Unspoiled #1: Borawan Island, Quezon

"We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back from whence we came." John F. Kennedy

I'm planning to visit the 5 Unspoiled PH beaches mentioned by Rappler in this article and this is part 1 of 5 of my adventures. I'd like to start with Borawan Island, a paradise in Padre Burgos, Quezon.

I went there with my mom last December 11 - 12. We were supposed to go to Puerto Princesa, Palawan that day but unfortunately, we missed the flight and mom doesn't want to waste her vacation leaves so we went to Borawan instead.

We left our house at around 8am and went to NAIA and because we missed our flight, we left NAIA at 12pm, went to JAC Liner Bus Terminal at Buendia, and rode a bus going to Lucena (fare is Php 200+). We left at around 1pm. It was a 6-hour trip plus we were stuck in the traffic because it was holiday season and almost everyone was headed for their own provinces. We actually didn't know the exact drop-off but fortunately, there was a lady in the bus that's going to the same place so we stayed beside her throughout the trip (lol).

We arrived in SM Lucena at 7pm then we had our dinner there. We rode a van that took us to Padre Burgos, Quezon (fare is Php 50). The lady from the bus has a friend in Padre Burgos so she called them and asked for an accommodation (and a discount). We arrived in Kanotom Restaurant at around 7pm, where we met the owner of the house that we're going to sleep at.

Photo by www.doktourblog.com

Since it is an unspoiled place, there are no posh accommodations. We were supposed to stay at some house there but got 'scared' of it because it was really too big for me and my mom and there were no any other people in that house. So we went back to Kanotom Restaurant and asked the staff if we could just stay and sleep there for the night. Luckily, the people there are so nice and very hospitable, they offered their nipa hut to us. The hut wasn't really for visitors but since we don't have any place to stay, they offered it to us. We cleaned ourselves up then went to sleep.

I really had a nice sleep that night, I just don't know with my mom because she kept on complaining about everything until she actually fell asleep. Anyway, we woke up at 7am but got up at 8am (lol). We had our breakfast at Kanotom. They also have a boat rental for Island Hopping which cost Php 1,800, maximum of 8 pax.

We went to Borawan Island first and paid an entrance fee of Php 80. The island has some beautiful rock formations. The place resembles the white sand beach of Boracay and the rock formations of Palawan, hence the name 'Borawan'.

Although there are no activities on the island other than swimming, you can do little rock climbing and some meditating, I guess?

One of the cool things about this trip is that it brought out the creative and imaginative alter-ego from us. Since the islands have so many awesome rock formations, we described each rock formation based on their shapes and looks.

This one looks like McDonald's shoe

Looks like an inverted human heart

Looks like a melting face

Looks like an alligator or a dinosaur

There are so many rock formations to work out your imagination (lol). If you got bored with looking at the rock formations, try climbing them!

Rock climbing. Not too high because mom was afraid

I will try to climb this when I come back

Borawan doggie

If you want to stay for a night, locals have tent rental for Php 500. If you have your own tent and want to pitch a camp there, you must pay a camping fee of Php 200. A special concern to note is that this island has only one sari-sari store where you can buy snacks and some souvenirs. It would be best if you bring a packed lunch.

After playing at Borawan Island, we went to Puting Buhangin Island and Kwebang Lampas. There is an entrance fee of Php 80.

There was no other tourists in the island, so basically we had the island to ourselves. The beach there is clean and blue that it almost seem to be inviting us. Before we went swimming, we went to Kwebang Lampas first.

Kwebang Lampas

Namaste~

After having our photo ops around the island, we swam in the refreshing waters of Puting Buhangin. We only stayed in the shallow part since we don't know how to swim. The water is so relaxing that it made me think that Philippines is such a beautiful country. Saying that it is beautiful could be an understatement though, I just can't put to words how much I appreciated this place.

The water is so calm and inviting. If I only know how to swim, I could have explored it further.

After we enjoyed the amazing island of Puting Buhangin, we went to Dampalitan Island. Unfortunately, we didn't actually set our foot on the sand because the water is filled with seaweeds which according to our guide was because of the recent typhoon that hit the province (typhoon Ruby).

So we went back to Kanotom Restaurant and had our late lunch. We took a bath, fixed our stuff, and paid the charges that cost us about Php 1800 each.

It was a really fun experience for me because I haven't heard anyone from my circle who has been to Padre Burgos. I think it just goes to show that the place is really unspoiled or isn't developed yet. I wish it remain just the same. Although a few changes wouldn't hurt. But I personally like the islands that way. I almost had an argument with my mom because she said that the place would be better if there are bars, restaurants, and things like that "just like in Boracay". I said that the place is perfect just the way it is. Not crowded.

The place is really amazing and peaceful. It made me contemplate about my life purpose and how I can achieve my goals (lol). But seriously, the place is so quiet. I think it is perfect for those who are 'moving on' and finding purpose in their lives. Kidding aside, the place is really perfect for meditation and finding your inner peace which you can't actually do properly in the city. Plus, the locals there are very nice and this country is known for being hospitable, but the locals there are way hospitable than any other.

I will surely be back here and meditate. I really want to experience camping here with my friends and watch the sunset. Until then, Borawan! :)

#travel #philippines #borawan #quezon #unspoiledbeaches #beach #daniellecuaresma #niellecuaresma