Location: San Pascual, Masbate, Philippines
My trip to Animasola Island is just a part of my Burias group of islands trip package. 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)
Animasola Island was our first island destination on our Day 2 of this tour package. That is, we had an overnight stay in Alibijaban Island of San Andres, Quezon province. From there, our boat took us almost 2 hours to reach this destination.
The rock formation shown in the picture may look small but it is massive and high. It took me so much time to wait to capture it without photobombers. One by one or by groups, excited tourists are alternating taking their picture on its crown head.
This island's name marker is found at the opposite end of the rock formation shown on the first three pictures. On this part of the island has a narrow white sand patch to enjoy a clear water swim.
Near the iconic rock formation is like a basin filled with clear sea water where one can enjoy a swim. Actually, Animasola is just an islet. It is just small. However, you will be amazed of its beauty. There are no structures built in the islet except with a comfort room near the island's name marker. By that time we were there, I have not seen any vendor. No wonder, it is so hot there and there is no part where one can have a refreshing shade from the searing heat of the sun.
I was really enticed to scale the island's massive rock walls but our boatmen advised us not to do so because some of the rocks are slippery and unstable to hold on.
The beach front where the crown head rock formation erects has no white sand patches. However, the clean water is still very inviting to swim. You can clearly sea the sea bed as you swim on it.
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.
