Wanderlust at Forty: From Trece Martires to Maniwaya Island


 

Wanderlust at Forty: From Trece Martires to Maniwaya Island


I finally did it. At 40, I packed a small bag, turned off the work emails and hangout invites, and went on my first beach trip from Trece Martires -- to Maniwaya Island. And honestly? Should’ve done this sooner.

🚗 Getting There: A Cavitean's Journey

Leaving Trece Martires, I hopped on a ride south along the scenic Trece Martires–Indang Road, then onto the bustling Governor’s Drive toward Manila–Quezon routes. After roughly two hours and a few pit stops, I reached Lucena Grand Terminal. From there, a van whisked me to General Luna Port, a humble but lively dock for mariners, in about 2 hours more.

Around 11 AM , I boarded a boat bound for Maniwaya—a one-hour voyage across emerald-blue waters, with sea breeze and anticipation filling the air. 

🛶 Where to Stay: Islas Moriones Beach Resort

Tucked along Santa Cruz’s beachfront, the resort boasts air-conditioned family suites with private balconies, a laid-back terrace, and free Wi‑Fi—ideal for this new traveler 40‑plus crowd. I settled into a cozy room where mornings started with coffee on the balcony, watching fishermen and small bangkas glide by. I could jump straight into the pool via my veranda but my bones are not as tough as they use to. 

🌞 Highlights & Adventures

  • Palad Sandbar & Ungab Rock: A short boat trip revealed a stunning hidden sandbar and dramatic rock formations—great for photos and beachcombing. 

  • Sunset strolls: In the evening, I walked along the glowing shoreline, greeted by soft pastel skies and serene beach vibes.

  • Local encounters: Friendly resort staff and locals chatted easily—in Tagalog and English—making the experience authentically warm.

💡 Tips for Fellow 40‑Year‑Old Explorers

  • Early Start:  Boats leave as early as 10 AM; get to General Luna early so you're not stuck behind. I travelled on a supply boat and we needed to wait for one of their mates hence my 11 AM trip. It was fun as the porters' chatter added more texture to my adventure.

  • Stay overnight at least:  Day trips are possible, but 2-3 nights lets you relax into island time. 

  • Pack light:  Bring the basics - sunblock, swimwear, light snacks and water. Islas Moriones provides towels and toiletries. They also accept Gcash.

  • Rent a boat for private tours:  Ideal for exploring hidden gems; I got mine for ₱1,500. They threw in my trip back to General Port Luna with that.

✍️ Final Thoughts

At 40, I sought balance: adventure without chaos, comfort without pretension. Maniwaya delivered both. With warm sands, gentle waves, and a welcoming resort vibe, it’s the perfect retreat for seasoned souls seeking calm. Whether you're a solo traveler, traveling pair, or a small family, this island gem is a peaceful and enriching escape from Cavite—and life’s daily grind.

Islas Moriones

Maniwaya Nights

Palad Sandbar


Ungab Rock 

Ungab Rock

Back to Palad Sandbar


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