Nature Tripping Vigan
Being with nature is indeed relaxing and invigorating, the very state we seek to attain that’s why we go on vacations. So, it is understandable that after filling our minds with enriching knowledge about the history and culture of our chosen destination and satisfying our senses with the arts, crafts and cuisine that it offers, we feel the need to search for nature hideaways or engage in nature-related activities. Most travelers’ first instinct is to ask for directions to the nearest beach. The good thing about Vigan is that it is bound by the China Sea to its West. One can just hop on a tricycle with a food pack complete with drinks and enjoy a day at the beach. Vigan’s Mindoro Beach is clean and complete with beach huts.
Though, it is surrounded by a fishing barangay, it is almost isolated during weekdays. One can walk along its three-kilometer beach undisturbed. A swim in its waters is also a treat as its sandy floor are smooth and free from corals. Another place to do some communing with nature is the Mira Hills Municipal Ecological Park in Barangay Pagburnayan, near the place where they make the sought-after Vigan burnay pottery.
Mira Hills is a favorite picnic spot because it is filled with trees and is home to some species of birds kept in an aviary. There is also a swimming pool and amphitheater at the park to tempt visitors to take more than just a walk and a quiet sit under a tree. Its elevated location also makes it a great place for a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding barangays, mountains and sea. Its interesting to note that within Mira Hills is located the water reservoir that has supplied the city’s water needs from the time of the American colonization. If you think you still have not had enough green, a visit to the Hidden Garden is recommended. It is actually a private garden that its owner opened up to the public.
It is a compound found just at the edge of the city and is filled with beautiful plants thoughtfully landscaped by its owner who does this as a profession. Visitors can walk in and enjoy the cool and serene atmosphere, sit in one of the wooden benches or the garden chairs and take shelter in the shade. After a tour of Hidden Garden, visitors can also partake of the food that are served to those who want to stay longer and take their lunch or snacks in the midst of all the greenery. Visitors may also take home some of the greens as some of the bonsai plants, fortune plants, hanging plants and others are actually for sale at very affordable prices.