A Lone Traveler in Jomalig Island

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• published: 20 Oct 2016
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This guide is based on what I have experienced on my solo backpacking trip. Yes, I'm a lone traveler. I've been dying to visit Jomalig Island way back 2015. I adjusted the itinerary I saw from my research and it is possible to go to the island by myself.Travelling needs not be expensive. You don’t need to spend a lot just to be able to travel and explore the hidden gems of our beloved archipelago. You just need to be “smart,” spend wisely and choose the people you want to travel with and I choose myself. LOL! Summer is coming soon, and beaches in popular destinations near Manila are going to be really crowded as usual. For those looking for a different destination to visit, Jomalig Island in Quezon offers an escape. It’s not that easy to get to, which means the place remains unspoiled. I am pretty sure that the 6-hour boat ride is worth it just to reach the island. The golden sand beaches, Agoho pine trees, refreshing atmosphere and naturally sights here are just stunning. Jomalig Island is best for those who enjoy unspoiled beaches. This is where you can enjoy back to basics camping away from the crowd. As per this writing, there are now beach resorts being developed by the locals. HOW TO GET HERE Land Travel Go to Legarda and look for Raymond Bus Terminal. This is in front of Arellano University. Bus leaves every hour (11:30 PM and 1:00 AM). Ride a bus bound to Infanta Quezon and get off at Real Port Quezon. Make sure to inform the conductor that you are going to Jomalig Island so they can drop you to the exact port. There are a lot of ports there. Fare is 198 for aircon bus. Boat Ride Going to Jomalig is an adventurer’s treat especially if you go there by boat. There are three possible ways to get there by boats: via Real and Atimonan, Quezon; and Panganiban, Camarines Norte. These are not commercial boats but cargo vessels. Going there by boat is difficult from September to January due to huge waves. From Real port, ride a passenger boat going to Jomalig (350.00) with free meal prepared by the crew/fishermen. Some boats serve lunch, while some do not. It’s best to bring your own food, water and snacks because of the long travel time.The earliest boat leaves at 10 AM. Yes. That's the earliest. But for me, due to irregularities on trip schedule, the boat will depart the next day. So I opted to ride a boat going to Patnanungan, an island before Jomalig, then rented a small boat to reach the island of Jomalig for Php 800. Island Tour *Sadong River *Lingayen Cove *Little Boracay *Canaway Liit and Canaway Laki *Lolita's Resort *Fish Sanctuary *Salibungot Beach BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES Bus from Legarda to Real Quezon - 198.00 Boat from Real to Patnanungan - 300.00 (inclusive of food) Charter boat rental fee - 800.00 / 2 (shared with another tourist) Island fee collected from the tourism - 170.00 **inclusive of environmental, tourism and entrance fee** Fan Room in Banana's - 500.00 (for 3D/2N) Entrance Fee - 150.00 Food/Paluto - 150.00 Habal-habal/Tour guide - 600.00 Boat from Jomalig to Real - 350.00 (inclusive of food) Van bound for Manila - 220.00 TOTAL 3,038.00 WHO TO CONTACT Kagawad Darwin Asana Banana's Beach Resort 0910 052 7501 Eddie Sales Tour Guide 0921 345 6533 With its unspoiled beaches, creamy golden yellow colored sand, tropical setting, and wonderful people, the Island has all it takes to become one of the country’s best tourist destinations. The island is just waiting for a huge break and responsible investors that can make Jomalig the next destination on everyone’s “bucket list”. Sometimes I have second thoughts about if I should really vlog about places I visit, especially ones like Jomalig. This may seem selfish, but I want the island to be just as lovely as it is now, undisturbed, as simple as it can be. I don’t want the island to become the next Boracay — an over developed island we used to call a paradise (the resorts still do). But I understand that people need change and the island needs sustainable development. There’s only one thing that can help them achieve it: tourism. The beauty of the island, the serenity of the place and its warm people are the charm of this lovely town. Experience Jomalig and fall in love in this golden paradise. Follow my adventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowiepoly/ Wordpress: https://rowiewanderlist.wordpress.com/ Music: I love you always forever by Betty Who **I DO NOT OWN THE MUSIC** **COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT NOT INTENDED