Basul Island

The crown jewel of Surigao City's island getaway... Basul Island.

Basul Island

According to local historians and telltales, Basul is derived from a visayan word "basol" which means "regret" in English. The name does not spring from out of nowhere. It comes from old tales that develops into an urban legend which until now arouses the curiosity of some locals who have not yet been there. That urban legend says that one will regret coming over to the island because an accident is a possibility that one should anticipate. 

That legend, however, has a genesis. Some fishermen residing near the island says that accidents usually happen because of the strong current in the channel known as Surigao Strait.
 
In my case, however, my only regret was why it took me so long to get there. I must admit I was affected by the rumor. Especially because I dont know how to swim. Yes, an Islander who doesn't know how to swim. :D

Being visible from the shores of the mainland Surigao, I used to take a drooling stare at the island. But only this year that my plan to go there was finally realized. Together with some officemates, we decided to spend a stress-free holiday there which is, by the way, just a 30-minute boat ride from the boulevard and 20 minutes from its neighborhood Lipata.

From the mainland, Basul Island's glowing white sands reflected by the sun will be the first to catch your attention. Its strip lightens during the broad daylight like an enticing jewel calling you to come.

For your preview of the island:

This mix of fine and coarse sands is what will greet you after docking in the island. Like me, you cant help but get excited and would actually become impatient with the lazy docking. And who is not, when this one awaits you there:

The beach extends up to the interior of the island glittering in the green landscape.

At the back of the island is no longer the coarse or fine white sands but rather a flat bedrock littered with huge rocks coming from the eroded hillside which i believed caused by the crushing of waves.

And on the far left end is the enjoined bedrock that extends from the cliff and laden like a bride's veil onto the sea. From here, you have all the privilege to shout and say "i conquered Basul! Now you regret you were not here". This is the best spot for solitude.. with a wide range of sight of the city and the rural landscapes.

From the rocky side on the left, an exit walk from there by taking the flat bedrock partially immersed in the sea will take you back to the front side. By the way, if you wonder why there is no mention of the far right end, its because I wasnt able to take a photo of it. Some fishfolks were hanging in and were having their picnic so i give them their needed privacy. But nevertheless, there was nothing more interesting in their except the fishermen laying their nets.

Going back to the frontal act of the island, 'moment' is the best thing to do there. Like reminiscing, wishing, etc while staring in kawalan.

Or have a slowmo in the sand... imagining you were the leading star in a movie shoot.

Now, the Basul Island once more saying like "Come again!". Very enticing.

If only i have millions, i would buy it from the owner who charged us P20 of admission. And they did not allow us to buy bukos (young coconut) even if i told them i was thirsty. But still, i want to go back there soon. Who wants to come?