Panumbagan Sandbar
Part of Sorsogon Countryside Tour
After our lunch at Casa Almei Beach Resort, we returned to our respective boats for the boat ride to the tamarind –shaped, 5-km. long Panumbagan Sandbar, an emerging tourist destination in the Bicol Region within the vast cobalt waters of Pilar Bay.
Lato (sea grapes) harvested by our tour guide Mr. Omar Nepomuceno
A story goes that the islet got its name when a big but dead crocodile was found there with evidence that it had been battered (umbag) by the locals.
Approaching the islet
Along the way, we stopped at the Bantigue Point Marine Sanctuary where edible sea urchins (locally called suwaki or uni), known as an aphrodisiac in Japan for thousands of years, and sea grapes (lato) are cultured for food. Here, we watched the harvesting of the latter by our tour guide Mr. Omar Nepomuceno.
Making landfall
From the marine sanctuary, a further 20-min. boat ride brought us to the islet. Once we arrived at the sandbar, we were greeted by its clear waters and powdery shores. Panumbagan offers raw beauty for travelers looking for off-the-beaten sanctuaries. Here, we spent an enjoyable late afternoon out at sea, wading in the waters or lounging on the beach.
The author at Panumbagan Sandbar
Research done before this trip stated that this sandy patch features 21 connected by floating cottages (designed by Arch. Melo Naval of the Provincial Tourism Office) connected by floating bamboo bridges built in the style of three octagonal rings of 7 cottages each. However, during our visit, they were nowhere to be found as they were destroyed during a series of typhoons that hit the province.
On a clear day, one can have a breathtaking view of two of the most famous and active volcanoes in the Bicol Region – the 2,463 m. high Mt. Mayon and the 1,565 m. high Mt. Bulusan, but we were not privileged to see both during our visit as it was very cloudy. Also, as it was already high tide being that late in the afternoon, the long sandbar was underneath the waves.
Strolling along the now disappeared sandbar
Still, on a regular basis, the beautiful sand bar charms its visitors with its pebbly white sand dotted with small pockets of greenery, adding to its beauty.
Some of the flora I found on the islet included mangroves (bakawan), aroma trees (Acacia farnesiana) and boton trees (Barringtonia asiatica)
A thorny aroma tree (Acacia farnesiana)
However, for those fortunate enough to stay out at Panumbagan until late in the afternoon, you can still watch the sunset while dozens of egrets pass by the beach.
A starfish found in shallow waters
This exciting day tour for travelers fond of the sea, sun, and sand is something you should not miss, living the island life for a day as we went to an off-the-beaten-path water adventure.
Bleached coral with skeleton of a sea urchin
AUTHOR’S COMMENTS
As with other islands in the country, litter and garbage, especially plastic bottles, brought in by typhoons or left behind by visitors, are found strewn around the island. As such, periodic cleanups should be undertaken to maintain the appeal of this sandbar.
Panumbagan Sand Bar: Brgy. Bantayan, Pilar, Sorsogon. Snorkeling tours, inclusive of boat transfers, registration fee, guide, snorkeling gear rental and complimentary lunch with refreshments, are available. Maximum of 10 pax per boat. Check the availability by choosing a date. Email: reservations_donsol@yahoo.com. Mobile numbers: (0917) 503-6403 and (0919) 868-6426.
How to Get There: Pilar is located 495.2 kms. (a 12-hr. drive via Pan Philippine Highway/AH26) from Manila and 57.7 kms. (a 1-hr. drive via Central Nautical Highway and Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26) from Sorsogon City. From Pilar Port, it is a 50-min. boat ride to the islet.
Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office: Ground Floor, Capitol Building, 4700 Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0968) 624-6279. E-mail: tourism@sorsogon.gov.ph. Facebook: www.facebook.com/sorsogonprovincialtourismoffice.
Pilar Municipal Tourism Office: E-mail: pilarsor.tourism@gmail.com. Mobile number: (0948) 955-7727.
Ur Place Travel & Tours: OLV Pangpang, 4700 Sorsogon City, Sorsogon. Mobile number (Viber): (0927) 950-3927 (Ms. Annie Gueb). Facebook: www.facebook.com/urplacetravel.