Alibijaban! Say that again – A-li-bi-ha-ban.
Pronouncing it is a struggle as going to this remote island 😀
Alibijaban Island is a virgin paradise located at the most southern tip of Quezon and is in the municipality of San Andres. From Manila, you will need to suffer a nine to ten-hour bus ride or six to seven hours of driving if you have your own car. I went by bus and the journey was very uncomfortable and butt-numbing, and to make matters worse the bus was not even air-conditioned. It kept stopping to collect new passengers even though the bus was already full ( 4 or 5 times) and I wake to be with a bunch of inconsiderate passengers who kept on chatting even when they knew the vast majority of passengers were trying to take a nap, so moral of this part of the story is take some noise cancelling headphones! Just imagine how the trip going to San Andres was! But as they say, all is well that ends well. Having said all of that, having to endure the bumpy and itchy trip to San Andres pays huge rewards at the end, as the island is amazing.
Once you get to the port, the feeling of uneasiness will be gone and be replaced by excitement. From there, you will have a glimpse of the island itself.
It took me roughly around 20 minutes to reach Alibijaban Island. The place offers a very scenic and picturesque view of golden to white sand, aqua crystal clear waters and undisturbed forests, like mangroves. Try getting there and you will agree with me that there are no words to perfectly describe this place.
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How to get to Alibijaban Island?
Best option: Ride a direct bus going to San Andres, Quezon via Barney Bus (non-air-condition) located at Alabang Starmall. Travel time is at least 8 hours.
Schedule of Barney Bus: 4:00am/ 5:30am/ 8:30am/ 1:00pm/ 6:30pm/ 8:30pm/ 10:00pm
Fare: Full Fare P417 // Senior Citizen or Student Fare P334
Contact: Eddie Moreno (Morning) 09207072414 // Jessie Dooc (Afternoon) 09257474768
**Superlines located in Cubao also offers a direct trip to San Andres, Quezon. You can contact them for their scheduled trips. +63 922 522 5192
Option 2: If you’re uncomfortable with the non-airconditioned bus going to Quezon, you may opt to have a cutting trip. Just pick a bus of your choice that goes to Lucena Grand Terminal. There are a lot of buses coming from Edsa. At Lucena GT, wait for buses that will take you to San Andres Quezon. (This option is not really recommended because it will take you hours of waiting at Lucena GT before you can have a bus or a van that will take you to San Andres, Quezon)
For boat rental, you can contact Kuya Randy ( 09982758413 ). The price may vary depending on the number of persons to be brought to the Island. For our case, we paid 500 pesos back and forth that is good for two. According to him, he offers a back and forth boat ride for 1,500 pesos for 10-12pax and 2,000 pesos for 15pax.
Where to stay?
Best option: Bring your own tent and pay only 100pesos as an Environmental fee.
If you are not comfortable with the idea of camping, no worries because you can rent a Kubo with a room that is good for 3 to 5 persons for Php. 500 (**plus 100 pesos each as an environmental fee). You can contact Ate Baby for accommodation inquiries,
09506449925 / 09093395311 / 09564732056.
UPDATE: As of MARCH 2017, Kubo renting price has gone up to Php. 700 😦
Island Fees:
- If you are planning to get to the island, please contact Kuya Randy in advance through his mobile: +6399-8275-8413.
- They collect an Environmental or entrance fee for Php100/pax.
- Use of utility water costs ₱10 per pail / ₱150 per drum.
- Cooking fee is at your own discretion, and so with the guide fee.
- Kuya Randy charge Php200 when you go for an island tour but I suggest you to, at least, shell out a bit.
- Port fee for ₱4.
What to do?
- Tour at Sandbar and Mangroves areas/ Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Sunset/Sunrise viewing
- Camping
- Island Hopping ( Burias Island, Sombrero Island, Talisayan Island) **cost depends on the number of persons. Fewer persons, higher cost. You can contact Kuya Randy for the island hopping fee.
How to get back to Manila?
From the port, hire a pedicab that will take you to the bus terminal for 30 pesos. But you can also walk from port to the terminal.
Barney Trip Schedule (San Andres to Alabang Starmall): 3:00am/ 3:00pm/ 6:30pm/ 8:30pm
Contact: Joydrix Ladesma 09078143150
Also, just beside Barney bus’ terminal is the Superlines. They also have a direct trip from San Andres Quezon to Cubao. Schedule of bus trips: 4:30AM/ 4:30PM/ 9:30PM
So there! All thanks to Vela Family for everything during my visit to Alibijaban Island!!!
Tips/Reminders:
1. It is recommended that you take the direct trip (Barney Bus) to San Andres Quezon. I prefer Barney bus compared to Superlines.
2. Bus’ last stop is at San Andres Market. You can buy the things you’ll be needing in the Island here.
3. The port is walking distance from the market but you can hire a pedicab to bring you there for a the 10pesos fare.
4. If you arrive at the Island early in the afternoon, you can have a tour first at the Sandbar and mangroves areas to max out your time and pitch your tent later just in time for the sunset.
5. You can save your 200 pesos if you will visit the sandbar and mangroves areas just by walking.
6. It is not allowed to just make your own bonfire at the shore. You need to ask permission from the locals first.
7. Bring candies or anything that suits children’s taste.
8. Don’t miss the sunrise! Perfect time to wake up is at 5:00 AM. You can actually get your best shots under the sun since it is low tide.
9. No worries for FOOD! You can ask the locals to cook something for you for a minimal fee.
10. Electricity is limited on the island since it is only powered up by solar electricity. So charging your gadgets will cost you 25pesos.
11. There is a store on the island where you can buy soft drinks, liquor, snacks and others.
12. Bring your trash bags and dispose of your waste properly.
|
Actual Itinerary for 2D1N |
|
| Friday (Day 1) | |
| 4:00AM – 1:00PM | ETD/ETA @San Andres |
| 1:00PM – 2:00PM | Lunch/ Buying of necessary things needed in the Island |
| 2:00PM – 2:10PM | ETA @San Andres Port |
| 2:10PM – 2:30PM | ETA @Alibijaban Island |
| 2:30PM – 5:00PM | Tour at Sandbar and Mangroves area (High tide) |
| 5:00PM- 6:00PM | Pitch Tent while enjoying the view of the sunset |
| 6:00PM-7:00PM | Cook dinner and prepare things for the bonfire. |
| 7:00PM-9:00PM | Dinner time. Share your stories with the locals. |
| 9:00 onwards | Wash up/Stargazing/Lights out |
| Saturday (Day 2) | |
| 5:30AM | Wake up time |
| 5:30AM-6:30AM | Sunrise appreciation |
| 6:30AM-8:00AM | Free time |
| 8:00AM – 10:00AM | Tour at Sandbar and Mangroves areas (low tide) |
| 10:00AM-2:00PM | Late breakfast/Wash up/Pack up things |
| 2:00PM-2:20PM | Back to San Andres Port |
| 2:20PM – 4:30 PM **We missed the 3PM trip of Barney bus. But luckily, Superlines bus’ trip is at 4:30PM. |
Waiting time for the bus’ departure |
| 4:30 PM | ETD Superlines |
| 2:00AM | ETA Boni, Mandaluyong |
|
Detailed Breakdown of Expenses |
||
| FARE | ||
| Alabang to San Andres, Quezon Student/Senior/PWD Php. 334 Regular Php 417 |
334 |
|
| Boat ride RT **500/2 |
250 |
|
| Pedicab **30/2 from port to Bus Terminal |
15 |
|
| San Andres to Boni Mandaluyong Student/Senior/PWD Php. 350 Regular Php 435 |
350 |
949 |
| Environmental Fee |
100 |
|
| Sandbar and Mangrove Tour **you can actually visit these areas by walking to the other side of the island. For our case, we were not informed it can be reached by walking so we took the tour by boat. However, it is okay because, after all, it was worth it since we got to visit these areas twice (Friday afternoon, high tide and Saturday morning, low tide) for 200 pesos only. Since we were two, we paid 100each. |
100 |
|
| Port Fee |
4 |
|
| FOOD | ||
| Lunch at San Andres Market |
35 |
|
| Necessary food to bring in the Island ** Dinner, Breakfast and Others |
162.5 |
|
| Food during the trip |
87.5 |
|
| Lunch @Franks at San Andres port |
44.5 |
|
| Dinner at Superlines Bus stop |
70 |
399.5 |
| PERSONAL and OTHER EXPENSES | ||
| Uber to Alabang Starmall |
112 |
|
| Tip |
100 |
|
| Water for Bath **10pesos per pail and 150pesos per drum |
50 |
262 |
| GRAND TOTAL |
1,814.5 |
|
BYAJAYRO 
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