DAPA ISLAND, MASBATE: IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIPS



2018 • 06 • 28

Dapa Island is part of the Burias Island-hopping trip you’ll do in Masbate. The island sets itself apart from the others in the group with its rugged but beautiful rock formation. The middle-of-nowhere feel is relaxing and allows you to forget the worries and stress of work.

How to Get There

Nearest Airport: Naga Airport (Camarines Sur)

By Air

  1. To cut the travel time, book flight tickets from Manila to Naga City. Travel time is one hour 15 minutes.
  2. Once in the city, look for the terminal that has jeep trips bound for Pasacao; the fare is around P30 per way.
  3. After arriving at the port, you can board public boats traveling to San Pascual, the jump-off point to island hopping. The fare for the boat ride is around P130; the trip may take up to three hours.

By Land

  1. If you were unable to get cheap flight tickets, there are regular buses plying the Manila-Naga route that travel overnight. The fare for this varies from P600 to P1000, depending on the bus company and class of the seat.
  2. Once in Naga, look for the terminal that has jeep trips bound for Pasacao; the fare is around P30 per way.
  3. After arriving at the port, you can board public boats traveling to San Pascual, the jump-off point to island hopping. The fare for the boat ride is around P130; the trip may take up to three hours.

 


Entrance Fee and Other Charges

  • Entrance Fee: As of writing, there’s no entrance fee.
  • Camping Fee: N/A
  • Cottage Rental Fee: N/A
  • Island Hopping Rate: P1500 – P3000 (good for 6 pax)

You can also book tours from Manila to the islands; packages cost around P3000 per person and include some meals, transportation, fees, and accommodation. Check the inclusions before booking.


Don’t Miss

  • Dapa Island has spectacular rock formations despite its small and unremarkable beach.
  • The waters are clear and ideal for wading or swimming.
  • Climb up the rocks to get a beautiful, overlooking view of the island and its surroundings.
  • This island is also a camping stop for those who want to spend a night on it.

Don’t Forget

  • Withdraw the cash you need before leaving Naga City.
  • Bring a power bank and/or extra batteries for your gadgets to keep them charged throughout your trip,
    especially for those who plan to spend the night on the island.
  • Bring some snacks and drinks for a picnic on the island, but clean up after yourself. Bring your own trash bag.
  • Put your cameras and phones in a dry bag to keep them from getting wet during the boat ride.
  • Bring your own tent, sleeping bag, and camping gear if you plan to spend the night or two on the island.
  • If you are staying for the night on one of the islands, buy food from the public market to lessen your expenses. Bring enough supply of water as there’s a limited supply of fresh water on the island.

If You Have More Time and Budget

  • After island hopping Burias Islands, you can return to mainland Luzon and go to Caramoan, Bagasbas Beach, or further south to Sorsogon to see Paguriran and the province’s other attractions.
  • You can also include Alibijaban Island in Quezon in your itinerary.

Where to Stay

If you are not camping on one of the islands because you are also planning to explore the island province of Masbate aside from Burias, here are the recommended accommodations according to Agoda users, in no particular order.

Ticao Island Resort
Photo was provided by the resort via Agoda.

For more options, search here: Masbate Hotels


Reminders

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