2019 • 04 • 19

The Tres Reyes Islands in Marinduque have soft sand and blue waters where you can spend a couple of hours taking photos, swimming, and beach bumming. One of the islands in the group is Gaspar Island; it is a popular destination because of its beautiful beachscape and relatively larger beach compared to the other two. This populated island is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the rustic life of the province.

How to Get There

Nearest Airport: Marinduque Airport (Gasan), Ninoy Aquino International Airport, also known as Manila International Airport (Manila)

By Air

For the longest time, the main mode of transportation from Manila to Marinduque has been land-to-sea transfer. But there’s a more convenient option now that Cebu Pacific Air officially launched its Manila-Marinduque route early this month, bringing Marinduque closer to Manila and vice versa. From more or less eight hours of traveling, Marinduque is just about an hour from Manila via air. The roundtrip airfare ranges from P3000 to P4000, depending on the season. Cebu Pacific flies Manila-Marinduque route three times a week — Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

By Land

VIA DIRECT BUS

1. Ride a bus from Cubao traveling to the province. Jac Liner has regular direct trips to Marinduque that cost around P1000.
2. Once in Balanacan, there are many jeeps traveling to the municipalities of the province, for the island hopping, get on one bound for Gasan.

VIA LUCENA GRAND TERMINAL

1. Get on a bus from either Buendia or Cubao bound for Lucena Grand Terminal; the fare is around P150 to P270 depending on the class of the bus.
2. From the terminal, get on a jeep traveling to Dalahican Port, which costs approximately P10.
3. You have the option to either ride the RORO or the fast craft to get to Marinduque:
• the RORO ticket costs around P150 to P260
• the fast craft’s fare is approximately P280 to P390 to Balanacan Port per way.

Note:The terminal fee at Dalahican Port is around P30.

4. Once in Balanacan, there are many jeeps traveling to the municipalities of the province, for the island hopping, get on one bound for Gasan.

 

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Entrance Fee and Other Charges

• Island Hopping Rates: P1000 – P1500 (Gaspar Island, Baltazar Island, and Melchor Island); P500 – P600 (Gaspar Island only)
• Camping Fee: Visitors need to ask permission before pitching their tent. Rates range from no fee at all to minimum fee of P100 to P150.
• Cottage Rental Fee: It depends on where you choose to spend your time on the island. It usually starts at P250 for nipa huts.

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Don’t Miss

• Gaspar Island is a great place to go swimming, snorkeling, and beach bumming in.
• Lay on the sand for sunbathing and douse the heat in its clear cool waters.
• The islands are also picturesque, ideal for those who want to take pictures of beachscapes.

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Don’t Forget

• Bring enough cash for your island hopping tour to Baltazar Island.
• Keep your gadgets charged by bringing a power bank and extra batteries.
• You can rent gear or bring your own if you want to go snorkeling.
• Keep your things dry by bringing Ziplocs and a dry bag.
• There are stores on the island but you can bring snacks and drinks, but leave no trace behind after enjoying the island.

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If You Have More Time and Budget

• After island hopping, you can spend an afternoon or overnight at Poctoy Beach.
• Marinduque also has some old churches worth visiting in Boac, Gasan and other municipalities.
• If you arrive at the right season, you can enjoy Moriones Festival.
• You can also spend an extra day and night in Maniwaya which is another island with a beautiful beach.
• You can also visit the attractions of Quezon such as the old houses in Sariaya, Borawan Beach and others on your way back to Metro Manila.

RELATED ARTICLE: Marinduque: Important Travel Tips

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Where to Stay

If you plan to explore the mainland, here are some of the accommodations in the province of Marinduque.

• Beach Club Cagpo. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Villa Briones. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Marinduque Hotels