Memories from one of my favorite destinations of 2015 – Jomalig Island with some of the best travel friends anyone can ask for – priests from the Alagad in Maria Community and The Friends of the Alagad ni Maria in Leading the Youth (F.A.M.I.L.Y.) Pilgrims from California.
In September 2015, the Alagad ni Maria Community celebrated their 25th Founding Anniversary in the Philippines. In celebration of the event, there were religious activities and two side trips – a trip to Palawan or a trip to Jomalig Island with a mission to distribute rice and gifts to under privileged families. With a lot of thought and courage and conquering my fear and anxiety of swimming in deep water, I decided I have to take some calculated risk. So, I surrendered myself to experience the 6-hr boat ride from the port in Real, Quezon to the Island of Jomalig. And YES, it was the best decision I made! I came to experience the simply unmatched natural scenery, untouched beauty, and delicious cuisine of Jomalig Island locals.
Jomalig Island is a small, uncommercialized, and uncrowded island tucked in the northeast part of Quezon Province. The travel time going to Jomalig Island is quite long, but it is worth it. It will take 5-6 hours boat ride from the port in Real, Quezon. At that time, the island is still undeveloped – there are no hotels or air-conditioned boarding lodge, so the Alagad ni Maria Community Priests arranged with selected locals to accommodate us during our stay in the island. Our daily meals were catered by a group of locals chosen by the priests as well. Its unique fine golden sand, clear waters, clear blue skies, great people, and breathtaking views and most especially for the religious mission of the AM Community and our group left me an indulging feeling and never-ending beautiful memories in my collection of timeless escapades fulfilled. It really made a great mark in all my adventures.
Travel Tips to Jomalig:
- You have to be at the port before 5 a.m. to catch the first trip of the boat going to Jomalig so you will arrive on the island during lunchtime and enjoy the rest of the day on the beach.
- It is going to be a long ride in the sea, so it is in your best interest to bring your portable video games, iPad or you can just sleep all the way to the island so you can take a rest before having a dip on the beach.
- There is no electricity from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. so make sure to charge your gadgets prior to visiting the island and bring your power banks.
- Bring an action camera or a drone with you if you own one and capture the pristine beaches and untouched beauty of the island.
Photo Credits to: Ike Quiaoit
