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Published: March 2nd 2018
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The whole surroundings was dark save for the faint light coming from distant lamp post and the muted lights in the resort's hallway. Our group was up at 4:00 in the morning and we waited for the traysi driver to pick us up and take us to town of Baras in Catanduanes.
The ride was estimated to take about forty-five minutes. However, the traysi driver wasn't too familiar with the road going to Binurong Point that we had to make several stops along the way to ask for directions. We were aiming to get to the peak of Binurong Point before sunrise so we could watch the sun make its ascent. But every stop for direction was a minute lost in making it to our schedule. But I guess it was better than totally getting lost and missing the chance of basking in the daybreak.
Finally, just a few minutes after six in the morning, we made it to the base of Binurong Point in village of Guinsaanan in the town of Baras. We were introduced to our guide Mischelle Tariman who gave us a brief account of the place and how it became a popular tourist destination in
a span of two years. It was an online post of photos of Binurong Point by Ferdie Ocol which put this spot in the netizens' consciousness. Since then, local and foreign tourists alike as well as crew of TV shows have been flocking to this picturesque place.
We noticed several vehicles parked and we were told that a couple of groups have already made their way to the peak earlier.
There was enough light as we started our thirty-minute hike which included wading in the waves crashing against rocky shores, going over big boulders, treading on a slightly broken bamboo bridge and making uphill and downward climb deep into the forest. Amidst our chatter, we heard the chirps of different kinds of birds and our guide told us that the area alone is home to many avian species. The melodious sound was a soothing start to the day.
Finally, there we were in the midst of the rolling hills under an azure sky and fluffy white clouds. We came face to face with the golden sun as it continued to make its ascent from the horizon to the thick clouds just above it. And the calm blue
sea before us broken occasionally by the white swells of waves just seemed to stretch endlessly. Oh, and did I mention how thrilled I was to see beautifully formed morning dew on the green estate? I was in awe. To be greeted with a sight like this in the morning. I had to say my prayer of praise. This has got to be one of the best morning views I ever had.
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The earlier groups were already there when we reach the peak and a few others followed after us. In this age of technology and social media, it is inevitable for people to have photos from every angle possible.
After taking photos, I continued to bask in the picturesque view and the fresh morning breeze while I continued my chat with our guide. Like how Binurong Point was named after the fishermen's process of fermenting fish (buro). Or that the place used to be a grazeland for cows but many of the cattle faced their untimely death when they fell off the precipice. Or how tourists can sometimes be irresponsible, leaving trash or defacing structures. Or that people used to camp in this area but
has been prohibited ever since the surge of tourists to this place. I also learned that Binurong Point has four viewing points but only three are open to the public as they have yet to clear the trail for the fourth point. And with the cooperation of the landowner and the village officials, there are now sixty trained local guides to Binurong Point, each guide leading two or three hikes in a week depending on the number of visitors.
When it was starting to get warm, we made our descent and had a breakfast of lumpia (spring rolls filled with beans sprouts) and camote cue (caramelized slices of sweet potato on stick) in one of the stalls at the base.
It was definitely the best ways to start the day and the people of Guinsaanan are so lucky to have this priceless view within their midst.
Entrance Fee : Php 20.00
Parking Fee : Php 10.00
Tour Guide Fee : Php 200.00 (minimum)
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non-member comment
Where did you get a trike to Binurong Point in Virac? You have a prior contact or you just did a random search?