Quezon Province is filled with such beautiful Islands with crystal clear water and white sand beaches. Three of the Major Island in Quezon that is being popular nowadays are the Kwebang Lampas (Puting Buhangin), Dampalitan and Borawan. It is located near Padre Burgos, Quezon, 5-6 hours drive from Manila depends on the traffic. Quezon is a province of the Philippines in Calabarzon region of Luzon Island. If you really want to relax and free your mind this is the right place for you; No loud music, no parties, no crowded people.
KWEBANG LAMPAS or PUTING BUHANGIN
Puting buhangin which literally means white sand/Kwebang lampas can be travel by boat for about 20 minutes. You will see a the beautiful limestone rock formation in the cave. The island is good for swimming, sun bathing and beach bumming. The shoreline is clean and well maintained. There are a lot of shady area as well where you can just lay on the sand if you don't want to rent a cottage. Perfect to have lunch here, you can actually grill tilapias, barbeque etc.
SAND BAR
One of my favorite among the island that we visit and also the main highlight of the Quezon Province island hopping experience. The boat ride is 35 minutes, you'll passed the kwebang lampas and borawan. Unfortunately, the sand bar is not as huge island like we expected but it was so beautiful. The white sand is so fine and the water is so calm and clear, but make sure to watch for the sea urchins there's a lot of them here. You will also see dead star fish and sea shells along the shoreline.
DAMPALITAN ISLAND
The only island that is allowed to have Bonfires, good for overnight camping and pine trees. Just a little reminder if you want to have a less hassle-free camping, maybe you should contact a tour package because they offer electric lights in the island, equipments for grilling and cooking, island hopping tours. And buy all the things you need in the market because the prices in the sari-sari stores are so expensive (take note: it's their way of living there so don't haggle). The sunset in Dampalitan is breathtaking feels like you don't want to go home.
BORAWAN ISLAND
The last island that we went to before we headed back to Manila. The island called Borawan because it is like Boracay and Palawan combined. The white sand is fine surrounded by the big limestone rock formations along the island. 8ft Cliff diving is advisable here just avoid jelly fish and sea urchins.
PERSONAL NOTES:
- much better if you have tour package for less hassle
- buy your food in the market because the prices in the sari sari store is expensive
- bring sunblock to avoid sunburned.
- rent a car/van to avoid hassle
- make sure to drive at 12am so you'll arrived 6am in Quezon
TRIP EXPENSES:
Php 5,000 - Car Rental Manila - Quezon - Manila
Php 700.00/pax group of 9 - Island Hopping tour package
Php 200.00/pax - food expenses
Total = Php 1,500.00/each