ALIBIJABAN ISLAND, SAN ANDRES, QUEZON

After days of searching for the best unspoiled beaches, an extraordinary name caught my attention: Alibijaban Island located in San Andres, Quezon.

Getting information about the island is a pain in the ass. I was surprised as I only saw a few information about this island. I followed Albert The Backpacker's guide to Alibijaban.

I was supposed to visit Alibijaban by the end of month, but due to excitement and my katawang-lupa has been demanding for a quick summer escapade, I sent a message to Kuya Randy that I'll be visiting tomorrow. Yes, ganun-ganon agad. Biglaan. Parang yung hiwalayan nyo ng ex mo, biglaan din.

After a nine-hour shift, I went straight to SM and bought some summer goodies. I came home around 6:00PM, packed my things, and decided to go. 

I went to Turbina then straight to Lucena Grand Terminal. Bus going to San Andres, Quezon arrives 12:00AM. It was half after midnight and the bus hasn't arrived yet. It rained hard for an hour as well. I felt the odds were not in my favor that time. After thinking if I should go home and re-reschedule the trip, the rain stopped and the bus arrived.

The bus was jam-packed with passengers. There were no seats available so I had no choice but to stand and wait until a passenger gets off. No kidding but I stood for two hours before having the chance to sit. Masakit sa paa, pero naaalala mo yung panloloko na ginawa ng ex mo? Tengene mas masakit yun!

It was a loooooooooooooooooooong bus ride. Probably the longest I've had in my life. I kept asking some passengers kung malapit na but all I heard was, "malayo pa. Matulog ka muna." Pero tulad ko, kaya nyo yan... Kungyung hayop mo ngang ex matagal mong na-tyaga, eto pa kayang 6 hours lang! Kaya wag maarte. Haha.

After a 6 hour butt-numbing bus ride, I finally reached San Andres, Quezon. There were just three passengers left. That's where I met Lyn and Charm - two friends going to Alibijaban as well. We were picked up by Kuya Randy sa port. Travel time from the port to the island did not take more than 30 minutes. 

I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE ISLAND.

The perfect white sand, clear blue sky, cool summer breeze, the clear water, the simple life.

Buti pa yung tubig malinaw. Di tulad ng future nyo ng ex mo na sobrang labo. 

Kuya Randy's kambal took us on a 360 island tour. We checked the sand bars and the mangrove forest. Everything was just perfect.

From stangers to friends! 

The perfect jumpshot. Photo taken by John Lloyd, one of the Alibijaban kids.

Kuya Randy's kambal took us on a 360 island tour. We checked the sand bars and the mangrove forest. Everything was just perfect. 

If you are a fan of taking those emo shots, this place is perfect! Hiya ka pa..go na..magpaka-emo ka na. Ihanda na ang mga look-up, lingon dito, turo doon pose. Go!

The island can be explored in 5 hours (or maybe less). Its a pretty small island but has got loads to offer! Make sure you bring your own snorkeling gears as there's none available in Alibijaban. People here are very welcoming. Kuya Randy and Ate Jinjin greeted us with the warmest welcome. We were not treated like guests, we were treated like a family. 

Solo travelers who are on a tight budget can visit this place too! Here's a sample itinerary and expenses.

Ride any bus going to Lucena Grand Terminal (not sure kung magkano. I am from Sta. Rosa, Laguna)

If you are coming from Turbina, there are buses passing by going to Lucena Grand Terminal. Fare is Php131.00

From Lucena Grand Terminal to San Andres - Php215.00 (ordinary bus, not sure if there are air-conditioned buses)

Pedicab going to port - Php20.00

Environmental Fee - Php4.00

Php1,500.00 - (3 pax, 500/pax) Two-way boat transfer, overnight stay, tour

San Andres to Lucena Grand Terminal- Php250.00

Lucena Grand Terminal to Sta. Rosa - Php150.00

I did not spend more than Php2000.00 for this trip. 

Before you go...

Don't forget your meds. There are no drugstores in the island.

Bus from Lucena Grand Terminal going to San Andres arrives 12:00AM. Next bus arrives 2:00AM.

Its a 5-6hour bus drive from Lucena to San Andres - its a butt-numbing bus ride! Tyaga lang! Promise it's all worth it!

Enjoy the island. Treat people with respect. Enjoy!

Don't forget to contact Kuya Randy should you need assistance sa boat transfer, homestay, tour, etc. His phone number is 0998-275-8413.