If you are going to Masbate and you are traveling by sea from Roxas City to Calumpang (Masbate) you must experience a great escapade without having to shell out additional clams. Pumpboats that dock in Calumpang usually pick up and drop off passengers and cargos in the islands along the trip going to Roxas City and going back to Calumpang.
Olotayan Island, Roxas City, Capiz
The first island that is very interesting but unluckily is not part of the island hopping is the Olotayan Island in Capiz. No fuss still you will be passing this island. This paradise has already been featured in “Trip na Trip” by a national tele that showcases various tourism destinations in the country. The island features great beaches and diving spots. It is approximately 45minutes away from Roxas City and the only barangay island of Roxas.
Zapatos Gamay Islet
Zapatos Gamay Islet
The two islands nearby Olotayan are called the Zapatos Islands. The next hop is the Zapatillo (Small Shoes) or Zapatos Gamay Islet, a small piece of land that is composed mostly of rocks and a little part of a beach. Few houses inhabit the area. Next to it is the Zapatos Island or sometimes called Zapatos Dako to distinguish it from the other small islet. This island is like a piece of mountain in the midst of the ocean. It has a larger community than its counterpart. Loads of cargos and passengers usually come from this island. And to tell you that there is a very enticing small piece of white sand beach stretched towards the sea that would capture your dizzying sensations. But then you got nothing to do than to just take pictures of it because the trip must goes on. FYI the two Zapatos Islands which are already part of Masbate were called Zapatos (Shoes) because the tale says that a Giant which is now the Isla de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo owned those shoes long time ago.
Zapatos Dako Island, Balud, Masbate
Zapatos Island, Balud, Masbate
Shores of Zapatos Dako Island
Moving on to the last island before the mainland of Masbate is called the Jintotolo Island. The island is surrounded by beaches and it is also an amazing getaway to enjoy. You can visit also the famous and old Jintotolo Lighthouse a picturesque in its 19th century architecture which served as a guiding beacon for the vessels and sailors that frequently pass the area. You can see this island from afar when you are aboard a vessel from Manila to Iloilo and vice versa.
Shores of Jintotolo Island, Balud, Masbate
30 minutes away from Jintotolo is Calumpang the trip’s destination, it is on the western side of Masbate mainland. From thereon you can continue your trip to Masbate City by land.
Shores of Calumpang, balud, Masbate
