Balaki Island, Infanta, Pangasinan

Ian Limbonis in Balaki Island, Infanta, Pangasinan

Having been to beaches in Anda, Bolinao, Alaminos, and Dasol, i thought there was nothing else left to see in Pangasinan. Not until
One day, i was watching tv, and i saw a feature on yet another supposed white sand beach..balaki island.

The morning after, i immediately searched it on the net, and a lot of the available posts are narratives of tambobong beach which include balaki as part of their day tour, in addition to colibra island, balinmalok, cabacungan, crocodile island, hermana etc.

headed to balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

Had there been other places available to check out, i would have scheduled the trip myself, no matter if i have to be alone. But then, there's really nothing else..

Then, one of our best friends cum beach buddy is booked for a sat flight to the Phils from SG. That's when i thought about conquering balaki island. We can't leave fri night cause we have to wait for her arrival saturday 8pm, and a daytrip would be very appropriate for such itinerary.

cooking in balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

Our arriving friend landed 8pm, and it was past 9 when we left DMIA; after some sideturns here and there, we arrived in tArlac around 12mn.

In cAmiling, 3 kilometers before the T diversion to malasique, there was a horrible accident that took place just a few minutes ahead. It was among a motorcycle, container van, and an L-300 passenger van. The rider was dead om the spot, and his body was just lying on the road bleeding and no hope for revival. It has caused blockage and it took almost half hour before we were allowed to move.

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

At a bit past 2am, we stopped at a Caltex petrol pump to stretch out. We initially thought of making coffee but because of the balikbayan's longing for videokeing, we sat for a bottle of Red Horse instead and sang.

It was almos 3am when we left. Heading straight further passing through Burgos, Dasol and eventually Infanta,

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

By 5:46am, and after 247 kms from Pampanga, we reached the barangay outpost. We were only going to ask for directions there but Brgy kagawad Mandy Collado said he can actually get us a boat from there.

We waited a bit while he fetched his kumpare who owns a boat. As soon as they were back, we took the car to his comrad on the coast and waited to be boarded.

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

From the coast it seems as if the island is so close, but it took us close to 30mins to reach, considering it was an almost flat current. It was low tide at that time and the boat can hardly dock close.

The sand isn't white. It's Cream brown just like that of bolinao. I have expected it to be like that of tambobong since it was close but i was wrong.

The place where we camped was also quite rocky; a little bit later, the waves are becoming more rough. We couldn't really have beach fun. Since everyone didn't get enough sleep, after having our meal, all of them slept.

Meanwhile, i took the chance of touring the island. It would have been better if we camped on the side facing colibra island. Water was more quiet, less rocks on the bed, and it was sun shaded.

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

Walked back and checked out the other side. That one was great for pictures because of the fallen trees, just like that of potipot's trademark. The trash of previous campers are everywhere though.

After some pictures, walked back again and everybody's still asleep. If only i had a number to reach the boatman, i would have asked him to pick us up and we'd rather go tambobong beach. After all, we'll have to drive back to Dasol; Anyway 3 of us haven't been there yet. Unfortunately, the boatman does not have a mobile.

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

*Pangasinan's best beach is Tambobong... shall be on priority before anywhere else (though Patar in Bolinao is most convenient for transport, especially commute).

Ian Limbonis in Balaki Island, Infanta, Pangasinan

Having been to beaches in Anda, Bolinao, Alaminos, and Dasol, i thought there was nothing else left to see in Pangasinan. Not until
One day, i was watching tv, and i saw a feature on yet another supposed white sand beach..balaki island.

The morning after, i immediately searched it on the net, and a lot of the available posts are narratives of tambobong beach which include balaki as part of their day tour, in addition to colibra island, balinmalok, cabacungan, crocodile island, hermana etc.

headed to balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

Had there been other places available to check out, i would have scheduled the trip myself, no matter if i have to be alone. But then, there's really nothing else..

Then, one of our best friends cum beach buddy is booked for a sat flight to the Phils from SG. That's when i thought about conquering balaki island. We can't leave fri night cause we have to wait for her arrival saturday 8pm, and a daytrip would be very appropriate for such itinerary.

cooking in balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

Our arriving friend landed 8pm, and it was past 9 when we left DMIA; after some sideturns here and there, we arrived in tArlac around 12mn.

In cAmiling, 3 kilometers before the T diversion to malasique, there was a horrible accident that took place just a few minutes ahead. It was among a motorcycle, container van, and an L-300 passenger van. The rider was dead om the spot, and his body was just lying on the road bleeding and no hope for revival. It has caused blockage and it took almost half hour before we were allowed to move.

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

At a bit past 2am, we stopped at a Caltex petrol pump to stretch out. We initially thought of making coffee but because of the balikbayan's longing for videokeing, we sat for a bottle of Red Horse instead and sang.

It was almos 3am when we left. Heading straight further passing through Burgos, Dasol and eventually Infanta,

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

By 5:46am, and after 247 kms from Pampanga, we reached the barangay outpost. We were only going to ask for directions there but Brgy kagawad Mandy Collado said he can actually get us a boat from there.

We waited a bit while he fetched his kumpare who owns a boat. As soon as they were back, we took the car to his comrad on the coast and waited to be boarded.

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

From the coast it seems as if the island is so close, but it took us close to 30mins to reach, considering it was an almost flat current. It was low tide at that time and the boat can hardly dock close.

The sand isn't white. It's Cream brown just like that of bolinao. I have expected it to be like that of tambobong since it was close but i was wrong.

The place where we camped was also quite rocky; a little bit later, the waves are becoming more rough. We couldn't really have beach fun. Since everyone didn't get enough sleep, after having our meal, all of them slept.

Meanwhile, i took the chance of touring the island. It would have been better if we camped on the side facing colibra island. Water was more quiet, less rocks on the bed, and it was sun shaded.

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

Walked back and checked out the other side. That one was great for pictures because of the fallen trees, just like that of potipot's trademark. The trash of previous campers are everywhere though.

After some pictures, walked back again and everybody's still asleep. If only i had a number to reach the boatman, i would have asked him to pick us up and we'd rather go tambobong beach. After all, we'll have to drive back to Dasol; Anyway 3 of us haven't been there yet. Unfortunately, the boatman does not have a mobile.

balaki island, infanta, pangasinan

*Pangasinan's best beach is Tambobong... shall be on priority before anywhere else (though Patar in Bolinao is most convenient for transport, especially commute).

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Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

My group has been to Mt stomas for god knows how many times. In fact, 3 in the group as just been there last month.

While it has been initially planned for Mt Damas, since the group is climbing Mt pulag early march, they thought about diverting the plan to Mt Sto Tomas as dry run for the upcoming climb. Due to the 2weekend days+1weekday required time, i thought it is so much loss on my part considering how much I will be spending to get there plus what i'll be loosing if i time off from work. I thought i'd rather wait and join a group that'll try to fit it in a sat-sun (plus i'd rather take the more challenging akiki trail).

Ian Limbonis in the Jump off point for Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Due to my consistent tardiness, it was already past 10am when we left Gerona Tarlac. I was supposed to meet them in Pampanga but because of the glock of peiple in the bus goibg to the hot air balloon, i told them to go ahead and that i will meet them instead in Gerona where were supposed to meet the rest of the group.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

It was past 2am when we got to te jum off point. Along the palispis highway, right in front of the the petron gas station is the entry to brgy green valley, dontogan. Just a few hundred meters from there, will be rough road, just like that going to sagada. There'd be occasional landslides and totally steep inclines that our hyundai getz 1.1 couldn't handle; we had to get off for it to climb.

We left the car in front of the Church and trekked from there. The rest of the group in the van drove even further 500 meters further.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Just an estimated 100m from the jump off are the PAGASA weather radars. Then, From that point, I could see clearly the path to the camp site; where the Globe Telecom towers stand (which were very visible from Kennon Road). I heard that that is the highest point in Baguio.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

It took us an hour and a half walk to get to camp. And since it's getting dark, cold begins to strike.

Immediately after getting set with our tent, we got the balloons and cupcakes ready for a senior member's birthday surprise. By about 7pm, dinner was served. Our staple camp dinner, tinolang native na manok and adobo; and, even more a surprise, a huge watermelon came out of someone's 40L bag.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Then came the Remy Martin; since we're more used to emperadors, GSMs, or da Bars, half of the group was drunk in less than 2 bottles and an hour. I also did not like the taste so I quit it..after all, none of those left awake are really drunkards so i knew i'll be left alone in a deuce with the bottle with a bonus headache the following day. Besides, it was getting very very uncomfortably cold.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

I went inside the tent but i just couldnt stand the 6 degree celcius cold. I wore all my spare shirts,5 of them, slid in my other spare pants and socks, wore my shoes, wrapped my hands with some more cloth, took out my blanket, wore my jacket..nothing helped. The wind is even making it worse. I was about to turn out the butane stove inside the tent but i was more worried about not having gas for coffee the next day. I couldnt get enough comfort to get to even sleeping level 1. More than an hour later, i heard someone moving his tent somewhere closer to the transmission facility gate. I realized there's less wind there because it hids in the summit side; pulled my stuff out and pulled my tent...there you go. Problem solved.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Consequently, Everybody woke up quite late the next day. We would look up every so often checking out the sun, but to no avail. It was still very cold. Til the time we left, i did not feel like dropping a sweat.

My group has been to Mt stomas for god knows how many times. In fact, 3 in the group as just been there last month.

While it has been initially planned for Mt Damas, since the group is climbing Mt pulag early march, they thought about diverting the plan to Mt Sto Tomas as dry run for the upcoming climb. Due to the 2weekend days+1weekday required time, i thought it is so much loss on my part considering how much I will be spending to get there plus what i'll be loosing if i time off from work. I thought i'd rather wait and join a group that'll try to fit it in a sat-sun (plus i'd rather take the more challenging akiki trail).

Ian Limbonis in the Jump off point for Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Due to my consistent tardiness, it was already past 10am when we left Gerona Tarlac. I was supposed to meet them in Pampanga but because of the glock of peiple in the bus goibg to the hot air balloon, i told them to go ahead and that i will meet them instead in Gerona where were supposed to meet the rest of the group.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

It was past 2am when we got to te jum off point. Along the palispis highway, right in front of the the petron gas station is the entry to brgy green valley, dontogan. Just a few hundred meters from there, will be rough road, just like that going to sagada. There'd be occasional landslides and totally steep inclines that our hyundai getz 1.1 couldn't handle; we had to get off for it to climb.

We left the car in front of the Church and trekked from there. The rest of the group in the van drove even further 500 meters further.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Just an estimated 100m from the jump off are the PAGASA weather radars. Then, From that point, I could see clearly the path to the camp site; where the Globe Telecom towers stand (which were very visible from Kennon Road). I heard that that is the highest point in Baguio.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

It took us an hour and a half walk to get to camp. And since it's getting dark, cold begins to strike.

Immediately after getting set with our tent, we got the balloons and cupcakes ready for a senior member's birthday surprise. By about 7pm, dinner was served. Our staple camp dinner, tinolang native na manok and adobo; and, even more a surprise, a huge watermelon came out of someone's 40L bag.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Then came the Remy Martin; since we're more used to emperadors, GSMs, or da Bars, half of the group was drunk in less than 2 bottles and an hour. I also did not like the taste so I quit it..after all, none of those left awake are really drunkards so i knew i'll be left alone in a deuce with the bottle with a bonus headache the following day. Besides, it was getting very very uncomfortably cold.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

I went inside the tent but i just couldnt stand the 6 degree celcius cold. I wore all my spare shirts,5 of them, slid in my other spare pants and socks, wore my shoes, wrapped my hands with some more cloth, took out my blanket, wore my jacket..nothing helped. The wind is even making it worse. I was about to turn out the butane stove inside the tent but i was more worried about not having gas for coffee the next day. I couldnt get enough comfort to get to even sleeping level 1. More than an hour later, i heard someone moving his tent somewhere closer to the transmission facility gate. I realized there's less wind there because it hids in the summit side; pulled my stuff out and pulled my tent...there you go. Problem solved.

Mt Sto Tomas, Benguet

Consequently, Everybody woke up quite late the next day. We would look up every so often checking out the sun, but to no avail. It was still very cold. Til the time we left, i did not feel like dropping a sweat.

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Mt Pico De Loro

It was 2:20 when we reached the jump off point, after the registration at the DENR office, which is about 50m past. From there, less than 30mins after, we reached base camp 1. 

waiting for a trike service who'd agree on a P150 one way service to the jump off (none came. P200 being very good already)

Having looked at the location of base 1 camp and the campsite on google maps, i was so easy about the time. We took certainly more than 30 minutes at base camp 1: used the toilet, made coffee, and smoked plenty. When another group of 6 arrived, we decided to leave. I was quite confident about the climb because I've read that the trail is clear which from that point seems indeed. 

pico de loro base camp 1

We met several groups along who constantly advised us how much time further it'll take us to get to the camp. From the base 1 camp, it was an easy stride and glide. But after about 30 minutes from there, the trail becomes steep and quite rocky rough. Bush alao becomes thicker. It was quite like the last hour of the arayat (banyo) trail. Since I had to wait for my friend, i'd constantly look back to see that see's just along. At that point when we reached the peaked, what I and her didn't notice was a wooden arrow pointing left. 

further past base camp 1

We went straight, and though it feels strange that we had to descend from the peak to reach the camp, i thought it was perhaps the way to get to another peak; so, we just went ahead. It was a straight descend all the while until it has almost taken us an hour and we were halfway downhill, i guess. That's the time I finally said we're probably on the wrong way. A little descend was normal, but to reachsuch point was clearly strange. Likewise, the trail was getting unclear as we progress. It was impossible that with that much people we met along, trail wouldn't be tht obvious. Since then..i'd say my adrenaline was up. It was almost 6pm, verydark, and the bush was just so thick there's no way to tell which point we're in. We were yelling, and we hear some people yelling too but no one seems to approach. 

jungle log??

Walking back further, we've gotten back to a wilkin's trash. I clearly noticed that trash a moment back. I am kind of irritated about rubbish on the moubtain and that's what made me pay attention to it. Then, i got puzzled how we quickly got back to that trash when we had been walking almost for almost an hour since we spotted it the first time. It wa very strange. That's when i had to practice the conventional belief..turning my shirt over. 

odds of the pico de loro trail

We didi it quickly and just a little while, we say the arrow pointing left right at the peak. We were asking ourswlves how we missed that arrow. Perhaps because we had to be looking down at what were stepping on; perhaps, i must haved looked back at my friend from that point, whatever it is, thank God, that led us to the camp and we got to site at almost 7. 

pico de loro trail: just like that of tarak

finally reaching pico de loro camp

We woke up at 5am, made Breakfast. Right after, we made the summit trip. It was quite windy and foggy. From the summit we could see 2 people up in the parrot peak. I also some going down to the peak from the summit..so i thought i can make it. 

I'd say a fifth of the total no of campers

Going down itself was nerve wrecking as it was quite steep facing a ridge. I've made it tote back of the peak but from there..i had to pull it back. I was having a hard time stepping up with that rtw shorts i was wearing. So, i just went back to the summit then back to the camp. The influx of mountaineers was also constant. Had coffee again then packed up an left.

getting off from the summit to the pico de loro peak

Because of the incident the night before, i had my camera ready to take picture of that brown arrow that points to the left towards the campsite. Surprisingly, we missed it again and I was puzzled how quickly we got to one point Be mindful of the signs. If someone can paint them with a bright color would help i guess. 

from summit back down to camp

view of pico de loro summit near camp

ready to leave pico de loro

Since it was a wood and had the same color as the bush, thats probably one reason we missed it. And i was correct, walking further straight past that arrow leads either to nasugbu or maragondon.

en route back to pico de loro base camp 1

It was 2:20 when we reached the jump off point, after the registration at the DENR office, which is about 50m past. From there, less than 30mins after, we reached base camp 1. 

waiting for a trike service who'd agree on a P150 one way service to the jump off (none came. P200 being very good already)

Having looked at the location of base 1 camp and the campsite on google maps, i was so easy about the time. We took certainly more than 30 minutes at base camp 1: used the toilet, made coffee, and smoked plenty. When another group of 6 arrived, we decided to leave. I was quite confident about the climb because I've read that the trail is clear which from that point seems indeed. 

pico de loro base camp 1

We met several groups along who constantly advised us how much time further it'll take us to get to the camp. From the base 1 camp, it was an easy stride and glide. But after about 30 minutes from there, the trail becomes steep and quite rocky rough. Bush alao becomes thicker. It was quite like the last hour of the arayat (banyo) trail. Since I had to wait for my friend, i'd constantly look back to see that see's just along. At that point when we reached the peaked, what I and her didn't notice was a wooden arrow pointing left. 

further past base camp 1

We went straight, and though it feels strange that we had to descend from the peak to reach the camp, i thought it was perhaps the way to get to another peak; so, we just went ahead. It was a straight descend all the while until it has almost taken us an hour and we were halfway downhill, i guess. That's the time I finally said we're probably on the wrong way. A little descend was normal, but to reachsuch point was clearly strange. Likewise, the trail was getting unclear as we progress. It was impossible that with that much people we met along, trail wouldn't be tht obvious. Since then..i'd say my adrenaline was up. It was almost 6pm, verydark, and the bush was just so thick there's no way to tell which point we're in. We were yelling, and we hear some people yelling too but no one seems to approach. 

jungle log??

Walking back further, we've gotten back to a wilkin's trash. I clearly noticed that trash a moment back. I am kind of irritated about rubbish on the moubtain and that's what made me pay attention to it. Then, i got puzzled how we quickly got back to that trash when we had been walking almost for almost an hour since we spotted it the first time. It wa very strange. That's when i had to practice the conventional belief..turning my shirt over. 

odds of the pico de loro trail

We didi it quickly and just a little while, we say the arrow pointing left right at the peak. We were asking ourswlves how we missed that arrow. Perhaps because we had to be looking down at what were stepping on; perhaps, i must haved looked back at my friend from that point, whatever it is, thank God, that led us to the camp and we got to site at almost 7. 

pico de loro trail: just like that of tarak

finally reaching pico de loro camp

We woke up at 5am, made Breakfast. Right after, we made the summit trip. It was quite windy and foggy. From the summit we could see 2 people up in the parrot peak. I also some going down to the peak from the summit..so i thought i can make it. 

I'd say a fifth of the total no of campers

Going down itself was nerve wrecking as it was quite steep facing a ridge. I've made it tote back of the peak but from there..i had to pull it back. I was having a hard time stepping up with that rtw shorts i was wearing. So, i just went back to the summit then back to the camp. The influx of mountaineers was also constant. Had coffee again then packed up an left.

getting off from the summit to the pico de loro peak

Because of the incident the night before, i had my camera ready to take picture of that brown arrow that points to the left towards the campsite. Surprisingly, we missed it again and I was puzzled how quickly we got to one point Be mindful of the signs. If someone can paint them with a bright color would help i guess. 

from summit back down to camp

view of pico de loro summit near camp

ready to leave pico de loro

Since it was a wood and had the same color as the bush, thats probably one reason we missed it. And i was correct, walking further straight past that arrow leads either to nasugbu or maragondon.

en route back to pico de loro base camp 1

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My Intro Dive at Planet Dive Beach Resort, Anilao Batangas Philippines

Mountaineering has been my staple weekend activity and I must say it has been quite addicting because it gives me another, literally wider perspective of the land down it. Today, a workmate just got me sold to diving.


It was 2 month rough when i moved to this new company, and, during lunchtimes, i'd always spot a workmate scrolling through on her tablet.

pre dive instructions

I thought she was scrolling through some pictures from the web, but when she told me about it, she was actually the one who's taken it. That's when I began my preliminary interview. Nevertheless, we ended up agreeing to join in on her next dive in a beach resort in Anilao, Batangas.

Luckily, with just a month so far, there I am..

It was initially planned for Bauan Beach, but last minute announcement came that it is being moved to Anilao, Batangas. I didn't really care..for all i know, right?

We drove into Planet Dive Beach Resort which seems to have been a frequent destination for the dive master and my colleague.

notes about wearing the gear right in the beach in Anilao Batangas

I was going to have my intro dive but since it was quite windy and the current's a bit strong, i had to do snorkelling for the morning (which wasn't a bad idea at all) and leave them with what have they.

about to kick off the dive in Anilao Batangas

Honestly, this is probably the first time i'll be swimming still at a depth of 15 feet. But having had some daring shots at steep ridges, what have i left to fear?

there we go with the dive in Anilao, batangas

and a turtle on my first dive in Anilao, Batangas

Snorkelling itself was absolutely amazing. I was stunned by how thick the corals were just along the shores of anilao, batangas. It was the first time i had seen live those fishes I see only in windows screensaver.

moving forward

By the afternoon, i had my shot on the dive. Had a 10-15 minute briefing, and off we left. Dive master David instructed that i just go steady and that he'll steer and control my BCD. He'd point to some creatures once in a while, including a sea turtle that was staring at me as if it''s a curious passerby.

Add caption

I barely noticed it was half hour gone, until i lost sight of the corals. That time i could only wish he'd steer me back, or do anoter one after a short break, and even leave me play around myself for a few minutes. But, that's all that the intro dive is about. Surely saving for an open water license soon.

I spent, all in all, P2,855 for this intro dive. P1500 for intro dive itself care of David. Then the rest goes to Planet Dive resort. That included the food, 1st tank, dive fee and pass, and a P533 share for the boat (1600 for the whole one).

Mountaineering has been my staple weekend activity and I must say it has been quite addicting because it gives me another, literally wider perspective of the land down it. Today, a workmate just got me sold to diving.


It was 2 month rough when i moved to this new company, and, during lunchtimes, i'd always spot a workmate scrolling through on her tablet.

pre dive instructions

I thought she was scrolling through some pictures from the web, but when she told me about it, she was actually the one who's taken it. That's when I began my preliminary interview. Nevertheless, we ended up agreeing to join in on her next dive in a beach resort in Anilao, Batangas.

Luckily, with just a month so far, there I am..

It was initially planned for Bauan Beach, but last minute announcement came that it is being moved to Anilao, Batangas. I didn't really care..for all i know, right?

We drove into Planet Dive Beach Resort which seems to have been a frequent destination for the dive master and my colleague.

notes about wearing the gear right in the beach in Anilao Batangas

I was going to have my intro dive but since it was quite windy and the current's a bit strong, i had to do snorkelling for the morning (which wasn't a bad idea at all) and leave them with what have they.

about to kick off the dive in Anilao Batangas

Honestly, this is probably the first time i'll be swimming still at a depth of 15 feet. But having had some daring shots at steep ridges, what have i left to fear?

there we go with the dive in Anilao, batangas

and a turtle on my first dive in Anilao, Batangas

Snorkelling itself was absolutely amazing. I was stunned by how thick the corals were just along the shores of anilao, batangas. It was the first time i had seen live those fishes I see only in windows screensaver.

moving forward

By the afternoon, i had my shot on the dive. Had a 10-15 minute briefing, and off we left. Dive master David instructed that i just go steady and that he'll steer and control my BCD. He'd point to some creatures once in a while, including a sea turtle that was staring at me as if it''s a curious passerby.

Add caption

I barely noticed it was half hour gone, until i lost sight of the corals. That time i could only wish he'd steer me back, or do anoter one after a short break, and even leave me play around myself for a few minutes. But, that's all that the intro dive is about. Surely saving for an open water license soon.

I spent, all in all, P2,855 for this intro dive. P1500 for intro dive itself care of David. Then the rest goes to Planet Dive resort. That included the food, 1st tank, dive fee and pass, and a P533 share for the boat (1600 for the whole one).

Read More »

Cagbalete Island, Mauban, Quezon

Cagbalete Island

I almost had my most frustrating weekend because of alibajaban island in san andres quezon. I thin this is the day that it'll finally mark to me not to trust how distances could deceive on google maps. After our dive in anilao, since i was already in batangas, and had nothing fixed for sunday, travel list was again my buddy.

"NENENG" about to dock in wharf; to pickup passengers bound for Cagbalete Island

I have a scheduled trip for marinduque and alibajaban island for feb 25-26. But then, i am in complete anticipation of awe for marinduque, so i thought i'd just spend those 2 days in Marinduque, and take alibajaban island in san andres quezon today (in total excitement as I'll finally get there, after 2 years of waiting).

walking under sunshine in Cagbalete island

So, right after our dive in Anilao, I asked that I be dropped off in Batangas city where I'd catch a bus going to lucena. From there, either I sleep and wait for the 1st trip the next day, or if I catch the last trip, head straight to San Andres. I had my tent with me and I was ready to set it up on any vacant 1x1.5m soil.

right side of cagbalete island

I asked to be dropped in the roundabout along balagtas, but a friend was claiming a new terminal has been setup  along diversion road where the buses heading to Lucena takes a short stop. When we got there, i asked if that's so the case, and someobe affirmed though he wasn't sure about the arrival of the bus. Then again, i cant keep the car and my friends waiting so I said I'll manage from there.

fine white sand of cagbalete island

While waiting for the bus, I did some consultation, and the next person i happen to ask is a crew of the next bus that will ply batangas-lucena. The only thing is, it's goingto be the morning after at 6.

fallen trees adding more view to cagbalete island

Since I don't really have that much time, i can't really rely on his advise. I asked for alternatives and what i was told was to catch a SUPREME bus in ther terminal in BAYAN. The instruction was to take a trike(P20) from the terminal to Balagtas, and from there, take a jeep to bayan. I was surprised that the jeep terminal in Balagtas is actually in the roundabout where i initially thought about getting off. But there was nothing but regrets. Took the jeep, and by the time i got to the terminal, the bus has left. I asked a trike driver if he can catch it and he said yes..so i hopped in.

Along the chase, gr the second time, we came across the same roundabout. Darn it! My instinct is perhaps my perfect gift. Should've listened to it. It was only after the t-junction going to ibaan that we caught the bus (though i feel the driver wa purposely delaying it so he can charge me more).

off from the sun

The bus (P107; ordinary) was jam packed and I had to stand. It was fine as the more rough it is..the higher the adventure rating. It was already in San Juan where I got to sit.

It was half past 9:30 when we got to their drop off point. I had to take 2 more jeepneys (1 going to Bayan, and from the junction with a mcdo alds, another one going to Grand terminal) to get to the grand termi al where i'd get the bus to san andres. Everyobe i asked along said i can get the last trip at 11pm, so i've been so relaxed. I got to the terminal around 10pm. Last bus is gone and next one is by 6am. And from the initial 3 hours That I was told, it's now 4-5hrs. I thought it was still ok. I can just cut short of my stay, so long as i get there.

ian limbonis in cagbalete island

There is a bar next to the terminal called central park. I had 2 colt 45s at P35 each, then went back tote terminal. When I got there, there are already some passengers waiting for the 1st trip. I asked again, and now, it's 7-8 hours. Trouble trouble trouble while im kinda tipsy. I looked for a stretched bench and did some analysis; but my brain's kinda intoxicated already, til i realized, it's 5am. I fell asleep.

The first thing that came to mind was 'what do i do now?' it's far more frustrating to just go back home after all that effort and money. I was thinking about doing Marinduque, but i'd surely not have enough time for all that it has to offer; and, if i don't get to them all, i'll have to go back another time, which doubles the cost.

Thank God cagbalete came to mind. I asked for bus times in Mauban.

I had known Cagbalete island for more than 2 years with the same no of attempts for visit.

I must also say, we lost appetite for quezon beaches after our disappointment with the waters in borawan and dampalitan. Til that time, i've never really initiated a plan for any quezon beach.

It's almost 6am, had my coffee, done with shower IN THE TERMINAL ITSELF for P10, the first bus to mauban leaves at 6:00am. Luckily, the front seats of this world war II bus are vacant...the best seat for first time visits.

We got to Mauban by around 7:30. Had some food as i've been starving even the past night. I hadnt have the time to even eat as I was chasing transport times. After the delicious dinuguan, and home baked puto, i went back to the pier.

There I met ate Ellen who, unlike the other people i've asked around quezon, has been so prompt and accomodating with my questions. She's come from pasig and for holidays in her hometown for a week.

returning to the port in cagbalete island

At 9am, we spotted the boat that is about to take us to cagbalete. Then again, though it arrived a few minutes past 9, it was already 10:49 when it left. It waited for the boat to fill up.

It was an hour boat to reach the port in the island. From afar, you could see the whiteness of the sand over the right and a few random portions on the left. Meantime, the community was at the center, and houses are too close to each other. I have expected to see some garbage and unclear water from the port. Totally the opposite. I wouldn't mind swimming from the port itself.

ian limbonis in cagbalete island

I couldnt waste any time. Bus leaves at 1 o'clock so i basically have only an hour to tour the place. I've asked ate Ellen if she could get some kid to walk me thru and she gladly did. We fetched a Kid named Rey, who, though still very young, was her cousin.

flat boat which is used to transport passengers to the big boat. It's around 50m shallow waters from the shore of cagbalete island

She had given rey the perfect instructions, including that we need to get around and see the beaches within 1 hour. Rey had been so obedient he doesn't even look back to check if i fell away.

Anyhow, the sand, water, and wide pacific ocean was awesome. It gives an interesting clear backdrop for pictures.

overloaded paddle boat to the bigger boat in cagbalete island

Walking further, trying to get to villa cereos, i realized there won't be much difference between what i'm seeing and whats ahead. I might use the time to dip and feel the water.

--added notes
There are only 2 schedules for the boats. First, between 9 and 11 am, and the other at 2pm. From cagbalete, first bus leaves 8am. 2 boats that ply mauban-cagbalete: One named Neneng and another named Anthony. They leave and arrive at the same time. And since i was having a hard time fitting the things i want to do with the boat schedules, and getting frustrated with waiting for the bus to fill up, i had to ask why the 2 boats (each with 40 person capacity) have to go always together. According to Aling Ellen, they are competitors and in literal definition. They coukd be very frustrating too about their timings. If it fills fast, it leaves rightaway. And if it fills late, you could be waiting forever. They may also opt to cancel one specific schedule.

coconut trees are a vast in cagbalete island

Cagbalete Island

I almost had my most frustrating weekend because of alibajaban island in san andres quezon. I thin this is the day that it'll finally mark to me not to trust how distances could deceive on google maps. After our dive in anilao, since i was already in batangas, and had nothing fixed for sunday, travel list was again my buddy.

"NENENG" about to dock in wharf; to pickup passengers bound for Cagbalete Island

I have a scheduled trip for marinduque and alibajaban island for feb 25-26. But then, i am in complete anticipation of awe for marinduque, so i thought i'd just spend those 2 days in Marinduque, and take alibajaban island in san andres quezon today (in total excitement as I'll finally get there, after 2 years of waiting).

walking under sunshine in Cagbalete island

So, right after our dive in Anilao, I asked that I be dropped off in Batangas city where I'd catch a bus going to lucena. From there, either I sleep and wait for the 1st trip the next day, or if I catch the last trip, head straight to San Andres. I had my tent with me and I was ready to set it up on any vacant 1x1.5m soil.

right side of cagbalete island

I asked to be dropped in the roundabout along balagtas, but a friend was claiming a new terminal has been setup  along diversion road where the buses heading to Lucena takes a short stop. When we got there, i asked if that's so the case, and someobe affirmed though he wasn't sure about the arrival of the bus. Then again, i cant keep the car and my friends waiting so I said I'll manage from there.

fine white sand of cagbalete island

While waiting for the bus, I did some consultation, and the next person i happen to ask is a crew of the next bus that will ply batangas-lucena. The only thing is, it's goingto be the morning after at 6.

fallen trees adding more view to cagbalete island

Since I don't really have that much time, i can't really rely on his advise. I asked for alternatives and what i was told was to catch a SUPREME bus in ther terminal in BAYAN. The instruction was to take a trike(P20) from the terminal to Balagtas, and from there, take a jeep to bayan. I was surprised that the jeep terminal in Balagtas is actually in the roundabout where i initially thought about getting off. But there was nothing but regrets. Took the jeep, and by the time i got to the terminal, the bus has left. I asked a trike driver if he can catch it and he said yes..so i hopped in.

Along the chase, gr the second time, we came across the same roundabout. Darn it! My instinct is perhaps my perfect gift. Should've listened to it. It was only after the t-junction going to ibaan that we caught the bus (though i feel the driver wa purposely delaying it so he can charge me more).

off from the sun

The bus (P107; ordinary) was jam packed and I had to stand. It was fine as the more rough it is..the higher the adventure rating. It was already in San Juan where I got to sit.

It was half past 9:30 when we got to their drop off point. I had to take 2 more jeepneys (1 going to Bayan, and from the junction with a mcdo alds, another one going to Grand terminal) to get to the grand termi al where i'd get the bus to san andres. Everyobe i asked along said i can get the last trip at 11pm, so i've been so relaxed. I got to the terminal around 10pm. Last bus is gone and next one is by 6am. And from the initial 3 hours That I was told, it's now 4-5hrs. I thought it was still ok. I can just cut short of my stay, so long as i get there.

ian limbonis in cagbalete island

There is a bar next to the terminal called central park. I had 2 colt 45s at P35 each, then went back tote terminal. When I got there, there are already some passengers waiting for the 1st trip. I asked again, and now, it's 7-8 hours. Trouble trouble trouble while im kinda tipsy. I looked for a stretched bench and did some analysis; but my brain's kinda intoxicated already, til i realized, it's 5am. I fell asleep.

The first thing that came to mind was 'what do i do now?' it's far more frustrating to just go back home after all that effort and money. I was thinking about doing Marinduque, but i'd surely not have enough time for all that it has to offer; and, if i don't get to them all, i'll have to go back another time, which doubles the cost.

Thank God cagbalete came to mind. I asked for bus times in Mauban.

I had known Cagbalete island for more than 2 years with the same no of attempts for visit.

I must also say, we lost appetite for quezon beaches after our disappointment with the waters in borawan and dampalitan. Til that time, i've never really initiated a plan for any quezon beach.

It's almost 6am, had my coffee, done with shower IN THE TERMINAL ITSELF for P10, the first bus to mauban leaves at 6:00am. Luckily, the front seats of this world war II bus are vacant...the best seat for first time visits.

We got to Mauban by around 7:30. Had some food as i've been starving even the past night. I hadnt have the time to even eat as I was chasing transport times. After the delicious dinuguan, and home baked puto, i went back to the pier.

There I met ate Ellen who, unlike the other people i've asked around quezon, has been so prompt and accomodating with my questions. She's come from pasig and for holidays in her hometown for a week.

returning to the port in cagbalete island

At 9am, we spotted the boat that is about to take us to cagbalete. Then again, though it arrived a few minutes past 9, it was already 10:49 when it left. It waited for the boat to fill up.

It was an hour boat to reach the port in the island. From afar, you could see the whiteness of the sand over the right and a few random portions on the left. Meantime, the community was at the center, and houses are too close to each other. I have expected to see some garbage and unclear water from the port. Totally the opposite. I wouldn't mind swimming from the port itself.

ian limbonis in cagbalete island

I couldnt waste any time. Bus leaves at 1 o'clock so i basically have only an hour to tour the place. I've asked ate Ellen if she could get some kid to walk me thru and she gladly did. We fetched a Kid named Rey, who, though still very young, was her cousin.

flat boat which is used to transport passengers to the big boat. It's around 50m shallow waters from the shore of cagbalete island

She had given rey the perfect instructions, including that we need to get around and see the beaches within 1 hour. Rey had been so obedient he doesn't even look back to check if i fell away.

Anyhow, the sand, water, and wide pacific ocean was awesome. It gives an interesting clear backdrop for pictures.

overloaded paddle boat to the bigger boat in cagbalete island

Walking further, trying to get to villa cereos, i realized there won't be much difference between what i'm seeing and whats ahead. I might use the time to dip and feel the water.

--added notes
There are only 2 schedules for the boats. First, between 9 and 11 am, and the other at 2pm. From cagbalete, first bus leaves 8am. 2 boats that ply mauban-cagbalete: One named Neneng and another named Anthony. They leave and arrive at the same time. And since i was having a hard time fitting the things i want to do with the boat schedules, and getting frustrated with waiting for the bus to fill up, i had to ask why the 2 boats (each with 40 person capacity) have to go always together. According to Aling Ellen, they are competitors and in literal definition. They coukd be very frustrating too about their timings. If it fills fast, it leaves rightaway. And if it fills late, you could be waiting forever. They may also opt to cancel one specific schedule.

coconut trees are a vast in cagbalete island

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