Borawan, Puting Buhangin and Dampalitan Island

Boarawan is an island located in Padre Burgos, Quezon. It's name was derived from two famous tourist destinations in the country namely: Boracay, because of it's powdery white sand where the island is most known for. And Palawan, due to it's likeness to the province's rock formations and cliffs.

Both tourist destinations are indeed worth visiting, and to have a certain island with features that are rolled into one definitely made me want to check the place out and see if the island can indeed live up to its name.

Puting Buhangin and Kwebang Lampas

From our jump-off at Vista Playa, our trip took as immediately to Puting Buhangin. This is usually a day 2 trip, however, since it was summer, all the best spots on the beach front of Borawan were already taken. Puting Buhangin is known as Lukang Cove made famous for its through-and-through cave called "Kwebang lampas".

A panoramic shot of Puting Buhangin

Our trip from Vista Playa in Padre Burgos to Borawan took 30 minutes, and without getting-off, ferried straight to Puting Buhangin for another 60 minutes for a total travel time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Upon arriving, we pitched our own tents, relaxed, swam and then prepared dinner. One thing that I have noticed in the Island is the lack of water source. Be mindful that toilets here are not properly maintained.

Tents line up near the coast, while a swimmer dives with Kwebang Lampas at the backdrop.

A view from the cave out

Borawan Island

On our second day, our trip took as back to Pagbilao Chica Is., locally known as Lipata Island, and most famously known and marketed as Borawan. Upon getting off our chartered banca, the first thing I noticed were the nets around the swim area. These were placed to prevent people getting stung since jellyfish are common in the area. The cliffs were truly a sight to behold, rock formations abound and the sand were, pretty much alright from my standpoint.

The coast of Borawan and a quick photo ops on one of its rock formation

After a few photo shoot moments, we immediately depart since there were already a lot of people in the area.

Dampalitan Island

Dampalitan Island also boasts of having a white sanded beach. We paid P30 to enter, swm and have our lunch here. Similar to Borawan Island, there were areas dedicated for swimming despite having a longer shoreline. Curiously, I found myself walking along its coast and past the nets. Here, I found the islands beauty by walking into a shallow water dotted by rocks that formed a pathway of sand and stone towards the open water. With a few of my friends along, we sat, laid down and relaxed half submerged under the summer sun.

Dampalitan Island 

Significant Hours

Manila to Lucena to Padre Burgos - 5.5 hours
Padre Burgos to Borawan - 30 minutes
Borawan - Puting Buhangin - 45 hour
Borawan - Dampalitan - 30 minutes

Itinerary

Day 1:

0730 AM - ETD Manila to Lucena Grand Terminal
1200 NN - ETA Lucena
0100 PM - ETA Padre Burgos, Vista Playa
0145 PM - ETD Padre Burgos to Puting Buhangin

0330 PM - ETA Puting Buhangin

Day 2:

0630 AM - Wake up call
0730 AM - Breakfast
0830 AM - Break camp
0930 AM - ETD Puting Buhangin
1030 AM - ETA Borawan
1130 AM - ETD Borawan to Dampalitan Is.
1200 NN - Dampalitan Island, Prepare lunch
0100 PM - Lunch
0330 PM - ETD Dampalitan Island
0400 PM - ETA Padre Burgos, wash up
0500 PM - ETD Padre Burgos to Lucena Grand Terminal
1100 PM - ETA Manila

We had a few options on our itinerary, since one can either camp in any of the 3 islands. We decided camping on Puting Buhangin, which in my opinion was the best one since all we need was to travel one way down the farthest island, then slowly inch closer while island hopping back to Padre Burgos.

How Our Actual Day 2 Went:
0600 AM - Wake up call
0630 AM - Breakfast
0830 AM - Break camp
0900 AM - ETD Puting Buhangin
0945 AM - ETA Borawan
1000 AM - ETD Borawan to Dampalitan Is.
1015 AM - Dampalitan Island, Prepare lunch
1115 AM - Lunch
1245 PM - ETD Dampalitan Island
0115 PM - ETA Padre Burgos, wash up at Vista Playa
0245 PM - ETD Padre Burgos to Lucena Grand Terminal
0800 PM - ETA Manila

Expenses

Bus fare (round trip) - Manila to Lucena Grand Terminal: 600
Bus fare (round trip) - Padre Burgos, Vista Playa:  70
Banca (rental fee 1800): 180 x 10 PAX

Borawan entrance and shower fee: 80 + 20 = 100
*Cottages: 700 - 900

Dampalitan entrance fee: 30
Drum of water: (1 drum 400): 40 x 10 pax
*Cottages: 700 - 1000

Puting Buhangin entrance fee: 50, Overnight: 100
Drum of water (1 drum 500): 50 x 10 pax
*Cottages: 350 - 500

Food and Drinks (meal plan 2000): 200 x 10 PAX

* Note that prices are not regulated hence prices can be different depending on your guide (and your oratory skills)

Special Concerns

• Dogs abound in Puting Buhangin and are known to swipe meals faster than you can say "no swiping!"
• This area of Quezon are home to a lot of jellyfish so always be on the look out.
• For Puting Buhangin and Dalampitan Island, a drum of water can be purchased for bathing, however, for drinking, I suggest you bring your own.
• Tents can be rented. Prices depend on the island you're in and the size of the tent. It ranges from P200 - P500 so apart from drinking water, it is also wise to bring your own.
• Out of the 3 islands, only Borawan has the cleanest restrooms and a continuous supply of running water.
• Expect no signal to minimal mobile service.
• There are no electricity in the area so make sure to bring flashlights and/or headlamps.
• Bonfires are prohibited

For Vista Playa contact details, look for:
Irma Saniel at 0918 604 86 01

Post script: For those who do not want to camp out, there are places to stay at Padre Burgos, and you can just rent a banca to take you to Borawan and other nearby Islands.

*As of April 2013

~ City Boy Tripper