TINALISAYAN ISLAND

Location: San Pascual, Masbate, Philippines

The adjoining sandbar of Tinalisayan Islet

This is just a part of my 2D1N Burias Islands tour where this islet is the second destination we visited on our Day 2. Burias Island is one of the three major islands of Masbate province in the Philippines. The other two major islands are Ticao Island and Masbate Island. The Island has two municipalities, Claveria and San Pascual. (Wikipedia)

Approaching Tinalisayan Islet

Even just before we landed the islet, my heart was racing with excitement on enjoying the place the most. Besides, by this time, it was just around passed 9 in the morning and the sun was not that hot yet.

Feeling like I was in another planet

The first time I did when we landed the islet was to capture a wide angle shot of the place with the sandbar at the background. Since it was still early, we were only consist of the whole group of our tour package and no other group was there.

Coconut trees were of great relief in providing shade

The islet actually is different from Animasola with rock formations and a massive hill or cliff but this one was mainly flat with its main part grown with shady coconut trees.

Improvised rock bench

There were no cottages in the islet but a couple of shanties were there for food vendors which includes selling fresh buco fruit. In the middle part of the islet is an improvised comfort room with no water supply.

A splendid beauty of mother nature waiting to be unlocked

Looking at a distance, we saw a long sandbar and it was extremely enticing to set foot on it. How can you resist the white beach sand and its clear waters on the side where one can easily have a dip with reckless abandon.

The deafening silent invitation of the sandbar had put us in motion to cross it

Each one answered the silent invitation of the sandbar. And without us knowing, our feet had been wading to cross towards it. It was indeed an intimate union with nature. All of us were just speechless witnessing how amazing our experience was.

Chasing the path of the sandbar

The soft sand was like massaging the sole of our feet as we spike through it. Soft waves caressed our feet as it glides over the water on the side. The clouds were playful enough to move in decadence of our location.

The water level is gradually rising

We really had ample time enjoying our moment. I tried to collect colorful shells. Some had just buried themselves from the sandbar and waited to be washed out by waves of the high tide gradually invading the sandbar.

Had completely strutted towards the tip of the sandbar

I tried to imagine time does not fly because I still wanted to stay and commune with alluring sandbar but high tide was unstoppable. It is slowly claiming its territory and the sandbar has no choice but to give in.

The varying hues of sea water

As compared with our stay in Animasola, we stayed longer here in Tinalisayan and the only things we did were to wade, splash, swim, snorkel and leisurely stay idle trying to stop the moment of time.

An endless swim is the major price for this awesome place

Finally, the sandbar submerged and we need to go

And the moment of truth was to leave the place. After all, the sandbar, which served to be our best friend has been eaten up by the high tide. Yes, we left with a heavy heart.

HOW TO GO THERE:

First option (By plane or bus):

Avail of a tour package online.

The remaining options are for a DIY package.

Second option: (via San Andres By bus)

Take a Superlines Bus in Cubao (southbound terminal) with a destination to San Andres (Quezon Province) with a fare around P600 for regular passengers. It will drop you to San Andres bus terminal and you have the option either to walk or take trike to San Andres Port Terminal. From there, seek the assistance of the tourism office for you to get a boat package for an island hopping to Burias islands. For cheaper accommodation, guests are booked in Alibijaban Island before proceeding for an island hopping.

Third option: (via Lucena City to San Andres by bus)

Take this bus options: Victory Liner Terminal, Jac Liner in Buendia Bus Terminal; Araneta Center Bus Port; Philtranco Terminal Pasay; Genesis Pasay Terminal; Joy Bus Cubao Terminal bound to Lucena City Grand Terminal.

From Lucena Grand Terminal, take a van or bus going to San Andres, Quezon. It will drop you to San Andres bus terminal and you have the option either to walk or take trike to San Andres Port Terminal. From there, seek the assistance of the tourism office for you to get a boat package for an island hopping to Burias islands. For cheaper accommodation, guests are booked in Alibijaban Island before proceeding for an island hopping.

Fourth Option: (via Naga City, Camarines Sur by plane)

Book a flight for Naga which will be for one hour. From the airport, take either a van or jeepney to Pasacao terminal for 1 hour drive. Then, have a short walk going to Pasacao port to get a passenger boat to San Pascaul which will be good for 2 - 3 hours sea travel.

Fifth Option: (via Naga City, Camarines Sur by bus)

You can have an option of the following buses: Bicol Isarog Bus, Penafrancia Bus, DLTB Bus, Philtranco Bus going to Naga City for a travel duration of 8 - 9 hours. From the bus terminal, take either a van or jeepney to Pasacao terminal for 1 hour drive. Then, have a short walk going to Pasacao port to get a passenger boat to San Pascaul which will be good for 2 - 3 hours sea travel.

Sixth Option: (via Masbate by plane)

Book a flight for Masbate City which will be good for one hour. From Masbate Airport, take trike going to the Fish Port for around 5 minutes. Then from the Fish Port, board a passenger boat to San Pascual which will be from 8-9 hours sea travel duration.