Masbate is an island between Luzon and Visayas and Burias is one of the major islands in Masbate. The island has 2 municipalities: Ticlao and San Pascual. Last Friday (June 1, 2018), we visited the province of Burias to experience its majestic view and clear water beaches.
It's almost a 12-hour adventure ride from Manila. You can take a bus that will take you to Naga City (9 hours). A good catch is a Premium bus of PeŃafrancia Bus Liner in Cubao but for a cheaper option, there are available buses in Pasay City. From Naga City, you can take a UV Express to take you to Pasacao Port (45 minutes). From Pasacao Port, take a boat ride going to Burias Island (2-3 hours). The rough ride worth it all when you finally reach the Burias Island and our photos and videos will tell it all.
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| Pasacao, Camarines Sur. |
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| A 2-3 hour boat ride to Burias Island from Pasacao Port. |
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| Make sure that the life vest is within your reach. Just to be sure. |
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| Burias Island port. |
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| Our first island stop is the Sombrero Island. The nearby resort was closed because of some violation. |
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| Though the resort is closed, you can still enjoy the white sandbar in the area. |
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| At the side of the island are the stone piles. And at the right side of the island is an islet similar to the shape of a hat or "sumbrero". |
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| Next island is the Tinalisayan Island |
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| Tinalisayan offers white sand beach and a great sandbar view. |
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| Again, stone piles are in the area. |
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| The beautiful Tinalisayan Island that complements the boat view from afar. |
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| Burias Island is also the home of balinsasayaw or swiftlets. |
Balinsasayaw house was built in 1991 and since then, it bacame a tourist spot is Burias Island
Balinsasayaw's saliva are so expensive which can be harvested and be a main ingredients for Nido Soup. A kilo of Balinsasayaw's saliva can be sold for as much as 20,000 PHP per kilograms or 380 USD.
It's time to wrap up our day and we're going to settle in Atlaza Resort in San Pascual, Burias Island. From Burias Port, it's a 30-45 minute tricycle ride with a mixture of smooth and rough road.
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| The Atlaza Resort marker and bonfire place. |
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| The refreshing view of sunrise from Atlaza Beach Resort. |
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| Next island is Animasola Island in San Pascual, Burias. |
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| Animasola is known for its spectacular rock formations |
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| My favorite part of Animasola Island is the Mermaid's Lair. It's like you are bathing in a pool-like sea. |
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| It's clear water is a great swimming experience. |
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| Ernest Point in San Pascual is a cliff diving spot in the area. You can choose from level 1 and level 2 cliff. |
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| After you take the plunge, enjoy the cool water with a great view on Mayon Volcano from Bicol and nearby islands. |
So the next time you think of summer escapades, consider the majestic island of Burias in Masbate. Never mind the time-consuming ride and enjoy your stay because Masbate is a must.
