Nagarao, The crystal beach of Masbate
Masbate province is close to my heart because it's where my parents were born. I also studied there during elementary days but, we transferred here in Manila when I was in high school and I haven't got the chance to come back there until last month, August 2017.
Masbate is not one of the richest province in the Philippines. But it's actually one of the most beautiful province in terms of Aquamarine and white sand. You can even compare it to Boracay but it's a lot cheaper. In fact, it's almost free (compared to how much you're going to spend in Boracay) but you have to be willing to go through the travel experiences.
So I visited one my cousin in the place called Pasiagon, Placer, Masbate where most of the things that you can see is sand and sea, but it's not an island. This place is just surrounded by beaches. Of course, you can't miss their Sea foods, and it won't be complete without the native lechon, and lots of selfies.
ON THE WAY TO NAGARAO:
Well I got caried away with the food. So to cut it short, my cousins asked me if I wanted to go to Nagarao. Then I said, what is Nagarao? He replied "Nagarao is the most amazing place here in Masbate, so you got to see it before going back to Manila". I said, why not. Let's schedule it for tomorrow. Deal.
My cousin has a boat so we packed our things and food the next day, then we sailed on to Nagarao Island for 30 minutes. If you wanna go there, many people has a boat too, so you don't have to worry. You can rent their boat for a very cheap price which I will talk about later in this post.
As we get closer, it's getting more exciting as the water is getting clearer and clearer. And the island is getting whiter and whiter. See it for yourself in these unfiltered photos. Well these are not the best photos you can take if you have DSLR camera. These photos were just taken using my phone camera.
This is 500 meters away from the shore, but we can already see the fishes swimming under our boat, and the bottom of the sea from 1 to 2 kilometers distance from the shore of Nagarao Island. That's how clear the water is.
Look at the picture below, you might have thought that you already hit the sand. You're mistaken, the water is still at waist level but the water is very clear so it's hard to identify.
To be honest, this place is a paradise but people around here looks like they don't care. If this is just around Metro Manila, I'll be here almost everyday. All you have to pay there is the cottage that costs 300 pesos but the place is very elegant that can cost around ₱15,000 or more, here in Manila or in other tourist spots.
The people here are so nice too. They're very accommodating and will never ask for too much. We bought some fish from one of the fishermen for 150 pesos and he even gave me more for FREE. But if you know how to dive and get some Sea Urchins or fishes, you can get it for free. Just make sure you know how to use the snorkel.
Aquamarine waters, a white sandy soft to the foot beach, placid swimming, snorkelling and delicious, sweet Filipino mangoes and small 'sugar' bananas washed down with soft drink or beer - the only thing missing for some would be a good wine and a bed on which to take the post-feast nap.
Quite idyllic and typical of the uncrowded experiences that can be on offer in Philippines away from large group tours if one knows where to look.
So this is the real deal. How much are we talking about, to get there?
I'll start with public transport:
Now if you have a private vehicle (like in our case):
Masbate is not one of the richest province in the Philippines. But it's actually one of the most beautiful province in terms of Aquamarine and white sand. You can even compare it to Boracay but it's a lot cheaper. In fact, it's almost free (compared to how much you're going to spend in Boracay) but you have to be willing to go through the travel experiences.
So I visited one my cousin in the place called Pasiagon, Placer, Masbate where most of the things that you can see is sand and sea, but it's not an island. This place is just surrounded by beaches. Of course, you can't miss their Sea foods, and it won't be complete without the native lechon, and lots of selfies.
Picture with my cousins:
ON THE WAY TO NAGARAO:
Well I got caried away with the food. So to cut it short, my cousins asked me if I wanted to go to Nagarao. Then I said, what is Nagarao? He replied "Nagarao is the most amazing place here in Masbate, so you got to see it before going back to Manila". I said, why not. Let's schedule it for tomorrow. Deal.
My cousin has a boat so we packed our things and food the next day, then we sailed on to Nagarao Island for 30 minutes. If you wanna go there, many people has a boat too, so you don't have to worry. You can rent their boat for a very cheap price which I will talk about later in this post.
As we get closer, it's getting more exciting as the water is getting clearer and clearer. And the island is getting whiter and whiter. See it for yourself in these unfiltered photos. Well these are not the best photos you can take if you have DSLR camera. These photos were just taken using my phone camera.
This is 500 meters away from the shore, but we can already see the fishes swimming under our boat, and the bottom of the sea from 1 to 2 kilometers distance from the shore of Nagarao Island. That's how clear the water is.
Look at the picture below, you might have thought that you already hit the sand. You're mistaken, the water is still at waist level but the water is very clear so it's hard to identify.
To be honest, this place is a paradise but people around here looks like they don't care. If this is just around Metro Manila, I'll be here almost everyday. All you have to pay there is the cottage that costs 300 pesos but the place is very elegant that can cost around ₱15,000 or more, here in Manila or in other tourist spots.
You can almost own the place. It feels like I've rented the whole Boracay for only 300 pesos. It's a real jackpot!!!
Aquamarine waters, a white sandy soft to the foot beach, placid swimming, snorkelling and delicious, sweet Filipino mangoes and small 'sugar' bananas washed down with soft drink or beer - the only thing missing for some would be a good wine and a bed on which to take the post-feast nap.
Quite idyllic and typical of the uncrowded experiences that can be on offer in Philippines away from large group tours if one knows where to look.
So this is the real deal. How much are we talking about, to get there?
I'll start with public transport:
- From Cubao you can ride a RORO bus for ₱1,100 if you want airconditioned bus. Around ₱900 for non-aircon. It's gonna be a long ride so make sure you have your food and things ready. Estemated travel time to Placer Masbate directly is 20 hours.
- From placer you can ride a tricycle for about ₱20 going to Pasiagon where you can find beach resorts and rent a room to stay. You can have some rest in there, swim if you want before planning to go to Nagarao the next day. It's advisable to take a rest so you have the energy to swim at Nagarao for a whole day. Believe me, 1 whole day is not enough when you get there, so get ready.
- Going to Nagarao, there are a lot of fishermen in there who you can ask to get you to Nagarao Island. You just have to pay for the gas for not more than ₱100 and rent for the boat around ₱200 to ₱300 for the whole day.
Now if you have a private vehicle (like in our case):
- We spent around ₱5000 for the gas and all other stuffs on our way to Pasiagon, Placer, Masbate. Basically, you will have to travel to PIO DURAN Port around 12 hours depends on where you will be coming from (I assume, from Cubao). I suggest you get someone who knows how to drive too so he/she can drive when you feel sleepy on the way.
- We were 5 persons when we travel via car, so I think this is cheaper than riding in a bus but just a little difference.
- When you arrive at Pasiagon, you also have to look for a beach resort to rent their room to stay. There are a lot of beach resort in there so you can choose which one is good for you. In our case, we stayed at our cousin's house.
- Going to Nagarao, there are a lot of fishermen in there who you can ask to get you to Nagarao Island. You just have to pay the gas for not more than ₱100 and rent for the boat around ₱200 to ₱300 for the whole day.
If you need assistance you can contact this number. Just make sure you will mention that you're contacting about this blog:
Jerry: 09218230835
Enjoy!
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