Occidental Mindoro is more than just beautiful beaches and cultural heritage. In the town of Sablayan, located in the western part of Mindoro Occidental is an exciting activity that would get you from one island to another through the longest island-to-island zipline in the world.
The Sablayan 3-in-1 adventure offers 3 different activities to adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Trekking to Mt. Iglit-Baco National Park – the trek takes around 3-4 hours, and visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Caving at Calawag Mountain Range – the Calawag Mountain Range is home to numerous caves, some of which are still unexplored. Visitors can go on guided tours and explore the caves, which are filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers.
Island hopping to Pandan Island – the small island is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving as it is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful coral reefs and schools of fish
As someone who always say “yes” to new life experiences, I said yes to an exciting way to do island-hopping in Mindoro.
About Sablayan Zipline Adventure
Sablayan Zipline is considered the longest island-to-island zipline in the world. The total distance point-to-point is 1.4km, but the total length of the main cable is 1.7km. It is the first motorized zipline in Asia that can take you to Pandan Island in 3 minutes.
How to Get to Sablayan
You can get to Sablayan via plane, bus, and boat.
By plane: Manila to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (1 hr flight), then van service/taxi to Sablayan (1.5-hour drive).
By bus: Manila/Cubao to Batangas Pier via Jam Liner (3-hour drive), then water taxi to Puerto Galera (30 minutes to 1 hour), then taxi to Sablyan (around 5-hour drive)
By car: Drive to Batangas Port, then a water taxi to Puerto Galera (30 minutes to 1 hour), then drive to Sablyan (around 5-hour drive)
I will update this blog article with information on tour packages for Sablayan 3-in-1 Adventure.
How Much is the Entrance Fee for Sablyan 3-in-1 Adventure
The fee for one – way zipline ride is Php 500 (tourist); going back to the main island, you can take a boat for Php 30/head.
Other activities include Rapelling and Wall Climbing (Php 50 each activity).
My Sablayan Zipline Adventure Experience
First things first, they need to make sure you are fit to take the ride. They will get your Blood Pressure and ask you to sign a waiver. Then, you are good to get geared up with a helmet and harness.
We climbed up the 21-meter high zipline tower where you could see the beautiful sea and island destination.
Truth be told, I was feeling anxious because of what might happen (like, I might get stuck in the middle, something might go wrong, or I might drop my phone). I was not afraid about the ride (I did a couple of deadlier “stunts” in my life). They say that the Sablyan Zipline is much safer because people can actually see your ride (unlike in other zipline destinations where you get lost in the wild trees).
When it was my turn, I made sure that my harness was properly secured (and asked the attendant to double-check), and I let go of all these thoughts and just enjoyed the moment.
It was freeing and liberating as if I was flying. The view is so beautiful, and the wind against my face adds to an exhilarating experience. I was right in the middle of blue skies, clear water, and 2 beautiful islands.
The total ride is around 3 minutes and it felt so quick and easy. I landed on Pandan Island with my friends waving and welcoming me to a new paradise.
@ruth.delacruz The world’s longest island-to-island zipline. A fun way to do “island hopping” in Occidental Mindoro. 🌴 #MIMAROPANaturally #TheDestinationofChoice #MindoroLoopMotorbikeExperience #philippines #mindoro #zipline #adventure #itsmorefuninthephilippines ♬ Are You Having Any Fun? – Elaine Stritch
It was fun, safe, and something that I would do again!
Sablayan Zipline Adventure Tips:
Dropping some tips for your most enjoyable Sablayan Zipline ride:
- Wear and re-apply sunscreen.
- Wear comfortable clothes (shorts and shirt, or something you can also wear to the beach).
- Use a dry bag to keep your items safe (I kept my phone and belongings inside the dry bag, including my slippers).
- Wear aqua shoes, or go barefoot. I was afraid I might lose my slippers during the ride, so I just kept them inside my dry bag.
- It would be nice to use an action cam during the ride, but mobile phones are okay, too. Make sure that you use a phone strap to keep it secured.
From Pandan Island, we took a short boat ride to another small island for our lunch. It was a beautiful day to just enjoy the view and relax.
On our way back to the main island, we rode the Glass Bottom Boat to enjoy the colorful marine life.
Ticking this off the travel bucketlist.
Thank you to the Department of Tourism (DOT) – MIMAROPA for having me.
Follow me @ruthilicious for more stories and travel tips!