Alibijaban! Say that again – A-li-bi-ha-ban.
Pronouncing it is a struggle as going to this remote island 😀

 

 Alibijaban Island is a virgin paradise located at the most southern tip of Quezon and is in the municipality of San Andres. From Manila, you will need to suffer a nine to ten-hour bus ride or six to seven hours of driving if you have your own car. I went by bus and the journey was very uncomfortable and butt-numbing, and to make matters worse the bus was not even air-conditioned. It kept stopping to collect new passengers even though the bus was already full ( 4 or 5 times) and I wake to be with a bunch of inconsiderate passengers who kept on chatting even when they knew the vast majority of passengers were trying to take a nap, so moral of this part of the story is take some noise cancelling headphones! Just imagine how the trip going to San Andres was! But as they say, all is well that ends well. Having said all of that, having to endure the bumpy and itchy trip to San Andres pays huge rewards at the end, as the island is amazing.

img_1556-1img_1593img_1581-1

 

Once you get to the port, the feeling of uneasiness will be gone and be replaced by excitement. From there, you will have a glimpse of the island itself.

It took me roughly around 20 minutes to reach Alibijaban Island. The place offers a very scenic and picturesque view of golden to white sand, aqua crystal clear waters and undisturbed forests, like mangroves. Try getting there and you will agree with me that there are no words to perfectly describe this place.

DCIM100MEDIADJI_0100.JPG Processed with VSCO with a5 presetDCIM100MEDIADJI_0140.JPG Processed with VSCO with a5 presetDCIM100MEDIADJI_0115.JPG Processed with VSCO with a5 presetDCIM100MEDIADJI_0129.JPG Processed with VSCO with a5 presetProcessed with VSCO with a5 preset

WATCH OUR VIDEO

 

 

 

How to get to Alibijaban Island?

Best option: Ride a direct bus going to San Andres, Quezon via Barney Bus (non-air-condition) located at Alabang Starmall. Travel time is at least 8 hours.

Schedule of Barney Bus: 4:00am/ 5:30am/ 8:30am/ 1:00pm/ 6:30pm/ 8:30pm/ 10:00pm

Fare: Full Fare P417 // Senior Citizen or Student Fare P334

Contact: Eddie Moreno (Morning) 09207072414 // Jessie Dooc (Afternoon) 09257474768

**Superlines located in Cubao also offers a direct trip to San Andres, Quezon. You can contact them for their scheduled trips. +63 922 522 5192

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset
Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Option 2: If you’re uncomfortable with the non-airconditioned bus going to Quezon, you may opt to have a cutting trip. Just pick a bus of your choice that goes to Lucena Grand Terminal. There are a lot of buses coming from Edsa. At Lucena GT, wait for buses that will take you to San Andres Quezon. (This option is not really recommended because it will take you hours of waiting at Lucena GT before you can have a bus or a van that will take you to San Andres, Quezon)

For boat rental, you can contact Kuya Randy ( 09982758413 ). The price may vary depending on the number of persons to be brought to the Island. For our case, we paid 500 pesos back and forth that is good for two. According to him, he offers a back and forth boat ride for 1,500 pesos for 10-12pax and 2,000 pesos for 15pax.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kuya Randy’s twins 🙂

Where to stay?

Best option: Bring your own tent and pay only 100pesos as an Environmental fee.

If you are not comfortable with the idea of camping, no worries because you can rent a Kubo with a room that is good for 3 to 5 persons for Php. 500 (**plus 100 pesos each as an environmental fee). You can contact Ate Baby for accommodation inquiries,
09506449925 / 09093395311 / 09564732056.

UPDATE: As of MARCH 2017, Kubo renting price has gone up to Php. 700 😦

Processed with VSCO with a5 preset
img_1608img_1607-1

Island Fees:

  • If you are planning to get to the island, please contact Kuya Randy in advance through his mobile: +6399-8275-8413.
  • They collect an Environmental or entrance fee for Php100/pax.
  • Use of utility water costs ₱10 per pail / ₱150 per drum.
  • Cooking fee is at your own discretion, and so with the guide fee.
  • Kuya Randy charge Php200 when you go for an island tour but I suggest you to, at least, shell out a bit.
  • Port fee for ₱4.

What to do?

  • Tour at Sandbar and Mangroves areas/ Swimming
  • Snorkeling
  • Sunset/Sunrise viewing
  • Camping
  • Island Hopping ( Burias Island, Sombrero Island, Talisayan Island) **cost depends on the number of persons. Fewer persons, higher cost. You can contact Kuya Randy for the island hopping fee.

DCIM100MEDIA Processed with VSCO with a5 presetDCIM100MEDIA Processed with VSCO with a5 presetimg_1580-1

View this post on Instagram

Good vibes happen on the tides 🌊☀️

A post shared by Jay Noma (@byajayro) on

How to get back to Manila?

From the port, hire a pedicab that will take you to the bus terminal for 30 pesos. But you can also walk from port to the terminal.

Barney Trip Schedule (San Andres to Alabang Starmall): 3:00am/ 3:00pm/ 6:30pm/ 8:30pm

Contact: Joydrix Ladesma 09078143150

Also, just beside Barney bus’ terminal is the Superlines. They also have a direct trip from San Andres Quezon to Cubao. Schedule of bus trips: 4:30AM/ 4:30PM/ 9:30PM

DCIM100MEDIADJI_0131.JPG Processed with VSCO with a5 presetDCIM100MEDIA Processed with VSCO with a5 presetProcessed with VSCO with a5 presetimg_1567-1DCIM100MEDIA

So there! All thanks to Vela Family for everything during my visit to Alibijaban Island!!!

Tips/Reminders:

1. It is recommended that you take the direct trip (Barney Bus) to San Andres Quezon. I prefer Barney bus compared to Superlines.
2. Bus’ last stop is at San Andres Market. You can buy the things you’ll be needing in the Island here.
3. The port is walking distance from the market but you can hire a pedicab to bring you there for a the 10pesos fare.
4. If you arrive at the Island early in the afternoon, you can have a tour first at the Sandbar and mangroves areas to max out your time and pitch your tent later just in time for the sunset.
5. You can save your 200 pesos if you will visit the sandbar and mangroves areas just by walking.
6. It is not allowed to just make your own bonfire at the shore. You need to ask permission from the locals first.
7. Bring candies or anything that suits children’s taste.
8. Don’t miss the sunrise! Perfect time to wake up is at 5:00 AM. You can actually get your best shots under the sun since it is low tide.
9. No worries for FOOD! You can ask the locals to cook something for you for a minimal fee.
10. Electricity is limited on the island since it is only powered up by solar electricity. So charging your gadgets will cost you 25pesos.
11. There is a store on the island where you can buy soft drinks, liquor, snacks and others.
12. Bring your trash bags and dispose of your waste properly.

img_1583-1img_1572-1Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Actual Itinerary for 2D1N
Friday (Day 1)
4:00AM – 1:00PM ETD/ETA @San Andres
1:00PM – 2:00PM Lunch/ Buying of necessary things needed in the Island
2:00PM – 2:10PM ETA @San Andres Port
2:10PM – 2:30PM ETA @Alibijaban Island
2:30PM – 5:00PM Tour at Sandbar and Mangroves area (High tide)
5:00PM- 6:00PM Pitch Tent while enjoying the view of the sunset
6:00PM-7:00PM Cook dinner and prepare things for the bonfire.
7:00PM-9:00PM Dinner time. Share your stories with the locals.
9:00 onwards Wash up/Stargazing/Lights out
Saturday (Day 2)
5:30AM Wake up time
5:30AM-6:30AM Sunrise appreciation
6:30AM-8:00AM Free time
8:00AM – 10:00AM Tour at Sandbar and Mangroves areas (low tide)
10:00AM-2:00PM Late breakfast/Wash up/Pack up things
2:00PM-2:20PM Back to San Andres Port
2:20PM – 4:30 PM
**We missed the 3PM trip of Barney bus. But luckily, Superlines bus’ trip is at 4:30PM.		 Waiting time for the bus’ departure
4:30 PM ETD Superlines
2:00AM ETA Boni, Mandaluyong

img_1603-1DCIM100MEDIADJI_0103.JPG Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Detailed Breakdown of Expenses
FARE
Alabang to San Andres, Quezon
Student/Senior/PWD Php. 334
Regular Php 417

334
Boat ride RT **500/2

250
Pedicab **30/2 from port to Bus Terminal

15
San Andres to Boni Mandaluyong
Student/Senior/PWD Php. 350
Regular Php 435

350

949
Environmental Fee

100
Sandbar and Mangrove Tour
**you can actually visit these areas by walking to the other side of the island. For our case, we were not informed it can be reached by walking so we took the tour by boat. However, it is okay because, after all, it was worth it since we got to visit these areas twice (Friday afternoon, high tide and Saturday morning, low tide) for 200 pesos only. Since we were two, we paid 100each.

100
Port Fee

4
FOOD
Lunch at San Andres Market

35
Necessary food to bring in the Island
** Dinner, Breakfast and Others

162.5
Food during the trip

87.5
Lunch @Franks at San Andres port

44.5
Dinner at Superlines Bus stop

70

399.5
PERSONAL and OTHER EXPENSES
Uber to Alabang Starmall

112
Tip

100
Water for Bath
**10pesos per pail  and 150pesos per drum

50

262
GRAND TOTAL

1,814.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

img_1604-1
img_1605-1
img_1606-1
img_1569-1

STAY IN TOUCH WITH MY WORLD OF ADVENTURES BY CHECKING OUT:
Screen Shot 2018-01-18 at 5.40.17 PM.pngScreen Shot 2018-01-18 at 5.39.19 PM.pngScreen Shot 2018-01-18 at 5.38.54 PM.png

101 Comments

  4. Hi.Do you have any contact for boat transfer?I texted Kuya Randy’s number and I asked for details for boat transfer and he answered me that it would cost us 3600 for 2 persons!!!WTF!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. oh wow! siya lang po kasi actually yung nakausap namin before I dont know sa ibang blogs if may iba pa tho since we posted about this place nagmamahal na sila dunno why 😦

      Like

      Reply
  5. Pingback: San Andres: #AlibijabanIsland – Cheanyyy's Blog

  6. Sir advice naman po were planning to go there by december. how much po kayo magagastos namin kasi po 6pax po kami and may dala po kaming car. may bayad po ba pag sa tent lang kami mag stay? thanks

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi there Sir! Salamat po 🙂 Ilan po ba kayo? I heard medyo nagmahal na sila sa accomodation doon yung mga nipa huts na pinaparent si better is magtent nalang mas mura 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  12. Pingback: Kwebang Lampas and Puting Buhangin Beach Travel Guide – BYAJAYRO

    1. Hi Ms. Kate. Yung mga van po not sure kung ano oras sila umaalis kasi mostly ng Van na pa San andress ee galing pang Sm Lucena. Same din Sa buses na pa Lucena Grand Terminal depends kung what time sila umalis ng Manila.

      Like

      Reply

  19. Hi Jay, I’ve been to Jomalig last December and I highly recommend it. The 5 hours boat ride going to the island was all worth it because of the uniqueness of the island from other islands out there. The terminal is in Legarda, Manila.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  20. Hi Jay! I am planning to do a solo trip this April, which I preferred Alibijaban, is it safe to stay alone at the side of the shore at night using tent?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi po 👋🏼 yes its very safe here. We even left our things inside our tent when we went to sandbar and kami lang yung campers that time. The kids even gonna stay near you to give you company 🙂

      Like

      Reply

          1. Anyways, my plan is to travel three islands in Quezon, Which is Alibijaban, Jomalig, and Cagbalete, have you noticed any transport in Lucena going to Jomalig?

            Liked by 1 person

          2. I have also plans going to Jomalig and Cagbalete ee. And di pa ako masyado nakakapagresearch about the most convenient way going there pero alam ko Dumadaan din namn yung mga Raymind Buses sa LGT 🙂

            Like

          3. Really? Kailan mo balak?
            For 5 days ko kasi siya balak libutin eh. I searched some blogs na din regarding sa two islands. Pero uunahin ko kasi yung Alibijaban, to Jomalig, then to Cagbalete.

            Liked by 1 person

          5. Alibijaban, then Jomalig tapos Cagbalete, kasi Cagbalete mas malapit sa Manila, so malapit na ako pauwi. Hehe

            Liked by 1 person

          7. Opo ,kaya sana nga makahanap ako ng way para dina ako ma hassle masyado, para isang puntahan nalang sa Quezon. Heheh I hope na mapuntahan ko lahat. Sige Jay, will wait on your update. 😉

            Liked by 1 person

    1. hi po. kapag dalawa lang kayo di na siya magaantay. or depende din kapag may mga nakasabay kayo papunta doon thi 15mins lang namn from port to the island. sa price po, just ask him nalang. di ko na din sure ee

      Like

      Reply

  24. I imagined the fun you were having while reading your blog! I’d really love to go there. Quick question though, is it hard going back to Manila from the terminal? I was wondering if it would take a lot of hours. Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Commuting would take you 8hours or more, we took an ordinary bus so it stops to get passengers every now and then but you can also try to use vans as they are faster compared to buses. The place is amazing really and cant wait to be back haha just be remember the bus schedule 3:00am/ 3:00pm/ 6:30pm/ 8:30pm 🙂 happy travels po 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  25. sobrang ganda nga sa alibijaban,,, white sand, mangroves, clear water…lahat na … breathtaking ang tanawin… sana makabalik muli ako dyan 🙂 akala ko di ko to mahahanap sa search engine kasi masyadong tago yung lugar, nakakagulat, ang dami na palang articles about dito

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi po! Good to know that you like the place 🙂 kami din haha actually di din namin alam nung una na may mga blogs na pala siya haha tho yung iba hindi na updated lol sarap balikan yung place tapos ang nice pa ng mga tao doon 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  26. Hi Jay,
    Is it safe ba to travel there with 10-year old girl? Hindi ba maalon? How many hours ang boat ride from the last island you hopped in going back to San Adres Port?
    Hope to receive your reply before March 18…
    Your blog is so nice especially your pictures. Awesome!
    Thanks… 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  36. Wow! We are actually planning to visit this place very soon. Buti nlang tinag aq dto ng ksma ko at nakita nmin yng breakdown ng gastos at sana lng hindi magbago yng boat fee na 500 for 2 person at balikan na. Bka kc by the time na pumunta kame eh mag iba cla ng price. Hehe

    Ganda ng shot ng mga pictures lalo na yung video using drone. The best!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  37. Really interesting place! Thanks for the idea.
    Can we ride to San Andres at Boni Mandaluyong? If yes, where? And at what times pls? Thanks in advance.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.