A lovely beach to self and cats  – 03.25.16

Having missed my scheduled trip to ZAMAMI ISLAND the day before due to bad weather, the following day I took my chance at a ride to the island. It was off the original plan of having the night to stay but I was still happy with this decision as I got myself an entire strip of beach with one of the best kind of blue. It was off-season for swimming so I just walked around with my coat on and played with cats who were approaching me as they were probably hungry.

I told myself I would come back and fortunately had the chance a few months after this trip – same spot but totally different vibe as that was summer.

Prior to boarding at the ferry station

I was early at the station that some of the counters were still closed and those open had a short line. I lined up even while the counter is closed as I thought this can be tricky though because they do accept online reservations.

I guess my fate for that day was different though because I was able to get space for one of the earlier trips to Zamami.

Even with limited English, staff was helpful to tourists that they provide maps and schedule (including return trips) – on top of the many brochures available on different stands.

As overnight stay in the islands is possible, lockers are available so one need not to bring all luggage to the islands

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Missing the port is very unlikely as it is directly across a certain exit from the ticket building. Just make sure to take the right ferry as there are several destinations departing from the port.

Transport for that day

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Packed meals at the station for the hungry

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On-board for almost an hour

I have been to several ships / ferries locally within my home country Philippines but it’s always a new experience each time. For this trip, there’s a unique passenger section that I specifically liked –  this platform where  people can freely sit or lie down on whichever space. Being in a crowded place is not always favored but I like that one as that is a test to one’s concept of personal space.

An option is to sit at the middle section where there are comfortable seats

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For those wanting some breeze, there are these seat options too

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But this would have to be my favorite space.

(This was before the crowd though)

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Happy, ugly feet

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Found my spot

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… and in my spot, I was beside this little boy who was playful (“makulit”) but sweet towards his mom

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Even though I liked that space inside, I couldn’t help but still experience the ride from the deck. Trusting the people seated next to me, I left my bag on my spot and went out. I found myself a seat by the bench and had time to see islands and even update my journal.

Grey and white

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Pointed 

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Before Zamami was this quick drop-off in Aka Island

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My memory fails me but I think this would be Aka Island as wel

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Someone’s curious

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Hello, Zamami!

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So little time in Zamami

Arrived in Zamami around noon and immediately hopped on a bus for a quick ride to Furuzamami Beach. The bus actually had two destinations on opposite direction but given the limited time I have, I had to choose one.

From the port took the bus to Furuzamami Beach

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Had the bus to myself

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While I knew it was off-peak, I did not expect that there was literally no other human on the beach itself when I arrived. After a few minutes, I saw another solo tourist who was about to leave and a couple from a distance but for most of the time, I had the place to myself.

Immediately welcomed by cats

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… and just this view

Immediately my heart goes to the color of the water – one of the best I have seen then and probably until now. It was so clear that one can see the patches of coral or seagrass from afar. There were soft waves and some surfing rentals told me that during its peak, this could probably a busy spot for surfing and other water activities.

Attempts to capture everything that was surrounding me

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I ended up buying sleepers because I had my feet dirtied

Mandatory selfie 😛

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And more of the amazing blue : 

I knew I couldn’t stay long that after finishing my beer, I had to go back to port to catch the 2PM boat. (Boohoo, I know).

Someone picked these shells but forgot about it

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😀

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For reference for those who surf

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Finishing my last sips of this

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He/she maybe wants to be my beer buddy

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Please don’t be grumpy

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Got beer? 

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As bare as the branches

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I thought this will be my goodbye with the cats but you’ll see later that they will walk with me a few steps on path back to port

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Signs of activity on some other time

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But for now, there’s none

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Walking me back

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Back at the port too soon

I tried to go back on foot but when I saw the bus coming, I funnily walked my way back to the beach because I had no trust to my self that I would remember the way. I ended up realizing though that it is impossible to get lost as it was a mere straight route.

Bus beside the tourism office / souvenir shop

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Flowers in bloom amidst a cloudy day

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Even this outdoor cafe is empty

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For that quick happy time

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Those who leave

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Brought Furuzamami sand with me

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Those left behind

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Ferry shared with these buddies

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Back to grey

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Afternoon snoozefest

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Some meaty soup after some chilly time at the beach

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Back to the (almost) jungle

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I was back in Naha about half an hour before five – a rather quick dash to the beach but one that was worth it.

I promised then I will be back and indeed I was.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Kristina Correa (or more known to almost all people in her life as Teng) is based on the city of Manila in the Philippines and whenever she can, cools off with routine and gets her doses of happy someplace else. She doesn’t mean to inform and help plan (as obvious with her laziness with details) but hopes her stories and photos can inspire you to create your own.