There were several isolated white beaches along the coast of the island. According to our bangkeros (boatmen), these white beaches were equally divided among the Tagbanuas (indigenous people of Palawan). And every time there are visitors on the part of the island assigned to them, they have their own share of the entrace fee.
The tour organizers have their own preferred spots along the area. And we were heading to one of them, the banol beach. There were locals and visitors in the beach when we arrived. Since it was a pre-arranged visit, we occupied the only cottage in the area.
The beach is just a small cove on this side of the island. From end to end, it can be covered under 10 minutes of walking. From the shoreline to the limestone wall is probably under 10 meters. Though it is not that much for a beach, it is blessed with fine white sand. And under the scorching heat of the sun, this little piece of paradise is already a perfect getaway.
We had our fill of a good lunch that day, from the common meat dish to vegetables and my favorite, the fish. Having lunch out here in the open and in a pristine environment is always a food for the soul. And this one was not an every day experience for us, except of course for the locals here.
Anyway, after our lunch, the call of the beach was something irresistible. Even if it was midday and heat penetrates through the skin, most of us simply gave in for a good swim. There were no waves to fear and the water was crystal clear. Plus the fact that the shore recedes in a gradual manner and there were plenty of fishes to feed. Indeed, it was a fun-filled experience for us.
Afterwards, some European tourists arrived kayaking. They covered a good stretch with their kayaks and banol beach was their rendezvous. They were also kind to allow some us to use their kayaks while they were resting.
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