MANILA — Located far off the eastern coast of Quezon province, Jomalig Island continuously amuse every guest that will step on its pinkish sand and beautiful landscape. Not to mention its clear and blue waters, it’s undeniable that this island offers an amazing weekend getaway.
To be honest, of all the beaches that I’ve been to in the Philippines, Jomalig remain as my favorite. Its “isolation” from the usual beach crowd and warm people compliments how everyone would love this paradise.
There are no hotels in the island so bring your own tent or you may opt to rent one of the few homestay services that the locals offer. Nipa huts which can accommodate 10 people can also be rented for ₱500 per night.
Since Jomalig is not an “established” tourist destination, shower and toilet facilities are not yet available in the island. However the locals are offering theirs for ₱5 to ₱10 per use.
Bring your power banks. As of my recent visit, electricity only runs in the island between 1:00AM to 5PM and that window hour is the only time where you can ask the locals to charge your phone for only ₱10 (full batt!).
Your trip in the island won’t be complete without your evening swim with the planktons. Yes, the small single cell organism that’s present in the shore of Jomalig. I tell you, its one of the amusing experiences I had with ocean water. It’ll suddenly lights up with star-like glitter when you create disturbance in the water, like shaking your hands.
How to get there?
Go to Raymond Bus Terminal in Legarda, Manila ride a bus bound to Infanta. Advise the driver and conductor to drop you at port of Real in Quezon and that you are traveling to Jomalig Island. Travel time usually takes 4-5 hours depending on the traffic along Metro Manila.
Once you get there, secure your reservation with the bangkeros before buying your supplies in the public market.
The earliest trip that leaves Real is between 9:00AM to 10:00AM, and from the port travel time to Jomalig usually takes 4 to 5 hours. Lunch will be provided during your trip (like an on board amenity) so you don’t need to worry about skipping a meal while sailing.
-Itinerary-
DAY 1
0200 ETD Raymond Bus Terminal to Port of Real
0700 ETA Port of Real, Quezon / Buy supplies at Real Public Market / Breakfast
0830 Board banca to Jomalig
1000 ETD Port of Real
1500 ETA Jomalig Island
1530 Set up camp
1600 Photo op / chill / Sunset viewing
1830 Dinner / Cleanup
2000 Socials / Stargazing
2130 Lights out
DAY 2
0600 Wakeup call / Breakfast
0700 Beach stroll / Prepare lunch for Island hopping
1000 ETD for Pulo and Manlanat Islands (from Salibungot Beach)
1230 ETA Manlanat Islands / Photo op / Packed lunch / Stroll
1330 ETA Pulo Island / Photo op / Stroll
1430 ETD Pulo Island
1700 ETA Salibungot Beach / Chill / Swim
1830 Dinner
1930 Evening swim
2030 Socials
2200 Lights out
DAY 3
0600 Wakeup call / Breakfast
0700 Swim / Stroll / Photo op
0830 Breakcamp / Washup
0930 Board bangka to Real
1000 ETD Jomalig Island
1400 ETA Port of Real
1500 ETD Real to Manila
2000 ETA Manila
Expenses
Manila to Real – ₱196 (vv. ₱392)
Real to Jomalig – ₱350 (vv. ₱700)
Food – ₱300
Island tour – ₱200 (for 10 pax)
Environmental/Registration fees – ₱170
TOTAL: ₱1,762 ($35)
Contact person: Captain Zaldy – +639296588864
ViajeroMNL (Viajero Manila) is a lifestyle blog site that features different pop culture, travel, and food destinations in the Philippines. This article was written by Gillian Gacuma.
Pano po magpabook?
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Hi! You can call Captain Zaldy at +639296588864. Thanks!
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