Have you heard of Maniwaya Island?

There are too many beautiful places to see in the Philippines. Marinduque is one destination in my long list. First of all, it’s my father’s birthplace. It would be a momentous experience to discover a speck of my father’s roots, his historical background. Second, to spend even a day in Bellaroca’s Santorini-inspired resort is one of heck of a fantasy for me. Third, after seeing a photo of Maniwaya Island in a relative’s timeline in FB, I got curious and found out that a vacation here is more feasible considering its more affordable rates. Yes, this is about – Maniwaya Island, Marinduque!

The photo I saw in FB that got me really curious? 

And so I looked for more photos...

Photo Credit: boyplakwatsa.com

Photo Credit: tipgeeks.com

The Palad Sandbar 
Photo Credit: blissfulguro.com

Since Maniwaya Island is not as popular as the island of Boracay, Puerto Galera or Zambales, I am certain that a trip in this island is a fantastic escape from the busy world. The photos of pristine clear water, relaxing natural scenery and fewer crowds perfectly fit my ideal vacation haven. It's also easy to assume that fresh air exists here. 

Interested to spend your summer vacation in serene island of Maniwaya? Here’s a short list of places to stay while on vacation on this island.

Residencia de Palo Maria Beach Resort

Photo Credit: boyplakwatsa.com 

Contact Nos.: 0921 211 8211; 0998 539 4726 (Smart)
Website: rdpmbeachresort.com
FB: facebook.com/ResidenciaDePaloMaria
Review: blissfulguro.com

Marikit-na Beach

Photo Credit: Marikit-Na Beach Resort FB Page 

Contact Nos.: 0927 878 9782 (Globe); 0921 978 5565 (Smart)
FB: facebook.com/pages/Marikit-Na-Beach-Resort/286650698170365?
Review: turistatrails.com

Palomaria Beach Sanctuary

Photo Credit: Palomar Beach Santuary FB Page 

Contact Nos.: N/A (Please see FB Page)
FB: facebook.com/pages/Palomaria-Beach-Sanctuary/127302327344233
Review: theotherexit.wordpress.com

Wawie’s Beach

Photo Credit: mckhaye.blogspot.com 

Contact Nos.: 0921 369 5359; 0946 474 3700 (Smart)
FB: facebook.com/WawiesResort
Review: mckhaye.blogspot.com

Three Brothers Store and Cottages

Photo Credit: facebook.com/threebrothersstoreandcottages 

Contact Nos.: 0949 854 1229
FB: facebook.com/3brothersstoreandcottages
Review: boyplakwatsa.com

How to get there?

Maniwaya Island is located in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. Be prepared for long hours of travel if you are coming from Manila. In several blogs, travelers took 7.5-19 hours to get there. If you are commuting, Jac Liner has daily trip in Marinduque. Upon checking in Jac Liner's website, Marinduque-bound bus leaves at 5:30 pm. You can also take Lucena-bound bus going to Dalahican Port. Take a roro ferry going to Buyabod Port in Sta. Cruz, it's the most accessible to Maniwaya via motorized boat. If unable to catch a trip to Buyabod Port, you can go to Balanacan Port in Mogpog or Cawit Port in Boac then take a jeepney/van bound to Sta. Cruz. From the town's main church ride a tricycle and ask the driver to drop you off at Buyabod Port. And finally, take another boat ride bound to Maniwaya Island. According to some blogsites, motorized boat leaves for Maniwaya Island at 10am. If unable to catch a boat, it is advisable to contact the beach resort you are going to stay in so they can pick you up. 

The island is also accessible from Brgy. Mangayao, Gen. Luna, Quezon. It is approximately 5-6 hour travel from Cubao. Take any bus going to Lucena Grand Terminal. From there, take another bus going to General Luna, Quezon bayan. From the local port of Gen. Luna, it's an hour boat travel to Maniwaya Island. The boat leaves at 9 am only. 

For more detailed instuction: There are many blogs that will give you details on how to go to Maniwaya Island. However, I find the most comprehensive travel instruction in lovemindanao.com. 

Enjoy Maniwaya Island! Enjoy Marinduque!

*Some details may change without prior notice.
**Click the website/FB page for more photos and other information. 

***I was not commissioned to promote any beach resort in the island. The information listed is based on my own online research. Due diligence is necessary.