Deserted beach exploration during COVID-19 crisis

Last Updated on October 27, 2024 by Ellen

I recently mentioned how I’ve missed our ‘normal’ vagabonding lifestyle; the coronavirus restrictions have prevented our ‘usual’ daily life in foreign lands.

But now that the various quarantines are over here in Malay, Aklan on Panay island in the Philippines, we are again free to live and enjoy the simple pleasures that our slow travel itinerary afford us.

In the last week I’ve gotten a bike tire repair, checked out the local cemetery, shopped at four or five small, reopened food retailers, and interacted with numerous friendly local Filipinos.

Today, another of my favorite activities: visiting a beautiful, secluded, rarely-touristed waterfront and beach.

Deserted beach exploration

Tap maps to enlarge.

Yes, the world-famous Boracay White Beach is just a couple miles across the water from us. And I have been over there on a kayak trip to check it out while it is closed to the public.

But during our long-term stays in different countries, I often prefer the quiet, overlooked, unexplored beaches more than the well-known hot spots.

Today I meandered by bicycle west along the shoreline of Malay out towards the very most north-west point of this island, Panay. Wow! Gorgeous!

It reminded me of other truly out-of-the-way locations that we’ve visited over the years. Punta Allen near Tulum, Mexico. Isla Ometepe in Nicaragua. Komodo in Indonesia. And all the better now because the small resorts that do exist nearby are closed and deserted due to the pandemic.

Indeed, the Palhi Resort looks like a charming and peaceful place. But their beachside tiki bar and restaurant was locked up tight.

the palhi resort on malay point locked up on tedly's deserted beach exploration

Further up the coastline, one of the nicest seaside grave sites I’ve ever seen. And around the rocky point, an amazing private property with spectacular
beachfront for photos.

left, seaside cemetery; right, deserted waterfront

Meanwhile, I’m basically the only human being around to enjoy it all. I spent a good hour poking along, taking photos, marveling at nature’s beauty – and planning a longer visit.

As the sun was getting low, I made my way back east towards the lightly populated edge of Malay town. At a tiny waterfront convenience store, I ordered a cold beer while watching sunset. Around me, a few fishermen and children splashed in the sea. As I rode toward home, a property owner engaged me and invited me back another time for shots and beer. I’ll be there, Robby, thanks!

Another simple, beautiful, unforgettable afternoon on our endless vagabond journey. Exactly what we seek out and treasure.

left, tedly has a beer during his deserted beach exploration; right, sunset

As always, be thankful and generous, happy trails, & more beer.

Life is NOW!

Thanks for reading, “Deserted beach exploration during a pandemic.”

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