A journey through the three kings (and the three Philippine islands): Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar
Do not look any further. We have the most original itinerary which will lead you to book airline tickets as soon as you finish reading this article. It is the perfect trip to give as a gift or to overcome post-vacation stress if, at this point, you already sense that you are going to need it. With names that could not be more appropriate these days, we suggest you visit the philippine islands of Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar.
Philippines is a country in Southeast Asia that attracts every year a greater number of tourists seeking Paradise beaches, not overcrowded , without this exclusivity being translated into a unattainable luxury . More than 7,107 islands , the island hopping , or sailing the ocean from island to island, is one of the great attractions of the country and, on many occasions, the only way to get to know it.
To do it, just rent one banka, small motor boat, and get carried away by the natives. Immersing yourself in their culture will allow you to get closer to their captivating essence and discover an open secret among all divers: the wealth of marine biodiversity in the Philippines is unique in the world.
The best to practice 'island hopping', rent a 'banka' and let yourself go
the airport of Gasan, in Marinduque , is just an hour's flight from the capital, Manila . The Marinduque Island , known for its orography as the heart of the Philippines, is popular for the celebration of the Festival of the Morions . The images of these religious acts go around the world every Easter for the bright colors that give off the costumes and masks with which they disguise themselves. The neighborhood of Barangay Pinggan, in Gasan , is the starting point of the island hopping route through the three kings: Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar.
The boat ride to get to Gaspar, the closest island to Marinduque and the largest of this itinerary, lasts 30 minutes . When you disembark you are greeted by a sandbank, or sandbar , of those that appear on Instagram and that make you doubt if it is real or rather the result of the magic of some filter.
GASPAR ISLAND
In Gaspar resides a small community that welcomes visitors like family . And this is literal, since there are no restaurants and the locals offer to fascinate you with their rich gastronomy . What there is, here and in every corner of the country, is a sari-sari , a small grocer to go to in case of need. It is a good idea to visit the port area and buy freshly caught fish that the hosts will kindly cook for you, in exchange for a modest financial help.
The Philippine adventure begins, will you join us?
In addition to walking and taking more than one dip in its transparent waters , history buffs and wreck diving buffs will be interested to know that In 1981 a Chinese ship was found sunk carrying utensils such as very valuable porcelain jugs and plates . The unit of Underwater Archeology of the National Museum he recovered some and currently exhibits them in his rooms.
Gaspar is also a good place for nature lovers. On this island it is possible to see the largest terrestrial arthropod in the world live: the coconut crab, Birgus latro. Being able to reach four kilos in weight and lift almost thirty, it is not surprising that Charles Darwin described it as "a crab of monstrous size" when he saw it in the Keeling Islands , in Australia, during his voyage on the Beagle.
To spend the night you can choose between sleeping in your tent and paying a small fee or renting one of the traditional huts built by the locals themselves . But first, you can end the day watching the sunset while you review and publish the snapshots that you have immortalized with your camera, and relax under a starry sky with the sound of the waves in the background.
Touring the islands around Gasan is like meeting the three wise men
MELCHOR ISLAND
Continuing with the route, the next stop is Melchor. This island is the smallest and is characterized by being rocky. Since access is more complicated, in order to fully enjoy this itinerary of island hopping by the three kings, residents recommend doing it between March and May , the Philippine summer, and thus avoid the strong waves caused by the monsoon or habagat.
The charm of Melchor lies in contemplating how the water beats on its cliffs and in the capricious formations that erosion has caused in the rocks. He shares with Gaspar the turquoise water and abundant marine life but, due to its size and the strong and unpredictable water currents that have been recorded, it is not advisable to spend the night there.
If you can go snorkelling and enjoy the calm that is breathed there. The most advisable thing is to bring water, some lunch, sunscreen and well-charged electronic devices or extra batteries.
Robinson Crusoe would have wanted it that way
Baltazar Island
But if adventure is your thing and all of the above has not seemed enough for you, balthazar , for them written with zeta, is your island. It is the furthest but possibly the one that has the most to offer to those who dare to visit it. In addition to standing out for being a reference place for diving in the province , you can explore the Kay Bungo caves or visit the lighthouse that Americans built in the early 1900s during the colonial period.
Baltazar is uninhabited and there is no possibility to buy food. This, which at first may seem like an inconvenience, becomes an incentive for those who have ever fantasized about being a survivor on a desert island.
The island hopping It is undoubtedly the best option when it comes to moving around the archipelago. For about 2,000 pesos, approximately 35 euros , you can take this boat trip through the three kings and put your feet in places with very familiar names, but which are unknown paradises for much of the world.
Think no more, The Philippines awaits you with more than 7,107 islands to visit and more than 7,107 ways to explore.