Friday, August 14, 2015

Fortune Island -Nasugbu, Batangas

Located about 14 km from the coast of Nasugbu, Batangas, Fortune Island was once a luxurious resort but due some circumstances , it was abandoned and no more developments were made on the island. However,  the pillar inspired by the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, has lured many tourists, locals and foreigners alike, to this island.

One way of getting  into the island is by arranged day tour but with meeting time of 230am leaving Manila at 3am. The travel time is about 2 hours. You want to arrive in Nasugbu as early as 6am to catch the sunrise and the first boat. The boat ride to the island is about 1hour. Better visit this island on a good weather as the waters can be treacherous on a rainy day.  For a day tour, it is ideal to leave the island before 3pm to avoid the rough waves.

Upon reaching the island, you will immediately be drawn to the greek inspired columns as they stand at the edge of the cliff, tragic but beautiful remnants. 




 

It is sad to see the dilapidated cabanas and main building.


Trash like empty water bottles and alcohol litter the place.
 


However, the turquoise colored waters , the semi fine white sand and the beach will compensate for these ruins. 

Please take note:

  • There’s no potable water in the island ; you need to bring bottled water ( included in the day tour package is 5 gallons of water)
  • Bring your own food both for day and overnight trip; please bring trash bag and take with you your trash when you leave the island
  • No bathroom  - (you can take a shower back at the jump off point resort)
  • No working toilets for visitors - though the caretaker has his own little toilet but there is no flash ; he can offer it to those with emergencies only but you need to fetch water from the sea
  • The heat becomes so intense around 10am onwards so bring extra protection (umbrella, lotion, sunscreen, shades, wear rashguard.)
  • Do not be deceived by nice photos of the island; there are also not so nice part like the garbage scattered around the island and at the beach left by irresponsible visitors
  • After 4-5 hours at the island, nothing much can be done and the stay may become boring. 
Things to do in the Island
  • Swimming, snorkeling, cliff diving, photo shoot, hiking
Going back to Manila, you can opt to take the route  via Ternate, Naic and other municipalities of Cavite all the way to the newly opened Cavite Expressway (Cavitex). You will see  green rice fields, sea view and pass through Kaybiang tunnel where you can stop and take souvenir photos. 







There are food stalls near the tunnel and you can try siomai, banana cue and arroz caldo.
 
Travel time to Manila via Cavitex is around 3.5 hours because of the heavy traffic both in Cavite and in Macapagal Boulevard.

Expenses:
Tour  Php1,800 inclusive of van, breakfast, landing permit, boat rental
packed lunch at Jollibee Php 100
bottle water 1 liter Php 25.00
miscellaneous/pocket money Php 300 

Inquire from tour operator at 09156238961 or visit FB page Yob Red