Top 4 Affordable Unwinding Spots in Marinduque

Famous for its Moriones festival, Marinduque is one of tourist destinations that offers a little because it is not well advertised unlike the other provinces. Also, schedule by plane had ceased because of low percentage of tourists coming to this place. Little was it known that it has amazing things to offer. Two weeks ago, I came for a vacation and learned  two things: First, happiness does not mean spending too much and  second life is simple here.

How to go?

1. From Cubao terminal , ride a bus (JAM or JAC Liner) going to  Lucena or Dalahican port. 
2. Alight at Dalahican port and ride RORO ship or fast craft. If you are in a hurry, ride a fast craft since traveling time will last for 2 hours unlike RORO that is 3 hours of travel. The good thing with RORO is that the vessel is very steady and you will not feel the waves of the water. This is very beneficial to people who often experience motion sickness in the sea.
3. Alight at Balanacan port and there you will see public vans that offer rides to Marinduque. Drivers will meet you immediately upon arrival and will ask you where to go. Fare is 80 php whether it is air conditioned or not so better choose the vehicle where you are most comfortable since traveling time is 1 hour. From  Balanacan, you can ride vehicle to the destinations that I will mention below (e.g. Torrijos, Buenavista, etc).

I know you are pretty excited which place is the cheapest. The number 1 spot is the place I considered the cheapest and good for on-tight-budget backpackers.

Top 4 Affordable Spots:

1.  Kawa-Kawa falls

Kawa-kawa falls is located in Bangcuangan, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. Kawa-kawa means basin because of its basin-like appearance. There are actually 2 basins, one from the top and the other at the lower part. Because there is a light rainfall before we went there, the water became a little dark but rest assured that it is clean since there are caretakers in the area and the water is flowing.

Entrance: 10 php
Cottage: 50 php

2. Poctoy Beach

Although the sand is not as pristine as Boracay, it is white and the mountain behind it attracts tourists and locals as well because of the wonderful view. Today, it is slowly becoming popular as it is one of affordable beach destinations in the Philippines. If you are lazy to bring cooked foods, don't worry as there are stores offering "paluto". They serve seafoods and pork stewas well.

Entrance: 30php, 25 for senior and 20 for child
Cottage: 200 php

3. Marinduque Hot Springs

If you are frequently suffering from muscle ache or tired muscles from work, then this is the best place to be. Although the entrance is more expensive than Kawa-kawa falls,we did not avail the cottage since we ate at Poctoy beach. It contains two pools where the water comes directly from the spring.

Entrance: 50 php

Cottage: 200 php but becomes 250 during peak season

4. Maniwaya Island

Entrance: Entrance to the island is free but since there are resorts you can also avail of there amenities.

Cottage: It will depend on the resort that you will be staying but if you are for a day tour then you can just bring things that you need and leave it to the seashore. Cottage in resorts ranges from 500 php to 1500 php.

Boat ride: 500 php  but if you will come in a large group boat ride is 3, 000 php.