Marinduque: Morning splendor at Gaspar Island

We woke up at about 3:30 am to prepare for our trip to Gaspar Island. It’s great to have fellow photographers like Oggie and Allan on a trip since they understand the importance of capturing the best light in the scenery. Most locals would have wondered why we would want to sail to the island at 4 am in the morning not understanding the photographer’s view of things. Maybe one reason why our boatman missed our target departure of 4 am. Or he just probably overslept a bit. Still, we managed to arrive before the sun rises on Gaspar Island, Marinduque.

Gaspar Moonshade under the Talisay Tree

Moonshade under the Talisay Tree.

Gaspar Island is one of the three islands southwest of Marinduque Island named after the three kings, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar. Of the three islands, Gaspar is the largest and the only one inhabited. It is also rich in history since off its coast waters between the mainland, a sunken Chinese Junk was discovered. Other old artifacts were also discovered at caves found on the island. Artifacts are now property of the National Museum.

Gaspar Dawn Boat

Gaspar Dawn Boat. Mt Malindig and Elephant island on the horizon

Travel time from the mainland of Barangay Pinggan to the island is about 30 minutes by outrigger boat. Rates usually goes from Php 1000 if you only visit Gaspar or one of the island, Php 1500 for island hopping on the three islands of the Tres Reyes Islands.

Gaspar Sandbar Glorious Sunrise

Gaspar Island Sandbar Glorious Sunrise

The moon was shining really bright that morning illuminating the island shores beautifully. The fishing village of Gaspar Island was still asleep that morning. We ventured around the island shorelines to see what its landscape offers. It’s actually a very varied landscape. There’s a nice long sandbar in the middle where the waves meet. On the western side are calm waters and a nice crushed coral beach ideal for swimming. The eastern side is more rugged with impressive rock formations being battered by stronger waves. On the eastern side, you could see Mt Malindig and the deluxe Elephant Island which Japanese companies are developing.

Gaspar Shell Collector

A little girl shell harvester

In the middle of the island is a fishing community. There is no water or electricity on the island. Water is being fetched from the mainland and electricity is through gas. There are however some sheds, urinal facilities, and a small store to buy provisions for island visitors.

Gaspar Fresh Catch

Gaspar Fresh Catch of the day

Tres Reyes Islands is a protected marine sanctuary. Expect lots of fresh catch early morning. We bought a couple of those haba or balo fish to be cooked for lunch. Grilled and fried. Very cheap as well. Aside from fishing, tourism is also a main livelihood. Children gather shells early morning and they make beads from them to sell.

Gaspar Illuminated Shores

Gaspar Illuminated Shores

We enjoyed our time on Gaspar Island very much. The island has very nice landscapes and is also ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The weather was also very cooperative at that time as well. I think waking up that early was worth it on this island.

Gaspar Trio Jump

Gaspar Trio Jump: Ironwulf, Lagal[og] an Lantaw

We headed back shortly to the mainland for breakfast. After which we’ll do a few last stops around Marinduque before we leave that afternoon.