Borawan – a peaceful island just a few minutes away from Padre Burgos in the province of Quezon, is one of the many unpopular getaways in the Philippines. If your looking for a breather away from the noise and pollution of the city, an unspoiled beach destination, and on a decent budget – then you certainly have to be at Borawan.
It doesn’t have the white sands of Boracay or the pristine waters of Palawan – but it has tranquility that’s hard to match. You could simply lay back and enjoy the peacefulness, opt to play volleyball with your friends, camp out along the shores on a tent, grill and drink up with your buddies, or even practice rock climbing!
How to Get Here
1. Via Public Transportation
From Manila, you could select a variety of bus lines that would take you to Quezon with route to Lucena City. We recommend JAC Liner bus line which is located at LRT Gil Puyat Station. It has round the clock trips to Lucena City Grand Terminal and will cost you around 220php for each person. Upon arrival at Lucena Grand Terminal you could choose to ride a bus or a van going to Padre Burgos – they could be easily found and if not, you could always ask the friendly people around. It would cost you 35php each from Lucena to Padre Burgos and will take about an hour to reach. From there, there would be a myriad of ways going to Borawan. In our case, we wend down at Padre Burgos proper and ask a tricycle to bring us to Barangay Punta near Tamarind Tree Resort (20php per tricycle). It’s a right turn uphill about a minute from the bus stop. You would reach an area with an open basketball court and a view of the sea. Here, it’s best to talk to the locals and you could say that you plan to go to Borawan – they would gladly assist you.
2. Via Private Vehicle
From Manila, take South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). Exit at Sto. Tomas, Batangas via Star Tollway. Continue on the way until you reach Lucena City, then Pagbilao. Following the National Highway, you would soon see a road split. Turn right and continue on until you reach Padre Burgos town proper. Continue on for about 1 minute until you see a right turn heading uphill. You would reach an area with an open basketball court and a view of the sea. In case you could not find it, the locals here are very much helpful.
Where to Stay
For those adventurous types, one could camp out a tent at either islands of Borawan, Dampalitan, or Puting Buhangin. There will be available showers and restrooms for all of these. Though in our experience, its much cheaper to stay at Borawan, then you could make your way on the three-island – either same day or the next.
For those who opt to a more resort-like stay, you could check in on Tamarind Tree Resort at Barangay Punta. Just a tricycle ride from Padre Burgos town proper.
The Budget
Budget below corresponds to the route taking the public transportation from Manila. We actually just negotiated with the locals here and borrowed tents already. Though tents would be available on the islands too. It’s good to have the locals guide you here as they even offered to cook our breakfast of Crabs (around 2.5kg for just 200php including rice and utensils)!!! Rates below are in Philippine Peso (Php).
1. Transportation
- From Manila to Lucena Grand Terminal (via JAC Liner): 219php each
- From Lucena to Padre Burgos (via local bus): 35php each
- From Padre Burgos to Barangay Punta (via tricycle): 20php
- Boat Rental for the 3 island tour: 1500php
2. Borawan Rates
- Entrance: 80 (day), 120 (overnight)
- Entrance (seniors/students): 60 (day), 100 (overnight)
- FREE entrance for 4 years old and below
- Cottage: 700 (small), 850 (large), +400 (overnight)
- Tent: 500
- Tent Space: 200 (small), 250 (large)
- Kayak: 200/hr (single), 300/hr (double)
- Volleyball: 80/hr
- Recharging of gadgets (occasional): 25
- Shower/Restroom: 70 (unlimited use)
- Shower: 20 (per use)
- Restroom: 10 (per use)
- Drinks/Snacks: varies (store available here)
3. Puting Buhangin Rates
- Entrance: 80 ea
4. Dampalitan Rates
- Entrance: 60 (regular), 50 (student/senior/pwd)
- FREE entrance for 8 yrs old and below
- Cottage: 650 (medium), 1000 (large)
- Tent Space: 200
- Tent Rental: 500
- Water (not for drinking): 40 (5 gal), 50 (big), 400 (1 drum)
Keep in mind..
Jellyfishes are pretty abundant in the area. It’s best to wear long swim wears and rash guards to avoid contact with them, and more importantly – goggles. In case you get stung, just swim gently but swiftly back to the shore and wash the area with salt water and if available – treat with lotion or shaving cream. Bring your fins if available because waters on the area tend go deeper quickly away from the shoreline.
Guards patrol the area 24/7. Don’t be surprised when locals pass by as a community exists right on the island.
Borawan Island would be the most convenient first destination among the three islands as its just a few minutes away from the mainland. You could stay here for the night or just opt for a day trip. Tents would be available on the island, though its wiser to negotiate with the boatmen (bankeros) for a cheaper price. When choosing to spend the night, it would be great to buy food in the public market of Padre Burgos – because prices on the island is a little bit pricey. The restrooms here are better compared to other islands so if you’re a little bit choosy on class, its good to stay here.
The island would welcome you with its large rock formations – enticing travelers to climb atop and enjoy the view of the sea. There are a whole lot of activities to do here. You could play beach volleyball, kayak, rock climbing, or just chill out facing the beautiful view of the sea.
Enjoy playing volleyball!
Feel the serenity of isolation.
A thrilling climb at Borawan!
Puting Buhangin is about 30 min away from Borawan. It is advisable to travel here in the morning when the waves are calm as it faces the open sea. Compared to Borawan, it has a shorter shore line but the water gets deeper quickly. It also has an abundant number of trees and makes the stay a little cooler. So if you’re not choosy about restrooms, then its a more refreshing to spend the night here. It features an open cave which is very popular among tourists – a nice spot for picture taking. There are a lot of fishes around here, though be careful of getting stung by jellyfishes and be aware of strong waves from the sea.
Puting Buhangin’s shoreline.
Explore Puting Buhangin’s popular cave!
Dampalitan is another popular destination here at Padre Burgos. It’s just a few minutes away from Borawan Island. It features an area only accessible during low tides. This area is filled with a lot of weird creatures an a spectacular view of the island from afar. Just note to be careful as it gets slippery along the way. It’s a good place for team building especially in larger groups as it has larger cottages. A store is available here. The restroom here is a little pricy that the other islands as they base it on the number of water containers used.
Dampalitan has a lot of trees that make the sea breeze so cool!
Only at low tides.
Camp out and feel the ocean breeze!
For those looking for a peaceful resort at Padre Burgos, Tamarind Tree Resort is one of the popular places to stay. Enjoy kayaking, kite surfing, swimming at the pool, snorkling, the famous mag-hibasan, and many more!! Feel at home on it’s Filipino style kubo cottages! For more information you could visit there beautiful website here.
Welcome to The Tamarind Tree Resort!
Filipino style cottages!
Trying out Tamarind Tree Resorts’ pool.
Informative post!! Thank you! Though, 2 questions, when we’d rent for a tent, do ee also pay for a tent space or not necessarily? And last thing…if you could give us an estimate of the total cost for the whole trip, granted that we’ll habe an overnight, that would be super great.. thank you. we’re quite a lot in number…
You could actually rent your tents when you get to Borawan. Yes you would have to pay for tent rental and tent space. Though if you’re in a large group, probably better to bring own tent and just rent 1 or 2 camp spaces. 🙂 Hope you enjoy your stay on Borawan. Just be mindful of those stingers!
hi! is this still the rate this month? thnx
Hi Grae, actually that I’m not sure if they had increased. But in case they do, it won’t be that high.
And if you do get new rates when you go there? Please feel free to update us so it could benefit others as well.
Thank You and have an enjoyable trip!
Hi guys !! Need boat rent and assistance? Borawan, puting buhangin at Dampalitan ? Just contact this no. 09064298071 ,0947 614 2289 and search for noeme thanks 🙂
Thanks Ellie for the useful info. 🙂
Friends there’s a certain changes particularly in borawan entrance fee, day tour is now 150/head & 220/ head overnight but it now includes the unli use of their fresh water and c.r.
For more info & friendly assistance regarding 3 islands we could be of help just call / txt us at 0906-915-7383/ 0920-2547-669.
We can also lend u of things u needed to lessen Ur baggages in camp. Tnx & Godspeed
Hi! Is there an area for cooking?
Yup at Borawan there’s an area for cooking. At off peak seasons, probably a grill as well 🙂
hi guys need boat rent and assistance in borawan, puting buhangin and dampalitan ? just call or text this no. 09476142289, 09358291788, 09329467601 seach for noime
09473413419 search for marlyn
09085317597 seach for marvin thanks enjoy 🙂
hi guys need boat rent and assistant? BORAWAN , DAMPALITAN and PUTING BUHANGIN ISLAND ? just call/text this no. 09476142289, 09956153995 and look for ate noime …:)
09085317597 marvin , 09473413419 marlyn .
hi. for a family with two young kids which island is best for overnight stay? thank you.
For kids, I think Dampalitan is best suited for an overnight stay. Borawan has a lot of jellyfishes that could hurt the kids. Same is through with Puting Buhangin which is very close to the open sea with high waves. Moreover, Dampalitan has cottages for rental as well and the beach is widest among the three. 🙂
That’s just in my opinion when thinking about kid safety 🙂
Hello there.
Do you want to spend your holidays In Borawan, Dampalitan, PUTING BUHANGIN?
For more info and for boat reservation
Please call or text 09094819703/09057028089
Thank you
God bless
If you’re looking for a new place to discover I recommend Borawan Islands. There are 5 islands near Borawan. We offer many kinds of services, Boat Transfers, Island Hopping, Tent Rentals if you decide to stay overnight or you can bring your own tent if you like. You can also rent a Hotel or a Cottage. We also offer Fishing Services to those that love that sport of Fishing. For more inquiries, bookings, and directions please contact Tim @09083778152
Tim Dalisay
Cell # 09083778152
Email: timdalisay@mail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/borawanislands
Instagram: @borawanislands
Thanks Tim!
I guess a lot has changed since I visited 3 years ago.
Hope Borawan is doing well!