We woke up about 3:30am to prepare for our trip to Gaspar island. It’s great to have fellow photographers like Oggie and Allan on a trip since they understand the importance of capturing the best light in a scenery. Most locals would have wondered why we would want to sail to the island at 4am in the morning not understanding the photographer’s view of things. Maybe one reason why our boatman missed our target departure of 4am. Or he just probably overslept a bit. Still we managed to arrive before the sun rises on Gaspar Island, Marinduque.
Gaspar Island is one of the three islands south west of Marinduque Island named after the three kings, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar. Of the three islands, Gaspar is the largest and the only one inhabited. It is also rich in history since off its coast waters between the mainland, a sunken Chinese Junk was discovered. Other old artifacts were also discovered at caves found on the island. Artifacts are now property of the National Museum.
Travel time from the mainland of Barangay Pinggan to the island is about 30 minutes by outrigger boat. Rates usually goes from Php 1000 if you only visit Gaspar or one of the island, Php 1500 for island hopping on the three islands of the Tres Reyes Islands.
The moon was shining really bright that morning illuminating the island shores beautifully. The fishing village of Gaspar island was still asleep that morning. We ventured around the island shorelines to see what its landscape offers. It’s actually a very varied landscape. There’s a nice long sandbar in the middle where the waves meet. On the western side are calm waters and nice crushed coral beach ideal for swimming. The eastern side is more rugged with impressive rock formations being battered by stronger waves. On the eastern side you could see Mt Malindig and the deluxe Elephant Island which Japanese company are developing.
In the middle of the island is a fishing community. There is no water and electricity on the island. Water is being fetched from the mainland and electricity is through gas. There is however some sheds, urinal facilities and a small store to buy provisions for island visitors.
Tres Reyes islands is a protected marine sanctuary. Expect lots of fresh catch early morning. We bought a couple of those haba or balo fishes to be cooked for lunch. Grilled and fried. Very cheap as well. Aside from fishing, tourism is also a main livelihood. Children gather shells early morning and they make beads from them to sell.
We enjoyed our time in Gaspar island very much. The island has very nice landscapes and is also ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The weather was also very cooperative that time as well. I think waking up that early was worth it on this island.
We headed back shortly at the mainland for breakfast. After which we’ll do a few last stops around Marinduque before we leave that afternoon.










great set of images here wulfriend.
wala akong itulak kabigin pati yung little girl offering you seashells.
and of course, the posterity shot hahaha. ikaw talaga, oo!
Pag serious ka sa photography talagang isasaalangalang mo ang mga teknikal na bagay sa ikagaganda ng iyong kuha, gaya ng lighting, angle etc. Ako halos lahat ng aking kuha ay on the move or drive by shooting, at laging 65 mph pa, si mister kasi ayaw mag preno eh. Kaya pasaglit lang ang focusing ko.
Love the last shot.
wahh, ang ganda naman dito. kuhang kuha n’yo ang pagputok ng araw sa dako paroon. kakatuwa naman ang inyong posterity shot. da best yung pose ni Oggie, parang lilipad na sasayaw. peace.
3:30am? ganun ka aga bumyahe sa dagat? hindi ko pa to nagawa sa mga pasyal ko. as always ferdz ganda ng mga kuha. my favorite in this set are photos 1, 3, 5 and 7. at syempre doon sa last picture na kasama si oggie at allan. ganda nga ng sandbar sa background.
ang ganda naman dito. =)
superb na naman. wala ka itulak-kabigin sa mga pics lalo na yung last shot. galing.
wow! the pictures are really beautiful! ang ganda!!
Those early morning photo captures are well worth the very early start of your day. I am an early riser pero walang ganyan dito sa lugar namin to greet your day.
Oggie! Ayus talaga jumping pose mo dun. Kakaiba. hehe.
Naku Photo Cache. Sometimes iba rin ang scenery on the road so it’s ok din.
Salamat Rayts! Sya lang nakakagawa nun.
Thanks Dom! Yep we were supposed to leave kasi mga 4am. Special talaga yung posterity shot.
Thanks Pao!
Appreciate the comments Oman!
Maraming salamat Tin-tin.
The cooperative weather and good lighting sure made waking up worth it talaga BertN. Kahit masarap matulog, we just have to pull ourselves out of the bed.
great great great photos ferdz! I especially like the last one. I’m amazed at how Oggie was able to do a “Saturday Night fever” jump hahaha
Sabi nga nila, you photogs make such weird demands on schedule
Hahaha. Thanks Allan. Onga eh. Kakaibang air acrobatics ginawa nya.
naku, pinagtulungan na naman ako ng dalawang ire hehehe.
me hawak akong camera kasi kaya ganyan talon ko, hahaha
3.30 am… hmmmmm… but I guess it is worth the effort…
My favorite image is the one with the little girl with the shells.
I always follow your adventures and finds pleasure in them. Likes the dawn boat.
Great set of photos you have here, Ferdz.
I’m mesmerized!
[...] Marinduque: Morning splendor at Gaspar Island | Marinduque: Sleeping in Pinggan [...]
Hi, where did you rent the outrigger boat for this island hopping. May i know his name or contact number if ever so we can contact him on our next visit to Marinduque? Thanks!