Undiscovered Beauty in Bacacay, Albay - Bugias Island!

Wondering what Boracay or Puerto Gallera looks like? Hmmm. You don’t have to be there ‘coz Bicol has so much to offer when it comes to beaches. Philippines have lots to offer!!! We have Atulayan Island of Camarines Sur, Misibis Beach of Albay, Rizal Beach of Sorsogon, Burias Island of Masbate and many more to mention.

 However, there is one island called Bugias Island which amazes me and has 30-35 square meter land. It is located off the coast of Bacacay, Albay. I didn’t know it until my father decided to have a family trip in summer of 2006. Using pump boat, you can reach the island within 15 minutes from pier of its town. When we arrived there, I was really stunned by its simplicity, and beauty.

 If you are planning a trip, my advice to you is to be there as early as 7 in the morning so that you can enjoy the shore of the island. Mostly,  the tide at that time is low. The shore has sand of  white to brown color .  It is a bit stony but it won’t hurt your feet.

The privacy with your family is major plus ‘coz the capacity of the land accommodates 20-25 persons only, good for 2 or 3 families to have fun under the sunny sky.

I went back there with my friends in November 2006. It was supposedly a planned trip but my friends weren’t able to make it on time. We went off the shore at 12nn. They didn’t enjoy the sand part of the island. But it is okay, we still enjoyed the surrounding of it. It has shades of trees, good for relaxing while avoiding sun exposure and enjoying a breezy air.

 I was swimming with the flippers on and snorkel while my friends were drinking brandy. I can see corrals near the island where different fishes swimming around. I went far from the island going to the direction of mainland of Bacacay but the base still wasn’t that deep. I can still stand from the sand and see my friends on the island.

I can still hear the splash of the water they made. Three of my friends were standing on the edge of the isaland where they used to jump into the water over and over again.

Water supply? The only available water on the island is sea water so please bring some potable water. You don’t want your friends to be thirsty.

Asking about food? You can have your own baon to be sure not to upset your stomach. But in case you run out of food. The best part of this island, you can easily get something from the sea – like oyster/clam(?) (don’t know exactly their names/species). If you aren’t  sure if they are edible or not, better ask someone or better not eat anything at all. But you can also go fishing, I am sure you can catch more.

Can you imagine? The spiky black sea urchin which you have to avoid its sting is also a source of food. I thought it wasn’t. Someone taught me how to eat that. First, you have to break its spikes using wood then break/cut its body into half by using a hard object like a stick,  knife, or stone. Once it is cut into halves, the yellow portion will be exposed. That part is called food. Yup, this is eaten raw, no need to either add seasoning or cook it. Believe me it is clean! Reminiscing the taste of it makes me salivate now. I can eat five of it, still nothing bad happened to me and still asking for more.

Oh I miss that place. When will I go back there? I’m clueless. Hope someone will invite me soon.

Oops. Before I forget, have your pump boat loaded with 7 liters of fuel. I had an experience  where it stopped in the middle of the sea and we ended calling out for help. Good thing that Albay has lots of cell sites - Smart,  Globe,  Sun etc.

:)