July 2006, my Zambuangeño hosts invited me to go to Great Santa Cruz Island a day after we visited Basilan’s Malamawi White Beach. I was still overwhelmed with the fact that I stepped on Basilan territory, and can’t believe we will go next to a pink beach.
The small port for Santa Cruz Island-bound boats can be found near Lantaka Hotel along Valderrosa St. We got there early morning, but had to wait for the tourist police who will be escorting us to the island. Santa Cruz was a popular stop for tourists, until kidnappings in nearby areas caused a decline on the number of visitors. And for the brave who insist on going, they shall be escorted.
The pink sand is a mix of white sand and pulverized Red Organ-Pipe Corals endemic to the area.
There are no overnight accommodations on the island, only small cottages to rent for picnics. So squeezing this destination in your itinerary as a day trip will do.
Out of curiosity as to how heavy it is, I asked one of the tourist polices if I can borrow his arm. He handed it to me and even told me I can have a picture wearing it. It was pretty funny to do so wearing a bikini.
After three hours, we once again boarded our boat with our escorts and returned to mainland.
I stumbled upon this article… I am not sure how I feel about it. The day we went to Santa Cruz, we were the only tourists on the island. It was perfect. If tourism picks up once again, the place will get crowded, but will create more jobs for locals. I guess it’s alright, so long as the Protective Area Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) makes sure that the place doesn’t get too commercialized as the other famous beach destinations.
wow, buti ka pa napuntahan mo yung pink island
Yeah, I feel very blessed. It was not part of my Zambo itinerary, I have never even heard of this beach before… until some locals invited me to go there for FREE!
i think the island one of the best places to see when visiting zamboanga.
I agree! Though honestly I was not able to see the whole of Zamboanga. But it’s definitely one of the best beaches I’ve been.
May ganyan pala sa Zamboanga…:) is it far from the city?
Not too far. You just gotta get on the boat near Lantaka Hotel. Can’t remember exactly how long the boat ride is, I’m guessing about 20-30 minutes.
We went there last dec. The pink beach is very promising if only the security issue will be resolve.
My friends and i are going there this august. Any tips and suggestions? =D