Secret cove beyond the rocks and waves

 BELOW the rugged cliffs and ledges and beyond the rocky shoreline of Marine Beach at the eastern coast of Saipan is a cave-like spot that would catch the eye of adventurers.
I’ve been to Marine Beach several times before but did not think that behind the huge rocks is a cove perfect for a photo shoot, until a week ago.
The small cove is concealed and you won’t even know it’s there. The tide was out when I and a couple of buddies waded through ankle-deep water at the very right end of the beach facing the water. Picking our way through the slippery and moss-covered rocks was a challenging feat, especially if you are protecting your camera but the hardship made it all the more appealing.
When we reached the very end of the first rock, it seemed like a dead end and there was no more way out except to wade in deeper water and go around but to the left was a small narrow enclosure—so narrow that we have to crawl our way out. The opening led to another section like a small rocky chamber which goes all the way up to the top of the cliff. Direct sunlight poured down from the small opening above, making the area look like a small grotto.
Framed by the huge rocks, the view from the enclosure was stunning. You can see the huge sprays of water on the cliffs at the far end of the beach, a contrast to the soothing splashes of the rivulets flowing around the toward the enclosure we were in.

There was more beyond, but we dare not venture further. It was too dangerous. A few meters from where we were, huge waves go up as high as the cliffs and roll back to the sea with such force that threaten to carry off anyone and anything in its path.
For a moment, everything suddenly seemed to come to a standstill and suddenly, the tide was slowly coming in. We hurried back to the shore before our entrance point will be filled with water.
I’ve seen what Marine Beach was like during high tide and during times when the wind blew so strong that standing on your feet became almost impossible. I’ve witnessed members of the rescue team holding on to ropes and fighting a losing battle the strong current in search of a lost fisherman. It was hard to imagine that the peaceful and still beach we were on that Saturday noon was the same beach that shows unimaginable fury at times.
Marine Beach is an ideal place to spend a day out. The place has picnic shelters and tables, restrooms, an outdoor shower and BBQ pits and a long stretch of white albeit rocky beach line but the waters speak differently.
There is none of the gentle splashing of the waves on the shores to lull you to relaxation there but waves so strong and huge that could sweep you out to the sea any minute.
And oh, if you dare adventure to that secret cove beyond the rocks, make sure it is low tide and as the locals say, ask permission from the spirits of the land and water first before venturing there.

Basking in absolute freedom at Jim's Island

Imagine yourself sprawled on a bench in an unspoiled stretch of shoreline, as if you don't have a care in the world.

Allow yourself to be lulled to sleep by the crashing of the waves on the shore, or the chirping of crickets on the trees.

Light a bonfire at night, gather round it and swap stories with your companions like the old days before electricity existed.

Camp on the shore or sleep under the stars.

Swim, dive or snorkel in the sea's green depths.

Enjoy absolute freedom for a night, weekend or even a whole week.

Absolutely no rules.

Experience all these at Jim's Island Beach Club, a perfect hideaway safely tucked in a cove at Sitio Libod in Barangay Tagbaobo along the coastal areas at the other side of Igacos, directly facing the province of Davao Oriental.At Jim's Island, one gets to experience a totally different resort, as if one is transported back to primordial times where he can bask in the sun and enjoy the sea minus the blaring noise of videoke machines and other modern conveniences that comes with the advent of electricity.It gives one a chance to enjoy a candle-light dinner and be re-acquainted with gas lamps to find to light your way at night.

Jim's Island provides the chance to commune with nature, or simply grab the rare chance to "bond" with your family, friends, co-employees.The Honda car Francis Arji, the son of resort manager Araceli Pe Benito was driving speedily ate up the 17-kilometer stretch of road from Penaplata and in 25 minutes, we were there."Wow!" was all I ever said upon reaching the place. I couldn't stop uttering yet another 'wow' as I ventured into the almost deserted beach. Little did I imagine that behind the developed resorts of Igacos vying and competing against each other lies a fabulous and perfect get-away for a totally different experience.

The feel of the place really got into me that I hated to leave but reality beckons and we have to go. We wrapped up the whole experience by stopping over at Punta del Sol to enjoy the sunset before finally heading back to Davao City.The unique experience that Jim's Island can offer need not remain a figment of your imagination because it's just a phone call or a text message away.Accomodation:Customers can either pitch their tents or rent the two-room apartelle for P2,000 a day good for 10 persons.

The apartelle is equipped with modern bathroom facilities in each room complete with flowing water, a superb porch that lets you inhale the seabreeze but minus the convenience of electricity (the lack of electricity makes your get-away totally different but arrangements could be made if it's that necessary). Entrance fee for day tour is only P20 per person and P40 per person for overnight stay.Visitors can either bring or cook their own food or make other arrangements with the management.Getting there:Jim's Island Beach Club is accessible by car or by boat.

Travel by charter boat takes 2 hours from Sta. Ana wharf, passing through several scenic and breath-taking resorts of Igacos at a very affordable price of P5,000 roundtrip good for 58 persons (or just P86.25/person).For an additional of P3,000, customers can avail of another two-hour trip back to Sta. Ana wharf passing through the other side of Igacos. In short, the whole fee can allow a customer to go island hopping around the whole island.For inquiries and reservation, contact Celi Pe Benito at tel. no. 301-4018, Davao booking office at Tel. nos. 221-2121, 305-3838, 305-2020, or cellphone nos. 0917-7006253 and 0910-2993388.