Padre Burgos is one of the laid-back towns in the province of Quezon noted for its pristine beaches and friendly people. The town was formerly called Laguimanoc due to the resemblance of its coastline to the bill of a chicken called manok in the vernacular. Another version tells that it was due to the warning call of the villagers – hawk-manok or lawin-manok, whenever a hawk hovers around to snatch their chickens.
The beachfront of the resort at Barangay Basiao during low tide.
There aren’t many resources about accommodation and information about the beaches around the area so we didn’t have a fixed itinerary when we left Manila for this trip. Armed with a map and the contact number of the only resort we found online in Padre Burgos, we started our road trip from Manila taking the South Luzon Express Way and passing through the towns of Tiaong, Candelaria and Sariaya in Quezon. We then took the Lucena Diversion Road towards Pagbilao before reaching a fork in the road that leads to Bicol on the left side and to Padre Burgos on the right side.
One of the bungalows in The Tamarind Tree Resort
Finally, after 4 hours of travel, we saw the welcome arch of the Bondoc Peninsula. Padre Burgos is the first town in the Bondoc Peninsula. From the welcome arch, another 15 minutes of drive will take you to its town proper. It was already past 1p.m. when we reached the town so we headed straight to the Tamarind Resort to check in our things. We only booked our room while we were on our way, and luckily for us we were the only guests on that day despite it being a weekend.
Another group of guests was just about to check out when we arrived at the resort. I asked for some tips on how to get around the islands and where to get the cheapest boat for our island-hopping. They gave me some contact numbers of boatmen outside the resort as well as a straight-forward account of their stay in the resort. They had been to Borawan Beach already the previous day and had rented a boat for Php1000. It was a bit expensive compared to other rates they had researched but still pretty much worth it according to them.
DAMPALITAN BEACH
While the Tamarind Resort also offers boat rental packages to its guests, we decided to rent our boat outside the resort after getting an idea of the rates. After checking in our things, we went back to the town proper and had our lunch at Decena’s Eatery along the main road. We had 2 orders of Bicol Express Php30 per order and one serving of Adobo Php30. The serving wasn’t hefty but for its price and taste, it was already worth it.
It was almost 3 in the afternoon when we finally closed a deal with a boatman with the help of Jose Santiago, one of the councilors of the town. We met him at the eatery and offered to arrange a cheap boat ride for us. He found a boatman who agreed to take us to 4 beaches for only Php 800. After lunch, we asked them to meet us at Barangay Basiao in front of Tamarind Resort. At last, after a long trip from Manila we were off to our first island at 3p.m.
LIPATA BEACH
Our first stop was Dampalitan Beach, a mere 10-15 minute boat ride from the jump-off point at Barangay Basiao. The beach was beautiful from afar and it was a great relief for us to be able to walk on its sandy shores and feel its clear waters after our long journey. It was still very hot when we got to the beach around 3 in the afternoon and it was very tempting to take a quick dip. One should be careful though of jellyfish and some rocks underwater. But it is relatively safe to swim within the fenced area.
After exploring the area, we set off for Lipata Beach just 10 minutes away from Dampalitan. The beach is located at Barangay Lipata and is more of a docking area for the fishermen’s boats rather than a place for beach excursion. The adjacent beach which is still part of Barangay Lipata is nicer though and has some cottages for rent. We didn’t go down anymore to this side of Lipata Beach since it was already getting late and we wanted to spend more time at Borawan Beach which seemed to be the main attraction in the area.
After a lot of picture-taking for me and bouldering for Charlie, we finally headed back to the resort. The boatman still wanted to take us to Talabaan, but thinking it was just one of those breeding grounds for talaba (oysters), we just skipped it and called it a day already. I only realized my mistake while checking the map the next day when we were on our way to Pagbilao, Quezon.
Mingling with the local kids at Barangay Lipata
It was actually composed of two islands located off-shore of Padre Burgos town. The bigger of the two, Malaking Talabaan, is a favorite jump-off point to the beaches of Padre Burgos and the neighboring town of Pagbilao while the smaller island, Maliit na Talabaan, is a rock formation jutting out of the sea. What makes the island unique is that the rocks seem to have been curiously arranged and piled.
BORAWAN BEACH
Oh well it was late already anyway (sour-graping) and at least we still have other places to see at Padre Burgos when it is time to come back and experience a laid-back, untourist-y, and a bit off-the beaten path beach get-away again.
HOW TO GET TO PADRE BURGOS
By Private Car
From Manila, take the South Luzon Expressway. From Lucena and Pagbilao, continue on the National Highway, until you see the sign “Quezon National Agricultural School (QNAS)” on your left [This school has been renamed TESDA]. A few feet away, you will see an arch on your right, which says “Welcome to Bondoc Peninsula.” Take a right, passing through the arch. Continue for about 15 to 20 minutes, until you see a fork road. You are now in the Poblacion of Padre Burgos.
By Public Transport
Ride a bus en route to Lucena City and get off at Lucena Grand Terminal. From the terminal, you may ride another bus en route to Unisan or ride a jeepney en route to Agdangan. Tell the driver to drop you at QCRB bank Padre Burgos Branch in the town proper. Alternatively you may ride a jeepney from SM LucenaTerminal en route to Padre Burgos. The trip from Lucena to P. Burgos is around an hour. The last trip for the bus ride is at 7p.m. and 5p.m. for jeepney.
Fare
Cubao to Lucena – PhP200-250
Lucena to Padre Burgos – PhP35 – 50
FROM PADRE BURGOS TO THE JUMP-OFF POINT
From Padre Burgos: Ride a tricycle and tell the driver that you are going to Aplaya, heading for Borawan.
From Aplaya: There are bancas for rent. Boat rental depends on your haggling skills and number of persons per trip.
You may also rent a boat from the The Tamarind Tree Resort in Barangay Basiao
HOW TO GET TO THE TAMARIND TREE RESORT
You can either walk or ride a tricycle to the resort. It’s around 10-15 minute walk or 5-minute drive. From the main road of the town proper walk/drive until you see an old, white house. Make a right on the road, going uphill. You will see a basketball court on the right side of the road and it forks out to two directions at the end of the road. Turn right and continue until you get a view of the sea. You will then see the entrance of The Tamarind Tree and glimpse a view of the Club House.
Boat Rental – The resort rents out boat for island-hopping and provides life-vest to its guests
Tamarind Resort to Borawan Beach – 800
Tamarind Resort to Dampalitan and Borawan Beach – 1200
Tamarind Resort to Puting Buhangin (White Beach) – 1600
PLACES TO STAY AT PADRE BURGOS
1. The Tamarind Tree Resort
Blaigen Ventures, Inc.
Manila Office: Unit 202, Richville Corporate Centre
1314 Commerce Avenue, Madrigal Business Park
Muntinlupa City 1780
Tel: (02) 772-4731, (02) 985-0929
Fax: (02) 772-4735
Mobile: (0920) 9550714
Email: thetamarind3@gmail.
2. Villa Anita
Km 174 Barangay Cabuyao Sur, Padre Burgos
Quezon Province
Tel: (042) 716 0326
Fax: (042) 710 3505
Mobile: 0921 524 0110
2. Camp at Dampalitan or Borawan Island
Reference: Wikipedia and Tamarind Resort official website
OUR ITINERARY
(This is part of our 2 nights adventure at Padre Burgos and Pagbilao Quezon in 2010.)
Day 1: We checked-in at Tamarind Tree Resort in Padre Burgos around noontime and arranged an impromptu beach-hopping at Padre Burgos late in the afternoon. We were fetched by our boatman around 3pm. We first visited Dampalitan Beach and explored the rocky beach from its other end. We dropped by at Lipata Beach and mingled with the locals before heading to Borawan Beach.
Day 2: We drove back to Pagbilao and went to the wharf to arrange another impromptu island-hopping in Pagbilao. We haggled with some boatmen and found one who agreed to take us toPatayan Island and Kwebang Lampas and back to the wharf for 1000 pesos. After returning to Pagbilao town, we drove all the way to the end of Barangay Bantigue and visited the coastal village at the tip of the mainland. We also dropped by at Silangang Nayon and Pueblo Por Playa. Silangang Nayon was fully-booked while Pueblo Por Playa is a member-only resort so we drove all the way back to Padre Burgos to look for Villa Anita Butterfly Garden and Resort to stay for the night.
ate ang gaganda ng mga beach, san ba malapit na pwede rin namin puntahan?
Depende kung ilang oras and “malapit” sa inyo. You can choose from Puerto Galera, Batangas, Zambales or Quezon beaches.
ask lang po regarding padre burgos island hopping.. wala po ba accommodation sa borawan or dampalitan? over nyt kasi plan namin.. thanks.. want to know details lang po.. please respond 09081284047 or 09329821767
They only have cottages there that you can rent. The best way to do it if you want to stay there for a night is to camp.
wow ang ganda. this is definitely a cleaner alternative against bora. hopefuly i can go there again
Hi nice post you’ve made thanks, now i have another destination to go to! if your into this type of Beaches check out other islands in Real Quezon like Burdeous and Jomalig Islands.
-Moymoy
Thanks Moy, yeah I will, we’re supposed to go there this weekend but we realized two days aren’t enough. We read that there are a lot of unexplored caves there even “better” daw than the underground river of Palawan, rare species of birds and lizards and so MANY white sand beaches.
hi, just want to ask how far is tamarind tree resort from silangang nayon?
how many minutes is the travel time?
thanks!
Maybe around 30-40 minutes.
ok ok, thanks… we’re planning to go first to silangang nayon and take a banca there going to “puting buhangin and kwebang lampas” then check in at tamarind resort so that the next day we can also visit dampalitan and borawan,
do you have contact numbers of the boatman you hired?
thanks…
You may call Kagawad Jose Santiago because he was the one who arranged the boat ride for us in Padre Burgos, 09124456361.
thanks claire… your blog is very helpful, we will be going here on april 17-18
we already have a room reservation @ tamarind tree
I’m looking at all your blog posts about Quezon’s fantastic beaches. We hope to spend the holy week there. Thanks for sharing all these helpful information.
Thanks, too bad I wasn’t able to write the Polillo Island beaches before the holy week for more choices.
Is the water fronting Tamarind Tree good for swimming? thanks! your blog is so useful… looking for an alternative beach to go to and saw your website…saw Padre Burgos on trip na trip show… thanks!
Unfortunately it is not good for swimming, at least on a low tide, you can go to Borawan or Dampalitan Beach instead.
Hi claire,
Were you also able to go to Polillo Island? How did you get there? Thanks your blog is so helpful :>
Hi joyce, yep we went there for 4 days, ill try to finish the blog about it before the weekend.
hi claire…
thanks for answering all my queries before, our quezon trip became a worry-free because of your tips and contact person you gave me.
kagawad jose santiago was really nice… super bait and madaling kausap…
No problem. keep on traveling, cheers!
Is Villa Anita near Tamarind Resort? Which islands can we go to if we start from Villa Anita? How much is the boat? Good for how many persons? We are a group of 30. Thanks!
Villa Anita is about 15minutes from the town of Padre Burgos, Tamarind Resort is about 5 minutes from the town proper. It depends on what islands you want to visit. Some did all the islands of Padre Burgos and even Puting buhangin of Pagbilao in one day. We did it in two days. It really depends if you just want to chill and enjoy the beach or do an island-hopping. From Pagbilao we rented our boat for 1000 pesos, it’s good for 20, i think a boat that is good for 40 is around 3000, it really depends on your haggling skills.
Thanks for the info, claire! They will be a big help! Keep on posting!
thanks for sharing this.
where do you suggest we park if we plan to camp at dampalitan beach?
is it safe to park?
We left our car at Tamarind Tree Resort when we did our island-hopping at Padre Burgos. Are you also going to go to Puting Buhangin on the same day coming from Padre Burgos? Where are you planning to spend most of your time? (Borawan or Puting Buhangin) Please also read the feedback of the readers who camped at Dampalitan Beach on my Dampalitan blog so you can get an idea about the situation there. I would suggest you park your car either at Villa Anita or Tamarind Tree Resort if you want to be assured of its safety (they might collect some fees, it’s better to inquire ahead) or perhaps you could call Mr. Santiago, one of the councilors there who had been very helpful to many visitors. Maybe he could offer his place or suggest a safe place to park for free. (09124456361)
We were able to visit Borawan last May 8-9.
I left the car at the Vista Playa restaurant since thats where our boatman will pick us up. Parking fee according to the owner of the restaurant is at 150pesos.
Our boatman is Mang Urong which lives at Lipata Beach. I highly recommend him. Very humble and easy to talk to. 0920 6274107.
We stayed at their place and just setup a tent and rented a small cottage for dining. There’s a restroom and fresh water. I prefer Lipata Beach than Dampalitan beach since there’s a lot of seaweeds in Dampalitan.
I enjoyed our trip to Puting Buhangin. The cave there is the highlight of our trip and the beach has a shoreline that’s more consistent in depth (3-4 feet) just right to dip and swim a bit. Go further and you can snorkel if you like.
The sad story in our trip was that Borawan beach is being commercialized too much. We even saw “pupu” in the rock formations which was totally grose. The locals should take care of that area. Its a shame really. Borawan has some interesting rock formations but it looks like the water looks itchy and its seems to be not that clear.
Hi Glenn, thanks for sharing your experience. That’s sad to hear, hope they do something about it or they will lose a lot of visitors without even reaching its peak yet.
do you have contact number of villa anita? tnxvmuch
Hi Prim, check this blog for contact numbers and other info of Villa Anita
Hello po. Is it possible to stay there for three days? how much would be the estimated cost for the whole trip?
Anyway, ang ganda po nung place. Thanks for sharing
Are you planning to camp on the beach or stay in a resort? It also depends if you will do island-hopping everyday or just stay on one beach.
hi claire.. im planning to go to thetamarind resort this coming april 2. magkanu kya for 4 persons including meals? or mas makakamura ba pag sa labas nlang kumain? thanks.
Hi Archie, we paid P1200 for our room. You may check its website for current rates. There aren’t really many choices of place to eat there but it’s cheaper if you eat in one of the eateries along the main road. It’s just 5-10minutes of walk from the resort.
WOW! hanep sa ganda parang sa boracay ka narin nagpunta:))
Mas mura nga lang at malapit
claire thanks sa information sa blog mo okay sa borawan island, sulit ang gastos. We spend 2night and two days.
Glad you enjoyed your trip there Jojo
hi claire,
if ever sa villa anita kmi mgstay for 2D1N, ano po kya unang mgndang puntahan kung mgbbeach/island hopping kmi? tnx..
Hi Ken, pwede nyo naman puntahan lahat yung Dampalitan, Borawan, Mag Asawang Bato sa Padre Burgos at pwede rin dumiretso na kayo sa Puting Buhangin. Depende sa inyo kung gusto nyo magtagal sa isang lugar.
hello,ask ko lang po magkano rent ng room for 2 at san po may murang room kase gusto po namin pumunta this weekdays dun..
Kindly call the Tamarind Tree Resort or Villa Anita Butterfly Garden Resort for an updated rates.
ms.claire ano ba yung mggandang island na pedeng puntahan sa loob lang ng isang araw kasi overnight lang balak namin and pinakamaganda ba yung puting buhangin and borawan na puntahan?
Hi Jessica, pwede nyo naman puntahan lahat, 3pm na kami nag start ng island-hopping namin dati, napuntahan namin Dampalitan at Borawan tapos nag Puting Buhangin kami the next day. Depende kung gusto nyo magtagal sa isang beach.
Hi Claire,
Nice Blog Site! Very Informative – Thanks for this!
Inquire lang, Ilan ang pwedeng accomodate ng Boat sa Padre Burgos and also sa Padre Burgos Islands hopping? Pag mas madami ba mas mahal?
Thanks again!
Hi Again Claire,
I mean Pagbilao.
Merong boat good for 20-30 pax, last time i check 3000 pesos rental nya. Yung nakuha namin good for 10-15 pax, tinawaran namin ng P1000. Pag-madami kayo maghahati-hati mas mura syempre. Kung dalawa lang kayo o konti lang yung maliit na banka na lang kunin nyo.
hi Claire were planning to go there this coming nov. 2 days kami san kami pedeng mag’stay?
There’s only one resort in Polillo town, Isla Polillo Beach Resort, if you’re going to Burdeos, it’s either you camp on the island or try the home stay. Drop by at the mayor’s house for a courtesy call and they will assist you where to stay. There might be more home stay by now.
i thank this site ,kasi nalaman ko ang mga mggandang beaches sa padre burgos ,kakamiss
Kakamiss nga, kelan kaya ulit ako makakabalik dito.
hello Claire! very helpful information. we are planning to spend holyweek in adre burgos. nag inquire ako sa villa anita, wala na daw un nipa hut jr, concrete na daw sya at may sariling cr sa loob 1500 for 2 pax. baka mag camp nalang kami sa dampalitan para mas makatipid. Thank you so much for sharing!
By the way, Nipa hut rooms na nasa labas un cr 1300 daw food for 6 pax! good deal na!
Good deal nga, thanks for updating the readers with the new rates
Thanks for the update Len. Have a relaxing and peaceful Holy Week
hi claire..plan nming pumunta by april san magandang mag stay good for 10-20 persons.tanx
Hi Chel, kokonti lang accommodation sa area na to, meron sa Pagbilao, Silangang Nayon, limited lang rooms nila kaya mas ok kung mag- inquire o reserve ahead. Pwede din sa Tamarind Tree Resort o Villa Anita sa Padre Burgos.
This is very beautiful beach.
Thanks for sharing.
any suggestion for overnyt destinations for about 20plus pax der in boraawan? or other beaches in quezon near borawan
You can try camping at Damapalitan Beach although the beach at Borawan is nicer. It’s more spacious and has some basic facilities.
hi Ms. Claire ask ko sana where is the best island na pwd mag overnight sa Padre Burgos……pls guide us. thanks. were planning this holy week
The two main choices are Borawan and Dampalitan. Borawan has nicer but smaller beach than Dampalitan. Dampalitan beach has basic facilities like toilet water supply and come cottages. I suspect both beaches will be crowded on Holy Week though.
nice islands. been a lot of places but i did not know there’s a good place somewhere in Quezon where my mother was born. will definitely put in my “place to see” by next year.
thank you for the info.
Hi claire.. Can I ask If were coming from Sariaya by private car how are we going to get there in Borawan by land route or to pagbilao and how many hours drive. Thanks…
Hmmm I’n not sure about that but Pagbilao is along the main highway going to Manila. Once you reached Pagbilao, just check out my blog about Kwebang Lampas for links on how to get to the beach by land.
Thanks po sa info! Planning to go here soon… May entrance fee po ba yung mga island? Good for 10-15pax na po ba yung boat rental na 1k? Thanks!
Meron entrance fee, the boat rental must have changed by now. Kindly read the comments for updates of rates.
Hi Ms. Claire, Very Informative yung Blog mo…I ‘m planning to go there this May 26. i’m so excited!!!
Thanks Emily, have fun
Maganda nga pala talaga yun beaches sa Padre Burgos.. Our group got the chance to visit 3 islands at talagang sulit sya compare to other resorts that we’ve been. Thanks nga pala claire for a very informative blog that you have.. Thanks din sa nag-arrange ng island hopping namin, kay sir Ron..ang sarap ng pagkain,,,sarap ng sea foods dyan sa inyo..babalik po ulit kami…thanks po ulit
Hi Claire!
Thanks for posting your trips on pagbilao…!
ask ko lang meron bang mga rooms na pwede
irent sa puting buhangin? thanks!
Hi Cris, it doesn’t have any sort of accommodation yet, you have to bring your own tent if you want to stay overnight.
ask ko na rin po san po ang exact location
nung first picture about padre burgos?
its fascinating and exquisite! po kasi
thanks po!
That’s the view near Tamarind Tree Resort in Padre Burgos where we stayed for one night.
pwedi bang malaman kung panu yung mga packages nyu. mga bayarin… tnxx.
Hi Ruel, I don’t offer packages and most of the time I do DIY trips.
Hi sa lahat ng mga tourist in borawan and Padre Burgos. . .Baka ngayon Summer maglalagay kami ng ate ko ng remembrance and souviner in borawan and Padre Burgos. . .ask me. . .kung buy po kayo. . .tnx support in borawan
gusto ko po sana pumunta sa mag-asawang bato…malapit na po ba ito sa tamarind resort?
kapag nagrent kayo ng banka pwede nyo na isama sa Borawan at Dampalitan.
mam may kilala po ba kayong nag paparent ng bangka o contact no. balak po kc naming pumunta ngayong vacation ng borawan w/my family…thanks!
Doon na kami mismo nagrent ng banka sa Padre Burgos, mas ok doon na kayo mismo mamili ng ok na presyo.
ms claire, paano po kung day tour lang…kasi balak ko lang shoot mag sunset shoot nun mag-asawang bato tas…uwi na rin…
may masasakyan pa ba pauwi ng maynila..yun kasi worry ng kasama ko….mag commute lang kasi kami…
Hi claire,
We’re planning to explore more aside from Borawan. If were gonna stay for 2days-1night, anu pag island un mapupuntahan namin aside from Dampalitan and puting buhangin?and san magandang mag stay ng overnight?tnx much
Hi Crissy, so far these are the must-visit beaches in the area. If it’s just me, I will make the most out of my time here if I have only one night to spare.
Hi Claire,
I Love your blog!!! We are planning to go this May , do you think its possible kung unahin namin yung puting buhangin? then to Borawan and Camp at Dampalitan? If by-land kc to pagbilao, san kami hahanap ng bangka from puting buhangin to take us to borawan and dampalitan. Or Bangka from padre burgos to puting buhangin then to borawan and dampalitan.. Yung rate nyo po before is it 800 boat back and forth na?
Hi Jeai, pwede nyo unahin Puting Buhangin pero kailangan nyo rin bumalik by land kasi walang banka doon na pwedeng irent. Pero pwede kayo magrent ng banka sa Pagbilao papuntang Puting Buhangin at depende sa usapan/bayad nyo sa bankero pwede na rin kayo magpahatid sa Borawan. Pero mas maganda sulitin nyo na lang buong araw nyo sa Puting Buhangin. Yung rate na 800 ay roung trip na pero baka nagmahal na yan ngayon.
hi Danny, mas mabuti siguro kung meron ka ng kausap kahit motor lang bago ka pumasok para ng sa ganon maihatid ka sa pagbilao (pan-philippine hi-way) upang makasakay ka ng bus pauwi.
wow must see beaches ang mga ito weve been planning to get here sana matuloy na bago kami maghiwahiwalay ng mga ofcmates ko. ung contact person nyo po na si manong sa boat ride do they provide life vests?
Hi Ms Claire. Bf and I are planning to go here this May 24 and 25 for my birthday and our anniversary. First stop is Puting Buhangin, we might camp there or head to Villa Anita’s Resort and get a room for 2 if there aren’t lots of people camping.
And 2nd day, Borawan and Dampalitan island hopping.
Questions :
-How do we commute from Puting Buhangin to Villa Anita’s Resort?
-Do you remember if they offer boat rental at Villa Anita’s Resort?
I get no response when I text them and are not answering to calls.