Wednesday, September 13, 2017

A Sweet Taste of Summer: Colibra Island in Dasol, Pangasinan


Summer has always been and will always be the best season of all time. It is the much awaited season every year because life seems a dream; no worries in sight. For few days or months, you are not required to be who everyone thinks you are because this is the chance to rediscover yourself, explore new places and go on adventure.


For me, an ideal summer vacation is feeling the warmth of the sun while lying in a hammock and staring at the palm trees. I like to dip my toes in the water, dangle my feet off the edge of the cliff and sit with the one I love while watching the sun set in the horizon.


Last summer, my relatives and I went on out of town trip. We went to Villa Balinmanok, a beach resort in Dasol, Pangasinan in which we stayed there for two (2) nights. During our first day, we enjoyed the scenic view of the Villa Balinmanok beach and we had a great time as we were catching up with one another. Then the following day, my cousins surprised their mom to go on an island hopping as it was Mother’s Day that time.


They planned to go to the nearby islet – Colibra Island (sometimes spelled as Culebra Island) or also known as Snake Island or Camaso Island. This was named after the sea snakes which are abundant before particularly on the rocky part of the island. Since, the island is approximately eight (8) kilometers away from the mainland of Tambobong which is about twenty (20) minutes of travel, we left the place as early as 0800H, when waters are still calm.



Colibra Island is a two (2) hectare coralline island which cuts a solitary figure on Dasol Bay, its cream sand beaches seemingly crowned by green vegetation visible from afar. The island is small and rocky and it can be toured in thirty (30) minutes or less.



Upon arrival, we were awed of its beauty especially on the northern coast as this is the best place to swim and go on snorkeling. The water is crystal clear which are surrounded with live beautiful corals and plenty colorful school of fishes. Likewise, its beach is calm and clean plus the sand is fine. On the other hand, the southern coast is a haven for thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies as waves are rough and it is mostly covered with rocks and uplifted corals. Hence, few mini tidal pools can be seen in this area.


Since the island is privately owned, the Isla Vilda Resort now controls and manage the said island. An entrance of ₱ 25.00 per pax and a docking fee for every boat are being collected after arrival. There are also nipa huts or open cottages available for rent to provide shed for ₱ 100.00 and a sari-sari store selling basic supplies.

How to Get There:





From Metro Manila, take a bus bound for Alaminos, Pangasinan (Victory Liner, Five Star, Dagupan Bus or First North Luzon Transit). Best time to take is the midnight to early morning trip to avoid the traffic and to spend more time at the island. Alight at Alaminos, take a bus bound for Iba or Sta. Cruz and get off at the junction of Tambobong in Dasol. Although, there’s a bus plying directly going to Sta. Cruz via Alaminos but this trip is only limited.


At the junction, take a tricycle ride going to Tambobong Beach and from Tambobong Beach, boats are readily available and rates starts at ₱ 800.00 good for three (3) pax round trip. But on this trip, we paid ₱ 2,000.00 for a round trip boat ride because we are a big group – group of ten (10) pax. All in all, travel time is approximately six (6) hours but it was all worth it.

Tips:



  • Ideal time to leave Metro Manila is from midnight to early morning in order to arrive at Dasol before lunch.
  • There is no electricity or water source in the island.
  • Bring enough food, drinking water and other necessities since only limited supplies are available in the island.


  • Everything is on cash basis. Stack up cash before heading to the island.
  • Don’t forget to apply sunscreen protection.
  • Go there on a weekday because there are fewer people.
  • Always remember the traveler’s golden rule: “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, and kill nothing but time.”

*Special thanks to Carpio and Calaycay family for adopting me on this family getaway!

Thank you for reading and sharing!

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing your adventure. I needed such pictures to add in an superior term papers a friend of mine is writing regarding Islands and adventures.

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    1. You're welcome! As long as it is a personal purposes and not used for business, ads or any form of money making, it's fine with me.

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