by: Group 3 (STA)
Members:
- Boado, Mark Jason [writer/researcher; and encoder (blog)]
- Fontamillas, Johann Andrew [writer/researcher; and encoder (blog)]
- Milo, Dave [writer/researcher; and encoder (narrative report]
- Acquiatan, Baltazar [writer/researcher; photographer; and caption writer]
- Dacumos, Jilliane [writer/researcher; encoder (narrative report); and editor (narrative report)]
- Gamboa, Angella Mae [writer/researcher; encoder (blog); layout artist; and editor (blog)]
- Moeller, Danica Euz Gail [writer/researcher; and encoder (narrative report)]
- Villanueva, Rechelle Ann [writer/researcher; and encoder (blog)]
Balaoan is previously known as "Puraw" before the reign of the Spanish regime. It is one of the oldest municipalities of La Union and is a peaceful, less crowded district. Nonetheless, it is gradually earning popularity due to the charming beauty of Immuki Island.
If you wanted to escape and have peace, Immuki Island is a place to rest and unwind because it is the best place for nature lovers. The term "immuki" is taken from a marine organism known as the sea slug that could only survive on dead corals. This sea slug is referred to as " babao" or "bao" in Pangasinense dialect which is known as "uki" in Ilocano or the female genitalia in English. Hence, if you are an Ilocano, it may come off as shocking and rude. However, the term "immuki" is linked with the island because there were sea slugs and the form of the main lagoon resembles the opening of a female genital.
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| Barangay Almeida, Balaoan's manmade tunnel forest |
Before arriving there, you will also sight another attraction in Balaoan. This manmade tunnel forest in Almeida, Balaoan is extraordinarily magnificent!
What to expect?
***The three lagoons
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| Immuki Lagoon |
Aside from the primary lagoon called Immuki which is roughly 10 feet bottomless, the second lagoon is known as Bimmuto which is about 8 feet deep while the last is known as Immubet which is 12 feet plunging.
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| Bimmuto Lagoon |
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| Immubet Lagoon |
During low tide, it is effortless to stride from the shore to the island because the water is knee-deep and the shore is just a few meters away from the shore. Nevertheless, it ascends around 5 feet deep during high tide which occurs from 9 to 10 in the morning. That is why a raft or “balsa” is utilized that could hold up to 6 people.
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| Rent a raft (carries up to 6 individuals) |
Enveloped by mangrove trees and loaded with bantigue plants, as well as attractive dead corals, Immuki Island will undoubtedly isolate you from the tiring life in the city. The coast is made up of ivory sand combined with white pebbles and lovely shells while numerous stream-looking crevices are in between the rocky portions of the shoreline.
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| Plunge to the lagoon's depth |
Furthermore, the lagoons are surprisingly clear. As a result, you will not have to use goggles just to sight the picturesque scene underwater! These natural inviting swimming pools are the best to experience.
How to get there?
First option:
1. Ride north-bound bus lines from Manila such as Sta. Lucia, Philippine Rabbit, Partas, and Viron Transit that offer a direct trip to Balaoan. The pay will be between ₱470 to ₱650 and the travel time is 8 to 9 hours, depending on which area you will come from.
Second option:
1. Ride north-bound bus lines if you are from Manila such as Sta. Lucia, Philippine Rabbit, Partas, and Viron Transit that offer a trip to San Fernando, La Union.
2. From the dropped off (San Fernando, La Union), take a jeepney bound to Darigayos, Luna (or Barangay Paraoir, Balaoan). The travel time is approximately 45 minutes to an hour with a fare of around ₱35.
Third option:
1. If you are from San Juan, La Union or San Fernando, La Union, you may simply ride a jeepney to Barangay Hall of Paraoir, Balaoan.
2. From the dropped off, you may ride a jeepney to Barangay Hall of Paraoir, Balaoan or just charter a tricycle.
Fourth option:
1. Bringing your own car will cut down the travel time to 6 hours. Moreover, the best routes to take are via North Luzon West Expressway/R-8 and MacArthur Highway/Manila North Road.
Note: After registering in the barangay hall (there is no fee), just follow the signs that states "Immuki Island". A narrow path will lead you to the coast.
How much money to spend there?
***Entrance Fee: for ₱20 per head
***Tour Guide: probably ₱150 (not required)
***Raft or "Balsa": for ₱250 per 1.5 hours [carries up to 6 persons] (optional, if you want to have sightseeing before steeping on the island)
***Life Vests: for ₱20 each (optional)
***Cottages: donation only type of payment
***Goggles: ₱20 each (not required)
What are the fun activities to do?
Swimming: Drenching in a pool of emerald water will surely bring you relaxation. Floating on the lagoons will take your worries away!
Cliff Jumping: Brace yourself for the cold water that will touch your skin as soon as you jump for it will ease the heat caused by the scorching sun. Cliff jumping into the lagoon will make you feel free!
Snorkeling: It is a good thing to bring your snorkeling gears and discover the best snorkeling spots in the island. The water in the lagoons is calm and pure that is why it is easy to spot living creatures underwater as well as those beautiful dead corals that presents a pink or beige hue.
Grill and Picnic: What is the point of travelling if you were not able to feed yourself with local foods? It is also nice if you pack foods, specifically meat for barbeques. There are grills that can be borrowed in order to grill meat. Hence, eating in the island is enjoyable so you could have a buffet!
Take Photos: The greatest thing that you could have in order to remember your stay in the island is to take photos. From land to water, the island is picturesque and nothing will disappoint you!
What are the things to pack?
- hydration
- food
- enough cash
- swimwear and extra clothes
- aqua shoes or thick-soled beach slippers
- snorkeling gears
- camera (underwater camera, preferabbly)
- towel
- soap and shampoo
Important things to know:
........showers are available near the island
........smoking and drinking is prohibited
........no nearby ATMs and food establishments (just small stalls)
........may rent umbrellas and slippers
........be responsible (do not leave your garbages)
........be respectful to other people (especially to the locals)
Next destinations near Immuki Island that you may desire:
- Balai nga Bato (Luna)
- Baluarte and Pebble Beach (Luna)
- Darigayos Beach (Luna)
- Occalong Falls (Luna)
- Lady of Namacpacan Church (Luna)
- Tangadan Falls (San Gabriel)
- Kapandagan Falls (San Gabriel)
- Urbis Surfing Town (San Juan)
- Camp Avenue Camping Site (San Juan)
IBN Battuta defined traveling as something that leaves us speachless, then turns us into storytellers. Indeed, Philippines still have hidden treasures that most of its inhabitants have not unveiled yet. For this reason, travel bloggers like us features them here!
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. No copyright infringement intended.
References:
Vox.ph Photos (2007) Retrieved from: https://www.voxph.com/img/photos/1220687802_dsc00263.jpg. March 28, 2022.
Godoy, J. (n.d.) Immuki Island (Balaoan, La Union): Ultimate travel guide. Wander Era. Retrieved from https://wanderera.com/immuki-island-la-union/. March 28, 2022
No_Juan_Is_An_Island (2018). La Union: Immuki Island of Balaoan. No Juan Is An Island. Retrieved from https://nojuanisanisland.com/2018/01/02/la-union-immuki-island-of-balaoan/. March 28, 2022.
