Silent world below sea level: Coral Garden at Talikud Island

Oh, hi down there!

Lately we discovered a new world - some 12 feet beneath the sea level. A world made of mountains of blue, white, green, yellow stony corals, sea anemones and zoantharias that are home to a various number of sea animals. Far away from the city we find the scenic, yet silent beauty at Talikud island: the Coral Garden.

Me and my sister Heidi

We signed up for a beginner's course at Carabo Scuba Diving Center for P850. We were taken with a boat at 9am at Sasa Wharf to the open waters near Talkid Island. This is a estimated boat ride of 45 minutes.

a beautiful pic by Blogie Robilio

When we first heard that the course might only take some 30 minutes, we were quite sad. But would you imagine, that time down there seems to stand still? It felt like an hour or more. I guess, being the first time down there sharpens your senses tremendously and all the impressions of colors and animals leaves you alarmed. All you want it to soak the vibrant view in.

Saying hi to Nemo and his family

Talking about breath-taking... The breathing aspect was a fight we had to battle within us. Carrying a heavy, full Scuba (which m Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) equipment did not make it easy at all. Good thing, a dive master accompanies one down and gives instructions per hand signs on what to do and what you are allowed to touch. The whole group was superbly instructed about what scuba is and how to use the equipment correctly. According to the dive master, there are two important rules we should keep in mind while being below the sea level: "breath and have fun."


We definitely had fun! And great shots to remember!

Around lunch time, we rested at a nearby resort with white sand on Talikud island. The food could be ordered ahead; at affordable Davao prices.

A downside of the trip, we were scheduled with the advanced divers. What should have been an undertaking in the morning, stretched til the afternoon. We arrived back at 4pm. I hope they could do such trips exclusively for beginners so that it does not become tiring.

Rating:

To inquire about scuba diving, get in touch with:

Carabao Dive Center
D1 F. Hermanos Bldg. Sta. Ana Wharf, Monteverde St., Davao City
call: 082 300 1092
or visit: http://cdc.e-davao.com