Lunes, Mayo 28, 2012

Sampaloc Cove in Subic : My piece of Paradise up North

I first set my foot in this part of Zambales way back in May  of 1997. Back then there were developments in the beach like cavanas and cottages, I had once the opportunity to be with some guests from Caloocan city hall and just like me, these people was in total awe at the very first glance of my piece of paradise.Sad thing though is that these developments were destroyed by a ferocious typhoon and the island was left with nothing but the memories of its once exclusive ambiance.
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The Paradise Upclose

Those were the golden days of Sampaloc Cove. People from all walks of life are in total awe from the time they set their foot in this piece of paradise. Who would have thought that  in this part of Subic township lies a hidden paradise that can be compared to none. Its lush vegetation brings forth a splendid view on the islands scenic beauty that could be compared to pictures you see in postcards. It has a sytematic water system that has been provisioned by natures generosity. Unlike Anawangin Cove, fresh water supply is readily available to its guests without the hustles of pumping it from a makeshift waterpump. 

My Piece of Paradise

The torquouise green waters of Sampaloc cove is yet pristine and its corrals had been preserve by its people. Way back in the year 2000, the area had been declared as a fish sanctuary through the efforts of the then Subic Councilor Bong Romero. During those times I enjoyed snorkeling in its pristine beaches and enjoyed feeding its inhabitants with poached eggs. Yes Lapu lapu and other fishes are easily enticed by its smell. To date, despite efforts of eradicating dynamite fishing in the area,  from time to time the place becomes a victim of some unscrupulous dynamite fishers.  

                           

                                                               Water Falls in Sampaloc

Anyone can pitch in their tents on the canopies in its shoreline, although camping is best done on the Agoho Shades on the islands Southern end. A minimal camping fee of Php 100 is imposed and entrance fee is at Php100 .Campers can make use of kitchen utensils just ask its caretakers. The beach is managed by a group of women members of a non government organization called Samahang Responsableng Pinoy. 

Sampaloc Shore

This is my piece of paradise up north. A very refreshing place of solitude that can be reached by land and a 1 and a half hour bout ride. I had always wanted to share the island's beauty to the lakwatseros and lakwatseras out there who had the passion of visiting off beat places. Its people are my family, and this island had been the silent witness of those dreams and aspirations of discovering the seas never ending horizons. Each encounter with Sampaloc island brings forth a promise of a renewed energy from all the burdens that city living has to bear. My piece of paradise is  a placid at its calm, but could be dangerously beautiful at rainy days. Thus it is highly encouraged to visit the place from the months of November to April.



Facilities :

1. Spartan Accommodation that includes Barkadahan Cottage ( Good for 10 pax)
2. Honeymooners cottage ( Good for 2 pax )
3. Triplets ( good for 7 pax per unit )
4. Grilling area
5. Restroom/Shower room 

How to get there :

1.From Monumento, take Victory Liner bound to Iba Zambales and alight in front of Subic Municipal Hall
   fare is at Php220 for airconditioned bus. If you will be coming from Edsa you can take any Victory Liner 
   or Saulog Transit best place to catch one is in Edsa Cubao, near Qmart. 
2. Cross the street and walk to the fishport of Subic 
3. No permanent schedule for Sampaloc boatmen but any bangkero can  take you to Sampaloc for   
    Php2000 depending on your haggling skills.

House Rules :
1. The island is not your dumpsite. Please take your garbage with you as you leave the place.
2. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.
3. Night swimming is not allowed
4. When visiting the waterfalls No Smoking Policy is imposed to avoid grassfire.
5. Bonfires can only be done in the specified area. Please respect the place we don't want it's grayish white 
    sand to turn balck.

What to Expect :
1.There is no electricity in the area .
2.There's a signal for both Smart and Globe users.
3.The concept of the place is back to basic leisure. Though accommodations are available, camping is still 
   encouraged. No mattresses no foams, only the basics.

> I want to share this place to those people who loves nature and a back to basic concept of island hopping 
   adventures. Please call me at 09291300587 so I can arrange your outing/team outing to this piece of
   paradise.






























Sabado, Abril 28, 2012

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