From Pastrana which is
part of Eastern Leyte, we drove for more than two hours all the way to Southern
Leyte which is equivalent to more than 100 kilometers. Our destination was the famed zipline in
Agas-Agas, Sogod, Southern Leyte.
The moment we
approached the bridge of Agas-Agas, as we looked towards the hill on the upper
left side of the bridge where the holding area of zipline is located, the
height of the adventure is really astonishing, jaw dropping, and nerve
wrecking. This is it.
After parking the car
near the DPWH Agas-Agas field office, we head straight to the holding area of
zipline. Since there were rare vehicles
passing along this stretch at that particular time of the day, we had our field
day taking pictures in the middle of the highway. At the base of the stairs of the holding
area, there are several stalls selling souvenir items, fruits, and other edible
items. But there is no eatery on the
area.
There are two rides to
choose from: the cable car and the zipline.
They have discounted prices if you are going to avail the two rides or
if you are going to repeat the ride. As
of this writing, the ride for cable car is 200 per head while the zipline costs
280 per ride.
With the fear of
heights and given the extreme setting of the ride, we tried to contemplate
which ride we should select. The idea is
to involve everyone because given the long ride, it is just worthy to try and
enjoy this one for this was the only thing why we were here in the first place. And after some sweet-talk, the three of us
agreed to try the cable car ride. Two of
my companions, Ron and Dimple, would like to test the water for this was their
very first time to try this kind of adventure.
I could sense a great fear, especially for Ron, because we shared the
same phobia. The only difference is I’d already tried several rides like this one and I could declare that somehow my
fear of heights had been lessened.
The excitement starts
the moment you climb the cable car.
Since it is suspended from the ground, the shakes give the prelude of
what the ride will be. Upon seeing the
height and the environment below, one can’t help but to think of the worst case
scenario. And that very thought could
really scare someone to the highest level.
We were seated facing
towards the end of the line of the cable ride.
There was no individual seat belt.
The only seat belt is being drawn across the belly of all the
riders. An iron railing, which is also
part of the cable car, is drawn closer to the riders in order to limit their
mobility space. This creates an enclosure
in order to safeguard the riders against untoward movements that could
jeopardize their ride. Lastly, a crew
will accompany and supervise the riders thru and fro the ride.
The feeling of having a
company in a ride like this one makes a big difference. It is like drawing your strength from your
company. Though you know that the ever
present fear that you feel cannot be remedied by anyone, still, by having a
company draws some comfort in the process.
In any form of
suspended ride, a couple of seconds after the release is the most feared
moment. For those who have acrophobia,
it feels like a part of you suddenly detached and the fear itself is like death
about to happen.
With the setting of the
cable car ride in Agas-Agas, the height of the ride is a major factor for
fear. By looking at the scene below
which is more than one kilometer in depth, any untoward accident would mean
death in the waiting. And together with
the rocking motion of the cable car as it descend, adds more fear one could ever
imagine.
Ron and Dimple screamed
after the release. I could hear Ron
screaming in a manner where fear had overpowered him. Again, this experience was no joke for Ron
because he has fear of heights and at the same time, it was his first time for
this kind of ride. I really admired his
courage considering that it was his first time and this is one of the extreme cable
ride in the country.
After several seconds
in the air, we were already chatting about our current experience. The moment the pace of the ride was
normalized, Ron and Dimple were all smiles every time I took their
pictures. We were all happy because the
scariest part of the ride was over except for one thing – don’t ever look down. It was much better to look around rather than
looking down because you might not like the scene below. That is, if ever you’ll fall, that will be
your last scream. Hehe. But so far, according to the people manning the ride,
all riders are able to finish their rides safe and sound. Even with the consolation coming from our
guide, Ron was still clinging to his dear life with his hands tightly squeezing
the iron bar and the seat belt. Dimple
on the other hand was more relaxed.
It took us at least 5
minutes to reach the other end of the cable car ride. Once we passed the steep slope right after
the bridge, it was already a smooth ride and all of us were more relaxed. You can’t imagine the sigh of relief once the
ride slowed down. Though we were still
up in the air, most likely more than 800 meters high, it was nevertheless a
consolation that the rush was over. But
it was still an agonizing moment especially for Ron to endure, because the
moment you look down, the scene below is like a disaster patiently waiting to
happen.
Since it is a cable car
ride, the ride is a two-way process. The
challenge already passed us and for the second time around, it was like a walk
in the park. We were thinking that way but another surprise was waiting for us.
Our ascend was a bit
slower compared with the first ride.
After several meters from the lower base, it seemed that the cable car
had stopped. Ron and Dimple were caught
by surprise. Ron, with his fear of
heights, shout fearfully with his eyes closed and his hands firmly holding the
iron bar and the seat belt. He feared
that we will be going back to the lower base.
Our guide told us that it is a normal process because the operator at
the upper base changed gear because the ride is in the ascend.
The second time the
gear shifted, we were already halfway of the ride. This time around, the cable car made a
rocking motion which made Ron shout again.
We were laughing at him because his face can’t be painted. It seemed that his fear grows intense every
time he felt uncomfortable all throughout the ride.
Being suspended in the
air and with the fear already brushed aside, Dimple and I shared the same view
that it would be a good idea to have this kind of relaxing moment from time to
time. If only it is affordable to have this
kind of thing in your own backyard, it is something worth having for. Up here
and more one kilometer above the ground, was like having the same
experience as the birds. And as you look
around, the whole place is a liberating and relaxing one.
We safely set foot on
the very platform where we had our descend earlier. The sigh of relief was evident for all of us
but the rewarding feeling of conquering the ride was overwhelming. It was something worth remembering for all
throughout our lifetime. It was an
experience to behold and something to be proud of since it does not happen
every day. And only if there’s a
certificate for this ride, then, it will be worth displaying.
After getting off the
cable car, Ron was still clinging to the iron fence for some time. His legs were still shaking and weary because
of the ride. And yes, he was proud of
his accomplishment.
After our cable ride, I
was having trouble considering the zipline.
Everyone was egging me to try it but I was not so sure about the
ride. Though I bravely conquered three
zipline rides in different places already, this one in Agas-Agas is a death
defying one. As time passed by, my fear
and doubt grew intense.
Before our cable car
ride, I really wanted Ron to try the zipline with me. Since we already finished the cable car ride,
I did not expect him to ride the zipline anymore. He exclaimed that no matter what will happen,
even if he will be called a chicken, he will not give in to the ride. I perfectly understand him for I was like him
before. It felt like fear is eating you
alive.
Our guide in the cable
car volunteered to accompany me in the zipline.
They kept on telling me that my experience will not be complete if I’ll
miss the zipline ride. I really wanted
to but since I was having second thoughts, I beg off. Anyway, we will be passing the same route in
going home. I need to buy some time if I
really wanted to try it afterwards.
The moment we left
Agas-Agas, there was a feeling of being incomplete. Yes.
The zipline ride haunted me. With
the missed opportunity, I know that this may not happen again. And if ever I will not experience the zipline
ride, my whole experience and story will never be complete. I was hoping that upon our return, I will be
brave enough to try this ride.
Before our cable ride
and on our way towards the ride, we saw a signage across the street in
Agas-Agas about Kuting Reef. A friend of
Dimple told her that it is a beautiful place.
Since we were already along the area and it will take us more than an
hour to get there, we agreed to give it a try.
They were excited likewise to this unplanned trip.
We don’t have any
intention to check-in. We wanted to find
out and try their amenities like kayaking, snorkeling, and zipline. For walk-in visitors, the kayak ride is 200
pesos per hour. Whereas, for clients who
will check-in, the kayak ride is free for the duration of their stay. Kayaking is fun in this place because if the
sea is rough, there is a river to turn to.
There is a river located at the boundary of this place and its water
freely flows to the sea. From the looks
of it, it is calm and steady and it reflects the color of the green environment. And for an inexperienced one, this would be a
perfect place to learn kayaking.
Well, never mind the
sea shore and the sea. From the words of
Dimple, there was nothing spectacular about the beach. It looked so ordinary and there are some
resorts that have far better shore lines compared with this one. And plus the fact that we were not able to
bring some extra clothes, we were not prepared for a swim. Actually, if we really wanted to have a quick
dip, it would be possible that time at no cost at all. In order to relax ourselves of the long
drive, we simply content soaking our feet on the river water closest to the sea
while enjoying a good massage from its sands.
We inquired from their
desk about the other amenities of the place like the zipline, snorkeling, and
the zoo. They have posters along the way
about their amenities and we were looking forward about it. We learned that their place is a holding area
only. Their so-called amenities are tie
ups and their clients are given discounted rates. The cable car and zipline are the ones
located at Agas-Agas which we passed earlier.
Their diving site is in Burgos that belongs to another resort. The zoo is located in Maasin. But if you are looking for an excellent place
to stay, Kuting Reef is indeed a desirable one.
After our short stay at
Kuting Reef, we decided to go home for it was nearly three o’clock in the
afternoon. Given a 180 kilometer ride,
it will be already dark the moment we get home.
Along the way, I told Ron and his family that I wanted to try the
zipline upon our return. They were also
excited about my change of heart. I kept
on telling myself that it could be now or never. Whatever happens, I must take the ride.
Agas-agas
Kuting Reef
Nice trip!!!
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed. Tnx for the comment.
ReplyDelete