From Trece Martires to Jomalig: A 40-Year-Old Solo Traveler’s Journey to Solitude

At 40, I found myself craving silence—not the kind that fills empty rooms, but the kind that heals. That craving led me from Trece Martires, Cavite to the far-flung island of Jomalig, Quezon Province. What I found wasn’t just peace and beauty—it was perspective.

🧭 How I Got to Jomalig from Trece Martires

Getting to Jomalig isn’t the easiest trip, but it’s worth every hour. Here’s the route I took:

Trece Martires to Buendia (Pasay): I rode a van to Pasay then a bus to Buendia, which took around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Buendia to Real, Quezon: I took a Raymond Bus heading to Infanta, which passes through Real. I left around 11 PM and arrived early in the morning (4–5 hours).
Real Port to Jomalig Island: From Ungos Port in Real, I boarded a passenger boat to Jomalig. The ride lasted about 5–6 hours. Boats usually leave between 5:30–7:00 AM.

Tip: Bring food, water, and something soft to sit on. It’s a long, difficult ride—but beautiful in its own way.

🏖 Staying at Apple Beach Resort

I stayed at Apple Beach Resort, a peaceful spot right by the shore. The beach was just a few steps away, the staff were friendly, and everything felt beautifully simple. There was a light drizzle on my first day which only heightened the tranquility of the place. It was exactly what I needed for a true reset.

Evening at Apple Beach Resort

🚴 Habal-Habal Tour: Discovering Jomalig’s Hidden Gems

On my second day, I booked a habal-habal tour (motorbike tour). While I forgot the exact order of the stops, here are the unforgettable places we visited:

Salibungot Beach – Famous for its golden sand and peaceful vibes.
Puno ng Walang Forever – A lone tree standing tall in a field. Beautifully symbolic for a solo traveler.
Little Boracay (Pamana Beach) – White sand and clear, calm waters.
Little Batanes (Lingayen Cove) – Scenic cliffs and a rugged, quiet beauty.
Kanaway Beach – Known for its rock formations and dreamy atmosphere.
Golden Sand Beach – Low tide reveals a golden, expansive shoreline.

Puno ng Walang Forever

💬 Reflections from a Solo Soul

Traveling solo at 40 wasn’t an escape. It was a conscious decision to reconnect—with nature, with myself, with silence. I wasn’t lost. I was just finally quiet enough to listen.

Solitude gave me space to breathe.
Discomfort taught me patience and strength.
The journey reminded me that the best things aren’t always easy to reach.

And being alone? It didn’t feel lonely. It felt empowering.

🛶 Going Home

I took the boat back to Real around 7 AM the next day, then retraced my route to Cavite. Tired but glowing, I came home carrying more than just souvenirs—I brought back clarity, confidence, and a smile I hadn’t seen in a while.

🧳 Final Thoughts

If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to travel solo, take this as your sign. Go where the road is long, the schedule uncertain, and the rewards personal. Jomalig may not be for everyone—but if you’re seeking beauty, simplicity, and soul, you’ll find it there.

At 40, I proved to myself that it’s never too late to travel alone—and never too early to find peace in your own company.