Three Things Crossed Out from My Bucket List in Siquijor

I have a bucket list... I think we all do have. But mine wasn't written somewhere. It was just on my mind. But after my Siquijor trip, I might wanna write it somewhere to keep track of it. 

Our first day in Siquijor was spent doing nothing at Lorna's End of the World Resort. Me and my friend enjoyed the serenity of the province. It was a nice break right after the school year ended and a prelude to my 2-month hiatus. 

Second day was spent on touring/exploring the whole island.  We contacted a guide/trike driver to have the countryside tour. The weather was really nice and sunny that day. I will write more about that trip on my next post 'coz I can't wait to share what happened when I crossed out three things from my "bucket list" in Siquijor. These were not planned by the way, I didn't research much about this trip for I wanted it to be as spontaneous as possible and here's what happened...

The ultimate vine ride in Cambugahay falls

patingin nga kuya...

baging

b'aging n. vine, climber, creeper

Cambugahay falls is one of the main attraction in Siquijor. You really wouldn't wanna miss this while you're in the province. We arrived there not knowing what to expect (as I told earlier). We were welcomed by a couple of tourists from Europe taking a dip and some local children riding a vine and throwing themselves into the water. I immediately sat down and watched how these kids do that thing. And then without much thinking, I told kuya that I wanted to try it too. 

I asked the local kids to teach me how to ride one 'coz it will be my first time. They showed me where to hold the vine and when to stop and drop myself. I shouted a la Tarzan and did it thrice. It was really fun! 

Tarzan or Jane?

baging ride - check

******

Waterfalls diving jumping in Cambugahay falls

 

teach me how to...

After the wild baging ride a la Tarzan, I saw the same local kids jumping and diving from the top of the waterfalls. That was really one of my ultimate dreams. I asked again these kids for the perfect spot to do it. They jumped so as to show me how to do it. 

My time came and all those kids were cheering as I look down and spotted where I will be jumping. My friend waited on the other side to document it. I was contemplating whether to jump or dive. I don't really have a formal training in swimming, much less in diving. So diving head first was out of the question. And then I shouted, "I'm ready!". I took one heavy breath and jumped. I shouted like there's no tomorrow with all the adrenaline rush and excitement. I did it thrice and it was definitely F-U-N.

J - U - M - P

waterfalls diving jumping - check

******

Cliff diving jumping in Salagdoong beach

Again, the heart-pumping action went on as we go to the Salagdoong beach. After a quick tour around the beach, I saw this platform on top of a cliff. I looked down and saw how clear the water was - not really afraid of heights. It was really high compared to the Cambugahay falls but it didn't scare me at all. I then asked our guide;

me: Kuya, puwede bang tumalon?

kuya: Oo naman, bakit tatalon ka?

me: Oo... Libre ba?

kuya: (laughing) Oo. Bakit?

me: Sa iba kasi may bayad eh...

So I went to the platform on top of the cliff while kuya went to the middle part to take photos of me while jumping. My friend asked me if I was really sure about it. I tapped him at the back and assured him that it will be fine and that I really wanted to do it. 

I positioned myself on the edge of the platform and saw how really high it was - again, it didn't scare me. I took one heavy breath and shouted that I am ready. Kuya said he's ready too. I counted out loud. 3 - 2 - 1 Game! 

And then I jumped! I didn't shout or close my eyes while it was happening. I didn't even think about anything at that time. I seized that moment and up to now, I still can feel the excitement and fulfillment while writing it. It was very liberating - just the perfect word to describe how I felt. It was perfect. The photo was perfect. In less than 10 seconds, my life was perfect.

I couldn't contain my happiness while swimming back to the cliff. I was shouting and some of the locals were smiling at me. My friend and kuya were both happy to see me and we did high fives afterwards. Kuya told me that amongst all of his lady guests I was the only fourth one to jump from the cliff.

mid air

ayun na!

fulfilled much!

cliff diving jumping - check 

******

I think I have this secret love affair with water. Maybe I was a mermaid (or merman) during my past life. I can spend a whole day of beach bumming or swimming anywhere. Basta may tubig go ako! All water activities never scare me but instead, liberate me. 

I think I need to write a bucket list soon and put it in my journal. 

Check Siquijor accommodations here