Ultimate Travel Guide to Burias Island, Masbate

Summer spells sea, sun and sand. Our country is a tropical paradise and boasts of beautiful islands and beaches. We'll never ran out of water activities to do all year long! 

If you're looking for an ideal place that will put your mind at ease and soothe your senses, then I highly recommend going to Burias Island in Masbate. It's  perfect for those who want to avoid island parties and uber crowded shorelines. Backpackers will surely enjoy the charming seascape and the laid back vibe.

Burias Island is one of the three major islands of Masbate. The other two major islands include Ticao and Masbate Island. The island has two municipalities, Claveria and San Pascual.

(Watch in HD)
SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 0
10:30PM	Meet up
11:00PM	ETD to San Andres Port
DAY 1
6:00 AM	ETA San Andres Port
7:00 AM	Breakfast ; Buy supplies/Market
8:30 AM	ETD to Animasola Island
10:30 AM	ETA Animasola Island (photo ops, swimming)
12:00 NN	Lunch
1:00 PM	ETD to Tinalisayan Island
1:30 PM	ETA Tinalisayan Island (photo ops,swimming)
3:30 PM	ETD at Sombrero Island
4:30 PM	Pitch Tent at Sombre Island, free time
8:00 PM	Dinner/Socials
DAY 2
6:00 AM	Wake Up Call, Watch Sunrise at Sombrero Island
8:00 AM	Breakfast
9:00 AM	Snake island
12:00 NN	Lunch
1:30 PM	Alibijaban Island
4:00 AM	ETD San Andres Port
4:30 PM	ETA San Andres Port
5:00 PM	ETD Back to Manila
9:00 PM	Dinner (stop over)
11:59 PM	ETA Manila

WHAT TO DO IN BURIAS ISLAND
Aquaholics will have a great time in the beautiful islands of Burias. During our tour, we went island hopping and visited  the islands of Animasola , Tinalisayan, Sombrero, Snake Island and a side trip at Alibijaban Island in Quezon Province.
The pristine, crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the beaches are a sure treat during a summer's heat. The gorgeous rock formations in Animasola Island is jaw-dropping and instagram-worthy.

 

Tinalisayan Island is perfect for beach bumming, The glittering waters were refreshing. The sand bar was amazing. This is my favorite place in Burias!

We pitched our tent and spent the night at Sombrero Island. Wile the night away looking at the skies, star gazing. Be sure to wake up early and catch the sunrise- it is breathtaking! Walk along the shoreline or go people-watching. (Click HERE to see the beautiful morning we had at Sombrero Island.)

Ever wonder why it is called Sombrero Island? :)
Snake Island is ideal for the more adventurous ones. One can jump from its rock formations for an added adrenaline rush. Be careful though because the rocks are sharp. It is called Snake Island, not because it was named after the friend who stole your ex, but because, as our guide told us, there are some snakes in the island that lurk during the night. During the time that we were there, we found no snakes, so don't get scared just yet. :) (Check the video posted above to see my friends do cliff jumping.)

Complete your beach bumming experience with a side trip to Alibijaban Island in Quezon Province. Goof around with your friends with the mangroves at the background. If you reach the area early, you may be lucky to see the sandbar.

HOW TO GET THERE
Manila to Quezon (by bus) - Ride a bus going to San Andres, Quezon Province - From San Andres Port, inquire regarding boat rental (2.5-3 hours boat ride to Animasola Island) Manila to Masbate (by plane) - plane ride is 1 hour - boat ride to San Pascual is 8-9 hours Manila to Naga (by bus) - Ride a bus going to Naga terminal (8 hours) - From Naga Bus Terminal, ride a van/ jeep to Pasacao Terminal (1 hour) - From Pasacao Terminal, walk or ride a pedicab to Pasacao Port (5 minutes) - Ride a boat to San Pascual Port (2-3 hours)
BUDGET
We got a tour package that cost us P2,800. It covered the van transportation (Manila- San Andres Port RT), boat rental and island hopping, food ( lunch-dinner-breakfast) tent and other fees. If you wish to DIY, the bus bound to San Andres via Superlines costs P450. Boat rental for island hopping is around 4000- 7000 (depending on boat size; you may split the cost among your group). You may buy food supplies at the market in San Andres Port. Tent may be rented for 300.
TID- BITS
1. Bring a waterproof bag or cover your bags and things in plastic. The sea could be wavy and it's best to secure your things from getting wet. 2. If you wish to stay over night, you may pitch tent at Sombrero or Virgin Island. If you haven't arranged for a tent rental, make sure you bring your own. 3. There are small stores at Sombrero Island. There are also charging stations there for your gadgets. I just dont have an idea how much because I brought power banks with me. 4. Prices are a little higher at the island. Best to buy everything you need before hand at the market in San Andres port. 5. There's limited water at Sombrero Island. After island hopping, we yearned for a nice bath. Unfortunately, we were at a time when the island is full of tourists and guests and water was a scarcity. I learned that water in the island had to be transported there. The island does not have its own water connection. Calling the attention of the Masbate government- I hope we can do something about this. 6. Use of rest room is from P10-P50. 7. There's a mobile signal for Globe subscribers. Burias Island is rustic and charming. This is an ideal place for someone seeking separation from the busy metropolitan life. Indulge in that much needed rest and relaxation- Burias Island had you covered.

CHECK MY OTHER POSTS
7 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT CARAMOAN MESMERIZING CORON CULION PALAWAN: ROAD LESS TRAVELED

**

Let's connect.

facebook/ twitter/ instagram