A VISIT TO 3 BEACHES IN QUEZON PROVINCE: BORAWAN, KWEBANG LAMPAS & DAMPALITAN ISLAND

There is no doubt that Quezon Province have the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. Padre Burgos, is one of the town that offers unique beach adventures. From Island hopping tour, cliff diving, and camping, you get to experience this perfect quick getaway just 5 hours away from the hustle and bustle surroundings of Manila.

KWEBANG LAMPAS

Kwebang Lampas or Isla Puting Buhangin is the most ideal for swimming because of its white sand and clear blue waters. From a far you can see already plenty of coconut trees in the shoreline that makes the island more beautiful. Here you can rent cottages and have lunch but just always remember to leave no trace because this island is well-maintained. You can notice also a small cave which is the kwebang lampas at the right end of the beach where you can swim as well.

Our simple yet delicious lunch at Kwebang Lampas

DAMPALITAN ISLAND

This island resembles Anawangin and Nagsasa Cove because of its agoho trees (pine trees), have tables for rent as well, camping is allowed and the best part is there's a plenty of free hammocks you can use while relaxing and waiting for the sunset view! Swimming is not suitable to this beach because the shore is rocky, water is murky and full of dead corals. But! This is the only island that bonfire is allowed that's why it's better to stay here overnight if planning to do a camping.

Note: There's no electricity here so better bring all your power banks, flashlight and more so you have source of light at night. Our tour organizer brought a small generator and a light for us (part of the tour package) plus we had a bonfire for Php 100.00 for the woods to be used for bonfire and good thing they are the ones who will set up the bonfire that's why it's more easy plus match it with cold beer, good music, nice conversations and awesome friends, perfect night!

SAND BAR

This is the highlight of our trip, we able to experience and stepped in our feet in a sand bar in the middle of the ocean! It's a bit far from the drop off point of our boat but the 35-minute travel is all worth it just to be here.

Perfect spot for picture taking, right?

BORAWAN ISLAND

This island is the nearest among 3 islands from Padre Burgos town. For only 10-minute ride from the drop off point, you'll be able to reach this fascinating view. It is called Borawan (combined name of Boracay and Palawan) because it resembles the view of Boracay and Palawan. From those white sands though it's not fine as Boracay's but still looks good and those rock formations similar from Palawan, you will feel already that you've been there also!

There are cottages for rent and camping is allowed. Shower rooms and toilets are also available. The beach is suitable for swimming but you can swim only at the netted areas to protect yourself to be stung by jellyfish.

Happy travels!

xo, esca ♡

HOW TO GO THERE?

BY PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION:

Take SLEX. Exit at Sto.Tomas then head right. Follow the Pan-Philippine Highway passing by the cities of San Pablo, Tiaong, Candelaria and Sariaya until you reach Lucena. From Lucena City, continue to Pan-Philippine Highway passing by the town of Pagbilao until you reach a fork with road signs to Old Zigzag Road (Left) and Padre Burgos (Right). Head right to Padre Burgos until you reach Brgy. Marao or Brgy. Basiao. From there, rent a boat to Borawan Island. There are safe parking spaces in town, just talk to your boatman.

BY COMMUTE:

Take a bus to Lucena Grand Terminal. Travel time is around 4-5 hours. From Lucena Grand Terminal, take another bus heading to Unisan. Go down at Brgy. Marao or Brgy. Basiao in the town of Padre Burgos. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.Take a boat to Borawan Island. From Brgy. Marao or Brgy. Basiao, rent a boat to the island. There are a lot of resorts that offer boat service to the island. Canvas and haggle with boatmen since prices are not standard.

TRIP EXPENSES

Php 5,000/625.00 each/group of 8 pax - Roundtrip Car Rental

Php 700.00/pax group of 8 - Island Hopping Tour Package

Php 200.00/pax - food expenses

Php 12.50/pax/group of 8 - woods for bonfire

Total = Php 1,537.50

PERSONAL TIPS

- Avail tour package so it's more easier and less hassle for you. They will arrange everything from boat transfer to cooking equipments and many more.

- Bring power bank and flashlight for light source at night because there's no electricity in some islands.

-Buy your food supplies in the market before you start the tour. There's only sari-sari store in the island but expect it to be expensive.