Sa Sombrero Island - Tingloy, Batangas

   After spending the night at Masasa Beach in Tingloy, Batangas, We sailed away to this cute extraordinary island nearby. A very small island shaped like a hat, its pretty obvious how Sombrero Island got its name.

   A favorite side-trip spot of mountaineers trekking down from Mount Gulugod Baboy, Sombrero Island is also a popular "stop over" for scuba divers and other tourists from Anilao.

   As our boat sails smoothly through the very calm sea, we got nearer and nearer to the island. I'm really excited to step into it and explore the wonders of Sombrero Island.

Sombrero Island

   Going from Manila to Sombrero Island is easy. One can ride a van or a bus going to Batangas City then from there, ride a jeepney going to Anilao in Mabini Batangas. There you can find boat services which offers island hopping package to Sepoc Point, Maricaban Island and Sombrero Island.

   From Maricaban Island where the town of Tingloy is located, it only took us about 20 minutes to reach Sombrero Island.

   An entrance fee of 200 pesos per head are collected by the island care taker. The cottage rent is 800 pesos. I may say that the rates are pretty much expensive compared to other beach and islands that we've been to. Good thing our boatman had good haggling skills so we got discounts on our fees.

The very clear water of the sea

   The sun is at its peak when we stepped into the white sand of the island. Scattered boulders along the beach added more beauty on the scene.

   The water is so clear that you can see the floor even from a distance. And opening your eyes underwater doesn't hurt too. Fish of different sizes and colors can be seen from time to time swimming by our side. Its like swimming inside a huge aquarium!

   We stroll along the side of the island and there we saw huge rocks scattered along the shoreline. I tried to circle around the island but then I end up in a spot where I had to climb a wall of rock. I also tried to walk through the water but the waves on that part is huge. It seems dangerous so I decided to walk back and try the other way around hoping it is safer but I ended up on the same dead end.

 

   There is also a spot where a bed of small white corals can be found. Crabs can also be seen crawling up and down the boulders near the sea.

White sand, black rocks

   We spend the whole afternoon swimming and playing at the beach. We enjoyed the heat of the sun and the cleanliness of the place.

   Some fishermen dropped by at that time to sell us some newly caught fish. They also sell necklaces and bracelets made of pearl.

   Then after awhile, we sailed back to Talaga Port in Mabini, Batangas. We all took a bath in a house nearby before  leaving.

   Spending the whole day or even staying overnight might not be a good idea for people who are not a fan of camping and "Survivor-like" adventure. We had to bring our own drinking water because fresh water is not available. We also did not found any comfort rooms on the island.

   But staying there even for a couple of hours is more than enough to appreciate and enjoy its beauty. A haven for the animals and a paradise for us. Sombrero Island really has something that will make you want to come back there again and again.

Killed Bills

This covers up our whole Batangas Trip (Masasa Beach and Sombrero Island)

267.00 - Van Rental (4000 for 15 persons)
100.00 - Gasoline (1500 for 15 persons)
 40.00 - Toll Fees (612 for 15 persons)
 46.00 - Driver's Food Budget (700 for 15 persons)
466.00 - Boat Rental (7000 [3500 per boat] good for 15 persons)
 30.00 - Round-trip tricycle fare (from Tingloy port to Masasa Beach)
300.00 - Food budget per head
150.00 - Sombrero Island Entrance fee
 20.00 - Table Fee in Sombrero Island (300 for 15 persons)
 20.00 - Bathroom use in Talaga Port
120.00 - Dinner at Mang Inasal

Php 1559.00 - TOTAL