This sounded good, and I set out toward Sabang Beach. The road to Puerto Galera
was mountainous but, as always, offered stunning vistas. I wheezed my way up
the hills, but rounding a corner and seeing a magnificent waterfall cascading down
the mountain, the climb was soon forgotten.
A few hills later, the road finally reached Puerto Galera, where six hilly kilometres
led to Sabang Beach. Again, I was blown away by the view: A tiny beach
settlement geared for diving provided as many as thirty dive shops, numerous
restaurants and guesthouses—a beautiful setting, featuring turquoise water, cliffs,
beaches, coves and more. I bedded down at an abode along the water’s edge. To
think I nearly gave the island a miss altogether.
The following morning was dive time and in the company of the crew from Capt’n
Gregg’s, we got going at around 09h00 to Sabang Point. As promised, the visibility
was good and the sea life abundant. The dive lasted sixty-five minutes, and the
average depth was approximately twenty metres—a pleasant dive on a reef,
offering plenty of coral and fish. The water was a comfortable 28°C, and I was
happy in a three-millimetre wetsuit.
Surprisingly enough, I got stung on the lip. Years ago, the same thing happened
and, until today, I have a small scar on my lip. The incredible thing is it sheds a
small piece of skin, like a snake! Thank the Lord, it’s not a hair or something
worse, hahaha! Maybe that’s too much information for most.
Sabang Beach
On closer inspection, I realised with shock only two days remained on the current
visa. Time sure flies when you’re having fun. The tour operator acted as a visa
consultant, and the passport was left at his office. The process took five days, but
who would mind on an island that provided so many dive sites?