Vanished Island: Natunawan Cove

TABACO CITY –Devastated by typhoon Trix in 1952, the once habitable land filled with houses and residents was completely vanished and sunk underwater. The place reappeared and formed into a beautiful hook-like surface that receives streams of freshwater from the mainland city. The island that can be glanced from Tabaco pier is called “Natunawan Cove.”

Today, no houses or buildings installed on the hundred-hectare ground due to its lower elevation. However, the stretch provides food and livelihood for Brgy. Bacolod and nearby places. It also offers reliable anchorage for fishermen’s boats. In addition, a variety of plant and animal species congregate here after more than 50 years.

Annually, the marvelous cove held two special occasions such as Peňafrancia festival mass every first Saturday of September, and celebration of Natunawan festival of Brgy. Pawa every third week of October.

This local yet sensational attraction also gives you several island and mountain range views, clear blue water, and tranquil ambiance. Individual or families can also enjoy the place through jogging, swimming, boating, picnicking or perhaps doing meditation.

Tabaqueňoes take pride of this impressive concave island, the Natunawan cove. This will be the new future haven of Tabaco city.

Best time to be there: Just before sunrise until 8am; and/or 4pm until before sunset. High- or low-tide may vary weekly.

Going there: Rent a small boat (pump boat or with paddles) from Tabaco international seaport. The rent price may range from P100-P400 for a two-way ride.

Things to bring: Sunscreen with high SPF, towel, umbrella, snacks and water.

Spiky’s Photos:

Not a subject of oblation but extending arms to embrace the hassle-free atmosphere.

We’re waiting for Mr. Edgar Bongalon, a fisherman-resident of Brgy. Bacolod, who would accompany us few hundred meters to our destination. From the coastal area of Bacolod, we have seen the swampy area of mangrove, the beautiful cove nestling in seawater, and ships docked in Tabaco pier.

Several terrific panoramic views can also be seen. (Clockwise from top left) Mayon volcano hiding behind the clouds; sunset at back of the slope of Mt. Masaraga and Mt. Malinao; ships cruising on a sparkling clear seawater in front of San Miguel Island; and gentle waves striking the cove’s shore.

Think of stress-free environment, think of health, think of fresh air. Natunawan is ideal for meditation and family picnic.

See the altar? Tabaqueňoes sail to attend mass for Peňafrancia festival held every first Saturday of September. And every third week of October, Barrio Pawa poses a joyous and colorful celebration for Natunawan festival.

Houses have already vanished. (Clockwise from the center) Remnants of 16th century Spanish building was caused by the 1952 typhoon Trix; Payag-payag (small shed) for resting and storing fishermen’s tools; and altar for Peňafrancia festival of Naga city. The background is the surface of San Miguel Island where you can find San Miguel Fishery Reserve, the second best managed reef in the country.

(From L-R inset) Field of grasses with a view of Mayon Volcano; and a dampalit than can be fed on pigs, and used as an alternative for fish ingredient of certain dish. The background image is one of the tallest pine trees. There are also short-term crops that can be reaped from the beautiful greenery like rice, corn, mongo and beans. Maribariw (eelgrass), lato (seaweed) and bakawan (mangroves) can also be found in vicinity.

Fishing is the basic livelihood of residents surrounding the islet. (Clockwise from top left) Kugita/pugita (octopus specie) clung into my thumb; bizarre-looking starfish; small squid plunging deeper into a clear water (notice my reflection); and silag (a small transparent fish) freshly caught by these fishermen. You can also grab other fishes for your table like bulinaw, halas-halas, hipaw, salay salay, banak, and sibobog. Also abundant in the area are the bivalve mollusks like tagati, punaw, takal, kodkod, and sisi. Also present underwater are crabs and ik-ik (peanut worms).

The hook-like islet near the Tabaco Pier is the Natunawan Cove.

See you again, Natunawan cove. Along with my neighbors and Mr. Bongalon, we’re happily paddling back to mainland Tabaco.