Summer's almost over but I just can't afford watching it end without hitting the beach. So my friends and I searched for a place that's accessible and cost-effective. A friend recommended this little private man-made island that's not so familiar to the nonnatives of Lapu-Lapu City. The island is called Isla Romantica. According to Lolo Ben, he built the island himself for years.
So here's how you can get there. From Virgen de Regla Church or from the Ferryboat Terminal, you can take a jeepney ride going to Cordova proper. You'll see a bunch of traysikad (local version of tricycle). Just ask the traysikad drivers there and they'll take you to the port where you can see Lolo Ben, the one and only gatekeeper of Isla Romantica. For just Php20 / person, Lolo Ben will take you to and fro the island. Just let him know the time. :)
Entrance is free but only three tables are available there. Php 100 per table. It's first-come-first-served basis but if you'd come a little late, you can cordially ask those who came first to share their tables. Isla Romantica is situated in the middle of a wide seashore rich with sea urchins and varied seashells. The fine white sand is quite impressive; the only drawback is its vast seashore during low tide. It will take a 30-minute walk to reach a deeper spot for swimming. Fortunately, my friends and I are not into intense swimming routines so we were contented with the torso-level seawater.
We arrived at the island at 10 AM and was fetched by Lolo Ben at 6 PM. We waited for the tangerine sunset sky. The trip ended with Lolo Ben whistling gently while paddling our way home. Felt like drifting towards Venice Lagoon.
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| We walked few meters from the traysikad drop-off to the port where Lolo Ben waited |
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| Where we met Lolo Ben with his small boat |
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| The shade with a table where we stayed |
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| On their way home. They chose to walk back to the mainland |
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| We got bored so we went searchin' for this. |
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| Live sea urchins are like munchkins.lol. The ones on top are skeletons. |
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| The shore of Isla Romantica |
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| The vast shoreline at 4 PM. We had to be contented with this water level. hehe |
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| The friendly and cool Lolo Ben |
The afternoon sky! Credits to aldrinlesphotos.blogspot.com
In a Nutshell:
1. The place is not so big. It's perfect for group outing but can only cater few batches.
2. There are only three tables available. First-come-first-served basis.
3. No entrance fee.
4. The island doesn't have amenities like toilet, water, electricity, food shop, and dressing rooms. You have to be geared up.
5. Low tide is expected during the afternoon which makes it not ideal for swimming.
What you can do: pick seashells instead of swimming. LOL
Price Tag:
Table rental - Php 100
Fare (one way) :
from Opon Church / Ferryboat Terminal to Cordova - Php9
traysikad (from Cordova proper to port) - Php 10
boat (from port to island) - Php 10
Till our next laag!
XOXO,
Travelsome Chic
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