Let me tell you about this awesome place we discovered last summer—the Alibijaban Island. Located in San Andres, Quezon, Philippines. The sand is white and the water is so clear, it’s perfect for a swim. They have a cool floating cottage where you can slide, jump and chill right on the water. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly getaway, this place is absolutely perfect.
We visited Alibijaban Island in the summer, and the weather was just perfect. Compared to other Islands that I’ve been to, this place is more peaceful and less crowded. You can still swim and take Instagram-worthy photos. Unlike other beaches, this one stayed clean and crowd-free, even on holidays.
How to get to Alibijaban Island
Alibijaban Island is accessible via boat, a 20-30-minute ride from the San Andres port.
San Andres is about 8 hours away from Manila, depending on the traffic and stopovers. We left Manila around 10:30 in the evening and reached the resort around 6 in the morning. The trip is a bit far, but it is worth it.
If you’re wondering how to get there, here’s a guide on how to commute from Manila to Alibijaban Island.
Option 1:
- Ride a bus from Cubao bound for San Andres, Quezon.
- From the terminal, you can walk or ride a sidecar to the port when you reach San Andres.
- You must ride a boat to Alibijaban Island in the port.
Option 2:
- Take a bus to the Lucena Grand Terminal.
- From Lucena Grand Terminal, look for buses going to San Andres, Quezon.
Note: This option may not be the most convenient, as you might have to wait for several hours at the terminal before finding a ride.
Alternatively, you can take a budget-friendly Alibijaban tour package. It includes a round-trip van transfer from Manila to San Andres and back. It also includes a round-trip boat ride from Port to Alibijaban Island and back.
If you decide to bring your car, a parking area is available at the port. You can leave your vehicle there overnight.
Where to stay on Alibijaban Island?
On Alibijaban Island, you can stay in transient houses, tents, or cottages (kubo).
Tent
Tent pitching is the most popular option for overnight stays on Alibijaban Island. It’s an affordable option, with tent rentals available for just 300 pesos per night. This way, you can enjoy the island’s natural beauty, sleeping under the stars and waking up to the sound of the waves.
Cottage or Kubo
No big hotels here, but you can rent a cozy cottage or kubo. It’s a step up from camping, with a bit more privacy and comfort but still keeping things simple. Cottages and kubos are usually simple but charming. They are often near the beach, so you can enjoy both a comfy stay and ocean views.
Transient House
For larger groups, a transient house could be a great choice. You can arrange these by contacting local island contacts. Or, ask the tourism office or local tour operators for recommendations. They can help you find a suitable place that fits your group’s needs and ensure you have a comfortable stay while enjoying the island.
During our visit, we stayed in a transient house with a fan room, which was included in the tour package we booked. They provided us with blankets, pillows, and a sleeping mat to ensure we were comfortable. We shared the room with other tourists, and there were six of us in total.
If sharing a room isn’t your style, you can always rent a room just for yourself, though it will cost a bit more. It’s a good idea to book your stay ahead of time because places to stay can fill up fast.
5 Things to Do on Alibijaban Island
During our short but sweet two-day, one-night trip to Alibijaban Island, we packed in a lot of fun activities:
1. Beach exploration and swimming
The first day started with everyone feeling excited and full of energy. Before we went to explore the sandbar and mangroves, we had some free time. We decided to take a walk down to the shore. It was such a photogenic spot that we ended up taking lots of photos. We also went for a swim in the clear water and even rented a kayak to paddle around. It was a perfect start to our adventure!
My favorite part? The beach wasn’t crowded at all, which meant we could really enjoy our swim without too many people around.
2. Sandbar and mangroves
After we finished our lunch, we headed out to see the sandbar and mangroves. We took a short boat ride, around 10-15 minutes, to get there. We went there in the afternoon, and It was almost high tide when we arrived. Luckily, we still had a chance to see the sandbar. It would have been nice to see a bit more of it, but it was still pretty cool. The water was clear, making the place look untouched, like a true hidden paradise.
3. Sunset viewing
In the afternoon, we spent our time chilling on the beach, just taking it easy and watching the sunset. We posed for pictures and had fun capturing the moment on camera. After that, we simply sat on the warm sand, watching the sky change colors as the sun set. It was incredibly relaxing and felt absolutely amazing. Everything is so peaceful there, making it the perfect escape from the noise of the city.
4. Alibijaban Island floating cottage
On our second day on the island, we excitedly made our way to the floating cottage that I had been looking forward to the most. It’s located just a short distance from the shore, so we took a quick and easy boat ride to get there.
I was super excited about the floating cottage—it was actually one of the reasons I wanted to visit Alibijaban. After seeing it on TikTok, I just had to experience it for myself. Sliding from the top of the cottage into the water was a blast. And even though the idea of jumping into the water made us a bit nervous since we were not used to it, it was completely worth it.
You can also go snorkelling around the floating cottage. Just make sure to wear a life vest for safety and remember to keep the place clean by not littering or throwing any trash into the ocean. Let’s all do our part to protect this amazing spot.
5. Camping
You can go camping overnight on Alibijaban Island. At night, the beach fills up with tents as many travelers and backpackers stop by for a side trip. It’s a great way to experience the island’s natural beauty and enjoy a simple, fun stay by the sea.
What to expect on Alibijaban Island?
Here’s what you should expect about visiting Alibijaban Island:
- You’ll find phone signals on the island, but they can be a bit slow. If you need better reception, head towards the shore. There you can make calls and use the Internet more easily.
- Water for rinsing off is scarce and costs 500 pesos for a drum. However, some group tours might include this cost in their package. It’s a good idea to check with the tour operator to see if water for rinsing is included, so you’re not caught off guard.
- The island does have electricity, but it can be a bit unreliable. Sometimes, the main power is turned off, and they switch to a generator to keep the lights on and let you charge your phones and other gadgets. So, it’s a good idea to be prepared for occasional power outages.
- If you need to charge any of your gadgets, there’s a small fee of 30 pesos for each device.
If you’re asking whether I’ll come back to this beautiful island, the answer is yes—I definitely will.
Alibijaban Island is truly a paradise that’s waiting for you to find it. Its untouched beauty makes it a place you’ll always remember from your travels. The long trip to get there? Absolutely worth it. Yes, we came back home feeling tired, but we brought back incredible memories from the island that made it all worthwhile.
