Journey to the Fortune Island, Gone Yet Not Forgotten (March 2017)

February 2017, I returned to the Land of the Philippines. With the same purpose, this time I am spending my six weeks working stay at Balanga city.

Way to Fortune Island

Genesis Bus Terminal Bataan

In my forth week of stay, I had a chance to go out of the province and visited Fortune Island in Nasugbu, Batangas. Thanks to invitation from Belle, a friend met during our Mount Pinatubo hiking trip three years back. We arrived at Buendia bus terminal at 0300 on Saturday. There was a total of seven of us, Arvee, Rachel, Ri, Cindy, Ruth, Belle and I. As there is no clean water supply and electricity provided in island, each of us grabbed a 4L of Absolute drinking water at 7-Eleven before leaving for Nasugbu. The journey took approximately two hours. On arrival, a tricycle driver offered to arrange the round trip transportation to get to the Island and we agreed on.

Loaded up at Nasugbu Wet Market

Charging area provided before departure to Island

Finally, we were on our boat. My travelling buddies were so excited that they were singing all the way to the island.

Tents spotted by the beach

The first task once landed was to look for a good tent site. It did not took us long to set up all four tents and had our early lunch by the serene beachside, followed by SIESTA time after the meal. Afternoon, we had the first activity of day, walking up to Athens-inspired pillars spot and had some great photo shoots. At 1630, we started to prepare for early dinner as cooking would be a challenge when the dark approached. We had some real spicy chicken soup, crispy salad pork, tilapia fish from lunch and rice, all prepared by our travel coordinator cum cook, Belle.

Stone pillars and the lion structure

Marvellous meal presented by Belle

At night, the bonfire time. This was my first bonfire experience and it was with a group of Filipino friends whom I have just met this morning. It was a special session and we definitely had a lot of moving stories to listen, and share as well. Also tonight, I had a try on the Filipino way of drinking Brandy.

Sunday morning, I tried to get out of my tent for  sunrise but the eyes were reluctant to open. After breakfast, we went for swimming and cliff jumping. It may sound simple to imagine jumping from 15 feet above water, but the courage it takes to take the first step was greater than that.

The right spot for cliff jumping

After disassembled the tents and packed our luggage, we left with good memories and many wonderful pictures. It’s time to say goodbye to everyone back at Pasay terminal. 

Thank you Po for the companionship throughout journey as I’ll cherish every fun moment we had in the Fortune Island. You guys rock.

Till next time.

Young, wild and free