While everyone was going crazy over #LaBoracay, our gang went on a day trip to the famous Binukbok Viewpoint Resort in Bauan, Batangas. The resort boasts a rich marine sanctuary perfect snorkeling and diving. It’s a perfect playground for us who were craving for some dose of invigorating vitamin sea, albeit the absence of pure, powdery shores.
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How To Go There:
From Jam Liner’s Cubao or Pasay terminal, board a bus bound to Lemery. First trip usually leaves at 3:00 am (from Pasay), but be sure to be at the terminal 30 minutes ahead as the bus can leave earlier. This was what happened to us — bus left at 2:45 am so we had to wait for the next bus which left at a little before 6:00 am. Fare is Php 143.
Get off at the Lemery terminal. From here, commission a tricycle to San Luis and ask the driver that you are going to Binukbok. Special trip costs around Php 120-150 per way, and travel time takes around 30 minutes. The tricycle will then bring you to Binukbok Viewpoint Resort’s parking lot and wharf.
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Make sure that you had pre-arranged a boat transfer from San Luis to Binukbok Viewpoint Resort. Contact the owner of the resort, Manny Garces, directly at +63919.833.2078/+63917.V-NUK-BOK(8685265) / +63942.833.2078. Boat rate starts at Php 600 per way. The boat ride takes around 15 minutes.
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Tips:
Binukbok Viewpoint Resort does not have a powdery shore, so, if that’s what you are looking for, then this resort is not for you. But, if you’re in for a breathtaking underwater adventure, then go ahead! The beauty of the resort lies underneath as its marine sanctuary is teeming with huge, colorful fishes and sea wonders.
Bring your own food. You may ask the resort staff to have your food cooked or reheated at a minimal fee of Php 500, cook all you can. They also have plates, glasses, and utensils that guests can borrow.
If you have, bring your own snorkeling and/or diving gears like masks, snorkels, fins, lifevests, etc. to save money. But if you don’t have your own gears, you may rent some at the resort with prices as follows:
- Mask and Snorkel – Php 150
- Lifevest – Php 50
- Fins – Php 100
- Booties – Php 100
- Regulator – Php 250
- Tank – Php 250
- Wet suit – Php 250
- Weights with belt – Php 100
It will save you time and energy if you will bring your own car from Manila to Bauan. The schedule of the buses are irregular and buses are mostly scarce in the afternoon.
Have you been wondering how beautiful the underwater life is in Binukbok? Please watch our video and you will understand why we call this a happy playground!!!
And the best thing that I love about Binukbok is that it’s super wallet-friendly!!! I only spent a thousand bucks for a day trip of unlimited snorkeling fun! Bus fare, boat transfers and food included!
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Travelogues by Matet Garcia-Reyes 