Out of Town Blog
Jomalig Island Travel Guide: Another Hidden Paradise Found!
Jomalig Island Travel Guide : Another Day in Paradise
If there’s one place that I could recommend to the Survivor Series Reality TV Show team, it would be Jomalig Island in the province of Quezon, Phillipines.
Jomalig Island Hidden Beaches
Located in the eastern part of the Polilio Island Group and boasting a population of ~7000, Jomalig Island is a must for everyone’s bucket list. The island is a former barrio of Pollilo, Quezon and its name came from the word “Humalik,” meaning kisses, and later became Jomalig. Being a freelancer and free from an 8 hour of routine tasks, I’m blessed with so much time to explore and rediscover some of the country’s road less traveled destinations.
Being a freelancer and free from an 8 hour of routine tasks, I’m blessed with so much time to explore and rediscover some of the country’s road less traveled destinations.
Summer Vacation in Jomalig Quezon
Together with fellow travel bloggers, a TV Crew, and staff from the Quezon Provincial Tourism Office, we visited one of the smallest towns in Quezon: Jomalig. Coincidentally, the town was holding a festival during our visit, and our entire stay was fully hosted by the Honorable Rodelo Torres Tena—the town Mayor of the Island Municipality.
Jomalig Island in Quezon Province : Another Day in Paradise
Located in Sition Burungawan, Salibungot Beach is probably one of the most beautiful beachfront areas in the island. The area has a wide shoreline and is surrounded by Agoho Pine Trees, much like what we see in Anawangin Cove.
Beaches in Jomalig
After our short stop at Salibungot Beach, we visited Manlanat Islet, a rocky island perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching. The island was absolutely picturesque; in fact, most of us paused to take photos on different parts of the island, snapping pictures of bird nests and resting snakes. After our challenging hike on Manlanat Island, it was finally time for our beach escape.
We visited Kanaway Island, which is quite near Manlanat. The island has a narrow shoreline, but if you explore the other side of the beach, a beautiful calm beach covered with rock formations and natural Bonsai trees awaits you.
The Secret Beach in Kanaway Island
Kanaway Island also has two caves to explore; but be very, very careful, as these caves are guarded by friendly but dangerous snakes. Unfortunately we could not stay on the island for long since it was already late in the afternoon. We dropped by Sitio Apad to buy fresh lobster and a local fish called surahan for our breakfast the next day.
When we got there, we were swarmed by kids like there was no tomorrow; I didn’t expect there to be so many in the tiny Barangay. We enjoyed watching them flipping, diving and doing their water stunts until we left the area.
Island Life in Sitio Apad
It was getting dark when we left Sitio Apad. We felt like we were on a luxurious sunset cruise as we headed back to the town center. It was already dark when we arrived at the mayor’s house. There we shared stories as if we hadn’t been together during the entire trip—that’s how exhilarating the adventure was.
Beautiful Beach in Quezon Province
Our third day on the island was free and easy. It was Jomalig Island’s town fiesta, and while everyone was busy, we decided to walk around the nearby mangroves and beach area for yet another adventure. It took us more or less 20 minutes to reach the mangrove area from the town center. Unfortunately it was low tide when we arrived and boating near the mangroves was not possible.
Mangrove Area and Bigwangan Beach
We crossed two small, muddy rivers and challenging trails, and headed to Bigwangan River, a 30 minute walk from the mangrove area. We felt like our beach escapade was not yet complete, so we searched for a perfect beachfront nearby. We were so happy to stumble upon Bigwangan Beach, which is located just a few minutes from the mouth of the river. We left the beach with so much fulfillment and headed back to the town center to prepare for yet another adventure – Disco Night at the Town Plaza.
Adventure in Manlanat Island
Sometimes I have second thoughts about if I should really blog about places I visit, especially ones like Jomalig. This may seem selfish, but I want the island to be just as lovely as it is now, undisturbed, as simple as it can be. I don’t want the island to become the next Boracay — an over developed island we used to call a paradise (the resorts still do). But I understand that people need change and the island needs sustainable development. There’s only one thing that can help them achieve it: tourism.
Swimming is More Fun in Jomalig
Mayor Tena seemed to know the key ingredients to put Jomalig Island on the tourism map, but he admitted that due to a lack of investors and funding, the beautiful island municipality is not yet ready for a huge tourist influx. But his motto—Kayang-Kaya basta’t Sama-sama—makes everyone hopeful that the island will soon become progressive with everyone’s help.
The white sandy beaches are endless on the island. Although some beaches are covered by black polished rocks, the majority of the shores are perfect for all beach activities: swimming, camping or even beach volleyball.
Fiesta in Jomalig Island
Reaching this island is not that easy for some, but for island explorers like us, its just short and relaxing journey. Being on the island and experiencing its wonders is more than just a discovery; it’s an unforgettable reward.
Other Things to do and See in Jomalig Island
- Beach Camping and Picnic
- Visit Sitio Burungawan
- Visit Kanawai Twin Island
- Watch the sunset at the beach
- Sunrise Watching at 6AM
- Snorkeling and Fishing
- Visit the Mangroves at Sitio Landing
Jomalig Island Travel Tips
- Electricity on the island is diesel powered and is available only from 6 PM to 2 AM.
- Always bring a first aid kit and make sure to bring your prescription medication (if any). There is no drug store in the island that sells prescription medication.
- Visit the island with a larger group so you can divide the cost of boat rentals and other expenses, like accommodation and inland transportation.
- Jomaligins (term for the locals of Jomalig) are very hospitable. Most of them are from Bicol, and some are descendants of the original Perez, Quezon settlers, whose own forefathers came all the way from Mauban, Quezon (a town on the mainland of Luzon).
Communications
Globe Telecom and Smart both have mobile phone signals, but Smart has better coverage.
The Survivors in Jomalig Island (From the top left : Melo, Kelly, Matty, Galwin, Mayor Tena and Joanna)
How to get to Jomalig Island
By Air: Jomalig has an airstrip, so if you have the resources, you can get a chartered plane or a helicopter and reach the island in less than 40 minutes from Manila.
Land and Sea: There are two options to get there by boat. You can take a passenger boat from Real, Atimonan or rent a boat in Panganiban in Camarines Norte. If you are coming from Manila, the nearest port of entry will be in Real Quezon.
Wacky Sunset Cruise
To reach Real Quezon, you can take an Infanta bound bus in Legarda Manila or look for a Van that follows the same route. An Aircon Bus fare is at around P195 and takes four to five hours to reach Real Quezon. Once in Real, hire a rickshaw (tricycle-taxi) and tell the driver to bring you to Jomalig port (not Puerto Real).
A boat ride costs P200 to P350, and includes a simple meal freshly cooked by the boat crew. If you are lucky, you can catch the Sea Ambulance—the town’s official boat which only charges P100 per way, but with no included meal.
Jomalig Passenger Boat Contact Numbers:
- Iris Joy (80 capacity) 0950-2515690
- Jovelle2 (50 capacity) 0998-4289244
- LJ Kate (80 Capacity) 0919-6520168
- Jade (80 Capacity) 0910-6646308
- Rabijaja (50 Capacity) 0939-9034275
- Nicole and Mark (80 Capacity) 0907-7529268
- Maribeth c/o Kuya Jojo (40 Capacity) 0939-9034275
- Chow (80 Capacity) 0929-2580824
- Yana (25 Capacity) 0918-3694430
- Kuya Chito (small boat captain) – 0918-6099822
- Kuya Joel (big boat captain) – 0947-4250594
Getting Around Jomalig Island
Transportation on the island is only by a tricycle or habal-habal. If you want to explore different islands in Jomalig, some local fishermen’s boats are available for rent. The small boats are normally rented for only P2,000, while the medium sized boats are usually rented for P4,000 for a whole day of island hopping.
Melo Villareal in Manlanat Island
Hotels and Resorts in Jomalig
Here are the list of hotels and resorts in Jomalig Island:
- Tejada’s Resort: Aida Tejada (owner) 0907-5375234
- Huts for Rent at Sitio Salibungot: Contact Lyra Pacheco – 0930-7968665
- South Pacific Island Resort – Contact Thelma 0907-8285161
- Jojomalig Beach Resort – Contact 09399034275
- Bananas Beach Resort – Contact 0909 986 7482
- Apples Beach Resort – Contact: 09106597361 SMART and 09157992954 GLOBE
Who to Contact
For Travel Deals and updates about Jomalig Island, you may contact Kelly Bautista of Quezon Province Tourism Office at 0922-9491145 or Mr. Elmer A. Gariguez, the – Tourism Information Officer of the town of Jomalig (042) 795-06-00.
But there is much more to a short vacation in Jomalig Island than pristine white sand beaches; there’s an endless adventure waiting for you to discover. For a magical get away, Jomalig Quezon is the perfect destination.
With its unspoiled beaches, creamy golden yellow colored sand, tropical setting, and wonderful people, the Island has all it takes to become one of the country’s best tourist destinations. The island is just waiting for a huge break and responsible investors that can make Jomalig the next destination on everyone’s “bucket list”.
*We will update this Jomalig Island Travel Guide once we get new info about boat rentals, accommodation, travel packages etc.
Also Read:
- 8 Beautiful Beaches in Quezon Province
- Top 10 Secluded Beaches in the Philippines
- Travel Guide: Kalanggaman Island in Palompon Leyte
Date Published: May 24, 2012
Updated: May 21, 2017
Travel Blog Topics:
- beach resorts in quezon province
- resorts in quezon province
- white sand beach resorts in quezon province
- real quezon white beach resort
- jomalig island quezon province
- jomalig island itinerary
- hidden beaches in luzon
Jomalig Island Travel Guide: Another Hidden Paradise Found!
Melo Villareal