Do This: A Jampacked Overnight Alibijaban Adventure

It's a triple A beach experience. It's a fabulous last summer hurrah. It's an overnight Alibijaban trip. Here are the three best things to do, and how you yourself can enjoy!

Sandbar Sunset Adventure

We loved getting a small boat out to the island sandbar, right as the tide was ebbing, and just hanging out. We took a cooler filled with cold beer and grabbed some chips, then started wading into the sea towards the small strip of white sand and the beach. Our menfolk decided to stay behind and talk about whatever men talk about over beer. We ladies took a good few minutes to explore further inland towards the mangroves, took lots of photos using the gorgeous view as our backdrop, and then went to sit in the shallow stream of water flowing from the island to the sea to wait for the sunset. Relaxing and refreshing--I highly recommend it!

Floating Hut Experience

Photo by Your City Promdi's Twin Back. 

While the island is slowly being discovered by backpacking tourists and those who were looking for an alternative to Boracay, Alibijaban remains relatively remote. Its waters are clear, even during the habagat season when the winds bring fallen tree branches and coconut husks to its beaches. One of the best ways to enjoy the waters is to rent one of the bamboo floating huts near the island, and swim around. Some floating huts feature a small 'pool' (watch out for the few crabs that sometimes use the bamboo seat as resting place), while others have built in diving platforms that make for great action shots. Snorkeling gear can be rented so we also got to view the corals and fish that live so close to the beach.

Alibijaban-Burias Island Hopping

We did not actually do this ourselves because we were advised that the sea was rough on the weekend that we were. However, we heard that the six or seven views on the itinerary each offer their own beautiful attractions and one is even large enough to host an overnight tent adventure. If you've already come along this far, and the weather and waves permit, just go!

Walking and Stargazing by the Beach

So far from any major city, Alibijiban offers dark evenings and quiet beaches: the canvass for glimmering stars and the symphony of waves. Walk alone or hand in hand with your special someone, stand still and look up, and be fully present. Remember how this made you feel lighter, more aware of everything, and carry it with you when you leave.

How to Get There

Photo by Your City Promdi

Alibijaban is only accessible to the general public via a long road trip (by bus or car) followed by a short boat ride. From Manila, it can take about eight to 12 hours to get to the island itself. On public transportation, take a bus from Manila to Lucena Grand Terminal, then transfer to one that goes to San Andres, Quezon, then hire a boat. If using a car, just follow these Google Map directions. 

Food 

I would advise bringing your own food, just to err on the side of caution, as there are long-standing rumors that some locals lace unsuspecting tourists' food with poison to create demand for the antidotes that the former produce and sell.  Food on the island is cheap, sari-sari stores carry the usual noodles, sardines, salted egg and canned goods. However, if you want something more healthy, just bring your own cooked food to the island or shop some fresh ingredients from the local San Andres Market and cook them yourselves at the island. 

Accommodation

There are lots of small nipa huts available for overnight rent. Tents are also okay to use along the main beach. 

Plan your own adventure or contact Aces Travel, which can arrange affordable overnight or 3days/2nights tours with trusted local partners. Contact them via Facebook or at +63 948 511 3502.

Enjoy your island adventure!