Dampalitan Island: Summer Getaway

Its summer time, so another island adventure was set. It was 9:00 AM of April 20, 2013 when YnarteXplorers boarded Jac Liner Bus (Cubao) bound to Lucena City, Quezon Province. We had almost 4 hours travel time from Cubao to Lucena Grand Terminal due to heavy traffic. Oh well, its weekend and summer time so what do you expect. But that is okay, luscious green landscape views while on the road relaxes our stressed mind and body since Jen and Carol just got off from their work that time. (Wala ng tulugan, byahe agad) It was 1:00 PM when we arrived at Lucena Grand Terminal. We had our late lunch at Chowking then we boarded to a passenger Van bound to Unisan, Quezon. Those passenger vans and buses bound to Unisan will take you to Padre Burgos, Quezon. 

The whole idea of having this island adventure is to experience the very quiet and calm sea of Padre Burgos and its own unique diverse island and islet. It was a 1 hour van ride from Grand Terminal to our drop off point, Vista Playa - where you can rent boats and will take you to island you prefer. 

Vista Playa jump off point for boat rental.

One boat can accommodate 10 person.

Touched down Vista Playa at 2:30 PM. From the jump off point view of Borawan Island can be seen as well.

View of Borawan Island from Vista Playa.

It was a 5-10 minutes boat ride from jump off to Dampalitan Island. It was our island of choice and spent overnight here.

View of Dampalitan Island.

Front view of Dampalitan Island.

Touched down Dampalitan Island at 2:45 PM.  This is larger island compared to its nearby islands. Has a wider stretch of shoreline planted with coconut and pine trees. The sand is creamy white, clear water and so calm. The entrance fee is reasonably 40 pesos.

So calm and quiet.

Breath taking view from afar.

We stay far off from the other campers so that we could relax, unwind and sleep better after a stressful day at work. Tent space fee is 150 pesos and you can stay for unlimited days.

Our home.

Since it was getting late in the afternoon, we decided to explore the whole island after pitching our tent. Cameras are ready to capture scenic views, swim, snorkel etc.

Photo ops in the mangroves.

Snorkeling time.

Western part of the island.

Baby mangroves on a clear water.

Siesta time in the mangroves.

Tres Marias in the island.

Our dinner. Spicy chicken adobo sa gata ni Jere.

Boat in the center island.

Sunset time.

Dried branch touching horizon.

The island's beauty at sunset.

The long shoreline.

The Island Challenge

There are only 2 restrooms in the whole island. Imagine all tourists in the island are sharing the said restrooms. The line can get quite long and it moves slowly. If you are a bit MAARTE, this island is not advisable for you. :)  Water is limited ad it cost P30 per bucket or P300 per drum.  

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As early as 5:00 AM (April 21, 2013) the water level had subsided and rocky islet emerged so we decided to check it out and grabbed our cameras to take a shot. It was perfect timing 'cause the sun was just about to show off its beauty.

Beauty of sunrise.

 

Perfect timing.

Dance in the sunshine.

Rocky island with Horizon.

Subsided water.

Camera playtime.

Sunrise review.

A beautiful morning.

Morning snails.

Crystal clear water.

Time for morning photo ops.

Ynartes strike a pose.

Best place to relax.

Time to enjoy.

Really crystal clear water.

The YnarteXplorers @ Dampalitan Island.

Another group picture before leaving the island.

That was an awesome experience in the island, but we won't settle for less. After breakfast, we boarded our things and headed to Puting Buhangin Island (White Sand Island) for another collection of memories and adventure. See it here.

*** Photos are taken by Jennybeb Dedil and Carol Alvarez.***

How to reach Dampalitan Island:

- Ride a bus to Lucena City. There are many bus terminals in Metro Manila that go to Lucena. Travel time: 3-4 hours.

- Get off at Lucena Grand Terminal.

- From the Lucena Grand Terminal, take another bus or Van to Unisan. The bus is not air-conditioned and fare is around P35-40 for 1 and a half hours travel time.. Van fare is P70 for an hour travel time.

- Ask the driver to drop you off to Vista Playa.

- There are boats for rent in Vista Playa. These boats can take you on an island-hopping tour with stops in Puting Buhangin (Pagbilao), Dampalitan Island and Borawan Island.

Sample Itinerary: (Based on our D.I.Y. trip)

Day 1:

8:30am: Assembly time @Jac Liner Kamias Terminal

9:00am: Bus departure Kamias to Lucena Grand Terminal

1:00pm: Arrival @Lucena Grand Terminal

1:15pm: Board FX/Bus going to Unisan (or option to take late lunch)

2:30pm: Arrival @Vista Aplaya Resto jumpoff point (For boat rentals)

3:00pm: Arrival @Dampalitan Island (Photo ops begins and tent pitching)

5:30pm: Sunset photo theme

6:45pm: Prepare for Dinner

8:00pm: Bonfire session+ihaw mode as option and swim

Day 2:

5:00am: Wait for Sunrise (Photo ops)

6:00am: Prepare for breakfast and Lunch (Packed lunch going to Puting Buhangin)

8:00am: Explore the island

10:00am: Break camp

10:30am: Board boat going to Puting Buhangin Island

10:50am: Arrival @ Puting Buhangin (photo-ops, rock climbing, swim, etc)

12:00nn: Borawan Island Adventure

2:00pm: Wash up and late lunch 

2:15pm: Wait for bus going to lucena grand terminal

3:45pm: Arrival @Lucena grand terminal 

4:00pm: Departure heading back to Manila

8:00pm: ETA to Manila (home sweet home)

Budget Breakdown: (for four)

Boat - 1800 (450 each)

Bus manila to terminal - 218 each

Bus terminal to manila - 218 each

Van bound to vista playa - 70 each

Mini bus to terminal - 35 each

Dampalitan entrance - 40 each

Whitesand entrance - 50 each

borawan entrance - 80 each

tent space fee - 150 (37.5 each)

Food+supplies for 2days - approx 300 each

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Total: 1,498.50 per person