The mood that pervaded this hidden getaway was probably similar to what the Gods of Travel would have recommended to you after a day of diving and island hopping around the magical seas of Ticao Island. Slipped inside a cove in the town of San Jacinto and dotted with tall coconut trees, Ticao Island Resort dished a laid-back atmosphere that was serene and full of Zen, just as a tropical island should be. Away from the crowds and almost free from any network signal, one could easily embrace the sense of isolation that existed on this part of the island.
Enjoying Quietude at Ticao Island Resort | Ticao Island, Masbate
I could already visualize the resort's pleasant backdrop as our boat, which was made up of fellow travel writers and vloggers, members of the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines, and staff of the Bicol Region tourism office, steadily approached it. While I could have used an internet connection to catch up on some work, I appreciated the almost zilch connectivity to the outside world. I say almost because anyone who raised their phone near the water on the shore could receive a few messages in their messenger inbox.
Save from the aforementioned emergency signal location, I adored how Ticao Island Resort appeared to be isolated from the rest of the world. As the sky began to darken with reddish tones and the reflection of the heavens on the placid waters slowly vanished, one by one we disembarked from our boats only to be greeted by the resident dogs and the amiable staff of the resort.
After receiving my key, I immediately walked to my assigned room, which turned out to be one of the beachfront cabanas that had caught my eye while on the boat. Constructed mostly of wooden materials, it featured a queen-sized bed, side tables, a working desk, TV, a clothing drying rack, a safety box, and a spacious bathroom.
The nipa-thatched roof and the balcony decked out with a hammock drew attention from the outside since they were typical of a traditional Filipino island home. Simple yet cozy and surrounded by breathable space, in Ticao Island Resort's case, it additionally came with a fantastic view of the waters of Ticao Pass.
Even though our time here was quite brief, it was enough to convince me to yearn for a return in the near future. Hopefully, I would have my diving certification and equipment with me so I could witness the renowned schools of manta rays that were frequently sighted underwater in Ticao and Masbate Pass.
Our group bonded over a feast of a buffet dinner that included a lechon, reveling at the amazing day we had spent exploring the island's various attractions, from the Halea National Park to the one hundred-foot plus Catandayagan Falls that drained straight into the ocean.
I immediately went to sleep after a fun-filled day of swimming and snorkeling, only to wake up the next morning to the golden rays of the rising sun. As fleeting as our visit to the Ticao Island Resort was, I supposed I would return.
