Sandbar Island: Summer Isn't Over

I know I had a pretty late summer getaway because I went back and forth MNL for the break to fix things concerning my... future. But anyway, I had this intensified urge of going back to ILO because of the previous plan and invite to Sandbar Island in Concepcion. The town of Concepcion is a 2-3 hour long drive from Iloilo City. We left at around 7AM and we didn't even notice that we traveled for 2 hours already because Tita Rose shared so many inspiring stories along the road. And I was blessed and moved by her experiences and God's goodness in her life when she was in USA.

When we arrived in Concepcion, we traveled by sea to Sandbar Island. Note that there are no regular boat trips to the island (if you are thinking that the transportation is the same as that to Guimaras). It is better to inform the resort where you'll be staying so that they can arrange the transportation for you.

When my companion pointed the island from afar, I was very excited to step on the island. The sandbar wasn't still visible because it's high tide. Nonetheless, I wanted to dip my feet on salt water, something I haven't done for more than a year already.

Welcome to paradise! :) White sand, crystal clear water, fresh air, the sound of waves and everything green, peaceful and we felt like we owned the whole island.

It was gloomy and started raining so hard when we arrived. I thought it was a bad timing, knowing that summer season is about to end. We stayed in the cottage most of the time for that day. But thank God, the rain stopped and we were able to witness the beauty and majesty of the sunset. I have a thing for sunsets, I think they give you the romantic setting.

And... low tide! The sandbar was visible. Technically speaking, sandbars are formed by deposition. They are formed when the ocean waves rub against the shore and recede back, cool isn't it? Sandbar Island obviously got its name from the long stretching sandbar found here.

There are three cottages in the island and we got all of them where we can keep our things, but we chose to sleep in tents because the air at night is so cool and refreshing.

Happy feet!

On the next day, I woke up early for the sunrise. One of the best feelings I had- sitting alone, reflecting on life as the sun shines in front of me and feeling the serene sea. God is amazing! 

Early morning walk in the sandbar

Can you see my feet? The sea water is that clear on the shore.

We saw a sand dollar on the shore! Sea dollars are flattened sea urchins and I find it cool to see a star-like thing engraved in their surface. 

We also had our very relaxing moments in the day, sleeping under the tree or talk with friends. There's also a store in the island where you can buy food, water, soda, etc.

I didn't want our 3-day stay in Sandbar Island to end, but as the saying goes, good things come to an end.

My shades and tan skinned body bid goodbye to the island, refreshed and happy for what has transpired.

The scene inside the car when we went home, my cousin was dead tired and sleepy. lol

Unfortunately, I wasn't involved with the planning and arrangement of the accommodation that we had in the island since I just arrived from MNL, so I cannot post any rates and who to contact in the island. But you can always check on other travel blogs (like lakas.com or ambot-ah.com for a sample itinerary and rates)  as they provide info or who to contact for tour packages.