Tipid na Chilax Mode at Kwebang Lampas (Puting Buhangin), Quezon

Our trip at Pagbilao, Quezon's Kwebang Lampas beach is the supposed beginning of my planned one month hiatus from hiking - and supposedly, to give my clicky knees some time to heal, and to "diversify" my travels. This scenic white sand beach is enclosed by two rocky cliffs, both of which may be explored. The water is amazingly clear and the sand is powdery in some areas. A number of spots are infested with sea urchins, which stung Allan early on. This made us extremely careful for the rest of the day - we even resorted to swimming with sandals on.

Elmer, nursing Allan's
sea urchin sting.

A short but sweet, 80 degree "assault".
Once a hiker, always a hiker.

As suggested by Ron, we decided climb the cliff above the cave to catch a wider glimpse of the beach. We had to keep our feet and hands firmly placed on whatever cracked rock or roots to pull our way up. We took extra precaution as some of the branches or roots that appear sturdy enough to cling to are actually hollow. Above the cave we saw the wide expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, with only a few fishing vessels plying, mostly local fishermen. This can be an alternative adventure - a sort of "rock-climbing" experience - to spice up what would otherwise be an idle, beach bumming trip. Just be aware of the brittle rocks and spiked plants.

Our humble reward on top. The sea is clearly infested with sea urchins.

For the rest of the day, we, swam, explored the shoreline, took pictures and just enjoyed each other's company. The water was so clear that we could clearly see the schools of tiny fishes that we were swimming with the whole time. This should give me a pre-taste of the legendary Calaguas, which we plan to go to this Summer.

Team Kwebang Lampang (from Left): Al, Me, Ron, Jef, Daes, Jalein,
Tanya (blue), Ozcar and Allan (on cam).

The shoreline is actually segmented by fine sand
and remains of old shells and corals

Blue and clear. The boys rest on shady portion of shoreline.

This cave fills with water during high tide, which is probably the origin of the name Kwebang Lampas.

Let me mention my "key achievement" for the day - learning how to float. It took a while for Elmer to teach me the trick, being extremely hydrophobic.

Look! I'm floating!

An unlikely attraction: the lighthouse (or is it a cooling tower)
 from a nearby power plant.

I can see from blogs that Kwebang Lampas is beginning to attract a constant flow of tourists, including a number of foreigners. The beach itself, however, is already becoming litter-ridden and doesn't look well-maintained at all. There's even a open trash area near the cottages. I heard that a certain family lost ownership of the beach, so I assume that it's being run by the local government, with some locals assigned as caretakers. I hope that they deal with this before it's too late.

ITINERARY AND EXPENSES
11:00 AM Took a bus (P218) bound for Lucena at Jac Liner Kamuning.
02:24 AM Arrived at Lucena Grand Central, took an ordinary bus (P24) for Brgy Polo Crossing
02:45 AM Arrived at Polo Crossing, took a trike (P250/trip) for the checkpoint before the powerplant
03:35 AM Arrived at the checkpoint, paid P5 entrance fee
04:00 AM Arrived at the lake, took a boat to the other side and started "trekking" towards the beach entrance. Just go straight left and once you reach a muddy lake, go right.
04:15 AM Arrived at the beach entrance, paid the boat fare (P20, include trip back) and entrance (P50). An additional fee (P50) is collected for those who will stay overnight.
04:30 PM Left the beach. Same route out.

Cottage rent costs P500. We got this for free,
except that we had to be evicted once someone rents it.

A lake lined with mangroves had to be crossed by boat to reach the beach.

Cooking is allowed.

TIPS
1. The beach charges P50 for bathing. You can, instead, rinse yourself at a nearby artesian well near the checkpoint for free.
2. Instead of taking a jeep from the Grand Terminal Station to Pagbilao, and another jeep for Brgy. Polo, you can take an ordinary bus that goes straight to Brgy. Polo, which seems to be available 24 hours. On the other hand, the jeeps to Pagbilao are only available beginning 5 AM.
3. Be constantly aware of sea urchins. Allan can swear by the surprising efficacy of the urine - which a fellow beachgoer doused on his stung feet. I'd also figure that tweezers should always be on every beachgoer's must brings.

This post is dedicated to my pet duck.
I had to snatch him away from the pack for a moment.

Photo credits: Elmer Reyes for the cam and Al Veloria for the Photography.