Manila Vanilla: Moalboal...An adventure

Wow, it's been so long since I posted on here. Was looking through some photos tonight and decided to throw some on here. Earlier this academic year, a group of us went to a small town called Moalboal on the island of Cebu. It is known mostly for diving as there is a very popular dive site there. We went to check out a tour company called Planet Action Adventure. Paul and Rachel had been there a few times before and had highly recommended it. Rachel wasn't taking part in the activities this time as she was looking after their new addition to their family; baby Bella!

This is Caroline holding wee Bella. She isn't so wee now though. This was the first time Caroline had ever held a baby, hence the nervous look on her face.

Our group stayed in two places in Moalboal. In Tipolo, where Planet Action Adventure is based and another resort called Marcosas. They are both nice. Tipolo has some very nice bungalows that look out onto the sea. The food there is lovely as well, especially their pizzas. Marcosas has a lovely pool and garden. They are both reasonably priced and can arrange airport pick up.

On our first full day there the group went river climbing . I was feeling unwell and didn't go but everyone seemed to really enjoy it. From the sounds of it, it was pretty strenuous. They had to climb up river banks and swim against the current etc. Here are some pictures that Caroline took of their trip.

This is the beast of a van they use to transport guests to the river.

Rachael W, Caroline, Lucy, Mike, Andy, Sarah, Paul and Nathan.

This was the start of their trip. Check out the colour of that water.

Paul is from Zimbabwe and always looks pretty happy to be in the great outdoors instead of the city.

At the end of each trip there is lunch provided by PAA. It's fantastic; barbecued fish, pork and chicken with rice, salad and baked potatoes. There are always some well deserved beer as well.

The following day we went canyoning. We had to start by walking up a very steep hill. I needed a helpful push from Mike every now and then as I was suffering from Tanduayitis that day.

After the long, hot walk to the river. It felt good when we finally started making our way downstream.

This is Andy tackling his first waterfall abseiling challenge of the day.

And then Mike.

This is me rappelling down a 30 metre waterfall. It was super scary but very fulfilling when I was at the bottom. The guides were really good at making me feel safe.