Vanishing Island in Albay + Mayon Volcano
4D5N Sorsogon + Albay Backpacking
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DIY Travel Guide: Vanishing Island, Malilipot, Albay
In the middle of the ocean of Malilipot, Albay you will discover a spell-binding force of nature that surprisingly emerges when the tide recedes. It is believed to have come about as a result of the of the huge waves that hit the area during strong typhoons, and it is not surprising how this charming and beautiful newly discovered island has become a main tourist attraction of Albay.
The Island
Vanishing Island was the name given to this magical place because it literally vanishes during high tide; not there, gone, nada! It is not your common as chickens type white sand island, it is what as known as a sandbar by boffins with thick lens glasses. Will this matter to you when you visit? No way Jose, you think you’re on an island but without trees and a McDonalds.
The island is an hour away from either Tabacco or Bacacay Port and if you need a visual pointer you will know you are near when you can see in the distance tiny cottages that appear to be floating on the ocean.
During high tide, most adults can wade through the water no more than knee-high, but maybe that might be too deep for the younger kids, it also deep enough to enjoy the swimming and the quality of the emerald green water is amazing. When the low tide comes and the water disappears, the magical island begins to appear, so hurry before the place becomes crowded!
How to get there?
From Legazpi City, look for passenger Van at Legazpi Bus Terminal that is en-route to Bacacay, Albay. Travel time takes around 30 minutes. From the last stop of the passenger van, Bacacay Port is already walking distance. The fare should not be more that 50pesos. Once at the port, look for passenger boat that has trips to Vanishing Island. If there are no available passenger boats, you may opt to rent a boat for 1,000 pesos good for 10. Travel time by sea will take around an hour from the port.
For our case, we contacted the Love Boat Tours Agency to assist us in our Vanishing Island trip. We paid 250/pax as joiners. Please note that the fee is only for the RT boat transfer. You may contact them thru 0916-293-8743.
Where to Stay?
There are floating cottages available on the island that costs 500 pesos or higher depending on the size of the cottage that you will rent.
Best Budget Hotels in Albay
 Mayon Backpackers Hostel From around Php 260 ⬇️ Compare prices here ⬇️ |
 Night and Day Inn – BonotFrom Around Php 520⬇️ Compare prices here ⬇️ |
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 Magayon Hotel From around Php 620 ⬇️ Compare prices here ⬇️ |
 Legazpi Tourist Inn From around Php 545 ⬇️ Compare prices here ⬇️ |
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Food?
It is advisable that you bring your packed lunch, snacks and drinking water with you because there is only one store on the island.
Disclaimer: Not a white sand island but is surely satisfying especially when you realize that you can actually enjoy swimming while being mesmerized by the beauty of Mayon Volcano from here.
| Actual Itinerary | |
| 08:00 AM | Depart from Legazpi to Tabacco Port |
| 09:00 AM | Arrival at Tabacco Port |
| 9:00-10:00 AM | Free Time/Waiting for other joiners |
| 10:00-11:00 AM | Travel time to Vanishing Island |
| 11:00-4:00 PM | Lunch/ Free Time/ Photo Ops |
| 04:00-5:00 PM | Depart from Vanishing Island to Tabacco Port |
| 05:00-6:00 PM | Tabacco Port to Host’s Home |
| 06:00-7:00 PM | Wash Up/Dinner |
| 07:00-9:00 PM | Social (Sharing stories with our Host’s) |
| 09:00 Onwards | Lights Off |
| Breakdown of Fees | ||
| Tour | Php 500 | Php 250 |
| Food | 300 | 150 |
| Jeepney RT Fare | 120 | 60 |
| Dinner | Free | Free |
| Total | Php 920 | Php 460 |
For our cottage, we got it for free. Thanks to Miss Gemma, our new found friend!
