Fortune Island Dive Resort in Batangas: See the raw beauty of Fortune Island
Some call it a sheer irony that such place was named Fortune Island when its history outlines the complete opposite—business failures, sunken ships, and treacherous weather conditions. But what many people don’t realize is that the good fortune lies not on the island itself but in the waters that surround it.
This is what Fortune Island Dive Resort has banked on since it opened five years ago, reigniting the lost spark in this small island and bringing people to appreciate its beauty anew.
Fortune Island harbors many underwater gems, like diverse fish species and healthy coral reefs, which also makes it a highly sought-after scuba diving destination. The ruins, which is what remains of the once-envisioned Greek-inspired Acropolis, also exudes a charm of its own and a favorite spot for photo ops.
A short boat ride from the coast of Nasugbu, Batangas, Fortune Island offers an escape from Metro Manila and the nearby busy towns. Some of the activities you can do on the island are scuba diving, snorkeling, cliff diving, trekking, and bonfires.
Fortune Island is about an hour away via boat ride from the jumpoff point in Barangay Wawa or at Fortune Island Dive Resort. It is best to go here in the morning or not later than noontime for two reasons: on peak days, there are more people so going early ensures you can find the best spot to set up camp, and the waves become stronger in the afternoon so it’s more difficult for the boats to sail.
On the island, there are no resort facilities or decent bathrooms. Make sure to bring your own water, food, toiletries, and a garbage bag. It’ also good to bring sunblock and other sun protection, swimming and snorkeling gear, first aid kit, and power banks. If you are camping overnight, it is also essential to bring a lamp, flashlight, and cooking utensils.
While Fortune Island Dive Resort does not have room accommodation on the island itself, they offer day/overnight trips with tents for tourists who are spending a night on the island. Camping overnight is also the most popular way to make the most out of your Fortune Island escapade. The resort offers day trips to Fortune Island for Php 3,000 (5-10 persons) or Php 4,500 (10 or more persons). An overnight trip costs Php 4,500 (5-10 persons) or Php 6,000 (10 or more persons).
On the mainland, Fortune Island Dive Resort has six single rooms and two family rooms, which are also facing the beach.
General Information:
Address: Barangay Wawa, Apacible Blvd., Nasugbu, Batangas
Cel.: 0915-504-7166; 0927-836-5675
Price range: Php 500 – Php 3,000
Check-in & Check-out: Anytime
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Fortune-Island-Dive-Resort-979784012090377/
Written by Rizelle “Rei” Leaño
Photos courtesy of Fortune Island Dive Resort
This feature appears in the March 2018 issue of Philippine Primer Japanese magazine.
