Part1: Trip to Quezon Day 1 - Kwebang Lampas / Puting Buhangin aka Lukang Beach in Pagbilao

After getting high from the Panagbenga festival in Baguio (which is being held every February), I then tried to look out for another festival which fits my budget.  Wondering what's in Pahiyas festival, made me push this trip.  Unlike other festivals, Pahiyas in Lucban Quezon has a fixed date yearly - which is every 15th of May.  Luckily, May 15, 2011 is a Sunday so we didn't have problem on getting a vacation leave. 

Sidetrip during Pahiyas has been a trend for some people.  I used to check out blog posts about Kwebang Lampas / Puting Buhangin so when I realized it's also in Quezon, why not visit  them the day before Pahiyas? Is it really possible? Oh well, thanks to Lakwatsera de Primera, ThePinaySoloBackpacker, Roman Leo Reyman, and Pinoy Adventurista's blog, it answered my question hehe. 

Transportation to Kwebang Lampas / Puting Buhangin Beach in Pagbilao, Quezon

So how to reach Kwebang Lampas in Pagbilao, Quezon? Around 3:00-3:30am of May 14, we took a bus to Lucena via Jac Liner in Kamias terminal. No reservations or advance booking of ticket as bus leaves the terminal almost every hour especially during weekends and peak season (e.g. festival). Drop off at Lucena Grand Terminal. The travel time is approximately three hours.  You may opt to have breakfast here first in which we did (fastfood chains and carenderias are available around).

Upon reaching Lucena Bus terminal, we took a mini bus to Polo - with signboard Unisan.  Ask the driver to drop you off at Polo crossing. Travel time is about 30-45mins.

Take a tricycle from Polo crossing until you reach the so called Lukang Gate.  This is your gateway to Puting Buhangin beach. Before reaching it, we paid Php 10/each to enter the roads of  Pagbilao Power Plant Station, a coal-fired thermal power plant at Isla Grande in Pagbilao, Quezon which supplies electricity to a large part of Luzon, including Metro Manila. Travel time is more or less 45mins.

Upon arrival at the Lukang gate, we took two short boat rides (approximately 5 minutes travel time per boat) to reach Puting Buhangin / Lukang Beach for Php 35/head (you need to wait other passengers) or Php 250 good for 8 people.    Other options is to walk from there until you reach it. 

TIP: If you take the bus to Lucena the day of Pahiyas, expect traffic along the way because other towns were also celebrating their fiesta on that same day.

Lucena Bus Terminal

mini-bus to Unisan!

And we're off to Polo crossing!

take tricycle to Polo crossing

your gateway to Lukang beach, this is where you park your vehicles and wait for the boat

buy some softdrinks here in a mini-store at Lukang gate

our first boat ride

let's go :)

stop-over for our next boat ride

Pagbilao Power Plant

next boat ride indeed

the clear blue water

Puting Buhangin Beach and Kwebang Lampas

Puting Buhangin beach with Kwebang Lampas cave on the side is a privately owned beach cove by the Lukang family, hence why it is also called Lukang beach.  I was mesmerized by the serenity of the beach that I just used to dream of stepping on, and upon arrival at the beach, I was shocked that it is now super famous!

There are lot of groups and tourists around but nevertheless I still like the beach.  You are not allowed to go overnight here (only until 5-6pm I guess) and open cottages are available for Php 500 .

We just look a spot to place our bags then an old guy went to us which turned out the caretaker of the beach.  We paid Php 50/head as entrance fee then just roam, take portrait pictures and explore the beach more.  A communal cr is available but do not expect enough water for you to take a shower after swimming.  This is somehow a camping experience so take that opportunity to feel that moment!!  Unfortunately after I told my friends to bring food, no one brought food haha. Tiis-ganda?! We just enjoy the beach and ask our boatmen to fetch us around 1pm.

TIP: Bring food, sunblock for skin protection, and camp out if you like!

Kwebang Lampas (from angel's cam)

We went back to Lucena Grand Terminal and had a super late sumptous lunch, before we head our way to Lucban for the Pahiyas festival. That's my next post! :)


CHECK OUT MY SERIES!
Part1: Trip to Quezon Day 1 - Kwebang Lampas / Puting Buhangin aka Lukang Beach in Pagbilao
Part2: Trip to Quezon Day 1 - Night Before Pahiyas Festival in Lucban
Part3: Trip to Quezon Day 2 - Kamay ni Hesus & Colorful Pahiyas Festival in Lucban
2D/1N Trip to Quezon during Pahiyas Festival - Itinerary and Expenses

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