The knife-edged-shape Ticao island is one other fascinating vacation spot for me. I’ve learn articles and seen images of this island, so I kinda know what to anticipate – gorgeous seascapes, rock formations, age-old settlements, and towering waterfalls pouring straight into the ocean. And I lastly acquired to see this for myself. After a day of interacting with whale sharks in Donsol, we rode a big outrigger boat to Ticao island, one of many three main islands of Masbate. It’s a 2-3 hours rocky boat trip however no tough waters can hold my pleasure.
The place is Ticao Island
Ticao island is a part of the three main islands of Masbate province. The opposite two is Burias island (Examine the chronicle put up right here) which lies north of the province and is loads smaller in measurement. The most important Masbate island is the southern a part of the province. Ticao island sits within the center bounded by Ticao Move and Masbate Move.
The province is situated on the coronary heart of the nation, already bordering Visayas and Luzon. Nonetheless a part of the Bicol area.
Coastal Wonders of Ticao Island
The island has an space of 334 sq. km with the very best elevation at 751 ft. Ticao island consists of 4 municipalities: Batuan, Monreal, San Fernando and San Jacinto.
Ticao island can be recognized for its archaeological panorama the place a number of key artifacts have been discovered just like the Ticao petrographs, burial jars, jade beads, Ticao gold spike tooth, and a pre-colonial baybayin-inscribed Rizal stone.
As a result of restricted time, we weren’t in a position to examine these archeological finds. For this journey, we loved discovering a few of the coastal wonders of Ticao island.
For coordinating with island hopping excursions, please join with the official Masbate Provincial Tourism Tradition and Arts Workplace (https://www.fb.com/MasbatePTCAO)
Halea Nature Park
Our first cease is the northernmost island of Ticao, the San Miguel island below the municipality of Monreal. Discovered on the south of the island are stunning white seashore coves tucked between limestone rocks generally known as the Halea Nature Park. There have been open cottages within the space and one was used for our boodle struggle lunch. There’s a pathway resulting in the undulating hills above however a few of the cottages have been broken from a current hurricane.
We acquired into the water the place we have been informed just a few resident child sharks dwell. We adopted our information Junery, whose additionally a dive grasp, to the place these juvenile sharks dwell. It’s in an space close to a cave. I loved the snorkel because the water readability was glorious. There have been parts of excellent corals and marine life too. We have been in a position to spot a few these child sharks however have been too far-off to seize. Nonetheless, the waters have been pleasing as it’s.
Catandayagan Falls
From the north, we head west of Ticao island for Catandayagan Falls. Hugging the rugged cliffside of the island resulting in one of the crucial majestic-looking falls I’ve seen. Fairly extraordinary as this 100-foot cliffside falls straight plunge to the ocean. We have been fortunate there was a beneficiant pour and we had time to swim and benefit from the showers of the falls on the similar time.
Catandayagan Falls is already on the border of San Jacinto municipality.
Burubungkaso Islet
Coming from the falls, our subsequent cease was Burubungkaso Islet (additionally spelled Borobangcasao islet). An intriguing set of rock formations like a stack of dominos however naturally made. The waters surrounding the formations have been clear too. If we had extra time it might be enjoyable to swim. What we did although was climbing the rocks. I used to be informed by one of many guides that there was once a pure bridge however finally, erosion made it collapse.
Ticao Island Resort
From the west, we head to the east this time for our dwelling for the night, the stunning Ticao Island Resort. Settled on a tranquil cove with calm waters, the resort has some beautiful cottages every with cozy hammocks on the entrance. The sundown was serene and the dawn right here was soothing.
The resort is a well-liked dwelling base for divers who want to expertise diving with the manta rays within the space generally known as the Manta Bowl. The world alongside the Ticao Move is hailed for his or her conservation of those beguiling creatures of the ocean.
Certainly one of my favourite issues concerning the resort although is their meals! Wonderful choices throughout, particularly their lechon. Should attempt their do-it-yourself ice cream as properly.
Going to Ticao Island
Ticao island is just not a simple place to go to which for me is a part of its appeal. It takes a bit of bit extra effort to get pleasure from this underrated magnificence. However here’s a fast information on a number of methods to succeed in Ticao Island. I can’t embrace the costs as they might change in time.
- Ferry through Pilar, Sorsogon. From Pilar Port, there are ferries that depart for Monreal from 7 AM to 12 NN every day. Journey time is 1.5 hours. From July to October, there’s a excessive likelihood of journeys being canceled as a result of excessive climate circumstances so higher examine the native circumstances first.
- Ferry through Bulan, Sorsogon. From Pier 1 at Bulan port, catch a ferry to San Jacinto port in Ticao island. Ferry leaves at 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and three:00 PM.
- By Air and Ferry at Masbate. Most likely essentially the most direct route. Presently, Cebu Pacific flies to Masbate airport from Manila. From Masbate Metropolis, head to Masbate Metropolis port and catch a ferry to Lagundi Port on Ticao island. Journey time is barely half-hour.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning journey photographer, author and blogger. His works has discovered print in publications corresponding to Singapore Airways’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airways’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has additionally lent his experience to varied organizations just like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Basis, Save the Youngsters and World Imaginative and prescient, contributing high quality photos for his or her advertising and marketing supplies.
