The Philippine Mangroves - Pilar, Siargao, Surigao del Norte

During our stay at one of the Homestays at Pilar, Siargao (Surigao del Norte) Philippines the backyard seaside cottage hut was an unforgettable hangout place for us visitors. Every day, I would marvel at the exquisite view offered by the chuckling waves of the sea nearby and the view of serene mangroves across at a stone’s throw away. While endlessly immersed at such a beauty of the island I couldn’t help myself with the mysteries of what lies among the shrub greeneries. Fortunately for me, the resident of the house who I quickly became friends with offered me to go canoeing with him there to explore the area and find answers to my curious mind.

I was quick to put on my hooded sweatshirt and water socks given to me by my cousin. The next few minutes were to be one of the wonderful moments of my island stay.

The Homestay backyard cottage hut at seaside we used to hang out on lazy afternoons pre-sunset.

The mangroves as viewed from the nipa hut cottage.

Approaching the mangroves on a canoe.

The homestay resident, Otik, on the paddles to skillfully maneuver the canoe as we got inside the maze of shrubs.

The eerily serene but beautiful mangroves as we paddled further among the thicket.

Me holding fast to the canoe's hull to keep the balance. I was a little bit tense of the unknown creatures that must be lurking somewhere.