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| panoramic view of Jomalig Island |
Yes, I am a lone traveler!
In fact, I have been doing it for seven years already.
And I guess it will always stay that way.
Until, I joined Red Chuca's (aka Adobo Journey) Jomalig Beach Bumming and BBQ Party!
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| Real port |
Red Chuca (event organizer) was the brain of this event. It was actually his post-birthday celebration.
From his invite in facebook and after a series of second thoughts, I decided to join the group. A group of total strangers. From that perspective, it was already an adventure on my part. Imagine, being in an island with group of total strangers, without electricity and accommodation and you are 2 hours away from the nearest island (Pandanungan Island). This is a first for me and I had to be there!
Day 0
Per Red's itinerary, we met at Teleperformance, Greenfield District, Shaw Boulevard 11 pm. We were able to leave 12 am and proceeded to Real, Quezon.
There were a total of 35 pax joining the tour and 3 vans were chartered for the event. The stopover was in Manggahan, Mabitac, Laguna.
How to get there by public transport
Ride either the van or Raymond bus (ordinary) going to Infanta, Quezon situated at Legarda, Manila. Fare in Raymond bus is P205.00 while the fare for the van is P220.00 Travel time using the bus is 6 hours while for the van is 3-4 hours only. Infanta, Quezon is 148 kilometers from Manila while Real, Quezon is 136 kilometers from Manila.
If you are traveling in a group of 10-15 pax, better hire the van for P2,500.00 (one-way) and contact Sir Herman 0910-980-9755.
Option 2 (Sta. Cruz, Laguna Route)
Ride the aircon bus (either Greenstar or DLTB) en route to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. The terminal can be found in Buendia, Pasay City. The fare from Manila to Sta. Cruz is P140.00 Travel time is 3 hours. From Calamba City to Sta. Cruz, the fare is P61.00 and travel is only 1 hour and 30 minutes. Reaching Sta. Cruz, board the jeep going to Siniloan for P40.00 and travel time is 1 hour (There is also a van in Pagsanjan directly going to Infanta and travel time is only 1.5 hours; from Sta. Cruz board a jeep to Pagsanjan for P8.00 only). Then, alight in Siniloan and board the jeep going to Real, Quezon. Travel time is 2 hours.
You can also rent a van from SM Calamba City to Real, Quezon for P4,000.00 and contact Sir Herman 0910-980-9755.
Option 3 (Lucena Route / longest route from Manila)
Ride the bus going to Lucena either in Cubao or Buendia. In Buendia, the bus companies available are Lucena Lines, Jacliner, DLTB or Jam. Travel time from either Buendia or Cubao to Lucena is approximately 4 hours. Fare in Cubao to Lucena is P218.00 and it is 132 kilometers. Fare in Buendia is P209.50 and it is 127 kilometers. Alight at the Lucena Grand Central terminal,and then ride either AH bus or the van going to Infanta, Quezon. Fare in the ordinary bus from Lucena to Real is P158.00 and travel time is 4.5 hours. While the fare in the van going to Real is P200.00 and travel time is 4 hours.
If you are traveling in a group of 10-15 pax, you can rent a van for P4,500 and contact Sir Ryan 0920-260-8471.
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| arrival in Jomalig Island |
In all these options, you will reach Real, Quezon (128 kilometers from Manila).
At Ungos Port in Real, ride a boat going to Jomalig. There is only one boat going to Jomalig per day. The regular schedule of the boat trip is 9 am and travel time is 5-6 hours at a speed of 14 km/hour or 4 knots. There are instances when the other boat leaves 2 pm or 12 am depending the availability of the passengers. From Real to Agta, Polillo, it is 37 kilometers. From Polillo to Jomalig, it is 42 kilometers. From Jomalig to Atimonan, it is 91 kilometers. There are 6 operators of public utility boats in Real going to Jomalig. But one boat was hired for the event. The boat was owned by Captain Joel (0908-702-0806). We were supposed to leave 4 am but due to foreseen delay on the part of the owner, we left past 6 am.
Day 1
After 5 hours of sea travel, we reached our destination. Salibungot Beach!
Jomalig was a sight for a sore eyes! Behold Jomalig!
Although, It was raining profusely when we arrived at the island. I was still carried away by the splendor of the island. And we had to carry everything while it was raining.
After an hour, the rain stopped. And we started assembling our tents and hammocks.
In due time, everybody was able to finish assembling the tent due to the help of Red and Erwin.
It was past 12 pm and Chef Arvin started cooking the sumptuous and overflowing lunch for the group.
While others were busy preparing the meal, I decided to explore the island.
It was a good thing that the rain stopped, the clouds cleared and the sun came out shining amidst the adversity of the previous rain. There was no stopping the group from enjoying this event. Our prayers were answered.
Everything (except for the rain or it might be a welcome blessing after all) was perfect that day!
We strolled along the beach and wandered around not mindful of where we were going, what lies ahead or that time was ticking away from us. In other words, we were enjoying our walk in the beach. The pristine waters and powdered white sand beach of Jomalig offered as a welcome sight for everybody!
With the help of Francis, Red, Koko, Mayreen, Kat and the rest of the group, lunch was prepared and served. And the inevitable was about to unfold!
The Boodle Fight!
After the sumptuous and belly-breaking lunch, I strolled once more in the beach to shed away some of the weight of the food that I consumed. After an hour, I decided to swim while watching the sunrise take its course.
Although the sunrise was missed that morning,
the sunset was breathtaking, captivating and majestic!
After the sunset, Erick and I decided to lend a hand in the preparation for our dinner. I enjoyed grilling the food!
Grilled pork, chicken, barracuda and tuna plus ensaladang eggplant
and a whole lot more! A repeat of the belly-breaking lunch!
Boodle Fight Part II!
After dinner, we gathered in the middle and joined singing some of the tunes while having our drinking spree. Well, it was supposed to be a drinking spree until the liquor (Ginebra gin) was consumed. We thought that there will be reinforcements of lambanog but the wait was a futile one. Past 11 pm, everybody was in their respective tents and hammocks and in the atmosphere of serenity, I heard somebody shouting, "Alak pa!" Ayan ang bitin! LOL
Happy Birthday Red!
Day 2
I did not sleep much that night. Either because it was very hot that night or because there was no liquor to consume the previous night! =)
What I did was to rise up early and enjoy the morning swim in the clear, pristine and cold water of Jomalig.
Afterwards, we hired a boat going to Canaway sandbar for P2,000 good for 15 pax and after 1 hour and 20 minutes, we reached our destination.
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| panoranic view of Canaway Laki |
There are actually 2 islands called Canaway, namely: Canaway Laki (Big) and Canaway Liit (small). Our first stop was Canaaway Laki.
Canaway Laki reminded me of the islands of Siargao!
I joined Cara (of Travel Up), Erick and Ervin in exploring the island. The others did swimming and snorkeling.
The scenery was simply majestic and overwhelming!
After an hour, we hopped to nearby island - Canaway Liit.
During low tide, there is sandbar formation which can be seen in the island.
Everybody was busy taking their souvenir pictures while I was busy taking their pictures.
And the day will not be complete without a jumpshot!
We missed breakfast that day but we were overloaded with tons of fun and adventure. The ride itself was already an adventure for the group. Afterwards, we went back to Salibungot beach, broke our tents, brought our stuff back to the boat and bid goodbye to the island. We took our lunch onboard the boat, Again, thanks to Chef Arvin!
After 4.5 hours, we arrived at Real and took our dinner at Eva's Canteen.
Two days!? No! It is not!
It was an eternity of fun, laughter and adventure that will linger in our minds.
Thanks to Red Chuca!
The Jomalig Experience!
is Simply Awesome!
Related link:
Adventures in Real, Quezon: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2014/06/adventures-in-real-quezon.html
Cagbalete island: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2014/05/cagbalete-island-mauban-quezon.html
Youtube link: http://youtu.be/2A0MJDJJfcw
Tips:
1. There is no electricity in the island, it is better to bring your power banks.
2. There are mobile networks in the island but internet connection is not that good.
3. There are no lodging facilities in the island. No tent or hammock rentals available.
4. You have to coordinate with the local government officials whenever you are going to set up your tents or hammocks in the island.
5. There are comfort rooms in Salibungot Beach but water is not available. The cost of one pail of water is P10.00.
6. In Saibungot Beach, sunrise is on the opposite side of the island but sunset is facing the beach.
7. Motorbike rental going to Canaway Sandbar costs P500-800 and is good only for 1 person. Boat rental costs P2,000 and is good for 15 persons.
8. There are no branded liquors in the island. Only lambanog.
9. Since there is no electricity, it is better to bring your flashlights.
10. Coordinate with Tita Malou and pay the environmental fee of P50.00 Enjoy Jomalig!
Accommodation/Lodging
Tejada Family - 0939-902-7532
Ms. Malou - 0929-957-3655
Mr. Elmer Garuguez (Acting Municipal Tourism Officer) - 0915-491-1362
Tips:
1. There is no electricity in the island, it is better to bring your power banks.
2. There are mobile networks in the island but internet connection is not that good.
3. There are no lodging facilities in the island. No tent or hammock rentals available.
4. You have to coordinate with the local government officials whenever you are going to set up your tents or hammocks in the island.
5. There are comfort rooms in Salibungot Beach but water is not available. The cost of one pail of water is P10.00.
6. In Saibungot Beach, sunrise is on the opposite side of the island but sunset is facing the beach.
7. Motorbike rental going to Canaway Sandbar costs P500-800 and is good only for 1 person. Boat rental costs P2,000 and is good for 15 persons.
8. There are no branded liquors in the island. Only lambanog.
9. Since there is no electricity, it is better to bring your flashlights.
10. Coordinate with Tita Malou and pay the environmental fee of P50.00 Enjoy Jomalig!
Accommodation/Lodging
Tejada Family - 0939-902-7532
Ms. Malou - 0929-957-3655
Mr. Elmer Garuguez (Acting Municipal Tourism Officer) - 0915-491-1362
Participants in the Jomalig Beach Bumming and BBQ Party (Red Chuca's Birthday)
1. Red Chuca
2. Mayrene Uy
3. Romar Malabug
4. Arvin David Quilloy
5. Monti Canamaque
6. Judy-Ann Bautista
7. Erwin Nuer
8. Vianca Domdom
9. Erickson Tuma
10. Duane Bernardo
11. Koko Nerva
12. Jen De
13. Alvin Gregorio
14. Xeres Patricia Villanueva
15. Anthony Villarina
16. Amor Alsosa
17. Kareen Pamela
18. Bella Donna
19. Donn Johnson Reyes Cera
20. Lealeny Marquez Mani
21. Marinette Atuel Galo
22. Kara Santos
23. Faye C. Galang
24. Jeremy Cirujales
25. Ry Urbanozo
26. Melanie Maculi
27. Francis Reyes
28. Ramon Karlo Ortega
29. Ross Galang
30. MaCherie D'amour
31. Kristel Mae
32. Julieto Espra
33. Emilson Lao
34. Lisette Porsche
35. Jun Villegas
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