There are 7107 islands in the Philippines that
are worth discovering and even the native Filipinos are getting overwhelmed counting and visiting some portion of these mysterious islands. As of now, we are still in the journey of visiting some of these isolated
places and I hope it won't take a lifetime before we finish them all. Together with a newfound friend, Red of Adobo Journey, we jumped into a 2 am trip
bound for Real, Quezon to explore a new adventure at the easternmost side of Quezon
Province: the Polillo Group of Islands.
Through Facebook, I was able to reconnect with a long-time friend
Robert Baltazar, a native of Burdeos, Polillo, that served as our guardian angel for this jaunt. With the precise guide from Robert and his mom Brenda, we
reached the port of Ungos just in the nick of time for boarding, crossing the off-coast
island. The smooth sailing lasted for more than 4 hours before we reached the port where we boarded the only
jeepney scheduled for a trip to Burdeos, the
municipality opposite the main island of Polillo.
The Worst Road in the Philippines
As a travel writer, it is my obligation to give a full and
honest observation. Not everything about our travel experiences ended well. This trip to Polillo gave me my very first unflattering experience of all time. But as what a wise man would say, don't let the first bad impression affect your journey and consider these exceptional events as challenges to make you better. But there is no other way to say it but to rant about it. So, here it goes...
The Polillo-Burdeos Road was so far the worst road I have traversed among the secluded places I’d been in the Philippines. My visit to Polillo was a revelation of both wonders and monsters creeping literally on the roads of Polillo.
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Polillo-Burdeos Road, the worst road ever! |
The Polillo-Burdeos Road was so far the worst road I have traversed among the secluded places I’d been in the Philippines. My visit to Polillo was a revelation of both wonders and monsters creeping literally on the roads of Polillo.
Behind the beauty of Polillo lies the beast that has stunted
the tourism potential of the isolated land. Our first jeepney ride in Polillo literally scared the shit out of me, bumping left and right,
up and down leaving me confused and drowsy that I couldn't find anymore where my brain was. If not only with the witty
talents and sacrifices of Pinoy drivers, people arriving in Polillo port will have no choice but to walk in
kilometers just to reach the next municipality situated on the other side of the main
island.
The almost 3-hour bumpy hell trip must have dislocated my
heart to my throat, choking me every time the jeepney nearly stumbles on a deep sinkhole. We were so thankful reaching the sleepy town of Burdeos in one
piece with just a little crack on my head and torn muscles on my back.
The Best of Polillo
But instead of simply ranting on this inconvenience, I would like to focus on the beauty that lies within. After we had a minute of rest in the humble home of our host family, we decided to have a short visit to
Burdeos’ famous islet, Anilon. The secluded islet was just an hour boat
ride, sailing on with the most fair-weather condition of the season.
In Anilon, everything has shone golden when the bright yellow rays of the setting sun touched the fine golden coral sand of the island. We never had the chance to take a dip in the blue water. Witnessing the Anilon's enchanting beauty
was enough to quench our thirst for another discovery. The island is famous among the locals of Burdeos serving as the common picnic ground during family affairs and celebrations.
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Anilon Island in Polillo |
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Getting stuck up but saved by another boat |
The island's best-kept secret was their local drink known as “Lambanog”. I’d been a social drinker for years but never did I try a full wild drink experience with the goddess of wine that got me knocked down with a few shots while sitting in front of the crowd and oops with wide mouth open.
Wow, what an embarrassing experience to share. But honestly speaking, that was the moment I wish I could erase from my head and the memory I don't want to remember at all. Hahaha.
And Life Goes On
The beautiful madness never ended the next day when I decided to rent a
bigger boat where I was joined by some members of the Alpay Family. Hey wait, I think I brought the whole clan! Hahaha.
We were sailing for hours towards the island bird sanctuary of Minasawa when the boat’s engine broke and almost beyond repair. I closed my eyes, breathing deep and thinking that was just a dream but arrrgggg.. it was hell disaster that we were stuck in the middle of the sea for an hour waiting for a boat to pass by.
We were just 500 meters away
from Minasawa and we're almost there but God just loves to give a little extra challenge in this jaunt by getting us stuck and floating in the middle of the sea. So we waited and waited...
It was like new year's day after we spotted a fishing boat coming towards our direction. We raised a white shirt sending a rescue signal to the captain and our joy was overwhelming when our distress signal was picked and answered. Oh, thank you, Lord!
We were pulled to the nearest shore of Palaypayan Island where a group of fishermen and traders headed by Raymond was temporarily taking shelter and on standby preparing for their next harvest in the sea. My eyes popped out to see some of their catch like the full tank of Jack Fish or Talakitok, Bagulan or Kulambulan (giant cattle fish), and Alatan. What a blessing?
We were surprised to know that they also culture some certain species of seaweeds that are being sold as the main ingredient for food processing. But what struck me most was the information that this seaweed was very much in demand in the market being used to manufacture some high-end slippers. No wonder these flipflops float together with their tag prices that cost as deep of the ocean.
We were sailing for hours towards the island bird sanctuary of Minasawa when the boat’s engine broke and almost beyond repair. I closed my eyes, breathing deep and thinking that was just a dream but arrrgggg.. it was hell disaster that we were stuck in the middle of the sea for an hour waiting for a boat to pass by.
It was like new year's day after we spotted a fishing boat coming towards our direction. We raised a white shirt sending a rescue signal to the captain and our joy was overwhelming when our distress signal was picked and answered. Oh, thank you, Lord!
We were pulled to the nearest shore of Palaypayan Island where a group of fishermen and traders headed by Raymond was temporarily taking shelter and on standby preparing for their next harvest in the sea. My eyes popped out to see some of their catch like the full tank of Jack Fish or Talakitok, Bagulan or Kulambulan (giant cattle fish), and Alatan. What a blessing?
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Rich marine life and resources in Polillo Island |
The Island Sanctuary of Minasawa
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Minasawa Island, a bird sanctuary |
I thought visiting Minasawa will remain as a dream but an angel from heaven suddenly pulled this hope high when a passing boatman suddenly agreed to lend his small motored-boat and voluntarily took us to Minasawa. All troubles and patience were rewarded upon reaching the
secluded bird sanctuary of Minasawa.
The islet is home to hundreds of birds, both migratory
and endemic to Polillo. Our guide mentioned that it was prohibited to stay
longer on the island as the community wishes not to disturb the visiting birds. The birds
of different species flock into the beach every morning and late in the afternoon, taking refuge in the untainted island forest.
Minasawa is a paradise with powdery white coral
sand and crystal clear water. There are no concrete structures around and not even a small nipa hut was built on the island. Minasawa was the highlight of my visit
to Polillo, neutralizing my bad road experience the day before.
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Mahimahi or Dorado caught in the sea of Polillo |
As I decided to end my trip the next day, the goddess of jinx simply got stuck with me when the jeepney
we commissioned to pick us have forgotten to pass by, forcing me to
hire and rode on a motorbike (Php 500.00) to reach Polillo Port. The
glorious triumph that I had just vanished into the thin air the moment we started to traverse the hell road once more. How I really wished that the Polillo-Burdeos Road will be finished upon
my return to the paradise island.
Not So Bad At All!
Amazing things never ended as we sail back to Real, Quezon. The crew of the boat put a fish bait at the tail end of the boat and got surprised to catch a huge jaded Mahimahi fish also known as Dorado. The poor fish ended up in the hands of the hungry crew and got cooked for dinner. What a blast!
To conclude this experience, the Island of Polillo was a superb tourist destination, only that the LGU and its people have not yet realized their potential to rival the overrated tourist spots in the Philippines.
The way I see it, Polillo is not yet ready in terms of infrastructure development to support its tourism. The accessibility of a place is an imperative component of a community to run the economy efficiently and to connect people and cultures coming from different places. I hope that this venture is seen deep in the hearts of the people serving the government of Polillo and be motivated to develop their rich resources.
Our sincerest thanks to the Alpay Family of Burdeos, Polillo
especially to Robert Perry A. Baltazar, her mom Brenda, to Lola and Lolo, Kuya
Rod and wife Daday, his cousin Dandan, for all the efforts in accommodating us
and giving us all the convenience they could provide, from the shelter, sumptuous
seafood, unlimited supply of lambanog, friendships and happy memories made in
the island. I simply love Polillo.
Check our updated travel about Polillo in 2016 by clicking ---> here.
Check our updated travel about Polillo in 2016 by clicking ---> here.
Local Contact in Polillio Island:
Tour Guide: Bernard "Dandan" AlpayCP (+63) 09120624435 (updated 2020)
Personal Itinerary to Polillo Island
Day 1 Friday
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2:00a -5:00 a
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Legarda Manila to Ungos Port via Van
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Php 220.00
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5:30a-8:00a
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Ungos Port to Polillo Port
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Php 210.00 (10, terminal fee)
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8:00-12:00nn
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Polillo Port to Burdeos via jeepney
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Php 300.00
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12:00-3:00p
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Lunch and rest
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Courtesy of Alpay Family
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3:00p-4:00p
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Boat ride to Anilon Island (good for 3 passengers only)
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Php 200 for the boatman
Php 150 for the gasoline
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4:00p-5:00p
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Sandbar spotting, beach bumming in Anilon
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Free
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5:00p-6:00p
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Sailed back to Burdeos
main island
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6:00p-10:00p
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Dinner and Lambanog session with the Alpay family
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Courtesy of the Alpay Family
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Day 2, Saturday
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8:00a- 6:00p
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Minasawa Island by 12 pax
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Php 800.00 (boat rental)
Php 600.00 (gasoline)
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Day 3, Sunday
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10:00a- 1:00p
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Burdeos to Polillo Port via motobike
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Php 500.00
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1:00p-2:00p
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Lunch
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Php 150.00 (for two)
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2:00p-5:00p
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Polillo to Ungos,Real Quezon, Ferry boat
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Php 220.00
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6:00p-9:00p
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Real Quezon to Manila via van
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Php 220.00
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Sarap i-paksiw ng dorado! :)
ReplyDeleteGanda! I wanna go here soon! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lizzie... yes it's beautiful in Polillo... you just have to exert an extra effort to find this paradise :D
ReplyDeleteMy mom's hometown is Infanta and I've always wanted to visit that island. Maybe soon. Nice photos!
ReplyDeleteWanted to see more of this island I'd heard so much about this place. One thing for sure why I love to visit this place is the FOOD. Fresh fish like dorado..yummmminies!
ReplyDeleteReasonable rates, I hope me and my family get to visit Polillo Island this summer.
ReplyDeleteI think some of the wonderful spots are hidden in the worst road ways. Polillo has a really nice beach.
ReplyDeleteI am interested to visit the islet of Minasawa to witness the migratory and endemic birds of different flocks. By the way, why those birds stay and flock at the said islet? Is it really for refuge? Or is there something else? I am just curious about it? By the way, small islet is redundant.
ReplyDeleteThis is like a hidden treasure. Who knows that beyond those bumpy roads, there's a beautiful beach that lies
ReplyDeleteLove your frankness bro, Sharing honest info. Thamks for the virtual tour of the island. sna makapunta rin ako dyan in the near future.
ReplyDeleteI guess Polillo must be visited during summer when the roads are dry.But I bet it will be "powdery" trip hahaha. Infrastructure is very important in tourism .
ReplyDeleteI;m from Quezon province but I haven't been to Polillo pa. And oh, I hope Quezon Province government help construct the road. - KarenT
ReplyDeleteLove the place. Love the view. You sir are so lucky to travel around this areas!
ReplyDeleteTricycle service going to ivory frm calatagan town,09771891651
ReplyDelete