rocky trail ended and we found ourselves entering the forested area of the island once again. "This is it! We're heading home" or so I thought! 😔
Forest Finds
A few minutes after entering the forest, we passed by a lighthouse. It was shocked to see one tbh. From anywhere else in the island, the lighthouse wasn't visible. Well, it ain't too tall to start with. We didn't spend a single minute here; we were obviously rushing, trying to find our way back to the front desk.
I was starting to panic when we arrived at a crossroad. Which one will take us directly to the front desk? My boyfriend went here before lunch so I left the decision-making to him. Without a doubt, we took one of the trails. And you know what happened next? Keep reading, keep reading! This is when things got more exciting!
Wait, are we lost?
That is the question that hit both of us when, all of a sudden, it seemed like we're nowhere near Pulo Restaurant or the front desk. I was particularly worried of the time; we only had about five minutes and if we couldn't make it back in time, we'll be sleeping next to the trees or the lighthouse! 😌
I'm not worried that we'll spend the night in the island. I know there is a place for us. But not in one of their rooms, they're fully booked that day and we don't have enough cash on hand!
By virtue of no choice, we continued walking. We were still seeing trail signs so I guess, we're still in the trail where guests are allowed. Yup, there were trail flags of different colors, the thing is we don't even know what those colors mean! How are we supposed to figure them out now! 😩
Few more meters and we realized, we were still at the other end of the island. I was already exhausted and hope started to leave my body. We couldn't even see the restaurant or the front desk from this side. But when a spectacular and one-of-a-kind view of the island unfolded right before our eyes. I told myself: Maybe we're meant to be lost today.
Apparently, we ended up on the same side I explored that morning but this time, we were on top of the limestone wall that stood next to the lagoon. I never thought they opened a trail and allowed guests to wander here. Because, I tell you, this was the best part of the island by far. It wasn't the lagoon; it wasn't the sandbar. It was this part of the island that captured my heart while I was worrying if the boat was still there waiting for us. It's a bit weird to be meeting like this for the first time. But some things remain mysterious, including this one.
Noew here are the rest of the photos I took on the last leg of our trekking.
Then after all that we've been through, we finally reached our destination.
That was one of the most thrilling days of my life! Curious if we were able to catch the last boat trip? I'm having fun extending the suspense, let's extend it some more! Better stay tuned for my next post. Happy weekend pal! 😊
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