Trip to Ticao Island (San Jacinto, Masbate)
San Jacinto, Masbate is in the Ticao Island. This is around 11-12 hours drive from Manila or around 550+ Kilometers.
Ticao Island, Masbate is endowed with scenic islands and beautiful beaches surrounding the island. Along Ticao Island Strait is the Manta Ray Bowl, where Tourist Divers visit to have a close encounter with the giant Manta Rays. Near this site is also where the Whale Shark commonly known as "Butanding" can be seen. You can also visit the Katandayagan Falls and the Burabangkaso Island.
How to go there by driving your Own Car...
If you are in for the adventure of driving for a long stretch... then this one's for you. I have been visiting San Jacinto (My Hometown), via this mode in the last five years and each time is a different adventure.
Here's how the travel flow... just follow the sign going TO BICOL!
Stage 1: Manila to Bulan, Sorsogon (By Car)
You drive to the South ExpressWay and exit at the Batangas / Lucena exit. Drive along this stretch all the way to Sto. Tomas, Batangas. Turn left going along Alaminos, then going to San Pablo City. You just follow the arrows and signages pointing towards Lucena, Legaspi and/or Bicol.
You should reach San Pablo in around an hour and a half, but of course this will be dependent on your driving speed. This leg is around 33 Kilometers from the South Expressway to San Pablo City.
You will then drive along the National Road going to Tiaong... you will pass by Sariaya... then Pagbilao (Lucena)... This leg is around 50 Kilometers from San Pablo City to Lucena.
Drive along the National Road and at the end of this stretch, you will see the Dalahican Port... this is now part of Atimonan... This leg is around 35 Kilometers from Pagbilao to Atimonan. You will then turn right going to the next town which is Plaridel...
Drive along this sea side stretch going to Gumaca and enjoy the scenic view especially the beautiful sunrise the the early morn... you will pass by Lopez... then next will be Calauag... This leg is around 81 Kilometers from Atimonan to the entry point going to Tagkawayan. At the end of this stretch... you will turn right (entry point to Tagkawayan) going to Bicol/Legazpi... (going straight will lead you to Camarines Norte). Take note, you MUST turn right when you hit this section.
Drive along the Tagkawayan stretch until you reach Sipocot. This leg is around 94 Kilometers from the entry point of Tagkawayan to Sipocot. Turn right going to Naga City. This leg is around 43 Kilometers from Sipocot to Naga City.
Travel time at this point (Naga City) will be around eight (8) hours drive from Alabang, Muntinlupa. Again, this will be dependent on your driving speed. You have also already covered around 336+ Kilometers from the South Expressway to Naga City.
Bulan, Sorsogon, which is the end point of the Stage 1 (land trip) will be around 3-4 more hours to go.
Drive along the National Road going to Pili... you will then pass by Baao... then Nabua... next will be Polangui... then Guinobatan... until you reach Daraga, Albay. This leg is around 86 Kilometers from Naga City. When you reach the end on this road, you must turn right going to Sorsogon. Landmark is a gasoline station in the right corner side. Turning left will lead you to the Legazpi City proper. Take note, you must turn RIGHT.
Drive towards Sorsogon until you hit the town proper. This leg is around 54 Kilometers from Daraga, Albay to Sorsogon. Turn left and you should pass by the Market area, you will also see a Jollibee branch on the right... go straight and then turn right towards Bulan. You will now follow the arrow and signages pointing towards Bulan. You will pass by Casiguran... next will be Juban... then Irosin... and finally Bulan. This leg is around 64 Kilometers from Sorsogon to Bulan.
Total travel covered is around 550+ Kilometers from Alabang! In around 11-12 hours drive.
Stage 2: Bulan to San Jacinto, Masbate (By Boat)
Go to the Pier and ask around which boat will be going to San Jacinto, Masabate. Check the schedule and if you still have enough time, check around this town.
Travel by boat going to the town of San Jacinto takes around 1+ hours, depending on the speed of the boat. Max should be just around 1.5 hours.
There are several lodging places... Check out Ticao Lodge or the other lodging places within this town.
Enjoy your stay!
Your Travel Guide Courtesy of Explore MyPHILIPPINES!
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Article By Jerome J. Bartolabac for Explore MyPHILIPPINES!
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