Saying, “I love the beach” is an understatement. I can live in the islands for months. So when my CS hosts invited me to join them for a little adventure when I was in Pasacao, I can’t resist the offer.
My dream destination would be a mountain near the beach. Make that beach white- as in powdery white like that of Boracay minus the touters who spoil the fun with their “banana boat and island hopping” offers. Put a lot of soft corals for snorkeling and some colorful fishes both big and small and I’m good to go. Of course, don’t forget the mountain- it breaks the monotony of the beach.
Daruanak Island, about 10 minutes away
Daruanak Island is like that, a small piece of island that has become a landmark of Pasacao, Camarines Sur. It looks like one Chocolate Hill (like that of Bohol).
Not that well promoted to tourists so you have more privacy and you get to know some locals who take some time off and enjoy the island.
This island has been a silent witness to some stories of the WWII. It was used by the Japanese when they controlled Bicol region. Locals also believe that some politicos where able to get some gold bars in the middle of the island. Hmmmm… Its not impossible.
Kids enjoying the shallow waters near the big rocks
I was able to encircle the island by swimming around it, took me about 30 minutes while snorkeling, seeing fishes of different shapes, shades and sizes. The only downside of this island: there is no sand, just rocks. But I saw some who are doing some open water dives at the other side of the island.
Eastern side of the island
There is also a cemented staircase leading up the hill until the middle and you have to navigate through high grasses to reach the top. The view from the top is amazing too, just don’t do like me when we hiked the hill about 11:00am- sunburn is waiting. The hike up is about 20-25minutes.
More Photos of Daruanak Island:
The view from the dilapidated comfort room
How to get there:
There is a van terminal near SM Naga City that will bring you to Pasacao (Php35), from Pasacao town, look for pumpboats that will bring you to Daruanak (Php500 good for 6pax). A half-day is enough to explore the island by trekking, snorkeling and swimming.
Cellphone Signal: Globe & Smart is good while Sun Cellular has no signal.
Wow! Pano mo nakikita yang mga lugar tulad nyan? Ang dame talaga pwede makita dito sa Pinas…
darwin, sumama lang ako sa mga locals dun (yung mga locals nga ay amerikano na 2years na nakatira dun)
Thanks for sharing this, this is my province yet Im clueless, obviously im stranger in my own turf heheh. I’ll bookmarked this..
thanks for bookmarking! oo nga, a lot knows about CWC and Mt.Mayon, maganda din naman ito. lalo na under water
i dont mind if there’s no sand, mas interested na ko ngayon sa underwater creatures.. how are the corals and fish?
corals are nice, the fishes not that many compared to coron… you really have to explore for more adventure. the boatmen know where to find the corals
Hi James,
Thank you for featuring our island!
Regards,
John
pleasure is mine! nice island
im amaze with your trekking shoes/aqua shoes. just curious, where did you get it? (if you don’t mind) . i kinda want to have one for myself … i’m also a lakwatsera … i always read ur blogs, to get some infos before we go to our destinations … and it looks like ur shoe is a must have for me …
hi crimsonme. that’s called VFF-vibram fivefingers. you can buy them from vibram stores in manila malls.
yep, i love using them. and thanks for reading the blog
My heart is in and all around Daruanak Island. See you soon again my old friend…Steve from Colorado.
Hello, ako si Emmer from Pasig City and Pasacao is the province of my father, sobrang ganda jan sa Daruanak, sobrang linaw ng tubig, every summer umuuwi kame ng family ko jan then di namin pinapalampas na bangkain yan, madami pang spots jan na pwedeng punatahan meron pajang kweba nakalimutan ko lang kung anong tawag ng mga local jan.