"Padre Burgos, Quezon in the Philippines" Padre Burgos by Milliecious

Having been to the province of Palawan for a few times, we thought of looking for a place resembling its beauty: rock formations, sea and nature. In Quezon province, we found Padre Burgos, the first town in Bondoc peninsula. The place is not yet discovered by big commercialized, tourism business. The zigzagged road is well-maintained. In the town proper, there is a wet market, eateries, bakery and small stores for groceries. The distance from Manila to Padre Burgos:203 kms.
Commuters: 3.5-4.5 hrs. ride from Kamias/Cubao/Buendia. JAC liner bus going to Lucena grand terminal (estim.: 3 hours). Ticket: 229 pesos. Then ride a bus to Unisan (estim.: 45 -1.25 mins.). Ticket: 35 pesos. Public transportation is convenient in this area.
By car: From SLEX, follow Lucena exit. Drive in the direction of Sto. Tomas, Batangas then pass by Alaminos, San Pablo, Tiaong, Candelaria and Sariaya. In the divession road going to Lucena, turn left. Follow the road to Pagbilao. There's a road going up to your right with an arch “Welcome to Bondoc Peninsula”. Follow that direction until you reach the town proper.
WHERE TO STAY:
There are only two resorts in Padre Burgos for now: Villa Anita and Tamarind resort. Villa Anita has two locations: one nearby town (4 kms) and the old one at km 174 (15 kms). Bus price from town proper to km 174: 15 pesos. Huts per night starts at 900 pesos for 2 persons with breakfast and 200 pesos for extra bed.
Tamarind resort which is located in Bgy. Punta, is convenient because it is already by the sea. It is expensive and you must make a reservation in Manila with downpayment. Bringing own food is prohibited. Huts: 600-1,100 pesos per person without breakfast. Direction: Upon reaching the town proper, ride a tricycle or ask the conductor to drop you off opposite the parish church then walk down the street for around 15 mins. At the end of the street, you go right to the resort. To your left is the fisherman’s village.
A budget alternative is pitching tents in two islands: Borawan and Dampalitan. You have to hire a boat to reach the islands. Get off at Port Laguimanoc/Vista Playa for a boat ride.

One of the huge rocks of Mag-asawang bato

ISLAND HOPPING
Island hopping in Padre Burgos makes us nostalgic about our trips to Palawan. The jump-off points are Port Laguimanoc, Vista Playa restaurant and Bgy. Basiao. Prices per boat for 2 islands: 800 pesos, 3 islands: 1,200 pesos per boat; to Pagbilao grande island: 1,800 pesos.
Barangays Basiao and Marao have a beautiful view of Mag-asawang Bagocina, 2 islets jutting out in the sea. From the fisherman’s village in Bgy. Basiao, you can cross the seashore during low tide and head to these islets. Walk to Bgy. Marao to walk on beachfronts with huge and flat rocks. During summer season, people flock here for picnicking.
Dampalitan has its white sand, mangrove and nice beach. Entrance fee: 30 pesos. Huts: 600-1,000+ pesos. The huts need renovation though. There is no fresh water but it is sold there per container. You can order fish in their fishpond for around 600 pesos. Ask the caretaker to cook dampalit salad for you.
Borawan has rock formations where you can climb rocks though it is not yet approved by tourism council. Entrance fee:15 pesos and huts:400 pesos and up.
Maliit na Talabaan is a rock formation jutting out of the sea where boats can dock. Port Laguimanoc is located nearby.
Crossing the border of town is Pagbilao grande island with Puting buhangin beach where Kwebang Lampas (passing through cave) is situated. It has a white sand beach with rock formations. From Padre Burgos, the boat ride to Pagbilao grande is around 45 minutes. Before reaching the island, you will pass by Tulay buhangin, white sand and Mag-asawang bato (stone couple), 2 big rocks jutting out of the sea. At Pagbilao grande island, the entrance fee is 50 pesos. Hut rental:400 pesos. Pay 100 pesos entrance fee for an overnight stay.
Falls: Visit the Hinguin falls and Sipa falls by public/private transportation.
Mountain: Mount Lipata is an option for mountain hiking. It is located in Lipata island. You need a boat ride in going there.

• Pros:Imressive nature which is comparable to Boracay and Palawan, well-maintained zigzagged road, clear sea water, public transportation is accessible and easy from Manila, friendly and polite folks, not yet commercialized tourism
• Cons:as of the moment, only 2 resorts exist and one restaurant
• In a nutshell:A Palawan-Boracay feeling in Padre Burgos, Quezon!