By Nikka Garriga
DIPACULAO, AURORA PROVINCE–An hour away from the surfing capital of Baler is the coastline of Ampere, locally known as the Bunga Point.
The long-stretch of Ampere Beach is covered mostly by smooth rocks in various sizes and colors and crushed corals.
While the clear, bluish waters may draw you in for a swim or perhaps a dive, most visitors are advised not to do so because of the huge waves that lap the shore.
Past the huge boulders of rock is a spot called the Okoton Cave. Locals lock here to determine the weather-based on the sound produced when the strong Pacific Ocean waves hit the shoreline.
Local lore has it that the louder the “explosion”, the more intense or harsh the weather would be in their area.
I have to say that, for a first timer, threading the rocks leading to Ampere Beach put me off since the afternoon heat can make the stones hot. You would have to walk with a sturdy pair of slippers or even hiking shoes to get near the water’s edge.
Glenn Mendoza, in his blog Locomote101, posted great photos of the rocks at Ampere Beach taken just before sunrise.
“When we arrived, it’s still dark. It’s like a gift that is covered by a gift wrap. The unknown seduces the human race. Maybe that’s the reason why we are so curious and can’t wait the sunrise. After a cup of coffee, we headed to the rocky shore.”
Christian Sangoyo, in his blog Lakad Pilipinas, also posted about the beautiful rock formation.
“Unlike most beaches where the first thing most would really like to do is to strip, run and dive into the water; swimming at Ampere would be the farthest thing from your mind. The shoreline here was littered with smooth apple-sized rocks that make walking quite a chore, absolutely no soft sandy beach here.”
However, there’s something quite comforting when you find yourself on the shore line just watching the waters form one huge wave after the other.
You can even get a glimpse of the Okotan Cave during low tide and have your own take of weather forecasting.
It is also advisable to bring mats for those who wish to enjoy the scenery while having a picnic. The sun rising and setting here can be quite a sight to behold.
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