Denise Alyssa G.
Travel Guide to Fortune Island in Batangas
Experience Fortune Island in Batangas: The Greek-like Island of the South
Consider yourself lucky if you are reading this post. You might get to chat with your travel buddies later on and plan ahead your next travel destination – the Fortune Island in Nasugbu, Batangas.
Travel Guide to Fortune Island By Oliver Mercader – A Path to Greece, CC BY 2.0, cc
For Manileños, or people living in the South like me, we sometimes have this mindset of flying through different provinces just to have the perfect vacation and Instagram-worthy beach moments. But worry no more because this breathtaking island we are taking you to is just a few hours away from Manila.
For those of you who haven’t been here, Fortune Island resembles the Acropolis found in Greece. This lone island is located in Nasubgu, Batangas. Some locals say this place used to be an exclusive resort like Balesin. It even has a beach house and an empty swimming pool which adds charm and mysteriousness to the island.
Best time to visit Fortune Island
The best time to visit Fortune Island is during the summer months of March to May, when the weather is dry and sunny. However, it is also important to note that the island can get crowded during peak season, so it is advisable to visit during weekdays to avoid the crowd.
How To Go To Fortune Island
Visiting this island, if I may say so, is easy peasy (no booking required – thus avoiding delayed/canceled flights, right?) From Manila, ride a bus bound for Nasugbu, Batangas. The fare will only cost you less than Php 200. Ride a tricycle to Barangay Wawa, the jump-off point to Fortune Island. It will take you an hour to get to the island, so we recommend you get there early to have plenty of time to enjoy the beach.
What To Do on Fortune Island
This island is less crowded compared to overrated beaches in the Philippines, making it the best spot to shoot your Instagram-worthy moment. Check out these Instagram photos of tourists who have already visited the place:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BceHnXuHI-Q/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcq1L5ugrxB/
Cliff Diving is one of the water activities you can enjoy there. Fortune Island has the perfect spot for you to take that jump on the Southern waters, as they have a 25-30-foot-high cliff. For divers, note that Fortune Island’s beauty is appreciated above and below the sea – so bring your own gear because you can visit the shipwreck site – an experience you should not miss.
For those who want to chill, you can just walk on the powdery white sands and admire the island’s turquoise waters.
Take the time to revel in the Grecian Pillars and choose the best angle to capture this fantastic structure.
You can also trek to the Lighthouse, which will take you about 30 minutes. It will be worth the time and effort as you get a scenic view of the island.
If you feel adventurous, you can explore the Batcave through a canoe and admire the rock formations surrounding the place.
Sample Itinerary
Plan to meet up with your friends before 4 a.m., probably the first ride to Nasugbu via DLTB bus in Gil Puyat or San Agustin Bus Line in Cubao.
- 4:00 a.m.-7:00 a.m.: Bus Ride to Nasugbu
- 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.: Tricycle ride to Fortune Island Resort in Barangay Wawa
- Go for a 30-minute to one-hour rest or breakfast before riding the boat to the resort.
- 8:00 a.m. – Boat Ride going to Fortune Island
The boat ride takes about 1 to 1 and a half hours, but it is worth the travel when you reach your destination. You can even plan an overnight stay for only Php 4,500.00 for 5-10 people and Php 6,000.00 exceeding 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fortune Island known for?
Fortune Island is known for being a 27-hectare private property located off the coast of the town of Nasugbu in Batangas, Philippines. It is a go-to place for a quick island escapade, especially for those living in Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog. The island is also known for its abandoned remnants of a Grecian-style resort, which has become one of the region’s weirdest tourist attractions. Visitors on the island can swim, sunbathe, cliff dive, snorkel, and SCUBA dive.
Why is Fortune Island abandoned?
Fortune Island is abandoned because the resort built on the island was deemed unprofitable and a bad investment due to several misfortunes, including a lack of a ready source of fresh water. Aside from a brief lease by a Korean businessman, the island has laid dormant and is now an abandoned, crumbling property.
Why is it called Fortune Island?
Fortune Island is called Fortune Island because the San Diego Ship, a trade ship converted into a warship, sank off the island on December 14, 1600, and was discovered with its treasure trove by French marine archaeologist Frank Goddio. The shipwreck and its treasures were believed to have brought good fortune to the island, hence the name “Fortune Island.”
So what are you waiting for? Satisfy that wanderlust and visit Nasugbu’s gem – the Fortune Island.
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Also Read:
- Best Beach Resorts in Anilao, Batangas
- Hotel 1925: 60’s themed Hotel in Batangas
- Top 12 Things to do and Places to Visit in Taal, Batangas
- 12 Things that Kids Love About Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu Batangas
