Batangas is probably the most popular beach destination near Manila. The municipality of Nasugbu in the province of Batangas is just 2-4 hours away from Metro Manila. Nasugbu has several white beaches to offer. But my most favorite is to stay overnight on an abandoned luxury resort, Fortune Island.
ABOUT FORTUNE ISLAND
This island was formerly known as Fortune Island Resort Club (FIRC). It was established in 1995. The beach resort has a 20-meter stretch of pristine white sand. It used to have a saltwater swimming pool, clubhouse, cabana, helipad, and a small reptile zoo.
Today, you will find the cabanas, clubhouse, and swimming pool in ruins. And the island’s acropolis with Grecian pillars is still standing on the cliff of the island overlooking the West Philippine Sea.
HOW TO GO TO FORTUNE ISLAND
Fortune Island is two hours away from the main island of Luzon by boat. You can reach the island from the municipality of Nasugbu, Batangas.
PRIVATE CAR via SLEX: From SLEX, take Exit 36 Greenfield City/UNILAB (Mamplasan Exit). Drive to Nasugbu via Tagaytay. Continue to drive through the main road of Nasugbu proper (J.P. Laurel St.) until you see Jollibee-Nasugbu. Turn left at Jollibee (C. Alvarez) and then turn right at Tanigue St until you reach the resort where boats are available to take you to the island.
COMMUTE: Take a bus to Nasugbu from Pasay. Look for Jollibee-Nasugbu, and ride a tricycle to Fortune Island resort where the boats to take you to the island are available.
WHAT TO DO IN FORTUNE ISLAND?
From a luxurious resort, FIRC became a beach camping ground. You can find the Cabanas and a Gazebo in ruins, and some campers would prefer to pitch their tents near them. There are small trees there that can be used as a shelter against the rain or heat of the sun.
Camping
Most island visitors prefer to visit on a day trip, while some outdoor enthusiasts take it as an opportunity to camp overnight in Fortune Island. If you are one of the few who prefers to stay overnight, please note that there’s no source of fresh water on the island.
Cliffdiving
If you are looking for some adrenaline rush, Fortune Island will not bore you at all. The back portion of the island is a cliff diving site. You can choose to jump from 5 ft all the way to 50 ft!
Snorkeling
Batangas is blessed with wonderful marine life and corals. Don’t forget to bring your snorkels and goggles. You cannot miss seeing what’s underneath the sea surrounding the island!
Picture Taking
Fortune Island is also one of the most popular destinations for prewedding pictorials. This means that the island is indeed Instagram-worthy. From the Grecian pillars to its white sand beach, every corner of the island is so picturesque.
Chill by the beach
What’s better than being with your friends doing nothing and just laying on the fine sand beach all day? Well, yes, nothing. It’s everyone’s dream to stay on the beach on a weekend after a hard work week.
WHAT’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT FORTUNE ISLAND?
They always say that a beach day is perfect for the summer. And that is so true for Fortune Island. This island is a few hours away from the main island of Luzon. Thus, it will be harder to get there during the rainy season in the Philippines. Expect bigger waves if you decide to visit during Ber-months, and you may not be able to jump at the cliff-diving site.
How much does the boat ride to Fortune Island costs?
I don't usually share pricing details on my blogs as it tends to change every now and then, but here's the latest info I received from Fortune Island Resort: FORTUNE ISLAND RATES DAYTOUR Boat Rate 1-4PAX = 4,000 PHP 5-8PAX = 4,500 PHP 9-12PAX= 5,000 PHP 13-15PAX = 5,500 PHP 16-20PAX= 7,000 PHP OVERNIGHT 1-4 PAX = 4,500 PHP 5-8 PAX = 5,000 PHP 9-12PAX = 5,500 PHP 13-15PAX = 6,000 PHP 16-20PAX = 8,000 PHP ENTRANCE FEE DAYTOUR = 350 PHP OVERNIGHT= 500 PHP TENT Rental Good for 3pax = 500 PHP TENT PITCHING FEE DAYTOUR = 100 PHP OVERNIGHT = 200 PHP
Fortune Island Gallery
Links to previous blogs: Las Cas Filipinas de Acuzar Rizal Province Cebu Travel Guide Watch our Fortune Island video in YouTube: Backpacking Stories PH Our Facebook page: Backpacking Stories Philippines