Dampalitan Island is one of the three islands which is a popular destination along the Tayabas Bay. It is across Borawan in the coastline of Padre Burgos in Quezon.
Dampalitan Beach has the widest bed off-white sand bar and crystal clear water with a backdrop of the Agoho trees and coconut trees. The Bondoc Peninsula and the rest of Quezon are abundant of coconut trees. The trees added a tropical and laid back feeling, while we explore the island.
Dampalitan is also a camper’s site. There are cottages for rent, a common toilet and a store of the caretaker. We took a rest in the white sand beach and enjoyed the clear blue sky.
We then headed back to Villa Anita to check out. After which, we rode a jeep from Padre Burgos to Pagbilao. From Malicboy, Pagbilao we took a tricycle going to the jump-off point going to Kuwebang Lagpas.
We were supposed to go to Kuwebang Lampas and Puting Buhangin, but decided to take a different route near the jump-off point going there. We found a serene area without the usual campers and tourists who visit the beach area.
It was called, but there were rock formations, with small caves, and a rocky sand bar. It is near Pagbilao Power Station. Or maybe because we were actually lost that we found a different spot. Well, somehow it was a good thing, we were able to end our trip finding this gem along Pagbilao Grande.
Our 3rd Quezon – Bicol Escapade was to explore Padre Burgos in Quezon. I went to Calauag first and stayed there overnight. In the morning, Cam and I took a bus going to Lucena from Calauag. I was able to take a picture of the view on the top while traversing the Bituka nang Manok road in Atimonan.
From Lucena, we rode a minivan to Padre Burgos. We rode a tricycle looking for a place to stay. We weren’t successful in Tamarind Tree Resort but found the Villa Anita Butterfly Garden and Resort, along the Padre Burgos – Andangan National Road. It was already past 1PM when we arrived in the resort.
The resort has a huge garden and a fish pond. There’s a restaurant inside but just across the resort was a Pavillion for a large number of visitors. There were portions that were under construction especially the bigger swimming pool. The cottages were Nipa Huts with aircon. The staff told us of the beachfront area of the resort which was a 10-minute ride from the resort. We were accompanied by the driver of the resort and drove us to the Villa Anita beach front. But as of posting, Villa Anita was permanently closed.
It was low tide that morning and we enjoyed taking pictures and walking around the rocky beach. There was a floating “balsa” in the area. And we stayed there and waited for the sunset.
The following morning we were fetched by the boatman on the beachfront of the resort to start our island tour. The boat ride was about 15 minutes going to Borawan, just across the beach in front of Villa Anita.
Borawan came from the combination of the words Boracay and Palawan and located at Pagbilao Chica Island. It is along the coastline of the Tayabas Bay. There are different rock formations along the way.
Borawan is a place for campers. As of writing, there’s a resort already and that the place is being maintained properly. When we visited the place, there were campers and a caretaker with their small store for your needs. Because it was the Labor day weekend at that time, tourists flocked the island, so we went to the other side in a quieter place, where we had the towering rocks all by ourselves.
But beware of the secluded place without the nets, I was stung by a jellyfish here. If you could zoom the picture below, you’ll see how big the jellyfish that I encountered, and it was painful and the black scar lasted a year.
But all in all, Borawan is a good place to go, it just depends on your expectation. But for me, every new place is worth to travel.
The Caramoan peninsula is located at the eastern portion of Camarines Sur in front of Catanduanes. It is the home of so many islands and islets and the scenic view of towering cliffs and lush green mountains with the perfect sunrise.
This was my 2nd Quezon – Bicol trip with Cam. Cam already resided in Calauag after a year when we went to Gumaca, Quezon
Mountain range in Lagunoy Gulf
We travel for 4 hours by bus from Calauag to Naga City. From the terminal in Naga City, we rode a van to take us to Sabang Port in San Jose, Camarines Sur. We took a boat and traversed the mountain ranges and the Lagonoy Gulf. After almost two hours we reached the port of Guijalo.
Upon reaching the port, we rode a motorcycle where we asked the driver to take us to a resort but he told us it because it was summer, the resorts were fully booked, so he suggested and bought us to the town where we stayed with the locals and rented a room for an overnight stay.
It was a long journey, so we went out at night and found a restaurant along the Paniman beach and had our dinner. We went to and talked to the owner about Caramoan. After which we stayed outside enjoying the beach until it was almost midnight.
The following morning we were referred to a boatman and toured us in the island. We were welcomed by the perfect sunrise of Caramoan. The first stopped was Minalahos island. An island in front of Gota Beach which is good for swimming. There’s also a table rock in front, a point of jump-off for diving.
Minalahos Island
Gota Beach was the resort where the crew and staff of Survivor stayed.
Gota Beach
Then we went to Hunongan Cove with a view of longer sandbar and coconut trees at the beach front.
Kagbalinad island is the front view of Hunongan Cove.
Kagbalinad Island
Going to Caramoan had been a challenge, and 2 days wasn’t enough to explore the islands. We went there during those times the Survivor series was being shot in the different islands. Most islands were being used for production. The tourists and locals were restricted on some island like the Gota Beach.
Because of time constraint, we weren’t able to explore the islands but we promised to go back to Caramoan for a longer stay. Other notable islands are Matukad, Lahus, Cotivas Island, Sabitayang Laya and many other islands.
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Gumaca lies in the middle of the Quezon Province along the coastline of Lopez Bay. Most travelers wouldn’t stop here because most of the buses going to Bicol have a stopover in Lucena or Atimonan, and the next stopover would be in Calauag or Tagkawayan.
Lopez Bay in Gumaca
The major attraction of Gumaca is the Gumaca Cathedral or the Cathedral of San Diego de Alcala, one of the oldest and biggest churches in the province of Quezon.
San Diego de Alcala
Other notable areas to explore in Gumaca is the Museo ng Gumaca, to know more about the Gumaca Heritage District due to the ancestral houses and old structures and the San Diego de Alcala Fortress or the Kutang San Diego, the only surviving fortress in Gumaca. The fortress is also recognized as a national treasure since 1981.
We went to a nearby public spot of the beach, in which my best friend and I decided to have a late afternoon stroll. And my trip to Gumaca was the start of our summer getaway in which we focused in Quezon Province and Bicol Region.
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Here is the list of famous beaches and landmarks in Phuket, in the southern part of Thailand. The different Phuket attractions are mostly in Kathu and Mueang District.
Kathu District
Patong Beach
The most famous and largest beach resort town in the province of Phuket. The beach is almost 4 kilometers facing the Andaman Sea. It is the center of wild nightlife and crowded beach. You can also dine, shop, have a Thai massage or eat local street foods because it is near the famous Bangla road.
Water activities were being held around like kayaking, parasailing and others. Tourist and locals enjoy the beach, sleeping, sunbathing, enjoying some sports activities, taking pictures, strolling, watching the sunset, eating and having fun in the sand.
Bangla Road
The heart of wild nightlife is along Bangla Road where you can see the Bars, Live Music, Night Clubs, restaurants and shopping malls and the famous Go Go Bars.
Jungceylon Shopping Complex
Located near Bangla Road, Jungceylon is located in the center of Patong. It is the most modern mall in Phuket.
Other areas for shopping and night markets are OTOP Shopping Paradise, Banana Walk Shopping Mall, Basaan Market, and China Town.
Mueang District
Karon Beach
The second largest beach with a 3 kilometer long and broad sandbar. There small restaurant on the beach but the beach is also surrounded by nearby hotels, shops and restaurants across the street. There are nearby parks across the street.
Kata Beach
A small island called Poo island is visible around Kata Beach. Kata is one of the small beach of the three popular beaches – Patong and Karon. This area also has lessons for surfing. There are restaurants and hotels across the street from Kata Beach.
Karon View Point
Between Nai Harn and Kata Noi beach is a landmark on top of the hill with the view of the three beaches in Meuang District – Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches and the Poo Island. It is locally known as “Khao Saam Hasaad” or Three Beaches Hill. It is also a good site for a picnic as there are gazeebos in the area. The nearby Kata Noi is accessible if you book a hotel near the beach.
Rawai Beach
Rawai, located at the southern part of Phuket, is a traditional fishing village and the home of sea gypsies. The local fisherman goes fishing and you could buy freshly caught fishes in the market. Authentic Thai dishes are available in some few restaurants especially the one on the beach front. Rawai beach is less crowded but is not good for swimming and the beach is the docking port for the long tail boats. Coral and Bon islands in front of Rawai.
Nai Harn Beach
A small beautiful beach area near Phromthep which is also less crowded. You can also see the windmill viewpoint near Nai Harn beach.
Phromthep Cape
One of the best spot to see the Andaman sea and a beautiful sunset. There are shrines for elephant statues. It is the end point of Phuket = Pearl of Andaman Sea. Racha Yai island, Noi, island and Phi Phi islands can be seen in the distance.
Buddhist shrine with the brass of elephants and a lighthouse called Kanchanaphisek Lighthouse are also the most visited in Phromthep.
Other landmarks near Rawai are Yanui Beach, Laem Ka Beach and Maithon or Honeymoon Island. Rawai boxing stadium is also located here.
Wat Chalong Temple
One of the most visited temples is Wat Chalong Temple located in the Chalong, Mueang Phuket District. It is also called Wat Chaiyathararam and among the 29 Buddhist temples in Phuket. Locals pray at the temple and foreigners also learn about Buddhism. There are dress codes and restrictions when entering the temples.
Ao Phang Nga is located in the southern part of Thailand. It is notable due to the Ao Phang Nga National Park which includes the famous James Bond Island or Kao Phing Kan. Most of the parks are set on the coast of the Andaman Sea from the west and Phang Nga Bay to the south. Ao Phang Nga National Park is a 40 km sq park which includes 40 islands of numerous limestones tower karst islands. There are native mangroves forest in the park.
James Bond Island or Khao Phing Gan
The tour is known as James Bond Island Tour because the island used to be a location in one of the movies of James Bond, Man with the Golden Gun. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes from Ao Por Pier to Khao Phing Khan.
The famous islet on the island is called Ko Ta Pu. You can only take a picture of Ko Ta Pu because it was prohibited to go to the islet to prevent its erosion. Koh Tapu is also known as Nail Island.
The island Kho Phing Khan has a few caves with two sandy beaches. One of the sandy beaches is used as the port for long tail boats. There are souvenir shops and coffee shop, toilets. The docking port is already cemented for the tourist. If you go to the rocky stairs, you will see the other one of the sandy beach with an open cave having stalactite formation.
Koh Hong or Hong Island
The whole group of tourist boarded the ferry for a sumptuous seven-course Thai lunch.
After lunch, the next activity is the sea cave adventure to Koh Hong or Hong Island. The island is known for canoeing, kayaking and swimming. Koh Hong also is known for the different rock formations and limestone karst. Hong in Thai is room, and it’s called Room Island where there is a hole opening up in the sky. Different caves surrounded the island but due to high tide, there are caves full of water.
Panak Island
Another sea cave adventure is the Panak Island where you can also see a hidden lagoon.
Lawa Island
The last activity is swimming is Lawa Island. Others do kayaking here also.
How to get there
Go to Ao Por Pier in Pa Khlok at the northern side of Phuket. The pier is a startup point going to nearby islands. This is an organized tour, you can find information on the internet and the travel shops in Phuket.
Koh Phi Phi or Phi Phi Island is situated in the Andaman Sea in Krabi, Thailand. It is a part of the Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. The group of six islands is located 46 km from Phuket and almost the same distance from Krabi. The two big islands are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley.
Going to Phi Phi Island
From Phuket International airport go to Sea Angel Port. Board a ferry or speed boat going to Phi Phi island.
There are other ferry ride going to Phi Phi Island from the different parts of Thailand. The ferry boats are available in Ao Nang, Ao Nang Railay, Koh Bulon, Koh Kradan, Koh Libong, Koh Lipe, Koh Lanta, Koh Nga, Krabi and Trang.
Touring Koh Phi Phi Don
Monkey Island
Monkey Island which is known by its name is inhabited by monkeys. A small boat will allow you to swim in the area and to see a closer look of the monkeys. The stunning rock formation, towering limestone cliffs and breath-taking beaches are seen before your reach the Tonsai Pier.
Tonsai Bay
This is where boats docked and where the pier is located. Ferries and long tail boats lined up in the beach. Information booths are seen around the pier. There’s a small park with a fish statue. Most of the hotels, restaurants, night bars, shops and massage centers are in Tonsai Village.
Loh Dalum Bay
The long sand bar and the view of the Loh Dalum Bay is parallel to Tonsai Bay. During low tide, a sand bar on the far right side appears and locals are playing football in the sand bar. Beach front hotels and restaurants are also in the area.
Long Beach or Hat Yao
The Long Beach or Hat Yao is a long stretch of the sand bar and much longer compared to Loh Dalum. The resorts and hotels along the sandbars of Long Beach are expensive from the ones near the pier. Hat Yao is also a village for the locals.
ViewPoint
The highest point in the island and the only inland attraction. You will see an isthmus that is sandwich between Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay.
Other areas
These are the more reclusive area in Phi Phi Don: Way Long Bay, Yong Kasem Bay, Nui Bay, Loh Lana Bay, Loh Ba Kao Bay, Phak Nam Bay, Rantee Bay and Loh Moh Dee Bay. Another village on the tip of the island is called Laem Tong where you can also see the Sea Gypsy Village
Phi Phi Ley
Consists of the different popular destination: Maya Bay, Loh Sama (Sama Bay), Palong Bay, Pi Ley Bay and Viking Caves.
What is the best thing to do during your stay in Koh Lipe aside from exploring the three different beaches – Pattaya, Sunrise and Sunset and also walking along Walking Street? Here are some useful guides in discovering the stunning island of Koh Lipe, Thailand.
How to Get There/Getting Around:
From Langkawi, Malaysia:
Ferry tickets are available at Kuah Jetty Pier or in Telaga Harbor Park. Ferry’s going to Koh Lipe are scheduled at 9AM, 11AM and 2PM. To avoid any inconvenience, be at the ticket office 1 hour ahead for Visa processing.
From Krabi, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi:
Different Ferry boats are from Krabi, Phuket and Koh Phi Phi going to Koh Lipe.
Transportation
The speed boats will stop near the beach area of Koh Lipe, and long-tail boats will transfer passengers to get to the beachfront. There are motorbikes taxi with sidecar in Walking Street. Another means of getting around the island is by longtail boats in the Taxi Boat station. The island is small, another way is also by foot.
Island Activities
Snorkel Trips
1. Snorkel in Sunrise Beach – Koh Kra, Koh Talak, Koh Usen
2. Snorkel Discovery in Jabang, Koh Hin Nam, Koh Rawi, Koh Adang and Koh Yang
3. Far Island Explorer in Koh Hin Sorn, Koh Lugon, Koh Pulong, Koh Bulu, Jabang
Diving
Here are the different diving spots in Koh Lipe: Pattaya Corner, Koh Kra, Koh Taru, Koh Pung, Koh Talang, Koh Adang Stone Henge, 8 Mile Rock, Far Islands, Sail Rock, Seven Rocks and Lipe Shipwreck.
Other Activities
1. Boat trip around the Koh Lipe
2. Hiking in the mountains of Koh Adang
3. Kayaking
Where to stay
Pattaya Beach
Bella Vista
Z-Touch
Bundhaya
Family Song Resort
Sea Side Resort
While walking along Walking Street, I saw a sign that says Gypsy Resort. It was a resort along Sunrise Beach. I found out that there are sea gypsies in Koh Lipe or what they called Chao Ley in Thai. I pass by the local school and Hat Chao Ley Village, the community where the Chao Ley resides.
Chao Ley or Urak Lawoi are aboriginal Malay people in the east Andaman coast. In preserving the heritage and helping the Chao Ley faces extinction, Project Urak Lawoi was launched. The project aims to raise awareness about Chao Ley’s heritage, culture and conservation of their traditional way of life.
Project Urak Lawoi; Koh Lipe’s Heritage http://www.projecturaklawoi.org
