POCTOY WHITE BEACH (TORRIJOS WHITE BEACH) : DIY TRAVEL GUIDE (2023)

Before the rise to fame of Maniwaya Island, there was Poctoy White Beach (Torrijos White Beach) in Torrijos, Marinduque, a popular  public beach facing the Sibuyan Sea long frequented by the locals. Its long, white sandy beach fringed by palm trees offers a magnificent view of the tawny Bundok Peninsula, Romblon Island and Mt. Malindig, Marinduque’s highest peak.  Poctoy White Beach has a total land area of 0.1759 peppered with concrete structures.

I was lucky enough to have visited Poctoy White Beach (Torrijos White Beach) before its development.  Looking back at my old photos of this beach when I first visited Marinduque over a decade ago, there weren’t concrete establishments in the area, its surroundings have really changed a lot over the years. I do like the colorful Moriones-inspired paintings on the walls of the establishments here, as well as other Moriones surfboard-designed installations by the beach.  It’s my 3^rd visit, and while I’m not really a fan of  the heavy development, I must say the beach itself has retained its charm. Poctoy  White Beach has a timeless beauty, indeed!

So, if you’re planning a trip to Marinduque,  you may want to include Poctoy Beach  in your itinerary since there’s no need to rent a hefty boat to enjoy the beach.  Here’s a quick DIY travel guide to Poctoy White Beach (Torrijos White Beach) in Torrijos, Marinduque.

BEST TIME TO VISIT POCTOY WHITE BEACH

Summer (late March to May) are the best months to visit Poctoy White Beach (Torrijos White Beach). However, avoid the Lenten Season. Marinduque is best known for this festival happening every Lenten Season, so, this beach being a popular getaway for local tourists gets crowded.

POCTOY WHITE BEACH ENTRANCE FEE AND COTTAGE FEE

 Here’s the entrance fee for Poctoy White Beach (Torrijos White Beach):

• ₱50 ($1) – Adults
• ₱40 ($0.72) – Seniors and Students
• ₱30 ($0.54) – Children below 12 years old
• Cottage Fee (Pavilion): ₱300 ($6) day use for 8 hours
• Air-conditioned Cottage/Overnight Rooms (good for 6 pax): See room rates under Poctoy Beach Accommodations below.

Torrijos White Beach Hotline: 0998 416 0903

WHAT TO DO IN POCTOY WHITE BEACH

1. SWIMMING

There’s not much to do in Poctoy White Beach (Torrijos White Beach) , don’t expect it to be like Puerto Galera’s Beach that is oozing with water activities. It’s more like a laid-back type of beach ideal for swimming and beach-bumming and a leisurely walk when the sun is not too hot. The summer months here also create the perfect condition for sunbathing. The long stretch of sand here is white to cream, a bit coarse, not as fine as the sand in Maniwaya Island, but it won’t really hurt your feet, so it’s okay. Depending on the weather and time of the day, the beach can be photogenic, because the water is denim blue set against the backdrop of the mighty Mt. Malindig. Be careful though as there are areas that are peppered with coral rocks, so wear aqua shoes to protect your feet when swimming.

2. KAYAKING AND BOATING

But you can also go kayaking and boating, you may rent a kayak or boat from the management.

Kayak Rental: ₱200 ($4) per hour

Boat Rental: ₱400 ($6) per hour

3.SKIMBOARDING

Bring your own skim board and try skimboarding in Poctoy White Beach. Its coarse sand, placid water, and shore breaks make it an ideal candidate for skimboarding.

4.SNORKELING AND DIVING

Poctoy White Beach is peppered with coral reefs underwater. I was told some areas are good for snorkeling and diving here. But I haven’t seen any nearby dive sites or snorkel rental shops. I haven’t tried snorkeling here either, so, I can’t tell you anything about it. If you plan on snorkeling, bring your own mask and gear.  Who knows you might discover a good snorkeling spot.

5. SEAFOOD PALUTO

Poctoy White Beach is also known for its bountiful seafood. You may buy fresh seafood and have it cooked at the eateries scattered around the area.  The “paluto meals” price depends on what type of seafood you’re getting.  Make sure you agree on the price first before ordering or having it cooked.

6. INDULGE ON MARINDUQUE’S LOCAL CUISINES AND DELICACIES

If you’re not keen on ordering the paluto meals, there are eateries near the beach that sell meals for roughly ₱150 ($3) to ₱180 ($3.26).  Must try are Marinduque’s local dishes and delicacies.

7. TRY LUDY’S ORIGINAL HALO HALO

There’s a good ube ice cream in Marinduque and it’s used as toppings for halo-halo.  You can have it at Ludy’s Original Halo Halo.  While the halo-halo itself is okay, and packed with good ingredients, I think if they use shaved ice instead of crushed ice, it’ll make their halo-halo taste even better.

• Address: Rosales Street, Población Torrijos
• Facebook: Ludy’s Original Halo Halo
• Contact #: 0969 365 8786

HOW TO GET TO POCTOY WHITE BEACH (Torrijos White Beach)

 BY COMMUTE

If coming from Boac, ride a jeepney to Sta. Cruz, Marinduque.  Fare is roughly₱80 ($1.45) and travel time is around 1.5 hours. At Sta.Cruz población, ride another jeepney to Torrijos. Fare is about  ₱50 ($1). Total travel from Boac to Poctoy White Beach is approximately 2 hours.

BY VAN RENTAL/TOUR PACKAGES

Our recent trip to Poctoy White Beach was arranged by Dream Favor Travel and Tours and sponsored by the Department of Tourism MIMMAROPA. If you are traveling with seniors and kids, it is best to just rent a van or get a tour package for a hassle-free trip.

• Dream Favor Travel and Tours
• Contact #: +63 969 517 6325 / (042) 332 0371
• Email: dreamfavortat@gmail.com

POCTOY WHITE BEACH ACCOMMODATIONS

Here’s a list of DOT-accredited accommodations in Poctoy White Beach (Torrijos White Beach). 

• POCTOY WHITE BEACH (TORRIJOS WHITE BEACH)
• Air-conditioned Cottage/Overnight Rooms (good for 6 pax): ₱1,500 ($27) during low season – ₱2,000 ($36) during peak season for 24 hours. ₱300 ($6) per hour for extended stay.
• Torrijos White Beach Hotline: 0998 548 4316/ 0917 316 2974

• FLINSTONES MINI CAVE
• CHECK RATES HERE OR BOOK HERE

POCTOY WHITE BEACH TRAVEL REMINDERS

• Do not step, stand or kick live corals when snorkeling as they are super sensitive and you’ll end up killing them.  Do not take out the starfish from the sea for your Instagram photo.
• Leave the seashells alone, do not take them home as souvenirs.  They serve as natural habitat for some marine animals, and they play an important role in creating beautiful, sandy beaches. Admire them in their natural habitat.
• Also, do not collect sand as souvenirs.
• Dispose your trash properly. Leave no trace. Anything left on the beaches end up in the ocean.
• Wear aqua shoes when swimming to protect your feet from corals and rocks.

ALSO READ:

MANIWAYA ISLAND DIY TRAVEL GUIDE

BILA BILA FESTIVAL MARINDUQUE

MARINDUQUE TRAVEL GUIDE + ITINERARY

BAGUMBUNGAN CAVE TRAVEL GUIDE