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God's own country

By Chen Liang (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-10-23 09:08

When I opened the window the next morning, I was treated to a sight of blue oceans, coconut fronds and white sandy beaches. Listening to the chirping of birds and the sound of waves lapping at the beach, I felt truly distanced from the hustle and bustle of Beijing.

The first stop on our island-hopping excursion for the day was Hilutungan Island, just a half-hour boat ride from the hotel.

From our boat, we could see colorful coral reefs on the floor of the sea and schools of tropical fishes swirling through them through clear waters.

None of us could resist the temptation to go snorkeling. I saw bright purple anthias, multi-colored butterfly fishes and sweetlips, tiny striped catfish, blue and yellow parrot fishes and many other species that challenged my limited knowledge of marine life.

Feeling the scorching sun sear my back, I dived deeper only to be greeted by the sight of even more beautiful corals dotting the bottom of the sea and the sun penetrating the crystal-clear water, playing its magic on them.

I chanced upon a troop of six big groupers, nearly half a meter long, that dwarfed the other fish around our boat. Following them around, sometimes from just one or two meters away, was truly intoxicating.

Soon it was noon and time to head for lunch at another island.

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