First Impression of Jomabo

The destination for October was a little Island named Jomabo. We had heard about it 4 years ago when we first came to the Philippines but couldn't ever really research enough about it to confidently make the trip. We finally decided that it was time with it being so close to where we live it could be a relaxing weekend with little travel time. Since the Jarman's were back from their time in Canada we thought it would be fun to all go together to experience Jomabo for the first time. The travel there was easy. Just a short drive lining the northern coastline of Negros Island and then a short 20 minute boat ride heading east to Jomabo Island. We were coming out of a few rainy days and the showers had only stopped that morning but the boat ride was calm and the sun was breaking through the clouds as we loaded all our things. I think the kids all enjoyed being out of the car and watched the boat break through the water moving around and watching for the beach they had been counting down to see.

As soon as the boat docked we were lead to our cottages where my kids literally ripped off their clothes, slid into their swimsuits and ran for the water. Thankfully by this time (noon) the sun was shinning and it was getting H.O.T.

The cottages were a fair size. We didn't really know what to expect because for Canadian prices they were super cheap so we were pleasantly surprised to find these huge cottages right on the beach all ready for us. Both had 2 huge bedrooms with multiple beds, a kitchen and a sitting area to eat along with a bathroom. The island's power is only generator supplied so we only had fans available from 5:30pm-7am but that was a step up from Apo Island and with the windows and doors open there was this amazingly cool breeze blowing through so I didn't miss the air conditioning. We spent the whole day outside anyway with the exception of Madison's nap.
There wasn't much to the tiny island... just a few trees in the center to offer some shaded tables to eat under and a couple of cottages that looked like they were never finished. At one point you could stand in the middle of the island and see the sea in every direction with a few sandbars off in the distance. There was a little hotel that offered a few small air conditioned rooms off the beach and in the shade, an old run down basketball court and a nice swing under a large tree. The highlight for the kids was one of the 'Jomabo Boats' that was up on the beach. They played in that thing whenever we told them they had to get out of the sun for a while. Another great thing was that between us Beattie's and the Jarman's, there was no one else on the island. Well except for the employee's that laid around in hammocks and watched the television when the power was switched on. VERY private.

As the afternoon got later and the tide started to roll out there was this sand bar that was forming just in front of our cottages. It went out forever and the kids were running up and down it, back and forth splashing in the water and seeing how far they could go out. Even Maddy and Scarlett made their way out there and splashed around in the water while the older kids played. The day was so hot and the kids had so much fun playing with Isabelle on the beach. It was nice and shallow so they could go out quite far without getting scared. Because it was so shallow for so far the water was warm like a hot bath. It was unbelievable how nice and warm it was but it sort of sucked because you would get all hot in the sun and go for a swim to cool off although the warm water offered no relieve (I know, you all feel so sorry for us). All in all the first day was nice and relaxing. By the time the sun went down I think we were all ready for bed. Something about that hot sun that drains the energy out of you, that and staying up all night to work and then staying up all day to get your family safely to the beach! Poor Ryan.