Alibijaban Island Travel Guide
Alibijaban Island Travel Guide – Quezon’s Quick Hideaway
If you are looking for a (quite secluded) getaway in Southern Tagalog, the Island of Alibijaban in San Andres, Quezon Province is one for the books. This stretch of fine, white sand and friendly people us what makes the island a tourist-friendly spot. Not to mention, it is also near the Burias group of islands in the province of Masbate. As difficult as you may pronounce its name, it sure is an easy island escape to go to and there is so much more than meets the eye.
Read also: Cagbalete Island 1000-Peso Challenge
What to expect in Alibijaban Island
This long stretch of island is one of the many islands that can be explored in Quezon Province. Located somewhere near Marinduque and Masbate, its location is ideal for those who want a less-crowded beach and place of solace. Just like the other islands I have been to, the life in Alibijaban is simple and the people are welcoming as usual.
Staying in the island is adventurous as I expected. Pitching tents while enjoying food and drinks with your friends are what makes the experience more rewarding. Oh, and did I forget to mention that the waves are calm and friendly, too? 🙂
I can say that the sandbar and the mangrove plantations in Alibijaban Island is one of the main highlights when visiting as it covers almost half of the island. Unfortunately, when we went there to visit, it was high tide, so we have not seen the sandbar in its totality. Luckily, we got to see and bask around the vast mangrove plantations in the area
One of the added attractions in Alibijaban Island, too, are their floating cottages found just a few meters away from the main shore of the island. You can enjoy in the cottage by swinging yourself to the waters or better yet have a slide instead. You can also snorkel around the cottage to see rich marine life below. Lucky enough if you get to see corals below your cottage!
Try island hopping in Burias Islands, Masbate, too!
Read also: Masbate Island Hopping
Since it is only approximately 2:30 hours by boat from Alibijaban Island, you can explore three nearby islands that are part of the Burias group in Masbate Province. These islands are:
Animasola Island
The first stop in the island hopping is Animasola. This island is so mysterious-looking and its rock formations are reminiscent of that of Kapupurawan in Ilocos Norte or that of Biri Island in Northern Samar. The word “animasola” came from the Latin word which means “lonely soul” because the location of the island is deserted from that of the others.
Tinalisayan Island
This island is generously capped with coconut trees and the ambiance is much more peaceful. The most attractive scenery of the island is the cliff that overlooks nearby mainland Burias Island.
Sombrero Island
The description is in its name, sombrero island is one of the islands in San Pascual, Masbate where the island is shaped like a hat. From a distance, the island is best seen during the late hours of the afternoon just before sunset.
These islands can be explored within the day, and you can go back to Alibijaban Island after for an overnight stay by the beach!
How to get to Alibijaban Island
You can reach Alibijaban Island (from Manila) and go to the Lucena Grand Bus Terminal. Travel time is approximately 4 hours. From Lucena, ride a bus or van going to San Andres, Quezon. Travel time is around 2 hours. You can ask the locals at the terminal that you are going to Alibijaban Island. Ride a tricycle going to San Andres Port. It is also much better if you have a private van rented for a less hassle travel. The parking fee for private vehicles is pegged at ₱ 134.00 as of this writing. Going to Alibijaban is easy as there are boats always waiting in the port (or unless you have a contact person in the island and a hired boat will come and fetch you). The terminal fee in the port is just around ₱ 10.00 per person.
Suggested itinerary and possible expenses
Day 1
| Bus: Manila – Lucena Grand Terminal | ₱ 250.00~ | |
| Bus or Van: Lucena Grand Terminal / SM City Lucena – San Andres | ₱ 270.00~ | |
| Breakfast – San Andres Port / Supply Shopping | ₱ 150.00~ | |
| 0600 – 0900 H | San Andres Port (Quezon) – Animasola Island | ₱ 12000.00* |
| 0900 – 1000 H | Animasola Island | ₱ 120.00 |
| 1000 – 1100 H | Animasola – Tinalisayan Islets | |
| 1100 – 1200 H | Tinalisayan Islets | ₱ 100.00 |
| 1200 – 1400 H | Tinalisayan – Sombrero Island | |
| 1400 – 1500 H | Sombrero Island | ₱ 50.00 |
| 1500 – 1700 H | Sombrero – San Andres Port / Alibijaban Island | |
| 1700 – 1800 H | Freshen up / Setup tents / Dinner | ₱ 250.00 (tent) |
| 1800 – onwards | Socials / Lights off |
Day 2
| 0600 – 0700 H | Sightseeing / Beachcombing | |
| 0700 – 0830 H | Breakfast | |
| 0830 – 1000 H | Sandbar and Mangrove Plantation Sightseeing | ₱ 500.00 / boat |
| 1000 – 1230 H | Floating Cottage | ₱ 300.00 / hour |
| 1230 – 1330 H | Lunch at Floating Cottage | |
| 1400 – 1500 H | Freshen up / Prepare for departure | |
| 1530 – 1600 H | Alibijaban Island – San Andres Port | |
| 1600 – 1630 H | Souvenir-buying | Depends |
| 1630 – onwards | San Andres – Manila | |
| Alibijaban Island Entrance Fee | ₱ 100.00 / pax |
Turista Boy Tip: Boat fee is good for the whole trip and will be divided by the pax riding the boat. The fee is inclusive of transfers to and from San Andres Port, and in and around Alibijaban Island (for overnight stays). You can bring your own food during the trip to lessen expenses. If you are planning to have an overnight stay in Alibijaban Island, meals are at ₱ 180.00 per meal, per pax, if you have a contact person / on a group tour. There are also stores in the island where you can buy some food. Note, too, that prices indicated as of this writing are subject to change without prior notice!
You can also contact Ms. Jenjen Vela at +63 945 712 4523 for more information on your Burias Island hopping tour and Alibijaban Island tour and stay.
This Alibijaban Island trip was made possible by The Northern Nomads and all trips are paid by the participants of this group tour. The islands found in San Pascual, Masbate can be reached via Alibijaban Island in San Andres, Quezon!
We’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
