Lubang & Looc
Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro
April 2-4, 2015
Cross-country MTB - 78.60+km. (distance covered)
Lubang Island is divided into two municipalities - Lubang and Looc. There are two major ports in the Island located at Tilik in Lubang, and Agkawayan in Looc. The nearest entry point is in Calatagan, Batangas which take for about 2 ½ - 3 hours boat ride and other ports are also found in Nasugbu (Batangas) and Manila.
Electricity runs 24/7 but network signal for Globe was not available throughout the island as of April 2015. There are limited inns and resorts in Lubang town while in Agkawayan, Looc have nowhere to stay. Tricycle is the means and major transport in the region.
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| Tilik Port |
April 2, 2015 - Thursday
From Calatagan port, we took morning trip bound for Tilik port in Barangay Tilik, Lubang. I had no plans or itinerary I only have maps, mountain bike, snorkels, headlamps, extra clothes and tent. We biked under the scorching heat of the sun over the flat and paved road. First destination (distance) covered approximately 17+ km. from Barangay Tilik to Barangay Tagbak passing by other coastal Barangay of Vigo, Maliig and Poblacion Lubang (town proper).
Fine to semi-powder sand beach are found in shoreline of Vigo. Aside from beach, we stopped at Lubang Airport. Private plane and aviation school use the airport.
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| Lubang Airport |
Then, we proceed to Barangay Tagbac and look for a beach resort. We have come into a resort far from the main road. We found out what weren’t looking for. Punong Bato Hidden Resort is a pool resort near the seashore. It was getting late. We pushed ourselves to our last option - Binacas.
After heading back to Poblacion we took the road going to Barangay Binacas. The terrain was rolling and rough road. The estimated distance was 11km from Poblacion to Binacas. Before the sun fades away, we have reached our destination. I’m very thankful for the people welcomed and helped us in Barangay Binakas. I expected that there was a connecting road from Binakas going to town of Looc. Our mishap led us to another remarkable adventure.
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| Binacas Beach Park |
There are no available inns or accommodation in the area however, there is a park manage by the Barangay at the beach. Tent and hammock camping is highly recommended for this place. Comfort rooms and showers are also offered. Entrance fee is 20-30 pesos only. The park is manned and patrolled regularly by Tanod (Barangay Police). Safe! Great stories were told by an old man (we met) about Onada, the last (WWII) Japanese soldier who surrendered after 3 decades.
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| Buying fresh fish |
The beach park is also the main jump off for:
- Punta Cave
- Hulugaan falls
- Kaypalad beach
- Kibrada Turtle Sanctuary
April 3, 2015 - Friday
Punta Cave is only 10 minute walk along the shore. Guide fee for cave and falls is 300.00php. Roundtrip boat (minimum) fare going to Hulugaan falls is 500.00 good for 5 person and additional 100.00php for succeeding guest per head. They provide official receipt from the tourism office. The beach in Binacas is ideal for snorkeling and diving. Coral reefs and beautiful fishes abound in the area. Mas gusto ko ang coral reef kesa sa white o powder sand beaches.
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| Grenade found in Punta Cave |
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| Punta Cave |
After short visit to Binacas, we headed to Barangay Agkawayan in Looc. Travel is approximately 38+km. from Binacas to Agkawayan port passing by Poblacion, Tilik, Alapan, Balikias and other coastal barangay. After passing by Tilik, road going to Looc was rough, zigzag, and more up and down until we reach Agkawayan.
We looked for an accommodation but there was nothing to find. People there were very accommodating and kind. They even offered their houses as our overnight shelter. I went to Barangay Captain’s house and seek for help. One of his barangay council offered their house. The next day we leave Lubang Island.
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| Ambil Island |
Tips:
- Explore Lubang Island using mountain bike
- Bring tent, snorkel, flashlight, headlamp and other camping equipment (pack light as much as possible)
- Visits Barangay Binacas - Cave, waterfalls and beaches
