Atulayan Island in Camarines Sur

Atulayan Island, Sagnay, Camarines Sur

Camarines Sur is usually synonymous to CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) and Caramoan Islands. But few people actually know about a beautiful island situated in the town of Sagnay, Camarines Sur. Atulayan Island is roughly 30 minutes away by a rented motorized boat from the Nato Beach, the jump-off point to the island. This is, by the way, an inhabited island and was used in the French-Italian movie "Mutiny in the South Seas".

Atulayan was included on our three-day adventure in Camarines Sur. We also explored Consocep Waterfalls at the foot of Mt. Isarog in the town of Tigaon.

The name of the island was derived from the word "atol" which means "snail". Indeed, from afar, it looks like a snail with slopes and curves extending from the top to the shorelines. It has ivory-colored sand, thick forests and coral reefs.

There are four coves on the island, the first one of which is a fishing village and the drop-off point of the boats to and fro the Nato Beach.

The second cove is just an easy hike from the first one. Beach-bumming is perfect here as there were no much people in sight. The third one is uninhabited while the fourth is a private cove. No entrance fees were collected when you enter the island.

After the long travel to the island, all you could think about is checking out the beach. The locals were so kind and friendly enough to let us cook our food in their house. You can bring your tents here but there are some nipa huts that the locals can lend you (you can give them a tip for that). You can bum all day and enjoy the clear waters and the ivory sand.

Overall, Atulayan Island is an amazing unexplored little island. Although inhabited, the locals are very friendly. So if you have time to explore the province of Camarines Sur, try to check out Atulayan Island.

Where to stay in Naga City - Click below to see room rates and discounts.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Manila to Naga City - By land: There are numerous bus in the Araneta Bus Terminal in Cubao going to Naga. | By air: Major airlines have daily flights to Naga.

Naga City to Sagnay - You can either take the bus or aircon vans plying the route, Lagonoy or Goa take this PU vehicles until Tigaon.

Tigaon to Nato beach - There are jeepneys and yrimobiles in front of South Star Drug which  can take you to Nato Beach.

Nato Beach to Atulayan island - There are no regular trips to the island. Negotiate with locals on the port area for a chartered boat ride.

EXPENSES (in Philippine Peso):

Bus fare to Naga from Manila - 550

Naga to Sagnay - 80-100

Tigaon to Nato Beach - 30

Boat rental - 1,000

Food and other stuff - 200

(no entrance fee was collected on the island)


*all photos are from my simple Canon point-and-shoot camera*


happy vibes!:)