Saturday, December 7, 2013

Tavel Guide | Fortune Island, Nasugbu, Batangas


I'm moving
I'm coming
Can you hear, what I hear
It's calling you my dear
Out of reach
(Take me to my beach)
I can hear it, calling you
I'm coming not drowning
Swimming closer to you

- Pure Shores by All Saints -

***
FORTUNE ISLAND

Fortune Island was once a luxury island resort, but now it is now just an abandoned island with a few crumbling structures. However, this does not diminish the natural beauty that the island offers. In fact, one of these structures, called the Acropolis from the Acropolis of Athens, is the island's current main attraction. Fortune Island's Acropolis stands on a rocky cliff that juts out into the water. Many visit the island to take photos by this crumbling structure that is an imitation of the famous ancient citadel in Greece.

Fortune Island's Acropolis

The island is located about 15 kilometers off the coast of Nasugbu, Batangas. The best way to experience the island is to camp there overnight but many just visit it for a day-trip. The best time to visit is between the months of February and May because the waters to cross by boat will be calmer.

***

HOW TO GET THERE

1. Bus from Manila to Nasugbu, Batangas

Go to the Coastal Mall's Provincial Bus Terminal in Parañaque City. There are several bus lines there, both ordinary and air-conditioned buses, that travels to Calatagan, Batangas. Make sure to ask the driver if they can drop you off at the Nasugbu Town proper.

Travel Time: 2 - 3 hours or less (depending on how heavy the traffic is)
Bus Fare: Php 130.00 (ordinary bus)
Best Time to Travel: The earlier the better because there is less traffic and crossing the water to the island is safer in the morning.

Note: 
- There are other bus terminals (Cubao and Buendia) with buses that travels to Batangas.If the Coastal Mall Provincial Bus Terminal is inconvenient because it is too far, it is best to check if these terminals have buses that can drop you off in Nasugbu.
- Another option is to check where to get passenger vans that travels to Batangas.
- Additional shopping can be done in Nasugbu, especially for supplies like meat, vegetables and coal for grilling.

2. Tricycle to the coast of Nasugbu, Batangas

Travel Time: 10 to 20 minutes

3. Boat Ride to Fortune Island

The waves can be treacherous and as mentioned, it is best to visit the island between the months of February and May. The price of renting a boat depends on your length of stay on the island. The boats can usually carry up to 10 passengers.

Travel Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour (more if the waves are big)
Day-trip: more or less Php 4,000.00 
Overnight: more or less Php 6,000.00

Boat Rental Options

Option 1 | Contact Person: Mang Dante (0939.489.5292)
Option 2 | Contact Person: Chris (0908.722.5628)
Option 3
This option is not verified if true and possible but according to a source, upon reaching Nasugbu, you can ask your tricycle driver to take you to Wawa, the port or the coast near where the Coast Guard is stationed and that there are boats there that can be rented to Fortune Island and their prices can be considerably lower.

Note:
- It is best to negotiate with your contact person regarding the cost of renting a boat but another way to minimize the cost is to travel in a large group (8-10 persons).


***
ACCOMMODATIONS, AMENITIES & ACTIVITIES


Fortune Island Landing Fee / Permit
Day-trip: more or less Php 350.00 per person
Overnight: more or less Php 400.00 per person

If you are planning to stay overnight on Fortune Island, your only option is to bring tents and to set up camp for you and your group. There are still a few upright structures on Fortune Island, however, most are boarded up while others can be used as "camp central" for cooking and evening socials.


The island has a stay-in caretaker, Kuya Loret (0928.453.8821). He can be asked if it is possible to use the bathing facilities in his cabin. However, since fresh water is limited on the island, it is possible that he may not be able accommodate a large group of people.

* Front-Right: a small monument with human bones inside
- According to Kuya Loret (the island's current caretaker) the bones belong to a woman and her remains were found during the construction of the island's resort grounds and buildings. He also said that the ghost of this woman used to roam the island at night (ooh... scary...).
- The marble plaque mentions a dedication to Former President Fidel Ramos and First Lady Amelita Ramos who were guests of honor of the Levistes on the island.

* Back-Left: a replica of a ship which was once Fortune Island's restaurant
Since the luxury resort on Fortune Island was abandoned for more than half a decade, there is no visible maintenance and trash can be seen along the beach. This made everything look so sad and forlorn. So, if you are visiting the island, make sure to be responsible not add to the trash.

Sunrise
***
ACTIVITIES

Day and Night Swimming * Snorkeling * Sun Bathing * Scuba Diving * Skim boarding
Camping * Beach Bonfire and Socials * Stargazing
Sunset and Scenery Pictorials * Pictorials by the Acropolis

Diving 
There are about 20 diving spots near and around the island. Many divers flock this area of Batangas because of these underwater "parks" as well as to visit some of the sunken vessels located there. Currently, Fortune Island is "leased" to some Koreans who regularly drops by the island after their diving activities.

Photo Ops
Aside from the photographic opportunities offered by Fortune Island's Acropolis, the sunset is also best viewed and photographed from this location. The island also offers a great view of the lights coming from Nasugbu at night.

Almost Sunset (unfortunately cloudy, taken from Fortune Island's Acropolis)

Wildlife
There are some wildlife that live and visit the island. The island is often visited by sea turtles (pawikan) that lay their eggs along it's beach. Also, a couple of big birds of prey (Philippine eagles or monkey eating eagles, according to a source) can be seen flying around the island.

DO NOT FORGET TO BRING

travel wear * swim wear * sleep wear * underwear * foot wear
flashlights and lamps * sunblock * towel / sarong / malong * food * lots of water
snacks and booze * trash bags * portable stove and fuel * charcoal for grilling * ice chest
camera and other photo gear * goggles and snorkeling gear * shades * hat or sports cap
toiletries * your basic meds (eg. allergy and asthma medication)
first aid kit * cooking and eating utensils


THANK YOU!
Marvin and Joni
for all the photos  and the memories
Mang Dante, Kuya Dan-dan & company
for assisting us during our boat ride to and from Fortune Island
Kuya Loret
for the stories and accommodating us during our stay


Planning a trip? Well, I am sure you will have a great time. Just remember to stay safe and don't forget to your Fortune Island experience with me!


DISCLAIMER: While every reasonable effort is made to ensure that all information in this post is accurate, he author will not be liable for any injury or liability resulting from the use of any information in this post.


TERE TEREBOL | i  backpacking

42 comments:

  1. Good day! We are Travel Management students from the University of Santo Tomas. We've read about your blog on Fortune Island in Nasugbu, Batangas. Currently, we are having our research study about Replica Tourism and our chosen destination is Fortune Island. We would like to ask if you could be one of our survey respondents?


    Attached is our formal cover letter and the link to our online survey form:

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1gm3hWI5oSJKKj7V2PIUg_znqw-R-rQXZ5kS-6pF_7d4/viewform



    We would really appreciate it if you could help us answer the survey questionnaires on our behalf.


    Thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. OMG. I wish I could go here too. I never thought we could have a taste of Athens in Batangas!

    ReplyDelete
  3. hi, nakatakot ba yung alon this time?

    ReplyDelete
  4. sa picture pa lang gusto ko na yung place... kaso may ghost... creepy...

    ReplyDelete
  5. ang mahal naman ng entrance dito, daig pa ang resort

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ang mahal ng entrance to think na magdadala ka ng buong kabinet mo.
    Travel fee pa lang aabot na ng kulang kulang na 8k.
    Pero i must say ang ganda.. parang a taste of Athens in Ph..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry for the late reply. Medyo mahal nga pero if 5 or more ang group nyo, mas kasya na sa budget.

      Delete
  7. Been eyeing to visit this place since the time I watched this featured in a travel news. Great info you provided here!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you liked it and i hope you get to visit the island.

      Delete
  8. uhm magkaiba po ba ang 4k na fee sa 350 na fee?? or for pax ung 4k fee?? thankyou!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry for the late response. I hope you visited the island and had a great time.

      Delete
  9. been there twice!!! 400 yung entrance yung 4k-6k is yung babayaran nyong boat papunta sa island :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi.. Yung 4k sa boat.. Anu un per group ba un or per pax?

      Delete
    2. Hi.. Yung 4k sa boat.. Anu un per group ba un or per pax?

      Delete
  10. may cooking utensils b sa island or need nmin magdala if ever we want stay overnight? thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. kahit portable stove lang mam and foods magdala narin po kayo dahil pag dating ninyo sa island wala na po mabibilihan dun.. if any question just text or call me
      im Gino Punzalan from Tourist Department of nasugbu here's my no. 09352328738/09496205346
      just text me or call to any question and im your guide din. tnx.

      Delete
  11. Abuso ung charge sa totoo lang!! Pero fine, pupunta din ako..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bring many friends with you and it will not be as expensive. Enjoy!

      Delete
  12. Many thanks for the exciting blog posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you are a brilliant writer.
    Halkidiki Rent Yacht | Rent Yacht Greece

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi, how much is the tricycle fare going to the coast of Nasugbu?

    ReplyDelete
  14. MAGANGDANG GABI MGA ANAK NG FORTUNE ISLAND
    Mang Dante or Tatay Dante and Mommy Sarah ay nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat sa pagbisita ninyo sa isla. Naging bahagi po kayo sa kabuhayan ng mga taga- Nasugbo lalong lalo na po sa mga bangkero.
    salamat po sa pagpili ninyo sa amin upang maging daan ng pagpunta ninyo sa FORTUNE ISLAND at mabigyan kayo ng SERBISYONG TOTOO.
    "LIVE LIFE WITH HONESTY AND IT WILL LAST LONG"
    SALAMAT!!

    Mommy Sarah
    smart- 09287859432
    tm- 09357928426
    globe- 09277520443

    ReplyDelete
  15. I was here just recently and nagcommute lang ako.. and going there is very easy... Check nyo blog entry ko sa link na ito :) http://followfantasy.blogspot.com/2015/02/fortune-island-nasugbu-batanggas.html

    ReplyDelete
  16. maam,sir,may i invite you to see my hometown.we have two beaches which are almost virgin.the batog beach and cabongaoan beach.Batog beach is ood for camping and cabongaoan beach for camping and swimming.the place is in burgos pangasinan.
    call or text me for inquiries.lyn 09275322861.
    i am helping to promote my hometown.in reutrn,asking for little/some help for our daycare center like ,school supplies.instead of asking for fee/tip,i ask for some school supplies.
    thanks for reading.

    ReplyDelete
  17. My hometown :). To what I've heard. It is now rented and operates by a Korean nationals kaya nagkaroon ng entrance pero dati (when it said it was own by the Leviste) wala nman :(. It used to be open to the public basta punta ka lang dun at mabait ung bantay ng island.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi we could offer you po lower rates sa boat kc direct po to sa mga bangkero,pm me for details po.thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello po san po pwede mag ask ng cheaper boat rates? Di po makontak yung Number you provided below eh. Thank you and God bless.

      Delete
  19. Or you call call/txt at this # po 09491541319

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thank you for the info mam.

    ReplyDelete
  21. hi po,
    ask po sana ako ng latest info kung panu makapunta sa island?
    any number that we can contact??
    thank you po..
    GODbless

    ReplyDelete
  22. Pwede bang makisabay sa group na gustong pmunta this weekend. Para tipid ang gastos sa boat. Dalawa lang kasi kmi ng husband ko e. Just txt 09266783216

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi po Im Sarah and we are organizing an overnight stay at Fortune Island for 1.9k all in (transpo,boat to fortune island,tent and food) any joiners interested po Text me at 09258122836
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hello admin. I would like to ask if u have the recent numbers that can possible be a contact to fortune island? Badly need it. Hoping for ur asap response. Or email me at ink88.park@gmail.com or pfb ink88

    ReplyDelete
  25. can i ask question who is the new founder of fortune island today? some people says steve a Korean nationality but im not sure whats the real name. can you answer me pls. thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi what if kung solo lang pupunta jan do I need to pay the 4k for the boat wala ba mas mura dun? and malapit lang ba yan sa coral beach club? Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  27. hello, cleaned and maintained po ba ung cr sa island?

    ReplyDelete
  28. Great post. I recently went to Fortune Island and loved it (except for the long bumpy boat ride. haha). Got some great pictures. Wish I could have did some diving out there. Maybe next time.

    ReplyDelete
  29. bago po b pumunta sa fortune island kailangan na magbayad ng entrace fee or doon na mismo sa island magbabayad? thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Great informationa bout Manila travel. For everyone who need to know about price of Manila airport transfer, please contact with GoAsiaDayTrip - the most trusted airport transfer and day tour company in Southeast Asia.

    ReplyDelete
  31. That looks an awesome place. I'm gonna try to visit it. I'm pretty sure me and my friends are going to love it. Try What to do in Manila, you'll love it too. Anyway, Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  32. What is Wawa Customer Satisfaction Survey?


    Customers reviews and feedbacks means a lot to the company, as the company wants to grow its business and now its really tough to survive in the market. So the company established and came up with www.mywawavisit.com to know about the services provided are really


    Wawa Customer Satisfaction Survey

    ReplyDelete
  33. Baccarat & Odds - Play Online with Bitcoin for Real Money
    Baccarat odds: The easiest way to get a little free bet at a casino in febcasino Asia is to deposit with cryptocurrency. งานออนไลน์ This is a popular option when you deccasino can live

    ReplyDelete