Alibijaban Island is an Island peacefully located off the southeastern coast of Bondoc Peninsula and technically a part of San Andres Quezon Province. The island is about 30-45 minutes from the main town of San Andres and a motor boat would be the best transport you can use. Once you arrive in the area, you will be greeted by the pristine mangrove forest and white sandy beaches. This stunning island is now becoming popular destination specially for backpackers.
Here are some essential travel tips when visiting Alibijaban Island.
How to get there
Manila to Lucena City : * Jac Liner, Lucena Lines, and DLTB have regular trips to Lucena. Fare ranges from Php210.00 to Php230.00, depending on your terminal of departure.
Lucena City to San Andres : * There are vans in Lucena Grand Terminal that are bound to San Andres. Fare ranges from Php250.00 – Php270.00. * There are also a regular Bus that are Bounded to San Andres. Fare ranges from Php200.00 – Php216.00
Direct Trip From Manila to San Andres : * Barney Auto Lines and Superlines Transport have a daily trip from Cubao to San Andres. Fare ranges from Php450.00 – Php500.00
San Andres Port to Alibijaban Island : *There are boat that are waiting in San Andres Port. Boat Hire cost Php1,500.00/Vice-versa. you can ask a discount to the boatmen.
Enjoy the Sand Bars : Good Thing guys because you don’t need to go to Kalanggaman, Camiguin or Cebu just to see and enjoy sandbars. You will be greeted by the glimpse of Alibijaban Sandbars on the afternoon low tide.
Bakawan or Mangroves trees : Alibijaban Island is home of some of the most undisturbed mangrove wilderness in the country and served as the home of some bird species that you can't see anywhere but only in this island. If you love taking a landscape photography this place is absolutely perfect for you.
Camping : If you are staying overnight, you will have no choice but to pitch a tent in the shore. Be advised that there's no tourism infrastructure in the island so make sure to bring a tent and other sleeping materials. Also keep your noise low because there is a small community nearby.
Swimming and/or Snorkeling: The island is blessed with rich marine habitats. This is also has the most diverse marine habitat in the region of Ragay gulf. It is home of at least 30 genera of hard coral. Its adjacent water is also visited by whale sharks, manta rays and marine turtles. so make sure to bring goggles and other diving gears to enjoy the marine sanctuary of Alibijaban.
Island Tour : You can tour around the island. Just ask the boat men that you want to explore more the island. just remember that you need to pay another set of rental for the boat. you can always bargain to the boatmen when it comes to price.
Chasing the Sunset : I am a sunset lover and Alibijaban Sunset is the most dramatic sunset I have witnessed so far. I loved how the horizon turning to orange while the sun kissing the land.
Photography : This island is also perfect destination for photo enthusiasts. Every corner of the island is picturesque and instagram-worthy. And if you are that lucky, a glimpse of Mayon Volcano on the other side of the island is sometimes visible.
Environmental/Island and other Fees :
If you are planning for the overnight trip, there are 70 pesos island fee. I am not sure for the day trip. My bad, I forgot to ask our Guide about the fees for day tour.
There are part of the island where there are no fees, daytrip or overnight trip. but the place is near the community, so you need to be extra careful with your things and belongings if you are planning to stay in that part.
There are no Toilet fees but water costs Php35.00 per container for taking a bath.
Important Facts:
* Most of the population speaks the Bisaya dialect rather than Tagalog.
* There is no Tourism infrastructure in the island so make sure to bring enough needs if you are planning to visit the island.
* The Phone signal is pretty good now, Both Network and data connection.
Thank you to my YSA XA of DiwataNgBicolandia.com and friends for inviting me on this trip. I really had so much fun and I really enjoyed spending time with them. See you again soon.
