Potipot Island is located in the town of Candelaria in Zambales. It’s a small island completely surrounded with fine white sand and clear waters.
I think it was sis who suggested to our cousin Myra that we celebrate our niece’s birthday there since it was only two hours away from their home in Subic. I was okay with it since I’ve heard a lot about the island. I didn’t have any expectations.
We set off with cousins and nieces, prepared meals the night before and packed clothes and some of our essential things. We parked at the gateway and paid P200 for one whole day of parking.
For the boat that will take us back and forth the island, we paid P500. The small boat can accommodate up to seven persons. They provide life vests but there was no roof. Good thing it was only a good 5-7 minute ride.
The entrance fee at the island is P100 per person, regardless if you brought your own tent or not. An overnight stay costs P300. There are few tables and cottages scattered around but it’s sort of on a first come, first serve basis. Like, find your own table.
We didn’t find any vacant table and settled under the shade of a big tree near the waters.
Honestly, this beautiful island was a big disappointment. Why? Because it was poorly maintained by the owners or the caretakers. I can take it that it doesn’t have any electricity and water source is deep-well with hand-pump {poso} but trash and garbage are all over and the restrooms are stinky.
There are many spots where you can capture the natural beauty of Potipot in photo and if only the owner would continue to develop it, it will be a nice vacation spot.
If you’re into “roughing it”, this island may be ideal for you but if not, I suggest you go elsewhere.
Ykaie’s 5th day started out very well….
Coach Inna even let Ykaie wore shades for a few seconds. Ykaie doesn’t like wearing goggles. Since she can open her eyes underwater, she find it easier without the goggles…
Her 5th day was also the first day that her coach took off her armfloat. She replaced it with a small floater tied on her back. She got really scared and cried loudly even though she was floating.
I found her blowing up her armfloats while she was resting….
On her 3rd day, Ykaie told me she wanted a girl swimming coach. It was very timely because she was turned over to Coach Inna….
Around this time that the swimming instructor is deflating her arm float secretly. I guess this is done so she could manage floating all by herself, without the help of those arm float.
She also began teaching her to swim without an armfloat, which Ykaie was really scared about.