Tracing Back and Moving Forward

Paying a visit to Magalawa Island early this year didn’t cross my mind. In fact, even spending my summer at the beach or somewhere in the Philippines didn’t have a place in my calendar for work will be occupying my weekends and holidays. That was the reason why I declined most out of town trip invitations for summer because I couldn’t afford to say yes at the onset and retract it before the “the day.”

But here I am, writing about the beach this early. Odd, right?

It all started with a phone call from a friend who just arrived in the country. It was her birthday month and she wanted to visit Magalawa Island during her one-month vacation before flying abroad again. I said “ditto.” However, I didn’t confirm if I could come. But she was very relentless in pushing me so I agreed later on sans giving any assurance if I could organize it because of my erratic working schedule.

On Monday of January 21, upon finding out that I’ll be having a free weekend, I immediately plotted our itinerary for a two-day jaunt at the island. Due to short notice, some of my high school buddies weren’t able to come to our supposed get-together. It was me who rushed everything.

Real adventure began when we all rode a non-air-conditioned bus bound to north from our regular meet-up point during the heyday of our teenage years. We all occupied the back seats so other passengers would be spared from any possible disturbance we might cause. But the boisterous mirth circulating inside the bus couldn’t just go unnoticed. Our behavior was patterned this way: rowdy, quiet (when someone stares at us), burst into laughter again after a moment of silence. The cycle continued for two hours.

We were confused then if we made the spirit of overwhelming happiness contagious to other commuters or we only infuriated those having their “emo” moments while staring at the green fields of Zambales to escort their gloomy hearts. Remember, there were seven people aboard a bus with different stories, experiences, realizations and rumors to share; they haven’t seen each other for years; and they were only given one and a half day. Imagine how challenging it was for us to wrap and pack all the things we wanted to talk about with a very restrained time.

When we were about to alight, a commotion happened. One of our plastic bags carrying five kilos of rice suddenly erupted. After bursting into scream together with other passengers, we hurriedly picked the grains using our bare hands while leaving one of my friends and the bus attendant busy doing their own stuff—my friend was videotaping everything and the bus attendant was scratching his head. We were apologetic to everyone inside for causing the delay. However, we can’t help but laugh about it after.

This is where I spent my first night when I traveled the entirety of Zambales solo. When I visited Magalawa almost three years ago, I knew I was in a phase where everything in my life was unfolding into something surprising. So when I finally had the chance to take my first paces at the shore, find a place to watch the fullness of the ocean, and sit to observe how motions around me fill my soul, I knew exactly that I was at the right place.

Magalawa Island is still as placid and enigmatic as it was during our first meet and greet. Until now, it’s still an occult how it makes me feel untroubled and how it acquires the ability to wipe away thoughts and worries between my two ears whenever I look at its every angle. That’s the reason why it remains to be my favorite among the islands in my home province. So when a friend told me she wanted to go here, albeit I wasn’t sure at first whether or not I could join, I was jumping inside for sooner I will possibly be reunited with an island that reminds me that a place need not be perfect for it to be captivating and beautiful, sometimes, it only needs to be peaceful.

Our boat reached the island an hour shy before noon. While waiting for another buddy who traveled all the way from Manila, we started preparing our lunch. We had pork adobo, chicken inasal, grilled tilapia, steamed veggies, shrimp paste (bagoong alamang) and variety of fruits. Fronting the beach, we all took our first meal for the day without spoon and fork.

The tranquil atmosphere has found its way to complement our full tummies by making most of us sluggish at half past two in the afternoon. Although the temptation of not taking a long nap was too hard to resist, I imposed a rule that no one is allowed to sleep until midnight. So most played volley ball and some found their nook somewhere in the island to catch up.

It was before twilight when I asked my friends to chase the sun. As the sun rises from our location, it entailed a long walk for us to witness its setting. While traversing the other side of Magalawa, we’ve seen how people in a very small community live each day to survive. Their lives are so simple but they look happy and content. I guess because some of them realized how fortunate they are for having the island and for waking up every day in a very peaceful place.

Lovely sunset passed and we rushed back to our cottage for dinner. Bonfire by the shore wasn’t possible that night due to the forceful and unbearable monsoon wind. So all of us decided to stay inside our nipa hut to continue the delayed welcome party of a friend who missed being with the group for two years. And what was in store for two years of not seeing a friend? Yes, the customary. Aside from fresh tales about career and romance wrapped in a long-winded and unedited version, imported goodies from abroad were also flooding, literally.

We envisioned that it would be a long night of endless laughter, anecdotes, and revelations. But the booze that was supposed to accompany us after dinner failed to keep us awake. Instead, it kept us all snoring upon consuming the last drop of tequila. The next morning, one of my friends almost spent her entire morning in and out of the comfort room, blaming the combination of tequila and softdrink the other night. We later realized that that was the price of not bringing lemon or lime.

Morning arrived very swift, reminding us that we only have a few hours left before we bid adios to the island. I forced them to wake up but only some got the courage to leave the bed, in our case, the floor, because all the guys slept on the floor.

Lo and behold, sunrise received us as we were about to consume our coffee by the beach. It was a rare occasion in our lives to see the sunrise since we’re all busy during our regular days. We all enjoyed the moment and took it slow because we don’t know when we’d be able to glimpse at sunrise again.

We left the island by noon, rode a bus, and got off at our hometown in Zambales. From there, we went separate ways. I’ve seen the full moon at NLEX on my way back to Manila and remembered the scene etched in my mind during our night in the island.

All of us stood and walked towards the shore upon seeing the beach gleamed over the dark surrounding. The image of the moon mirrored through the waters and everything around turned so beautiful. In an instant, we forgot the conspicuous cold winds crashing with our body temperature as we all looked up and admired the natural satellite’s splendor.

An island, humming waves, cold breeze at night, and a full moon. A seemingly surreal scene that was made real by the presence of seven good souls that were once separated by distance and time. Aside from joy, island’s empty spaces were also occupied by laughter, tales, and memories we altogether reminisced.

 

Every journey begins and ends the same way—packing. It is inescapable before and after every trip. Some hate it. But I always love packing after the trip because along with the dirty clothes and local goods, I also pack experience with me. This time, I shared it with my high school friends.

BEST OF MY HOME PROVINCE: A TRAVEL GUIDE TO ZAMBALES

Wake up! Stop dreaming about roses, chocolates, exclusive dates, fancy restaurants, and cheesy moments. Love month is over. Get up, ransack your closets, and prepare your most comfy summer attire. Keep your school manuals and reading materials in a box, file your leave from work, get your phone, contact your friends, relatives, officemates, dates, and plan your vacation. Tell them that you’re gonna take the lead in planning; that they need to relax and put respite on their busy days.

Since it’s officially summer, this is my simple way of helping you plan your itinerary to Zambales. For the purpose of giving directions, I am going to use public transport because I don’t own a car.

Things to remember first:

1-      Zambal is not the main dialect in Zambales, it’s Tagalog. Only those located in the Northern tip of the province speak Zambal. Also, most Zambaleños speak fluent Ilocano.

2-      Olongapo is part of Zambales. It’s the first town (the only city) and transport hub of Zambales. Terminals of buses to other parts of Luzon are located here.

3-      Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is different from Subic town. Most tourists commonly refer SBMA as Subic, not the Subic town.

4-      All towns in Zambales are accessible via public transport (jeepney and bus). Transportation is not a problem except those in far-flung barangays.

5-      Zambales is easy to explore. As long as you know its 14 municipalities, you no longer need a map.

6-      Zambales has the best mangoes and pastillas.

Once you put these 6 things in mind, you are good to go.

Zambales map

BUS TERMINAL AND FARE MATRIX IN PHILIPPINE CURRENCY (PESO)

DESTINATION	VICTORY TERMINAL AND FARE				ESTIMATED TRAVEL TIME FROM BALINTAWAK (in hours)
	Caloocan	Cubao	Sampaloc	Pasay
Olongapo	202	207	207	218	2:40-2:50
Subic	221	226	226	236	3-3:15
Castillejos	230	235	235	245	3:20-3:30
San Marcelino	247	252	252	262	3:30-3:45
San Antonio	260	265	265	275	3:50-4
San Narciso	272	277	277	287	4:05-4:15
San Felipe	282	287	287	298	4:20-4:30
Cabangan	301	306	306	316	4:30-4:40
Botolan	332	337	337	347	4:40-4:50
Iba	342	347	347	357	4:50-5
Palauig	364	374	374	384	5-5:10
Masinloc	403	408	408	418	5:25-5:45
Candelaria	422	427	427	437	5:50-6
Sta. Cruz	451	456	456	466	6:10-6:20
Masinloc	403	408	408	418	5:25-5:45
Candelaria	422	427	427	437	5:50-6
Sta. Cruz	451	456	456	466	6:10-6:20

*Genesis (Cubao and Pasay) and Saulog also have trips to Olongapo.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA)

ATTRACTION	ENTRANCE FEE (in Peso)	FARE (From SBMA gate in Peso)
Zoobic Safari	449	400
Tree Top Adventure	Package starts at 350	150-160
Ocean Adventure	500	400-450

*Minimum taxi fare is 70.

Zoobic Safari

If you want to experience exotic wildlife, this is the right place for you.  Aside from tigers, its natural environment makes someone feel that he is actually having encounters with wild animals in their own habitat.

There is a restaurant inside that serves affordable food. I suggest bringing your own snacks though, beverage and other refreshments like ice cream and popsicles are a little bit pricey. The management allows food inside as long as you don’t feed the animals. Safari can be toured in 5-6 hours including lunch and the animal show.

Tree Top Adventure

Wanna feel an adrenaline rush? Conquer your acrophobia? Or just pretend to be braver even just for a day? You must try this adventure. Tree drop is a must! Get a package in order to save cash in case you want to experience most of its adventures. In Tree Top, breath of fresh air and jungle-like view are a plus.

You can spend at least 2 hours here depending on your package and the number of visitors; the more the visitors the longer the queue in every adventure.

Ocean Adventure

After the wildlife and jungle, it’s time to experience the marine life. Watch sea lions and dolphins perform, wow their audience and show how adorable they are. Swim with the dolphins for 45 minutes and pay P4,200. Yes, you read that right, four thousand two hundred pesos. I am sure that would hurt my pocket but according to a friend who recently tried the encounter, it is priceless.

Happy Aleli while swimming with a dolphin. She’s wearing her priceless smile.

There are several beach resorts in SBMA, but I haven’t tried exploring its seas except when I had a quick night swimming at Camaya resort way back in 2009. Cargo ships that are very visible to my eyes dissuaded me from swimming. It gives me a feeling that the sea is exploited. This is just me.

I love the night life in SBMA though—very frisky and relaxing. Bars by the seashore are the most visited; with Pier One as the most famous. Restaurants are also dotted in the area— from the most affordable to the most expensive. Not to mention the casino and hotels. Whenever I have time and budget, I bring my family here to experience an atmosphere of the city in the province once in a while.

Reminders and Directions:

-I would recommend that you use your car if you are traveling with your whole family or with a group. SBMA is only 2 and ½ hours from Manila via SCTEX. The cost of commuting and having your private transport is almost even if you’re in a group. Besides, it’s hassle-free.

-Take a bus bound to Olongapo. Get off at Olongapo terminal. Ride a yellow or red jeepney to SM Olongapo. From SM, walk through the gate until you’re inside SBMA, and then rent a cab to your preferred attractions. Though there are buses inside SBMA, your only choice is to hire a taxi.

Islands and Beach Resorts

Zambales is a hit for many because of its unspoiled islands and beautiful beach resorts, making it as one of the most favorite vacation spots in the Philippines (yes, I pronounce! J). Its accessibility to Metro Manila and nearby provinces also contributes to its popularity.

Anawangin Cove

Nowadays, who does not know Anawangin? This is the most renowned and sought after cove in Zambales. Due to irrepressible hype, it becomes congested during summer especially in the month of April. When you try to visit it in January or February, the cove is all yours. Albeit it turns as congregation of campers this season, Anawangin still has its beauty.

There are two ways to reach Anawangin: via land and water. By land, you need to trek Mt. Pundaquit for 4-5 hours. By water, a boat from Pundaquit will take you there for 30-40 minutes. I haven’t tried to traverse Mt. Pundaquit, but travelers claim it is a very rewarding experience. I’ll do it next time.

Nagsasa Cove

This is the sister of Anawangin, and I have to be fair, Nagsasa is more beautiful. Aside from it looks more bucolic and picturesque, it is less crowded too. Its pristine waters hemmed by the mountains are soothing to one’s eyes. It got me charmed in an instant.

Photo by: Agnes Navales

Nagsasa is accessible via boat from Pundaquit for 1hr and 15 to 30 minutes.

Capones Island

Capones is famous for its lighthouse that was built during the Spanish era. It’s a good side trip in case you plan to visit either of two Zambales’ coves. Don’t forget to ascend to top of the lighthouse to get a glimpse of the peerless view of the West Philippine Sea.

It would take you 25-30 minutes from Pundaquit to reach Capones.

I’m also including here the Camara Island as another quick break in your journey going to Anawangin.

20 minutes via boat from Pundaquit.

Pundaquit

Though it serves as the jump off point to many islands and coves, for me, Pundaquit is a gem on its own. It also has a cove-like characteristic because it reclines in between mountains. Stay here until sunset and you will witness how the sun seamlessly recedes in the island. You can find classy resorts here too.

Reminders and Directions

-Hop a bus to Iba or Sta. Cruz Zambales. Get off at San Antonio public market. Ride a tricycle to Pundaquit (P30/each). From Pundaquit, hire a boat to any of your desired island/cove. If you missed your trip to Iba or Sta. Cruz, choose Olongapo instead. Get off at Olongapo terminal, and then ride a bus or jeepney that passes through San Antonio.

-I suggest you make reservations early for the boat. If you don’t have any camping gears, there are also tent for rent in Pundaquit.

This might help:

Contact person: Alvin Bonan

Numbers: 0928-779-9849 and 0917-993-5166

RENTALS:

TENT: 2pax- P250, 4pax- P400

BOAT: (Round trip) From Pundaquit to

Anawangin Cove- P200-250/ pax

Capones Island- P200-250/ pax

Camara Island- P200-250/ pax

Nagsasa Cove- P300-350/pax

Taliyasin -P300-350/pax

Smallest boat can carry 4-5 pax. Largest or the ferry boat can carry a minimum of 20 pax. Kuya Alvin can also provide a service (tricycle) to pick you up at San Antonio Market.

Prices here are as of March 2011. I’m not sure if the rates are still the same until now. You can save money if you’d do island hopping. Before, I rented a boat for 5 persons to Camara, Capones, and Anawangin for a day trip and paid discounted amount.

Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach resort is located in San Narciso, Zambales. Its friendly environment makes it a good venue for recreation, team building and family get together. It provides good spot for surfers as well. I have been here for numerous times but each visit feels like the first time.

Reminders and Directions

-There is a restaurant and canteen here. As much as you can, bring your own food because goods are a little bit pricey in the resort for budget travelers.

-Ride a bus to Iba or Sta. Cruz Zambales. Get off at San Narciso. Take a tricycle to Crystal each.

Magalawa Island

Magalawa Island will always be my personal favorite among the islands and beaches I visited in Zambales. Every time I think of Magalawa, I always remember the tranquility that snagged me while I was gazing at its scintillating white sand beach and sitting under a tree untroubled. The picture of me camping alone, feasting on variety of sea foods, and resting without minding the ticking of clock was a scene to reprise over and over.

Reminders and Directions

-You can camp here or stay in one of the resorts in the island. You are free to bring food. Worry less if you didn’t have enough because there’s a cafeteria here that serves affordable food. Palauig public market is out of way. So I discourage you to entertain any idea of buying raw food in the market. Buy goods in Manila or in Olongapo instead.

-Ride a bus en route to Sta. Cruz. Get off at  Brgy. Pangolinan, Paluig, Zambales (you will see a Pangolinan sign at the right side of the highway).  From Pangolinan, ride a tricycle to Brgy. Luan (20-25 minutes). Fare is P150 if you rent the whole tricycle. They usually allow maximum of two passengers per tricycle because of the rough roads. From Brgy. Luan, ride a boat to Magalawa Island (10 minutes).

Potipot Island

Potipot is the most prominent white sand island in Zambales. Although it is situated in the second farthest town of Zambales, tourists are willing to travel extra mile just to have a feel of its powdery sand. Potipot is a very small island that looks like a scoop of ice cream from afar. You can explore the whole island in less than 30 minutes just by your feet.

Reminders and Directions

-If you want to stay overnight in the island, I strongly suggest to bring your own tent. Although there are cottages and tent for rent in Potipot, there’s no way to make reservations because the management follows first come first served basis. Since it is just 5 to 10 minutes away from the mainland, where a lot of beach resorts are situated, you can just stay in any of the resorts that suit your taste and have a whole day visit in Potipot. There is no electricity supply in the island when I last visited it in April 2011. Even if there’s a water supply, toilet is a problem during summer due to heavy influx of people.

-Ride a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Get off at  Brgy. Uacon, Candelaria, Zambales. Walk or ride a tricycle to your preferred resort. Rent a boat to Potipot (400 roundtrip for 4 persons).

Mt. Tapulao

Mt. Tapulao is slowly gaining its reputation not just to mountaineers but also to travelers wanting to experience a worthy climb. I haven’t climbed this mountain yet, but a story from a mountaineer-friend would be of great help to those who long to conquer its summit one day. (story of tramping philippines)

Photo by: trampingphilippines.com

Mt. Tapulao is located in Palauig.

President Ramon Magsaysay Ancestral House

The ancestral house of the most loved Philippine president, the late Ramon Magsaysay, who died in a tragic plane crash, is located in my beloved hometown Castillejos. Since you will pass thru it before reaching Zambales’s beautiful islands, might as well include it in your itinerary. Inside, you’ll get a glimpse of his life during his childhood and when he became the chief executive of our country. Sometimes, it feels good to trace the lives of our previous presidents and be inspired by their legacies.

Directions

-Ride a bus to Iba or Sta.  Cruz. Get off at Brgy. Sta. Maria chapel. The ancestral house is located beside the chapel.

Mapanuepe Lake

Mapanuepe Lake in Aglao, San Marcelino  may be considered as one of the least recognized spots in Zambales, but it has already been featured  on Destination of Truth, an American TV series. This lake was formed during the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Flash floods submerged two barangays which later on formed into a lake. Now, only the cross of the sunken church is visible—a limpid testament how catastrophic the Mt. Pinatubo eruption was for Zambaleños.

The lake looks calm with scenic mountain framework, but its story remains disturbing and enigmatic. Visit tips and directions here

If you are a fan of old churches, you might be interested to visit these houses of worship in Zambales.

Upper left: Botolan. Upper right: Iba. Lower left: Sta. Cruz. Lower right: Masinloc.

Zambales is not only for Zambaleños, it is for the people who know how to take care of our environment regardless of nationality.  So if you are only going to tarnish the natural beauty of my home province, just stay out. And if you are a resident but participating in the devastation of its natural wealth, shame on you.

I’m indeed fortunate and blessed that I have all these in Zambales. If you think I have already explored enough, I’ll be honest, I am just starting because I am sure there are still a lot to discover about my home province.

If you visit Zambales this summer, you’ll end up singing this: “I wanna dance in Zambales, I wanna feel the heat in Zambales!” LSS right?  🙂

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Last Monday, I posted these questions on Facebook: What do you love most about Zambales? Which for you is the best place in Zambales?

Here are some of the answers:

Ng Clara: Punta de Uian kuya.. sa Pundakit San Antonio, Zambales. 🙂

Jans Julhusin: Potipot Island- it’s like having our own VIRGIN version of BORACAY!

Dane Policarpio: Definitely Mt. Tapulao. Punished us for 2 stormy days last year that’s why we came back to redeem ourselves and did a dayhike on this mountain 2 months ago. Semi-absurd and insane idea of dayhiking the highest mountain in Central Luzon but it was worth it.

Jhoy Lagman: Anawangin island is one of the best when we visited 1st time in 2009… Sad part when we visited last yr dami n nagbago, pero we still enjoyed the island…

Mary Anne Mendoza:  I really love the idea na nasa tabing dagat yung rest house mo. I have witnessed the development of your tita’s rest house, and every time n pumupunta ako dun (4-5x na?!?) there’s always something bago. So I always look forward to visit the place. Everytime I am back home from that “resort” super stress free and relax yung feeling. I really love the place kc I always feel at home! Beautiful place + Good friends + friendly people + “Micro budget” = Happy Us!

Maria Isabel Reyman: I love Pundaquit and Subic beach. It’s fun to reminisce our childhood days.

Sarah Jane Trimor: Island hopping in San Antonio

Avriel May Visitacion: I love Zambales beach.

Aleli Geraldino: Valentines day was memorable to me. I’ve finally found someone to celebrate it with. I had  a splashy date with Cito & Kira, two of the  adorable dolphins in Ocean Adventure Subic.  It was a “dream come true” for someone who loves the ocean. I’ve been yearning to touch them, to kiss them and to swim with them and that dream materialized last month. I’ve  traveled all the way from Cebu to experience this once-in-a-lifetime dolphin ride encounter. The experience might be pricey to some tourist, but at that moment, I didn’t care, I was living on a dream and from what I’ve experienced? It’s priceless.

 I hope to include yours too.

Poster made by: Felix Guiang

Magalawa Island in Solo

I was sitting on a bench, browsing a travel magazine, and watching people enjoy their time on the beach while their boisterous laughter filled the humid air. There were times I eavesdropped on interesting conversations of groups not too far away from my back which in turn made me smile and quip unheeded words.

Tourists. Yes, they were. They came from other provinces and cities to experience what my province has in store for them.

While most of them were hustling things, I preferred to stay in one corner relishing my seclusion and the placid world I just discovered. The afternoon atmosphere didn’t bother my mood as I continued doing nothing and not minding anyone or anything. For the first time in my life, all I had to do that fleeting moment was to think of myself. And it really felt liberating.

After a couple of minutes, I became envious and tired of watching them do it. I quickly ran to the shaded part of the island as fast as I could, placed my backpack under a Camachile  tree, took my shoes and shirt off, prepared my camera’s shutter, and dipped into the waters.

It was my first taste of Magalawa island. And my first solo travel.

First solo trip

I could still vividly recall that the idea of traveling solo just crossed my mind when I read a post from a Facebook page of a group of Filipino travel bloggers encouraging its members to join the group’s monthly blog carnival which would tackle solo traveling. Since I am part of it, I was invited to write my own piece. Being a novice traveler, I really haven’t tried doing it. Thus, I shrugged the idea off since I have nothing to contribute.

White sand

Holy Week was just around the corner when thoughts about solo traveling elicited excitement on me. I knew I would be going to spend it in Zambales with my family and friends for a small get together which we usually do every year. Coincidentally, the release of collated travel stories of Filipino travelers would be after Holy Week. Maybe this was the chance I was looking for to finally go somewhere just by myself.

I did take the opportunity.

Trees in the island

This solo travel allowed me to savor liberty to its fullest. No one is really in control of your will to do things. Freedom isn’t bequeathed; it is something you have already acquired the moment you get to recognize your capacity to do a thing and to act on it. But your freedom could sometimes be restrained by your values or by people you choose to be with.  In a group trip for instance, although you have the power to exercise it, you hold it back sometimes because there is such a thing as consensus everyone should abide. If the rule of majority has to prevail, your freedom to differ from the decision of many has to be waived as well. Presuming that it isn’t inhumane, you have to follow what the group wants. If it’s about itinerary, you have to follow what’s in it.

Lunch time. Sweet and Sour Tuna and Shrimp Halabos

This is one thing I treasure about solo traveling. I get to enjoy my liberty without taking into consideration other people when it comes to choices of destination, activity, and even food to eat. All I have to do is to think of the best way of maximizing my time and the most rewarding experience I could give to myself. And if you have this pristine island to exercise this liberty, what else could go wrong?

Dinner: Ginataang tuna, sinigang na tuna and veggies

Dining area

This also gave me time to get to know myself better. When you are alone and run out of things to do, all the more you would have reasons to take a slice of solitude from this big world. Since you have all night to stare blank at the distant universe, thoughts would naturally permeate your peaceful mind. Believe me when I say that it is the best time to think of your future goals, find courage to transform dreams into reality, assess the decisions you’ve made in the past, and welcome vast possibilities and opportunities that would come your way.

Campers shaded by trees

While solitude acquires the ability to bring back memories of unwanted endings and beginnings, it also helps you deal with it, move forward to forget it, and reconcile with the many regrets which haunted you before. If at some point you realize that you’re faulty in some aspects of life, this private time would help reevaluate your values and succumb yourself to the process of change.

Blugreen waters of island

Since I am already in the island, I took advantage of its consoling powers, because solitude is best relished when you are consorted by a portion of galaxy occupying the dim skies above with waves rushing towards the fine shore just beneath your feet.

I spent most of my time here

Sometimes, along with your prejudices on the dangers of exploring the world alone, you also entertain the likelihood that it could be treacherous. However, in spite of the prevailing negative thoughts, you still prefer to go and take the first pace of being a solo traveler. Yes, you are aware of the dangers it could bring, but you know you can get away with it. This is what solo travel teaches— to trust yourself more.

When you are out there, it becomes you between the worlds; you between strangers; you between unknown possibilities. With all these uncertainties surrounding you, the only certain thing is that you are there ready to take whatever it is that life might possibly throw in that precise moment. Because you know you can handle anything.

Raft

Starfish. You can see many of them in the island

The execution of my plan to travel solo came into fruition at five in the morning with the goal of traversing the entirety of Zambales by hopping from one town to another to visit Catholic churches. Shortly before noon, I already boarded an ordinary bus that would bring me to Palauig where I could ride a boat to Magalawa island. My initial plan was to stay here for only 5 hours so I could still visit the remaining three towns of Zambales early morning next day and make it to Pangasinan before noon. However, upon setting foot on the white sand of the beach, all my plans got twisted.

Disparate to other beaches which are only good in pictures, this island is more beautiful in bare. And me, being here solo, made every moment perfect.

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I stayed at Armada’s resort.

RENTALS

Boat- P500 round trip for 5 pax. The island is only 10 minutes from the coast of Barangay Luan. If you arrange a special trip, you’d shoulder the whole amount. You could bargain with the owner.

Tent- P400 for 4 pax

Entrance fee- P300/overnight

I wasn’t able to get their room rates. I think it would be best if you contact them through their fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Magalawa-Island/204336016808?sk=notes

How to get to Magalawa island through a public transport:

1-      Ride a Victory Liner bus going to Sta. Cruz, Zambales. It’s a 5-hour trip. Fare is around 300-400.

2-      Get off at  Brgy. Pangolinan, Paluig, Zambales. Palauig is the 11^th town of Zambales from Olongapo. You would see a Pangolinan sign at the right side of the highway.

3-      From Pangolinan, ride a tricycle to Brgy. Luan. Fare is P150 if you rent the whole tricycle. They usually allow maximum of two passengers per tricycle because of the rough roads going there. It would take you around 20-25 minutes before you reach Bgry. Luan.

4-      From Brgy. Luan, ride a boat to Magalawa island. It would take you only 10 minutes.

Contact person:

GRACE ARMADA (09209483303)