Puting Buhangin at Kwebang Lampas, Pagbilao, Quezon (2014)

Lovely Puting Buhangin Beach and Kwebang Lampas View! (c)FayeHusena 

I'm in love. That's the first thing that came through my mind when I saw this gorgeous beach from afar. Who will not fall in love with this kind of beach where everything seems to be perfect? Fine white sand, clean long stretch of the beach, clear turquoise water, and then there's this beautiful cave.

So happy that my friends and I found this place and this beach trip kicked off my 2014 perfectly! Let me share to you our adventure!

HOW TO GET THERE:

We reviewed some blogs before we went here and we found various ways on how we can actually reach the place through public transportation but only few blogs discussed how we can reach the place through a private vehicle. Anyhow, since we had our own ride, we decided to take this route (way to Bicol):

1. From Manila, we took SLEX and found our way towards the end of Calamba and followed the signs to Batangas

2. Make your way to the left - road to San Pablo towards Tiaong

3. Before Tiaong, turn left to the road that goes through Candelaria-Sariaya

4. Upon Reaching Sariaya, turn right to Lucena City

5. From Lucena City, head straight to Pagbilao

6. Because we wanted to take the boat ride we went further to Padre Burgos (Google Maps would be helpful!)

From the mainland, there are two routes going to the Island.

1. You can take a 30-40mins boat ride from Padre Burgos; or

2. From Pagbilao get a shorter boat ride, around 5 mins and trek to the beach for 15-20mins.

It took us approximately 5 to 6 hours to reach the place - including the stopovers and so, we decided to take the 30-40 mins boat ride to the Island to save us from the trekking. The rate of the boat ride is fixed at P1,800 - two way (This includes a side trip to Borawan and Dampalitan Islands). You can contact Tita Tess at 09214543137, she's the one who nicely accommodated us when we stopped by May Ann Store. :) Don't forget to let them know when and what time you would want to get back to the mainland so they can fetch you on time.

THINGS YOU CAN DO!

Photos on the Left courtesy of my friend, (c)RbGalguerra and Photo on the Right is the other opening of Kwebang Lampas facing the open sea, (c)FayeHusena

1. Swim and beach bum - all you want in Puting Buhangin! The best part of making trips to the beach is to beach bum - this is the only time you would appreciate everything you see, you hear, you smell and you feel in your surroundings and it is not everyday that you get this kind of amazing view. I really enjoyed swimming in this beach because of its fine sand and clear turquoise water. :) Perfect time to take underwater photos with your friends! Here's ours:

Photos courtesy of my friend and his GoPro camera!! (c)RbGalguerra

2. Walk and swim to Kwebang Lampas, which can be found at the far right end of the beach. Better go here on a low tide so you can enjoy the view and take pictures! (I felt bad that there were vandalism inside the cave! Tsk tsk! I can't find any reason why would people need to do that!) The stones going to and inside the cave are sharp and slippery, just a little caution on that.

3. Snorkeling! There are little fishes swimming near the shore, that's how fresh this Island is! It is not hard to see what is under the water because it is literally clean and clear. :)

4. Star Gazing. But don't expect too much stars, okay? Half of the sky illuminates the bright lights from the other side of the Island making the stars less visible at night.

Aside from taking a Day Trip, Overnights are also allowed in this Island. Rate are as follows: P100/Day Trip and P160/Overnight stay. I think tents are also available for rent (not sure with the price though since we brought our own). You can also rent a cottage for P300. That night, when we finished our dinner, we went to the beach area and sat/laid in the sand. It is where we had our good time! You will still get to enjoy the night with your friends and loved ones because of that amazing feels the sea and the night sky gives. (Sadly, bonfires are NOT ALLOWED in here! You can make use of torches or artificial lights.)

Just make sure that you buy all the things you need like food, water, ice, drinks and other stuff before finally making your way to the Island. There's a small store owned by the keepers but they only got a few things sold in there. Also, water and electricity is NOT AVAILABLE in the Island which makes it more exciting yet challenging at the same time!! Also note that public toilets are available but they are not maintained, which makes them dirty. Bath areas are made of kawayan and dried leaves. You need to buy a container of water you can use to take a bath for P50 per container (that's pricey!) but I understand since this is an Island and they need to transport that water.

Photos on the left were taken at Dampalitan Island. Middle photo and upper right corner photo are part of Borawan Island. And the lower right, photo of my friend! All photos (c)FayeHusena

SIDE TRIP TO BORAWAN AND DAMPALITAN

Aside from the overnight stay at Puting Buhangin, we hopped into the boat and side tripped to two other Island: Borawan and Dampalitan. (Fees for the boat ride were part of the P1800 we paid for.) You can also choose to stay at Borawan because it is also nice in there but I wouldn't really recommend if you are in a tight budget. Pay P80/head upon stepping into the sands of Borawan, pay if you'd want to set up a tent, pay other fees for cottages, restrooms, this and that, etc. Another is Dampalitan Island - here everything is FREE OF CHARGE! :) No fees at all! But the sand and the water is not as good as Puting Buhangin and Kwebang Lampas. Also, there are plenty of jellyfish lurking in the water! So beware of those stinging jellies! What you can do in Dampalitan is enjoy the duyans or walk along the shore line making your way to left - you will find an interesting view (please refer to the top left photo above). 

After our side trip, our bangkeros brought us back to Padre Burgos safely! It is where we took our time taking baths and arranging all our things before heading back to manila. (Use of the bathrooms at Ate Tess' area costs P10. Parking fee for our cars costs P50/per car.)

Magical Hour. Captured by (c)RbGalguerra

I would definitely recommend and go back to this beautiful place! This blog goes to my friends who I would always love to travel with! :) (Rhed Mapaye, Sarah Buan, Icey Drapete, Tek Dizon, Rb Galguerra, Jr Javier, Justin Campo, Lance De Vera, Lennin Caragdag, and my love, Patrick Ruiz - and also Inah Ruiz and Patrick Tobias for joining us in Pagbilao!) Till our next adventure guys!

Note: Actual travel happened last January 2014.


Faye Huseña

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