We frequently hear the phrase "save the best for last", it is so over-use that sometimes it doesn't hold true anymore, well, count this post as one of those elite moments because I do mean every word - I did save the best for last!
Buktot White Sand Beach is located at Manaul, Mansalay, described by the OrMinVest website as a 300-meter white sand beach with unspoiled flora and fauna. I've been there and I dare say that their description fits right on the spot.
This (refer to the photo above) was my first glimpse of Buktot, a long stretch of white powdery sand, a longer stretch of tri-colored waters and a much longer stretch of beautifully-formed clouds in a bright blue sky.
I included the above photo for comparison, that is my sun-tanned and/or sun-dried foot (with a little extra dirt on top *grins*) on the powdery pinkish white sand of the said beach. Every step you make will leave deep imprints in the sand proving that it was still un-populated and un-discovered by tourists (local and foreign), beach bums and the [resort] business tycoons. The loose particles of the sand was tremendously felt when you're walking in or near the waters, as in for a non-swimmer like me, it was kinda like sinking in quick sand (fine, say it, I am a coward, hmmp) but that didn't stop me from taking a dip and playing in the deep *giggles*.
See what I mean by tri-colored waters? The shallow part is clear or white in color which is due to the white sands underneath; the deeper part has this blue green color which (I think) is brought about by the lines of seaweeds underwater and the blue sky up above; the third color, which is blue, is the deepest part of the beach and the color must be the result of the blue sky mirrored in clear waters.
I have no definite idea of the wonders and treasures than can be found under the blue waters, I can't find any one that can give me information at that time and no detailed facts are available in the net, and as you all know by now, I am not an able swimmer much more a diver. But, I did see a small school of little fishes jumping out of the water *smiles*.
Fortunately, I was able to see the volumes of sedimentary rocks and beds of long seaweeds underneath the waters of Buktot when we rode the motor banca operated by the husband of the delegated caretaker (as placed by the local government), it was a 15-or-more-minute-ride around the area. Aside from the breeze and the clear waters, we were able to see the Crocodile Island and the nearby mangrove forest which was said to be protected by the local governement (that's why we can't get any nearer). All that, for a 10php per person fare, if that's not a bargain, I don't know what is.
I have no definite idea of the wonders and treasures than can be found under the blue waters, I can't find any one that can give me information at that time and no detailed facts are available in the net, and as you all know by now, I am not an able swimmer much more a diver. But, I did see a small school of little fishes jumping out of the water *smiles*.
Fortunately, I was able to see the volumes of sedimentary rocks and beds of long seaweeds underneath the waters of Buktot when we rode the motor banca operated by the husband of the delegated caretaker (as placed by the local government), it was a 15-or-more-minute-ride around the area. Aside from the breeze and the clear waters, we were able to see the Crocodile Island and the nearby mangrove forest which was said to be protected by the local governement (that's why we can't get any nearer). All that, for a 10php per person fare, if that's not a bargain, I don't know what is.
Photo above (taken on our boat ride) is a zoomed in shot of the thick mangrove forest (that's the nearest I can get) and that long stretch of cloud-formation in the bright, sunny sky that I mentioned a while ago.
That (refer to the photo) is the Crocodile Island, it's not a crocodile haven or anything of sorts, the name was basically taken from its crocodile/alligator-like shape. We weren't able to go nearer because the boatman told us that it was (already) a private property, newly-bought by the Elizalde's (yes, the name behind Star City) and it was patrolled and cared for by a private army and no one's allowed to go near (fact or myth, I have no idea).
We were in Buktot at around twelve in the afternoon and at that time the beach was still in a high tide mode but the water was slowly settling down, in the photo, you will notice that most of the rocks were still hiding underwater, I took this pic before I plunged in *smiles*. Highlighted in this shot is the red rock (our traveling buddies said that it is a buhay na bato), its being in the center seemed like a planned architectural design, it was (and still is) simply amazing.
Weren't they a happy bunch? Sis-in-law can't help her pose, she is a guidance counselor and keeping everyone in check is always her main agenda *lol*. See the big rock (the jumping point)? Three hours before this shot was taken it was completely submerged underwater, a few hours can really do so much, eh?
When you're done swimming or basking in the sun, boating, walking around and sight-seeing, playing and burying your body or buddies under the sand, and you still have that extra energy, you can opt to build a sand castle, just be sure to bring the needed paraphernalia to prevent your sand castle from looking like this *lol*.
Buktot White Sand Beach is owned and operated by the Mansalay government, entrance fee was at 10php per person while the make-shift cottages and tables can be rented for 20php. There were two adjoining unisex toilets where you can answer your nature-ly calls and was also used as the dressing/changing room of visitors. There was no shower or faucet but there was an artesian well/water pump (poso) a few steps away from the toilet, you just have to borrow the pail and water dipper from the caretaker. It is still under-developed, so don't expect much, anyway, its beauty is more than enough compensation for what it's lacking.
On a more professional note, Buktot is currently on sale, the caretaker told us that the local government was willing to sell it to any interested party, she even encouraged us to buy at least a small part so we can come back anytime we want. She gave us an estimated property quotient but I won't divulge how much *grins* and told us to go to the municipal building and talk to the property custodian for more information and details. I, also, did some research on the net and I found out that Buktot is [really, actually and currently] listed as one of the top investment opportunity in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro. I hope it could be a secret a little while longer.
For more photos, do visit this photo album.
Finally, end of the series.
Note: Canon Powershot was used to take the pics seen on the entire pit stops series.
Buktot White Sand Beach is owned and operated by the Mansalay government, entrance fee was at 10php per person while the make-shift cottages and tables can be rented for 20php. There were two adjoining unisex toilets where you can answer your nature-ly calls and was also used as the dressing/changing room of visitors. There was no shower or faucet but there was an artesian well/water pump (poso) a few steps away from the toilet, you just have to borrow the pail and water dipper from the caretaker. It is still under-developed, so don't expect much, anyway, its beauty is more than enough compensation for what it's lacking.
On a more professional note, Buktot is currently on sale, the caretaker told us that the local government was willing to sell it to any interested party, she even encouraged us to buy at least a small part so we can come back anytime we want. She gave us an estimated property quotient but I won't divulge how much *grins* and told us to go to the municipal building and talk to the property custodian for more information and details. I, also, did some research on the net and I found out that Buktot is [really, actually and currently] listed as one of the top investment opportunity in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro. I hope it could be a secret a little while longer.
For more photos, do visit this photo album.
Finally, end of the series.
Note: Canon Powershot was used to take the pics seen on the entire pit stops series.
