If you are looking for some place to go to where you can feel the rawness of being on an island but at the same time enjoy some cozy and comfortable access to your hotel room, Potipot Island is the place to be. You can choose to stay at multiple resorts sprawled close to the island (about 10-15 minutes boat ride away) or sleep in a tent or one of the cottages located on the island itself.
Not minding the drizzle in the Metro, we rode a jeep bound for España, Manila and headed to the Victory Liner Bus Station in Sampaloc where the last trip to Sta. Cruz, Zambales was scheduled @ 11PM. Travel time is around 4-5 hours. You can check for bus schedules here --> http://www.victoryliner.com/schedules/
You can ask the driver to drop you off Dawal. The area is generally referred to as such because Dawal Beach Resort, I believe, is one of the most popular resorts there. It was pitch dark when we got there but we saw a sign along the road vaguely pointing us towards Dawal Beach Resort. The rooms in this resort are pretty decent although service is not that commendable.
We left our stuff at the desk because check-in time is not until 2PM and rode a boat to the island at around 5:30am. The boat rental costs 400 2-way and you have to pay at the Dawal Beach Resort desk. They will then give you a stub that you will in turn give to the boatman.
Sorry for the dark pictures but the weather was super gloomy plus I'm only using my mobile phone. Wala pang budget sa SLR. Haha.. The sad weather did not cast any cloud on my excitement though. Catching glimpse of the island, I was excited as a puppy hearing his master come home. When we reached the shores of Potipot, we paid 100 each for the entrance fee and scurried to find a dry spot to park ourselves. 300 ang entrance fee for overnight stay.
Finding a good spot is not too hard for there are a lot of trees on the island. The sun can get terribly hot but there are a lot of shades so you need not fret. Huts are rented for those who want to stay overnight. I believe they charge 1,000 for the cottage rental. You may also rent or bring your own tent. Picnic tables can be used for free though.
Previously disappointed by the shallowness of Cagbalete Island’s waters in Quezon, I was relieved to find Potipot’s to be the exact opposite. Just a few steps from shore and the water’s already at length with my chin. Another step and my feet can barely feel the bottom. It was crazy because I am not a very good swimmer.
There are about 4-5 other groups in the island. From what I remember, I’m thinking 2 families, one barkada group, isang magjowa na walang ginawa kundi magpicturan at isang magjowang beki na nagpapatugtog ng mga Mariah Carey.
Potipot is a rather small island. You can walk around it in about 20-25 minutes. Mga 5 minutes siguro kung nag-e-LBM ka. Seryoso. There are communal washrooms in the island by the way. Sabi kasi ng barkada ko maghuhukay ka dito pag magna-number 2 ka.
There is a non-popular spot somewhere at the back. There are a lot of dead coral reefs you can barely walk through it unless you had wood for feet. There are also mangroves and huge slabs of stones half-submerged on water. I came across another blog that mentioned the dead tree captured below. Mind you, that blog was dated sometime in 2008.
It was so beautiful and peaceful here that I just wanted to throw a blanket on the ground and catch some zzz’s.
Around 3PM we decided to text our boatman so we can go back to the resort. Rains threatened to pour, not that we’re worried about getting wet. No part of skin or strand of hair was dry at this point. The bad part is we were all sticky, scorched and starved at this time. The slob in me is dreading for some proper bath and food. Aboard the boat, I cast one last look at the island as the sea waters and rain drops splashed on my face and swore I’ll be back on a sunnier day.
Breakdown of expenses:
0900 Bus Fare To and From Zambales
0400 2-way boat ride to island (Split in half)
0100 Island entrance for day trip.
1600 Overnight Accommodation (Split in half)
________________________________
2,000 Expense per Person without Food.
Other fees:
30.00 Per Person Per Day for bringing in food at the resort
Credits to Sue Clemens for the first picture in this blog. http://www.trekearth.com/members/SueC/
0900 Bus Fare To and From Zambales
0400 2-way boat ride to island (Split in half)
0100 Island entrance for day trip.
1600 Overnight Accommodation (Split in half)
________________________________
2,000 Expense per Person without Food.
Other fees:
30.00 Per Person Per Day for bringing in food at the resort
Credits to Sue Clemens for the first picture in this blog. http://www.trekearth.com/members/SueC/
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