Tuesday, June 3, 2014

The Jomalig Island Experience

panoramic view of Jomalig Island

Yes, I am a lone traveler!
In fact, I have been doing it for seven years already.
 And I guess it will always stay that way. 
Until, I joined Red Chuca's (aka Adobo Journey) Jomalig Beach Bumming and BBQ Party!

Real port
Red Chuca (event organizer) was the brain of this event. It was actually his post-birthday celebration. 

From his invite in facebook and after a series of second thoughts, I decided to join the group. A group of total strangers. From that perspective, it was already an adventure on my part. Imagine, being in an island with group of total strangers, without electricity and accommodation and you are 2 hours away from the nearest island (Pandanungan Island). This is a first for me and I had to be there!

Day 0

Per Red's itinerary, we met at Teleperformance, Greenfield District, Shaw Boulevard 11 pm. We were able to leave 12 am and proceeded to Real, Quezon.

There were a total of 35 pax joining the tour and 3 vans were chartered for the event. The stopover was in Manggahan, Mabitac, Laguna.

How to get there by public transport

Option 1 (Antipolo Route)
Ride either the van or Raymond bus (ordinary) going to Infanta, Quezon situated at Legarda, Manila. Fare in Raymond bus is P205.00 while the fare for the van is P220.00 Travel time using the bus is 6 hours while for the van is 3-4 hours only. Infanta, Quezon is 148 kilometers from Manila while Real, Quezon is 136 kilometers from Manila. 

If you are traveling in a group of 10-15 pax, better hire the van for P2,500.00 (one-way) and contact Sir Herman 0910-980-9755.


Option 2 (Sta. Cruz, Laguna Route)
Ride the aircon bus (either Greenstar or DLTB) en route to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. The terminal can be found in Buendia, Pasay City. The fare from Manila to Sta. Cruz is P140.00 Travel time is 3 hours. From Calamba City to Sta. Cruz, the fare is P61.00 and travel is only 1 hour and 30 minutes. Reaching Sta. Cruz,  board the jeep going to Siniloan for P40.00 and travel time is 1 hour (There is also a van in Pagsanjan directly going to Infanta and travel time is only 1.5 hours; from Sta. Cruz board a jeep to Pagsanjan for P8.00 only). Then, alight in Siniloan and board the jeep going to Real, Quezon. Travel time is 2 hours.  

You can also rent a van from SM Calamba City to Real, Quezon for P4,000.00 and contact Sir Herman 0910-980-9755.


Option 3 (Lucena Route / longest route from Manila)
Ride the bus going to Lucena either in Cubao or Buendia. In Buendia, the bus companies available are Lucena Lines, Jacliner, DLTB or Jam. Travel time from either Buendia or Cubao to Lucena is approximately 4 hours. Fare in Cubao to Lucena is P218.00 and it is 132 kilometers. Fare in Buendia is P209.50 and it is 127 kilometers. Alight at the Lucena Grand Central terminal,and then ride either AH bus or the van going to Infanta, Quezon. Fare in the ordinary bus from Lucena to Real is P158.00 and travel time is 4.5 hours. While the fare in the van going to Real is P200.00 and travel time is 4 hours.


If you are traveling in a group of 10-15 pax, you can rent a van for P4,500 and contact Sir Ryan 0920-260-8471.

arrival in Jomalig Island
In all these options, you will reach Real, Quezon (128 kilometers from Manila). 

At Ungos Port in Real, ride a boat going to Jomalig. There is only one boat going to Jomalig per day. The regular schedule of the boat trip is 9 am and travel time is 5-6 hours at a speed of 14 km/hour or 4 knots. There are instances when the other boat leaves 2 pm or 12 am depending the availability of the passengers. From Real to Agta, Polillo, it is 37 kilometers. From Polillo to Jomalig, it is 42 kilometers. From Jomalig to Atimonan, it is 91 kilometers. There are 6 operators of public utility boats in Real going to Jomalig. But one boat was hired for the event. The boat was owned by Captain Joel (0908-702-0806). We were supposed to leave 4 am but  due to foreseen delay on the part of the owner, we left past 6 am.

Day 1 

After 5 hours of sea travel,  we reached our destination. Salibungot Beach!

Jomalig was a sight for a sore eyes! Behold Jomalig!

Although, It was raining profusely when we arrived at the island. I was still carried away by the splendor of the island. And we had to carry everything while it was raining. 

After an hour, the rain stopped. And we started assembling our tents and hammocks.


In due time, everybody was able to finish assembling the tent due to the help of Red and Erwin.

It was past 12 pm and Chef Arvin started cooking the sumptuous and overflowing lunch for the group.

While others were busy preparing the meal, I decided to explore the island.



It was a good thing that the rain stopped, the clouds cleared and the sun came out shining amidst the adversity of the previous rain. There was no stopping the group from enjoying this event. Our prayers were answered.


Everything (except for the rain or it might be a welcome blessing after all) was perfect that day! 


We strolled along the beach and wandered around not mindful of where we were going, what lies ahead or that time was ticking away from us. In other words, we were enjoying our walk in the beach. The pristine waters and powdered white sand beach of Jomalig offered as a welcome sight for everybody!


With the help of Francis, Red, Koko, Mayreen, Kat and the rest of the group, lunch was prepared and served. And the inevitable was about to unfold!


The Boodle Fight!


After the sumptuous and belly-breaking lunch, I strolled once more in the beach to shed away some of the weight of the food that I consumed. After an hour, I decided to swim while watching the sunrise take its course.


Although the sunrise was missed that morning, 
the  sunset was breathtaking, captivating and majestic!
After the sunset, Erick and I decided to lend a hand in the preparation for our dinner. I enjoyed grilling the food!


Grilled pork, chicken, barracuda and tuna plus ensaladang eggplant 
and a whole lot more! A repeat of the belly-breaking lunch!

Boodle Fight Part II! 

After dinner, we gathered in the middle and joined singing some of the tunes while having our drinking spree. Well, it was supposed to be a drinking spree until the liquor (Ginebra gin) was consumed. We thought that there will be reinforcements of lambanog but the wait was a futile one. Past 11 pm, everybody was in their respective tents and hammocks and in the atmosphere of serenity, I heard somebody shouting, "Alak pa!" Ayan ang bitin! LOL

Happy Birthday Red!

Day 2


I did not sleep much that night. Either because it was very hot that night or because there was no liquor to consume the previous night! =)  

What I did was to rise up early and enjoy the morning swim in the clear, pristine and cold water of Jomalig.

Afterwards, we hired a boat going to Canaway sandbar for P2,000 good for 15 pax and after 1 hour and 20 minutes, we reached our destination.

panoranic view of Canaway Laki
 There are actually 2 islands called Canaway, namely: Canaway Laki (Big) and Canaway Liit (small). Our first stop was Canaaway Laki.


Canaway Laki reminded me of the islands of Siargao! 


I joined Cara (of Travel Up), Erick and Ervin in exploring the island. The others did swimming and snorkeling.


   The scenery was simply majestic and overwhelming!


After an hour, we hopped to nearby island - Canaway Liit.
During low tide, there is sandbar formation which can be seen in the island.

 Everybody was busy taking their souvenir pictures while I was busy taking their pictures.


And the day will not be complete without a jumpshot!


We missed breakfast that day but we were overloaded with tons of fun and adventure. The ride itself was already an adventure for the group. Afterwards, we went back to Salibungot beach, broke our tents, brought our stuff back to the boat and bid goodbye to the island. We took our lunch onboard the boat, Again, thanks to Chef Arvin!

After 4.5 hours, we arrived at Real and took our dinner at Eva's Canteen. 


Two days!? No! It is not! 
It was an eternity of fun, laughter and adventure that will linger in our minds. 


Thanks to Red Chuca!

The Jomalig Experience!
is Simply Awesome!


Related link:
Adventures in Real, Quezon: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2014/06/adventures-in-real-quezon.html
Cagbalete island: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2014/05/cagbalete-island-mauban-quezon.html

Youtube link: http://youtu.be/2A0MJDJJfcw

Tips:
1. There is no electricity in the island, it is better to bring your power banks.
2. There are mobile networks in the island but internet connection is not that good.
3. There are no lodging facilities in the island. No tent or hammock rentals available. 
4. You have to coordinate with the local government officials whenever you are going to set up your tents or hammocks in the island. 
5. There are comfort rooms in Salibungot Beach but water is not available. The cost of one pail of water is P10.00.
6. In Saibungot Beach, sunrise is on the opposite side of the island but sunset is facing the beach.
7. Motorbike rental going to Canaway Sandbar costs P500-800 and is good only for 1 person. Boat rental costs P2,000 and is good for 15 persons.
8. There are no branded liquors in the island. Only lambanog.
9. Since there is no electricity, it is better to bring your flashlights.
10. Coordinate with Tita Malou and pay the environmental fee of P50.00 Enjoy Jomalig!

Accommodation/Lodging
Tejada Family - 0939-902-7532
Ms. Malou - 0929-957-3655
Mr. Elmer Garuguez (Acting Municipal Tourism Officer) - 0915-491-1362


Participants in the Jomalig Beach Bumming and BBQ Party (Red Chuca's Birthday)
1. Red Chuca
2. Mayrene Uy
3. Romar Malabug
4. Arvin David Quilloy
5. Monti Canamaque
6. Judy-Ann Bautista
7. Erwin Nuer
8. Vianca Domdom
9. Erickson Tuma
10. Duane Bernardo
11. Koko Nerva
12. Jen De
13. Alvin Gregorio
14. Xeres Patricia Villanueva
15. Anthony Villarina
16. Amor Alsosa
17. Kareen Pamela
18. Bella Donna
19. Donn Johnson Reyes Cera
20. Lealeny Marquez Mani
21. Marinette Atuel Galo
22. Kara Santos
23. Faye C. Galang
24. Jeremy Cirujales
25. Ry Urbanozo
26. Melanie Maculi
27. Francis Reyes
28. Ramon Karlo Ortega
29. Ross Galang
30. MaCherie D'amour
31. Kristel Mae
32. Julieto Espra
33. Emilson Lao
34. Lisette Porsche
35. Jun Villegas

  











65 comments:

  1. How much did you spend all in all? I'll use this as reference for our Jomalig trip this coming holyweek. Many thanks! :)

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  2. Hi. Would you know the schedule of the boat going back to Real?

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    Replies
    1. Normally. after they arrive would leave but as to the specific time, I ma not aware of.

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    2. sir pano kayo nakapagdala mga lutuan at malaki fish? galing pa ng lucena yun fish?

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  3. It's really an isolated island and I think more tourists should go here. Have you been able to tag with the local kids there? We were able to capture photos of them. You can also check out our coverage photos here: http://travelibre.com/attractions/salibungot-beach-in-jomalig/241

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  4. sir regular b ung cargo boat or chambahan lng..sabi kc saken ni kuya danny ung guide nyu sa real.kelangan daw mag patnanungan muna.then jomalig.

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    Replies
    1. Hindi sya regular in the sense that ndi sya aalis hanggat ndi sya puno

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  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  6. Ask ko lang po. Magkano po yung bayad niyo sa bangka, saka kung isang bangka lang po ba siya hanggang jomalig na? Pati po yung capcacity? Need po malaman asap para mabudget po agad. Hehehe. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Honestly. Mdi ko alam yung bayad sa boat kasi packaged tour sya. There is no specific time sa pag alis but it is better if you are there early in the morning coz once its full, it will go. Malaki yung boat, I think it can accommodate around 60-70 pax. Sori sa fare sa boat

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    2. Php 300 pesos po ang regular na pamasahe mula real to jomalig.

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    3. One way lang po ba yang 300?
      And 600 ang balikan??

      Delete
  7. Thank you for all of your wonderful feedback re Jomalig. Just like to add up, the power supply in the island is only available from 5pm to 1am daily, there are local folks in the town that offer transcent lodging around 200-300 pesos per night at brgy. Talisoy. The town fiestival dated may 17,18 is also something that you shouldnt miss if visiting during this time. Again thank you. - Anonymous jomalig citizen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sir usually what time po ang alis ng boat from real going to jomalig.. i want to visit this coming 23rd of may pero ng wowory ako ng bka pagdating ko real is wala na ung boat going to jomalig...thanks

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    2. Honestly, there is NO definite time of departure. Better be at the port 7:30 am and make the necessary inquiry. During peak season, they have 2 schedules, one at 9 am and the other at 12 noon. BUT the boat leaves the moment it is FULL.

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    3. Thanks sir Jun... Ung mga transient po kya dun meron kya available plage..d kasi ako makapgdala ng tent..meron k ba contact number na pde magpareserve...

      Thanks ulet

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    4. Honestly, no idea. Better bring a blanket or sleeping bag just to be sure

      Delete
    5. To anonymous jomalig citizen, ask ko lang kung pano pumunta sa brgy talisoy? May kuryente at tubig na po bang pwedeng magamit dun sa tutuluyan? Thanks po

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  8. hi i wonder if there's a regular schedule of boat ride to the island if i were to go alone... i'm planning to stay out of the city on June 11... thanks!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, around 8- 9 am and one in the afternoon. Depende kasi sa number of passengers. Pagpuno/madami na, aalis na gad sila

      Delete
  9. Hello. Id like to ask po kung possible ba na soloist ka na pupunta ng Jomalig? If ever na mag-isa na pupunta dun may tulugan ba or talagang dapat may kasama ka? Planning to go there to unwind po kasi. Hope to hear from you.:))

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    Replies
    1. Possible sir, go directly sa salibungot beach. Ask Kuya Jojo (with and injured eye) and he will assist you, sabihin mo lng name ko Glen :) (yabang lng) kagagaling lang nmin dun and we are 59.

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    2. Possible, you can bring a hammock or sleeping bag or you can rent. =)

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  10. Salibungot Beach lang po ba pwedeng mag tent

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  11. Hello Po. I have two Airplanes available for charter flights to Jomalig. One has a capacity for 5 passengers and costs p30,000 (6t per pax0. the other one can carry 3 passengers for P20,000 (p6,333 per pax). We depart out of Plaridel Airport in Plaridel Bulacan. Free pickup from SM North Edsa. We usually leave at 730am in Plaridel and arrive in Jomalig around 820am. We leave Jomalig 3pm and arrive Plaridel 350pm. if you want to stay overnight, we charge 3000 overnight fee. i can be reached at 09178542626. jonjie guballa

    ReplyDelete
  12. Good day, Matanong ko lang po, How much po ang per head ng bangka going Jomalig??
    Pwede po bang Mag Tent? And mag dala ng cooking set para mkapag luto ng food? May Available CR po ba dun? Reservation po ba ang pag sakay ng bangka going back to real?? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yung fare If im not mistaken wal pa pong P200. Pwede pong magtent. Pwede din pong may cooking set. may cr po. Not necessarily po, you can wait po for the boat ride.

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    2. FYI... that boat M/B Nicole & Mark was not owned by CAPT. JOEL ALULOD... It was owned by MR. NICOLAS RAFAEL and MRS. MYLENE C. RAFAEL....

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  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  14. Hi! Would you recommend Jomalig to kids aged 10, 12 and 15? And also going there on a Holy Week or madami masyado tao? Thanks in advance for your reply.

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  15. i enjoyed reading your blog. very informative and i like the simple words that you used. more power!!!

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  16. Very helpful post. Salamat.
    Enjoy your travels c",)

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  17. Sir balak po kasi namin pumunta dyan ngayong holy week, di po kaya sya crowded? at di po kaya tataas yung fare sa boat papuntang jomalig? at magkano po?

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  18. how many hours po sir from real to jomalig?byahe ng boat po gano katagal. mas malapit po ba salibungot beach thanks..

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  19. how many hours po sir from real to jomalig?byahe ng boat po gano katagal. mas malapit po ba salibungot beach thanks..

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  20. Sir. Ilang days ung 2500 na package?

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  21. Sir. Ilang days ung 2500 na package?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We will have a tour this coming May 13 - may 15, 3d2n

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    2. hi sir! we're planning to visit Jomalig Island this coming weekend, do you know the schedule of boats from Jomalig to Real? Nice blog Sir very informative. TIA!

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  22. Sir Jun, how much po budget sa for this coming May 13-15 for jomalig po? thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. and what time po aalis ng May 13? at what time po expected return to manila ng May 15?

      Delete
  23. Just want to ask sir pag 2 to 4 person magkano magagastos each person?

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  24. Hi. May i know po kung may slots pa ung tour nyo this coming friday? Thanks. And how much po un? Pati anu ano mga inclusions? Thanks po

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  25. planning to go there tomorrow after work 6am alis namin from manila. 2 lang kami. Is it possible to travel there na 2 lang kami? or mas ok marami? then saan po ba dapat kami sasakay papunta jomalig? alam nyo ba saan yung sand pa rin and super skyblue ng dagat kahit mejo malalim na? Love to hear your feedback. thankyou

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  26. ang saya magbasa ng blog na to.. parang gusto q na rin pumunta.. ok lang ba alone?

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  27. ang saya magbasa ng blog na to.. parang gusto q na rin pumunta.. ok lang ba alone?

    ReplyDelete
  28. ansaya Kuya! dami nyo! (y)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Option 1(Antipolo Route)

    Ride either the van or Raymond bus (ordinary) going to Infanta, Quezon situated at Legarda, Manila. Fare in Raymond bus is P205.00 while the fare for the van is P220.00 Travel time using the bus is 6 hours while for the van is 3-4 hours only. Infanta, Quezon is 148 kilometers from Manila while Real, Quezon is 136 kilometers from Manila. 

    If you are traveling in a group of 10-15 pax, better hire the van for P2,500.00 (one-way)
    If your hire van Grand Toyota is P7000.00

    You can Contact  This Person:
    Herman M. Colete.
    #0956-516-8225 or #0930-133-2211


    Option 2.(Sta, Cruz,Laguna Route )



    Ride the aircon bus (either Greenstar or DLTB) en route to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. The terminal can be found in Buendia, Pasay City. The fare from Manila to Sta. Cruz is P140.00 Travel time is 3 hours. From Calamba City to Sta. Cruz, the fare is P61.00 and travel is only 1 hour and 30 minutes. Reaching Sta. Cruz,  board the jeep going to Siniloan for P40.00 and travel time is 1 hour (There is also a van in Pagsanjan directly going to Infanta and travel time is only 1.5 hours; from Sta. Cruz board a jeep to Pagsanjan for P8.00 only). Then, alight in Siniloan and board the jeep going to Real, Quezon. Travel time is 2 hours.  

    You can also rent a van from SM Calamba City to Real, Quezon for P4,000.00
    If your hire van Grand Toyota is P7000.00


    You can Contact  This Person:
    Herman M. Colete.
    #0956-516-8225 or #0930-133-2211

    ReplyDelete
  30. Subject: Jomalig Island
    Location: Quezon Province, Calabarzon Region, Luzon, Philippines, Asia
    Title: Hiring Van
    ID#: 462651015

    Option 1(Antipolo Route)

    Ride either the van or Raymond bus (ordinary) going to Infanta, Quezon situated at Legarda, Manila. Fare in Raymond bus is P205.00 while the fare for the van is P220.00 Travel time using the bus is 6 hours while for the van is 3-4 hours only. Infanta, Quezon is 148 kilometers from Manila while Real, Quezon is 136 kilometers from Manila.

    If you are traveling in a group of 10-15 pax, better hire the van for P2,500.00 (one-way)
    If your hire van Grand Toyota is P7000.00

    You can Contact This Person:
    Herma M. Colete.
    #0956-516-8225 or #0930-133-2211


    Option 2.(Sta, Cruz,Laguna Route )



    Ride the aircon bus (either Greenstar or DLTB) en route to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. The terminal can be found in Buendia, Pasay City. The fare from Manila to Sta. Cruz is P140.00 Travel time is 3 hours. From Calamba City to Sta. Cruz, the fare is P61.00 and travel is only 1 hour and 30 minutes. Reaching Sta. Cruz, board the jeep going to Siniloan for P40.00 and travel time is 1 hour (There is also a van in Pagsanjan directly going to Infanta and travel time is only 1.5 hours; from Sta. Cruz board a jeep to Pagsanjan for P8.00 only). Then, alight in Siniloan and board the jeep going to Real, Quezon. Travel time is 2 hours.

    You can also rent a van from SM Calamba City to Real, Quezon for P4,000.00
    If your hire van Grand Toyota is P7000.00


    You can Contact This Person:
    Herma M. Colete.
    #0956-516-8225 or #0930-133-2211

    ReplyDelete
  31. Subject: Jomalig Island
    Location: Quezon Province, Calabarzon Region, Luzon, Philippines, Asia
    Title: Hiring Van
    ID#: 462651015

    Option 1(Antipolo Route)

    Ride either the van or Raymond bus (ordinary) going to Infanta, Quezon situated at Legarda, Manila. Fare in Raymond bus is P205.00 while the fare for the van is P220.00 Travel time using the bus is 6 hours while for the van is 3-4 hours only. Infanta, Quezon is 148 kilometers from Manila while Real, Quezon is 136 kilometers from Manila.

    If you are traveling in a group of 10-15 pax, better hire the van for P2,500.00 (one-way)
    If your hire van Grand Toyota is P7000.00

    You can Contact This Person:
    Herma M. Colete.
    #0956-516-8225 or #0930-133-2211


    Option 2.(Sta, Cruz,Laguna Route )



    Ride the aircon bus (either Greenstar or DLTB) en route to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. The terminal can be found in Buendia, Pasay City. The fare from Manila to Sta. Cruz is P140.00 Travel time is 3 hours. From Calamba City to Sta. Cruz, the fare is P61.00 and travel is only 1 hour and 30 minutes. Reaching Sta. Cruz, board the jeep going to Siniloan for P40.00 and travel time is 1 hour (There is also a van in Pagsanjan directly going to Infanta and travel time is only 1.5 hours; from Sta. Cruz board a jeep to Pagsanjan for P8.00 only). Then, alight in Siniloan and board the jeep going to Real, Quezon. Travel time is 2 hours.

    You can also rent a van from SM Calamba City to Real, Quezon for P4,000.00
    If your hire van Grand Toyota is P7000.00


    You can Contact This Person:
    Herman M. Colete.
    #0956-516-8225 or #0930-133-2211

    ReplyDelete
  32. Is it advisable to go there this coming holy week? I mean, riding a bus?

    ReplyDelete
  33. Ang saya ng boodle fight nyo sir, ang dami nyo. May fee kaya kung gagamitin ung kubo ung sa little island sa may kanaway?

    ReplyDelete
  34. I have created a blog on steemit and this is just a plan and invitation to some of my friends. My adventure later on as well. https://steemit.com/steemitpowerupph/@fycee/toursistspot2018-jomalig-island-quezon-province

    ReplyDelete