Isla de Potipot: An escape to an island
- garciaaprilg
- Jul 12, 2018
- 3 min read
I felt the need to escape, to wander and to be somewhere peaceful. To stay away from the concrete jungle I'm stuck in. The city has been my home ever since I can remember but these days, it somehow felt suffocating. Maybe I'm just longing to be comforted by mother nature, The only mother I have left, that is. And so I bugged my best friend to go with me, although I am deeply sorry he got sick after this skedaddle. (I love you forever my favorite human! You the best! Again, I love you! )
And so the journey started when I left home at around 3PM. It was raining cats and dogs when I was on my way to Victory Liner, Caloocan. We were to get to a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Unfortunately though we left at 7 PM. Travel time was about 5-6 hours (madaming stop over kasiii). Anyways, we arrived on the island at around 2 AM. While on the way, I made a plan in my mind which was to first, set up a tent, and last, to start drinking soju. Yup, those were my only plans. And, you might be wondering, yes, I got drunk. LOL!
Contrary to the first time I was there, the island wasn't that crowded and it was windy, thus the waves. I thought I needed some time alone in a peaceful place only to realize that solitude can sometimes be lonely. Thoughts started to get into my brain again that I told my best friend to say something, or anything.
Anyways, the island was peaceful which was what I needed. Going there somehow helped.
The boatman and his wife, ate Jennifer was very nice so I recommend contacting them when you plan to visit this lovely island. Ate Jennifer's contact number is 09499167031. When we arrived at Uacon plaza at 2 AM, I called them and they fetched us with a free tricycle ride that usually costs 50 php.
Boat rental: 400 for 6 pax (back and forth)
Entrance fee: 300 for Day tour
500 for overnight
Tent pitching fee: 200
If you rent a tent on the island it will cost 400 (pitch included)
Bus from Victory Liner Caloocan to Uacon: 436
We took a bus at the terminal in Sta. Cruz when we were to go back to Cubao. Not sure how much it was but it wouldn't reach 500 php
You may also take ate Jennifer's package of 1500/head inclusive of boat rental, tent pitching, 3 meals and water. We didn't, we were contented with the food we brought aaaaand soju! haha
Tips:
Bring water
Insect repellent (grabe yung langgam beshie! Parang the island is theirs as in! )
Waterproof your things
Bring enough sun protection and rain protection as it is the rainy season
Bring food
Also, when at the terminal bound to Sta Cruz, don't tell the officer that you will go to Sta. Cruz which costs 451 php. Just tell you'll alight at Uacon for you to save 15 pesos din yun besh. ;)
Then pasundo na kayo kay ate Jennifer. Sila na bahala sa inyo.
For private vehicle:
Follow Waze or Gmaps lol!
If you opt to stay here overnight, you get to do kayaking for free for 20 minutes.
Sample Itinerary:
7:00 PM _ ETD Caloocan to Uacon, Zambales 2:00 AM _ ETA Uacon 2:30 AM _ ETA Isla de potipot 2:30AM - 4:30 PM _ walwal, swim, REPEAT 4:30 PM _ break camp 5:00 PM _ ETD Isla de Potipot 5:30 PM _ Bus to San Felipe (13 pesos) 7:00 PM _ ETD San Felipe to Cubao 2:00 AM _ ETA Cubao
This place is good for relaxing thy restless souls. I did.
If you have further questions, feel free to ask! ;)