Situated in the archipelago of the Province of Masbate is the little island of Ginlubngan. The name literally translates to “burial site” which is actually true about the island. This little paradise is part of the series of islands which covered somewhat a story: Ginlabanan – a place of battle, Nabuktot – experiencing injury, Namatyan – a place of death and “Ginlubngan” which is the burial site.
Getting there
You can actually go to Ginlubgan from any of the ports and fishing villages of the island of Masbate. The most ideal one is the Cawayan port as Ginlubngan is right across this sleepy town. From Masbate City, you can ride a van (Php 120) and travel around 2 hours to reach barangay Divisoria. From barangay Divisoria, you hire a habal2x (Php 30) or hop-in to one of the tricycles (Php 20) which frequently travel to the Cawayan port. At the Cawayan Port, look for the motorized banca which travels to the fishing village of Naro. From Naro island, you can ask one of the friendly fisher folks in the area to bring you to Ginlubngan.
While there are regular trips to Naro Island, you might have run out of luck and will find yourself stranded in the port of Cawayan, thus, it is recommended that you instead hire a private banca to take you from Cawayan port to Ginlubngan island. Back and forth rate for the Banca is around 1500 to 2000 pesos and most bancas can accommodate as many as 10 people. If you need a larger boat, you will have to shell out more, but technically the more people, the lesser the cost per person will be. Please haggle responsibly and do not overdo it. These banca operators are fishermen missing a day’s catch to bring you to this paradise.
Alternatively, you may travel from Cebu by riding a couch bounded to northern Cebu from the North Bus terminal. Ferries to Cawayan is available in Polambato port traveling daily at 11 PM and in Hagnaya port traveling daily at 6 AM (Php 200~300). From Cawayan port, you take the same route mentioned earlier.
The island of Ginlubngan
Having an area of approximately 2 hectares, the island has two distinct features: a somewhat circular main island where no other vegetation grows but coconuts. On the southern bound of the island, you will find a lengthy sandbar. The sand in the area is powdery white and is comparable to that of Boracay. Locals even claim that some resorts in Boracay have illegally exhumed sand on the island and brought it to their facilities.
The island has no inhabitants so you can aptly say that it is naked. The surrounding sea has little inclination but is very ideal for snorkeling. As the island is relatively untouched, you will find rich biodiversity. The corals blanket the seafloor that you might accidentally step on one so please be careful when swimming. For those who love swimming, the eastern side has better inclination so you would not need to travel that far to find a better depth.
Entrance Fee and
Accommodation
The entrance fee is very affordable at 50 pesos per head and already includes access to the open cottages which is available on a first come, first served basis. Overnight stay is possible and you can pitch your own tent for free.
The island also has strong mobile signals for Globe and TM subscribers so you wouldn’t miss your daily dose of social media while staying on Ginlubngan albeit we recommend that you shy away from it and enjoy the rawness of this paradise.
What else should I
know?
The island does not have electricity, so make sure that you have your devices fully charged and bring power banks. There is no water source on the island and no store, so bring everything that you need.
Final Note
As always, let us apply the golden rule of traveling.
Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints. Kill nothing but time.
Please help make it possible for future generations to enjoy the greatness of Ginlubngan. Be a responsible laagan.
