Marinduque - A Hidden Gem in the Southern Luzon, Philippines [DIY and Budget-friendly Guide for a 4D3N Trip]

Have you been in a situation where your work life is already on top of you and badly in need for a holiday to take a breather? Whoops, I've been there too about a month ago. Deadlines, meetings, execution of action plans keeps spinning in my head even when I'm asleep. Definitely, I am stressed..well, that's when I decided to take a trip for the Lenten Week. But what to do? Philippines is an archipelagic country with 7,107 islands and I only have 3,000 pesos (60 US Dollars) extra money to pay for a relaxing holiday trip. Where would it take me?

I was wondering where I should go when one of my friends in Facebook posted a photo of Moriones Festival (Lenten Masquerade Festival) with a tag line "Masquerade...made more fun in the Philippines". Great! isn't it? This made me curious and finally look for some options on how I can spend my vacation in the beautiful island of Marinduque. A place that is also known as the Lenten Capital of the Philippines with a rich heritage and amazing natural wonders.

How to get there? Here are time and cost saving options for you:

Option 1: (Manila Cubao - Marinduque)
Ride a bus from Cubao going straight to Marinduque.
Estimated Travel Hours: 8-12 hours
Cost: 880 Pesos (USD 18 approx. per pax)

Option 2: (Manila Cubao/Pasay - Dalahican Lucena Port - Balanacan Port)
Ride a bus from Cubao or Pasay to Dalahican Port Lucena then travel by RORO (roll-on-roll off) to Balanacan Port.
Estimated Travel Hours: 6-7 hours
Cost: 530 Pesos (USD 10 approx per pax)

Bus Ride via JAM Liner: 220 Pesos (USD 4.5 approx)
RORO to Balanacan: 280 Pesos (USD 5 approx)
Terminal Fee: 30 Pesos (USD 0.5 approx)

Note: you can book your bus travel, for priority boarding here:

From Balanacan Port, you have an option to ride a jeepney or tricycle going to different municipalities. Fares are in between 50 to 80 pesos depending on the municipality your are going via jeepeney ride. While, tricycles offer 100 pesos fare per person.

We spent four hours travel via land 2 hours sea travel and luckily we came earlier than we expected. We stayed at Lucky Seven Pension House, one of the cheapest yet amazing hostels in Boac, Marinduque. Room rates starts at 300 pesos per person per night (USD 7-8 approx). I only paid less than 20 USD for a thee night stay. You can see the contact details of the hostel for your future reference:

Lucky Seven Pension House - Gov. D. Reyes St. Murallon, Boac, Marinduque
Contact Numbers: +63 (042) -332 - 2777/ +63 (042) - 332-1742/ +63910-822-2973
e-mail: [email protected]

Day 1: It is a bit exhausting six hour travel from Manila to Boac and we reached our destination before lunch time. While we are waiting for the check-in time in our hostel at 2PM, we decided to roam around old Boac Church and Plaza.

You will absolutely fall in love with the sophisticated beautiful masterpieces of the interior of the church too. Every detail has been carefully crafted on the antique themed ceiling which I find calming and beautiful to sight.

It is amazing the rich heritage of this place. In fact, most of the old buildings in Boac including their museum and plaza are well maintained.

Since we only have a limited budget, we can say that we are very lucky to find "Uncle Bhougs" Restaurant in the middle of the municipality center with a variety of can afford yet delicious food.

A special sandwich and mango pearl shake for only 83 pesos (less than 2 USD).

And vanilla charcoal with matcha flavored ice cream for dessert for 10 pesos (0.20 USD)! Cravings satisfied!!

Day 2: We are so excited to go and see Poctoy White Beach in our second day in Marinduque. The beach is located in the municipality of Torrijos, Marinduque and we need to ride two jeepneys going to municipality of Sta. Cruz, and from there to Torrijos. Jeepney fares from Boac to Torrijos are as follows:

Boac - Torrijos Route: 85 Pesos (1.5 USD approx) with 2 to 3 hours travel time.
Boac - Sta Cruz Route: 50 Pesos (1 USD approx) with 1.5 to 2 hours travel time.
Sta. Cruz - Torrijos: 35 Pesos (0.85 USD approx) with 1 hour travel time to Poctoy White Beach.

Take note that jeepneys only travel back to Boac until 4 in the afternoon, so it's better to travel earlier for you to have time to enjoy the nature.

Poctoy beach is open to public with an entrance fee of 50 pesos (1 USD), for whole day pass. You can rent a cottage for 150 pesos (3 USD).

If you want to have some water fun activities, you can go kayaking for only 200 pesos (4 USD approx) per hour.

Day 3: The most awaited festival is finally here! The island of Marinduque is known for their Morniones Festival where men are dressing like roman soldiers or centurions. The focal point of this festival has religious inclination as it serves as the sacrifice of the devotees and commemorate how Jesus Christ sacrificed and died on the cross 2,000 years ago.

It seems like there's also a contest for the best dressed/costumed ones.

Their attires are a bit scary isn't it? But are you wondering how these men look like without a mask? Luckily, I spotted one here!!

I don't know why I easily fell in love with the place. Marinduque is a virgin island with a lot of natural wonders to offer. I will definitely go back to this place and visit Palad Sand Bar, and Maniwaya Island.

I hope you enjoy my trip and looking forward to share more adventures with you!

With lots of ♥♥♥,

@kegraoxite