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Dubbed by many travel vloggers as “The Hidden Gem of the Philippines”, Ticao Island, Masbate is making itself known to travelers and nature lovers.
Tired of the hustle and bustle of city life? Tired of the day to day, boring schedules and deadlines?
Let’s face it, nothing compares to the tranquil provincial life.
Dubbed by many travel vloggers as “The Hidden Gem of the Philippines”, Ticao Island, Masbate is making itself known to travelers and nature lovers.
With natural waterfalls, spring waters, and beautiful beaches, Ticao Island is the perfect place to be, whatever the weather.
How do we get there?
By plane:
An easier way to travel to Ticao is by taking the plane. Start by going to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), from there you can go to the Domestic Flights. Take the flight to Masbate. The flight takes one hour and twenty minutes.
When you have arrived at the Masbate airport, you can make your way to the port by taking a tricycle. You will then take the ferry ride to Lagundi which takes about an hour and a half.
When you have reached the Lagundi pier, you may ride a van to San Jacinto.
By bus:
If you really want to experience the whole journey, you can take a bus. Make your way to any of these terminals;
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Paranaque Integrated Terminal → Bulan.
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Araneta Center Cubao → Bulan.
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Turbina Bicol Isarog Office → Bulan.
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EDSA Cubao → Bulan.
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Pasay Five Star → Bulan.
Make sure to reserve your tickets early to get the best buses. The lazyboy buses are recommended. You can travel comfortably as it takes 12 hours to get to Bulan. When you arrive at Bulan Port, you can take a ferry out to San Jacinto, Masbate. And in an hour and 15 minutes, you will arrive at the Port of San Jacinto.
What’s waiting for you?
Ticao Island is one of the 18 islands in the province of Masbate. Not much information is found on the internet, but if you look it up you will find a few videos by famous vloggers, each with their own take of this beautiful province.
Island hopping is famous among the locals and tourists here. It is the best way to see a few of the most beautiful places in Ticao.
Burubangkaso Island- An island in Ticao with beautiful stone formations. It is very protected and the locals are very strict about going on the formation as it might harm the natural beauty of it.
Catandayagan Falls - waterfalls that directly fall into the ocean. It is one of the most sought out tourist spots here in Ticao. You can go swimming in the cold sea water to the waterfall and then jump from the fall into the sea.
Manta Bowl- Located in Ticao pass, a narrow territorial waterway that separates the Bicol Region and Ticao Island in Masbate. It has been declared a Marine Protected Area under the Burias-Ticao Pass Protected Seascape Act. Locals are also very strict when it comes to this activity. It is costly but also worth it. You can dive with the Manta Rays or other cool ocean life.
Beaches - surrounded by the ocean, it is a given fact that Ticao is filled with many beaches. One of the most visited beaches here is the Binantayanan Beach resort. The entrance will only cost 10 - 20 pesos. It is beautiful and well kept. But if you are after the resort vibes, Altamar Beach Resort is for you. Owned and managed by Marilyn Altarejos, it is located in San Jacinto, Masbate. It is the most beautiful resort with sophisticated cabins and delicious food served from morning until night.
Cold Springs - the best places to beat the heat. You will find these cold springs surrounded by trees and rocks. One of the most popular springs is found in Monreal, Masbate. It is called Matangtubig. It is beautifully preserved.
What do you need?
Since we are still in the middle of the pandemic, it is a no-brainer that we still need to bring a few documents that would allow us to safely travel and enter beautiful Ticao. Based on the Philippine Airlines upon arrival in Albay, the health protocols are as follows:
Fully Vaccinated Individuals:
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Valid ID
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Vaccination Card
Unvaccinated or Partially Vaccinated Individuals
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Valid ID
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Negative Antigen Test Result from any DOH-accredited laboratories taken within forty-eight (48) hours (including children)
Make sure to present these documents. If you need more information you can visit these websites:
So, whether you need a vacation from the grueling hours of work and spending time with the annoying co-workers or you just need to take a break from city life, Ticao Island is always open for you.
Contributed by: Abby Marien B. Capellan
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