Sa Dampalitan Beach - Padre Burgos, Quezon

   Summer is here! And where else would be the most favored place to spend it? At the beach. Sad to say, I only have weekends to spare. And the best way to maximize that small amount of time is by going to a beach close to Manila. So my wife and I invited our friends to check out a town in Quezon where three exciting places awaits us; the Borawan Island Resort, Puting Buhangin/Kwebang Lampas and Dampalitan Beach.

   Dampalitan Beach is first on our list. I've never heard about this beach before so I'm excited to see what the beach has to offer.

Dampalitan Beach

   As we googled more information about the place, we got a contact number of a local boatman named Cris. He offered us boat rides to Borawan Island Resort, Puting Buhangin Beach and Dampalitan beach. You can reach him through these numbers: 09055605947, 09501928546, 09074735193.

   We grabbed the offer and so the itinerary is set and bags are packed then we head on to Padre Burgos, Quezon.

  Here's a quick guide on how we got there:

• We rode a bus bound to Lucena at JAC Liner Bus Terminal located in EDSA corner Kamias Road at around 1:00am.

• We were dropped off at Lucena Grand Terminal where we rode an ordinary bus going to Unisan

• We were dropped off at QCRB Bank in Padre Burgos where our guide, Chris is waiting for us.

• We rode a tricycle going to the port in barangay Basiao where the boats are stationed.

   Going to Padre Burgos from Manila by car:

• Take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) then turn right at the Calamba Exit

• You'll pass through the notable towns of Sto. Tomas in Batangas, San Pablo Laguna, the towns of Tiaong, Candelaria and Sariaya

• Turn Right on the National Highway going to Lucena (going straight will lead you to Tayabas)

• Turn left at the Lucena Divertion Road until you reach the town of Pagbilao

• Turn right at the Padre Burgos Road (turning left will lead you to Atimonan)

• In Padre Burgos, turn right at the barangay Basiao access road going to the port (You'll see a signage with "Borawan, Puting Buhangin & Dampalitan Beach"  written on it)

• There are parking areas available along the fish port.

   All in all it took us roughly six hours to reach our destination.

   Buses going to Lucena from JAC Liner in Kamias leaves every hour.

   At the Lucena Grand Terminal, buses going to various towns of Quezon are stationed. This is where we also rode a bus going to Mauban back then when we went to Cagbalete Island. This time, we rode a bus bound to Unisan.

   Upon arriving at Padre Burgos, some locals offered boat transfer services going to the three beaches but we turned down their offer because we already have one. Chris charged us 1700 pesos per boat which can accommodate up to eight person.

   We went to the market first and bought our food before riding a tricycle going to the port in barangay Basiao. Then from there, we rode on our boat service going to Dampalitan Beach.

We can already see the Borawan Beach Resort from Brgy, Basiao Port

   The sea is calm at that time, the towering Mount Banahaw can be seen from afar. We also enjoyed looking at some islets as we pass through them. Then after more or less 15 minutes, we arrived at our destination.

   Dampalitan Beach is located southwest of an island with the same name. This island is connected to the main island of Luzon.

   I already felt the peaceful vibe of the place upon setting foot on its shore. Fishing boats are lined up along its white sand beach and open huts are situated under the agoho trees. People there are living a simple life. We saw kids playing around the area, fishermen having their siestas while others are just relaxing and listening to the radio.

   A 75 peso entrance fee per person is collected to us by the beach personnel. Picnic tables are available for rent for 300 pesos but with some charm and haggling skills, we got it for only 150 pesos. Modest comfort rooms and shower rooms are also accessible within the area.

   There were no hotels, inns or other luxurious amenities on the island so people usually rent open huts or pitch their tents along the shore. Tent pitching fee costs 200.00 pesos. There is also a sari-sari store in the vicinity. I enjoyed eating the refreshing halo-halo I bought from them for 25 pesos.

   The tide is low during our stay so swimming is not that fun because we had to go to the part where there are lots of sharp rocks just to reach a waist deep level of water. The boatman also warned us about the jellyfishes.

   I walked along the shore line and saw small rock formations at the far end of the beach (right side when facing the sea). Some of us enjoyed taking pictures on that area. I walked back, then after a few minutes, reached the other side of the beach where I took pleasure in walking along the wide rocky floor. I think this area is submerged during high tide.

   It's a very simple and quiet place. No loud music, no fancy water rides. Just the plain white beach and the calm sea. You'll get bored at this place if you're the kind who seek booming beach party or extreme water sports.

   There's nothing much to do but to just chill, relax and enjoy the serenity of the place.

   After a couple of hours, we decided to go to our next destination: The Puting Buhangin Beach and Kwebang Lampas.

   Check out this post from TheLostKids.ph for more information.

Killed Bills

This budget list covers our whole expenses on Dampalitan Beach, Puting Buhangin Beach and Borawan Island Resort.

218.00 - Bus fare from Quezon City to Lucena Grand Terminal
35.00 - Bus fare from Lucena Grand Terminal to Padre Burgos
10.00 - Tricycle fare from QCPB Padre Burgos to Brgy. Basiao Port
310.00 - Boat Services (3400 [2 boats for 11 person])
75.00 - Entrance fee at Dampalitan Beach
160.00 - Overnight Stay at Puting Buhangin Beach
46.00 - Tent Pitching Fee (3 Tents for 500 Php (we got 100 peso discount)
16.00 - Table Rent (180.00 for 11 person)
150.00 - Entrance Fee at Borawan Beach Resort
350.00 - Food and Drinks Budget and other expenses (table rent, water, liquors etc.)
70.00 - Van fare from Brgy. Basiao Port to Lucena Grand Terminal
218.00 - Bus fare from Lucena Grand Terminal to Ortigas

TOTAL - 1658.00 Php