Looking a quick weekend getaway? There are some interesting beaches in Quezon province that you can check. Borawan, Dampalitan, Puting Buhangin (with Kuwebang Lampas) offer pampering white sand, appealing backdrop, and noteworthy beach camp. These beaches may not be as enchanting as Calaguas, Boracay, and Palawan, but they can offer equally memorable experience if you make the most of your stay. Bring with you your awesome friends.
Howe to Commute
From Buendia in Pasay or Cubao in Quezon City, take a bus to Lucena. Fare starts from ₱210 and the travel time is 3-4 hours.
Get off at Lucena Grand Terminal and transfer to a minibus to Unisan, or take any bus that will pass the municipality of Padre Burgos.
Alight at Padre Burgos bus stop, which is in front of QCRB Bank.
From Padre Burgos, you can take a tricycle to Barangay Basiaowhere you can find boats for rent for your island hopping tour.
Where to Stay
If you don’t want to camp in any of these islands and choose a more comfortable sleep, you can check these resorts:
- The Tamarind Tree Resort
Contact #: +63 915 256 6366
Address: Barangay Basiao, Padres Burgos, Quezon Province
Rates: Overnight rates start at ₱1000 for two persons
Bookings: www.Agoda.com/TamarindTree - Villa Anita Butterfly Garden and Resort
Contact #: (042) 710 3505
Address: Barangay Cabuyao, Padre Burgos, Quezon Province
Rates: Overnight rates start at ₱800 for two persons - Silangang Nayon Resort and Restaurant
Contact #: +63 920 813 2324 | +63 922 886 7677 | (042) 716 0077
Addess: Barangay Bantigue, Pagbilao, Quezon Province
Rates: Overnight rates start at ₱2,500 for two to four persons
Tour Fees and Other Island Hopping Expenses
Boat Transfer:
- ₱800/boat (Borawan only up to 10 pax)
- ₱1,200/boat (Borawan + Dampalitan up to 10 pax)
- ₱1,800/boat (Borawan + Dampalitan + Puting Buhangin up to 10 pax)
Borawan Island Fees:
- ₱80/person for entrance (day tour)
- ₱120/person for entrance (overnight)
- ₱200/tent for overnight camping fee
- ₱70/person for the unlimited use of fresh water, shower, and comfort room
- ₱700 for a day use of cabana (optional)
- ₱1,100 for an overnight use of cabana (optional)
Dampalitan Island Fees:
- ₱60/person for entrance (day tour)
- ₱200/tent for overnight camping fee
- ₱850 – ₱1000 for hut rental
- ₱400/drum or ₱50/5 gallons of water
Kuwebang Lampas (Puting Buhangin) Fees:
- ₱100/person for entrance (day tour)
- ₱160/person for entrance (overnight)
- ₱200/tent for overnight camping fee
- ₱50/container (5 gallons) of tap water
- ₱300 for a day use of cottage (optional)
- ₱1,000 for an overnight use of cabana (optional)
Things to Note
- The best itinerary is to visit Kuwebang Lampas and Puting Buhangin first. Proceed to Dampalitan beach for sunset watching, and then spend the night in Borawan.
- At high tide, a big portion of the Borawan’s beachfront is lost, and jelly fishes may swim with you sometimes.
- Avoid a visit during peak season, the place becomes mega crowded.
- The Borawan management starts the generator only if there are “significant” number of guests in the island. Significant means they are fully-booked.
- There are a lot of fees to pay. Aside from the entrance fee, there is an LGU-required environmental fee. You also need to pay for the use of shower/comfort room, for pitching your own tent, and for the use of fresh water.
- Cellphone signal is decent.