Tears of a giant. Tips of a lost continent. These are some of the many legends, surrounding the origins of the Hundred Islands National Park. For it was, still is, and will remain one of the few wonders in the world carved by nature. Those pearls of islets and islands are millions of years old and may be there a million years more.
Seeing the place from up close or stepping on the shore of one islet — is magic. It blows one’s imagination. It reminds one of creation.
The magic is still there waiting to be rediscovered. It is those white beaches in many of the islands previous guests failed to see. It is in the secret caverns of the many caves waiting to be explored.
The magic pops up whenever dolphins visits the islands and frolic among them, in the giant clams native to the place called Taklobos, whose greenish shells are seen above waters, in the multicolored coral reefs where schools of fish move around, the picture perfect coves and unspoiled Bolo beach.
A stroll along the beach ends up with a dip into the soothing warm waters. Colorful schools of tropical fish glide among coral gardens.
Out of the water, discover not only one isle but a throng of numerous islands ambling along each other.
The magic is still there waiting to be rediscovered. It is those white beaches in many of the islands previous guests failed to see. It is in the secret caverns of the many caves waiting to be explored.
The magic pops up whenever dolphins visits the islands and frolic among them, in the giant clams native to the place called Taklobos, whose greenish shells are seen above waters, in the multicolored coral reefs where schools of fish move around, the picture perfect coves and unspoiled Bolo beach.
A stroll along the beach ends up with a dip into the soothing warm waters. Colorful schools of tropical fish glide among coral gardens.
Out of the water, discover not only one isle but a throng of numerous islands ambling along each other.
Bolo Beach Hideaway
Ten kilometers from the city, Bolo beach has become a favorite weekend family hideaway. Highly accessible, its long, horseshoe-shaped beach and shallow waters offer playgrounds for children and a refreshing retreat for adults. The coarsely formed rock formations near the shore are given new looks by the local folk. They topped these rough, blank rocks with colored, smaller rocks, creating works of
natural art.
Fun seeking troops relax on the beach’s wooden sheds and cottages, complete with picnic tables and videoke facilities. Or one may rent “rock sheds” carved out of protruding sandstones above water, slightly flattened and furnished with benches, tables, and videoke, Bolo’s signature floating huts.
Coral Reefs
The Hundred Islands National Park is rich with a wide variety of corals, seaweeds and sea lives. Its alluring cerulean waters, strewn with 123 islets, is also home to the fragile and diverse jewels of the Philippine Sea – the Coral Reefs. They shelter, feed and protect a copious number of sea creatures in the Park. They also aid the 123 islets in protecting the city’s coast from the onrush of giant waves. The hard and soft corals with awe-inspiring forms and interesting hues that glistened mystically in the deep, create a magical underwater vista. Divers and snorkelers have the time of their lives gliding with the many magnificent fishes and other sea creatures.
Underwater Caves
Extraordinary caves abound at the Hundred Islands which many scientists see as part of a continuing evolutionary process that creates an aura of a breathing earth. Today, up to ten caves have been identified and some were named based on some myths, legends and the stone formations namely Alama Cave (Brgy. Sabangan), Nalsoc Caves (Brgy. Sabangan and Brgy. Pandan), Simmimbahan Cave (Brgy. Sabangan), Milagrosa Cave (Milagrosa Island), Cuenco Cave (Cuenco Island), Cathedral Cave (Cathedral Island), Century Cave (Century Island), Quirino Cave (Quirino Island) and Virgin Cave (Virgin Island).
Giant Clams (Taklobos)
The Giant Clams, locally known as taklobos, are sea creatures regarded as the world’s largest bivalve mollusks. Each clam has a shell length extending over a meter and can weigh over 225 kg. It is the faithful ally of the coral reef in supporting the marine life in the Park. Its massive size and interesting hues that gleam underwater prove to be a magnificent attraction, marveled at by visiting tourists who either dive or snorkel in the area. Its soft flesh is coveted the world over for its delectability.
Alaminos.gov.ph
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