Discovering ‘little Boracay’ in Bataan

Sometimes, it only takes one day to really discover a leisure destination that is worth documenting. A swift visit to an island cove in Mariveles, Bataan brings the excitement and the fascinating experience in full view.

To sum up the allure of Camaya Coast in two words: really overwhelming.

In fact, as you approach the island, you feel welcomed by the extended embrace of its untamed beauty. The beach was calm and quiet like a large private pool enclosed by connected mountain borders. Its fine grains of white sand (no rocks!) and clear waters can certainly be a great alternative to your ‘Boracay’ fantasies, not to mention the sturdy coconut trees and other shrubbery that provide a green backdrop for the established ‘pavilion’ on the seashore.

The island is a beachfront paradise.

“Camaya Coast is actually poised to become the ‘little Boracay’ of Central Luzon,” said Melo Noble. During our trip to the island paradise, the construction of a premium beach resort and residential community was now in full swing.

Camaya Coast is a ‘pilgrimage to nature’ for those who need an escape from the concrete jungle.
Guiding us through the forest trail leading to the mountain spring were a few uniformed guards armed with guns. Scenes of ‘Bataan War’ and its rich historical heritage flashed through my mind and asked: “Why the guards?”

“This is to secure the island from any intruders,” said Melo. “Since this is a tropical haven for tourists and residents, we want them to feel secured as they stay here.”

“One more thing, Camaya Coast goes for eco-tourism and we want to preserve the 30 percent forest reserves where birds and wild animals find a sanctuary,” he added.

Enveloped in the endless expanse of Camaya’s wildlife beauty are wild goats, wild boars, exotic birds, orchids and long swinging vines, waterfalls and an array of fruit trees including star apples, mangoes, and cashew nuts.

According to Melo, Bataan is rich in historical sites. He spoke of the traces of the coves that were bombed during World War II and the remains of the soldiers who fought gallantly. You could almost feel as if you were entering a war zone.

In the war zone, is a breath of life – a tree that stands strong and proud amid the remains of war. Melo said it was a date tree that must have been brought by the Japanese.

Our visit to the coast was also marked by gustatory delights. We were served a feast: different pasta dishes, Japanese specialties, Mediterranean food, Pinoy dishes, green salads, and a lot of grilled beef choices cooked to perfection by Chef Billy King.

Eating was not just the norm as the rest of the group went swimming, kayaking, playing beach volleyball, mountain biking, and rappelling.

More than a hundred local residents were hired to make the next tourist haven come to life. “We are just so happy that Mariveles will soon rise as a world-class tourist destination through the Camaya Coast. It has generated a lot of jobs for the people here and it’s just overwhelming,” shared Albert Teodoro, maintenance and security head. Locals were hired as guards, maintenance crew, monitoring team, boat maintenance, drivers, cooks, waiters, among others.

These form part of the master development plan of Camaya Coast to provide an oasis for prospective owners for them to enjoy a coastal lifestyle experience. There will be sports and recreational facilities to be built; nature lovers can revel in the soothing environs of the cove and the forest greens that will complement the coastal residential areas which will eventually lead to urban development.

Perhaps, there will always be a “little Boracay” somewhere, and Camaya Coast is no exception. When everything falls into place, there is no doubt that this tropical haven will leave its mark.

Discover it yourself.