Jomalig: Travel Guide & Tips 2017

You have to cross the ocean to find a slice of beachy paradise.


Summer is here, and beaches in popular destinations near Manila are going to be really crowded as beach bums go gaga over it. Have you ever tried indulging your fantasy of playing castaway on a secluded tropical paradise?  If you crave some peace and quite, consider this under-the-radar island, Jomalig (/ho-ma-lig/).  From breathtaking panoramic views to golden sand beaches to spectacular sunsets and exotic hideaways, Jomalig is proud to say that each and every one corner of this island is the perfect is a perfect destination for an escape.
Situated in the southern tip of Quezon Province, this island rests like an isolated refuge teeming with natural gifts and plenty of spectacular landscapes. The golden sand beaches, agoho pine trees, refreshing atmosphere and naturally sights here are just stunning. This island has just the right mix of clear blue water and sand for wannabe castaways. The island’s characteristics astound travelers who brave the arduous sea journey to get there. Yes folks, you heard it right it’s not that easy to get to, but the trip will be worth it as you will pass by beautiful sceneries and witness the simple life (back to basic) in Quezon Province.

HOW TO GET TO JOMALIG:

Bus to Real + Boat to Jomalig

From Legarda Terminal, catch a Raymond Bus bound for Infanta. They usually have a trip every hour and travel time takes about 4-5 hours. (Well in our case, we were at the Terminal at exactly 1AM, Friday. But we almost missed the last trip on that day which is not really good coz we wanted to reach Real before 6am. Please be at the terminal early evening to purchase your ticket to avoid missing the last trip.) Tell the driver to drop you off at Ungos Port. (Note: Some buses can’t drop you off the port so you need to ride a Trike from the highway for P10 to take you there.) There is a tiny hut by the port where passengers bound to Jomalig usually wait. You also need to sign-up on the list of passenger before riding the boat.

Ride a boat bound for Jomalig. Fare ranges from P200 – P350 depending on the type of boat. But since it’s peak season so we were asked to pay P400. Travel time takes about 5-6 hours. There’s a boat that leaves for Jomalig at 6:00 am..

Some boats serve lunch, while some do not. It’s best to bring your own food, water and snacks because of the long travel time. Bring as many as you can to avoid the #HungerGames. 
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The best spot to stay inside the boat is on the 2nd floor. (Yes, there’s a second layer where most passenger stays coz you that’s the place where you can lay down and sleep comfortably.)

Van to Real + Boat to Jomalig

Vans bound for Infanta, Quezon will pass by Real. The terminal is just in front of St. Raymond Station. Fare costs P 220-P250.
Get off at the Ungos port and follow instructions above.


GETTING AROUND:

The only way to get around Jomalig is by renting a habal-habal (motorcycle). If you’re from the port you can ride a habal-habal to your desired spot to stay for only P70. You can also rent a motorbike for P600 a day. If you wish to go on an island-hopping trip, a small boat costs around P1,200 while bigger boats could be rented for P4,000 or if you’re in group they will asked you to pay 350 per head for 2-3 best spots.

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Habal-habal for 600 is a good deal. You do have a greater chance to roam around the island and enjoy all the best spots in Jomalig without wasting too much time.

WHAT TO DO:

Quite seclusion has it's fans, and Jomalig is increasingly on the radar of folks who appreciate character-filled tropical hideways far from the cruise-ship crowd. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, fish and camp out to your hearts content at Salibungot beach or any other beaches in Jomalig. 

Folks, it is a kind of place where having nothing to do isn't a complain but a blessing. It's also a kind of place where your toughest decision will be relaxing on a shining golden-sand beaches or be in a hammock while watching the sunset. 

WHERE TO STAY:

The best option is to bring your own tent and camp out on Salibungot beach for P150 per pax as an entrance fee. As of 2017 visitors are no longer allowed to camp-out at any of the island’s stunning beaches aside from staying in Salibungot beach. So please inform the locals ahead of time before visiting the island.

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It's much better to camp-out instead of renting a room most especially if you're eyeing to stay at Tejada's. They've got the best long stretch beach front, but they've got a pricey rent and an uncoordinated staffs. 

I texted a personnel in their resort to know if there's a vacant room. She instantly replied "yes', she even waited and welcomed us at the port. We asked for 2 days stay in their room, but on our second day she told us that we need to move to their another resort on the other side of the island coz they've got a new batch of visitors.  That's awful. They need to make it sure next time that they can accommodate all their guest with their vacant rooms and not to evict another guest in the room just to cater the new ones.

There’s a tourism fee of P150 + 20 per person. There’s also a P150 entrance fee. There were several public restrooms near the beach campsite. Homestays are also being offered as an alternate accommodation with the Locals, prices vary.

CONTACT PERSONS:

Ms. Kelly Bautista of Quezon Province Tourism Office at 0922-9491145
Mr. Elmer A. Gariguez, the Acting Tourism Officer of Municipal Tourism Office at (042) 795-0600

*Ate Lyra (Homestay; if u want) – 09307968665
*Kuya Chito (smaller passenger boat captain) – 09186099822
*Kuya Joel (bigger passenger boat captain) – 09474250594
*Kuya jojo ( cargo boat ) – (0939) 903 4275
*Kuya ariel van. real to lagarda – (0909) 305 9912

Sample Budget Breakdown

P195 reg.bus aircon Legarda –> Real
P400 Boat Fare cargo jomalig
P400 Boat Fare cargo real
P70 Habal- Habal (from port to Salibungot)
P220 Van Real –> Legarda
P100 (x4 for 2 days stay) per pax (a meal)
P150 + P20 tourism fee 
P150 beach entrance + tent pitching fee
TOTAL:  P2000

If you want to be alone, you'll have no trouble here. Need to relax? Stumble across a secluded beach where the only footprints you’ll see are your own. Jomalig may be lacking many of the accoutrements of 21st century civilazation (such cars ATMs) but don't be fooled by it's modest demeanor: People come here to enjoy the luminescent blue seas and to comb secluded beaches for treasures.


Brave the long and butt-numbing trip to unfold the beauty of Jomalig.





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