Maniwaya Island.
This hidden jewel is a must see when you go to Marinduque, which is famous for the annual tradition of Moriones Festival, celebrated during holy week.
This pristine island is situated in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque, which is just less than an hour boat ride from the mainland.
Surprisingly, this haven is still undeveloped with only more than a handful of resorts found near the shoreline. It even used to be powered by a generator and the place was just recently granted 24/7 electricity, luckily, the day before me and my travel partner went to experience its serene environment.
Aside from the wide stretch of white sand, turquoise seawater, scattered corals, and majestic view of the sky and ocean meeting halfway, Maniwaya Island is also beckons stunning sand bar and perfectly shaped rock formations, that you will run out of battery for taking too much instagramable pictures.
There were only a few guests, having the entire island by ourselves during our stay which made it worth remembering. They said it can get really crowded during Holy Week due to Moriones Festival.
To add cherry on top, the people are really friendly, to the extent that they will chitchat with you until dawn, with unlimited supply of woods for your bonfire, to keep you warm on a cold night whilst sipping on your favorite drink and gazing on the sky full of stars. What else? Meeting new sets of people from different parts of the country which is a plus.
HOW TO GO TO MANIWAYA ISLAND?
1. Via Dalahican Port
Ride a JAC Liner bus in Buendia or Kamias stations bound for Marinduque. Alight the bus in Sta Cruz. From Sta. Cruz proper, ride a jeepney to Buyabod Port. Charter an outrigger boat to take you to Maniwaya Island or your preferred resort.
Ride a JAC or JAM Liner bus to Lucena/Dalahican Port. Board a ferry to Balancan Port, Marinduque. From Balancan Port, ride a jeepney to Sta. Cruz and alight in the town center then ride a tricycle to Buyabod Port. Charter an outrigger boat to take you to Maniwaya Island or your chosen resort.
*We took this route as we went to Torrijos in Marinduque proper the day before our Maniwaya trip. We got a boat ride for only 80 pesos per pax, which is by far the cheapest boat ticket I got in my entire life! 😍 We rode a habal-habal from the port going to our resort. 😊
2. Via General Luna Port
Ride a JAC or JAM Liner bus to Lucena Grand Terminal. From there, ride a van to General Luna Port. Once you get to the port, charter an outrigger boat to take you to Maniwaya Island or your chosen resort. There is one passenger boat to Maniwaya which leaves everyday at 10AM and fare is P150.
3. Rented Van/ Private Car Via General Luna/ Calauag Fist Port
Drive to SLEX taking Calamba exit. Continue to CALABARZON Express Way. Drive until General Luna via Pan-Phil Hwy passing by Lucena, Pagbilao and Candelaria. Once you get to the port, arrange for a parking service with the locals (if you would leave your car) then charter an outrigger boat to take you the Maniwaya Island or your chosen resort.
WHAT TO DO IN MANIWAYA ISLAND?
Go to Palad Sandbar. Long stretch of powdery sand bar awaits you, which is strategically situated in the middle of the sea.
Check out Ungab Rock Formation. This is situated in Mongpong, wherein you see outstanding rock formations, crystal clear water, and different shaped corals on the sea shore.
Snorkel – Dive into the water and see the plethora of beautiful creatures underneath.
Water Activities - There are so plenty of activities that can be done in any island: banana boat, jet ski, and island hopping among many others.
Sunset and Sunrise Watching - The picturesque sunset and sunrise are usually witnessed in a tranquil island as beautiful as Maniwaya.
Unlimited Photo Ops - One of my reasons for going to places: those Instagram worthy pictures
Bonfire - What else is more amazing than having bonfire while stargazing with a bottle of rum in the middle of a paradise?
Swim, swim, and SWIM - Bask into the clear water, enjoy and get a good tan!
SOME HELPFUL TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOU:
1. Bring enough cash. You won't find any ATM in the island. You'd have to go to the mainland which can take upto an hour (boat and land travel).
2. Camping is allowed. The resorts have tents available and pitching of tents I believe is possible with a corresponding fee.
3. To witness Palad Sand Bar, you have to be in the area during low tide, approximately 6-8 AM and 3-6PM.
4. It is advisable to visit the island during low peak seasons as it can get really crowded especially during Holy Week.
5. You may opt to buy food and other necessities before arriving at the port.
