Magalawa Island : A Beach Bum's Paradise

Having used seven out of the fifteen vacation leaves alloted per year, I was anxiously browsing one blog after another to find a perfect weekend beach getaway. I was itching to get sun kissed and it was also hubby's birthday month.I can't afford to use another vacation leave and boy I was glad to have stumbled upon Pinay Travel Junkie's post about Magalawa Island. 

"Silence is argument carried out by other means." 
Lakas maka-Che Guevara ni Kuya :))

We headed to Victory Liner Terminal in Caloocan and was lucky to catch the Sta. Cruz bus trip that will pass by Brgy. Pangolingan in the town of Palauig , Zambales. As the bus cruised along the scenic countryside, I felt bad for the farmers that lost their crops because of the recent typhoon that devastated the province. Upon reaching the waiting shed, we hired a tricycle to take us to The Oslet Armada Compound in Brgy.Luan.
 We were greeted by one of the bangkeros sent by Armada Resort. It was a quick 10 minute boat ride to Magalawa Island. For rates , check out their Facebook page.

Fishing nets

Shaded campsite

"I think this will get us through the day. We'll try again tomorrow."

The cheerful Auntie Auring and the resident guard dog, Jojo welcomed us with big smiles.We were the only visitors during that time.We settled our bags in our little hut we chose that sat on the farthest part of the shore.

He nibbled on the bamboo fence at the middle of the night just to get inside the hut. Super cute!

Good night world! :)

Being a beach bum,I took a lot of photos.We strolled along the beach all afternoon and watched the local kids play. They played with long dry leaves and turned them into boats.Truly,money can't buy everything.They giggled,laughed and teasingly ran after each other. Their happiness was contagious.

Life is simple. We are complicated.

Whenever I travel, I never miss the sunrise or sunset. Though sunset was at the other side of the island,we had the chance to witness the beautiful sunrise. My camera ran out of battery because of the gazillion photos I took. It was madness. Magalawa Island's remoteness was glorified by the enchanting display of colors before sunrise.

Another day in paradise

How to get to Magalawa Island 

> Take a Victory Liner bus bound for Sta. Cruz, Zambales.  Visit their website for the updated  bus fares and schedules.
> Ask the conductor to drop you at Brgy. Pangolingan.
> Tricycles are available at Php150/2 person for a 15-20 minute ride to Oslet Armada Compound.
> From the port, Magalawa Island is just about 10 minutes away. Fare is Php 100 per head.