If you’ve been hearing the whispers about Jomalig Island, you’re not the only one. People are talking, and trust me, they’re not wrong. Jomalig is that hidden gem in the Philippines that feels like it came straight out of your dream vacation playlist — sun, sea, and pure chill vibes. Let me take you through an insanely awesome experience that is Jomalig, and trust me, you’ll wanna start planning your trip ASAP.
Getting There
First things first: the journey to Jomalig is an adventure in itself. We kicked things off with a smooth, 3-hour road trip from Manila to Real, Quezon. When you’re heading to this remote paradise, you gotta be ready for the full experience. The first boat to the island leaves at 7 AM, and while the boat ride is smooth, pro tip: bring motion sickness meds if you’re the type to get queasy; the boat ride can get a bit rocky. But, once you’re on that boat, it’s smooth sailing to paradise.
By the time we got there, March’s heat was already on fire, but let me tell you, the breeze that kissed our skin when we stepped onto Jomalig was straight-up magical. Like, a real tropical island vibe, where you feel like the whole place is just hugging you with its cool winds. It was such a breath of fresh air literally.
Island Vibes: Tricycles, Fresh Seafood, and No Crowds
Now, let’s talk about transportation. Forget fancy cars and buses on Jomalig, you’re getting around on tricycles or habal-habals (motorcycle taxis). Why? Because most of the island is still untouched, with rock roads and few cemented paths, giving you this untouched, virgin island feel that’s seriously hard to find these days.
After a bumpy ride, we headed straight to a local eatery where we had the BEST sinigang na hipon (shrimp), fried fish, and juicy mangoes. So fresh, you could taste the sea! Seriously, the food here will hit different, especially when you’re surrounded by the island’s natural beauty.
We stayed at Jojomalig Resort, and after the long trip, I swear, the exhaustion melted away the minute we laid eyes on the beach. The resort was like stepping into an oasis of green, with pine trees everywhere that kept the heat at bay. The beach was gorgeous, and although the waves were pretty strong, there’s a magical sandbar that reveals itself every noon,
And can we talk about the sunset? A chef’s kiss moment. Honestly, the beauty of this place had us snapping photos non-stop because there were barely any people around — no photobombers, just perfect shots.
Island Hopping Adventure
The next day was all about island hopping. First, we visited the island’s oldest tree, which they call the “Walang Forever Tree”. Each site on the island does have an entrance fee, so if you’re like me and prefer to stay cashless, pro tip: book a package deal beforehand.
Next stop? Little Batanes. The view from above was jaw-dropping, with the rock formations giving you that “I’m living my best life” feeling. From there, we went to Little Boracay, where the sand was so white, it was almost unreal. And the beach? Pristine doesn’t even begin to cover it. The water was cool and inviting, making it the perfect place to chill and forget about everything else.
After all the island hopping, we went back to the resort for some well-earned lunch and just took in the cleanest air ever. I’m talking about air that actually feels good for your lungs. The kind of air that’s so fresh, it makes you forget about the hustle of Manila life. Seriously, the air quality here is like a free therapy session.
The Ultimate Digital Detox
Here’s another thing that made Jomalig stand out: the lack of signal. No distractions, no constant scrolling. The only connection you’ll be making is with nature. But don’t worry if you really need to check in — the resort has Piso WiFi, where you can get 5 minutes of internet for just 1 peso. But, trust me, you won’t even want to use it. You’ll be too busy reconnecting with yourself and living in the moment. This paradise calls for disconnection for reconnection.
A quick heads-up though — Jomalig does have rotational power cuts. So, if you’re someone who can’t live without your e-fan or camera lights, bring those along just in case. The sea breeze is usually enough to cool you off, but better safe than sorry.
Peaceful Getaway
I’m just gonna say it: Jomalig is everything you need for a peaceful getaway. Whether you’re with friends or flying solo, this island will give you that much-needed break from city life. The people? Super chill and welcoming, with smiles that’ll make you feel right at home. If I were you, I’d definitely plan on staying a whole week to really unwind and experience everything Jomalig has to offer.
Overall, this trip was a 10/10. I’m already planning my next one — but this time, I’m bringing my squad. You need to experience Jomalig, and I promise you won’t regret it.