DIY: Sablayan, Mindoro Occidental

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We were kidnapped! Kidding!

Our Boracay vacay was cut short because a friend called us and asked us to go to Mindoro the next day.

We got ready at around 4 and took a tricycle to the port to go back to Caticlan. From there, we took the earliest trip of the ferry from Caticlan port to Roxas port (Oriental Mindoro.) It was a 5 hours long travel time (it was a big ferry like that of Montenegro.) If I remember correctly, ferry fare is Php 150/ person plus the terminal fee.

The ferry docked at Roxas around lunch time, and we were instructed to take a van to San Jose. Travel time is another 3 hours, fare is Php 350/person.

Upon arrival, we took a bus to Sablayan for another 2 hours. (Imagine my mood when we arrived! I was supposed to be enjoying the white sand of boracay yet I am seated on a bus - travelling for atleast 10 hours already!)

Finally, we reached Sablayan before sun set. Our friend fetched us with his motorcycle and brought us to the grey/black beach resort (overlooking Pandan Island) where we will be staying.

Once settled, they brought us to Overlooking (the highest point of the town proper overlooking the pandan islands - hence the name) and enjoyed the view. As the sun sets, the barkada decided to drink the night away and I went for a deep slumber! 

We got up early as our host sent motorcycles to fetch us so we can eat breakfast at Camalig (featured in Byahe ni Drew) 

The food is good and the price is reasonable.

We strolled and went around town before going back to our resort accomodation to get ready for the ultimate Sablayan roadtrip! 

We were shown the Convention Center, PUP Sablayan, Municipal Hall and of course their plaza.

All set! We stopped and took photos from our starting point. We are to go to the Penal Farm, firing range, and Libuao Lake.

It was almost sunset when we got back, we stopped at our friend's farm to get a quick peek of their 'private' lake (technically it is govt owned but it is inside their property so yeah)

Went back to Camalig to eat dinner and called it a night.

The next morning we checked out of our beach accomodation and moved to a hotel in town. 

We killed time (because everyone is busy at work) singing our hearts out in a function room with unlimited videoke perks.

Before sun down, the group assembled to go to Pandan Island (pandan maliit.) There are two Pandan Islands, the maliit and the malaki (as the name connotes one is bigger than the other)

Pandan Malaki is fully booked so we opted for Pandan Maliit and we got the whole island to ourselves. The gang set up a camp with bonfire, and we ate dinner and drink and played songs - a chill night to end the day.

The morning after gave nice view of the sunrise! 

Our host wanted us to stay behind and enjoy the beach while everyone else go back to the mainland for work but we decided against it and broke camp.

Pandan Maliit and Malaki are just a few meters away. On your left is Pandan Maliit and on your right is Pandan Malaki. They said that there is a shark sanctuary in Malaki.

The view going back is amazeballs! With the Sanfobridge looking bridge smiling at you. 

We changed and went to the bus terminal (to manila) - the port is at Abra de Ilog (Occidental Mindoro) a 3-4 hours travel time from Sablayan. From there, take the ferry to Batangas port and catch a bus to Manila.

It was an awesome on the spot adventure (we got to road-trip the whole stretch of occidental Mindoro) and as we have limited time we promised to go back for Pandan Malaki and Apo Reef.

TTFN!