Contributed by THELONEBUDGETTRAVELER
Quezon Province has always been a favourite spot when it comes to beautiful islands, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and island hopping activities. Compared to touristy destinations that will cost you thousands of pesos, Quezon wears one of the crowns for the most affordable places to visit in the Philippines.
Also read: 15 Secret Beaches in the Philippines You Probably Didn’t Know About
Kwebang Lampas
The famous Kwebang Lampas is located in Isla Polo, Pagbilao Quezon, a four to five hours drive from Metro Manila. Basically, the name of the island was coined as the island doesn’t only offer its visitors a white sand beach and clear waters but it also offers a magnificent cave that can be visited during low tide, around 7am to 10am.
There are two families managing the disputed area. The ownership issue is not yet settled and the case has been moved to the Supreme Court. The only problem when visiting this place is that everything here is too pricey. I suggest that you bring everything you need. However, nothing beats a good experience, right? This island truly worthy to be added to your 2017 bucket list.
Also read: The Philippine Bucket List: 20 Challenges Every Filipino Traveller Must Complete
Aerial shots credit to Jay Ramos
How to get there
Option 1:
Ride a bus from Cubao, Pasay or Quezon City that are bound to Quezon Province and tell the conductor to drop you off at Lucena Grand Terminal. You may opt to ride the Jam Liner bus at Cubao or Jac Liner at Pasay, Quezon City.
From Lucena Grand Terminal you have the following options:
- Hire a tricycle from Lucena Grand Terminal that will take you directly to Kwebang Lampas drop off point. Price usually ranges from ₱400-450 that is good for four persons.
- You can ride a mini-bus bound to Calauag or Bicol and tell the conductor to drop you off at Isla Polo Crossing. From crossing, you can hire a tricycle that will take you to the jump-off point for at least ₱350 that is good for four persons.
- There is also a jeepney at Lucena Grand Terminal that offers a ride going to Kwebang Lampas for ₱100 per head only. No fixed schedule but you may contact them beforehand via this contact number: 0909 028 7466 Lolly. This is actually recommended for big groups since you can hire the whole jeepney for lesser amount compared to chartering tricycles. Just negotiate with Lolly’s dad.
Option 2
You can choose to ride a bus that is bound directly to Calauag or Bicol and tell the conductor to drop you off at Isla Polo Crossing. From there, you can hire a tricycle that will take you to the jump-off point. It will cost you at least ₱350 good for four.
Things to do
- Beach bumming / swimming
- Caving
- Snorkelling
- Stargazing
- Island hopping if you have extra budget (Dampalitan and Borawan Islands)
Tips and reminders
- If you are in a big group (10 or more), you may contact Lolly and her father through this number 0909 028 7466. Negotiate the price that are just for both parties.
- If you are a group of two to four, you may opt to hire a tricycle from Lucena GT that will take you to the jump-off point. Less hassle. Haggle the price for ₱450.
- Bring everything you need to save money. Bring enough supply of food and water. Everything here is too pricey.
- Bring your power banks. As I said, everything here is too expensive.
- You can also contact this number 09072189845 – Lukang Guest to avoid paying tent pitching fee of ₱200. Once you arrive at the jump-off point, just tell them that you are guests of Lukang Family.
- You can rent a tent for ₱350, good for two.
- You can rent a Cottage for ₱500 for day tour and ₱700 for an overnight stay.
- Entrance fee depends on what time of the day you arrive as per Lolly’s testament. Usually, entrance fee for a day tour costs ₱125 and for overnight ₱185 pesos inclusive of the boat ride to cross the lake between the jump-off point the island itself.
- Once you cross the lake between the jump off and the island itself, you have the option to either trek for 10 to 15minutes or ride an overpriced boat that will take you to the oceanfront. I suggest that just trek to save money.
- Taking a bath? Be prepared since the water is too expensive. ₱50 per gallon bes! I recommend Lukang Guest. Same price but better CR.
Summary of expenses
JAM Liner Bus to Lucena GT RT = ₱426
Jeep to Polo Crossing = ₱25
Tricycle to Kwebang Lampas (350/2) = ₱175
Jeep from Kwebang Lampas to Lucena Grand = ₱100
Tent Pitching Fee (200/2) = ₱100
Registration – Overnight = ₱185
Food (400/2) = ₱200
Shower Fee (100/2) = ₱50
Total = ₱1,261
Also read: 12 Unique Restaurants in Quezon Province Worth Hitting Up
Another island found in the southern tip of Quezon is calling you! Check it out here: Alibijaban Island
