Pinay Nomad
  • Home
  • Travel
  • Fitness
  • Financial Freedom
  • About
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Travel
  • Fitness
  • Financial Freedom
  • About
No Result
View All Result
Pinay Nomad
No Result
View All Result
Home Travel

The Greek Pillars in Fortune Island Batangas

by KT Mina
October 25, 2015
in Travel
Reading Time: 6 mins read
A A
the ruins
251
SHARES
3.5k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Batangas is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Manila because of its excellent beaches, mountains, and ancient churches. I’ve been around the province of Batangas but there’s this one exceptional island found at the coast of Nasugbu, Batangas that took my breath away; The Fortune Island.

White sand that covers the entire island surrounded by clear, pristine blue water enough to entice you to visit this place. But the main feature that makes the island quite irresistible is the Greek-inspired structure in a clear imitation of the Acropolis in Athens.

Thus, it was labeled as The Santorini of the Philippines, named after the island found in the Southeast of Greece’s mainland. It used to be a resort that was exclusive for prominent celebrities and public figures then it shut down in 2006 and reopened in 2013.

fortune island dive resort

Things to do in Fortune Island:

  • Sightseeing and Picture taking

There’s a lot to see on Fortune Island. There are the Grecian pillars and statues; the San Diego Warship museum containing historical artifacts such as Japanese katanas, Mexican coins, Portuguese cannon, and so much more; the remains of the actual sunken warship; and other sights for you to discover.

My friends Zy and Jhecka did some photoshoot at the pillars. Most of my friends on Facebook thought I was out of the country and I told them, “Sa Batangas lang yan, hehe!”

beach in batangas

fortune island boat schedule How do you get to Fortune Island in Batangas

  • Fortune Island Cliff Diving

Do you have gallons of hormones pumping through your system? Cliff diving is perfect for you! It is a sport that seems to go against our nature. When you jump, you will hope not to die or get chopped off by the crashing waves that await the feet below to serve as a cushion.

At first, I was scared to jump, my friends kept cheering at me but I just don’t have the balls to jump… When I gathered enough courage to take the plunge, I finally jumped.*** It was freakin’ awesome!!!***

After my first attempt, I got addicted to it and did it several times. “Ang saya pala talaga.” FYI, there are a number of blue holes found at the northern tip of the island, which lead to an open large cave 80 feet deep.

santorini of philippines fortune island ghost

fortune island cliff diving

  • Snorkeling

You will appreciate the underwater wildlife richness with snorkeling! You can bring your own gear or just rent it from the boatman. I suggest you wear aqua shoes coz it’s kinda rocky. I also spotted little crabs and jellyfishes, but don’t worry they are harmless. In case you get stung, just put some vinegar on your skin and ice cubes. I know this coz I got stung before.

How do I get to Nasugbu Batangas

  • Hiking to the Lighthouse

There is a medium lighthouse that is 40-50 meters from the shipwreck. Bring drinking water with you for the long walk (about 15-20 minutes). I don’t think we are allowed to enter the lighthouse because the entrance was closed but you can take pictures from the ground.

How far is Nasugbu Batangas from Manila

How to Get to Fortune Island Batangas:

Before going to Fortune Island Batangas Resort, it is important to make prior arrangements with a reliable travel agency to guide your way around the island so you can have a stress-free and memorable experience.

You can contact them at gophtravelandtours@gmail.com to avail of their tour packages.

How much does Fortune Island cost

Public Transportation

There are three public air-conditioned buses that usually travel to Nasugbu Batangas on a daily basis:

  1. Coastal Mall Terminal (Paranaque)
  2. BSC Bus Line (EDSA/MRT Taft)
  3. San Augustin Bus Line (Cubao)
fortune island resort nasugbu batangas
photo credit: Jois Guiyab

The fare can range from ₱200 – ₱220 one way with a travel time of at least three-four hours, depends on the traffic. Once you arrive at the town proper, take a tricycle that will take you to Barangay Wawa, Fortune Island Resort PADI Dive Center.

Once you arrive at the said place, you will have to pay the Landing fee of ₱300 per head or ₱400 for an overnight tour. Round-trip boat transfer from the resort to the island is ₱800.  It’s best to travel in big groups like we did (15 pax) to minimize all expenses.

Private Car

If you’re coming from Manila, there are two routes you can take: via SLEX, or Cavitex. Once you see Jollibee in Nasugbu, just follow the main road and you will see some beach resort where you can park your car overnight.

nasugbu island hopping

What to Expect in Fortune Island Batangas

  • No source of freshwater
  • No electricity
  • Garbage littered everywhere (please clean up after yourselves. Take your trash with you)
  • No toilets
  • No food outlets
  • The sun can be scorching, and there’s barely any shade.
  • Weak phone signals

 fortune island hotel

Things to Bring in Fortune Island Batangas

  • Bin bags for your rubbish
  • Tent, hammock, or sleeping bags
  • Shoes for hiking if you decide to go to the lighthouse
  • Coal or woods for cooking
  • Snorkeling gear & aqua shoes
  • Potable water
  • Insect repellent lotion
  • Sunblock lotion
  • Wet wipes for your personal business
  • Action camera or DSLR

filipina nomad travel bloggerRemember, there’s no accommodation on the island, that means that you have to set up your own tent or hammock. Bring enough food, water, and protective wear against the formidable heat and the broken glass bottles littered in some area.

But hey, these are just minor setbacks, it won’t be called “Fortune” Island if you would think of its “misfortune” condition.  Try to see the beauty in everything because there’s a lot to explore on Fortune Island.

fortune island batangas

You can also find me on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

What’s your take on this post? Let us know in the comment section down below.

Pin27Share98Tweet62
KT Mina

KT Mina

KT is a digital nomad who quit her job, bought a ticket somewhere, got a tan, fell in love with mother nature and she would never return to the normal life that society dictates. You can also connect with her on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @pinaynomad

Related Posts

singapore itinerary 8 days
Travel

1 Week Travel Itinerary for Malaysia and Singapore

March 8, 2022
edit-travel-videos featured
Travel

How To Create And Edit Travel Videos?

March 5, 2022
hiking essentials
Travel

4 Essential Items You Need for a Hiking Trip

February 9, 2022
eco-friendly-vacation featured
Travel

5 Tips to Make Your Vacation More Eco-Friendly

October 11, 2021
Next Post
bugsay cagayan de oro

Getting Wet and Wild: Chasing Rapids in Cagayan de Oro

Discussion about this post

No Result
View All Result

Categories

  • Financial Freedom
  • Fitness
  • Travel
Pinay Nomad

© 2013-2021 all rights reserved PinayNomad.com

  • About
  • Travel
  • Fitness
  • Financial Freedom

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Travel
  • Fitness
  • Financial Freedom
  • About

© 2013-2021 all rights reserved PinayNomad.com