San Andres | Allure of Alibijaban Island: Sandbars, Mangroves and Clear Waters | Ironwulf En Route - A Travel Story, Photography, and Video blog by Ferdz Decena from the Philippines

We could see the long strip of the white sandy shores of Alibijaban Island from the port. We arrived just in time for the sunrise after a long six-hour drive from Manila. I was in the company of my fellow officemates from the university I currently work with and we’re on an outing trip. But it seems, we won’t be alone on the island as we were expecting. The newly built port already had a few vehicles parked, probably heading to the same island. Alibijaban Island has garnered quite a popularity in the past couple of years, and I had to blame my friends, Dong Ho and Allan of Lantaw for that somehow. I had some laughs when I recount Dong Ho’s story of being mistaken as an NPA when he first set foot on the island. He had to seek comfort and security under the baranggay captain since no tourist comes to their island. Now visitors here picked up especially on weekends. What drives people on this southern region of Quezon province?

The island on the horizon seen from the port

Road to San Andres

The small team in our office department narrated how much they have enjoyed Calaguas Island in their previous outing and it has set quite a standard when they go on trips. I threw the idea of going to Alibijaban Island in the air hoping for something similar in character – white sand beaches, undeveloped infrastructure and crystal clear waters. While I haven’t been there before, my travel buddies speaks highly of it so I was confident it would deliver. I contacted my travel blogger friend Izah of Explore8 so she could arrange for us a good package for the tour since we had to make it official and they didn’t disappoint. We had to go through several dates until setting on one where we can accommodate more people. And so it was set.

It was a weekend night drive to San Andres via Lucena City. What would usually take 8–10 hours bus commute only took six hours with our van complete with all the bumpy ride parts of the road especially after Lucena. Our van driver has been here so it was easy to find the port. San Andres is a rural town with no major establishments. We settled on the small makeshift food stalls but had tasty lugaw (rice porridge), pancit and 5-peso pancakes. Coffee came from a local burger stand.

Alibijaban Island Allure

The wonderful Tigbi Falls was our first stop from San Andres. Coming back mid-day, we excitedly boarded a large outrigger for Alibijaban Island. It’s only a 20-minute ride and we we’re already mesmerized on how clear the waters were as we approach its shores. We could see flags flapping and also some tents of other visitors on the island. We were right to expect there were other visitors already but it is not as crowded as other places still. We stayed in a Pension House. Electricity is still a problem on the island and water too. For our group, there was only a drum supply ready but judging from our numbers it wasn’t enough. A Php 150 per drum of water supply is available. Water shortage is the biggest consideration here and the minimal facility for shower and toilet. Good thing our group rented the house with an ensuite toilet and bath and don’t have to line up with the hordes camping outside.

Arriving mid-day, we just settled on relaxing and catching up on lost sleep from the drive. Finding a comfortable shade where we could lay down, read a book, snooze or simply enjoy some tunes. When the heat was bearable enough we walked around the beach and find some area to take a dip. The water was warm and the tide was virtually none. I decided to walk further north of the island passing by a fishing village of lively locals midway until I reach the mangrove protected area of the island. I could have gone farther but forgot to bring some citronella oil to keep those sand mites I saw jumping around the beach. It was late afternoon already, the time they come alive. I just decided to shoot from where I am and walked back catching up with Tin who I found wandering as well. The walk back found us conversing with some locals and friendly dogs along the way.

Night finds the group gazing at the stars. It was more refreshing to stay outdoors by the beach with the cold breeze steadily simmering down the heat of the day. It was wonderful to look at the stars we can barely see in the city. I decided to sleep at the pension though seeing there would be noisy camps opening all the windows to let the air in. From my exhaustion I was in deep sleep in minutes.

Kids enjoying the waters despite the mid-day sun

Sunrise, Sunbars and essential info on the next page…

Of Sunrise and Sandbars

There was activity early in the morning. It turns out it got really cold at the beach in the wee mornings that some of our companions went back to the pension. Up early, I decided to walk south until I could get a view of the sunrise. It was quite a walk until I reached the rocky coast where gentle waves lap and the sun was in view. Everything was enveloped in a blanket of peacefulness, even the walk back to where the waters were undisturbed. Still as a glass. A moment frozen in time.

Post breakfast activity was to visit the sandbars. Yes, there were a couple and probably more on low tide. It was near the mangrove area central part of the island. I could guess people can walk up to this part of the island by land. The sandbar is where our group really enjoyed the beach and the sea. We could walk up to a part of the sea where the sand below was white and the waters really clear. We also had a brief yoga session at the sandbar which was fun.

We then sailed to the other side of the island to do some snorkeling. It is evident the boatmen here are not that familiar on good snorkeling spots yet, relying on the presence of fishermen to ask if there were a lot of fish in the area. We jumped in the water regardless. It’s great that the water clarity was optimal. Corals were not that many and to find the fishes takes a little patience. Nevertheless it was a great to see what the underwater of Alibijaban Island has to offer, I’m sure there are other interesting spots around the island.

Essential Info

I could understand what lures people to Alibijaban Island. It dares you to strip down to the basics and abandon luxury for a simple camp and be out in the elements to enjoy nature naturally. The place is undeveloped so prepare to deal with water rationing and sharing facilities but its a minor inconvenience in comparison to what the island offers. I enjoyed the island and would go back but definitely not on a weekend when it can get pretty crowded.

How to get to Alibijaban Island

Direct bus to San Andres from Manila. Superlines Transport in Cubao have daily trips three times a day. 4:30am, 2:30pm and 5:30pm. Fare is Php 470.00 with a travel time of 8–10 hours. For inquiries and reservations (02) 414.3119, (02) 4143321 and 0922.522.5192.
Direct bus to San Andres from Alabang Barney Auto Lines in Starmall, Alabang, also have daily trips to San Andres. Schedules are 4:00am, 5:30am, 8:30am, 1:00pm, 6:30pm, 8:30pm and 10:00pm. Fare is Php 417. For inquiries and reservations 0918.368.2318.
San Andres Via Lucena. From Cubao, Manila take the many bus options to Lucena like JAC Liner, Lucena Lines DLTB and Tritran. Fare is Php 220 with 4–5 hours travel time. From Lucena Grand Terminal there are buses (Superlines and Barney Auto Lines) to San Andres leaving starting 2:00am and last trip at 12 midnight. Fare is Php 216 with 4–5 hours travel time. There are also vans at SM Lucena for Php 270.

From San Andres, head to the pier, chance a ride for commuter boats going to the island for Php 20–50/head. There are no regular schedule of boats. Another option is to hire boats for Php 1500 good for a group of 4–10px for a round trip ride.

Notes before going to the island

There is no electricity on the island
Water is rationed. Php 10 for a pail or Php 150 for a drum
Tents can be rented but its better to bring your own
Bring citronella or insect repellant. There are sand mites on parts of the beach especially near the mangrove area
Bring your own snorkeling gear