HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014!!! Summer is almost here!
white sands and beautiful coral gardens to boot !!!
Please call the island caretaker Mang MULO directly at smart numbers 09294670505 / 09288568242. Tell him you were refered by DEMETER or FRANCIS to avail of discounts!!! Reserve early!!
white sands and beautiful coral gardens to boot !!!
I first visited this island 5 years ago during holy week. Back then, I just looked for an island on googlemaps, got the coordinates and let my GPS lead the way. I didn't get a very good impression then because the place was HOT, as in no winds at all. The waters were full of sea grass and I swam for hours without finding any corals or marine life at all. To be fair, the beach was very nice and there were sari-sari stores nearby where we easily got supplies.
(photo below: beautiful coral gardens of Magalawa Island!)
I decided to give it another shot recently and WOW!, I'm sure glad I did! Not only did I find the coral gardens so beautiful but I discovered it was not far at all from the shore! About 50meters or so from the campsite at the front of the island (facing N-NW). Another discovery is that it's pretty COOL at the front of the island afterall!!! (facing San Salvador island) as the winds blow constantly.(photo below: camp site, right:Raymond with coral garden as background)
Beach-goers will find magalawa island to be a real treat as it has BOTH a sandy beach and some great coral gardens. PLUS there is a marine sanctuary between this island and the island called San Salvador where a much more beautiful coral garden can be found. Swimming around the beach front coral garden is free, no charge at all. However, visiting that marine sanctuary coral garden will set you back a couple of hundred pesos per head(plus you need prior permission so pls arrange beforehand).
Most of the locals on the island are quite friendly enough. There are some ready cooked meals you can purchase on the island for abt. 30 to 50pesos and camping grounds you can use if you have a tent. There are also some cottages for rent that can fit 6pax at 1000/night. If you bring your own tent then you just have to pay the minimal 100pesos entrance fee and the 2way boatride from/to the mainland.
What's new is that I noticed that some unscrupulous entities have built a resort on the island I've asked around among the villagers and apparently these people are not even natives of the island but just muscled their way in with neither papers nor permission from the natives nor the owner Madam L.Ruiz. These people led by a certain Grace and Boy Armada, who are essentially squatting on the island, have the GALL to setup a Facebook account and charge 1.8k/pax for their shoddy huts and pitiful fare they call food. (oh, they charge 1.6k if you BRING YOUR OWN TENT... crazy! --prices cited true when this blog was created and may have changed later...) They even demand down payments?(what the...) The beautiful resorts in Anilao,Mabini,Batangas offer 4 buffet meals, a decent bed and coffee all you can for less than that and none of them require a down payment. The resort that these people built, being mere squatters, are located at the back of the island near the mangroves and thus are devoid of any wind. I also heard that once, when the island's owner Madam L.Ruiz visited Magalawa, she ordered the "guests" of this Grace Armada NOT to pay and temporarily closed their resort. wow...
(photo below: Raymond with fresh catch of the day, sandy beaches on Magalawa Island)
Beach-goers will find magalawa island to be a real treat as it has BOTH a sandy beach and some great coral gardens. PLUS there is a marine sanctuary between this island and the island called San Salvador where a much more beautiful coral garden can be found. Swimming around the beach front coral garden is free, no charge at all. However, visiting that marine sanctuary coral garden will set you back a couple of hundred pesos per head(plus you need prior permission so pls arrange beforehand).
Most of the locals on the island are quite friendly enough. There are some ready cooked meals you can purchase on the island for abt. 30 to 50pesos and camping grounds you can use if you have a tent. There are also some cottages for rent that can fit 6pax at 1000/night. If you bring your own tent then you just have to pay the minimal 100pesos entrance fee and the 2way boatride from/to the mainland.
What's new is that I noticed that some unscrupulous entities have built a resort on the island I've asked around among the villagers and apparently these people are not even natives of the island but just muscled their way in with neither papers nor permission from the natives nor the owner Madam L.Ruiz. These people led by a certain Grace and Boy Armada, who are essentially squatting on the island, have the GALL to setup a Facebook account and charge 1.8k/pax for their shoddy huts and pitiful fare they call food. (oh, they charge 1.6k if you BRING YOUR OWN TENT... crazy! --prices cited true when this blog was created and may have changed later...) They even demand down payments?(what the...) The beautiful resorts in Anilao,Mabini,Batangas offer 4 buffet meals, a decent bed and coffee all you can for less than that and none of them require a down payment. The resort that these people built, being mere squatters, are located at the back of the island near the mangroves and thus are devoid of any wind. I also heard that once, when the island's owner Madam L.Ruiz visited Magalawa, she ordered the "guests" of this Grace Armada NOT to pay and temporarily closed their resort. wow...
(photo below: Raymond with fresh catch of the day, sandy beaches on Magalawa Island)
There is, however, a very good camping ground located on the front of the island. This is near the small town where you can get supplies PLUS no danger of clashing with the locals as all of them are against this Grace and Boy Armada and their illegal squatting on their island.
My suggestion is that you call Raymond Tordillo at SMART+639294670505 OR (02)983-0432 to help you coordinate your trip.
I suggest you only deal with and talk to the Tordillo Family, namely, Mulo the island caretaker, Mily, Albert, Junior, Christian or Raymond. They are the only ones trustworthy. ESPECIALLY KEEP AWAY FROM THIS GRACE AND BOY ARMADA!!!Respective fees are as followsEntrance fee 100\pax overnight,
. (includes CR and maintenance fees)
Boatpick up (2 way)
. -- 100/pax-kung galing luan
. -- 200/pax-kung galing masinloc
Cottage 1000\night (up to 6pax)
tent rental (300?) not sure, please inquire
snorkel rental(100/2hrs) please inquire
bonfires permitted for a small fee.
Meals available at 100?/meal/pax (set 4meals and 5pax up only)
** starting Nov.,2011 the meal package has been adjusted so pls inquire nalang
My suggestion is that you call Raymond Tordillo at SMART+639294670505 OR (02)983-0432 to help you coordinate your trip.
I suggest you only deal with and talk to the Tordillo Family, namely, Mulo the island caretaker, Mily, Albert, Junior, Christian or Raymond. They are the only ones trustworthy. ESPECIALLY KEEP AWAY FROM THIS GRACE AND BOY ARMADA!!!Respective fees are as followsEntrance fee 100\pax overnight,
. (includes CR and maintenance fees)
Boatpick up (2 way)
. -- 100/pax-kung galing luan
. -- 200/pax-kung galing masinloc
Cottage 1000\night (up to 6pax)
tent rental (300?) not sure, please inquire
snorkel rental(100/2hrs) please inquire
bonfires permitted for a small fee.
Meals available at 100?/meal/pax (set 4meals and 5pax up only)
** starting Nov.,2011 the meal package has been adjusted so pls inquire nalang
Another great advantage going there is that the coconuts and mangoes found on this island and the island next to it called San Salvador island are definitely the SWEETEST and CREAMIEST I have tasted so far. Genuine Zambales mangoes! You must be there during (summer) mango season though...Getting there is EASY! Just ride the Victory liner bus headed for Sta.Cruz and go down at either (PhP360+)Pangolingan,Veritas(before masinloc) or at (PhP380+)Masinloc town itself. I suggest Pangolingan because the boatride will be cheaper. Once at pangolingan just take a tricycle to Luan where you can arrange to meet Mily or Alberto Tordillo. If you go down at Masinloc, take a tricycle or walk the few hundred meters to the market where the port is found and arrange to meet Mily there.
Private Car: directionsUPDATE May 12, 2011:SUBIC Base Gate 3 is NOW OPEN.
Private Car: directionsUPDATE May 12, 2011:SUBIC Base Gate 3 is NOW OPEN.
DIRECTIONS (private car)From Manila take the NLEX then on to SCTEX. Exit at SUBIC NAVAL BASE and then exit the base via Gate 3 (For those who wish to use GATE2 towards Olongapo, please follow the map on the left).<<<------------
Then, stay on the national road until you reach Pamulingan, Barangay Veritas.
Turn left towards Luan Port or you can also go straight to Masinloc town and park there. Thats your choice.
Please view the details (pros and cons) of both options below.
OPTION1: Turn left at Pangolingan(Pamolingan) Veritas and head towards Luan Port.
PROs: Boat pickup is cheaper (100/pax, no min pax count), boat ride is shorter (10mins lang)
CONs:Parking is expensive! (200/night), tryc ride also expensive 150/oneway/tryc
PROs: Boat pickup is cheaper (100/pax, no min pax count), boat ride is shorter (10mins lang)
CONs:Parking is expensive! (200/night), tryc ride also expensive 150/oneway/tryc
OPTION2: Turn left at MASINLOC TOWN PROPER and go to Masinloc Port.PROs: you can walk the 500meters to the port or hire a tryc cheap!, parking is cheaper (100/night)
CONs: Boat ride a bit more expensive (200@ for the 2way trip, min 6pax), boat trip longer (30mins)
FINAL OPTION: You can hire a private VAN ! Call Raymond Tordillo now (09222688111 or <02>983 0432) to get an estimate for your particular group. For a group of 11pax, you can avail of their ALL-IN Magalawa Island overnight package for only PhP1,600 pesos/pax inclusive of...
1. Manila < > Zambales roundtrip
2. Boat Transfers
3. Entrance fee
4. Cottage accomodation (5-6 in 1 cottage)
5. Driver,Gas and Toll fees included
price also INCLUDES FOOD (4meals)
***starting Nov.2011 food package has gone up slightly so this may have changed a bit, pls inquire
Now THAT's a real bargain I think!
Visit the website of one of the locals HERE! R.Tordillo@angislako.blogspot.comCAUTION:As usual the sand was full of sandflies so I caution the beachgoers to bring the proper repellant. OFF lotion does not work at all on these small bloodsuckers. They sell sandfly repellant on the beach but in case you can't find any just bring some of your own. Its very simple to make. Just mix 1part baby oil, one part alcohol and one part lysol plus add some CITRONELLA oil. Thats it. Shake and apply liberally to your skin.
FINAL CAUTION:DO NOT GO DURING HOLY WEEK! As with all good beaches, the place gets pretty packed! Try to go before or after peak dates so you can really enjoy the experience.
For more information on Things to do, What to bring and TOURIST TRAPS please visit virtualtourist.magalawa.island !
1. Manila < > Zambales roundtrip
2. Boat Transfers
3. Entrance fee
4. Cottage accomodation (5-6 in 1 cottage)
5. Driver,Gas and Toll fees included
price also INCLUDES FOOD (4meals)
***starting Nov.2011 food package has gone up slightly so this may have changed a bit, pls inquire
Now THAT's a real bargain I think!
Visit the website of one of the locals HERE! R.Tordillo@angislako.blogspot.comCAUTION:As usual the sand was full of sandflies so I caution the beachgoers to bring the proper repellant. OFF lotion does not work at all on these small bloodsuckers. They sell sandfly repellant on the beach but in case you can't find any just bring some of your own. Its very simple to make. Just mix 1part baby oil, one part alcohol and one part lysol plus add some CITRONELLA oil. Thats it. Shake and apply liberally to your skin.
FINAL CAUTION:DO NOT GO DURING HOLY WEEK! As with all good beaches, the place gets pretty packed! Try to go before or after peak dates so you can really enjoy the experience.
For more information on Things to do, What to bring and TOURIST TRAPS please visit virtualtourist.magalawa.island !
UPDATE November 2, 2011
1. Good news! The Ruiz Resort in Magalawa Island is NOW OPEN for Amihan season 2011-2012!!! Please call Raymond Tordillo for reservations now!!! 0922 268 8111 or (02)983 0432
2. Parking at LUAN PORT in Pangolingan has been raised to a whopping 200pesos / night. However, there is now a guarded parking area in Masinloc Port, Town proper at only 100pesos/night. Please choose which option is right for your group.
3. GATE 3 in Subic Bay Freeport Zone is now OPEN ! (hooray!!!)
I took pictures of the current facilities at the campgrounds. ENJOY!
NEW COMMUNAL TOILETS at the campgrounds! (rightmost image: hooray!!!)
UPDATED PICTURES May 20, 2012
158 comments:
Thank you so much for the heads-up!
Well written post, nice pictures. I'm intrigued, still.
@lakwatsero - thanks pre. we have a month left of summer nalang. Already the rains are starting to pour kaya I encourage all to go and take that vacation. Go to magalawa and enjoy the beauty of the place.
UPDATE: I just learned that the tricycle ride from PAMOLINGAN to LUAN really costs 150 per tricycle! wow... everyone please be advised and exercise judgement. Kung dalawa lang kayo and the tricycle will cost 300 roundtrip then better go down sa Masinloc nalang, walk the short distance to the port and pay the extra 100/head for banka pickup there para mas mura. Of course, please arrange with Raymond or Mang Mulo and confirm prices.
demeter, may pictures po ba kayo ng place nila mang mulo, ung mga cottages nila. plan kasi namin na pumunta sa may21-22. nabasa ko yung blog mo, mas mura kay mang mulo kaysa kina grace armada..
@anonymous - hello. unfortunately di ko nakuhaan ng pics pero I think meron si Raymond sa blog niya? The first 2 or three pics. Walang close up yata but you can see it sa background. Same structure as those on the armada area pero mas malaki ng konti. Merong maliit na table sa entrance lahat ng cottages. Please visit the link below
angislako.blogspot.com/2011/05/magalawa-island.html
demeter, we are planing to go to magalawa tinanung ko si mang mulo about the food pero di xa nakareply. mei market ba na mabibilan ng food dun or kahit fresh fish and crabs tapos lutuin na lang namin? another question is mahal ba ito? pati drinking water and ice where can we buy them?
@jovelyn - hello :) as stated in my blog above, food is available ready cooked na for only 70 per meal pero set ng 4meals na so total of 280/pax. Fresh catch is also brought in at 6am everyday so you can pick from whatever was caught the previous night. Minsan may crabs or lobsters, minsan may tuna, minsan dalagang bukid lang, sometimes theres also squid or octopus. You can have them cooked for you for a small fee. And no, mura lang, mga 50 to 70 per kilo when I was there. Mahal yung white squid, mga 150/kilo. The regular squid is cheap lang. Drinking water is available per 5gallon jugs on the island. Meron din bottled water and softdrinks, milo etc... anything you can find on a regular sari sari store. Please remember huwag magkalat. Don't throw your wrappers indiscriminately. Thanks
We are so excited to go there. Thanks Demeter. :)
Sir Demeter:
Thanks for posting your blogs....It is really helpful...We went to magalawa last june 11-12...Mang Mulo and his wife are very friendly and accommodating... their place is so relaxing... they are now constructing a new comfort room...
Hello Demeter!
is it ok to call you kuya? (^_^)
btw, i'd like to go to Magalawa island, i think it's better than Anawangin kungdi me nagkakamali, this place siguro isn't as jampacked as the others in Zambales, dalawa lang kami gusto ko lang ng tahimik na sandali. (drama) but eniwei, sino po ba ang right contact person na pde tawagan pagkarating namin sa island na ito? first timer ko pong lalayo ng Metro Manila na dalawa lang kami. any advice?
I appreciate yung mga kagaya mong frequent traveller at nageexplore ng mga beautiful places around Pilipinas. I'd like to do the same pero limited ang galaw ko hehe! God bless you always.
mgbb_28@yahoo.com.ph
@anonymous - Hi! Of course, call me kuya, it's my pleasure! I hope your enjoy your trip to Magalawa Island. I have (re)posted additional and UPDATED info about the island. I have included the new contact numbers. Please give them a call. They might not answer to texts (walang load?). I do appreciate visitors like you too! It makes the blogging worthwhile. God bless you too.
Hi! We've been planning to go here but got hesistant bec of bad reviews of ate grace's "resort". Glad i found your blog! =)
Anyway, can we bring our own tent and food? If so, the only fees we're paying are for the overnight stay and the boat. Is that correct?
I want to go back here... Thanks for posting a complete guide. :D
hi demeter, your blogs are always helpful. I used your Cagbalete blog as reference because of the many information posted there. thanks!
@anonymous - sorry for the late reply!!! YES, you can certainly bring your own tent and food. If you bring a car then you have to pay for the parking fee too. Other than that its only the entrance fee and the boat transfers.
@michael yap - no problem! Please visit the island again! I just went there during Undas and it was EXCELLENT! Don't forget the sandfly repellent and bring katol as well!
Sindihan mo yung katol while eating your dinner outside the cottage and snuff it out before sleeping for best results.
@dee quixotic - thanks for visiting and I hope you were able to enjoy Cagbalete! Please visit Magalawa island soon! Just call Raymond, he knows me and will give you a good deal. More power!
I will be going back to Magalawa this December. My blog kinda stalled for several reasons(health, work, lack of inspiration,katamaran, etc).I haven't posted anything in 4 months. I have been travelling but I just can't find the inspiration to write about it. Perhaps, another Magalawa visit will put me back on track. I wanna experience the "other side" of the island naman. I'm sure you know what that means :)
@lakwatsero - HI !!! Thats really great to hear! Be sure to bring snorkelling gear and sigurado you will enjoy the peace and tranquility and beauty of Magalawa Island. Don't forget to bring some sandfly repellent! If you have any requests just ask Raymond or his mother Mily. The cool Amihan winds will be blowing from the NorthEast so staying at the "other side" exactly situated on the northeast of the island will assure a cool breezy stay especially during and near the summer months! Just mention that you are the blogger lakwatsero k? ENJOY my friend!
Please read this entry on VIRTUAL TOURIST for more info on Magalawa, what to bring, things to do... etc...
MAGALAWA ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE
Hello demeter. How many hours ang travel time from manila if we'll drive. Thanks
@anonymous - from NLEX balintawak to SCTEX entrance its 1hr, then until SUBIC exit on SCTEX its 0.5hrs. Then from SUBIC to LUAN port or MASINLOC PORT its about 2.5 hrs. So the total travel time is approx 4hrs. However please take note that you need to wait for the boat for a few mins. Then the boat travel time depends on which port you choose. 10mins boat time if from LUAN port and 30mins if from MASINLOC port. Cheers
Thanks demeter. You've been very helpful. We're going tomorrow.
@anonymous - I'm glad I was of some help. Looks like a sunny weekend! Enjoy!
Medyo naguguluhan na ako about sa Armada/Ruiz conflicts.
Ask ko lang, is this Ruiz Resort still open? I have read some blogs saying that the resort has been sold already..
And who should we contact for reservations?
My friends and I are planning to go there this January..
@anonymous - hi! basically, the Armadas are professional squatters and should not be condoned or tolerated. The Ruiz Resort was sold and had problems for a while but now,thankfully, its open already and at the same rates. Please contact Raymond Tordillo at 0922 268 8111 or landline (02)983 0432 for reservations. You can't pick a more perfect month than January. Nice cool breeze, super clear waters. Sigurado mag enjoy kayo dun. Cheers!
Last November 1, this Boy Armada, in cahoots with the local barangay, ILLEGALLY detained a minor by the name of Raymond Tordillo who works for the Ruiz Resort. Raymond was offered money in exchange for sabotaging the competing resort and when THAT did not work, threatened the minor into signing some document that PROHIBITS him from ever using the internet !!! These may all be confirmed with Armada and the Tordillo family AND with the local Magalawa barangay. This minor was cornered and coerced into signing the document WITHOUT the presence of any parents or relatives! I ask you now if this is just or reasonable? Boy and Grace Armada now obviously have a lot of money and have already filled the pockets of local barangay officials like some TV mafia. Next thing you know they will play god with the residents
One last thing... It is illegal to detain a minor without charges, without consent from parents and especially without the presence of the parents , threaten the minor into doing anything. How did they get Capitana Vilma Palmarin and that Barangay Sec. Daisy Andrada to approve and, much worse, be present during this illegal acts??! Makes one think...
Anyway, summer is almost here. Ready your snorkels and sunblocks guys! Go and enjoy that piece of heaven on earth called Magalawa Island! Just don't mind the Armada dogs, their bark is worse than their bite.
Hope communication signal is good in this site. I need to brag any good spot right away. thanks for the info.
thanks for the nice blog. however, i am confused to whom should i call and set up arrangment. we are actually a BIG group (literally, about 30-40 people), and i am not sure whether to contact "mang mulo", "grace" or "tordilla family". any suggestion? =)
appreciate it.
@anonymous - Sorry for taking so long to answer. Im currently in el nido and the network here is iffy. I think you would want to arrange with raymond at the numbers above. He also has a manila landline. Mulo is his uncle and handles the reception at magalawa island. Raymond will accomodate you. Just say libot referred you. Definitely never ever go to the grace/boy armada resort. They are located at the BACK of the island so its very hot and sultry at their side. Besides they charge too much. Cheers!!!
thanks for this nice blog! very informative. talked to raymond and mang mulo yesterday and they were indeed very accomodating. will be going to the island tomorrow. weather forecasts are positive so i'm hoping for a nice stay.
@edgarjeoffrey - your welcome sir! I'm glad you were able to arrange your accomodations early. The coming weeks will surely be difficult as we are entering the peak (beach) season. I do hope to read about your experiences, good or bad, in your blog soon. Thanks and have fun!
thanks demeter for the info, i really want to visit this island.. i keep on messaging ms grace pero mukhang she's more interested in big groups..thanks so much! i'll be contacting mr.raymond..:) god bless!
is raymond tordillo's ruiz resort still open for business as of now? appreciate a quick reply sir. thanks!
@anonymous - yes, ruiz resort is now open for the season. Please contact raymond at the numbers indicated above. He is currently at the resort and may not be able to answer immediately but he will answer. Enjoy.
hi demeter, been a while.. i got really sick but i'm back. I know you dont do links na, pero for sentimental reason I just need to include your link in my blogroll, i have started exchanging links with Tutubi of Backpacking Philippines and Asia, Pinay Travel Junkie, etc, my early infulences in blogging. Hindi kumpleto blogroll ko pag wala site mo, so I already included it. Sana you could add mine on your short list of links. My Island Trek : http://www.myislandtrek.com thanks, I am still waiting for you to continue... sayang eh.
@lakwatsero - I hope you are feeling much better pre. I look forward to your blogs. I'm going abroad for a few weeks nanaman. Medyo busy kasi talaga. Work work work. Hopefully makabalik ako in time for summer?!
I'll surely add you in my list of links. cheers!
Heading out to Magalawa today with a lady-friend. Will try the Masinloc entry as it sounds a helluva lot less hectic. Didn't have much time to secure a tent so we're bunking the cottages (I guess?)... also had no time to make the sandfly repellant, so good luck with that, too! :P
Will post my comments when we get back. Thanks for these useful information!
Planning to go there this March...all by myself.... any advice? what is the best way to get there?!
Do I need to bring a tent?!
@jack -- i hope you didn't stay with the armada's in that cursed armada resort tourist trap?! Any news? how was your stay? what happened
@anonymous - if you are by yourself then you definitely need a tent. Its too expensive to rent a room if you are alone and on a budget. Bring sand fly repellent and snorkeling gear. But if you can live without the niceties of city life then just bring your swimming trunks and enjoy the island! Its so BEAUTIFUL there.
socriHi Demeter!
I contacted Mang Mulo directly and made arrangements there. My gfriend and I had a blast! There was practically just us and another couple there. I think it's the best time of the year if you're looking for peace and quiet!
Thanks for the tips!
This is a comment that my friend and I put together:
I was stoked and all out of words to describe this island experience. The location was awesome, the ocean was spectacular and although the accommodations were modest, it nonetheless helped make the magic work!
I wouldn't recommend traveling alone although that would seem to work for some people (I thought it was a great idea, too!), but as our trip in the island folded to it's conclusion, I was thinking, it would be ideal to have you come along on my next island hop!
@jack - Hi!!! Your too kind. I would have said the accommodations were spartan at best. But the rest was beautiful. Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you guys enjoyed yourselves. It really is a great experience and a beautiful island.
And you are right when you said its best to come in a group. Vacationing on a secluded island, a virgin beach with no nightlife could do better with some company for sure. Cheers!
I have made an update on my links/blogroll: http://www.myislandtrek.com/p/links.html I put a description on each link. please check yours if you agree or if you prefer another. One no-biggy request: pede My Island Trek na lang yung anchor text ng link ko? hehe.. dami kasi lakwatsero sa pinas..
@lakwatsero -okay tol. did you get a chance to visit the island na? Its almost March. Then after that holy week na. Madami tao! hehe... get there while its still peaceful? :)
tuloy na tuloy na ko mid march , baka i will ask for directions, coz i am not going sa armada, try ko yung kabila haha. I will keep in touch bago ko pumunta..
@lakwatsero - I'm still on a business trip overseas but I think I can be back before holy week din? If ever you need fast reply just call Raymond who takes care of all reservations on the Ruiz Resort. His numbers are (smart)0947-518-1409, (sun)0922 268 8111 or landline (02)983 0432. I already told him about you and to give your group a good price.
BTW, did you know that the owner of the Island, Madam Ruiz, was there today? Feb,27, 2012. It's interesting that the illegal settlers, boy and grace armada of Armada Resort, become so docile and humble when Madam Ruiz comes to the island. Funny. It so happens that Raymond was there and he was personally approached by Madam Ruiz and commended for his efforts. According to my sources, he and his uncle Mulo the caretaker, were also told that the Armadas will finally be evicted soon. I don't know what they mean by "soon" but I only hope its really soon.
Lastly, please be careful when swimming between the Magalawa island and Luan. This area in front of the Armada resort is an outlet to the open sea and sometimes gets very very strong undercurrents. If you find yourself caught in a strong current you should NEVER NEVER NEVER swim against it. A guest of the Armadas died there 3 weeks ago, this may be confirmed with the local barangay. I have already asked them (armadas) via some of the locals to put up signs and I hope they complied.
It is sad to see how unprepared most vacationers are when swimming in the open sea. In Anawangin cove I know of 3 and heard of half a dozen more drownings in that area near the left corner of the cove where rip tides form. Some of the victims were even strong swimmers who gave in to panic and swam against the tide. You can never win against nature, we filipinos should have that embedded in our DNA already with all the "act of God" losses in our country every year.
SO, if you are a strong swimmer, don't panic, just let yourself be carried by the tide. It may take a while but you will eventually be brought near the shore again. If you are a weak swimmer, please wear a vest and do not swim out into that area called TANGOS please. Most important, never panic, never go against the tide. If you fight nature, you will lose.
hi.. we're planning to celebrate my kids' 1st bday in magalawa. it'll be somewhere in july pa naman however, since ive read ur page i'm a bit confused of who do i have to contact for reservation? is it the armada or raymond.. i saw grace's fb page and i got her number already. now i would want to know who's the person to talk to reagrding reservation as i don't want any hassle once we get there.. and it seemed like there were two sides of the island: ruiz and armada.. ruiz's place seemed to be safer than the other.. pls let me know. thanks
@anonymous- hi, I'm glad you chose Magalawa as the venue but are you sure you want to go to the beach during typhoon/rainy season? If I'm not mistaken July is already habagat season when the warm winds blow from the southwest bringing with it the infamous monsoon rains. In any case, if you still want to brave it then here are your choices. If you require an air conditioned room(since you have a year old baby?) and do not mind getting a bit ripped off then the armada is fine I guess. but if you think you can do with a simple fan cottage and "camping" style environment then you should definitely book with Raymond on the Ruiz Resort as they will give you a very good run for your money. Enjoy!
well written.. because of this Iwill add Magalawa Island to my list this summer .. thanks for posting sir.
@styxxss - thank you very much for your compliment! I see you have camped in some very beautiful beaches yourself. I'm sure you'll enjoy magalawa island. Don't forget to bring some sandfly repellent! Cheers!
great post! just curious, im planning our group's summer outing and i would like to ask what is the better choice, magalawa or potipot island. i know potipot is farther from manila. thanks and more power. :-)
@anonymous - potipot island is nice too but too small (you can run around the entire island in less than 10mins) and the waters around have a steep slope(a few steps malalim kaagad) - also no corals -- i looked around. Between the two then Magalawa wins hands down. Enjoy!
Hi!
Love your feature. I hope I hade seen this before we paid the downpayment for the Armada resort.
I do have a question. What is the name of the marine sanctuary near Magalawa?
Also, does the Ruiz resort provide mattresses/beddings when you rent the kubo? Thanks!
@nica - hi. You made a down payment?! Thats too bad. I hope you have a good time nonetheless. The marine sanctuary has no name. Its just called a marine sancuary. I went there but was shooed off by this old guy on a boat because i didnt get permission. Its beautiful but the reef just in front of the ruiz resort is also beautiful. I know coz I spent many hours snorkling and taking pictures there. Lastly, yes the ruiz resort cottage includes banig, pillows blankets and a fan. Cheers!
hell demeter, your blog about magalawa island is really amazing. btw, ive texted raymond to his smart number 0947 518 1409, but i havent received any response, ive tried calling his sun number 0922 268 8111 pero cannot be reached sya. pls help po if possible, thank you so much.
@anonymous - Hi! Those are the correct numbers. I was able to call him yesterday but the call kept dropping. He is on the island and there might be something wrong with the local relay stations? Anyway, he said he will be coming back to Manila today so please try calling him after lunch or early in the evening?
Or you can text Mang Mulo (the Ruiz' caretaker) directly if you have his number. He'll actually be the one to fetch you by boat from the jump-off point.
@Jack the Knife - That could be an option too but I think reservations go through Raymond to unify schedules and to prevent double booking the cottages?
Hi Demeter,
Me and my family and friends are going there on May 18, we are from manila, its a good thing I found your blog. We are already considering the Armada but after today we will contact Raymond instead. do you think it would be better to rent van since we are almost 20 pax? We really like it there because last march 3 we went to Cagbalete and we did not enjoy the beach. Hopefully this time we'll had a blast. Thank you for the blog.
Arnie
@gandanggala - I am so happy to have helped another fellow traveler/beachbum? to make the right decision! Magalawa is certainly the right decision whichever resort you choose. (better even pag Ruiz resort! haha)
If you are 20pax then yes, better rent a van rather than going there by public transport. Maybe you have to shell out a bit more for the van but you will have your own schedule (no waiting for public tranport) and you will be travelling in comfort! Not to mention the added security. You will probably need two vans? Ask Raymond for a package including transportation and then make a decision after that nalang okay? Enjoy!
Hi Sir,
May numero po ba kyo ni Mang MULO..
No sorry. Thats raymonds uncle. Perhaps you can ask him ?
thanks for your reply il try to xt raymond again tom and prolly ask him as well for mang mulo's number.. thank you so much. :)
hi! thanks for sharing your wonderful experience..it definitely raised my interest in visiting the island.. =) i just have a few questions though.. im wondering how crowded it would be if we'll go there this coming holy week? i definitely would like to have the camping experience in tents..also where can we ask for permission in visiting the marine sanctuary? would love to experience camping and snorkeling like the ones in calaguas island..if magalawa island would be crowded this holy week, do you know any other islands/beaches in luzon that can offer a very good beach camping experience (hopefuly w/out too much people)? thanks in advance! =)
@anonymous - Holy week ! Its going to be very crowded, yes. That's why my suggestion above is... NOT TO GO during holy week. I know all the facilities on the island are fully booked for holy week since 2 weeks ago. However, if you can bring your own tent and foodstuff then you can certainly go. They will set you up near the beach and you can sleep in your tent listening to the waves (or the noisy crowd beside you tent?) till you fall asleep. I think all the beaches are really crowded during holy week. You can ask raymond to get the permissions for you when you make your reservation. However, the corals and marine life in the house reef just in front of the camp site is quite good enough for snorkeling activities I think.
There is another site that I like up in pangasinan. Its called TAMBOBONG BEACH. Very pristine, good clear water, powder white sand. The best place there is called PANTALAN camp resort. Its owned by Leon Bobis. Its a bit farther and you have to go via Alaminos. You also have to travel on some kilometers of rough road but the place is really really nice. You can read about some of my experiences in Tambobong in this blog as well.
Anywhere you choose, I hope you have a great time in spite of the crowds! Cheers
Ako po si Raymond Tordillo, Tumaas na po ang rates sa Ruiz Resort for the Peak Season. Ito po ang bagong rates,
1400 per pax inclusive po dun, Entrance, Boat 2way, Kubo, Open Cottage, Food 4meals per pax, pwede po kayong magrequest kung ano po ang food na gusto po ninya basta kasya po sa budget.. Kapag gusto naman po ninyo na may kasamang Banana Boat or Folating Additional 200 per pax po..
Thank You...
Hello Raymond. Yung sinabi mo price is only for those who wish to avail of the package right? Pero kung may dala naman tent and food then entrance and boatride lang ang bayad. Tama?
Hi demeter :) ive been in magalawa 2 years ago sa kabilang side. And they were telling us re: ownership issues. Sabi sa kanila daw ung isla etc etc, nagpost pa nga sila before ng parang land title. Ngayon nagulat ako at may aircon rooms na sila at triple ang itinaas ng presyo. Good thing i saw ur blog and will definitely try kela raymond naman. I was just wondering kung kukuha kami ng cottage e magbabayad pa ba kami ng entrance? Or hindi na? Kasi dati kela grace kung kukuha ka ng cottage, wala ng entrance fee. Thank you :)
@trishnoriega - hello trish! thanks for visiting! I'm sorry you had to experience that tourist trap resort of the armadas. I definitely hope you decide to stay elsewhere next time you go. The Ruiz resort is a good choice, yes. I think that because the cottage is rented cheap, unlike sa aramada side, they still ask for entrance. Please call Raymond and clarify. I do know that they, of course, offer discounts for large groups especially if you avail of a package? I'm not really sure of their policy now. Besides, its peak season so maybe they raised their prices a bit? Pero however much they raise it I'm sure it will still be really cheap compaired to that armada tourist trap! Go and enjoy the remainder of summer! God bless!
Hi,Demeter!Glad to see your blog and had the chance to sms Raymond before finalizing our reservation with 'the other island owner'. Confirmed our Day Tour with Mang Mulo this coming Sunday (April 22). Can't wait already! Again, thanks so much for the info and will try to share our experience with this much-awaited Magalawa Escapade! Happy Summer to Everyone! :)
Gud eve poh..ask ku lng po ung cnbi ni sir raymond..1400k per day pu b ung rate n un? tska ilang pax pde s kubo? and one more thing pg my dala pu kme n tent how much wud you charge us poh in a day...thanks in advance....
@unknown - I think that is for the full package, overnight accomodation kubo plus additional open kubo for dining and other amenities and food. I also think that 5pax can fit in one cottage? If you have tent then don't avail of the complete package nalang diba? if you bring food then entrance lang babayaran ninyo and the boat fare. Please talk to raymond nalang. He can accomodate whatever budget you have naman. Have fun!
@ SoaringPhoenix -- glad to be of help! Enjoy your beach escapade!!!
H, Demeter! You were really of great help, in time for our Magalawa trip. We had so much fun and Mang Mulo was such an accommodating and generous person who made our day tour most enjoyable! Glad we didn't entrust our beach escapade to the Armada's. :) The long-drive to Brgy. Veritas was 'sooooo sulit'! Magalawa is really breath-taking! and a highly recommendable place to explore in our country. I just fell in love with the place and will definitely mark my calendar for another get-away for an overnight stay. Thumbs up to our Magalawa Escapade! Again, thanks for your recommendation. :)
@SoaringPhoenix - that's nice to hear! You're welcome of course. I'm glad you discovered the beauty of Magalawa Island. I hope you have a longer, more relaxing stay next time!? Cheers!
Sir, pinagbabawalan daw ngayon na makapunta sa magalawa, we're planning to go there pa naman this weekends. Thanks po.
dan
Good morning po.
nag book po yung may ari ng island, si madam ruiz. 28th to 29th lang po kasi familiy members only. sorry po kung hindi ko na post kaagad dito.
Sorry po kung hindi ko po na post kaagad.. Pero pinaliwanag ko po sa lahat ng gustong pumunta this weekend .. Sorry po talaga ..
Hi! Just wondering if allowed ang walk-ins sa island? Do I need to really reserve & contact mang mulo or raymond? Also, our target date is May 19-20, will magalawa be crowded by then? Thanks! Oh, btw sir this is a great blog. :-)
@anonymous - thanks for your compliment. To answer your question, no, you don't really need to reserve. Ruiz resort is also a camping ground so walk ins are of course allowed. However, unlike normal campgrounds, this one is not accessible by footpath. You need to schedule the boatride right? Unless you would like to charter a boat which would set you back 1.5k or so one way. Also, you need to know if the campsite is open or not on the day you plan to go. For example, right now the whole island has been reserved overnight by the owners for a closed party and select family members only function. You don't need to reserve but its in your best interest to do so I think. Cheers
@anonymous - thanks for your compliment. To answer your question, no, you don't really need to reserve. Ruiz resort is also a camping ground so walk ins are of course allowed. However, unlike normal campgrounds, this one is not accessible by footpath. You need to schedule the boatride right? Unless you would like to charter a boat which would set you back 1.5k or so one way. Also, you need to know if the campsite is open or not on the day you plan to go. For example, right now the whole island has been reserved overnight by the owners for a closed party and select family members only function. You don't need to reserve but its in your best interest to do so I think. Cheers
Hi Sir Demeter!
Great blog you have here! Does Mang Mulo or Raymond cater to island hopping, say to the nearby San Salvador Isaland? And how nearby is San Salvador Island to Magalawa? I'm a huge mango fan, and Zambales mangoes are my fave! I'd like to check out the San Salvador ones..=) thanks!
great blog sir! hope to visit magalawa in the future, maybe after our calaguas trip. sir okay ba mag 3d2n sa island? may available din ba ice cold beer sa island? thanks sir!
@anonymous1 - island hopping is of course allowed and welcomed. please ask raymond for the rates. it varies depending on where and how long you will charter the boat. Raymond will give you a good price, don't worry.
@anonymous2 - (ang dami niyo naman anonymous?hehe) thanks for the compliment. yes, 3d2n might even be too short? cold beer is not available on the island as they do not make ice there. My tip to you is bring a big icebox or coleman, fill with ice and buy beer on the island.Ice may be obtained from the various ports but its dirty and not for drinking. You can use it to cool your beer but not to put in drinks. Nakakainggit naman... I wish I have time to go before summer ends! Have fun!
hi sir, may electricity po ba sa island and signal? and if magtent po ba kami safe naman po ba kaya gamit namin?? thanks..
bad experienced d2 sa Armada Resort.bakasyunista kme galing
manila..2pm, pagbaba pa lng namin ng trycle sa Oslet Armada
Fishdealer Compound, ang baho-baho na ng place..then pagbaba
nmin ng boat sa Armada Resort, hindi cia ganun kaganda ndi
tulad ng mga pics sa internet..ung tipong ndi mo na cia
babalikan pa..wla man lng ng-iintertain sa amin..bad trip
tlga..after namin kumain ng lunch, picture2 na ginawa
namin.nglakad2 kme.then my 1ng guy na pasigaw na nagsabi sa
amin ng ganito, "BAWAL KAU JAN, HINDI KAU PDENG MGPICTURE JAN,
SA KANILA KAU NGBAYAD TPOS ETO UNG PIPICTURAN NYO"..ngtaka na
kame, bkit gnun?bkit bawal picturan ung view na un?..after
that, lumayo kame sa guy na un..bumalik kme sa Armada, picture2
na nman, bigla na nman my sumigaw sa amin ng ganito, "SINABI
NANG BWAL KUMUHA NG PICTURE JAN EH"..pra bang hayop ang trato
sa amin, ndi mga turista..anu bang mga view ang bwal picturan,
bkit wla man lng cnasabi sa amin ung Armada na maraming bwal,
grabeh, nkakasira tlga ng mood..pde nman nya kme sabihan ng
ayos, ndi ung sisigawan kme..bkit gnun?galit na galit mga
salita nya sa amin, ultimong iexplain sa amin bkt bawal, ndi
nya ginawa..as in SINIGAWAN kme, ang layo2 ng binayahe nmin,
tpos gnun lng mngyayari sa amin..ncra tlga mood nmin, mga 5pm
bumalik na kme sa restobar nila, kinausap ko ung Richie, sbi
ko, "bkit nman po ganun d2, ang dameng bwal? sagot lng s amin,
"Aware nman ho kau dun at nabasa nyo sa fcebook nmin"..un lng
sgot nya, gs2 ko magalit at sabihan cla, pro ndi ko ginawa kse
nga dayo lng kme sa place na un at ng-aalala ako na bka my
mngyaring msma sa amin..gusto ko mgmura, ang gagandang comments
nkalagay sa fb nila, ultimong away sa pgmamay-ari ng resort na
un eh ndi nman nklagay sa fb nila..mga 530pm, same day,
ngpaalam kme na aalis na lng kme dun..kng accommodating cla, e
d sna tinanung man lng kme nung Richie kng anu ba ngng
problema, kng anu ba ung ndi nmin nagustuhan sa place nila?wla
man lng nngyaring gnun, kinumpute nya n mgknu ba2yaran nmin,
nka-package kme 1800 per head, cningil kme ng 1400 din, wla man
lng consideration sa amin, kesyo nka-package dw kme, kesyo luto
na raw ung dinner nmin..tlgng nid na byaran cia..ilang oras p
lng kme ng-iistay dun, 2pm-6pm, ndi pa nga namin naga2mit room
nmin eh, tpos 1400 pa rin cnicngil sa amin..ndi na kme
ngsalita, ngpigil na lng kme kse nga dayo lng kme at nsa liblib
na place pa kme..ndi nmin nagamit ung ksma sa pckage na
snorkle, bamboo rafting as in wla pa.nabawas lng sa pckage nmin
eh ung breakfast at lunch sna nmin kinabukasan..6pm hinatid na
kme ng boat pabalik..natakot din kme kse nga gabi na..7pm
nkalabas kme sa hi-way, ng-abang ng bus..ang tagal dumating kya
ginawa nmin, ngjip na lng kme papuntang IBA terminal ng
bus..khit my byahe pa ng caloocan, ndi na muna kme ngbyahe,
kumuha na lng kme ng hotel at dun ngpalipas oras hnggng
umaga.Hindi ko talaga babalikan tong Magalawa Island na to..
@mc1023- hi. Generator kicks in at 7pm to early morning. Resort staff always roving but exercise good judgement please. Even Jesus was tempted diba. Keep your stuff inside your tents and keep tents closed. Be wary of where your stuff is always. Have fun.
@tweety07 - it is regrettable that you had such a bad experience. I welcome these kind of comments in this blog. It is a way to vent frustrations and also an avenue for improvement. Complaints and bad comments are merely erased on yhe armada resort facebook page as you are now aware. Hindi din kayo dapat sinigawan nung mga taga ruiz resort. I think its more anger towards the illegal squatting of the armadas than anything. Still... Guests shout be treated better. Can you describe who said that to you please? The problem is that one resort starts making up preposterous rules like that stupid "no picture taking on this side" and the other resort comes up with more preposterous rulea of their own. I'm just so sad to hear you were affected this badly. I have tried so hard to warn as many netizens i could never to go to that armada resort tourist trap. I will be visiting the island soon. Can you describe who shouted at you so i can have a word with him? Thanks and i hope you decide otherwise and give the island another chance. Cheers
@ demeter - tnx at naiintindihan mo side ko..ngbyahe kme ng sbrng layo, tpos gnun lng klaseng tao ung maeexperienced nmin dun..ung guy dun cia ng-iistay sa may kubo near dun sa my current, at my sign na "bawal maligo d2"..payat cia at mataas na guy, mdyo bata pa, 30-40 yrs old..andun kme sa malapit sa my current, left side ng armada, nung pagalit na sigaw nya ng "BAWAL KAU MGPICTURE JAN, DUN KAU NGBAYAD TPOS E2 UNG KUKUHANAN NYO?"after nun, ngtaka na kme, bkit gnun cla khgpit.bkit galit na galit cia? after that, nglakad kme ng konte pabalik sa armada, ngstay kme sa middle nung resort, tpos sumigaw na nman cia "sinabi nang bwal magpicturan jan eh"..bkit gnun, lumayo na nga kme tpos bwal pa rin..anu2 bang view ang bwal picturan?saang part ba ng dagat ang pde naming kuhanan?bkit pati dagat bwal kuhanan?ang gulo tlga nila..pgbalik nmin ng armada, ndi nman cnagot nung Richie bkit gnun ngyayari..dapat kse inoorient muna nila mga guests nila pgkarating pa lng dun sa place na un, pra alam nmin anu2 ba mga DO's and DOnt's sa place na un..TRATUHIN NMAN NG TAMA MGA GUESTS...
@tweety07 - I think I know what happened. I have seen that guy around. He is in charge of telling people not to swim in that area because the tides are very strong there. In fact, a guest of that armada resort died there a few weeks ago. I wrote about it in this blog (scroll up) but the armada's magalawa facebook page chose to be silent about this stupidity of theirs. Since they didn't write about what happened they shouldn't expect guests to know about it right? In fairness to the armadas, i guess no resort wants to admit mistakes they made especially if it involves the death of a guest right. Anyway, did you know that person who yelled at you ACTUALLY WORKS FOR the ARMADA resort!..., the very resort you stayed in. He probably thought you were checked in at the other resort. These armada squatters, being the squatters that they are, are very insecure, rude and resort to despicable tactics like this to intimidate both locals on the island and visitors of the locals. WHAT IS WORSE is that this "richie(the horsie?)" fellow was either too embarrased to admit their mistake to you or just too STUPID to realize it and/or apologize to you properly!!! GRABE!?
My tip is ignore such warnings. Nobody can claim rights on beachfronts, these are no mans land and cannot be bought, especially by squatters like these armadas. Local laws state that 20meters from any large body of water is right of way diba. I've experienced such stupidity not only in Magalawa but numerous times around the country. I remember when they used to say the same stupid warnings in some of the more posh San Juan Batangas resorts and Boracay resorts too. Take note I used PAST TENSE. They don't do that anymore because they have been "EDUCATED" na, one way or the other. I hope you reconsider and that you go experience Magalawa Island again but this time book with Raymond nalang, and have a relaxing vacation on the FUN SIDE of the island eh? It is one of the very few pristine beaches left that is accessible by car from Manila. Cheers!
hi... I text many times sa number na pinost nyo.... Pero ni isa wala sagot.... Jst want to ask pag my kasma bang bata.. Buo dn ang bayad? Like the entrance and boat fee?
@demeter - cguro nga, akala nya sa ibang resort kame nka-check-in, kaya kame sinita ng ganun..ang pangit noh, sigawan ba naman..pde nman na sa maayos at sa pakiusap na way nya kme kinausap, kse masisira tlga cla sa ganung ugali..so bad tlga..tpos biruin mo, 2pm-6pm lang kme ng-stay dun, ndi pa nga namin naga2mit ung room eh, tpos 1400 agad2 per head nmin, khit na nka-package kme ng 1800, konting consideration man lng, ndi nila ginawa.ganid tlga nila sa pera.gs2 nmin mangatwiran, ndi na lng namin ginawa kse nga bka nman mapano pa kme dun, dayo lng kme, db..sa totoo lng, never na tlga ako babalik dun, dame2 mg2ndang place d2 sa pinas, no nid na pra balikan pa sila..ok lng na dameng bawal, ang ndi ok dun is ung way ng pagsasaway nila..kya ngtaka rin kme, mga bksyunista kme tpos gnun maeexperienced nmin?sigawan at pagalitan ng staff nila, ng wla nman kme ginagawang mali.
@anonymous - yes, mukhang nasa magalawa si raymond so mahirap ma contact recently. But he said he is on his way to manila now. Please try to call him at your next convenient time. I think 8yrs old and below are half price sa entrance? I'm not sure so please confirm with Raymond. Thanks
@tweety07 - okay, the important thing I guess is that you don't give up your travels. Go and (re)discover our beautiful sites! Have fun and more power.
Hi,I really love your blog it's very informative. Anyway, we are planning to go there next week for an overnight stay May 18-19. I texted the no posted above and no response I will try to call tomorrow hope we can have a reservation for next week. I'm excited to include this place to my collection of best beaches in the phils.:)
@rj - hi, thanks for visiting. I'm glad this blog helped you. Try calling Raymond tomorrow afternoon to evening? I believe he is on his way back from manila from Magalawa. Cellphone signal is a bit iffy on the island. Cheers!
hi looking forward to magalawa by the end of the month.
i have the contact info that you provided, and read the comments.
so i think everything i set,
just one more important thing
one of my traveling companions (a girl) is very, should i say maaarte when is it comes to comfort rooms,
does the resort you referring to has a good set of CR's, good in terms of its cleanliness and everything,
can you fill me up with some opinions about this matter?
thanks
@mench - hi. the CRs are clean and, when I went there, always had plenty of water standing by. Its a camping ground like anawangin or cagbalete so by campsite standards I say its pretty decent naman. bowl and everything. Pero its very provincial, not manila standard "nice". I think you know what I mean. Sometimes ,especially when there are too many guests, the CRs tend to get dirty. It could also be the fault of whoever went ahead of you. You may request the caretaker or anyone of the staff to have it cleaned at any time if you want to naman. Have fun!
Hi Demeter. Planning to go on a trip to Magalawa on November with the husband and my 7-month old daughter (by then). However, to make it easier on the little one, balak ko sana we use a place that's nearer to Bulacan, like San Narciso as a base, then day trip lang to Magalawa and island hopping, then balik uli sa San Narciso where more comfortable accommodations lie. Would you know how long the drive is from San Narciso to the Luan Port? And have you been to San Salvador Island na? Saw it kasi sa web and their giant clams and reefsseem interesting. Would like to know if kaya siya ng snorkel lang (don't know how to dive yet kasi, hehe). Thanks in advance!
@Filipina Explorer - hi and thank you for visiting. San Narciso is pretty far away for a daytrip. Perhaps you can consider getting accomodations in Iba instead? The drive from San Narciso, depending on traffic and weather conditions (some parts get flooded) can take anywhere from 1.5hrs to 2.5hrs I think -- then there is a 10minute boatride. However, if you stay in Iba then you can get to Magalawa Island in less than half an hour.
We have entered the habagat season so I would urge you to check the weather forecast for your target date. The bangkas will not launch in bad weather and you may end up wasting your trip? Visibility of the waters are not as good as it was during summer. The marine sanctuaries around San Salvador Island are really beautiful but I doubt if you can enjoy them as much during the rainy season. They are best visited during amihan (Dec to May).
Cheers and I hope you enjoy your outing with your family. Be safe.
Hi Sir DEMETER and Raymond....
This is Mr.GONZALES,
Im Planing to go to MAGALAWA ISLAND next month with my Family....
Nabasa ko po lahat ng naka Sulat dito,
So Meaning.....
Ang nag ta-talo-talo sa Island na ito ay ang
ARMADA RESORT at ang RUIZ RSORT right?
Ang Concern ko po at Tanong ko po,
SAFE po ba dito sa ISLAND ng MAGALAWA?
What i mean ang kinakatakot ko kasi baka sa Kalagitnaan ng pag
ba-bakasyon namin or kahimbingan ng Tulog ay Mag Pang-Abot ang Dalawang Nag ta-talo-Talo......
May kasama pa naman akong mga Bata....
Hindi po ba delikado?
Sobrang Gusto ko talagang Bumisita sa Islang na ito .....
Sobrng Ganda.....
as in Virgin Island ...
Thank You Sir,
=its me
MR.GONZALES
@Mr.Gonzales - Hi! You are correct. the "armada" group are squatters on the island and are really infamous among the locals there. However, you should not be concerned because the island folks are quite passive. The locals are unusually mild mannered and laid back (unless they go on a drinking spree?--joke)
Wala po gulo dun because barangay tanods rove the island day and night. The locals are also not used to scandalous shows of anger. Its quite peaceful naman and I am sure you will enjoy your stay.
Please be aware that it is already habagat season. Masungit po ang dagat lalo na pag hapon. Heavy rains may pour at any time and madalas umuulan so the surrounding beaches become littered with debris(wood,leaves etc...). The rainy season is not an ideal time to visit the beach, any beach I think. However if you are dead-set on visiting next month then by all means do so! Magalawa island is ALWAYS the better choice. Just make sure you stay on the fun side, the RUIZ resort. I think you can still call raymond at his usual numbers. Good luck and have fun!
i feel bad for those who had a not-so-good experience in magalawa. i hope that it wouldn't stop you from visiting the island again.
@demeter - i'm not sure if you have already read my blog, sir. here's the link in case you haven't read it yet. :)
http://edgarjeoffrey.wordpress.com/2012/01/22/mission-irresistible/
@edgarjeoffrey - I read your beautiful blog and really enjoyed it! Thank you man!
Hello sir. Seems like you're a fan of Zambales coves and beaches. ^^ I'm from Zambales, central part and currently here abroad. My friend and I are planning to visit the place when I come home. Do they have any email address so I can inquire about there rates? Thank you. And thank you for visiting my province. God Bless! ^^
Hi Sir! Just a few questions. Is camping allowed on the island? How much would be the fee? Thanks so much!
More power! :)
@karina - hi! yes, camping is definitely allowed but stay on the Ruiz side pls. Much safer and more friendly. It used to be free so you only had to pay the 100peso entrance fee per day... but I think they charge a tent fee now. Please call Raymond (0922 268 8111 or (02)983 0432) who takes care of all the reservations for his uncle Mang Mulo.
By the way, its typhoon season now so please call and reserve ahead. Confirm with raymond again before you depart manila to check if weather is okay in magalawa. The boats do not travel if the sea is too rough so you might end up stranded on the mainland.
Cheers!
@mei - thank you for visiting.yes, I became a very big fan of Zambales beaches a few years back because its accessible by car from Manila and there are still a lot of pristine, non-commercialized beaches left for (re)disc.very. You have a very beautiful province indeed. If you care to visit Magalawa while you are here then just call raymond at the numbers above or visit his site here http://angislako.blogspot.jp/
God bless you
hi nice blog very informative.. buti nlng nabasa ko to before going there ang alam ko lng kc ung sa armada e.. anyway planning to go magalawa by december 19-21 with my husband meron po bng rooms dun pra pgiwanan ng mga gamit? or tent lng tlga? thanks :)
@anonymous- I'm glad to have helped. Yes, meron na silang cottages for rent. With simple beddings and 24hour roving tanods for your safety. Please call and reserve with Raymond, the person in charge with logistics, as soon as possible . The start of Amihan season gets a little too busy.
i tried to call his both numbers for several times parehas out of coverage.. do you have any idea kung paano ko sya mcocontak? or other no..ganun pa din kaya ung rates? thanks again!
magkano po bayad sa rent sa boat for snorkeling?
Sorry po sa mga iba kung hindi po ako nakuntak last year or mahirap kuntakin. Medyo may kunting problema lang po sa family nung time na po un. Pero ngayon po pwede na po kayong magpareserve ulit sakin para po sa summer.
Kung gusto po ninyong pumunta ng Magalawa Island po ay may meron po kaming Complete Packages para po sa budget po ninyo. May packages po kami na may kasamang Van Back and Forth from Manila to Zambales , Entrance , Boat 2 way , Kubo , Open Cottages , and Food 4meals per person po.. Pwedei rin po na hindi kasama ang Van kung gusto po ninyo. Please call Raymond (0922 268 8111 or (02)983 0432) who takes care of all the reservations for his uncle Mang Mulo.
Thank You and God Bless us..
We're planning to go there on feb 9-10 and I really find this blog useful and very informative. Cheers for all the people in this blog. Can hardly wait to experience Magalawa
@bee pamat - thanks for your complements! its an EXCELLENT time to go! have fun po!!!
Hi po,
tanong ko lang po kasi sabi nio, 24hrs ung roving na brgy tanod dun. so, okay lang na kahit pagdating ko dun ng mga bandang hapon, magtayo nako agad ng tent at iwan lang muna yun para maglakad sa beach? as in lahat ng gamit ko iwan ko na dun kung gusto ko man magswimming na sa dagat.
salamat sa pagsagot!
@anonymous - hi, thanks for visiting. regarding your question. please always use your best judgement pa rin. I assume we are talking about the RUIZ CAMPING RESORT , not the armada squatter's resort area right? Just because tanods are roaming the premises does not guarantee a 100% perfect no crime area right? Tanods cannot watch any one place 24hrs a day, that would be impossible. Therefore you should, for example, put your belongings inside your tent and close your tent. Any valuables could be put in a sturdy bag and you can ask the Ruiz Resort Manager Mang Mulo to keep for you if you like. Generally okay naman dun because the locals keep to themselves. However, one can never predict what kind of people go there either as guests or locals at any given time right? So far whenever I'm there I leave all my stuff out and swim - no problem naman. Although pag gabi when I sleep I of course put all the valuable stuff inside my tent and leave the wetstuff outside to dry lang like everyone else. Have fun
thanks so much for your advice!
i'll do that!
if ever, i'll go there all by myself.
thankis for this blog sir, your post is very helpful and thank you for the alternatives you suggested...we're planning to visit the place this summer...
@anonymous -- dear reader, I'm glad to help. And thank you so much for taking the time to write. I do hope you have a really great time regardless of where you stay. I suggest you call ahead and ask for availabilities. The place gets filled up pretty quick. Cheers !
Beautiful island indeed..hope to go back there this summer and enjoy its sweet buko again..it's good Kiko was there to let us taste it..thanks again!!
Hi, Is it still ok if we will go there this coming holy week? Thank you
hi mam jhoyzky..
Yes mam ok na ok po kayong pumunta dun. Kailan po ang date po ninyo mam ?? Pakitxt nalang po ako sa number ko . sun no. 09222688111,Tel.no. 983 04 32, Smart no. 09127894571 ..Raymond Tordillo po..
Hi. I was trying to call the numbers posted here but it seems that the sun number is no longer available. and the landline, no one is answering. One answered though, said that he does not know anything about the rates. Would like for a promt response on this please. We're planning to go there next week.
Thank you.
Sam
@anonymous - i tried to inquire and found out that raymond is in transit today to manila. both his smart and sun numbers are operational but little to no signal daw while on the island? Anyway he will be in manila by this afternoon so why don't you try calling after 6pm today or early tomorrow morning?
pumunta kami last MArch 24-25 ng kumander ko sa malagawa at sa Ruiz Beach Resort kami nag overnight...
dahil hilig ko talaga ang mag landscape... plan kong kumuha ng sunset at sunrise along magalawa...
kinaumagahan... nag decide kami ni kumander na pumunta sa bakhawan.. so dumaan kami sa bandang likod ng Armada...
Malay ba naming me mabangis palang aso dun, walang nakalagay na signage.
Ayun kinagat ako ng isa sa mga aso nila at wala man lang paki ung mga tao sa Armada, at hindi lang pala ako nakagat ng aso that day, me isa pang bata..
hinahayaan nilang makawala lang ang aso nila na ayun sa mga taga duon na ilang beses ng may nakagat..
Kinausap ko ung bayaw ng may-ari dahil that time siya lang ang nandun.. pero walang paki-alam....
Hays!! buti na lang covered ng Medicard ko injection ng anti-rabbis, kung hindi malaki laki rin gagastusin ko....
Kaya sa mga nagbabalak... wag na kayo pumunta ng Armada... much better na sa Ruiz Beach Resort na lang kayo..
BTW Demeter... na confirm ko nga kila Manang Bing at Mang Mulo na talo na sila sa kaso... denidelay na lang ang stay ng Armada dahil naghahabol ng kita for this coming Holy week.. sana nga next time na balik namin duon wala na ung Armada Beach Resort na un....
@loui - That's terrible!!! I'm so sorry you had to experience that. Grabe naman talaga yang mga armada SQUATTERS na yan. I am sorry those vagrants destroyed what would have otherwise been a very nice vacation for you. Peace and God bless!
Sir, pwede ba magcamp sa island? May source po ba ng freah water? We're planning to visit the island last week of april. Thank you
@anonymous- the ruiz camp resort is THE PERFECT place to camp. It is, after all, a camping resort eh? Fresh water, friendly folks, beautiful white sand and a great house reef. What more can one ask for?
Hi sir, question lang. may idea po kau how much yung island hopping nila mang mulo? tapos pag pauwi kung sa masinloc dadaan malapit nalang po ba yung sa potipot island? am planning kasi na magovernight sa magalawa tas pauwi sa masinloc tapos dadaan sa potipot kung kakayanin naman... hehehehe
@anonymous - I might be mistaken but I think the range is from 700pesos to 1800pesos for the boatride depending on where you want to go hopping. The boat can fit five guests. If you want to hit potipot too then you would want to go a bit further up north towards Pangasinan, konti nalang yun potipot na. You might want to read my blogs on Potipot here http://libot.blogspot.jp/2006/05/winds-of-change.html HAVE FUN! (but remember never to leave trash behind)
hi demeter,
We were there last year, may 11... birthday ng anak ko..... and we enjoyed every minute of our stay there.. mabait sila mang mulo, very accomodating... also sobra mura ng mga seafoods dun, mababait pa mga mangingisda pede makipagtawaran..... im planning to go back there this year. Also thanks for your blog, very useful to us.
hi demeter,
We were there last year, may 11... birthday ng anak ko..... and we enjoyed every minute of our stay there.. mabait sila mang mulo, very accomodating... also sobra mura ng mga seafoods dun, mababait pa mga mangingisda pede makipagtawaran..... im planning to go back there this year. Also thanks for your blog, very useful to us.
sorry naparami post, di ko napansin..
Thanks sa blog na to!
Grabe dapat sa armada kame kukuha pero after reading your blog, natakot na ako sa kanila..
Btw, Still working po ba ung mga numbers na nakapost dto? Plan kse namin ng friends ko (8pax) na mag avail ng package with van.. Magkano na po kaya yung package na yun per pax?! Thanks po..
@ayz -- really glad you enjoyed! I'm happy to have been helpful.
@rye -- oo nga. thats a good thing. tourist trap dun so really beware. Valid pa po ang numbers that I posted. Call Raymond Tordillo asap at manila number 983 0432 or SUN number 0922 226 8111. Enjoy your vacation!
Hello! Great post! Tanong ko lang po kung may malapit rin na snorkeling sites sa Ruiz Resort? And kung may inooffer po silang snorkeling gear for rent? Thanks!
@Jem - thanks for visiting. Yung mga inupload ko na underwater pics galing dun sa front house reef lang nila. super ganda. taken at high tide. mga 15 to 20 meters off the ruiz camp resort beach front lang. corals start sa shallow portion so be careful not to damage. diverse coral formations dun sa mas malalim, mga 30feet you will see brain corals, fan corals and elk horn corals as well as various soft corals. As for snorkelling gear you might want to bring your own. Cheers!
hmm mukhang maganda nga and accomodating ang owner ng ruiz resort :) still active pa din ba ang numbers posted? baka may globe number or manila number sila we are from makati and planning to camp sa aug kasi may long weekend if ever sir raymond comes online and mabasa nya or even sir demeter kindly txt back or email us
thanks
-chivar
chivar@gmail.com
09273854788
@chivar. Thanks for visiting. Yes all numbers for raymond are active. Please call his manila landline 9830432. Medyo maulan na because we have entered typhoon season. The best months to go are from december to around june i think. Baka hindi kayo mag enjoy pag masungit lagi ang dagat?
i tried calling the number posted pero i think di na xa active?! baka po pwede makahingi ako ng contacts nyo, better if mobile.
These are my querries:
1. how long ang byahe from manila?
2. how about kung magmomotor kami, madali lang ba makapunta dun? if ever kasi, its gonna be our first time to visit the other side of Zambales, kaya we're puzzled how to get there!
thank you! hopefully i'll receive your response ASAP. coz sembreak is fast approaching.
@anonymous - thank you for visiting. I contacted him and it seems his SUN cellphone battery died and needed replacing. You can call his SUN number now at 09222688111 or SMART number 09127894571 or his manila landline (02)9830432
Hi Kuya demeter, Im Jeff po pala. Were group of 4 and we are planning to go magalawa island po sana this semestral break ng mga kasama ko. San po kami sasakay and what are the routes to be taken po. Tsaka what is the easiest road to take po. Backpacker naman po kami and if ever sa SM Pampanga po ba kami sasakay going to bataan or zambales. Im really not familiar with the location and the route po kasi. Anyway to make it short, mangagaling po kami from sm SM Pampanga. What do we to take next? Thanks for the urgent reply. :-)
@Jeff - sorry for my late reply. I just came back from a very long road trip to Ormoc, Leyte. If you are coming from manila just take the VICTORY LINER bus from caloocan to Masinloc, Zambales. then arrange pickup at the Masinloc mini port near the market. Or you can go down at PAMOLINGAN VERITAS and take a tricycle to LUAN PORT (150pesos). Call raymond on his SMART phone number above. Have fun!
TSk tsk.. I was reading all comments from top to bottom and as well as the blog of certain Raymond. I guess some information are not well cited.Some comments from the guests are quite alarming who had their handful experiences of Magalawa Island.
Way back in the late 80's and early 90's per bangka pa lang singil sa mga tourists. 50php to 100 php per bangka!And now what an effin 1k plus for both resorts! As far as I can remember when I asked my dad who was the owner of Magalaea and the answer was the Ruiz, but not including the other side where the town villagers live.FYI,the Armada are not illegal settlers.Mr. Demeter you should dig deeper. Admitted that some of the workers are ill mannered, but FYI, they are not ILLEGAL SQUATTERS.The story was, the part of the island where their resort was built has legal papers and titles. Paano nangyari yun?Mr. Boy Armada was actually Municipal Councilor of Palauig Zambales if I am not mistaken three terms. So meaning, he had FULL access to all Public documents and all land titles and tax declaration stuff of palauig,zambales. Lo and behold he found out that the part of the island where their resort is situated was not included in the property of the Ruiz,AYun dahil tao lang gusto ng pera, binayaran yung tax, pinalagyan ng papel or title under Boy Armada's name, and after a while resort.That is why no TRO was released after the Ruiz claimed what they thought is still theirs. Tingin nyo kung walang legal papers ang Armada, operational pa rin ba sila?Common sense NO. Tingin nyo, kung included sa property ng Ruiz kung saan nakatayo yung Armada Resort,walang TRO?answer is NO. So more than a year na yung claim ng Ruiz, wala pa ring TRO issued. And FYI Armadas (ancestors of Boy Armada) were already settlers of Magalawa Island during the Japanese era. They were the original settlers during those times, including Abella,Andrada,Aguasan and the likes.
To you mr.anonymous -- Unlike the asian trash armadas who delete every little comment made against them, I really welcome arguments, even those as terribly WEAK as yours on this subject. You really think the 1k for bangka is expensive? Ask how much it would have been if the Armadas had their way with no competition. If all you have is hearsay from your father and your Armada friends then that is a very POOR and laughable excuse of a 'research'. Sus... ang hilig ninyo talaga sa sabi sabi eh? And yes, I am aware of Boy Armada's nefarious connections, most of which he is using for his distasteful activities regarding his resort. Maybe its you who should start digging deeper? TRO is not needed to show legality or illegality. The fact that they forcibly cleaned that place out IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT and erected structures there like-the-squatters they are IN ONE NIGHT speaks volumes don't you think? If the armada's had legal papers then why did they MUSCLE their way in with armed men at midnight to cordone off and clear that place? The fact that their claim on the land is being contested is in itself proof that they are squatting on land that is not proven to be theirs. And yes, because of all their POLITICAL CONNECTIONS they can get away with practically anything. How naive are you??? Who else was 'partying' there before with abella, andrada etc.. and the like is irrelevant -- its not a night club. I have read the court cases out of curiosity, have you??? Ruiz owns the island diba? hello naman? There are no sides to an island.
Definitely ito ang cheapest and best value for your money on the island. Please call the island caretaker Mang MULO directly at smart numbers 09294670505 / 09288568242. Tell him you were refered by DEMETER or FRANCIS to avail of discounts!!! Reserve early!!
hi!! any idea sir how to get to magalawa via trekking? my friends and I loves to trek just like what we di going to nagsasa..
@che_banz - unfortunately magalawa is an island and cannot be accessed via trekking. However, I would suggest you take option one above and instead of hiring a tricycle from the national road entrance to barangay veritas, you can trek the entire 8.2 kilometers to the port in Luan. this is mostly rough road and very few people or sarisari stores around so please take the necessary precautions. Do not trek at night.
@che_banz - unfortunately magalawa is an island and cannot be accessed via trekking. However, I would suggest you take option one above and instead of hiring a tricycle from the national road entrance to barangay veritas, you can trek the entire 8.2 kilometers to the port in Luan. this is mostly rough road and very few people or sarisari stores around so please take the necessary precautions. Do not trek at night.
Hello po Sir! This is a great blog! We're planning to have a trip in Magalawa Island this coming May. We decided to have a public transpo via bus from VL Monumento. Ang worry po namin is yung boat ride po lung active pa po yung numbers po nila kuya po na naka-post po. Thank you po! Godbless!
Hi i just read your blog and it was amazing and really helpful.,btw, me and my husband are planning to go to ruiz resort before the end if april,i wantto ask lang sna if there is any sudden changes regarding the price sa parking in luan or masinloc port? Or do do u have any updated blog?
Sir is it possible to go to tgat island after mt. Tapulao day hike?
Hi Sir Francis and Sir Demeter. Updated po ba numbers nila sa blog nyo? and makaka-kuha po ba kami ng discount if sinabi namin na kayo nagrefer sa amin?
By the way, 2 lang po kami na pupunta sir. :) Salamat po.
Sir demeter. Good pm. Plan po nmin mg vacation sa magalawa . Updated po b Yung contact details ni mang Mulo at sir raymond sa post above? Paano nga po pla procedure ng reservation nila , I mean how much po Yung reservation fee etc.. Thankyou
@jeka mariano,@brian villena @anonymous-- yes, all numbers for Mang Mulo and Raymond are active. Reservation fee is minimal but I'm sorry as I am not updated as to how much or what % it is now. Please ask Mang Mulo or Raymond directly. If you call mang Mulo, just tell him you were referred by this author/blog to receive your discount. If you fail to get a discount please tell me the details and I will confront Mang Mulo for you. This is our exclusive agreement.
hi sir demeter..may plano po kami pumunbta sa magalawa next week or after holy week.meron po bang site para sa direct queries?
tska sir pano po namin maaavail yong referral discount?
thankyou in advance..more power to your blogs:')
Post a Comment