BORACAY ISLAND ON ITS POST-REHABILITATION STATE

Location: Aklan, Philippines

The busy beachfront of Boracay all set waiting for the magnificent sunset

Boracay Island is famous not only in the Philippines but globally.  In fact, it was awarded as the 2012 Best Island in the World by the international travel magazine Travel + Leisure.  However, the island was temporarily closed on April 26, 2018 due to its worsening sewage condition, so that it can undergo a 6-month rehabilitation.

This move was made after President Rodrigo Duterte signed a proclamation that indeed, Boracay island is under the state of calamity.  Hence, it needs a 6-month rehabilitation, as an intervention to alleviate its continuous degradation.

Enjoying sunset after a busy day of island hopping and strolling

My first visits to this island was different since I always take a plane either via Aklan or Caticlan airport.  However, this post-rehabilitation visit to the island, I made use of boarding the 2Go ship of M/V Saint Ignatius of Loyola via the what we call the nautical highway. 

2Go Roro Ship: M/V St. Ignatious of Loyola

How the trip started?  We took a chartered bus from Manila to Batangas City Port with a travel duration of four hours.  From there, we boarded M/V St. Ignatius of Loyola 2Go roro ship which was an overnight trip  that lasted for 9 hours to Caticlan Jetty Port.  Our departure from Batangas City Pier was at 9:00 P.M.

What about the cost of the roro ship accommodation?

                     Type of Accommodation                   Peak Season                Lean Season
                            Supervalue                                  P1,000 - P1,200            P800 - P1,000
                            Tourist                                           1,200 -   1,500           1,000 -    1,200
                            Cabin                                             1,600 -   1,850           1,400 -    1,600
                            Suite Room (2 pax)                       3,500 -   4,500                  3,500
                            State Room (3-4 pax)                    3,500 -   4,500                  3,500

The comfortable and very clean tourist accommodation

I find this travel mode very convenient because we had a chartered vehicle which picked our group from our point of origin going to Batangas City Port and we only walked a little from the port to check-in to our roro ship and we were so rested in our accommodation.  Comparably, it was so inconvenient taking an airplane where you have to be at the airport 3 hours before because there is a long line when you check-in. Flights are always delayed.  Claiming baggage is even annoying also where you have to be in  queue waiting for your bag to come out from the airport baggage carousel. 

An entertainment bar while onboard the ship with live band

It was not boring at all to be onboard since there is live band on board.  Our ticket was inclusive of dinner, pillow and blanket.  It was cold actually at night and I had a soundly and dreamless sleep.  It was already 6:00 A.M. of the following day when we arrived at Caticlan Jetty Port.

Our whole group while inside Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal

After we disembarked from the roro, we walked just a few meters to get a ticket and pay the environment fee at Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal.  These are the breakdown of the fees at the port terminal. Terminal fee: PHP 100 per person (free for kids 5 years old and below) Environmental fee: PHP 75 per person (free for kids 12 years old and below) Boat fare: PHP 25 per person from 6:00 AM to 05:45 PM, and PHP 30 per person on 05:45 PM and beyond (half fare for kids 6 years old and below).

The boat from Caticlan Port to Boracay Port terminal

Boarding a small boat from Caticlan to cross to Boracay Port terminal takes barely 15 minutes only.  Even a Boracay repeater will still be excited  as the boat is approaching its port with the sight of vibrant Boracay island.

The ramp upon arrival at Boracay Port Terminal

Boracay warm welcome to its guests and tourists (Model: Allan R. De la Trinidad)

An assuring vibrant welcome is visible upon entry to the island

From Boracay port terminal, we took a pedicab going to our accommodation which ran for around 15 minutes.  On our way, one can tell that we are indeed in a beach island resort because some of those we have seen are already in the swim wear ready to plunge on the beach as early as 8:00 in the morning.

With one of my companions, Mr. Apolinario Avergonzado in our accommodation at

Faith Retreat and Conference Center

Upon arrival at our accommodation, we just rested for an hour.  After all, we were fully rested while on board the ship.  Then, we did the food marketing.  It was good that at Faith Village, we can cook our food and we are provided with all the kitchen utensils.  Dining sets and cutlery were also provided to us for free.  We cooked and served ourselves with our own food.  So, our prior arrangement was to collect from all of us for the food provision at a minimal amount than to dine in expensive restaurants.

Our group waiting for our boat for island hopping

After our breakfast and some preparation of our personal necessities, we headed to the beach front to wait for our boat for island hopping.  There were so many tourists but majority of them are locals.  The following are the pictures that we had while waiting.  We started the island hopping at 11:00 A.M.

Another companion of mine in the name of Jose H. Mondejar

The paraw boats

Walking at the floating rubber boardwalk

A line of para sailing boats

On board the boat for an island hopping

a 30-minute swim along the inviting white beach of Puka Beach

The boat travel had lasted for almost 40  minutes heading to Puka Beach for a swim and snorkel.  The boatmen did not drop us in front the Puka Beach but at approximately a kilometer away. 

Docking at the Crocodile reef for snorkel and diving

From Puka Beach, we headed to the Crocodile Island and we docked at the reef around it where we given an hour to enjoy a swim, snorkel and diving.

Gibungan Beach for our buffet lunch

Not far from Crocodile reef was the Gibungan Beach where we had our buffet lunch.  It was a part of our tour package.  

My companions Mam Nelsie Caculitan and Mam Elizabeth Patriarca enjoying the sumptuous lunch

Our group ready for a team building activity in our accommodation at Faith Village

Since the island hopping was only a 4-hour package, we were backed at our accommodation just timely at 3:00 P.M. and rested in our rooms.  Others went out but some preferred to have a sleep.  At exactly 4:00 P.M., we had our team building as led by our school principal, Mrs. Leonila Q. Masangcay.  Others who were not part of Filemon P. Javier Elementary School just joined like, Dr. Cynthia Manalad and son, Daniel, Ms. Jolly Joel Flora, Jose H. Mondejar, Bonne Neilzen Caculitan and Aiyal Del Monte.

After the team building, I had a stroll around Boracay with Cynthia, Daniel and Jolly until 7:00 PM. The following are the pictures I captured randomly.

Jolly, Cynthia, Daniel and I dining in an Italian Restaurant

Dr. Cynthia and Miss Jolly enjoying the relaxing white sand and windy afternoon

Daniel and I also waiting for the magnificent sunset

This sunset makes Boracay Island the best

What a beautiful sunset!

Shakey's Pizza Parlor

Before I finally went back to my accommodation, I visited its tourism office and learned that Boracay after its rehabilitation had more stringent rules for the tourists.

One of this is, accommodating tourists was already reduced.  Thus, when you go there, be sure to book your accommodation with accredited establishments or else you will be denied of entry to Boracay.

Secondly, I noticed that nightlife was not that vibrant anymore whereas before, I can a see a lot of fire dances even along the beach or any where else.  Now it's gone.

Thirdly, smoking and drinking in public places like the beach is no longer allowed. Littering of plastic cups, cigarette butts and shattered beer glasses on the beach is strictly prohibited.

Fourthly, the annual Labor Day celebration called LaBoracay is officially banned in the whole island.  No more loud music and rave parties allowed.

Fifth, for the purpose that the island's waters and marine life recuperate from human activities, some marine sports are temporarily suspended.   As of now, the following are the only ones allowed, namely: parasailing, paraw sailing, jetski, wakeboard, banana boat, fly fish and stand-up paddle board.   This move will allow more time for the tourists to enjoy its globally renowned white and clear waters.

Lastly, dining by the beach, sand castle building are no longer allowed.  No more lights on the beach.

Buying pasalubong and souvenirs (Model: Daniel Manalad)

Other than having a swim in our island hopping, I did have time to swim on the beach for my last two days, since I was occupied finishing my TESOL Methodology Course offered by the University of Maryland Baltimore County.  I was inside my room all the time for the remaining days of my stay.

Boarding the Oyster Ferry from Boracay to Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal

Boarding the Oyster Ferry Boat with (L-R seated front) Mrs. Arlene H. Mondejar and son Jose, (L-R next row) Mr. Avergonzado, Mrs. Nelsie Caculitan and daughter Bonne, (L-R third row) Mrs. Mirope Mallari and granddaugther, Aiyal Del Monte.

From Caticlan, we again boarded the 2Go Roro M/V Saint Ignatius de Loyola at 8:00 A.M., this time a day trip instead of overnight.  Inclusive of our ticket was our lunch.

The roro's dining hall (L-R Front) Mrs. Mallari and Ms. Jane Puod; (L-R Back) Mrs. Leonila Masangcay and Mr. Pol Avergonzado

The dining hall is called Horizon Cafe and this is where we take our free meals inclusive in our ferry ticket.  It is not a buffet, it is packaged meal.

At the dining hall with (L-R Seated) Mrs. Mondejar, Bonne Caculitan, Mrs. Prescila Amante and Mrs. Caculitan; (L-R Standing) Mrs. Avergonzado, Dr. Cynthia Manalad, Ms. Jolly Flora and our tourist guide.

We left Caticlan thru roro at 8:00 A.M.  and reached Batangas City Port at 5:00 P.M.   Then, our chartered bus picked us at Batangas City Port bound for Mandaluyong City. This means that we were practically at sea the whole day travelling.

While onboard the 2Go Roro Ship

BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES:

Roundtrip Jam Bus (Cubao to Batangas City Pier)  - One way is P207                       P     414

Roundtrip Roro Ship (Batangas City to Caticlan) - One way is P1,200                            2,400

Environmental Fee (Batangas City Pier)                                                                                50

Terminal Fee (Batangas City Pier)                                                                                         30

Environmental Fee (Caticlan Port)                                                                                         75

Terminal Fee (Caticlan Port)                                                                                                100

Pump Boat (Caticlan to Boracay)  night time has different rate                                            25

Tricycle (Boracay port to accommodation)                                                                           25

Environmental Fee (Boracay Port)                                                                                        75

Terminal Fee (Boracay Port)                                                                                                100

Tricycle (Boracay accommodation to Boracay Port terminal)                                               25

Accommodation (Faith Village Dormitory type per person per night) for 3 days              1,500

Island hopping inclusive of buffet lunch at Gibungan Beach                                               450

Meals for 3-Day 2-night package (9 meals @ P120)                                                         1,080

     Total Expenses for a 3-Day 2-Night DIY Package                                                P 6,349

                                                                                                                                       ======  

OTHER CONCERNS:

Always bring your 2Go e-ticket receipt copy with a valid ID.  You always need an ID in all the port terminals.      

What are valid IDs?  This includes: Company ID, School ID, Postal ID, Voter's ID, Passport, Senior Citizen ID, NBI Certificate, TIN (issued by BIR), Driver's License, UMID Card, SSS/GSIS ID, PRC ID and PWD Card.

Senior Citizen ID and PWD Card can help reduce expenses as you can avail discount.

Supervalue 2Go Ferry accommodation is the Economy class and it is not air-conditioned.  If you wanted a better accommodation which is fully air-conditioned, you can upgrade your Supervalue accommodation to Tourist Class by adding P400 per head.  On the other hand, if you are in Tourist Class and you want to upgrade it to Cabin, Suite Room or State Room, you will pay P400 per head, P2,000 per room, and P2,700 per room, respectively. 

BUS SCHEDULES AND FARE MATRIX (BATANGAS CITY PIER)

Cubao to Batangas = First Trip: 1:00 A.M ; Last Trip: 12:00 Midnight = Fare is P207

Buendia LRT to Batangas = First Trip 1:00 A.M.; Last Trip: 11: PM. = Fare is P197

2GO FERRY SCHEDULE (BATANGAS TO CATICLAN)

It has two trips from Batangas to Caticlan per day.  Theu use the vessels St. Anthony de Padua, St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Augustine of Hippo with the following schedule:

Batangas to Caticlan: 10:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. Daily

Caticlan to /Batangas: 08:00 A.M and 11:00 P.M. Daily

Travel Duration: 9 hours

HOW TO GO THERE

With the details above, you can go to Boracay thru 2Go Ferry with the following steps:

1.  Book in advance a roundtrip 2Go ferry tickets (Batangas City to Caticlan and vice versa) 

2.  Take a bus from either Cubao or Buendia LRT to Batangas City Pier which will take you for 4 hours one-way trip.

3.  Board 2Go Ferry in Batangas City Pier after paying the terminal and environmental fees with a travel duration of 9 hours.

4.  Upon arrival at Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal, pay the terminal and environmental fees and boat fare.  Remember that day trip and night rate vary.  A pump boat is cheaper at P25 while the Oyster Ferry is P40 at a day rate.

5.  Board either a pump boat or Oyster Ferry to Boracay Port Terminal for 10 - 15 minutes where Boracay has two ports, namely: Cagban Port and Tambisaan Port.

6. From Boracay Port, take a tricycle to your accommodation.

7. You can be flexible in following your itinerary when you are already in Boracay.

   

                                                                                                  

THE BURIAS GROUP OF ISLANDS TRIP PACKAGE

Location: San Pascual, Masbate, Philippines

Note: Links of the four islands, namely: Alibijaban, Animasola, Tinalisayan and Sombrero are provided here in the order that they are narrated.

A tropical island paradise of Sombrero

Burias Island is one of the three major islands of Masbate province in the Philippines. It is separated from the Bicol Peninsula by the Burias Pass. The other two major islands are Ticao Island and Masbate Island. The Island has two municipalities, Claveria and San Pascual. In this post, Burias islands are islands and islets of the major island of Burias of Masbate province. The province is not only noted for high-grade marbles but also with an aggregate of long white beach coasts attracting not only local but foreign tourists as well.

Our tent accommodation at Alibijaban Island

Our actual tour package was Burias group of islands tour with an inclusion partly of a round trip van transport from Manila to San Andres Port where San Andres is a part of the province of Quezon and it is on the southern part mainland of Luzon Island. The road travel was indeed a long trip as it was 6 1/2 hours for a distance of 316 kilometers via Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26.

Just arrived in Alibijaban Island

If one opts to have a DIY trip, there is an alternative to take a bus from Manila to Lucena Grand Terminal. From that terminal, you have an option to board either a van or bus with a signboard of San Andres (Quezon). From San Andres bus terminal, you may opt to walk or ride a pedicab to San Andres Port where there is a tourism office which will assist for a boat package of Burias islands hopping. Since there are no markets and stores in the destination islands, tourists can buy their food supplies in San Andres.

Alibijaban Island has a fishing village community

Alibijaban Island is just a jumping board to Burias Island. From there, a boat can take you to the inviting and enchanting islands of Burias. What happened to our group was disappointing since our tour operator had damped us overnight in Alibijaban when we can do a lot of activities from the Burias islands and islets. We were idle the whole day and we spent a night though it was a peaceful one. As a consolation, our tent accommodation was upgraded to comfortable cottages.

Rock formations in Animasola Island

The following day, our call time was 6:00 A.M. and we had our breakfast as another inclusion of the tour package. Well, our accommodation has a good water provision. The target for the whole day is to visit the islands of Animasola, Sombrero, Dapa, Tinalisayan and Snake. While our tour package is 2-day 1-night arrangement, we have no choice but to have these islands toured in one day or 8 hours only. If only we had visited the other ones in our Day 1, it was better so we can enjoy an ample time from each island. Our Day 2 first destination was the Animasola Island which took us 2 hours boat ride. The islet has its charm of towering rock formations, blue and clear waters and a white beach patch on its other tip.

Animasola Islet at a distance

We really wanted to stay in the island for a swim but we all agreed to shorten our stay for we still need to visit four other islands and so we left with a heavy heart. Besides, it is so difficult to get a private moment on its famous rock formation because tourists are crowding on it. On the other hand, the islet has no cottage or similar structure but only one comfort room.

A sandbar in the Tinalisayan Island

Our next destination was the Tinalisayan Island. The island in itself was so enchanting. Its white sand beach coasts and long sandbar gave us so much excitement. We were not able to resist its inviting clear waters. There are no cottages there but there was one food vendor selling his food stuff under the shady coconut trees.

Snake Island at a distance

Only the high tide had stopped us for a swim in the sand bar of Tinalisayan island since it was completely submerged by waters already. Our boatman told us to pack up so that we can head to Snake island. However, halfway from Tinalisayan heading to this island, our boatman told us that we better not proceed to it for according to him, the island has no beach to swim with for they are all deep looking like a continental shelf. Our boat navigated instead to another direction going to another island destination.

The completely fascinating Sombrero Island

For less than an hour, we reached Sombrero Island. This is so far the most developed island for it has cottages and a restaurant. The waters were inviting. However, the sun had a searing heat almost burning our skin. Thus, we decided to have a refuge in the comforting shade of the cottages while we were having our ordered lunch for our own account. On my part, I obliged myself to have a 10-minute swim. Others followed. I just thought, they might regret if they will miss a swim in this island.

Enjoying the mangrove sanctuary of Alibijaban Island

Our boat man again manipulated us. That instead of pushing to Dapa Island, we headed to the lush mangrove forest sanctuary of Alibijaban. Well, we did not regret to be there since aside from its sandbar, we were able to swim on the shallow patches of water with super fine sand. It sent us the feeling of experiencing of being massaged at the sole of our feet. Since it was already passed five in the afternoon, we went back to our accommodation for clean-up and left Alibijaban for another 30-minute boat ride to San Andres Port where our chartered van awaited to take us back to Manila.

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.

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.

SOMBRERO ISLAND

Location: San Pascual, Masbate, Philippines

Part of the white beach island of Sombrero

This is just a part of my 2D1N Burias Islands tour package where this island was our third destination that 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)

Simply a tropical beach paradise

Sombrero Island is the most developed islands of the three islands we visited of the Burias group of islands. It has cottages for rent and a restaurant with a bar where in some occasions when visitors are many, there is a live band that performs in the evening. It is being managed well as a commitment to provide good services to the guests of the island.

Arrived in the island at almost high noon

In our original itinerary, we are supposed to be spending our night here. Unfortunately, our tour provider informed us when we were in Alibijaban Island that we need to stay there for a night because spending a night in Sombrero is very risky and told us further that it was closed for overnight stay. However, when we were there, we asked to validate if it was true but the staff told us that it was never closed for an overnight stay, much to our dismay that the night before, it had live band performing and the island was filled with guests.

Not even the heat of the sun can stop me to have pictorials

The island is blessed to have longer and wider white beach sand. We stayed under the shade of the cottages to avoid the burning heat of the sun. Since it was already lunch time, we ordered our food charged to our personal account. It was not a part of the tour package.

The cottages standing brave from intense heat of the sun and strong winds

A good number of cottages to accommodate guests

A wider white sand beach to bask with for guests

Cottages are supported by being anchored to the ground against strong winds

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.

ANIMASOLA ISLAND

Location: San Pascual, Masbate, Philippines

Amazing rock formations at Animasola Island

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)

The iconic rock formation of the island and its vicinity rock formations

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.

Captured nearer without the crowd having pictorials on its crown head

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.

The island's name marker

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.

Captured from the iconic rock formation

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.

The massive rock walls

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.

One last glimpse of the crown head rock formation

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.

The total stretch of Animasola Islet

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.