The Hidden Gem: BALANGINGI ISLAND, Masbate, Philippines

 

Balangingi Island, a 4.9 hectares T-shaped marine sanctuary located in Pio V. Corpuz, Masbate Province, Philippines. Pio V. Corpuz is a 2-hour drive from the City of Masbate.

(sunset)

The Island is a 15 minutes boat ride from Pio V. Corpuz proper. It is famous for it's crystal clear blue sea and beautiful bright sun set.

ENTRANCE FEE:

Adult - 150 Pesos

Children - 75 Pesos

BOAT RENTAL: 2,500 Pesos (Approx. 20 pax)

There are ROOMS AVAILABLE.

!,000 Pesos per room good for 2-3pax.

You can bring your own tent. No additional fees.

COTTAGES are free to use.

Make sure to bring your food, drinking water and utensils. There's no store in the Island.

The only downside  -  Fresh Water (for taking a bath) is NOT available. BUT, you can order it per galloons.

The sand is not fine. It's painful to walk without sleepers.

(pinkish purple sunrise)

The place is windy and relaxing. A perfect sound combination of the birds and sea waves.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND to visit this Island if you are in Masbate.

[TRAVEL] UMA KOINONIA, Masbate City

UMA KOINONIA

MEANING:
Uma = Farm and Koinonia = Christian Fellowship

LOCATION

Sitio Pawa, Masbate City

It was a newly open tourist destination in Masbate. The first Agriculture - Tourism Destination in Masbate that open for public. This place where all of the plants are organic and natural. Also full of beautiful flowers.

Take note, it is in the mountain. At the Lower Station, they will tour you to their vegetable farm, all purpose hall and to their spacious garden.

ALL PURPOSE HALL

LOWER GARDEN

To go the next station, you need to climb 74 steps to the Middle Station (Resting and Kitchen/Dinning Area) from the Lower Station. No worries, it's worth it when you arrive. Trust me (because I also hate stairs). hahaha

LOUNGE AREA

KITCHEN/DINNING AREA

They have welcome drinks which is all the ingredients are from the farm. And while resting, you are facing a beautiful landscape: mountains, the sea and ponds.
They also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Take note: All Foods and Beverages are organic. Fresh from their farm. Still, it tastes good. Thumbs up for that!

Their bathrooms are so unique and beautiful; combination of rocks and woods (some are with bamboos, coconut and even car's wind shield as toilet sink). Creativity at its finest!
*I forgot to take pictures. I'm overwhelmed. So many things to do and see around the farm.*

Perfect Sunrise!

They also have rooms available. By the way, you should climb another maybe 20-40 steps to Upper Station from Middle Station. The Upper Station was the top of the mountain where the rooms are. They have 3 bathrooms near rooms.

FEES/RATES:

ENTRANCE FEE:
150 PHP
(with farm tour, welcome drinks & lunch)

ROOMS:
1,500 PHP
(Good for 6 pax)


HOW TO GET THERE?

HABAL-HABAL - 50 PHP
Kinamaligan St., Diversion Corner., Masbate City

TRICYCLE - 15 PHP
Masbate City Terminal, Diversion, Masbate City

20 minutes travel time from Terminal.

NOTE: MUST READ!
Not recommended for children and older people.
No smoking and No Drinking!
No walk-ins for now. Booking is required.
Feel free to message their Facebook page.
Uma Koinonia Facebook Account

PERFECT PLACE TO RELAX!
SUCH A PEACEFUL PLACE!

WATCH MY VLOG:

https://youtu.be/gtyOIaOSL6A

[TRAVEL] MASBATE ISLAND HOPPING 2017 & 2018

MASBATE ISLAND HOPPING 2017 & 2018

Looking for a CRYSTAL CLEAR SEA and UNCROWDED Beaches? Then, go for island hopping in Masbate. There are a lot of island routes to choose.

We chose the most popular island hopping routes where we went to (accordingly):

HALEA NATURE PARK

BURUBANGKASO ROCK FORMATION

CATANDAYAGAN FALLS

and BUNTOD REEF SANCTUARY. SANDBAR

*CLICK for CHEAP HOTELS IN MASBATE!*

We rent a perfect boat for Island Hopping that can accommodate for maximum 20 persons.

(They also have a boat that can accommodate for 30 persons)

You can rent a boat in Rendezvous Resort in Punta Nursery, Masbate. Make sure to have a reservation atleast 3 days before your outing.

How much the rental? - 8,000 PESOS (Eight Thousand Pesos) for 20 pax

12,000 PESOS (Twelve Thousand Pesos) for 30 pax

It was quite expensive but worth it. The boat itself was well made, huge and SAFE! The staffs are very friendly and accommodating.

Where were the starting point?

- RENDEZVOUS RESORT

PS. They have an Entrance Fee. 20 pesos I think.

We set off at 7 o'clock in the morning.

FIRST STOP: HALEA NATURE PARK, Monreal

The most famous stop in this Island Hopping because of its crystal clear sea water. And the landscape is aesthetically amazing.

Note: Nothing is free in this Island.
Docking fee: 200 pesos
Entrance fee: 25 pesos
Cottage: 200 pesos


Beware: Be careful with the large rocks and corals while swimming.

 (2018)

 (2018)

(2018)

SECOND STOP: BURUBANGKASO ROCK FORMATION

Next, a well known Rock Formation in Masbate. It may looked small in the picture but personally it was very high. But the view from the top in every angle was very amazing. (See the pictures below)

Perfect beach to swim, play and relax.

 (2018)

 (2018)

 (2018)

(2018)

Back View of the Rock Formation:

Front View of the Rock Formation:

THIRD STOP: CATANDAYAGAN FALLS

For those who loves diving, this is perfect for you. The water is very deep.

(2018)

LAST STOP: BUNTOD REEF MARINE SANCTUARY & SANDBAR

Last but not the least, a popular sandbar in Masbate that just across the city.

First, we went back first to the city to refill fuel. It just took us like 10-15 minutes from the City to the Sandbar.

I say, a perfect place for sunset with a perfect horizon. Just wow!

We head back at 6 o'clock in the afternoon.
What an amazing tour! Amazing places! Amazing nature! Just perfect!


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