==Ticao, Masbate==

ISLAND PARADISE

Ticao Island is one of the two more popular tourist destinations in Masbate, the other is Burias island. Ticao is about less than an hour's boat ride from Masbate City. From Masbate City I took the boat to the pier in Lagundi then took the "connection" (a non-a/c bus) to San Jacinto town where I was met by Otiza, the owner of Tacdugan Beach Lodge where I booked my accommodation.

Well, if you want a poshier accomodation you can stay at the Ticao Island Resort a few hundred meters from Otiza's place. But staying in Otiza's place led me to come in contact with the friendly locals some of whom turned out to be funny. AND the sunsets in front of the lodge were really something!!!

San Jacinto is just one of the five (5) towns in Ticao Island but I think it got more than its fair share of beautiful spots! You can go exploring the environs on a habal-habal (motorbike). Otiza can hook you up with a trust-worthy habal-habal driver who can also act as your guide in exploring the waterfalls and other scenic attractions of San Jacinto.

She can also organize a Ticao island hopping adventure for you. The tour will take you to:

1. Tacduyagan Falls (waterfalls which falls into the sea),

2. Halea Nature Resort,

3. San Miguel rocks,

4. Burobangcaso Islet,

5. Lapos-lapos with its hidden caves and coves on the way back to Tacdugan.

Cost of a 3 days/2 nights trip to Ticao

Boat fare - P120/way
Connection - P80/way
Habal-Habal - P350/pax
Stay at Otiza's place - P550/pax/night
Boat Rental for island hopping - P7,500/day
Boat fare from Otiza's place to San Jacinto pier - P250/pax