THE ISLAND or I better have this titled as..."Fishes are Friends, Plant Bakawan"

THE ISLAND (or I better have this titled as...)"Fishes are Friends, Plant  Bakawan"

by: Abby Sandigan (Batch 2003)

April 7-9, 2012

An impromptu visit in Calatagan, Batangas last holy week ended in an educational island "hopping" of sort.

Ang Pulo, Mangrove Forest Conservation Park is a marine protected area that can be found in the outskirts of Brgy. Kilitisan, Calatagan, Batangas. Since I've visited a friend their and fellow mountaineer Ken Agsaway, it's only 6km away from their place by means of riding a tricycle. 

From the dock, you can ask a boatman to take you to the island which is I think 15mins away by means of katig (fishing boat) or balsa (raft). However, since there was no available boatman and raft at that time we have to use a fishing boat and we let Ken do the "paddling". 

It was not actually "paddling" since you only have to stick a bamboo pole beneath the water and push your way through the water and sea grass. The water is shallow but muddy, about 4 to 5 feet deep. 

Swimming or snorkeling is discouraged.  Though there are locals who do snorkeling to get sea shells for a living. If you are observant enough, you can see small fishes and other creatures that were already inhabiting the coastal area.  Bakawan or Mangroves are planted to serve as "houses" and source of nourishment  for fishes and other sea creatures. That is why planting Mangroves is highly encourage.

As we arrived at the site, we have to log our names then proceeded to the elevated pathways which was made of bamboo. Pathways were elevated to accommodate visitors during high tides and I think it also serves as a protection for the sprouting mangroves.                              

We were led by our "tour guide", Ate Berna to the view deck. Where everyone can see the whole island and it's lush green Mangrove forest. I haven't ask the land area though (I'll update this blog once I get the details).

In the middle of the mangrove forest lies a sand mound (500sqm estimated) which is use for camping, complete with potable water supply and make-shift comfort rooms. Campfire is strictly probihited.

FEES! Yes I know you'll ask that.  However, we got here for FREE! (haciendero si Ken eh dami kilala hehe). But for your information boat ride is Php100, a tour guide is also required since it is their means of living and would cost Php300 and for only  Php100 you can have an overnight stay in the island provided that you have your own camping. gears.  Anyways, buses and vans going to Calatagan can be found in Pasay, Taft. And just tell the tricycle drivers there to take you to the dock.

In my case, since I left Manila on a Black Saturday, I wasn't able to get a Calatagan bus. I took the Balayan bus then stayed at Mcdo to wait for Ken (and his friends) to fetch me.We had an excruciating, but fun, 20km motorbike ride from Balayan to Calatagan. Motorbike ride without helmet: More fun in the Philippines! : )  It's a worth it, cheap and educational trip so far.  No fish was hurt from this getaway.


Related Link(s)

Ang Pulo | Mangroves Hopping and Itinerary: http://www.fullpacked.com/2012/04/ang-pulo-mangroves-hopping.html