When you say “beach” in Roxas City, you inadvertently mean Baybay – the strip of fine grey sand beach in the heart of the city dotted with resorts and seafood restaurants. It is the favorite week-end get-away destination of Roxas City residents.
Just recently, we discovered another strip of coarse off-white sand beach very near the city – Ayagao Beach
located in Barangay Talon. It is a mere 20 minute leisurely ride from
the city proper over well-paved roads (until the last 200 meters which
is rough road already). The beach also faces the Sibuyan Sea, like
Baybay beach and offers a spectacular view of the sunset.
Unfortunately, it also shares the same seasonal problem of pesky jelly
fish. But the beach and the water is so inviting especially during this
summer heat. And it isn’t as crowded as the more accessible Baybay
beach. Not yet anyway.
Getting there is fairly easy and straight
forward. Just travel out of Roxas City going to Ivisan using the Roxas
City-Ivisan Road, making sure you do not get out of the Roxas City
boundary! When you reach Baranggay Balijuagan, look out for the large
sign on the right side near the local wet market. Turn right and just
follow the road. There are enough signs to lead you to Ayagao Beach.
Have fun!
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Olotayan Island: A Romantic Getaway
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| Mini Boracay Island ( Olotayan Island ) |
Referred to as the “Mini-Boracay” in the City of Roxas, Olotayan Island is approximately an hour boat ride from Banica wharf at Roxas City,
this barangay is blessed with serene shores with white sand mixing with
corals washed ashore by strong waves, Olotayan beach offers a tranquil
and relaxing “out of the city hassles” atmosphere. With clear waters
and a rural setting, where sea waves and occasional laughter’s from kids
playing at a distance, the place is fit for honeymooners or businessmen
who wants to have “a get away” from it all. With relatively few visitors and tourists visiting the area, the place
remain as placid and native all through the years. Despite its short
distance from the city, the place have maintained its rustic view, thus
giving visitors an opportunity to be close to nature. With most native
folks still adhering to rural way of life, the most sophisticated
tourists will find ways to commune with Mother Nature and a chance to
get back to the basic of living and witness for themselves the way it
used to be with no cars or other usual city amenities available. The
residents of the island consider it as a mini Boracay because of its
crystal clear water and white sand.
Olotayan, the only island barangay of Roxas City with
estimated land area of 100 hectares, actually got its name from native
word “olo” (head) and “Tyan” (stomach). A popular legend that have
survived the passing of decades said that in the olden days a wicked
giant lived in the land and has always brought havoc and sufferings to
the inhabitants who turned to the “anitos” or “anitas” (gods or goddess)
who dwells in the land for help. Their pleas were heard and a strong
lightning hit the wicked giant which scattered his body to the sea. The
islands of Roxas City where then named after the body parts of the
giant. Thus, his head and stomach (Ulo and Tiyan) became the island of
Olotayan. Other islands like “Mantalinga” came from the Mata (eyes) and
Talinga (ears), Tuwad (Buttocks) and Sepatos (feet). There is no electricity within the island. Drinking water supply was
rationed every week from Roxas City by the Metro Roxas Water District.
If you want to visit the island you can contact the Olotayan Beach Resort
which is owned by “Dos Hermanas”: Dra. Evelyn Sicad and Mrs.
Magallanes. There are cottages and beach house with 2 rooms and sleeps
up to 4-6 people. A solar panel system generates electricity for the
resort.
Olotayan island is composed of four (4) different sitios: Puting Balas,
Look, Sawang and Capaculan. Majority of the people in the island lives
within Sawang and Capaculan sitios. The most popular among this is
Puting Balas, where Olotayan Beach Resort is located.
It could be found in the south-western part of the island. Puting Balas
100 meters shoreline is made up of white corals, shells and white sand.
This is an excellent beach for sunrise or a picnic lunch and a very
scenic or picturesque beach location.
At
present, the total population of the island is 959 more or less with 175
households. 80% of this are in the poverty threshold. Fishing is the
major industry on the island. It produces blue crabs, squid and
different variety of fish. Barter system or trade still exists in the
island.
Illegal
fishing using a trawl at the shoreline of Olotayan Island destructs and
damaged the coral reef. The island has been declared as a fish
sanctuary by the Roxas City government.
An islet in the western coastline called Magatalihan is ideal for diving. It was preserved to be a fish sanctuary of Roxas City. From this beach, you can see Napti Island and the lights from the “Peoples Park” in Baybay Beach at Roxas City during night time could be seen.
The best
time to visit Olotayan Island is during summer (March-May). Seasonal
conditions can also affect the beach itself. Strong currents and
dangerous shorebreaks in the mouth of Punta Cogon River could be
experience going to the island in the month of November and December due
to typhoon season. You have to check and observed the surf condition
at Baybay Beach before going to the island. Hire a bigger boat with
life jackets available for the passengers at the Banica Wharf.
Olotayan island
is a good place for swimming and snorkeling during calm surf. You can
also enjoy sailing, jet-skiing/flat boat riding, wind surfing,
skimboarding, fishing and also seaweed harvesting. Don’t forget to bring
your goggles, underwater camera, swimwear, first aid kits, foods and
water supply in visiting the island.
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