A Terrible Experience at Malatapay - Apo Seaport, During My Vacation to Dumaguete

Touristang Pobre

I didn't know what to write here (for now) until I recalled my bad experience at Malatapay Seaport. I could name some bad experiences such as having to pay PHP 10.00 for a very dirty "comfort" room. Another was with my experience with the pumpboat (often called bangka) towards Apo Island.

I went to Apo Island (with a group) hoping to see the turtles. We were told to be back at 11:00 A.M. However, moving from the sea back to the boat takes time. What the people did was unthinkable. The group (including myself) left our stuff in the boat, because of the high tide. We went back at 11:05 and the boat left us, without even telling us. I fell into panic as some important things I had, were in the boat. Like what? The group leader didn't hesistate to scold the people in charge of the port, for their gross negligence. There were people's things inside. We could've paid for the overtime fee. Instead, they left because of another group. We weren't even informed of that!

The Department of Tourism (DOT) needs to investigate this incident. This is a danger not just to our group but also to any future tourists. It was gross negligence on the part of the ferry. Why did it leave the people stranded on the island, while their things were in the boat? This is really bad for business. Any bad review (with witnesses, added) can backfire pretty badly.

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