Beach· Fortune Island· Philippines

Fortune Island

14° 3.4′ N · 120° 29.5′ E

A 27-hectare island 14 km off Nasugbu, crowned with the eerie Greek-style 'acropolis' of an abandoned 1990s resort club. Its cliffs, white-sand beach and clear water make for an unforgettable snorkelling stop.

Practical

Wikipedia position 14°3'24"N 120°29'28"E; highest point 98 m; a lighthouse is mapped on the island (OSM). The resort club opened in 1995 and was later abandoned, partly because the island has no fresh water. Remnants include cabanas, a pool and the Grecian pillars and statues on the island's edge (Wikivoyage). The island lies in a marine reserve under Proclamation 1801 (1978), and its land titles are disputed (Wikipedia). Visiting is 'not cheap', and fees and access arrangements change, so confirm before landing. The galleon San Diego (sunk 14 December 1600) lies about 900 m northwest, an archaeological site. Fully exposed in the SW monsoon.

Best for

Snorkelling and surreal ruins

Season

Nov-May; exposed in SW monsoon

Nearby