potipot island

discovering the dreamer's island by vena samson

get·a·away:  [géttə wày]   noun:  a short vacation or break,  like a weekend trip.

a getaway isn't just about leaving; it is also an escape to a distant place from your usual activities. a short pause from your daily routine. for a working individual like me, a getaway is truly a marvel. that's why i called the place of my recent getaway, "the dreamer's island."


potipot island in zambales is probably one of the most beautiful island beaches in the philippines. we've chosen potipot island instead of puerto galera as the venue for our department's team building. it was a very long and tiring 6 hour drive from manila. normally, it should only take 5 hours to travel but even with maps, we still all got lost and so was our driver. we drove via sctex, then from sbma exit, it was still an estimated 2.5 to 3 hours of travel.


we had driven through a number of towns which included san felipe, iba, and masinloc before we've reached the uacon beach, in a quiet town of candelaria, zambales.  we saw numerous resorts which served as our passports to gateways to the island. we ended up choosing puerto del mar beach resort.  for only a minimal entrance fee of p30, you can leave your car safely when you hop to the island. they have great amenities like air-conditioned rooms, cottages, videoke machines, toiletries, grills and cooking areas at affordable rates. they've also prepared the boats which  we rode on our way to the island, for only p400 (round trip) where each boat could accommodate up to 6 people excluding the three bangkeros.


when we finally arrived to the island, we were so awestricken.  the beach was so beautiful and all our jaws dropped upon seeing its crystal-like waters.  it looked much like a man-made beach or swimming pool molded into perfection. it was also perfectly highlighted with the bright blue skies, puffy clouds, and the magnolia white sand which was just slightly darker in color than of boracay's. we were all like children again jumping in excitement, impatient to wait and to explore the rest of the island. it was like we've discovered a hidden treasure. it was really worth the long travel. however, another entrance fee of p100 must be paid upon getting there which included the use of their tables and benches. if you plan to stay overnight, they also have nipa huts that you can rent for only p500. the island already have toilet facilities and shower rooms, although i wasn't sure if they already have electricity since we didn't use any.  we just stayed there the entire day.

the island has rich undeveloped areas, keeping the place mostly cool and shaded. our team building activity's perfect because there were only a few people visiting. this could be why the island has not much problem with protecting and keeping their place clean and unpolluted. we felt that we're the only people on earth.

as to my own opinion, i really loved my experience at potipot island. the beach was truly enjoyable and perfect for swimming with its fine sands and moderate waves.  unlike other beaches which were rocky and shallow. you can dream of many things when you are in this island - better yet, you could bring a special someone, a love interest perhaps.  potipot island's peaceful and stunning landscapes might transform your dream into a reality. it's truly amazing that our country has great hidden wonders, and moreover, we need not to drive out the city just to get to a place like this. in terms of money, it was a cost efficient trip. our getaway led all of us to dreaming and uttering the same thing that - we shall return.