Maniwaya Island, once a locals' haven, is now one of Marinduque's most popular tourist destinations.
Maniwaya is a serene island whose sheer ease and purity make it stunning. It has become a must-visit tourism destination on par with some of the countries' most marquee islands.
Maniwaya is the second of the three island communities in the town of Sta. Cruz. Like the other two, Mongpong (sometimes written Mompong) and Polo, the villages primarily depend on farming and fishing.
One of the few islets closest to Metro Manila, Maniwaya's beaches offer fine, white sand that is reachable by land and water. Tourists can stroll or swim on the island without the boisterous crowds and flashy commercial settings of the nation's more well-known beaches, thanks to its tranquil surroundings.
What to expect in Maniwaya
Maniwaya now has resorts, electricity, potable water, and even facilities for leisure activities like wakeboarding, jet skiing, scuba diving, banana boat excursions, and snorkeling on the island.The island also offers kayaks, speedboats, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).
The one-hectare Palad sandbar of fine sand near the northeastern extremity of Maniwaya is the most visited tourist spot. but it is only accessible at low tide. Depending on the dominant winds and seawater flow, its shape also varies.
When the sandbar appears in full view, it measures 50 meters long by 20 to 25 meters wide.
Near the sandbar on the seafloor is an underwater rock wall with live corals. Tourists can marvel at the crystal-clear waters and rock pillars through the locals' scuba or snorkeling services.
Since low tide usually happens early in the morning, travelers heading to Maniwaya leave early and make a photo stop at the sandbar before continuing to the resort island.
Going to Maniwaya
Maniwaya Island, which has a population of about 2,000 people and a land area of 264 hectares, can be reached by boat from Buyabod Port in Sta. Cruz.
From there, travelers can take the standard boat ride or rent a motorized boat to go the remaining distance to the island in 30 to 45 minutes.
The waters around the island are so marvelous and transparent that tourists can see the pebbles and sand at the bottom when they lean over during the boat trip.
