A Trip To Mariveles : Panoypoy Cove (Part 1)

After taking a quick break at the port of Mariveles (where we had our breakfast and had a quick stop at one of the Bataan Death March Markers), we went all the way to Balon-Porto road where the Hawla Beach (now known as the Claubel Beach resort) is located. The resort is the only way to access the Panoypoy Cove. Although I know that the Cove is part of our itinerary, I wasn’t aware that it will require as some minor trekking before we get there. It was a tiring yet truly rewarding experience for me.The path that welcomed us after passing through the gate of Hawla Beach. I thought the way to the cove was already cemented to make the place easily accessible but I was wrong.The cemented path eventually turned into a muddy terrain yet the green scenery put me in so much awe. Not to mention the refreshing breeze from the sea.We also encountered these concrete balusters which added more “Picture-worthy” scenery in the place. The stairs will lead you to the Claubel Beach resort but we had to skip it first and take the other path to reach the best part of the Panoypoy cove.The part of the cove and the beach resort as viewed from the topThis stream of water flows down the cove and also the one that supplies water directly to Hawla beach’s mini pool.The start of the forest-like trail to Panoypoy coveThe slippery and muddy trail to the cove oddly excites me not just because it was my first time but it made me feel like I was part of a movie or something and we’re lost in this seemingly enchanted forest. It could be a minor trek but it is advisable to bring enough water with you as it could be a little exhausting. You can check The Gear Hunt for more hunting and hiking equipment you can use in your adventure.I really love the fact that this place is still unspoiled. There are no commercial buildings, less houses and more trees! This is a kind of place where you can really embrace the nature and now that Mariveles is starting to get some attention, I wish that the fate of Panoypoy Cove and the others will not lead to the same fate of those highly spoiled tourist destinations we have today.From muddy to rocky trail!And finally the way out of the jungle haha! We survived!The scenery put me in so much awe! This is the moment where I can freely sing .. “the hills are alive… with the sound of music” but then I don’t want to express much emotion because my group mates might think I’m insane so I just keep myself calm and cool (while holding my excitement inside haha)The stunning view made all those exhausting trek truly rewarding.You can view the other coves from this point. The Lusong Cove in this side and the Apatot cove in the other. The Lusong Cove is actually part of our itinerary but it didn’t pushed thru as they are no longer allowing visitors to enter the privately-owned area. We were supposed to witness the Lusong Falls.And there’s me embracing the beauty of this paradise!And you know what I realized when traveling solo? It so damn hard to get a selfie… luckily our Tour Driver who also climbed with us was so kind to ask me if I want him to take me some pictures!And he is really a great photographer I must say! The beauty of Panoypoy Cove was perfectly captured in this photo!I have never been to Batanes but I was able to see a lot of pictures showcasing the beauty of the said place. Mariveles or the Panoypoy cove alone may not be as breathtaking and New-Zealand-like paradise as Batanes but it indeed shares some notable similarities which makes Mariveles deserving enough to be called as the Batanes of the West.I sat down in a boulder for few minutes just to embrace everything. The peaceful scenery, the refreshing breeze and the silence made me forget all my struggles and it was definitely one of the most rewarding feeling I have ever felt in my life! It was low tide and some areas of the cove were safely accessible at that time so we were all encouraged to visit the other side of the cove.

If there is a good part, there’s also a bad one and I am going to share it all on my next entry!