Fourplay: Cabongaoan, Tambobong, Colibra (+Cacupangan), Balinmalok

FOURPLAY's bagtag

We had planned this tambobong trip right in Calaguas. One of our travel mate hails from Alaminos and she had wanted to go to Tambobong beach. The deal was closed when she agreed to host our meal when we get to Alaminos town.

Fourplay transport to Cabongaoan, Tambobong, beaches in Dasol, Pangasinan

Cabongaoan Beach in Dasol, Pangasinan

Caboangaoan Beach in Dasol, Pangasian

We have called, or shall I say, I intended to call it fourplay as we planned to visit Cabongaoan, Tambobong, Colibra, and Balaki Island on this single trip (that later turned out to be Cabongaoan, Tambobong, Cacupangan, Colibra, and Balinmalok).

We posted the event in www.pinoyexchange.com where our calaguas trip originated. From there, we ended up from less than 20 to close to 50 persons. Being the organizer, I must say, i did not really think it would be hard to pull things together.

the FOURPLAYers in Cabongaoan Beach, Dasol, Pangasinan

Our cozy settlement in Cabongaoan Beach, Dasol, Pangasinan

In-Between Gambling

We met in Edsa cubao corner main ave. There were 42 of us in a 30 seater bus. I had requested the joiners to make deposits ahead, and those who paid were only close to 30, so that’s the bus I reserved. Secondly, I was thinking the bigger 45 seater bus might not fit in the narrow roads around tambobong. Everything went out of control when, at the day of the event, everyone just showed up. Nevertheless, I thought it would be fun. Then again, it was a headache when no one would give way with the seats. I could almost understand that it’s such a long haul, but I was hoping the late confirmers (and guys) would give way. Didn’t know what happened, but everyone was seated at least by 1am, ready to go; And, I was seating next to the driver, on newspaper, and thankfully, with my mini pillow.

Cave Pool in Barangay Tambobong

Boulder near Cacupangan cave

The sun was already high up when we got to Pangasinan. We went straight to Daes’ house (meal sponsor J ) and had our breakfast there. We were also met by the other 2 joiners, one coming from Baguio, and the other, from Dagupan. Daes’ other 2 friends who are also joining are there, which totals 47 of us all. It was a jammed bus.

Our first stop was in Cabongaoan beach. It was my first time in this beach and I fell in love with the surrounding and more with the Hut we rented (though wasn’t really in our budget; we managed to fit it in with the contribution from the late confirmers anyway).  The waves were outrageous though. As for me, I had settled on a small corner making sure every expense is fitted well within our capacity.

A little while later, Pao, the gambling magnet rolled out his cards, and a few of us sat in with our petty investments; P3 initial investment that even sag down to a P700 liability. Now were talking IT’s MORE FUN GAMBLING IN THE BEACH.

Cacupangan Cave

At 3pm, we head over to Tambobong beach. We struggle along the rough road, and in taking turns. Unfortunately, as I was advised ahead, there were waves and water wasn’t so clear anymore. Totally disappointed by how it looked this season, and I didn’t know how to explain to my fellows what happened. Thanking previous blogs for having shown at least that I did not intend to forsake them. Alternatively, I asked Tito Leon to bring them to the small pool cave for the meantime, just so they can bath.

When they came back, I asked to pitch our tents so we can get ready with the food and drinks.

While everyone was setting up, we were busy preparing dinner for the group. After dinner, while most of the group had gone to sleep, the slackers prepared the fishballs for pulutan, and the alcohol offers for the night. I think it was already past 3 am when we finished up with all the bottles. From really boring questions and conversations to daring slutty consequences.

FOURPLAYin in Colibra Island

FOURPLAYers in Colibra Island

The morning after, i couldn’t wake up for the island tours. Thank God Tito Leon has arranged for the boats and they managed on their own. They headed to Cacupangan caves, colibra island, and Balinmalok wreck.


Photo credits to Elmer Belarmino Reyes, Frances Co, Bill Bello and Son Martillan

FOURPLAY's bagtag

We had planned this tambobong trip right in Calaguas. One of our travel mate hails from Alaminos and she had wanted to go to Tambobong beach. The deal was closed when she agreed to host our meal when we get to Alaminos town.

Fourplay transport to Cabongaoan, Tambobong, beaches in Dasol, Pangasinan

Cabongaoan Beach in Dasol, Pangasinan

Caboangaoan Beach in Dasol, Pangasian

We have called, or shall I say, I intended to call it fourplay as we planned to visit Cabongaoan, Tambobong, Colibra, and Balaki Island on this single trip (that later turned out to be Cabongaoan, Tambobong, Cacupangan, Colibra, and Balinmalok).

We posted the event in www.pinoyexchange.com where our calaguas trip originated. From there, we ended up from less than 20 to close to 50 persons. Being the organizer, I must say, i did not really think it would be hard to pull things together.

the FOURPLAYers in Cabongaoan Beach, Dasol, Pangasinan

Our cozy settlement in Cabongaoan Beach, Dasol, Pangasinan

In-Between Gambling

We met in Edsa cubao corner main ave. There were 42 of us in a 30 seater bus. I had requested the joiners to make deposits ahead, and those who paid were only close to 30, so that’s the bus I reserved. Secondly, I was thinking the bigger 45 seater bus might not fit in the narrow roads around tambobong. Everything went out of control when, at the day of the event, everyone just showed up. Nevertheless, I thought it would be fun. Then again, it was a headache when no one would give way with the seats. I could almost understand that it’s such a long haul, but I was hoping the late confirmers (and guys) would give way. Didn’t know what happened, but everyone was seated at least by 1am, ready to go; And, I was seating next to the driver, on newspaper, and thankfully, with my mini pillow.

Cave Pool in Barangay Tambobong

Boulder near Cacupangan cave

The sun was already high up when we got to Pangasinan. We went straight to Daes’ house (meal sponsor J ) and had our breakfast there. We were also met by the other 2 joiners, one coming from Baguio, and the other, from Dagupan. Daes’ other 2 friends who are also joining are there, which totals 47 of us all. It was a jammed bus.

Our first stop was in Cabongaoan beach. It was my first time in this beach and I fell in love with the surrounding and more with the Hut we rented (though wasn’t really in our budget; we managed to fit it in with the contribution from the late confirmers anyway).  The waves were outrageous though. As for me, I had settled on a small corner making sure every expense is fitted well within our capacity.

A little while later, Pao, the gambling magnet rolled out his cards, and a few of us sat in with our petty investments; P3 initial investment that even sag down to a P700 liability. Now were talking IT’s MORE FUN GAMBLING IN THE BEACH.

Cacupangan Cave

At 3pm, we head over to Tambobong beach. We struggle along the rough road, and in taking turns. Unfortunately, as I was advised ahead, there were waves and water wasn’t so clear anymore. Totally disappointed by how it looked this season, and I didn’t know how to explain to my fellows what happened. Thanking previous blogs for having shown at least that I did not intend to forsake them. Alternatively, I asked Tito Leon to bring them to the small pool cave for the meantime, just so they can bath.

When they came back, I asked to pitch our tents so we can get ready with the food and drinks.

While everyone was setting up, we were busy preparing dinner for the group. After dinner, while most of the group had gone to sleep, the slackers prepared the fishballs for pulutan, and the alcohol offers for the night. I think it was already past 3 am when we finished up with all the bottles. From really boring questions and conversations to daring slutty consequences.

FOURPLAYin in Colibra Island

FOURPLAYers in Colibra Island

The morning after, i couldn’t wake up for the island tours. Thank God Tito Leon has arranged for the boats and they managed on their own. They headed to Cacupangan caves, colibra island, and Balinmalok wreck.


Photo credits to Elmer Belarmino Reyes, Frances Co, Bill Bello and Son Martillan

Read More »

Mt Balagbag (Bulacan/Rizal)

"helipad" of mt balagbag

Mt balagbag
I am scheduled for an exam saturday afternoon, and since there's nobody home in pampanga, i didnt want to head to province. 

On only one asking, i got a yes from my housemate who's even more willing to go out and do a climb.

Since there isn't much time to spoil for an outing other than the night of saturday, of all those mountains listed in southern tagalog for hikable mountains in pinoymountaineer, mt balagbas is the most convenient. Just about time as this mountain is of grasslands and night treks are apparently easier.

starting the trek in mt balagbag

quasi helipad

I met my climb buddy in PHILCOA about 5:30 just right after my exam. Took the bus to Tungko. By 7:10, we were in tungko terminal where we bought supplies, had dinner, and rode the jeep to licao licao. Access to the terminal is straight to the back of BDO bank which i next to the Shell fuel pump.

shot just next to where we camped in mt balagbag

It was around 9pm when we started the trek. Almost all households from the licao terminal are asleep, and probably because it was blackout at the time. Thank goodness, a tricycle who lives next to the terminal is still awake and dropped us in san isidro jump off. From the terminal is uphill incline and we were really wondering if the tricycle can handle it. You'd hear the engines squeaking and surprisingly, fare was only 70 (thats whats on the blog and what the trike charged us; locals say it's 60). 

trail to summit or helipad in mt balagbag

From the jump off, we started the trekk and dogs were at every household, kept barking, and luckily did nothing but barked. They'd come close at some point, but we just walked straight and as far away as possible from where they are.

As it said in the blogs, the trail is clear.  If you are on 4x4, you can even drive all the way to the helipad (though u will have to negotiate as the spaces up there are fenced). While it is unlikely that you'll get lost, the inclines are steep enough for you to require take-5s more often than normal, especially if you have a relatively heavy load.

view from summit or helipad of mt balagbag

view from summit or helipad of mt balagbag

From there it took us close to another 30mins to get to the helipad. We were stuggling to get up as the sunlight was beginning to sting, and considering we haven't had breakfast. We planned to have it up in the summit, but because there wasn't any shade, we looked around til we descended to a house just behind the summit.

The owner of the house just left, and we thought about utilizing his kubo to rest and cook. While waiting for the brunch to get done, a number of groups of people were passing by back and forth; we took the chance to ask directions going to the falls.

one hut we parked in mt balagbag

Majority of the people said it will be easier and faster if we walk back towards the jump off and walk from there. However, since we were off the summit already and did not want to climb back, we agreed to take a shortcut til we get back to the trail we used upon going up.

The households which we came across though were saying it's faster if we just descend from there straight, as if just rolling downhill, taking the traverse.

fishponds next to houses along the trails of mt balagbag

traverse trail in mt balagbag

you'll come across this part to rest if you take the traverse in mt balagbag

By 10:45, thinking we were at what we thought was the helipad. We camped right in front of a private lot's gate. The space fits d description on the blog being good enough for even 20 tents. 

The morning after, we were approached by the caretaker of the private lot, who confirmed it isn't the helipad/summit and we are still about less than half an hour away. He showed us the trail to the summit which was just next to the gate. 

heading upward to mt balagbag family resort 

So we did as adviced. The trail was easy in that the different forks seem to lead you to the same destination. What was difficult though was enduring the heat above some thick bush which kept scratching my legs. We came across a number of fishponds next to the houses and water pipes to supply water to the homes.

After a little more than an hour, we got almost to the foot of the hill where houses become more often. We sought directions at every house and from there, unfortunately, the story was suddenly different. Everybody we asked were saying it's quite far, and will take another 2 hours. And since it's high noon by the time we got there, we thought to let it pass and take Ocho-ocho falls instead.

Meantime, i thought it was more interesting to go to the pool resort instead, so i asked my mate, and he agreed.

We waited for a trike as we cpuld barely take the incline all the way back to the midway of the trek to helipad. Then again, the trike can only grt us to the terminal in san isidro. We had to hike the rest of the, i'd say, 500m to the resort.

The sun was so high up and the heat was really hurting. We haf to take several breaks for that very short distance.

From the trail path, the resort looks quite interesting already because of the way the rocks were arranged; and at the very top of the mountain is the pool; the landscape was perfect and quite artistic. I did not waste any time while my hike bud was more into napping. 

pool in mt balagbag family resort

pool in mt balagbag family resort

mt balagbag family resort

Just a moment later, 2 men came with aanother 13 and it was just too small to fit us all. The pool is just probably 3 square meters overall, and since I had my deep and am a little refreshed, gave way to the newcomers. Then, just a little while later, about 3:30, we decided to pack up as the rain was beggining to warn.

By about 4:30, we were in licao licao already. The jeeps dont fill up and leave regularly at interval of i'd say, just 15mins.

Add'l details:
For large groups, you may want to negotiate a jeep to bring you all the way up to san isidro. On my way back to tungko, i asked the driver if that was possible, and he said you'll have to arrange while still in tungko. Once you get there in licao licao, it will be a heated argument with the tricycle drivers.

Fare from tungko to Licao Licao is 28 pesos. We paid P70 on the trike for both me and my bud. Return fare was only P15/head since they dont really consume the same fuel during descend.

Last trip of jeep from tungko to licao licao is 10pm, while the return to tungko is at 6pm.

There are several stores on the trail til you get midway. From the terminal in dan isidro, you'll come across 3 more stores. Some even sell headlamps. Commodity price as: 3-in-1 kopiko at P8. Cigarettes at p40/malboro 20s. Softfrinks, sakto at p10.

According to tge resort owners, ocho ocho falls is a flowpath of the pig shit. The group we met in licao licao who went to the falls said it was clear though. I don't suggest doing it in the iti now that there's such reports. Besides, it's good enough for rather pictures i guess.

We were asked to register with the final lot's caretaker for P10. Other people registered from the first private lot to encounter. Not sure if it has to be twice since we passed by the first lot at night when they were already asleep.

You may be interested in taking the traverse. Trail is far delicate but it's the regular thing you take in any other mountain. You'll come across the houses' fishponds which were amazing (in the sense that each household was self sustaining; they plant their vegetables and have their own hose for their water supplies).

An umbrella or something to cover ur head might be a gem in the trail.

We paid P50.00/head in the resort. They did not charge us cottage fees for (they dont really have a cottage except for one shade thats probably a general). They have a hut for those wanting to stay overnight. Seemed interesting but other than the bed and the washroom, there's nothing else. They also run on generators so electricity is limited at night. According to the owner, they charge P1,000 for overnight.

"helipad" of mt balagbag

Mt balagbag
I am scheduled for an exam saturday afternoon, and since there's nobody home in pampanga, i didnt want to head to province. 

On only one asking, i got a yes from my housemate who's even more willing to go out and do a climb.

Since there isn't much time to spoil for an outing other than the night of saturday, of all those mountains listed in southern tagalog for hikable mountains in pinoymountaineer, mt balagbas is the most convenient. Just about time as this mountain is of grasslands and night treks are apparently easier.

starting the trek in mt balagbag

quasi helipad

I met my climb buddy in PHILCOA about 5:30 just right after my exam. Took the bus to Tungko. By 7:10, we were in tungko terminal where we bought supplies, had dinner, and rode the jeep to licao licao. Access to the terminal is straight to the back of BDO bank which i next to the Shell fuel pump.

shot just next to where we camped in mt balagbag

It was around 9pm when we started the trek. Almost all households from the licao terminal are asleep, and probably because it was blackout at the time. Thank goodness, a tricycle who lives next to the terminal is still awake and dropped us in san isidro jump off. From the terminal is uphill incline and we were really wondering if the tricycle can handle it. You'd hear the engines squeaking and surprisingly, fare was only 70 (thats whats on the blog and what the trike charged us; locals say it's 60). 

trail to summit or helipad in mt balagbag

From the jump off, we started the trekk and dogs were at every household, kept barking, and luckily did nothing but barked. They'd come close at some point, but we just walked straight and as far away as possible from where they are.

As it said in the blogs, the trail is clear.  If you are on 4x4, you can even drive all the way to the helipad (though u will have to negotiate as the spaces up there are fenced). While it is unlikely that you'll get lost, the inclines are steep enough for you to require take-5s more often than normal, especially if you have a relatively heavy load.

view from summit or helipad of mt balagbag

view from summit or helipad of mt balagbag

From there it took us close to another 30mins to get to the helipad. We were stuggling to get up as the sunlight was beginning to sting, and considering we haven't had breakfast. We planned to have it up in the summit, but because there wasn't any shade, we looked around til we descended to a house just behind the summit.

The owner of the house just left, and we thought about utilizing his kubo to rest and cook. While waiting for the brunch to get done, a number of groups of people were passing by back and forth; we took the chance to ask directions going to the falls.

one hut we parked in mt balagbag

Majority of the people said it will be easier and faster if we walk back towards the jump off and walk from there. However, since we were off the summit already and did not want to climb back, we agreed to take a shortcut til we get back to the trail we used upon going up.

The households which we came across though were saying it's faster if we just descend from there straight, as if just rolling downhill, taking the traverse.

fishponds next to houses along the trails of mt balagbag

traverse trail in mt balagbag

you'll come across this part to rest if you take the traverse in mt balagbag

By 10:45, thinking we were at what we thought was the helipad. We camped right in front of a private lot's gate. The space fits d description on the blog being good enough for even 20 tents. 

The morning after, we were approached by the caretaker of the private lot, who confirmed it isn't the helipad/summit and we are still about less than half an hour away. He showed us the trail to the summit which was just next to the gate. 

heading upward to mt balagbag family resort 

So we did as adviced. The trail was easy in that the different forks seem to lead you to the same destination. What was difficult though was enduring the heat above some thick bush which kept scratching my legs. We came across a number of fishponds next to the houses and water pipes to supply water to the homes.

After a little more than an hour, we got almost to the foot of the hill where houses become more often. We sought directions at every house and from there, unfortunately, the story was suddenly different. Everybody we asked were saying it's quite far, and will take another 2 hours. And since it's high noon by the time we got there, we thought to let it pass and take Ocho-ocho falls instead.

Meantime, i thought it was more interesting to go to the pool resort instead, so i asked my mate, and he agreed.

We waited for a trike as we cpuld barely take the incline all the way back to the midway of the trek to helipad. Then again, the trike can only grt us to the terminal in san isidro. We had to hike the rest of the, i'd say, 500m to the resort.

The sun was so high up and the heat was really hurting. We haf to take several breaks for that very short distance.

From the trail path, the resort looks quite interesting already because of the way the rocks were arranged; and at the very top of the mountain is the pool; the landscape was perfect and quite artistic. I did not waste any time while my hike bud was more into napping. 

pool in mt balagbag family resort

pool in mt balagbag family resort

mt balagbag family resort

Just a moment later, 2 men came with aanother 13 and it was just too small to fit us all. The pool is just probably 3 square meters overall, and since I had my deep and am a little refreshed, gave way to the newcomers. Then, just a little while later, about 3:30, we decided to pack up as the rain was beggining to warn.

By about 4:30, we were in licao licao already. The jeeps dont fill up and leave regularly at interval of i'd say, just 15mins.

Add'l details:
For large groups, you may want to negotiate a jeep to bring you all the way up to san isidro. On my way back to tungko, i asked the driver if that was possible, and he said you'll have to arrange while still in tungko. Once you get there in licao licao, it will be a heated argument with the tricycle drivers.

Fare from tungko to Licao Licao is 28 pesos. We paid P70 on the trike for both me and my bud. Return fare was only P15/head since they dont really consume the same fuel during descend.

Last trip of jeep from tungko to licao licao is 10pm, while the return to tungko is at 6pm.

There are several stores on the trail til you get midway. From the terminal in dan isidro, you'll come across 3 more stores. Some even sell headlamps. Commodity price as: 3-in-1 kopiko at P8. Cigarettes at p40/malboro 20s. Softfrinks, sakto at p10.

According to tge resort owners, ocho ocho falls is a flowpath of the pig shit. The group we met in licao licao who went to the falls said it was clear though. I don't suggest doing it in the iti now that there's such reports. Besides, it's good enough for rather pictures i guess.

We were asked to register with the final lot's caretaker for P10. Other people registered from the first private lot to encounter. Not sure if it has to be twice since we passed by the first lot at night when they were already asleep.

You may be interested in taking the traverse. Trail is far delicate but it's the regular thing you take in any other mountain. You'll come across the houses' fishponds which were amazing (in the sense that each household was self sustaining; they plant their vegetables and have their own hose for their water supplies).

An umbrella or something to cover ur head might be a gem in the trail.

We paid P50.00/head in the resort. They did not charge us cottage fees for (they dont really have a cottage except for one shade thats probably a general). They have a hut for those wanting to stay overnight. Seemed interesting but other than the bed and the washroom, there's nothing else. They also run on generators so electricity is limited at night. According to the owner, they charge P1,000 for overnight.

Read More »

Masasa Beach in Tingloy, Batangas, Philippines: So near Manila

Masasa beach in Tingloy batangas

I found this beach 2 weeks before the Labor day. I suddenly realized there is a holiday coming ahead and my adrenaline rush steered me to google maps, kept zooming, and traced the nearby Luzon coastlines looking for a not so far away beach perhaps in Batangas.

There were a few blogs published about the beach and island for Tingloy, but there is none published for a boatman and commuting details were unclear.

boat heading to Tingloy port from Talaga Port in Mabini Batangas

heading towards Masasa Beach, Tingloy, Batangas

As I could not find much details and have a number of friends interested in the place, I had no choice but to make the trip happen. Using facebook, I had to message more than a hundred people who came up in “Tingloy” search. I think I must’ve messaged a whole batch of TINGLOY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI from facebook. Apart from that, I did another random search in google for “TINGLOY 091” and messaged every mobile number that came up in the search result.

local collecting some eroded corals for livelihood of people of Masasa Beach in Tingloy, Batangas

right angle in masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

rocky part of masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

 Luckily, somebody replied and even took the initiative to call me to answer my question. He was even at the middle of a seminar at that time – the municipal engineer of Tingloy. He shared all the details, and even his boatman whom he takes twice a week. Got all the details needed, and all I had to do is talk to his boatman for pickup and of course, rate.


 

ground in masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

tired in masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

tired too

Our honesty goodness informant told me he pays the boatman P800 for one way trip for him and his three counterparts. Luckily, even with a group of 7 (I actually said 6, and he did not charge for the extra), he gave it at the same price.

We were supposed to leave by 1am but because of the confusion among the three KFC brances within araneta center, cubao, quezon city, it was a quarter past 1 when we all finally got together. By 2am, we left KFC, walked behind towards the bus terminal, and my heart began to pound when I saw only 2 ordinary buses there. I have to admit, I didn’t really check the bus schedules for I thought the trip was rather close, and that my resource person told me that there are trips and limitless options from this terminal to balagtas in batangas.

cliff in masasa beach, tingloy batangas

 

view from top of the rocky part of masasa beach, tingloy batangas

masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

The 2 ordinary buses in the terminal are both bound to Bicol and are both via turbina. Luckily, one of the guys is from Balagtas and he said we could just take another jeep from turbina to balagtas. When I asked the dispatcher though, he said they don’t take passengers bound to relatively near destination. We almost left the terminal when the bus driver kept telling us to wait. I didn’t think there was an agenda behind. The bus left and the conductor charged us P100 to turbina and without issuing any bus ticket.

passenger boats to the island of tingloy

In turbine, we took an Alps bus bound for Batangas, and paid P87.50 to diversion road. We were told that jeepneys bound to Mabini are, during these odd hours, available (chance) in diversion road.

Our informant told us that there are 2 jeepneys that ply Mabini. One that passes thru Anilao before reaching Talaga (“ANILAO MABINI”), and that which go straight to Talaga (“TALAGA MABINI”). As soon as we got off, I confirmed it with the sidewalk vendor, who called the dispatcher and confirmed so. Just a moment after, the dispatcher was already calling our attention saying “TALAGA MABINI” though I had a feeling it is actually an ANILAO MABINI jeep. Anyhow, I did not bother, and we hopped in. We each paid P30 each on that trip.

masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

It was past 5am when we reached talaga port. From there, we bought foodstuff and our boatman was already waiting for us. Around 5:30, we left Talaga port and reached Tingloy port in poblacion 45 minutes later. From there, we took the 2 tricycles, 3 on one, and 4 on the other, for P15 each. From the drop off point, you’ll have to walk downhill for about 750meters to the beach, through several households and ricefield. On the right will be the magasawang bato, and ahead are bushes with small openings with a view of the beach. 

It was around 6am, and the rocks formations are quite tempting for pictures. We spotted some locals collecting smaller beach corals that were eroded to the shore along with their horses which will eventually carry their sack containers. There were also a group of missionaries who passed along en route to another barangay on the other border of the beach. 

The beach sand is very fine and the view is very pristine except for some abandoned rubbish of tourists.  The left side of the beach has a rocky bed, while that on the right has flat clear plane of sand.

kids in masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

water source in the barangay masasa island of tingloy

trike back from masasa beach to tingloy port

passenger boats to the island of tingloy

TIMELINE

2:20am left Araneta Bus Terminal

3:23am Turbina

4:20am arrive diversion rd.

5:20am Talaga Port

5:40am depart Talaga

6:25am Arrive Tingloy

6:30am Arrive Jump off point in Masasa Beach

6:45am Arrive beachfront

3:30pm leave Masasa Beach

4:20pm (after waiting for a while for a trike) Leave Jump off point

5:00pm leave Tingloy Port

5:50pm Arrive Talaga Port and take the (that time readily) available jeep

7:00pm Grand Terminal

9:05pm Arrive Main Avenue Cubao

Summary of Expenses:

P100.00 Ordinary bus from Araneta to Turbina

P87.50 ALPS Aircon bus from Turbina to Diversion Road

P30.00 Jeep from Diversion Road to Talaga Port

P800.00 Boat (P1600.00 for return)

P15.00 (x2) Tricycle from Talaga port to Masasa Beach Jump off point

P35.00 Jeep from Talaga Port to Grand Terminal

P165 ALPS Aircon bus from Grand Terminal to Cubao

Some Figures in the nearby store in Masasa Beach:

P50.00 1.5Liters softdrinks

P20.00 charcoal, which by content, seems to equal that P10 in manila.

P45.00 pack of Marlboro lights

P10.00 250ml bottle of mineral water

Additional Notes:

There is no (resort) facility in the beach. Get ready with your wet wipes. For rinsing after swimming, I approached a lady doing her laundry in the balon and asked if we can rinse; she moved aside and gave way while her husband was filling the tub. She didn’t ask for any payment but I gave her P70 (for the 7 of us).

Try to obtain your tricycle service’s phone number on the way to the beach so that you can contact him during pickup, so you won’t have to play chance on the tricycles that pass by.

Kuya Jhamil (boat owner)’s contact no is 09164785241. His boat has a capacity of 10 persons (actually more but because of the waves and probably length of the trip, it is best to keep it less). My informant who rent his boat twice a trip, 2 trips a week, pays a special price of P800 for 4 persons. Kuya jhamil gave the same price under negotiation. Do the same J.

Bring your snorkling set. Damn me of all things, this is what I forgot. Tingloy is next to anilao, and is within the coral triangle.

Careful of Sea urchin stings. 2 of us had stepped on them on the rocky part in the left side of the beach. The right side is clear from anything.

Regular jeep trips are until 9pm only. After that, it is kind of hassle. Last trip of buses from Grand Terminal to Cubao are at 9pm, according to the conductor.

Masasa beach in Tingloy batangas

I found this beach 2 weeks before the Labor day. I suddenly realized there is a holiday coming ahead and my adrenaline rush steered me to google maps, kept zooming, and traced the nearby Luzon coastlines looking for a not so far away beach perhaps in Batangas.

There were a few blogs published about the beach and island for Tingloy, but there is none published for a boatman and commuting details were unclear.

boat heading to Tingloy port from Talaga Port in Mabini Batangas

heading towards Masasa Beach, Tingloy, Batangas

As I could not find much details and have a number of friends interested in the place, I had no choice but to make the trip happen. Using facebook, I had to message more than a hundred people who came up in “Tingloy” search. I think I must’ve messaged a whole batch of TINGLOY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI from facebook. Apart from that, I did another random search in google for “TINGLOY 091” and messaged every mobile number that came up in the search result.

local collecting some eroded corals for livelihood of people of Masasa Beach in Tingloy, Batangas

right angle in masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

rocky part of masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

 Luckily, somebody replied and even took the initiative to call me to answer my question. He was even at the middle of a seminar at that time – the municipal engineer of Tingloy. He shared all the details, and even his boatman whom he takes twice a week. Got all the details needed, and all I had to do is talk to his boatman for pickup and of course, rate.


 

ground in masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

tired in masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

tired too

Our honesty goodness informant told me he pays the boatman P800 for one way trip for him and his three counterparts. Luckily, even with a group of 7 (I actually said 6, and he did not charge for the extra), he gave it at the same price.

We were supposed to leave by 1am but because of the confusion among the three KFC brances within araneta center, cubao, quezon city, it was a quarter past 1 when we all finally got together. By 2am, we left KFC, walked behind towards the bus terminal, and my heart began to pound when I saw only 2 ordinary buses there. I have to admit, I didn’t really check the bus schedules for I thought the trip was rather close, and that my resource person told me that there are trips and limitless options from this terminal to balagtas in batangas.

cliff in masasa beach, tingloy batangas

 

view from top of the rocky part of masasa beach, tingloy batangas

masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

The 2 ordinary buses in the terminal are both bound to Bicol and are both via turbina. Luckily, one of the guys is from Balagtas and he said we could just take another jeep from turbina to balagtas. When I asked the dispatcher though, he said they don’t take passengers bound to relatively near destination. We almost left the terminal when the bus driver kept telling us to wait. I didn’t think there was an agenda behind. The bus left and the conductor charged us P100 to turbina and without issuing any bus ticket.

passenger boats to the island of tingloy

In turbine, we took an Alps bus bound for Batangas, and paid P87.50 to diversion road. We were told that jeepneys bound to Mabini are, during these odd hours, available (chance) in diversion road.

Our informant told us that there are 2 jeepneys that ply Mabini. One that passes thru Anilao before reaching Talaga (“ANILAO MABINI”), and that which go straight to Talaga (“TALAGA MABINI”). As soon as we got off, I confirmed it with the sidewalk vendor, who called the dispatcher and confirmed so. Just a moment after, the dispatcher was already calling our attention saying “TALAGA MABINI” though I had a feeling it is actually an ANILAO MABINI jeep. Anyhow, I did not bother, and we hopped in. We each paid P30 each on that trip.

masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

It was past 5am when we reached talaga port. From there, we bought foodstuff and our boatman was already waiting for us. Around 5:30, we left Talaga port and reached Tingloy port in poblacion 45 minutes later. From there, we took the 2 tricycles, 3 on one, and 4 on the other, for P15 each. From the drop off point, you’ll have to walk downhill for about 750meters to the beach, through several households and ricefield. On the right will be the magasawang bato, and ahead are bushes with small openings with a view of the beach. 

It was around 6am, and the rocks formations are quite tempting for pictures. We spotted some locals collecting smaller beach corals that were eroded to the shore along with their horses which will eventually carry their sack containers. There were also a group of missionaries who passed along en route to another barangay on the other border of the beach. 

The beach sand is very fine and the view is very pristine except for some abandoned rubbish of tourists.  The left side of the beach has a rocky bed, while that on the right has flat clear plane of sand.

kids in masasa beach, tingloy, batangas

water source in the barangay masasa island of tingloy

trike back from masasa beach to tingloy port

passenger boats to the island of tingloy

TIMELINE

2:20am left Araneta Bus Terminal

3:23am Turbina

4:20am arrive diversion rd.

5:20am Talaga Port

5:40am depart Talaga

6:25am Arrive Tingloy

6:30am Arrive Jump off point in Masasa Beach

6:45am Arrive beachfront

3:30pm leave Masasa Beach

4:20pm (after waiting for a while for a trike) Leave Jump off point

5:00pm leave Tingloy Port

5:50pm Arrive Talaga Port and take the (that time readily) available jeep

7:00pm Grand Terminal

9:05pm Arrive Main Avenue Cubao

Summary of Expenses:

P100.00 Ordinary bus from Araneta to Turbina

P87.50 ALPS Aircon bus from Turbina to Diversion Road

P30.00 Jeep from Diversion Road to Talaga Port

P800.00 Boat (P1600.00 for return)

P15.00 (x2) Tricycle from Talaga port to Masasa Beach Jump off point

P35.00 Jeep from Talaga Port to Grand Terminal

P165 ALPS Aircon bus from Grand Terminal to Cubao

Some Figures in the nearby store in Masasa Beach:

P50.00 1.5Liters softdrinks

P20.00 charcoal, which by content, seems to equal that P10 in manila.

P45.00 pack of Marlboro lights

P10.00 250ml bottle of mineral water

Additional Notes:

There is no (resort) facility in the beach. Get ready with your wet wipes. For rinsing after swimming, I approached a lady doing her laundry in the balon and asked if we can rinse; she moved aside and gave way while her husband was filling the tub. She didn’t ask for any payment but I gave her P70 (for the 7 of us).

Try to obtain your tricycle service’s phone number on the way to the beach so that you can contact him during pickup, so you won’t have to play chance on the tricycles that pass by.

Kuya Jhamil (boat owner)’s contact no is 09164785241. His boat has a capacity of 10 persons (actually more but because of the waves and probably length of the trip, it is best to keep it less). My informant who rent his boat twice a trip, 2 trips a week, pays a special price of P800 for 4 persons. Kuya jhamil gave the same price under negotiation. Do the same J.

Bring your snorkling set. Damn me of all things, this is what I forgot. Tingloy is next to anilao, and is within the coral triangle.

Careful of Sea urchin stings. 2 of us had stepped on them on the rocky part in the left side of the beach. The right side is clear from anything.

Regular jeep trips are until 9pm only. After that, it is kind of hassle. Last trip of buses from Grand Terminal to Cubao are at 9pm, according to the conductor.

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