Get off the beaten track and plan your castaway adventure in Colibre Island a.k.a Snake Island. There were plenty of sea snakes here in the 1980s which accounted for the island’s name. This desolate piece of land off the coast of Tambobong Pangasinan offers an exotic getaway for the island explorers and sun-lovers. The difficulty of getting here ensures that you’ll have the island for yourself. Redeem the prize of your effort by settling here for a day or so. Upon arrival, the first thing you might utter is “uh oh” as there are only 4 coconut trees in sight. Swim in the cool waters as the sun fades away or watch the visible stars at night as you lie on the sand. Wake up at the crack of dawn, and witness the clouds become lit with warm light as the sun peaks out from the sea. Other than the hot golden sand, there are also various rock formations on the west side to explore. Swim on the nice beach on this side of the island in the morning or just walk around and enjoy a peaceful day.
Getting There:
To get here you must first go to Tambobong beach. Board the early morning bus going to Alaminos, (Five Star or Victory Liner in Cubao) the journey will take 5 hours. Get off at the victory liner station in Alaminos and catch a bus going to Sta. Cruz. Tell the driver to drop you off in Dasol. After a 45 minute ride, look for the small market in Dasol where the jeepney terminal for Tambobong is located. There are only about 2-3 trips daily so you are lucky if you manage to get here before noon. You can also take a 30 minute tricycle ride to Tambobong if you missed the jeepney. Mind you, it’s going to be a strenuous journey as the roads are rocky and undeveloped.
Tell the driver to drop you off at Belinda’s Resort. This is the recommended resort by the locals as the owner is nice and helpful. Inform the owner or anyone in charge that you will be taking a boat going to Snake island. And within 30 minutes you’ll be on the island shore, make sure to tell them what time you’ll be leaving so they could pick you up.
The passenger jeepney leaves Tambobong at around 4:00 am in the morning, so you might want to take a boat ride back to Dasol. This is way better than taking the same road again back to the town. You’ll definitely shell out more but then you won’t regret it. Boat ride is far more convenient and lets you see other nice views along the way.
Notable Things:
The lucid turquoise waters
Hot golden sand
The island’s rich marine life, perfect for snorkeling
Rock formations and colorful pebbles
Budget Matters:
If you plan to stay overnight (which is recommended) then bring food and camping supplies. Accommodations and restaurants are in White beach resort in Tambobong.
For the transportation cost:
(Prices are subject to change)
Bus from Cubao to Alaminos - Ordinary P277, Air-conditioned P351
Bus from Alaminos to Dasol (via Sta. Cruz Bus) - P40
Jeepney from Dasol to Tambobong - P40
Or Trycycle - P400 (2-way)
By Boat to Snake Island from Tambobong - P900 (2-Way)
By Boat (from or to Dasol) - P600 (1-Way)
It’s surprising that the locals themselves are the culprits for some assorted garbage scattered around the island. It’s just painful to see some plastics, noodle cups or lost flip flop thrown on the sands or behind the rocks. Everyone is free to camp on this island anytime as no one really maintains it. However people still don’t have the rights to litter or throw their trash wherever they like. Hopefully these people would soon start caring for the environment before it’s too late.
Posted by MissForlorn, Photos by Peregrine
Posted by MissForlorn, Photos by Peregrine
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