A Bangka to Bohol: Adventures in Philippine Travel

The small wooden boat sat virtually motionless on the glassy sea, the sun beating down insistently amidst the sudden silence that was almost overwhelming after long hours of the roar of the boat engine.  The other passengers and I sat waiting patiently while the boatman refueled the engine.  He leaned over the engine pouring fuel out of a jerry can, his lit cigarette hanging precariously above the fumes wafting from the gas tank.  After making it this far, I sat there waiting for the end to come in a fiery blast of engine parts, strangers’ dirty clothes, and random fishing gear.  Not to mention my fellow travelers.

In terms of “real adventure,” our journey from Camiguin to Bohol probably doesn’t count for a lot. But, it certainly added a bit of unexpected variety to our holiday and illustrates the serendipitous moments that can occur if you remain flexible and open to the possibilities of travel.

Darin Rogers is a freelance photographer, writer, and part-time engineer.  Originally from the US, he is currently based in Darwin, Australia.  You can see more of his work at www.darinrogers.net.