What made me go to Jomalig Island? What
brought me to Jomalig Island?
I was in Bohol and trying to pass the time
when I saw the map of the Philippines posted in the airport. I was trying to
identify the places I have been when I saw a group of islands around Visayas
area. A lot of islands are scattered in Visayas area and it is much easier to
go to as it is close to Manila (where I currently live in) when I saw Jomalig
Island. The name is quite interesting and then I thought I should go there. Actually, my travel instinct
said so.
Then my friend Mikee, who also travels a
lot invited me to one of Jomalig Island events and I immediately signed up for
it. I think it is better to join events or travel package tours because the
budget is fixed and the transportation is easier for most. I searched online
for public transportation but it will take us 2 hours more travel time. I only
have 2 days off and I have to make the most out of it which is always the case
when I travel, but I highly recommend to spend 3 days and 2 night to Jomalig
Island to give enough time to rest and explore the island.
How to get here?
Our trip is scheduled to leave on Friday
night as it will take 4-5 hours to arrive at Real, Quezon port. We departed at
1AM (van/coaster) taking Rizal drive going to Real. We arrived at Real, Quezon
port by 4:30AM. Then we took a boat going to Jomalig Island which is another 4
hours trip. I slept the whole trip, so it didn't really bother me but for
others? Well, their butts hurt from the long trip. The one way boat ride costs
P430.00 with free lunch. The free lunch is just a simple meal, a viand and
rice. You should also bring your own bottle of water as water supply is limited.
The boat left the port at 7AM and we arrived at Jomalig Island by 11:30AM.
My Experience..
The adventure does not start by the time
you reach your destination but by the time when you actually start your trip.
It is one hell of a trip, I can say, almost
9 hours trip. That is the longest trip I have ever been and you are in a boat
with 50 more strangers. The boat also has a second floor where you can rest on
bamboo makeshift beds. The trip is long so you need to rest and get some
energy.
We are just few minutes away from Jomalig
Island and it was a wonderful sight. I got really excited and immediately
brought my camera out. Just when the boat is docking on the shore, I took
photos. It was the perfect time to take photos of the golden beach because you
can see the perfect contrast of the sand and water.
Time check: 12noon
I think the perfect time for you to see the golden beach is around 2 in the afternoon where the sun is fully shining above you.
The sand also mimics the waves and it is made up of crushed corals giving it a golden vibe.
Agoho trees are also abundant on this island.
Then, we get back to the camp to have our early dinner. After dinner, we got a chance to see the sunset.
The next day, we woke up early and took more photos. The sun is already up by 6 in the morning.
And the best part is to swim in the salty cerulean waters of Jomalig Island. Crystal clear water it is!
The people in Jomalig Island are also accommodating and they let us use their bathrooms. We just gave them P80.00 as courtesy. You can also find kids asking if we need assistance on something. You can hire them to take care of your things or buy you food from the sari-sari store. At an early age , they know how to make some money. There are also sari-sari stores in the area, so having food and drinks will not be a problem. There is also poso or a deep-well so water source is also not a hassle.
Overall, we had an awesome experience in this island. Such a beauty and I hope people will take care of this island for future generations to see and experience.
Happy trip guys!
