Colibra Island Travel Guide
Colibra Island: Pangasinan’s Big Surprise
While Pangasinan is blessed with numerous tourist destinations and tourist spots as it is one of the biggest provinces in Luzon, Colibra Island is no exception to its ranks. This tranquil island located in the outskirts of Dasol Bay is one of the emerging tourist spots in the province. Also known as “Snake Island” because of sea snakes that frequent the area before, I have come to experience its natural beauty even for just a short while. With its small area, you can explore the whole island in less than 1 hour (except, of course, when you will be taking photos in the area, or you choose to have an overnight stay!)
Read also: Baguio Restaurants with a good view and great food (Part 2)!
Its white sand shores and blue waters makes the island distinct from its nearby neighbors. A popular spot for sunset and camping, too, Colibra Island is the perfect nearby getaway whenever you visit the municipality of Dasol, Pangasinan. Its raw façade and simple beachscape makes it more interesting as its simplicity is what draws people to the place.
What to expect in Colibra Island
Its near-perfect white sand shores are what I noticed first when I set foot in Colibra Island. Though the weather was not cooperative when we went there, it was still an experience to be felt, for me at least. Upon alighting from the boat, you can approach the information booth in the front shore of the island where you get to pay for cottage and camping fees if you decide to do such.
There are also interesting rock formations around Colibra Island and is a perfect place for the gram. The waves can be a bit rough but rest assured that there are lifeguards stationed to ensure your safety. I suggest that you bring your own food and drinks as prices of such in the island is quite expensive. The boat that will bring you to the island is quite big so you can put your essential stuff inside it comfortably. Travel time from Tambobong Beach to Colibra island is approximately around 30 – 45 minutes. The best season to go there is during the dry season from March – May.
Fees and Charges to the Island
As of January 2022, here are the expected fees when visiting Colibra Island:
| Entrance Fee (Colibra Island) | ₱ 80.00 per pax |
| Docking Fee | ₱ 100.00 |
| Environmental Fee | ₱ 25.00 |
| Cottage Fee (Tambobong Beach) | ₱ 500.00 |
| Cottage Fee (Colibra Island) |
₱ 300.00 (day tour) / ₱ 400.00 (overnight) / ₱ 500.00 (overnight – cottage and tent) |
| Boat rental (back and forth; 1-7 pax) | ₱ 1500.00 (day tour) / ₱ 2000.00 (overnight) |
|
Tricycle Fare (Dasol town proper to Tambobong Beach) |
₱ 300.00 (one-way) |
*Camping Fee and Island-Hopping Fee can be inquired once reaching Colibra Island
How to get to Colibra Island
From Manila
From Cubao, ride any provincial bus that is bound for Alaminos, Pangasinan. Travel time is estimated at 4 hours (depending on the traffic) and fare is around ₱ 400.00. Upon reaching Alaminos, ride another bus bound fro Sta. Cruz, Zambales and tell the driver to drop you off in Dasol. Fare is around ₱ 40.00 – 50.00. From Dasol town proper, hire a tricycle and tell to drop you off at Tambobong Beach. Fare is around ₱ 300.00 one way. From there, you can now rent a boat going to Colibra Island for ₱ 1500.00.
Nearest Airport: Clark International Airport (CRK), Pampanga
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For this trip, I have joined The Northern Nomads Group (based in Baguio City) in exploring Colibra Island. For more inquiries and other travel destinations up North, you can contact Arvin Balageo at +63 956 653 2455 or visit his Facebook Page here (for more trips!)
We’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
