There’s something beautiful about ruins, don’t you think? And the Greek-inspired ruins in Fortune Island are just some of the reasons why this island in Nasugbu, Batangas attracts tourists. Although Fortune Island’s past includes unfortunate events, the remnants of what was once an exclusive luxury resort on the island still add to its charm. They added a character to the island, one that is so captivating not to get acquainted with.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
About Fortune Island
Fortune Island is possibly one of the most beautiful camping spots in Nasugbu today. But before tent pitching became a thing here, it was the location of an exclusive luxury resort. However, luxury can’t really be sustained without water. In 2006, the resort closed down due to the lack of a freshwater source on the island. Luckily, the island was reopened a few years later. This time, devoid of luxury, but still brimming with its rugged beauty.
In this post, we will share with you important things you need to know to help you plan a trip to Fortune Island. We also included some tips and sample itineraries. So if you’re interested in exploring this treasure of an island, keep reading!
How to Get to There
Nasugbu is about 3 to 4 hours away from Manila, while getting to Fortune Island takes around an hour boat ride. But first, you need to go to Fortune Island Resort in Barangay Wawa. The resort is the jump-off point to Fortune Island.
- Jump-Off Point: Fortune Island Resort
- Address: Apacible Boulevard, Barangay Wawa, Nasugbu, Batangas
Private Car
If you’re driving, it’s easier to navigate using Google Maps or Waze. Just type in “Fortune Island Resort” as your destination. There are two routes you can take to get there. First is via CAVITEX, while the other one is via South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
Via CAVITEX
- From Manila, take CAVITEX. You’ll pass through Kawit, Tanza, and Naic, driving along Antero Soriano Highway.
- Continue along Governor’s Drive. You’ll pass through the towns of Maragondon and Ternate.
- Take the Nasugbu-Ternate Highway. This road will lead you through Mt. Palay Palay National Park and through Kaybiang Tunnel — the longest road tunnel in the Philippines.
- Continue driving along Nasugbu – Ternate highway to reach Nasugbu. You’ll pass through several barangays before reaching Barangay Wawa.
- Then, turn right to Tanigue Street and make a left turn to Apacible Boulevard.
Via SLEX
- Enter SLEX and take the Santa Rosa Exit. Alternatively, you can also take Eton City or Greenfield City. You may also take Mamplasan Exit if you want to drive through CALAX.
- Drive along Sta. Rosa- Tagaytay Road. Then, drive straight to Tagaytay – Nasugbu Road.
- Continue driving until you reach Tuy Rotonda. Then, turn right towards Palico – Nasugbu Highway.
- Drive along Palico – Nasugbu Highway until you reach another rotonda. Then, turn right towards J.P. Laurel Street.
- Turn left to R. Martinez Street. Then, turn right to Apacible Boulevard.
Travel Time: Approximately 4 hours
Parking Fee
- Day Tour: Car, 50; Motorcycle, 30
- Overnight: Car, 100; Motorcycle, 60
Public Transporation
- Get on a bus to Nasugbu, Batangas. There are a few bus companies plying from Manila to Nasugbu and they each have different terminals. You can go to DLTB Co. Buendia Terminal located near the LRT Gil Puyat Station. Another option is San Agustin Bus Line which uses the Genesis Bus Terminal near MRT Taft. If you’re closer to Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange or PITX, you can board a St. Gabriel Bus. The travel time is three to four hours, depending on the traffic. The fare ranges from P160 to P250.
- Alight at Nasugbu Town Proper. The bus terminal at the town proper is most likely the final stop of the bus. But for good measure, tell the conductor to drop you off at the town center so they’ll tell you when it’s time to get off.
- Ride a tricycle to Fortune Island Resort. The resort is the jump-off point to Fortune Island. The tricycle fare is P15 to P20 per person.
Travel time: Approximately 4 hours
Fares
- Bus to Nasugbu Town Proper: P160-250/person
- Tricycle to Fortune Island Resort: P15-20/person
Day Tour Package
For a hassle-free weekend Nasugbu getaway, you may also opt to book a private tour or join a group tour to Fortune Island from Manila. The pick-up locations in Metro Manila are Quezon City, Mandaluyong, and Pasay.
This day tour covers the following:
- Roundtrip Transfers (w/ insurance and driver)
- Boat Fees for Island Hopping
- Fees (Entrance and Environmental Fee)
- English/Filipino-speaking Guide, Photographer, and Videographer
- Pinoy-style Buffet Lunch
- Open Cottage
- Personalized Ref Magnet Souvenir
- Free use of Go Pro
- Free Drone Coverage (subject to availability)
You can secure your slot for this trip! Here’s the link for your convenience:
Fortune Island Tour Fees and Boat Rates
Once you get to Fortune Island Resort in Barangay Wawa, proceed to the information booth to register and pay the fees. Entrance fees and boat rates vary depending on whether you’re going for a day trip or staying overnight. Below are the fees and rates:
Fortune Island Entrance Fee
- Day Tour: P350/head
- Overnight: P500/head
NOTES:
- Walk-in guests are accepted, but if you’re going to visit during peak season, it is advisable to make a reservation.
- Children five (5) to seven (7) years old are eligible for a 50% discount, while children four (4) years old and below are FREE of charge.
Fortune Island Boat Rates
These are the round trip boat rates for Fortune Island. Rates vary depending on the size of your group. The smallest boat can accommodate up to four (4) people, while some boats that can accommodate up to 15 pax. As with many other destinations, the boat rates here would come out cheaper per head when you have a bigger group.
DAY TOUR
- P4,000 (1-4 Pax)
- P4,500 (5-8 Pax)
- P5,000 (9-12 Pax)
- P5,500 (13-15 Pax)
OVERNIGHT
- P4,500 (1-4 Pax)
- P5,000 (5-8 Pax)
- P5,500 (9-12 Pax)
- P6,000 (13-15 Pax)
NOTES:
- Children aged eight (8) and above are counted as a regular passenger. Another important thing to know is that the maximum capacity of each boat might be lessened when the weather and nautical conditions is not favorable to ensure the safety of the passengers.
- The boat operation schedule to the island is 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM, while back to the resort is 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Island Cottage Rental
- Day Tour: P1,500/cottage
- Overnight: P2,000/cottage
Camping Rates
If you want to save some money, there are also tents for rent. Or even better, bring your own and just pay the tent pitching fee!
- Tent Rental: P500/tent
- Day Tour Pitching: P100/tent
- Overnight Pitching: P200/tent
Resort Parking Rates
DAY TOUR
- Car: P50
- Motorcycle: P30
OVERNIGHT
- Car: P100
- Motorcycle: P60
Other Fees
- Municipal/Barangay Ecological Fee: P20/person
- Resort Shower Fee: P20/person
Day Tour vs Overnight Stay
Whether you should stay overnight or just visit on a day trip really depends on your personal preferences. Aside from time, the most important thing to consider is the comfort and convenience you’re looking for.
Overnight Stay
The only way to stay overnight on the island is to go camping. And this option is for adventurous travelers who don’t mind roughing it because there’s still no fresh water and electricity on the island. As of writing, they have salt-water-based comfort rooms and showers. However, going camping means you have more time to explore the island.
If you plan on going overnight, we suggest bringing your own tent instead of renting one. You can actually save more in the long run this way since you can reuse the tent for your future camping trips. However, if you are just curious about camping and you think this is a one-time thing for you, you can rent a tent at Fortune Island Resort.
Day Tour
If you have limited time or you prefer staying at a hotel or resort, you can choose to visit Fortune Island on a day tour. Just make sure to leave Manila earlyso you can maximize your time on the island. As noted before, the earliest schedule for boats to Fortune Island is 6:00 AM while the latest time you can leave the island is 4:00 PM.
Still planning to stay in Nasugbu after exploring Fortune Island? There are many hotels and resorts in town that you can consider for your stay. We’ll discuss this on the next section of this article.
Where to Stay
Fortune Island Resort
If you’re one who values comfort over anything, but you still want to stay in Nasugbu, you can book a room at the Fortune Island Resort on the mainland. They offer different types of rooms including pet-friendly ones if you’re planning to travel with your fur babies. Here are their rates:
Room Rates
- Room A: P3,000
Good for 2 Pax - Room B: P3,000 – P3,500
Good for 2-3 Pax - Room C & D: P3,000 – P3,500
Good for 2-3 Pax - Room #1: P6,000
Good for 7-8 Pax - Room #2: P4,500
Good for 7 Pax - Room #3: P4,000
Good for 5 Pax
NOTES:
- Each room has an air-conditioning unit, a hot and cold shower, free parking and free resort entrance. You can request an extra mattress for a fee of P500.
- Bringing outside food is permitted; no food corkage. Guests can also bring or rent cooking utensils.
- Check-in time is from 2:00 PM and check-out is until 12:00 PM.
Top Resorts and Hotels in Nasugbu
There are also other hotels and resorts in the area where you can stay. Among the most popular are Canyon Cove Hotel and Spa and Pico Sands Hotel. For more options, here are some of the top-rated accommodations in Nasugbu.
Top Hotels on Agoda
- PICO SANDS HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CLUB PUNTA FUEGO
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CANYON COVE HOTEL AND SPA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - FOREST CREST NATURE HOTEL AND RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CASITAS DE VICTORIA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Hotels on Booking.com
- RSAM BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SHORELAND BEACH RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - AS ILAYA RESORT AND EVENT PLACE
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SEABREEZE BEACH LODGE
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SANDS HOTEL NASUGBU
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
If you want more suggestions with more details about each hotel, you can also check our Top 10 Resorts & Hotels in Nasugbu article.
Find more Nasugbu Hotels!
Things to Do
Swimming and Beach Bumming
Honestly, even just chilling at the beach and taking in the beauty of the island would be an enjoyable activity especially if you’re after a relaxing getaway. There’s not much distraction here since it doesn’t get too crowded and you can even feel like you have the island to yourself if you visit on a weekday.
But of course, did you really go to the beach if you didn’t swim? However, it is important to know that even though the water may be shallow on the beach, the waves can be really rough. So just make sure to prioritize safety and not go too far into the water.
Photo/Video Sessions
We’d argue that photo shoots and video shoots are two of the biggest reasons why tourists still flock to Fortune Island despite its relatively abandoned state. Even from afar, the Greek-inspired ruins atop one of the island’s hills are the first thing you’ll see on the island and is likely the first spot you’ll go to as well. Many a bride, groom, and debutante have made this a backdrop for their videos and we can definitely see why.
Our team took advantage of the old-world charm the ruins brought and took our own photos and videos as well.
Cliff diving
On the other side of the island is a cliff diving spot. From the beach, you need to climb up the steps going to the acropolis. The cliff jumping side is to the right of the columns. Jumping here will bring you straight into the deep blue waters.
REMINDER! For your safety, it is required to ask assistance from the staff if you want to do cliff jumping.
Beach Camping
Whether you’re going on a day trip or staying overnight, you can pitch a tent on the island for a fee. And we highly suggest doing this even if it’s just for a day trip to skip on renting a cottage which would help you save on your trip. If you’re staying overnight, camping is a MUST because this is the only accommodation option you have on the island. Don’t miss on watching the sunset and going stargazing at night when you go camping. In the morning, you can also wake up early to catch the sunrise!
Snorkeling
It’s not just what you see ON the island that’s beautiful here. Even the underwater scene surrounding the island is worth exploring. It’s best to bring your own gear, but you can also rent one at the resort on the mainland before you make your way to the island.
Snorkeling Gear Rental: P100 – P150
Scuba Diving
If you’re a scuba diver, you would be delighted with the underwater gems that the island hides beneath the surface. One of the diving sites here is the wreck of Galleon San Diego, a ship that sank in the 1600s after it was engaged by the Dutch Warship Mauritius. Close to it, you would see a Volkswagen minibus. Other diving sites that can be explored here are the Blue Holes and Fortune NW.
Where to Eat
Although there are no restaurants or even a store on the island, there are food places you can try in Nasugbu. The concentration of fast food places and other restaurants are located in the town proper, which is one tricycle ride away from Fortune Island Resort. If you’re looking for recommendations on where to eat before or after your trip to Fortune Island, here are the restaurant’s we’ve tried in Nasugbu.
L’Bulalo
If you’re looking for a comforting dish, after your trip, you can go to L’Bulalo for…well, Bulalo! The bulalo we tried was very tender and the broth was flavorful. L’Bulalo also serves all-day breakfast and other Filipino dishes. Aside from that, they have seafood platters which is perfect if you’re dining as a group. When we went here for dinner, we also tried their cajun seafood which was a mix of crabs, shrimps, mussels, and corn.
El Cocinero by Chef Arnaldo
Another restaurant that you can only find in Nasugbu is El Cocinero by Chef Arnaldo. Serving mostly Spanish cuisine, this is perfect if you’re looking for something a bit different. The place is also great because it has a very homey vibe with a spacious and bright interior.
We ordered their signature El Cocinero Paella, Paella Mixta, and El Cocinero Pizza. The El Cocinero Paella is topped with mushrooms, shrimp, mussels, squid, and chorizo while the Paella Mixta has shrimp, mussels, and chicken. But if you’re still craving something more familiar, their menu also includes some Filipino favorites, pizza, and pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit?
November to May are the best months to visit because these are the driest months. Although Batangas sometimes get hit by typhoons in November, this does not happen on the regular.
You’d want to avoid the southwest monsoon season since the waves could be a lot stronger around this time. This is important since going to Fortune Island involves a boat ride. Another important thing to note is that March to May is considered as the summer season in the Philippines so more people take trips around this time.
Is there electricity on the island?
NO, there’s no electricity on the island. If you’re going camping, make sure that your electronic devices are fully charged and you have power banks to use for charging. It is also important to bring flashlights and camping lamps to use at night.
Is Fortune Island Safe?
Fortune Island is generally safe. But as with any other destinations, be mindful of your belongings because there are no locked storage or rooms where you can keep your valuables while exploring the island.
It’s also important to always take precautions when swimming because, although the water is shallow, the waves on the beach can be strong. Make sure to bring a first aid kit and medicines too especially if you’re planning to camp overnight.
Is it pet friendly?
YES! Fur babies are welcome on the island so you can take them with you on this trip! Just remember to be responsible pet owners and pick-up after your pets and dispose your trash properly.
Are there toilets and showers on the island?
The island only has saltwater-based showers and toilets, which means they get the water from the ocean. If you’re in need of a toilet or shower break while on Fortune Island, you’ll have to bear with the salty water. Expect that the toilet is only a basic one too where you would need to use a water dipper or tabo to flush manually.
If you’re in need of fresh water toilets and showers, you can find them at the Fortune Island Resort on the mainland. The resort charges a P20/person fee for the use of their shower area.
Tips and Reminders
- Bring food and water. Whether you’re doing a day trip or going camping, it is important to bring your own food and water on the island. There are no restaurants, stores, or vendors here so you should prepare in advance and bring enough food supplies for your stay, especially water. If you’re going camping, bring a portable stove or grilling essentials and cooking utensils you’ll need to prepare your meals.
- Go there early. Boat operation to the island is from 6:00 AM – 3:00 PM only. It’s best to go early to make the most of your time if you’re only going on a day trip because boat trips back to the resort are only until 4:00 PM. This is because the waves are strong in the afternoon. If you’re staying overnight, it’s still better to go early to find a good spot to set up your tents. There’s not much shaded areas on the island so it’s better to have your camp set up before more tourists arrive, especially if you’re going on a weekend or peak season.
- Bring a power bank. As mentioned earlier, there’s also no electricity on the island. So if you need to charge your gadgets while you’re there, make sure you have a power bank that would last you a while, especially if you’re going camping.
- Keep in mind the “Leave No Trace” principle for responsible traveling. Take Nothing But Photos, Kill Nothing But Time, Leave Nothing But Footprints!
- Use reef-safe sunscreen. Remember to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays. But to help protect the environment, we highly recommend getting a sunscreen that’s reef-safe. Get a sunscreen that don’t have chemicals like oxybenzone, benzophenone, and parabens.
- Apply insect repellent. If you’re staying overnight, make sure to use an insect repellent to avoid getting mosquito bites.
Sample Itinerary
Here are sample itineraries for a trip to Fortune Island. We included a day trip itinerary as well as for overnight stay so you can refer to this whichever you decide to do for your trip. These itineraries assume that you’re traveling as a party of four (4) and will split some of the expenses. Feel free to make adjustments on these itineraries depending on your budget and preferences.
Day Tour Itinerary
– Ride a bus to Nasugbu: P240/person
– Get off at Nasugbu Town Proper
– Take a tricycle to Fortune Island Resort: P20/person
– Pay entrance fee + Environmental Fee: P350 + P20 = P370/person
– Hop on a boat to Fortune Island: P4,000/4 = P1,000
– Take photos
– Lunch: P150/person
– Swim
– Leave island
– Shower: P20/person
– Tricycle to Nasugbu town center: P20/person
– Bus to Manila: P240/person
This itinerary will set you back P2,500. This includes transportation, entrance fee, food, and a bit of allowance for incidental expenses.
Overnight Itinerary
Day 1
– Ride a bus to Nasugbu: P240/person
– Get off at Nasugbu Town Proper
– Take a tricycle to Fortune Island Resort: P20/person
– Pay entrance fee + Environmental Fee: P500 + P20 = P520/person
– Tent pitching fee: P200/4 = P50
– Hop on a boat to Fortune Island: P4,500/4 = P1,125
– Pitch your tent
– Lunch: P150/person
– Take photos
– Swim and snorkel
– Watch the sunset
– Dinner: P150/person
Day 2
– Breakfast: P150/person
– Swim and/or go cliff diving
– Pack
– Ride a boat back to the mainland
– Shower: P20/person
– Tricycle to Nasugbu town center: P20/person
– Lunch: P150/person
– Bus to Manila: P240/person
Following this itinerary will set you back P3,000. This cost includes transportation, entrance fee, food, and a bit of allowance for miscellaneous or incidental expenses. You can still bring down this cost if you invite more friends so the boat rate would be cheaper per person.
Fortune Island Resort Contact Information
- Information Office: +63 930 230 8688 | +63 935 788 9777
- Facebook Page: Fortune Island Resort
Nasugbu Emergency Numbers
Below are some local emergency hotlines in the Municipality of Nasugbu in Batangas:
- Nasugbu Police Station
Mobile: +63 927 500 1199 | +63 998 598 5697
Landline: +63 (43) 276 9643 - Bureau of Fire Protection
Mobile: +63 995 446 5073
Landline: +63 (43) 4160125 - Philippine Coast Guard Nasugbu
Mobile: +63 915 043 9693 | +63 968 705 8583 - Philippine Red Cross Nasugbu
Mobile: +63 917 133 1427
Landline: +63 (43) 740 2356 - MDRRMO Rescue Nasugbu
Mobile: +63 917 508 9911
Landline: +63 (43) 233 1842
Updates Log
2024.07.16 – First uploaded
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