If there’s one place that I could recommend to the Survivor Series Reality TV Show team, it would be Jomalig Island in the province of Quezon, Phillipines.
Another Day in Paradise
Located in the eastern part of the Polilio Island Group and boasting a population of ~7000, Jomalig Island is a must for everyone’s bucket list. Jomalig Island is a former barrio of Pollilo, Quezon. Its name came from the word “Humalik,” meaning kisses, and later became Jomalig.
Being a freelancer and free from an 8 hour of routine tasks, I’m glad I had the opportunity to explore and rediscover this road less travelled destination.
Summer Vacation in Jomalig Island
Together with fellow travel bloggers, a TV Crew, and staff from the Quezon Provincial Tourism Office, we visited one of the smallest towns in Quezon: Jomalig. Coincidentally, the town was holding a festival during our visit, and our entire stay was fully hosted by the Honorable Rodelo Torres Tena—the town Mayor of the Island Municipality.
Located in Sition Burungawan, Salibungot Beach is probably one of the most beautiful beachfront areas in Jomalig. The area has a wide shoreline and is surrounded by Agoho Pine Trees, much like what we see in Anawangin Cove.
Beaches in Jomalig Island
After our short stop at Salibungot Beach, we visited Manlanat Islet, a rocky island perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching. The island was absolutely picturesque; in fact, most of us paused to take photos on different parts of the island, snapping pictures of bird nests and resting snakes.
After our challenging hike on Manlanat Island, it was finally time for our beach escape. We visited Kanaway Island, which is quite near Manlanat. The island has a narrow shoreline, but if you explore the other side of the beach, a beautiful calm beach covered with rock formations and natural Bonsai trees awaits you.
The Secret Beach in Kanaway Island
Kanaway Island also has two caves to explore; but be very, very careful, as these caves are guarded by friendly but dangerous snakes. Unfortunately we could not stay on the island for long since it was already late in the afternoon.
We dropped by Sitio Apad to buy fresh lobster and a local fish called surahan for our breakfast the next day. When we got there, we were swarmed by kids like there was no tomorrow; I didn’t expect there to be so many in the tiny Barangay. We enjoyed watching them flipping, diving and doing their water stunts until we left the area.
Island Life in Sitio Apad
It was getting dark when we left Sitio Apad. We felt like we were on a luxurious sunset cruise as we headed back to the town center. It was already dark when we arrived at the mayor’s house. There we shared stories as if we hadn’t been together during the entire trip—that’s how exhilarating the adventure was.
Our third day on the island was free and easy. It was Jomalig’s town festival, and everyone was busy. So, we decided to walk around the nearby mangroves and beach area for yet another adventure. It took us more or less 20 minutes to reach the mangrove area from the town center. Unfortunately it was low tide when we arrived and boating near the mangroves was not possible.
Mangrove Area and Bigwangan Beach
We crossed two small, muddy rivers and challenging trails, and headed to Bigwangan River, a 30 minute walk from the mangrove area. We felt like our beach escapade was not yet complete, so we searched for a perfect beachfront nearby. We were so happy to stumble upon Bigwangan Beach, which is located just a few minutes from the mouth of the river.
We left the beach with so much fulfillment and headed back to the town to prepare for yet another adventure – Disco Night at the Town Plaza.
Adventure in Manlanat Island
If you want to explore different areas in the island, some local fishermen’s boats are available for rent. The small boats are normally rented for only P2,000, while the medium sized boats are usually rented for P4,000 for a whole day of island hopping.
Sometimes I have second thoughts about if I should really blog 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.
Swimming is More Fun in Jomalig
Mayor Tena seemed to know the key ingredients to put the island on the tourism map, but he admitted that due to a lack of investors and funding, the beautiful island municipality is not yet ready for a huge tourist influx. But his motto—Kayang-Kaya basta’t Sama-sama—makes everyone hopeful that the island will soon become progressive with everyone’s help.
The white sandy beaches are endless on the island. Although some beaches are covered by black polished rocks, the majority of the shores are perfect for all beach activities: swimming, camping or even beach volleyball.
Fiesta in Jomalig
Reaching this island is not that easy for some, but for island explorers like us, being on the island and experiencing its wonders is more than just a discovery; it’s an unforgettable reward.
Travel Tips
- Electricity on the island is diesel powered and is available only from 6 PM to 2 AM.
- Always bring a first aid kit and make sure to bring your prescription medication (if any). There is no drug store in the island that sells prescription medication.
- Visit the island with a larger group so you can divide the cost of boat rentals and other expenses, like accommodation and inland transportation.
- Jomaligins (term for the locals of Jomalig) are very hospitable. Most of them are from Bicol, and some are descendants of the original Perez, Quezon settlers, whose own forefathers came all the way from Mauban, Quezon (a town on the mainland of Luzon).
Communications
Globe Telecom and Smart both have mobile phone signals, but Smart has better coverage.
The Survivors (From the top left : Melo, Kelly, Matty, Galwin, Mayor Tena and Joanna)
Getting There
By Air: Jomalig Island has an airstrip, so if you have the resources, you can get a chartered plane or a helicopter and reach the island in less than 40 minutes from Manila.
Land and Sea: There are two options to get there by boat. You can take a passenger boat from Real, Atimonan or rent a boat in Panganiban in Camarines Norte. If you are coming from Manila, the nearest port of entry will be in Real Quezon.
Wacky Sunset Cruise
To reach Real Quezon, you can take an Infanta bound bus in Legarda Manila or look for a Van that follows the same route. An Aircon Bus fare is at around P195 and takes four to five hours to reach Real Quezon. Once in Real, hire a rickshaw (tricycle-taxi) and tell the driver to bring you to Jomalig port (not Puerto Real).
A boat ride costs P200 to P250, and includes a simple meal freshly cooked by the boat crew. If you are lucky, you can catch the Sea Ambulance—the town’s official boat which only charges P100 per way, but with no included meal.
Melo Villareal in Manlanat Island
Where to Stay
There is only one resort in this island municipality, which is owned and operated by the Municipal Councilor. The resort is called Tejada’s resort, and offers rooms with private bathrooms for P500 a night and rooms with common bathrooms for P300 per night. Contact Number: 0917-8012769
Camping along the beach is allowed, but as a courtesy, please ask permission from any Barangay official.
But there is much more to a short vacation in Jomalig than pristine white sand beaches; there’s an endless adventure waiting for you to discover. For a magical get away, Jomalig Island is the perfect destination.
With its unspoiled beaches, creamy golden yellow colored sand, tropical setting, and wonderful people, Jomalig 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”.
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