VISITING BALUT ISLAND, DAVAO OCCIDENTAL

How to get to the island?

General Santos City serves as the most common gateway to Balut Island, the main
island of Sarangani Municipality in Davao Occidental. Davao Occidental is the
newest province of the Philippines, making it the 81 st province of the country.
By Air
There are direct flights to Gensan from Manila, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Cebu via
Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air. You can also ride a plane from Manila, Cebu,
CdO, Zamboanga, Iloilo, Singapore, to Davao and ride a bus to Gensan.
Via Land
By land from Cagayan de Oro, Davao, any major parts of SOX, Gensan can be
reached by transport buses and van.
When you arrive at Gensan from any point of the country, ride a tricycle and tell the
driver to ferry you to the Lions Beach (serves a gateway port to Balut Island). And
board an overnight ferry that leaves Lions Beach between 10:00pm to 12mn. (Yes,
there's no definite schedule.)
Travel time is from 6 to 9 hours depending on the number of stops (some unload
goods at Sarangani Island before heading to Balut) and of course, the weather. You
can contact the operator of MV Frederick and reserve a seat. Ferry boat fare is Php
350.00- 370.00.
Now for island hopping, which most of the time depart from Mabila Port in Balut
Island (includes Sabang Hot Spring, Olanivan Island, Bolae Cove, Tuke Maklang and
Tuke Nunsol), you may contact Ms. Jinelyn II T. Cawa/09154726256/Sarangani
Islands Hopper FB Page, or call or text Graybert Malinog (0905-776-8685) of
Sarangani MDRRMC prior to your travel going to the island or you may arrange an
island hopping upon arrival at the Mabila Port, Balut Islands primary gateway.
Normally for a group of up to 3 persons, boat rental is Php1500 (depending on your
haggling skills. Hihi).
TRAVEL TIPS
1. The sea can be rough at times, be prepared for a hammocky-like ferry ride.

2. Bring jackets or any clothes that you think would keep you warm.

3. Always look after your things/belongings especially when youre asleep

during your trip.

4. Bring enough money for your expenses in the island.

If possible, purchase a ferry ticket at the respective ports the morning before your
trip. This is to ensure you get your preferred seat/bed, and during holidays, to
ensure that you get a space in the ferry.
We were supposed to be chasing the waterfalls of Asik-Asik in Alamada but our
wandering feet had led us to this untouched and wonderfully made island. Traveling
to the volcanic island by a wooden ferryboat was an adventure itself. It was worth it!
Para ka na ring nakapunta sa Camiguin o Kalanggaman Island. Plus points ang
poging boatman na Indonesian. Haha. :p If you are a mountain enthusiast, you can
hike Mt. Balut / Balut Volcano / Balut Island. The forested summit sits at 862+ MASL.
(tanaw mo ang Indonesia)

How to get to the island?

General Santos City serves as the most common gateway to Balut Island, the main
island of Sarangani Municipality in Davao Occidental. Davao Occidental is the
newest province of the Philippines, making it the 81st province of the country.

By Air
There are direct flights to Gensan from Manila, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Cebu via
Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air. You can also ride a plane from Manila, Cebu,
CdO, Zamboanga, Iloilo, Singapore, to Davao and ride a bus to Gensan.

Via Land
By land from Cagayan de Oro, Davao, or any major parts of SOX, Gensan can be
reached by transport buses and van.
When you arrive at Gensan from any point of the country, ride a tricycle and tell the
driver to ferry you to Lions Beach (serves a gateway port to Balut Island). And
board an overnight ferry that leaves Lions Beach between 10:00pm to 12mn. (Yes,
there's no definite schedule.)

Travel time is from 6 to 9 hours depending on the number of stops (some unload
goods at Sarangani Island before heading to Balut) and of course, the weather. You
can contact the operator of MV Frederick and reserve a seat. Ferry boat fare is Php
350.00- 370.00.

For reservation, you may text ahead of your plan Bobong "Ticketero" thru his mobile
0997-473-2951.
Now for island hopping, which most of the time depart from Mabila Port in Balut
Island (includes Sabang Hot Spring, Olanivan Island, Bolae Cove, Tuke Maklang and
Tuke Nunsol), you may contact Ms. Jinelyn II T. Cawa/09154726256/Sarangani
Islands Hopper FB Page, or call or text Sir Graybert Malinog (0905-776-8685) of
Sarangani MDRRMC prior to your travel going to the island or you may arrange an
island hopping upon arrival at the Mabila Port, Balut Islands primary gateway.
Normally for a group of up to 3 persons, boat rental is Php1500 (depending on your
haggling skills. Hihi).

TRAVEL TIPS
1. The sea can be rough at times, be prepared for a hammocky-like ferry ride.

2. Bring jackets or any clothes that you think would keep you warm.

3. Always look after your things/belongings especially when youre asleep during
your trip.

4. Bring enough money for your expenses in the island.

If possible, purchase a ferry ticket at the respective ports the morning before your
trip. This is to ensure you get your preferred seat/bed, and during holidays, to
ensure that you get a space in the ferry.

January 10 (Tuesday): Overnight Ferry from Gensan to Balut via M/V Frederick
"Lion's Beach", in a sleepy voice, I told a pushy tricycle driver at the bus terminal in
Gensan that evening. Here a large congregation of people welcomed me, each one
driven by their own life stories; a story we would all navigate aboard an overnight
ferry to Balut Island.
Two hours before midnight, together with almost a hundred passengers, I walked
along the wooden causeway leading to M/V Frederick. And in an instant it felt like
entering a jungle of diverse individuals -- Sangil, Bisaya, Indonesian, B'laan and
Tausug were among the languages being spoken inside that cramped vessel. Lying
on a layer of tarp suspended between two beams of wood, in a random manner I
listened to a few conversations audible from my so-called bed. But as the glittering
lights of progressive General Santos started to blur in the horizon, slowly words
transformed into snores, and in a few more minutes the calm Sarangani Strait
ferried us all to deep slumber. #akrusdayunibers
January 8 (Wednesday): An Afternoon Walk Around Sarangani Town Proper
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I was awakened by the mild touch of daylight and by the lively conversations of
passengers at the rear side of the ferry. Standing over an open platform located at
the back of the ship, one can have a glimpse of Sarangani and Balut Islands in the
distance, as if growing in size while the boat heads its way to Barangay Patuko. The
sky was partly overcast, ushering a rather depressed mood towards my first
morning on these southern islands. And like the soundless gray clouds, the narrow
sea learned to tame itself -- spreading stillness throughout the voyage.
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More than half of the people aboard M/V Frederick disembarked at the tiny port in
Barangay Patuko, one of the main coastal barangays in Sarangani Island. Holding
firmly to their bags while others seek help from local porters, they vacated their
overnight beds and left less than a dozen passengers, including myself, waiting
patiently at the upper deck. Soon after all the bags and goods for Patuko have been
unloaded, the ferry continued its course to Mabila Port, Balut Island's primary
gateway.
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A two-story building stands beside the port in Balut; the ground level functions as a
grocery store and restaurant while the second floor is complete with spacious rooms
dedicated to guests. Upon securing my bags in one of these rooms at JVL Inn and
Cafeteria, I paid a leisurely walk along the streets of Sarangani town proper, now a
municipality under the newly created province of Davao Occidental, the country's
81st province. Formerly part of Davao del Sur, the town of Sarangani is composed of
three main islands: Sarangani, Balut and Olanivan. It serves as a melting pot of
cultures -- from the dominant B'laan and Sangil indigenous tribes, to minorities
consisting of Marore, Bisaya, Tausug and a few Indonesian immigrants.
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Yet despite this diversity, it seems the locals of Sarangani have learned to live in
harmony. This was my impression as I watch the community while strolling through
the uphill road leading to the municipal hall. Seated on a wooden chair inside the
Mayor's office, I laid my plans to the municipal secretary, eagerly asking for
assistance on where I could find a boat that would tour me around the islands. And
being the secretary she surely is the resource person. Following a few phone calls,
she gladly handed me the phone number of a man named Tata Masid, a key officer
at the Port of Mabila.
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Sir Tata and I met inside his office just in front of Mabila Port, only a few steps from
JVL Inn where I'm staying. Then after knowing each other's background, more
importantly my purpose for renting a boat, we began negotiating the price. I tried to
bargain for a lower rate; fortunately we came up with a good deal and so island
exploration proceeds tomorrow morning.
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January 9 (Thursday): Boat Trip to Sabang Hotspring, Olanivan Island, Bolae Cove,
Tuke Maklang and Tuke Nunsol
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The sun kept on hiding behind the clouds, meanwhile the sea remained asleep, still
and silent like a spotless mirror reflecting the outriggers of our small boat. Sir Tata
greeted me with a smile, then willingly introduced the two boatmen who will serve
as my companions for this trip.
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Located along the northern coast of Balut Island, Sabang Hot Spring serves as a
popular attraction to many visitors. Roughly a 30-minute boat ride from Mabila Port,
the boiling water is a testament of the island's active volcanic system. Steam rise
from these teal-colored pools, effortlessly liberating a foul smell of sulfur into the
surrounding. This area was once a properly maintained resort, till for some
unfortunate reasons, it ended up being abandoned... left in a state of disrepair.
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The sky suddenly cleared up, eliminating the gray clouds which used to conceal the
ambient rays of the morning sun. This came just in time when we're about to move
over to our next destination, the paradise island of Olanivan.
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Marked by crystal clear shallow waters which bear a turquoise hue, Olanivan is a
circular pocket of heaven situated northeast of Sarangani Island. Its fine white sand
beach complements perfectly with the bright blue sky and the sparkling sea. A few
huts made from indigenous materials such as coconut leaves can be found along
the western coast, while on the other side a white lighthouse bathes under the
glaring daylight. Looking north, the lengthy range of mountains traversing mainland
Davao Occidental can be seen and as you shift your vision towards the west, the
triangular outline of Balut Volcano instantly unfolds before your eyes.
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But the surprising treasures of this town doesn't end in Olanivan. As a matter of
fact, almost every corner of these southern islands features a perfect tropical
paradise; clear waters, thriving marine life, gorgeous coastline and uncrowded
beaches.
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Like the smooth turquoise waters of Bolae Cove in the nearby Sarangani Island.
Located midway between Olanivan and Balut, this body of water with its enchanting
color could be a playground for gods and goddesses -- only if they exist. Lush
vegetation enfolds the narrow inlet which was completely showered in remarkable
silence. And as our boat trace the outline of Bolae Cove, I couldn't help but become
spellbound by its striking charm. Similar to a precious gem that glows under brilliant
sunlight, this spot truly captured me.
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Tuke Maklang, which shares the same shoreline with Bolae Cove, is a private resort
owned by the municipal mayor. Decorated with open huts serving as shade against
high sun, the place is surrounded by medium-sized trees inland, dressed with a
narrow white beach which extends down to shallow waters dotted with various kinds
of corals. Here a store managed by a B'laan couple satisfy minor needs of visitors
such as snacks and drinks. And so as we admire the relaxing vista of the sea, we
took the chance to imbibe a few drinks to rehydrate us against the midday warmth.
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Still navigating along the western coast of Sarangani Island, the surrounding water
plays a hue of dark blue, to greenish to turquoise; most portions are shallow enough
that you can see gardens of corals just by looking above the surface. Shortly after
we anchored beside a modest cave which opens towards the sea on both sides.
Tuke Nunsol is how they call this hideaway, a quick retreat that offers an
unobstructed panorama of Balut Island.
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However it lacks a pampering beach that would gradually introduce someone to the
crystal sea. Instead, a narrow bed of sedimentary boulders and pebbles serves as
an entryway to the rich underwater world -- teeming with age-old coral reefs and
other marine life, both mobile and immobile. Yet for those who came here just to lie
on a hammock, conduct a picnic, or simply gaze over the tranquil landscape, Tuke
Nunsol certainly won't disappoint.
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Comfortably exposed beneath the dazzling azure sky, the two boatmen and I soon
left the area and headed back to Mabila Port. Sir Tata Masid was there to welcome
us, and so I expressed my gratitude for such a fruitful island tour.
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Davao Occidental is the 81st and newest province of the Philippines, formally
ratified by a plebiscite less than three months before this trip. Being the youngest
major political division in the country, this visit concludes my three-year journey
across all Philippine provinces, relying on the idea of exploring every corner of our
glorious islands; get acquainted with the local culture, marvel at our nation's
breathtaking natural wonders, and more importantly, discover new knowledge
through constant interaction with the surrounding. All these, with perpetual
guidance from above, I did at the age of 21.
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Now as I carry my backpack, walk the wide concrete road towards Mabila Port, and
balance on the wooden plank that leads to M/V Frederick... I found myself reeling
under strong emotions -- I tremble in unspeakable happiness. Then after climbing
the steel staircase inside that vessel, a feeling of surprise followed upon realizing
that I'm the only passenger at the upper deck, a complete opposite of how the
same suffocating quarter rapidly got filled with people during the voyage to Balut.
This chapter of my lifelong journey might have reached its last page, but my
passion for traveling remains aflame. And when I wake up tomorrow morning in
Gensan, I know another story will be written, a new chapter will be composed, and
in less than a second I will once again embark on a fresh day of adventure.
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