Underwater Love: Photos from the Best Snorkeling Spot in Batangas, Philippines

At least once every year for nearly a decade now, my family stays overnight at Dive and Trek in Batangas - although it might as well be called "Snorkel and Eat", if I was being accurate about our main activities there.

The best thing for me about Dive and Trek is how accessible the rich marine life of the area is to a non-diver - even a non-swimmer, at that. You can easily jump off the resort's dock - with or without a life vest - and already view schools of fish and colorful reefs!

Jump in and read more about the world beneath the surface at Dive and Trek resort after the cut!

Snapshots: Dip Your Feet In The Water, Literally, Bali, Indonesia

This time I'm sure this is Edell!

Snapshots: Random Friend, Bali, Indonesia

I can't figure out which one of my friends this is - my guess is Edell, or probably Rissee? It's hard to tell with the mask and with her being only slightly submerged and all.

Snapshots: I Found Nemo in Dive n Trek, Batangas

These fish are so photogenic, I always manage to get a nice photo of them.

Snapshots: I Don't Think You're Ready For This Jelly, Dive N Trek, Batangas

I got stung by jellyfish over the weekend. :( I had just gotten in the water, and it wrapped itself around my right arm. It stung like crazy! Although my bigger concern was if it was gonna leave scars. It turned out okay, but my right arm is still red and slightly swollen.

I read in "The Beach" about a lake in Palawan where there were jellyfish that did not sting people when they came in contact with them. Because they had survived in that lake for ages without intruders and other potential threats, they had evolved and lost their ability to sting. Fascinating, yes?

Snapshots: RIP My Underwater Camera

My underwater camera gave up on me when we went surfing! Need a new one. Which is why I'll be posting my favorite underwater photos this week, in memory of my once trusty waterproof cam. Hope you like 'em!

That's Tiffy in the photo by the way - Tiffy I miss you! Let's travel soon. :)

Snapshots: Dive N Trek, Batangas

Fish photos! I'm so glad I invested on an underwater camera.

Snapshots: Sunset At Dive N Trek, Batangas (Plus an underwater picture!)

My first sunset of the summer! And one I took from the province where I grew up - Batangas, Philippines. For holy week, I went with my family on our annual beach trip to Dive N Trek resort, and was rewarded with this!

I've so much to post but not the time to do it, but I'll try to squeeze it in as soon as I can. For instance, I really want to write a post about my first beach trip of the year with family at Dive N Trek, a resort in Bauan, Batangas (thank you Ms. Medz for the correction!). Dive N Trek is known for its easily accessible snorkeling locations - you literally just jump off the dock and BAM! Underwater Paradise fit for a National Geographic documentary - and on our trip this year I got to take some pictures with my underwater camera. Here's a preview:

I got stung by jellyfish (and probably other tiny sea creatures as well) and have all these creepy marks on my arms (I think it's about time I invest on a rash guard) but it was totally worth it. I just love being in the water and being able to swim freely. I'm the kind of person who rarely stays still (again, blame it on my Type 7 personality) and my mind is always working, thinking, asking questions, getting ideas, but when I'm in the water swimming freely, without a life vest and armed with just a pair of goggles, wading in deep waters and seeing the seabed meters away from my feet as I explore a wide expanse of coral and marine life, I feel calm and experience a certain kind of peace I don't often experience. I think nothing relaxes me more than being in the water.

I'll post more pictures and share more stories soon, I promise!