The West of Cebu

This is completely different from most of my previous posts. But a viable alternative for divers coming from Moalboal and who can't go up through the Trans Central Highway back to Cebu city just yet - due to incomplete decompression time.

Just a few hours away from Moalboal is Balamban - home to the largest shipbuilding yard in the Philippines, where Tsuneishi Heavy Industries puts out these large ships once every twenty three days.

Courtesy of Col.Clarence Martinez

And just a few minutes away is a well put "dude ranch" for cowboy wanna be's wanting to ride them thar trails.

Photo courtesy of Col. Clarence Martinez

Cavalier 83 Horse Ranch is a rest house, a quaint ranch and home to five quarter horses and a young foal, where visiting riders and wanna be riders can come to for a weekend of "horsing around".

The first day is devoted to learning about horses, how to treat them properly and how to mount, dismount and ride them within a contained space.

The next day is a full day on horseback, riding the trails around the undeveloped side of Balamban, where roads are not paved, the trails are not clear and the air is fresh and sweet.

Photo courtesy of Col. Clarence Martinez

The ranch owner made it so that during the trail rides, the barbecue lunch is prepared while the riders are moving in that direction, stopping for a quick lunch break and going back to the trails for the remainder of the day, before going back to unwind before leaving Balamban for the city and taking a great memory of horseback riding along.

Photo courtesy of Col. Clarence Martinez

The weekend visits are privately arranged and visitors should not expect more than airconditioned rooms, a campsite for large groups, rustic outdoor cooking - but with freshly picked vegetables grown organically on the premises - and lots of fresh air, less tech and more talk and great memories.

Courtesy of Col. Clarence Martinez