Fortune Island: A Budget Travel Guide
In this Fortune Island travel guide, let us take you to the Greece-like acropolis in Batangas!
An acropolis with Grecian Pillars on top of a cliff above turquoise waters, steep crags and a white sand beach. Fortune Island is definitely a nice day trip since it is only three hours away from Manila. So might as well add this destination to your bucketlists!
We almost had the place to ourselves on a Sunday, so here’s a Fortune Island budget travel guide for you.
Fortune Island Resort Club
An hour by boat off the coast of Nasugbu in Batangas lies the iconic Fortune Island. This private property was once owned by a certain Laurentina Pestano before it was turned over to the government. Afterwards the island was developed by former Batangas Governor Jose Antonio Leviste, he then opened the Fortune Island Resort Club on the island in 1995.
Constructed in the likings of that of the islands of Balesin and Amanpulo, the beach resort once boasts a 20-meter stretch of fine white sand, houses facing the beach, a salt water swimming pool, clubhouse, cabanas, helipad, desalinator for freshwater consumption, and a small serpentarium.
But due to several factors ranging from lack of fresh water supply, to being a path for devastating typhoons, the resort eventually closed down its doors.
The only standing amenities as of now are the run down walls of the cabanas and rest rooms. The swimming pool is now in a derelict condition and only acts as rain water collector. Several worn-out Nipa hut cottages can be rented from the caretakers.
The Acropolis and the Greek Pillars
But there’s always something magnetic with broken things and ruins that some people like. In the case of Fortune Island is the battered acropolis on top with steep crags on one side. Grecian pillars and statues line up at the edge of the island overlooking the sea.
There’s also a lighthouse on top of the island, around 98 meters above sea level. It will take around thirty minutes on foot to get there.
It is said that the island was named as such due to the fact that the Spanish Galleon San Diego sunk during the 1600. Just 900 meters northwest of the island, it contained troves of treasures and artifacts and was discovered by a French underwater archaeologist named Franck Goddio in 1992. The National Museum of the Philippines now exhibits the artifacts.
The island has also been infamous for being the site of two more shipwrecks; MV Kimelody Cristy (1995) and MV Princess of the Orient (1998). That explains the legend about a ghost that lurks in the island, yikes.
How To Get There
-
- Fortune Island is located in Nasugbu, Batangas
- From Manila, one can take a bus in Buendia or Coastal Mall going to Nasugbu, Batangas. Fare is around 130-160php, travel time is around 2-3 hours
- Alight at the terminal near Jollibee Nasugbu, and charter a tricycle going to Fortune Island Resort in Brgy. Wawa. Fare is around 50php, 10 minutes travel time
- Register at the resort and they will give you some wristbands and a receipt. Caretakers at the island will ask it from you upon arrival. (Registration Fee: 350.00php/pax inclusive of the use of the shower room)
- Boat rental is around 3,500.00php-4,000.00php, good for 5-10 people. Travel time by boat is around 1-1.5 hours
Tips
- The island is devoid of comfort rooms and fresh water source for cleaning up
- Bring atleast a liter or two of water
- There are camping spaces under the shade but be there early since it is limited and can get crowded during the weekends
- You will have to swim to reach the island since boats cannot fully dock because of the corals and stones along the shore. There are two approaches to the island: one is by the shore and the other is the stairs at the back
- Waterproof your stuff, but your guides will assist you in carrying it to the island from the boat
- Prepare yourself for a rough sea travel as waves can be quite harsh, please check weather forecasts prior to the trip
- Practice LNT Principles. Bring all your trash back with you
Itinerary and Expenses
Fortune Island Day Tour
0130 Meet-up
0200 Depart for Nasugbu, Batangas
0500 Arrival at Nasugbu, Batangas, Breakfast
0630 Boat ride
0730 Arrival at Fortune Island, free time to explore the island
1400 Boat ride back to Nasugbu
1530 Arrival at resort, wash-up
1615 Depart for Tagaytay
1645 Mahogany Market, early dinner
2000 Arrival at Manila
For any tour concerns, we joined an organized tour by Carpe Diem Adventures for 1,500.00php tour package inclusive of transpo and registration fees. You can contact Joy Sangco at 0915-786-8303.
Planning to visit the island? Have you been in there? Ask us anything at the comments section below!
