Smart Backpacker

Monday, June 9, 2014

Exploring Fortune Island

There are so many islands to explore in Batangas, namely:

Tingloy, Bonito, Isla Verde, and Sombrero Island, to cite a few.

But one island stands out from rest - Fortune Island!

June 7, 2014

PAGASA has not yet officially declared the end of the summer season neither the start of the rainy season. Honestly, I was asking myself the question whether I will still continue with my summer travel. Classes in FEU will start on June 25 and without anything to do, I told myself why not have one last tour with Red Chuca's (aka Adobo Journey) event/tour. Luck was on my side that week after the event was canceled, Red decided to revive the tour. My gratitude to Red! Hooray! Anyway, a week ago we were in Jomalig Island, Quezon. Now, we find ourselves in another adventure, i.e. to explore Fortune Island.

at Feast of Tabernacle Beach Resort, Barangay Wawa

For those who have been asking me how to go to Fortune Island, here is your answer.

How to get there

There a variety of options in going to Nasugbu, Batangas.

Option 1 - from EDSA, Pasay City

Ride a BSC or DLTB bus en route to Nasugbu, Batangas. Travel time is 3-4 hours. It is 92 kilometers from Pasay. Fare is P155.00. Alight in Jollibee, Nasugbu, Batangas. Then, ride a tricycle to Barangay Wawa for P10.00 only. Specifically, in Fortune Island Resort.

Option 2 - from Buendia, Pasay City

Ride a DLTB bus en route to Nasugbu, Batangas. Travel time is 3-4 hours. It is 94 kilometers from Buendia. And the fare is also P155.00. Alight in Jollibee, Nasugbu, Batangas. Then, ride a tricycle to Barangay Wawa for P10.00 only. Specifically, in Fortune Island Resort.

Option 3 - from Park n Ride, City Hall, Manila

Ride the bus going to Nasugbu (they have a schedule and it is better to inquire), Travel time is 3-4 hours. Fare is P173.00. Alight in Jollibee, Nasugbu, Batangas. Then, ride a tricycle to Barangay Wawa for P10.00 only. Specifically, in Fortune Island Resort.

Option 4 - from Cubao

Ride the bus (DLTB) going to Nasugbu. Travel time is 3-4 hours. Fare is P173.00. Alight in Jollibee, Nasugbu, Batangas. Then, ride a tricycle to Barangay Wawa for P10.00 only. Specifically, in Fortune Island Resort.

Option 5 - from Olivares, Tagaytay
From SM Calamba, ride the van going to Tagaytay and alight in Jollibee, Olivares. Fare is P70.00 and travel time is more than an hour depending on the traffic. From Olivares, ride either the jeepney or bus going to Nasugbu, fare is P78.00 and travel time is 60-80 minutes. Alight in Jollibee, Nasugbu, Batangas. Then, ride a tricycle to Barangay Wawa for P10.00 only. Specifically, in Fortune Island Resort.

Option 6 - from Talisay, Batangas
Ride the jeep going either to Talisay or Laurel, Batangas. Fare is P23 and travel time is less than an hour. Alight at the Municipal Hall in Talisay and board the tricycle to Banga. Reaching Banga, ride the jeep (P40), motorcycle (P150) or tricycle (P300) to Tagaytay. Travel time is 15-20 minutes only. Alight in Olivares, ride either the jeepney or bus going to Nasugbu, fare is P78.00 and travel time is 60-80 minutes. Alight in Jollibee, Nasugbu, Batangas. Then, ride a tricycle to Barangay Wawa for P10.00 only. Specifically, in Fortune Island Resort.

Option 7
Hire a van going to Nasugbu.
Foton Van for Hire (several units available)
Derick Villegas - contact numbers: 0917-504-0770 / 0998-545-0016 / (043)-778-4657
With wifi, GPS Navigation, videoke, RFID, Sky

at the boarding point of the boat ride to Fortune Island

Fortune Island Resort

Apacible Blvd, Wawa, Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines

Contact number - 0906-380-5259

Internet phone - 070-4300-7715

email: ggkbr6269@gmail.com

homepage: http://m_cafe_naver_com/fortune island

Fortune Island Resort is the one managing ALL the tours in Fortune Island.

They also provide scuba diving and island hopping tour.

They also have ATV rentals.

It is co-owned by Mr. Kim and Mr. Steve whom I both met in the resort.

It is BETTER if the resort will be the one to ARRANGE your boat to the island. If you are traveling alone or 2 or more, they will the the one to squeeze you in other tours.

Entrance fee to the island

P300 - day tour

P400 - overnight

ALTERNATIVELY - (But I still RECOMMEND that Fortune Island Resort be the one to arrange your boat rental needs.)

Boat for Hire

Ely B. Catubigan / Batoy Catubigan

Tabernacle Beach Resort

Wawa, Nasugbu, Batangas

0947-574-7548 / 0905-602-2041

Boat hire / Guide

Mang Chris - 0908-722-5628

Mang Dante - 0939-489-5292

Day Tour - P4,000.00 (10 pax only)

Overnight Tour - P6,000 (10 pax) / P8,000-9,000 (15 pax)

Best time to visit the island is between the months of March to June only. It is better to travel in a large group (8-10 pax) to minimize the cost of renting a boat.

Fortune Island viewed from the boat

Per Red's itinerary, our call time in Buendia, Pasay was 3:00 am and ETA in Nasugbu is 7:00 am. We were supposed to meet at Jollibee branch in Nasugbu. But Sir Rico Garcia and I opted Option 6, and we arrived in Olivares around 5:00 am and 6:30 am in Nasugbu. But the group arrived 5:45 am.

Around 7:45 am, we went to Barangay Wawa and boarded the boat to Fortune Island. Travel time in the boat is 1 hour and 20 minutes. Usually, it is only 1 hour but due to rough waters, we reached the island more than the allotted time.

panoramic view of the Fortune Island beach

The wave was strong enough to get us all wet but it was part of the thrill going to Fortune Island. We were 12 that day under the leadership of Red Chuca.

I immediately saw the ruins at the top of the island and told myself I had to be there at once! We got out stuff and proceeded to our camping area at the top of the beach.

The beach is white sand. There are portions of the beach with powdered white sand and there are portions with rough white sand and shells abound in the shore. Aside from our group, there were 4-5 other groups who will spend the night in the island.

I brought my stuff to our camping area and immediately Sir Rico and I proceeded to the top of the ruins. We had to take advantage of the blue skies that day and off we go to the top.

I thought I was in Parthenon in Greece!

The Parthenon is a temple on the Athenian Acropolis, Greece, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron.

But reality struck! I am in Fortune Island!

Sir Rico enjoying the panoramic view from the top of the island

Fortune Island is a photographer's dream! A sight to behold and get lost!

I almost forgot, there is a landing fee of P300/pax for day tour and P400/pax for overnight tour. You can camp anywhere in the island. Mang Loreto (0928-453-8821) is the caretaker of the island.

view at the top of the island

There is no electricity nor drinking water in the island. No food outlet or canteen. But it has mobile network signals of Smart and Globe. There is a toilet but there is no water. It is better to bring your wet wipes or use salt water for toilet purposes.

the ship wreck

After spending an hour at the top of the ruins, I went down and explored the island. There was this ship wreckage at the opposite side of the island and a good site to take your souvenir pictures. There are no pirates! =)

the trail

From the ship wreck, there is a trail going to the lighthouse. Rico, Samara, Marcio and I decided to trek the lighthouse. From the wreck, you have to walk for 40-50 meters and you will see a black pipe. Just follow the black pipe and you will end up at the lighthouse. No need for a guide, only your courage, determination and perseverance will do.

the lighthouse

After 20 minutes, we reached the lighthouse! Unfortunately, the entrance was closed and we were not able to climb the top of the lighthouse.

With Samara and Marcio, Brazilian tourists in the Philippines

We spent 15 minutes enjoying the scenery and after that, we decided to descend.

The trail was rocky, steep and a bit difficult. Going up was a bit easier than descending. And after 25 minutes, we reached the beach anew. Strolling in the beach, I met the owner of the island.

with Steve, Korean owner of the island

I introduced myself and told him about my blog and he was delighted to hear that I will be writing my travel in Fortune Island. He was very accommodating and friendly. It was a good thing I met him.

Scuba Diving and Hopping Tour

Steve Song

General Manager and PADI Scuba Instructor

Fortune Island Resort, Apacible Blvd.

Wawa, Nasugbu, Batangas

+63-915-881-9756

Internet phone - 070-4300-7715

e-mail- quepit76@naver.com

homepage - http://m.cafe.naver.com/fortuneisland

fishermen in the island

Activities in the island

camping, trekking, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, island hopping

Past 4 pm, we were grilling the fish and we decided to buy some more from the local fishermen fishing beside the island.

July holding the 2 Unicorn fish

And for P350.00, we were able to buy 2 Unicorn fish and 1 Paco fish. They were huge!

And the grilling of the fish continued, 1 Unicorn fish was cooked in Adobo style.

enjoying the grilled fish!

We took our early dinner past 5 pm and enjoyed the grilled fish and Bistek Beef!

We were hoping for a sunset but it was cloudy that day. It was a futile wait!

FUN!

The fun continued after dinner! We had our drinking spree of Lambanog and Alfonso light. While drinking, we played games and enjoyed the night. After the session, some decided to take a swim but I decided to sleep for my early sunrise viewing.

Day 2

I woke up 4:45 am only to find out that it was still cloudy that morning but I still decided to watch the sunrise from the ruins.

The sun came out that day but there was no splendor or drama to it as it was covered by the clouds. Another futile wait! And so I decided to go down to shore and take a morning swim! It was a good day even though it was a bit cloudy.

I strolled again in the island and took pictures. Fortune island offers so many pictures.

While swimming, I did a bit of snorkeling and underwater photography.

breakfast prepared and cooked by Red Chuca

Past 8 am, we took our breakfast to my delight because I was already famished!

the 12 participants, I took the picture in case you are wondering =)

After breakfast, we broke our tent and decided to go back to the mainland.
The waves were so strong that day and while boarding the boat, I got wet again in the process. But I did not mind it! =)

Exploring Fortune island is a treasured experience!

It's Really More Fun in Nasugbu, Batangas!

Thanks again Red Chuca!

Tips -

1. It is better to negotiate your rent of the boat directly to Mang Chris or Mang Dante without any fixers/agents.

2. It is better to bring supplies of water in the island.

3. There is no tent rental in the resort or island. Please bring your own. Using hammock is neither an option. Sleeping bags can be used as there are dilapidated shelters in the island.

4. The waves can be so strong that you will get wet while boarding or onboard the boat, better bring a spare clothing just for this purpose.

5. Do not forget to bring a camera! Enjoy Fortune Island!

Participants:

Red Chuca

Rico Garcia

Jun Villegas

Olay Rullan
Marcio MN
Samara Prestes
July
Net
Gary
Bianca
Albert
Ralph

My newest blog about Fortune Island

Return to Fortune Island

http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2015/06/return-to-fortune-island-nasugbu.html

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Pink Sand Beaches in the Philippines

The Philippines is blessed with a variety of sand colors

ranging from white, brown, black, gray and pink.

Yes, pink sand beach in the Philippines!

What causes the beach to turn into pink sand?

The color of the sand comes from the pulverized red organ pipe coral from eons of surf erosion mixed with the white sand.

from Wowzamboangacity

The Organ pipe coral (Tubipora musica) is an alcyonarian coral native to the waters of the Indian Ocean and the central and western regions of the Pacific Ocean. It is the only known species of the genus Tubipora. This species is a soft coral but with a unique, hard skeleton of calcium carbonate that contains many organ pipe-like tubes. On each tube is a series of polyps which each have eight feather-like tentacles. These tentacles are usually extended during the day, but will swiftly withdraw with any sort of disturbance. The skeleton is a bright red color, but is typically obscured by the numerous polyps, which are green or gray in color. In size, colonies can reach up to a meter across, while the individual polyps are typically less than 3 mm wide and a few mm long. They are restricted to shallow waters and tend to live in sheltered areas. They eat plankton. They are close relatives to other soft coral and sea fans (from Wikepedia).

In the Philippines, we have some island destinations having pink sand beaches, namely:

1. Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City

Related link:
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-great-sta-cruz-island-zamboanga-city.html

2. Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon

Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/05/subic-beach-matnog-sorsogon.html

3. Sila Island, San Vicente, Catarman, Northern Samar

from vigattintourism.com

So far, I have visited only, Sta. Cruz Island and Subic Beach and I am planning to explore the other pink sand beaches not only in Sila Island but also in the other nearby towns in Northern Samar.

There are other pink sand beaches in the Philippines. And as of now, there are still debates on their location. In fact, my friend told me that there is another one in Surigao Del Sur. And locating and exploring these pink sand beaches will surely be part of my next travel in the Philippines.

It's More Fun in the Philippines! =)

Related link:
7 Pink Beaches in the World: http://realwonderoftheworld.com/7-pink-beaches-in-the-world/

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

The Jomalig Island Experience

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!

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

Option 1 (Antipolo Route)

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.

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.

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!