Maldives.. A much awaited destination for many. But..

Maldives. Whenever I spoke about it. It wasn't with enthusiasm or amazement. It was more of a 'Oh. Yeah. Been there. Done that.' Why that reaction many would ask. Isn't it one of the most sought after places to travel to. All the blue skies and clear blue sea. And of course the dives sites were supposedly one of the best in the world. I give a nonchalant shrug and move on.

Maldives is indeed well known around the globe for its many islands/atolls and how unbelievable the beaches are. (Read: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maldives)

Now let me share what is good about the place first. I went during the first week of June with a friend. I booked this trip 7 months ahead and flew with TigerAir as they had a too-attractive offer of S$420 return as compared to SQ's S$1500. I booked my stay for 5 days at Gangehi Island Resort and it was also with a 10% discount for the overwater standard villas which amounted to close to S$200 per night. Which is still a great catch. 

So for the first time in my life heading over to Maldives. The sight I get is of atolls. Bits and pieces. And it was a sight to behold. Not all countries have this. Right? =) 

And to transit in order to reach the resort. We had to do a seaplane transfer. Which is USD$420 return.

My first seaplane ride and besides the initial humidity/stuffiness in the plane and the noise. It was fun! Hahaha.

There it is! Gangehi's Island Resort! Home for the next few days! =)

Finally setting foot onto the island! And yes. I brought a backpack along only. Well. It's only 5 days and it's an island. How much clothes would I need? =P

And the most awesome thing happened! We got a free upgrade to the overwater deluxe! Wheee!! 

I am such a sucker for sunshine and beautiful seas. =P

The dive shop.

Ok. Diving is really expensive in Maldives. Or at least that's what I encountered there. Per dive (including of equipment and tank - I didn't take Nitrox yet) was S$120. But since I'm there.. I couldn't just say no could I?

View from the lounge/bar. And there's free wifi.

From my balcony looking down. I could spot fishes! =D

Of course being an island resort there really isn't much one could do. Besides lying in the sun. Reading. Surfing the net. Snorkelling. Diving. So it isn't any surprise that we signed up for a snorkelling cum dolphin watching boat ride.

Dinner was in the other restaurant in the island. Veli restaurant. Which was actually nearer to our room than the buffet/lounge/bar.

There was also a sandbar reachable by walking during low tides.

A library within the grounds! Full of books!

So my verdict. Unless you really have money to splurge (all costs - besides the seaplane - was quoted in Euros and a simple ham and cheese toast can set you back easily by 8 Euros) and that you want to have the feeling of having the island all to yourself. You can have it. 

For me. I like being on an island. But I like the island to have a little more things for me to do/see. And comparing what I paid for Maldives (S$3k for 5 days inclusive of diving) and Philippines (S$3k for 17 days inclusive of getting 2 diving certifications) just to get the same blue skies and clear blue sea with sunsets. Philippines is really much worth it. And it's cheaper. 

It's still your choice. But once is enough for me. =)

Island born of Fire.. I juz love how that sounds! =D

Camiguin. Also known as 'Island born of Fire'. 'Barely 240 square kilometers in land area. Camiguin is the second smallest island of the Philippines in both area and population. ... ... Within this small area lie seven volcanoes.' (extracted from http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/camiguin/)

And so this is the Island that after much reading and flipping from cover to cover of the Lonely Planet Philippines guidebook. I decided to embark on my 16 days and first solo trip of 2014 back home. The main reason that I decided to come here was to pick up the Open Water Diver certification (like finally! =D) and that I wanted to do white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro and surfing in Siargao. So now you know my plans. =)

From Singapore it is no surprise that I took Cebu Pacific - it being a more affordable and budget airline to travel to the Philippines (not to Kalibo though. Tiger Airways does it cheaper. =P) Transiting in Mactan-Cebu International Airport. I changed plane to a propeller one to get into Camiguin.

Love how the plane is silhouetted by the sunrise.

Even though from Cebu it's only a 40 mins flight or so. I was able to fall asleep and I must say Camiguin Airport has one of the shortest airstrip I've ever landed on. The plane landed and had to brake hard and make a turn into this 'roundabout' area before coming to a complete stop. And it was all in like 5 mins or less! 

The 'roundabout' where the plane is.. And the red tentage area? That's our baggage collection area.

After much research and weighing out my budget. I'm currently staying at Camiguin Action Geckos Dive and Adventure Resort. A lovely place that reminds me much of Villa Mamarine in Squijor. I had a wonderful stay of 4 days in Villa Mamarine last year. And the vibe of this place is telling me I'm gonna fall in love with it too. =)

I had the Hibok-Hibok breakfast. Not sure why it's named after one of the volcanoes but ah well! =D Those triangle pieces in the center? Those are seasoned cheese. 2 pieces in pepper and 2 pieces in paprika powder. IF my tastebuds doesn't fail me. =) 

The black volcanic sand right in from of my room. On the beach. It's like freaking hot if you walk on it barefooted. Trust me. I tried. Coz I had to swim in the sea for my assessment to get my diving cert. Ouch!

That's my room right there. It's P2000 a night with attached bathroom. Juz that there isn't any aircon but juz a fan. I can survive it. Good deal and no worries. =)

And when I heard that one of the girls were going to the market. I told her I wanna follow over too. But too bad! I didn't meet her there. But I had a good time juz wandering the streets and popping here and there into the shops that interest me.

Fruits section.

And the seafood. There wasn't much to choose from though. Think the catch was bad today. =/

And I saw this in the supermarket! So I bought one of each. It's P39.50. I'm so gonna try it out when I get home! Or else. When I'm staying in Siargao coz that's a hostel and there's a kitchen. =)

I took a bike (pillion of course! But without helmet as usual..) to the market and that cost me P40 while the habul-habul (I think I got it right) only costs me P10 back.

I had/have to continue my mugging for my license. So here's a sunset to say good night for the time being! =)