With our 3rd wedding anniversary approaching, Rob and I were considering a trip out to Talikud Island. The last time we visited the Philippines we spent three days on Dayong Beach, the most picture-perfect white sand beach I have ever seen. But then our friend told us about Syroedny Resort, a retreat center on Samal Island run by Russian Fruitarians. We eat a lot of fruit ourselves, so we headed out to Samal Island to find some beach time and celebrate our anniversary.
Valentina, the lady who runs Syroedny Resort, was away when we arrived. We were welcomed instead by Michael, Andrew, and Pasha. Pasha took us on the short walk to the beach, which was just across the water from a large shipping and factory warehouse, as well as a slum. I felt iffy about swimming there.
Around 10 fruitarians currently live at Syroedny Resort in an assortment of tents, wall-free grass huts, and simple rooms. We had a nice time chatting with Pasha and exchanging information about our countries. I was fascinated, and also surprised at how little I know about the world’s largest country.
We wanted to spend our anniversary on the beach, not in a compound however nice the people. Plus that night it rained and our room flooded with a half-inch of water. So the next day we took a ferry over to Talikud Island. It was just as I remembered it – the white sand, turquoise water, and empty beach. It was the perfect place for a romantic anniversary celebration.
As the day grew on, Rob started getting hungry for Red Prawn. So we packed up and took the next boat to Davao, and celebrated our three years together over Jemapis Farm’s Red Prawn. Mmmm.
To see more pictures of Talikud and Samal Islands, go to our Facebook Page.
bliss vagabond says
Now this seems like the perfect way to spend an anniversary. Cheers guys! I just ran across your website and am so excited. Durian is by far my favorite food and I've often daydreamed about traveling with durian my sole motivating factor. I love reading you posts. Truly inspirational.
fruitarianvagabond says
hope you can meet Valentina next time….maybe you can arrange a meetup at "Dfarmers" restaurant….that owner, Larry is a cool guy, he has plenty of trees to go see too.
Shelah says
Happy Anniversary!