It all began on one of those days when life seemed a little too loud. School had been stressful, and I was again looking for a quiet escape. I wanted somewhere I could breathe, away from the crowd and the noise. That’s when I spotted Aglicay Beach as I scrolled around online. The photos seemed too good to be true, white sand, crystal blue waters, and no trace of the customary tourist chaos. I was hooked.
It wasn’t easy to get there, but perhaps that’s half the charm. I traveled from Cebu to Batangas by ferry, then I traveled to Tablas Island, Romblon by ferry. The journey was long, roughly eight hours by sea, but I didn’t care. On a boat, the ocean stretches around you indefinitely, there is something calming in that.
After finally getting to Tablas, I had to take a van to Alcantara, where Aglicay Beach is located. The drive was bumpy, the kind that made you scream and bow there at every corner. But as we reached closer and closer, the scenery began to change. Green hills, small villages, a glimpse of the sea through the trees, the island seemed to be teasing me with what lay ahead.
When I got there, I was shocked. Aglicay Beach looked just like the photos, only better. The sand was soft, white, the kind that feels cool beneath your feet even in the midday sun. The water was so clear I could see little fish darting along the shore. And the best part? It was quiet.
No blaring music, no hawkers, no large crowds, just the sound of the wave and the rusting of palm leaves. I stood there for a moment, absorbing it all, and thought, “This is what I came here for.”
The next morning, I woke up early, excited to see the beach in its most still moments. The sun was just rising, bathing the sand in pale gold. I strolled along the beach, feeling the cold water wash over my feet. There were no other people on the beach, and for a while I felt like I owned the whole world.
This was the best part of my trip, swimming in the water. You know what? The water was smooth and crystal clear, I could see the sand under me when I waded farther out. I float on the water, looking up at the bright blue sky, I experienced a peace I hadn’t felt in some time. I just felt like the waves were washing away everything from my mind. Other than that, I sat on the sand watching the waves go in and out. It felt like time moved very slowly during my days at Aglicay, and I savored each moment.
On my second day, I learned of a hill nearby that had an amazing view of the beach. I couldn’t resist. It was a short but steep hike, and by the time I got to the top, I was breathless. But the view? It was worth every step.
From that height, I gazed at the whole coast, the shine of the blue ocean, and surrounding hills. The wind blows its wind against me, a wild rush that threatened to tear my hair free, the feeling of it while bending backwards for a heartbeat made me feel like a queen on the the top of the world. I lingered there a bit, absorbing all of it. You don’t get to see things that beautiful every day, and I wanted to remember everything about it.”
Also the locals there, another of my favourite parts of the trip. They were so warm and happy to share about their island. I spoke with a local fisherman who had lived in Alcantara his entire life. He told me about his family, his daily routine and how the island has changed over time.
He even said he’d take me out on his boat to see more of the coast. I didn’t have time to sit with him, but his warmth and friendliness touched me. We were too enraptured to feel the ticks of time, the moments ticking away, the whole point of travel being not just the places you visit but the people you encounter on the way.”
And of course, how can I forget the sunset at Aglicay Beach, as it is one experience that I wouldn’t want to miss. I went down to the shore every evening as the sun sank lower in the sky. The way the light danced on the water, the colors from gold to something orange, it was pure magic while I looked at it.
One evening, I was sitting on the sand, gazing at the sun sinking behind the line where sea meets sky. Everything around me faded, and I felt this huge rush of peace.Coursework. Words fail to capture it, but at that moment, everything was right.
I must also say that Aglicay Beach is not one of the big, famous tourist destinations. It doesn’t offer luxury resorts or endless activities. But that’s what sets it apart. But, I found it simple, quiet, and real. Meaning it’s the sort of place where everyone can reconnect with nature, with yourself and with the people around you.
Aglicay Beach was a glimpse of the beauty of simplicity for me. It’s not merely a beach, it’s a refuge. A space to shut out the blaring of the world, and simply exist.
I said farewell to Aglicay Beach in my mind and it was more difficult than I imagined. As I walked along the shore one last time, I felt a twinge of sadness. This place had offered exactly what I needed, an opportunity to slow down, to breathe, to find a little peace.
On the ride back on a boat, I kept turning to look back at the island until it receded from sight. I knew I would carry the memories with me for some time.
Now, back in Cebu, I catch myself daydreaming of Aglicay, the fine sand, the clear water and sunsets that went on forever. And who knows? One day, perhaps, I’ll return to that little corner of heaven.
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