Strawberry Fields Forever

Last June, when we went to Boracay, instead of doing the usual island hopping thing (Puka Beach, Crystal Cove, Crocodile Island, etc.), we went to Carabao Island in Romblon.  It's about an hour boat ride from Boracay through choppy seas but despite this, I think the trip was worth it.

I forgot how much we paid for the island hopping package (includes snorkelling in one of the islands near Boracay) but we do remember thinking that it was a good deal.

Carabao Island (among other white-sand beaches in the country) has been said to be next Boracay, and though I do not quite agree with that, I still thought that the beach was very nice.  The sand is white, like Boracay's, and though the sand was just as fine, there were some small pebbles / broken corals, so you can't be as carefree when you are barefoot like when you are in Boracay.  I do remember being very careful when walking near the shore to avoid stepping on sharp objects.

The shore is a lot shorter than Boracay's white beach but that's fine.  What I liked best about this place is that it's A LOT more peaceful than White Beach.  It does not have the common tourist attractions like dining places or beachfront resorts and that is part of its charm.  In a way, I do hope that the local government will  not develop and package it as a major tourist attraction because I feel that in doing so, this serene place will lose part of its charm.

We spent our time there just swimming and snorkelling.  The water was VERY clear and we did see some starfishes and some small fishes near the shore.  Basically, we just relaxed and enjoyed swimming on the clear waters.

Now, on with pics:

On our way to the island, our jump-off point was Bulabog Beach in Boracay.

Not sure what this structure is but I wish they hadn't built it because it retracts some of the beauty of an otherwise pristine beach.

Our first glimpse:  looks tempting!

White, white sand though the shore is not as wide as White Beach's

Group shot!  Yes those are broken corals on the beach.

Water is not as shallow as Boracay's.

Starfish!!!

A school of miniature fishes.

Some corals, fishes and sea urchins.