Last May 16 to 17, I went on an Isla Jardin Del Mar trip with my high school friends. It was one of those trips that felt simple, tiring, funny, and memorable at the same time. We did not really have a complicated itinerary. The main plan was just to go to the beach, spend time together, eat, laugh, and enjoy a short break from our usual routine.
A Long Overdue Isla Jardin Del Mar Trip With High School Friends
Our call time was 5:00 in the morning, but knowing my friends, I already had a feeling that it would not happen exactly as planned. I even posted in our group chat that whoever arrived late would have to donate 1,000 pesos. Of course, we still ended up leaving our house at exactly 6:00 in the morning. Honestly, I was not even surprised anymore. That is just how it usually goes when friends plan a trip.
Around quarter to seven, we stopped at Kusina Kabacan for breakfast. We stayed there for about an hour, ate, talked, and slowly prepared ourselves for the long drive ahead. After that, we went to our friend’s house in Malungon, then we went in convoy to her partner’s house so they could leave their vehicle there before we continued the trip.
The Long Road and the Observatory Deck
On our way to the resort, we had two more stopovers. First, we bought roasted pork for lunch. Then we stopped at 7 Eleven to buy water, Coke, snacks, and utensils. At that point, I was already starting to realize that the resort was really far. I honestly did not imagine that it would feel that long.
When we finally arrived, we paid the entrance fee and went straight to what looked like an observatory deck where we could see the sea from above. The road going up there was also something else. While we were inside the car, we even joked that it felt like we were in the movie Wrong Turn because of the setting of the road we were passing through. It was funny, but at the same time, part of me was probably thinking, “Where are we going?” Still, those little jokes made the short ride to the observatory deck more fun.
The view from above was beautiful. It was a nice first stop before going down to the beach. We had our lunch there and stayed for around 30 minutes before finally heading to the beach area.
Low Tide, Pool Time, and Finally Some Salt Water
Sadly, when we arrived at the beach, it was low tide. We could not really swim, and I was honestly disappointed because we went all the way there for the beach. Since there was nothing much we could do, we ended up swimming in the pool instead.
The pool was big and nice. They also had a bar inside the pool, which made it feel more relaxing. My friend treated us to pizza and shakes. I ordered strawberry. It was decent, but nothing really special. Still, it was nice to be there, floating around, eating, and just spending time with people I have known for years.
Around 3:00 in the afternoon, we decided to leave the pool and get changed so we could head out. But when we checked the beach again, the tide had started to come in. Finally, we were able to swim in the sea.
It was not deep yet because the water was just starting to rise, but at least we were able to dip our bodies in salt water. That was enough for me. We only stayed there for less than 30 minutes, but I was still happy because at least the beach trip felt complete.
After that, we washed up, changed clothes, and started heading back to General Santos.
Checking In and Fighting Sleep
Before going to our Airbnb in Lagao, General Santos, we picked up my friend and her partner’s vehicle. Then we went to the market to buy food for our breakfast the next day. After that, we finally went to the Airbnb.
The Airbnb was nice. It had two rooms, one bathroom, and it was fully air conditioned. When we arrived, we just left our things, hung our wet clothes, and went out again to eat dinner at a popular local place in Lagao.
We ordered barbecue, fish soup, fish roe, which I do not eat, and a few other dishes that I honestly do not remember anymore because I was already so sleepy. I even fell asleep a few times while eating. It was funny, but also not surprising because I had not slept at all. I was awake for almost 24 hours because I had work before the trip.
After dinner, I tried my best to stay awake on our way back to the Airbnb. I remember saying goodbye to my friend and her partner because they were not staying with us. The last thing I remember that night was telling my friends that they could continue talking in my room. Then I went to the room that my husband and I shared and fell asleep right away.
Morning Without Electricity
I woke up pretty early the next morning. I could hear my husband talking to my friend. After a while, my husband and I went out to buy cooking oil because I forgot to bring the oil I bought the day before. We also passed by Starbucks to buy coffee, then bought medicine because I forgot to bring mine too.
When we got back, there was no electricity. Since the stove was induction and we also needed the rice cooker, we had no choice but to wait. The power came back around 7:30 in the morning, but it went out again.
While waiting, my friend arrived and brought Filipino rice delicacies. We played cards to pass the time. Finally, around 9:00 in the morning, the electricity came back and we were able to cook breakfast.
We ate, took a bath, packed our things, and by 11:00 in the morning, we left the Airbnb and started our trip back home.
A Funny Stop on the Way Home
On our way home, we bought mangoes and avocados. We also passed by someone selling raw honey. We thought it was 150 pesos, but when the change was given, it was short. I asked about it, and the seller said it was actually 250 pesos, then walked away right after.
At that point, there was nothing else I could do. We just laughed about it. Maybe that honey will always be part of the story now.
We had lunch in Digos before going to my parents’ house because I needed to give my mom her weekly injection, which I always do. After that, we finally went home.
Tired, Sleepy, But Happy
This Isla Jardin Del Mar trip was not perfect. The call time was not followed, the road was longer than I expected, the beach was low tide when we arrived, I was extremely sleepy, we had no electricity in the morning, and we accidentally bought expensive honey.
But somehow, those are the little things that made the trip memorable.
It reminded me that trips do not have to be perfect to be worth remembering. Sometimes, it is the delayed departure, random stopovers, sleepy dinners, funny road jokes, card games while waiting for electricity, and little unexpected moments that make a simple trip feel special.
I came home tired, but happy. And maybe that is enough. If you enjoy reading travel stories like this, you might also like my Zhangjiajie and Changsha trip. And if imperfect but memorable trips resonate with you, I think you will also enjoy reading about giving yourself grace.