Failed Beaches, Sunset, Brownies

I refrained from writing the blog yesterday as I knew I was too angry to do it. Siquijor is beautiful with beaches, waterfalls, and hilltop sunset spots, however, we have our issues with it.

Yesterday we did not make it onto a beach until 3:30pm. First we drove to a beach we went to a few days before. There was now a security guard saying it was for locals only and that people will steal our stuff if we go.

We went to the next beach he recommended. To get there we had to go though a hotel. There were two. First one said no can’t go through. Next one was closed for a private function meaning we couldn’t get onto the PUBLIC beach.

Every beach in the Philippines it seems you have to pay. 20 pesos here 40 pesos there, 50 pesos to park. It adds up especially with two people. Robin went behind a curtain on a tree to change. A lady comes and says 20 pesos to change. It ridiculous.

We gave up and went to a hilltop cafe for sunset. Parking 20 pesos.

The next day we went to another beach. 40 pesos each to go on the beach. 15 pesos to park the bike. 20 pesos each for wifi.

We are both sick of micro transactions. They’re not scams either. That’s just how it is in the Philippines. On a guaranteed sunny day all day it’s tolerable but if the clouds come or it starts to rain that’s money wasted. Also the Philippines has nothing indoors to do. No museums, shopping malls, indoor attractions. When it rains you are stuck in a restaurant, your room, or a bar.

Tomorrow we go to moalboal. An active place with lots to do. We hope to distract ourselves and hopefully change our opinion on the Philippines.

-M