Into the Tranquil Waters of Buluan Island | Zamboanga Sibugay
Buluan Island’s cream colored sands and the turquoise waters are too inviting. Definitely, the province of Zamboanga Sibugay keeps on giving out surprises!
View this post on Instagram
Moro and Subanon
The Ipil Obelisk stood sentinel at the center of the massive roundabout in Ipil. It was like a giant sundial casting a shadow to the west as the morning sun rose on the busy thoroughfare of the town.
Finally, I saw for myself the intriguing and colorful Provincial Capitol of Zamboanga Sibugay. The structure was inspired by Moro and Subanon influences.
I also got curious of the tear shaped island inside the Sibugay Bay that I saw from the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Capitol. It was not on my itinerary but I decided to go for it and later found out that it was called Buluan Island.
Zamboanga Sibugay
Created in 2001 after taking out a chunk of Zamboanga Del Sur – the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, has a rich topography and coconut carpeted country sides. This explains why I can’t seem to find anything online while researching for places to go here. But Buluan Island is really popular with Sibugaynons and other people in nearby provinces.
Then I had my breakfast somewhere along the Rotunda then I tried to haggle with some drivers to take me to Ipil Port in Brgy. Buluan. Luckily someone agreed at 100php per way.
I passed by several ripe mango stores on the way to Brgy. Buluan, and I couldn’t help myself but make a quick stopover at one of them. It was Mango season in Zamboanga during my visit so I was able to buy a kilo for only 50php!
Tranquil Waters of Buluan
Upon arrival in Brgy. Buluan, Ate Rosalie immediately escorted me inside her house to register.
A few meters from her house are the rickety bamboo bridges where several outrigger boats are docked. I rode the boat alone and eventually arrived at the island in 15 minutes.
I was the only visitor that day!
It is easy to say that the island’s charm got me because of the following:
- It is named as one of the Best Managed Marine Protected Area. Corals are still intact, dynamite fishing is prohibited, the vibrant underwater ecosystem is thriving, and best of all locals are the one responsible for taking care of this island.
- The cream colored sands and the turquoise waters are too inviting, make sure you give in to the tear shaped island’s allure and swim to your heart’s desire
- There’s no entrance fee collected although this is a private property, but you could rent a hut near the beach.
- The number of visitors as of writing aren’t too many so if you’re looking for seclusion and tranquility, then you’re in the right place.
- You can spend the night camping at the nearby Military Detachment in Patriot Beach.
It was a morning well spent as I got back to my pension house in Ipil to wrap up my adventure in this part of Zamboanga Peninsula.
How to Get There
- Buluan Island is located in the municipality of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay. This town borders the town of Tampilisan in Zamboanga Del Norte.
- My staging point was from Pagadian City:
- Pagadian City (136 kilometers away from Ipil) I took a van at the Pagadian Terminal going to Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay (travel time is 2.5hrs, 200php/pax).
- From Ipil, charter a habal-habal to take you to Ipil Port in Brgy. Buluan.
- The boat ride going to Buluan Island only takes around 15 minutes. (500php roundtrip for a group of 5 persons)
- You can contact Ms. Rosalie Inso at 0936 528 1923 to reserve your boat prior to your arrival.
- If coming from Zamboanga City (138 kilometers from Ipil), take any Pagadian or Ipil bound bus (travel time is 2.5hrs), ask to be dropped off at the junction of Brgy. Buluan. There’s a waiting shed with habal-habal drivers waiting for passengers going to Brgy. Buluan
- If coming from Dipolog City or Dapitan City (180 kilometers away from Ipil). Take a bus bound for Ipil or Zamboanga City. Alight in Ipil then transfer to another habal-habal going to Brgy. Buluan (travel time is around 3 hrs).
#ZoomIn Zamboanga Peninsula
Tampilisan’s Elusive Situbo Falls| Zamboanga Del Norte
The Search for Titay’s Tagbilat Falls | Zamboanga Sibugay
A Glimpse of the Pulacan Falls | Zamboanga Del Sur
Into the Tranquil Waters of Buluan Island | Zamboanga Sibugay
Updated June 13, 2020
