Update – April 4, 2012: Visitors to Daplac Cove are now not allowed.
Dear Boayan Island,
I remember how kind and gentle the people of Poblacion in San Vicente, Palawan were.
I remember walking on its port and seeing only a few bangkas on the dock.
I remember buying our supplies on the smiling tinderas at the public market.
I remember when we were on our way to you, I saw lots of trash on the water only to find out that they were markers and floating devices for cultured shells and seaweeds.
I remember approaching the turquoise water of your litte neighbor, Niaporay Island.
I remember the little nipa hut on its beach.
Then I saw you and were amazed by you. You were so little on the map but so big when I personally saw you.
Little islands were on your side, I think they were your children.
Cliffs after cliffs, yet we were seeing only a little bit of you.
You let us see mountain ranges, still we were seeing only a little bit of you.
From your perimeter we could not see it but with a little patience you showed us your hidden gem, Daplac Cove.
You welcomed us with your turquoise waters.
You even gave us a glimpse of what’s underneath.
I remember walking on your golden-white beach.
I remember skipping on rocks to explore you.
I remember the trenches on the sand left by the Tabon Birds. I hope people will do what we did, we stayed away from them so as not to disturb one of your residents.
I remember seeing monkeys on your treetops. I also hope that people will not feed them or they may get used to people feeding them and eventually they will learn to steal just like the monkeys of Sabang, Puerto Princesa.
I remember going on top of one of your mountains to see the vast beauty of a small part of you.
I wish the culture of comfort will not destroy you.
The culture that destroyed the charm of the enchanting Anawangin Cove in Zambales where they put up cottages, chairs and fences for the comfort of the visiting people.
The culture of timidity where people will just leave their trash on you.
Boayan Island, you hold no responsibility to us but we hold a great responsibility to you.
I hope people will not change you but you will change people.
I hope you will never change.
Clean, enchanting and wonderful.
You are perfect as you are.
A good creation of God.
Your admirer,
Josiah
Boayan Island Details
You can hire a boat to and from Boayan Island from the Municipal Tourism Office of Poblacion, San Vicente, Palawan. The normal rate is 1,500 for 3 pax. Prices are negotiable.
Travel Time is around 1 hour through a scenic route. one-way.
During the ride to the island you can also pass by Niaporay Island.
If you want to know how to get to the Poblacion of San Vicente, Palawan click here.
- There are no stores in Daplac Cove so you will have to bring your own supplies.
- Currently, there are no mask and snorkel rentals in Poblacion of San Vicente. It is best that you bring your own.
- On the boat that we ridden there was no life vest. If you’re not confident with your swimming skills, kindly bring your own life vest.
- Keep your valuables attended.
- According to the locals of Boayan Island, the name of the island came from the word ‘buwaya’ which means crocodile. Because the shape of the island looks like a crocodile.
- From Poblacion, San Vicente, Palawan you can also the Longest Beach in the Philippines, an ostrich farm, dairy farm and their airport.
- Please be a responsible traveller, bring your trash back to Poblacion and throw them on the proper waste disposal areas.
For more information about Boayan Island you can contact the Munipal Tourism Office of San Vicente, Palawan through the following
- Telephone Number: (048) 725-4154
- E-mail: [email protected]
This post is part of my 12 for 2012 Travel Project which aims to document places in the Philippines to help travellers.
Follow my San Vicente, Palawan Series
- My San Vicente, Palawan Expenses (Helpful)
- Longest Beach in the Philippines (Must See!)
- Dairy Farm and San Vicente Airport
- Daplac Cove in Boayan Island (Must See!)
- How to get to Poblacion, San Vicente, Palawan (Helpful)
- Where to Stay in Poblacion, San Vicente, Palawan (Helpful)
Port Barton Subseries
Ang ganda! San Vicente has a lot of potential for tourism. I hope the town will be able to maintain its beauty after tourists flock to this place.
Yan din yung inaalala ko kapag dumagsa na yung mga turista, pero sabi nila may implement sila like the Eco-Tourism Development Fee of El Nido para maprotect yung ganda ng San Vicente.
btw, yung San Vicente post mo pala yung nag-encourage sa akin bisitahin ang San Vicente. Salamat pre. 🙂
what a great discovery Josiah! 🙂 Sana mapuntahan ko din to 🙂
Thanks Christine! Mapupuntahan mo yan. Isa yan sa mga hindi mo dapat mamiss kapag nandito ka sa Palawan. 🙂
Ganda ng cove. We only had 2 hours to roam San Vicente last year after our El Nido.
your posts are indeed very informative and kind of heartwarming sometimes 🙂
keep it up… 😉
i’ll be waiting for your future travel tips and advices… btw, your puerto princesa helped me a lot on planning our aug. trip since we’re on a very tight sked. thank you!
very touching. i hope it won’t get spoiled like anawangin or puerto galera 🙁
Ahem Ahem!!!! 😀
I sense so much emotion in this particular cove. I’m guessing there’s so much to remember that can’t be encompassed in one blog post alone. Nice post!
Why isn’t it allowed to visit Boayan Cove anymore? 🙁