Pristine. Unspoiled. Golden. These are the three words that best describe Jomalig.
Jomalig Island (pronounced as humalig) is an isolated island found in the easternmost part of Polillo Group of Islands in Quezon Province. Even farther than the members-only, expensive-luxurious-exclusive island of Balesin. Jomalig has risen to fame in the recent years not only because of its long stretch of golden sand beaches but the entire island itself is truly unspoiled, like literally unspoiled from one place to another.
Quick facts
* founded in 1961
* as of 2015 census, it has a population of around 7,400.
* land area is 56.65 km², slightly bigger than Parañaque City at 47.28 km².
* the least populated municipality in the province of Quezon.
* inhabitants said to have originated from nearby provinces of Camarines Norte, Sur, Catanduanes and the mainland Quezon province.
* electricity is available from 6PM to 5AM the following day.
* both Globe and Smart have coverage, good enough to make/receive calls from/to your loved ones in the Metro. Parts of the island does not have signal though.
Topography wise, Jomalig may be one of the most difficult places that I have visited in terms of transportation because it features a 3-4 hours of bus ride from Manila to Real (jump off point) and 5 hours of wavy, bumpy and hmmm, yeah "heart pounding", "stressful" boat ride. Getting there is already an adventure in itself. This reminds me of our trip to Calaguas 2 years ago.
How to get to Jomalig
Raymond Bus in Sampaloc has hourly trips to Real for 170 pesos. Tell the driver to drop you off at Ungos Port, where boats going to Jomalig are docked. Boats to Jomalig are limited to 2 trips a day only. We are lucky enough to hop on the first trip that left the port almost 7AM. Other trip is at 10AM. Its best to leave Manila during wee hours, our van (beside Raymond Bus, 200 pesos) left MNL at 2AM just in time to reach Real at around 4AM. Boat fare is 400 pesos, inclusive of 1 meal (fisherman's meal). The boat is designed for fishing purposes but it has chairs where you can sit and can sleep on the upper deck. We chose not to get in the upper deck because it was already full. In my case, I was totally fine seating at the lower deck since I will have access to the life vests, just in case something might happen. (hihihi) It was past 12 noon when we reached the port in Brgy. Talisoy. Since it was low tide, the boat couldn't dock near the port so we had to pay extra 10 pesos for boat transfer. From the port, you will have to pay 150 pesos for environmental fee. Then 50 pesos for habal habal to your point of destination.
Where to stay in Jomalig
Days before this trip, i chanced upon some blogs about resorts or homestays in Jomalig where we can spend the next 3 days and 2 nights in the island. I found Tejada's resort the perfect place to stay. I contacted the owner of the resort, who happens to be the former Councilor of the Town, Tatay Rudy. Contact number: 09309027532. We stayed in one of the rooms for 500/night good for 2. But since we are 3 on this trip, we paid 250/head in a room or 500 pesos for 2 nights.
Camping is very much allowed in the place where we stayed. No tent? no problem. Rent a tent for only 200 pesos per night and a one time camping fee of 150 pesos.
Getting around Jomalig
Like other island provinces that I have already visited like Siquijor, getting around Jomalig can be done the whole day with a fixed fee of 600 pesos for the habal habal.
Salibungot Beach
Probably the most beautiful beach in the island. This is where you will find the "I love Jomalig" signage where you can have unli selfies/groupies.
Lingayen beach/cove
My top pick in Jomalig. This is where you will get to see huge waves coming from the open sea. There is an entrance fee of 30 pesos.
Kanaway/Canaway Island
Little Boracay
Yes. There is a white sand beach in Jomalig. Owned by a local, my friend on this tour Gabby got the chance to "interview" this very humble man who owns the beach. His income coming from entrance fees (10 pesos i think) and selling of buko juice, camping fees enable him to send his kids to school and are now working abroad as professionals. Such a humbling experience from a very humble man.
Other "scene-stealing activities" in Jomalig
Until then.
Jomalig, Quezon, conquered.
