4 Visit the Home of 80,000 Swiftlets
An amusing oddity it may seem but couple Eddie and Dina Espares don’t seem to mind living in a house with more than 80,000 swiftlets living in their basement. Visit the Balinsasayaw house and hear their story on how a pair of swiftlets ballooned to thousands fluttering feathery friends.
5 Do a Mangrove River Cruise
San Pascual have a vast mangrove plantations and in Mapanique, cruise through the heart of nature at Mapanique River. Take the 22-winding turn leading to sea. Keep your eyes open for wild ducks, exotic birds and giant fruit bats hanging or flapping by giant calumpang trees. If you are adventurous enough, there’s also a trail leading to a bat sanctuary.
I’m sure there are more things to do in San Pascual. We were told there are a couple of caves to explore too like the Ki Romero Hidden Cave and the Iniwaran Cave. For delicacy, do try to find the Lechon Kalabaw.
How to go to San Pascual, Burias Island, Masbate
The advantage of San Pascual, Burias Island from the rest of Masbate is its close proximity to Naga City, Camarines Sur.
- Manila to Naga City by Bus: Ride any Naga City bound bus in Cubao Terminal. Plenty of choices from Philtranco, DLTB, Isarog Lines, etc). In Pasay there’s Philtranco and DLTB. Travel time is 8–9 hours with fares starting from Php 700 to 1100.
- Manila to Naga City by Plane: There are daily flights to Naga City via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines. Travel time is 45 minutes from Manila. Naga City Airport is near the town of Pili.
- Naga City to Pasacao Port: Make your way to North Bound Terminal and take a jeep or VAN heading to Pasacao. Travel time is 45minutes to an hour. From Pasacao, hire a tryke to take you to the port.
- From Pasacao Port to San Pascual: There are several boats that leave Pasacao Port for San Pascual daily usually from 7:00am, 10:00am and 2:00pm. Travel time is 2 hours and a fare of Php 150. From San Pascual to Pasacao Port, there are boats that leave from 5:30am, 8:00am and 9:20am.
For more info and assistance on San Pascual, contact Cecile of San Pascual Tourism Office at 09199112270
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
