TRES ISLAS DIY TRAVEL

DIY TRES ISLAS 


                                

BORAWAN | DAMPALITAN | KUWEBANG LAMPAS



Nothing more fun having a weekend getaway when you are with your friends , by this time I was with my college friends , which I think I shared almost 1/4 of my life.So to make a story short , "kinulayan namin ang drawing" , since we are group of art savvy people , di lang kame nagkulay , nag 3d modellnig pa kame. Thanks to our principal organizer Fathima who organized everything and made the travel budget friendly and most of it all fun.Yes you've heard it right , budget friendly  because we've planned to do it DIY.

Borawan , Dampalatian and Kuwebang lagpas were the island we've gone just for a weekend getaway.Yes! you've read it right! 3 islands just for a weekend.Basically if you'll be able to read other blogs , those set of islands are popular travel package because they are all near by each other, secondly is each of them has a distinct scenery they could offer.Those islands are located in Quezon province which has 3-4 hours travel time from Manila.

ITENERARY

11:00 pm - 12:00 pm | meet up place at Jac Liner along EDSA , Kamias road.near Kamuning MRT.

12:30 am - 4:30 am   | Travel time from Manila to Quezon , Lucena Grand Terminal 

4:30 am - 5:30 am    | Arrival at the Lucena Grand Terminal , waiting game as we need to wait for another bus going to Unisan , specifically in Padre Burgos.

5:30 am - 7:00 am    |  Travel time from Lucena Grand Terminal to  Padre Burgos

7 :00 am - 8 :30 am  | We took time to buy some stuff and foods for our two day meals.

8:30 am - 8:40 am    | Ride a tricylcle going to port , we had our contacts already prior to this travel   so we can save more time looking for a boat ride for two days.

8 :40 am - 8:55 am    | Boat ride from Padre Burgos to Borawan Island , there we spent our brunch   and snack till 4:00 pm and swim , rock and cliff diving , picture taking as well.

4:00 pm - 4:30pm | Boat ride from Borawan Island to Dampalitan Island where we spent an overnight That includes swimming , photshoots , playing card and star gazing , bonfire etc.

DAY TWO

We woke up at around 5 o' clock in the morning and spent our time roaming some parts of the Dampalitan Island before we headed to our last Island which is Kuwebang Lampas

9:00 am - 9:45 am | Travel time from Dampalitan Island to Kwebang Lampas where we spent most   of our swimming time till afternnon of 4:00 pm before we headed back to Padre Burgos then to Manila

4:00 pm - 4:45 pm | Travel time from Kuwebang Lampas going Padre Burgos

4:45 pm - 6:00 pm | We were offered to fixed our things and have a shower on our contacts place so it will not be a hassle for us knowing its crowded already on the beach ,we also took a chance to have a last photo shoots since its getting sunset already , a good chance for a good picture taking.

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | Our ideal plan is to leave Padre Burgos going to Lucena Grand terminal at 5:00 pm and be in Manila at 9 or 10pm approx, since most of us has work the next morning.We took time to have a picture taking and also prepare our things , the plan time of leaving did not pushed through , its okay , it is still the memories that last and the time being with special people that matters


8:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Suffer consequences , travel time from Padre Burgos to Lucena Grand terminal then since most of us got hungry , we dropped by at the Jollibee to move on !

9:00 pm - 1:30 am | Travel time from Lucena Grand terminal to Manila.

CTTO | RAD DE JESUS | ARRIVAL AT LUCENA GRAND TERMINAL

CTTO | RAD DE JESUS | ARRIVAL AT PADRE BURGOS BUYING INGREDIENTS FOR OUR 2 DAY MEALS

LETS DO THE ISLAND REVIEW

BORAWAN ISLAND

I would consider this place memorable , since its the first island ever I went through with my college friends.The place is nice and I would say spacious as it can accommodate numbers of visitors.It has its own distinct rock formations where you can have your Instagram worthy photos. If you are an adventure seeker , their approximate 15 foot rock formations could give you thrilling experience as you can jump on top, of course the sea would be the landing point.Those rock formations , netted sea part , stores and kayak activities are located on the left side of the island , so its the best place to set up your tents and belonging there than on the right side , everything is already there.Just to set up an expectations , their sand is not really as fine as Boracay but the rock formations is a must see.

The challanged we encountered by the way is finding a right spot  where we could set up our things , there a lot of hantik/ ants on the ground near every trees,The good thing is that the island offers a bigger size tent to accommodate us  , of course we will pay for it,


I just noticed that their goods are quite pricey , like the Halo-halo costs 45.00 pesos versus the regular price of 25.00 .For me it is still unreasonable since the island is just 15 minutes from the city proper through boat ride.Its not as remote as the other islands.

Since the island is beautiful ,the down is that it is restricted to swim outside the boarder of the netted part of the sea,  because of the venomous jelly fishes,Actually before we arrived at the island we have already noticed big chunks of white jelly fishes along the way so my classmates were quite hesitant to swim a distant from the sea shore and me as well.I just think it would be nicer to enjoy swimming to the beach without thinking of any possibilities being stung by any sea creatures for us to enjoy the moment.

CTTO | RAD DE JESUS | PHOTO SHOOT | LEFT SIDE OF BORAWAN BEACH

BECAUSE WE'RE ARTY FARTSY

CTTO | RINCESS REYES 

OUR VERY OWN TENT

DAMPALITAN ISLAND

This where we spent an overnight , compared to Borawan island , the sand is much more finer , and there's a lot of trees near the shores so it would be easy to find a good shades during sun's peak, and lesser hantiks/ants,I think the island has more organized cottages and accommodations.I just wasn't able to swim there since it was already low tide. They also offer a rooms for much convenience but we are on a budget so we just rented tents.There were picturesque parts of the islands that catches your attentions , but I would say Borawan has more to offer because of their rock formations. There's also a store where you can buy foods and Ice for your cold drinks.

PHOTO CREDIT | CHIANE SERVANDO

PHOTO CREDI | CONRAD DE JESUS | US PLAYING UNO CARD

NAWAWALANG BATA

CTTO | RINCESS REYES | YUNG KATABI KO LAKI NG MASKELS

NAWAWALANG BATA

BEFORE WE HEADED TO KUWEBANG LAMPAS

I was really expecting that since we will have an overnight camping on the beach , my night would have a good ventilation coming from the sea waves , but that night was so humid because I think we were on the wrong side of the island and the wind is not coming to our direction but on the opposite part of it ,So it was really uncomfortable for me , so bringing your own portable fan is a must when staying on the island.

KUWEBANG LAMPAS

So after an overnight stay in Dampalitan island , we took our breakfast and a few picture taking along the area then we headed to Kuwebang Lampas .I would definitely consider this island as the best among the previous two. So save the best for last. Definitely the island has a lot more to offer since its main attraction is its underwater cave where you have to swim  or walk on the rocks going inside .You have to wear slippers since some of the rocks are sharp pointed  and slippery.

CTTO | JOHN LEROY FRANCISCO | BEST PART OF THE WEEKEND

CTTO | JOHN LEROY FRANCISCO | BEST PART OF THE WEEKEND

CTTO | JOHN LEROY FRANCISCO |

Inside the cave, you can have a chance to swim outside the border shore of the island , quite risky and thrilling but for adventure seeker like me , it was worth it. The sand I would say is comparable to Boracay especially when you're on the sea shores.The sea is much more clearer than the two and most definitely , the beach is not restricted of any installed nets ,so you can swim freely.The beach is quite crowded maybe because its a summer season so that's reasonable and I think most of the visitors go directly there. I just wished that we could spend more time here more than the two islands.

INSIDE THE CAVE

EXPENSES BREAK IT DOWN YO!

436     | Bus fare back and forth

35       | Bus fare fong to Padre Burgos

20       | Tricycle back and forth going to the port

150     | entrance to borawan

70        | Borawan Cottage

100      | Overnight at Dampalitan

67        | Tent pitching fee each ( I brought my own I borrowed from my workmate Mica.

80       | Entrance to Kwebang Lampas

30       | Cottage fee Kwebang Lampas each , good for 12 persons

300     | Boat transpo

300     | Food contribution

20      | Shower fee in Dianne's place (our contact )

100    | Van to Lucena Grand terminal

------------------------------------------------

1710 pesos Not bad for the Three Islands in a weekends

SIDE TIP

-bring your own tent if possible

-bring a fan , sometimes it gets hot at night

-bring a vicks or white flower , the travel time might get you dizzy

-bring your own neck pillow , since its handy

-as much as possible leave the earliest time from Padre Burgos as we had a hard time looking for a  bus going Lucena Grand terminal.Maybe at around 5 or 6 , you should already be on the road.

MEJO MAJINET KAYA NAG JOMALIG

                                               NO HESITATIONS IN JOMALIG



  
So Its been like 6 months the last time I went outside the busy jungle of Manila.The last was when I visited my province Samar and Leyte. A months of work , sleepless nights (OA!) , pollution and more Manila stress delicacies. So when my friends from previous work invited me to join again for another trip with our acquaintances from different walks of life.I got really excited but HESITANT !! NOT THAT EXCITED , because it would be on JOMALIG. I'll let you know why?

I did not know anything about the place ,aside that I heard it before. I thought its a place that has a man made spider web which I am sorry ,I was wrong because I was talking pala about Georeserve , haha! which I have never been to. Going back , I started searching any information about JOMALIG from the internet , thanks! an instant portal.

Basically , Jomalig is in Quezon province , but before you get there you have to travel by the boat for 4-6 hours going Real, Quezon  ,so its sea travel courtesy of Pacific Ocean ...and its splashes!! which somehow I enjoyed.Especially during the dizzy times , for some reason water splashes and winds outside the boat helped.

So from Manila , since we rented our van , It took us 3 to 4 hours  going to the port of Real , Quezon .Considering no traffic with one stop over to pee and buy some stuff. I recommend that everything should be ready before you depart from your meet up place so everything would be harmonious travel.

If you are planning to do DIY  , the best option is to ride a bus , not really sure well ( so this blog won't help you but!?) base from other sources  , you can ride a bus from Legarda in Raymonds bus terminal in front of Arellano University ,which has a route going to the Real , Quezon.Then ride a tricycle  going exactly to the port .The Real one ah!! I like my humor here,

The travel from Real port to Jomalig would test your patience , not only that , it would drive your stomach and head go crazy .I mentioned earlier that I was hesitant going Jomalig prior to this travel.The 5-6 hours is mainly the reason why , that still exclude the 3-4 hours of land travel from Manila to the province of Quezon.I mean how the hell I would travel for that long , "Parang mas mahaba pa ang byinahe mo , kesa sa iniligo mo"(it took more of your time on the travel , than the time took on the beach ) BUT IT'S WORTH IT , ITS SULIT!!I am a witness because JOMALIG is worth  the travel of 5-6 hours. No doubt because of its golden sand that sparkles through your eyes as its hit by the sun rays.The virginity of the island and the people , yes the people.They are always delighted seeing tourist visiting their island,

During the boat travel , you don't have to worry for the food because as part of what you paid for , they will offer you of what they call fisherman's meal. Just don't be maarte because its a food prepared by the local fishermen.So what they eat , you eat! I just don't like how they prepared it, but I was able to handle.

THEY OFFER COFFEE!! FOR FREE

ONE OF MY FAVORITE SHOTS

HOW YOU CAN OVERCOME 5-6 HOURS TRAVEL TIME !!

• Download any games that you could spend playing for at least 1-2 hours. I am not a game savvy , but for this I did
• Bring books , finished at least 3-4 chapters 
• Its effortless because you are with your friends , I think its spontaneous that you talked with them any random things , most of the time , it kills time during the travel

  

   Michelle (brown Jacket )  KC (the one with the hoodie)
  Flor (Apple green jacket)
  Floor and KC just got married and they had their second wedding by the beach of Jomalg .
  I acted as a priest !!! Haha

• Rest or sleep , I envied this one passenger , she just slept for the whole freaking time of travel.Its a tiring journey of a boat ride so might as well lay down and rest yourself , be reminded lang that the boat  is crowded so you might feel you're in a refugee settings , but its part of the adventure.

TOLD YAH!

                                        

• Vics , white flower , catinco is a must, a weapon , a life saver for those who has zero tolerance with this kind of travel.I don't get easily dizzy but because the boat is crowded and limited ventilation.I started feeling something's playing on my stomach .So what I did , I went outside the boat (cargo one) and get splashed by the waves of Pacific Ocean , it was effective , it killed my dizziness that time ,You must try once your turn.
• Just enjoy the travel , enjoy the view , enjoy every aspect of what God has given us to see and appreciate.

So when we finally arrived on the beautiful island , since its a travel package , everything is already ready for us .There were locals waiting for us , a contact from our tour guide.We just settled our belongings and we just waited for our lunch.There were vendors offering HALO-HALO and MAIS CON YELO for just 25.00 pesos only , its refreshing after a long travel time .There are variety stores ( sari-sari stores) nearby the area and they offer coffees and  soda etc.just don't be shy to ask anyone from the community " wag kang mahiyang magtanong!"

FINALLY WE'VE ARRIVED!!COURTESY OF A LONG
TRAVEL.

                                            

A STORE YOU CAN RELY ON , YOU CAN AS WELL
BOOK AN OVERNIGHT STAY WITH THEM.

So after our lunch , though the sun was still at its peak, we already decided to change and enjoy the beach could offer , the tantalizing sand can serve , the Jomalig could do for us,Its no doubt the island is worth visiting , its like you need to go through hardship first before you appreciate the worth of it and I believe that Jomalig is representing that kind of principle.   

I brought a headset to kill boredom , but no used since
Jomalig just proved to me, the Island is the only thig i need to relax.

ONCE YOU STROLL AROUND THE ISLAND THERE ARE SOME PARTS
THAT MOSTLY HAS THESE SEA SHELLS ON THE GROUND SO PLEASE BRING A SLIPPERS
FOR THIS PART OF THE ISLAND,

FORGIVE ME I HAVE SINNED

???

POGI , MULA ULO MUKHANG PAA!

WHEN VANITY STRIKES

INSERT QUOTABLE QUOTE HERE

                                       

One of my new year resolution is to have a beach body this coming summer .I hope you guys understand as for a human being wanting to achieve his goal in life to please himself and not others ,please so be it,I know you have your own goal as well.So long live.

                         
                          
                                                                         

What really makes me fall in love with the place is not mainly the island I would say , but the people , the community .When I decided to stroll around the area , there were locals I get to pass by and they were the ones who greeted and smiled at me first.I think that the hospitality of the island people captured my heart.They were delighted seeing local or foreign tourists visiting their paradise.So for those who are planning to go Jomalig , always wear your smile , they are not Manila people , they are not snob ,,,haha!!! Just kidding! but its true!

                               

So  we spent the rest of the day enjoying the islands beauty and no doubt , one of the best place I have ever been. I think as well it would be a nice place to have a beach wedding. That why KC together with his main accomplished Michelle ( bestfriend ) planned a surprise for his wife to have her  wedding dream come true , a beach wedding and I acted as a priest.Haha.Memorable and romantic indeed! 

ein

So what we all did after the wedding is to eat our dinner since its already prepared by our tour guide.So that is the pros of having a package tour travel because you can just enjoy the spoon being served to you.We set up our tent nearby the beach by the help of the locals and had a bit of drinking session and games with friends.
  

PHOTO CREDITS|KC CONCEPCION|IVY VELASCO

So after an overnight with the island and before we bid our goodbyes.We woke up early morning to witness the sunset and take pictures and selfies on the island for a DP (displayed picture purposes) and instgrammable purpose aswell. #millenialstuff

  

  

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF IVY VELASCO| I decided to take a few picturesque view maybe because I want to feel the place more since its my first to visit a totally not so but considerably virgin island of Jomalig.

So after spending the whole weekends in Jomalig and satisfy my cravings for a summer getaway , its time to bid goodbyes and face the reality of Manila again.I thinks spending almost 3K for a package tour would  be enough to cater the relaxation a Manila man is looking for.I will definitely come back once I miss the place and mostly the people/ community.

They are trusted since we've been their customer for a few trips already.

BEFORE LEAVING THE ISLAND| THE BOATS IS WAITING FOR US FOR ANOTHER HELL OF 4-6  HOURS TRIP

 
PHOTOS CREDIT | KC CONCEPCION

THANKS TO ALL THE PEOPLE I AM WITH DURING JOMALIG ESCAPADE
NO HESITATIONS IN JOMALIG

THANKS TO THESE ATE'S WHO LET ME JOIN THE TRIP
BY FORCE AND MAKING ME GUILTY OF NOT JOINING AT FIRST

LERIO | LEFT  

YOURS TRULY | HUBADERO SA GITNA 

IVY | RIGHT

                                   

So if you are planning to have a visit on the island you can ask this page for a tour package:

KEN U TOUR

They are trusted since we've been their customer for a few trips already.

PHOTO FROM KEN U TOUR FACEBOOK PAGE