2019 • 04 • 19

The island province of Marinduque is famous for its Moriones Festival, annually held during the Holy Week. But beyond Moriones Festival, the province takes pride in its natural hidden treasures, one of which is Maniwaya Island’s Palad Sand Bar in the municipality of Santa Cruz. It’s a long stretch of powdery sands, surrounded by clear turquoise waters.

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 General Luna Port

1. From Buendia or Cubao, ride a bus going to Lucena Grand Terminal (P150-270).
2. From Lucena Grand Terminal, take a van bound for General Luna (P150-170). Travel time from Manila to General Luna is 5-6 hours.
3. From there take a tricycle to the port (P10-20). Find a boat that goes to Maniwaya Island (P150, less than an hour). Take note that this boat only leaves once a day.
4. You can charter a boat going to Palad Sand Bar from Maniwaya Island.

Via Dalahican Port

1. From Buendia or Cubao, take a bus bound for Dalahican Port (P150-270).
2. Ride a ferry (RoRo or fastcraft) bound for Balanacan Port (P150-390; P30 terminal fee).
3. From Balanacan Port, ride a jeep going to Santa Cruz (P100), and then take a tricycle to Buyabod Port.
4. Board a boat to Maniwaya Island (P70, inclusive of landing fee). If you have a big group, you can hire a boat (P1000-1500, one way).
5. You can charter a boat going to Palad Sand Bar from Maniwaya Island.

 
Alternatively, you can reach Marinduque directly via Jac Liner in Cubao for P900-1000. This includes bus fare, ferry fare, and terminal fee at the port. Departure time is 4:00 PM. Reserve seats an hour or two in advance.

 

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Entrance Fee and Other Charges

• Entrance Fee: FREE
• Boat Rental Rates: Around P1500 (from Maniwaya to Palad Sand Bar & Ungab Rock Formation); Around P4000 (from Buyabod Port to Palad Sand Bar & Ungab Rock Formation)
• Others: Bathala Cave (P50 entrance fee, P300 guide fee for 10 pax); Ka-amon Cave (P150 guide fee)

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Don’t Miss

• Laze on the powdery sands and bask in the sunlight while feeling the waters kissing your beach-thirsty bodies.
• Swimming!
• Take this opportunity to take Instagram-worthy photos.

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Don’t Forget

• Go as early as possible when the tide is low and when the place is not crowded yet.
• There are no cottages and huts.
• Leave nothing but footprints.

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If You Have More Time and Budget

• Explore Maniwaya Island and other attractions in Marinduque such as Tres Reyes Islands, Ungab Rock Formation, Paadjao Falls, Malbog Sulfur Spring, Bathala Cave, Ka-amon Cave, Poctoy Beach, and historical sites.

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