A Taste of Athens in Fortune Island

Nestled 14-15 kms off  the coast of Nasugbu mainland was once a luxurious resort, Fortune Island; an extremely stunning island with pristine white sand and an acropolis with Grecian pillars and statues on the edge of the island overlooking the blue sea.

The island is long-owned by Jose Antonio Leviste, a former governor of the Province of Batangas who build a resort in 1995 that was shut down in 2006.  Fortune island has also been the site of modern day shipwrecks. Unfortunately, according to  Kuya Dan Dan,  it’s already sold to a Korean businessman.

Since I vowed to myself that I will experience summer to its fullest, I grab my backpack and camping paraphernalia and head for an overnight trip to this gorgeous Island. Thanks to Mam Ron again for letting me join their cool group and recorded  another amazing beach experience.

It was past 7 AM when we started traversing the south Luzon road all the way to Nasugbu Batangas and safely arrived after roughly 4 hours.  It should be way faster it just so happen that there were a lot of road commotions going on last Saturday.

Finally, welcome to Fortune Island Resort. The name above made sense when we arrive in the Island and found the chance to do chit chatting with Kuya Dan Dan while waiting for our boat back to the mainland.

We waited for the boat that will take us to the island. This will take another 45 mins to an hour depending on sea conditions. Glad that it was calm when we started cruising. All in all, it was a safe voyage. We safely docked on the seashore despite the strong current of the water. The Grecian Pillars on the top of the hill and the pebbles and white sand stretches along the island greeted us.

 

The island has long been abandoned and seeing how the structures has been wrecked is a testament. This made everything look so sad and forlorn but did not diminish the natural beauty of it.  The resort is still attractive despite of the abandonment.  The bungalows were half destroyed, cottages remain deserted, windows shattered, drained swimming pool as its center piece, some part which has been reclaimed by nature.  Arriving a bit exhausted due to the scorching heat plus  growling tummy, we settled our stuff and started preparing lunch. It was past 2 in the afternoon when we reloaded ourselves.

    

Lunch satisfaction at its fullest and after which we started doing our thing. Some went all the way up to the pillars, others started swimming, and I started taking my well deserved rest before exploring the place.

It was past 4 in the afternoon when I grabbed my Camera and started exploring.  . Facing the sea, I started at the left side. Few meters from our surviving ‘cottage’ was a wrecked ship. This is just a replica of a ship that was found near the island (approximately 900 meters / 2,953 ft. northwest of the island) that the galleon San Diego was sunk on December 14, 1600 by the Dutch warship Mauritius under the command of Admiral Oliver Van Noort. The shipwreck was discovered in 1992 by French underwater archeologist Franck Goddio.) and was  once a restaurant. The ship that sunk but never sunk (from Tinker Bell :)  Guests can take pictures and climb on top with caution.

This monument with human bones inside is said to be found when the island is still under construction. Belonging to a woman and rumored that her ghost roam around the island at night (creepy! isn’t it?) Ironic though coz I pitched my tent right next to this structure which I wouldn’t do have I known it earlier. Just goes to show, it’s better if you knew nothing at all. The marble plaque was  dedication to Former President Fidel Ramos and  First Lady Amelita Ramos who were guests of honor  on the island.

If you wanted serenity and total relaxation, this is a great spot. Sit underneath the tree, listen to the crashing waves and feel the ocean breeze. Close your eyes and be carried away to paradise

Walking to the other side of the beach, I passed by some rocks and pebbles and from afar I can see the Pillars with guests taking photos. Can’t wait to climb up there and see how majestic the sunset would be and overseeing the island.

 

The Grecian Pillars which looks like Parthenon from afar appears to be dreamy.

 

Just when I am about to climb all the way up to the pillars, I felt a little dizzy,maybe because it was so hot, so I settled just taking pictures near the rocks first and rested a bit.

  

Yes! Finally, after several hours of waiting, I was able to climb the topmost part and waited for the sunset.  Aside from the photographic opportunities offered by  Acropolis, the sunset is also best viewed and photographed from this location.  There you can see group of photographers doing there thing. The place is really a perfect setting for Photo Ops themed after the Gods and Goddesses of Greece. 

On top,  right next to the acropolis were structures of Sphinx and Athena. At the back part were steep rocks and they’re perfect spots for cliff jumping. I climbed on the edge and it was windy up there. The Greek like columns looks fantastic regardless of the wrecked fraction. The statues along with the columns overlooking the sea were spectacularly a breathtaking view. I can tell the busted pillars and statues were victims of the forces of nature. It looks as if Zeus strikes its wrath through lightning bolt on each of the pillars nevertheless the ruins remains to be my favorite part of the Island.

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Just when I thought life can be tough at times, just looking at this breath taking views made me realize that there’s more to smile about it. And as the yellow blots of paint were slowly fading away and sky got darker as it stretched from one end to the other.  That very elegant sight revealed a smile from me in an instant. A new day was dawning. Just like all the challenges I am facing, I know tomorrow will always create a rainbow. That very reason is enough for me to keep on moving.

 

We met some new friends while taking some pictures.

 

It was getting dark when we went back to our spot, had dinner and socials after. It’s time to get acquainted with the new folks and learn little things about them. Yes, we had a great moonlight setting near the beach.

 

If you are planning to stay overnight on the island, your only option is to bring tents and to set up camp for you and your company. There are still a few standing structures however, most are boarded up while others can be used as "camp central" for cooking and evening socials. Also no bathing facilities or toilet so it’s really one hell of an adventure. We brought water for cleaning our stuff (eating/cooking utensils) but not for bathing.

Waking up with this view of sunrise is just amazing. I never thought that this place can offer stunning images of both sunrise and sunsets. Had some hot drink to warm and perk me up and for the second time I climb up to the acropolis to see how it looks like during sunrise and expecting less crowd.

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This beach get away will  not be complete without experiencing the water. Yes, I am happy that its clear and the seabed is clean as well aside from slippery rocks which is tolerable. Sands were fine too but not as powdery as what I expected it to be. Overall, great waters for swimming.

   

Fortune Island did not just offer something breath taking for me see, experience and to take away as I go back to the hustle and bustle of the metro but restored the faith I lost in myself.  The fascinating view I saw reminded me that even if a thing is abandoned and totally wrecked, there is still goodness and beauty in it. You just have to continue believing and take that leap of faith and everything will fall into place. Just learn how to appreciate it.

I just cant imagine how beautiful this island 10 years back.

Items	Rates
Van Rental	Php  6,400.00
Entrance Fee	Php  6,400.00
Boat Rental	Php  9,000.00
Food and Drinks	Php  4,773.00
Total Expenses	Php 26,573.00 / 16 persons
Expense per Pax	Php  1,661.00

You can also go to the island for a day tour and that would cost Php 350.00/person for the entrance fee and the boat is negotiable depending on the number of persons you have in a group.

Contact Person: Kuya Dante (0939.489.5292) and his son Kuya Dan Dan were very accommodating

Don’t forget to bring your costumes for best Photo Op ala Adonis and Athena and try cliff jumping (I have to try this in my future travels!)

Some things to keep in mind when you plan to go to the island:

- There is no electricity or functional faucets in the island
- There is no restaurant in the island. You have to bring your own food.
- There is dressing room. Abandoned but can be utilize (for your photo ops)
- There is smart and globe signal. (yahoo!upload pictures right away)
- They don’t provide tents, you have to bring your own.
- I don’t recommend visiting the place during rainy season. Waves can be dangerous.
- Expect some rubbish on the shoreline.
- The coastline isn’t pure sandy; there are tons of pebbles and stones. Make sure to wear your slippers most of the time.

Happy Travels to all! :)

Technorati Tags: Fortune Island

Beat the Heat : Campgrounds in Burot Beach

Summer Beach Exploring continues..soaking myself in crystal clear water, enjoying white the sand, witnessing the majestic sunrise and the dramatic sunset, stargazing at night are the things I am looking forward to in each camping activities lined up on the beach. Since I am the type of person who prefer less crowded beaches, underrated and not so touristy ones, I am excited to see what this next summer destination has in store for me.

Burot Beach is one easiest to reach summer destination for nature lovers especially backpackers and shoe string budget beach bummers. All you have to do is ride a bus bound for Calatagan Batangas, bring your tent, backpack and your sense of adventure and you’re all set for a great day of relaxation (we’re not so lucky though because we went here on a weekend, crowded). In the past, they say that during weekdays you might get the chance to have the place all by yourself.

We left Manila past 6 in the morning on a private vehicle and started traversing the road all the way to the South. Our first and last stop over was in Tagaytay to grab something to eat. Of course, if Tagaytay comes to mind, it’s the mouth watering Bulalo. With full stomach,we’re back on the road and after 2 hours, we finally reached Burot Beach.

Welcoming us was a stretch of semi-fine cream sand beach with calm waters and beautiful rock formations. Aside from that, the place is also a great campground as it is dotted with trees. The beach is a private property (SM Group of Companies) but is open to public for a fee. Day tour is Php 65.00 pesos, while overnight stay is Php 130.00 pesos per person. No electricity, no resorts or posh accommodations but there are native huts built already.  It is still best to bring  your own camping gears if you plan to stay overnight. They have tents for rent but at a very expensive rate (Php 300.00). There is also a small store selling mostly basic needs if in case you forgot something.

Arriving almost noontime would only mean one thing, unbearable heat of the sun. Even so, we still started to pitch our tents and prepare for lunch.

 

 

After we settle ourselves and have lunch, it’s time to explore the beach and make a splash. Coming from Calaguas, the previous week made me set the expectation bar to the same level, I felt a little disappointed though that the sand is not that white and fine and the water is not so clear (which is my fault of course, hehehe!, do not set your expectation too high) Nevertheless, this beach is still lovely and unique in its own way: Ruggedly Charming!

This is the middle part of the beach which can be considered the main part as there are a lot campers pitching their tents. One group who brought a generator, set up a videoke machine and that made the part of this beach hyped up. There are also floating native huts where you can rent for a fee, i just don't know how much it costs :)

 

This part of the beach have lots of rock formations, just be careful when getting close as these are sharp edged stones, you don't want yourself to get scratched I suppose.  This is where we pitched our tents.

 

We had a quick swim on the beach before exploring the other parts. Water temperature check, even at 4 in the afternoon the water is still warm. There are a lot of sea weeds, so its recommended that you wear aqua shoes. The seabed have slippery rocks when you get near the rock formations. Oh, I nearly forgot, beware of sea urchins and jellyfish too!

Moving towards the left side, facing the beach, is another great area for campers. This area is uncrowded and more secluded. This makes an ideal place to have some quiet time, to unwind, slow down and re-connect with nature.  I spend more time roaming this part while waiting for the sunset.

 

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Here’s my favorite part: Sunset. By far, one of the most breathtaking sunset I’ve ever seen and captured.  I can’t take my eyes off for every second that light softly fading away. The gentle glow over the horizon, its as if the colors and intensity of the light is just enough to calm you.  The setting sun’s radiant face was mirrored by the shimmering water of the sea. A scene to behold, enough to keep a smile while completely in awe!

  

 

 

It’s time to for dinner and socials with my new found travel buddies. Other campers have their own way of having fun; some made campfires while others have fireworks and sky lanterns.

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Warning for girls, their comfort rooms aren’t as good as the ones in a hotel. They have about 5 to 6 comfort rooms already but may run out of water when used simultaneously. Running water for taking a bath is available for free.

The boatmen also offers Island Hopping (3 Islands, i don’t know what are those since we didn’t go for it) for Php 100 per person.

Let’s just make sure to live the Outdoor Ethics: “Kill Nothing but Time, Leave Nothing but Footprints. Take Nothing but Pictures, Keep Nothing but Memories”

Calatagan is known for its golden sunset and to add up the fame of the place, Burot Beach is the next big thing. May not be one of the best beaches but definitely worth seeing. So while it is still unspoiled, pack your bags and head over to Calatagan.

Thanks Mich for inviting me to join your cool group. Looking forward to more adventures!

Overnight Damage Report: Php 880.00 (Transportation, Food, Entrance Fee – 650 group sharing + 230 personal expense)

Technorati Tags: Burot Beach