Weekend at Borawan Island, Quezon

BORAWAN, TWO, THREE

Travel tips in Borawan Island

Borawan is a short term for (Boracay and Palawan), according to a local I've talked to, the island used to be a private beach but later on it was opened to the public but still owned by private individuals. The name was coined after the two most famous islands in the country because of the island's features resembles both Boracay and Palawan. 

Special thanks to Atty. Oman of www.lawstude.net for inviting me in their outing at this island. Sometimes it is better to travel a place you did not do any research because it gives you the element of surprise. It makes you wonder what it can offer to you and without any expectations, Borawan surprised me with its beauty. 

Tara Gumala with Oman is an Island

Supposedly, we will do a twin dayhike on that weekend but when Atty. Oman invited us and it was for free, even if we were just invited a day before the trip, I hurriedly said yes. Who can say no to a great deal?? HAHAHA.

Anyway, this trip was under a travel agency, Escape Zone. Not really sure with the name, did not bother to ask. I just followed what is their itinerary, after all, SABIT lang naman ako. Haha. 

Borawan Island is in the municipality of Padre Burgos in Quezon which is 3 - 4 hours drive from Manila. You may opt to drive your own or commute your way up to the island.

Here was our itinerary: (*Note that a van transfer is already part of the deal & our driver drives fast) 

Day 1

3:00 AM Meet up at Loading Dock, The Medical City

4:00 AM ETD for Pagbilao 

6:30 AM ETA Pagbilao Market (Buy stuff over the weekend)

8:00 AM ETA Jump off point to Borawan (It was low - tide when we got there, so we walked towards the boat but the boat ride only took 15 minutes)

9:30 AM ETA Borawan (Pitch Tent, Prepare Food) 

2:00 PM Island Hopping at Kwebang Lampas, Dampalitan and Puting Buhangin (Optional)

7:00 PM Dinner

Day 2

5:00 AM Wake up, Star Gazing and wait for SUNRISE! One of the best sunrise I have ever seen.

6:30 AM Breakfast, Prepare things and Freshen up

9:30 AM ETD at Borawan

11:30 AM ETA Tiaong, Quezon (Lunch at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan)

2:00 AM ETD for Manila

5:00 PM ETA MANILA. Home sweet home. 

The package already includes all fees except food.

Travel tips:

1. Borawan is best visited during off season, it gets really crowded during summer. 

2. During summer, the owners of the place put up a net,  in the ocean to avoid guests from jellyfish sting. The whole island is infested with jellyfish, be careful. 

3. You can pitch your tent anywhere in the island. Note that cottages is where the crowd goes, so if you want a peaceful weekend, staying far from the cottages will help you. Besides, you can ask for tables and chairs.

Isn't it nice waking up with this kind of view? :)

4. There a security guard which always roam around the island and making sure every guest are doing fine.

5. Speaking of that guard, he will immediately go to you when your boat docks at the island and will collect fees. 

6. I did not enjoy swimming because the water is infested with large jellyfish and I couldn't see my feet. The water is not that clear. 

7. The island is well maintained. There are people who always clean the shoreline and the whole island is well lighted. 

8. Be sure to wake up early around 5am, you can chase milky way if you are into night photography while waiting for the sunrise.

9. There is electricity in the island but only from 6pm - 10pm and a fee for charging your phone. :)

10. THE COMFORT ROOMS ARE FREE! Yey! 

11. The signal is strong and you can even browse your social media plus upload your selfie. *wink wink, nough nough*

VERDICT OF TARA GUMALA:

Borawan Island is a nice place to visit if you want a quick weekend getaway during off season. The sunrise, limestone and white sand makes the perfect summer vibe. 

Ano, TARA GUMALA??