A PIECE OF GREECE: FORTUNE ISLAND | NASUGBU, BATANGAS
The Grecian Pillars on the top of the hill is maybe the main reason why people come here at Fortune Island. From there, you've got to experience the feeling of being the one from Athens, Greece called the Acropolis of Athens. I've been to Santorini, Greece few months ago but I was not able to visit Athens because the ship where I work doesn't have the itinerary going there. That's why going here to Fortune Island is still on my list I want to check off of my bucket list. I'm not just into pictures when I come here; I also want to experience cliff diving, enjoy the company of my friends under the sun and have fun.
This island was once an exclusive resort but got abandoned after. What’s left of it today are ruins of its luxurious past but still it's beauty and uniqueness still captured the tourists hearts that's why many people still wanted to go there despite of the strong current of the water. Yes it is, that's why its important to give extra care especially during the boat ride.
We only did day tour but unfortunately we arrived late at the coast of Nasugbu, the starting point of the boat ride going to the island. Supposedly, we are aiming to arrive in the island in the morning so we will have enough time to take pictures and go back atleast 3 o'clock in the afternoon but it didn't happen the way we wanted it to be. We arrived 12 noon, ate our lunch, changed clothes and started to go up to the hill around 1 PM. The boatman told us that we need to leave the island at 3 o'clock because during afternoon, the wind and the current of the water becomes strong. Luckily the boatman let us to stay 1 hour more afterwards, and we left around 4pm.
We're only 2 groups the day we went there that's why the Pillars are almost for us. We really had a good time taking pictures here! It's indeed instagrammable! Parang nakarating na rin sa Athens diba! haha
HOW TO GET THERE
By private transportation – There are two main routes going to Nasugbu from Manila. The first one is via Tagaytay which can be reached through SLEX (Carmona or ETON exit) or Aguinaldo Highway. The second option is via Cavitex then Anterio Soriano Highway. You’ll by the towns of Naic, Maragondon and Ternate or you can simply use Waze app to go there.
By public transportation – Take Nasugbu-bound buses in Pasay (Edsa-Taft terminal) Travel time is roughly 3 hours. From bus terminal, ride a tricycle going to Brgy. Bucana in Nasugbu. From there, ride a boat going to the island (45 mins-1 hour travel time)
WHAT TO DO
-Cliff Diving
-Day and Night Swimming
-Photo Ops
-Snorkeling
-Beach Bumming
-Skim boarding
-Camping
-Beach Bonfire and Socials
-Stargazing
PERSONAL NOTES
-There are no cottages or rooms within the island where you can leave or secure your things. -There are no stores within the island so don’t forget to bring your own food and drinks.
-Waves become stronger in the late afternoon (4 pm onwards) making it unsafe for small boats. To better enjoy the island, arrive early.
-Don’t leave your trash in the island. Bring your own trash bag.
-Go here for weekdays. Less people, more time, and good pictures. No photobombers.
TOTAL EXPENSES
Php 3,500.00 - boat transfer (day tour) for 5 pax
Php 100.00 - Food expenses
Php 300.00 - Entrance fee
Php 40.00 - Tricycle (back and forth ride going to Brgy. Bucana from bus terminal (vice versa)
Php 2000.00 - 1 night accommodation at Fortune Island Resort
Happy travels!
xo, esca ♡