The Island Adventure I Didn’t Know I Needed: Atulayan Overnight!

As a virtual assistant, I spend most of my days behind a screen — answering emails, managing schedules, and getting things done from the comfort of home. But even remote workers need a break, right?

I’ve always craved a quick escape, something to reset my mind and remind me there’s life beyond deadlines. This time, the opportunity came through a spontaneous plan with my cousins — and off we went to Atulayan Island in Sagnay, Camarines Sur.

Atulayan is a small, crescent-shaped island nestled off the southeastern coast of CamSur. It’s not your typical tourist hotspot — and that’s exactly what makes it special. There are no big resorts, no loud bars, and definitely no fast Wi-Fi. Just clear turquoise water, powdery sand, and a peaceful vibe that feels miles away from the noise of the world. It’s often called a “mini Boracay” by locals for its surprisingly fine white sand and serene atmosphere.

We packed light, hopped on a boat, and set off for what was supposed to be just a chill overnight stay. Little did I know — that short trip would give me exactly the reset I didn’t realize I needed.

How to Get to Atulayan Island

If you’re starting from Tigaon, reaching Atulayan Island is straightforward and budget-friendly. Here’s how you can plan your trip:

Travel to Sagnay Barangay Hall: From Tigaon, head to the Barangay Hall in Nato, Sagnay. This is the designated registration point for visitors heading to Atulayan Island. You can reach Nato by taking a tricycle or habal-habal (motorbike taxi) from Tigaon, which typically takes about 15 minutes and costs around ₱20–₱50 .

Register and Arrange Boat Transfer: Upon arrival at the Barangay Hall, register your group’s names. This is a standard procedure to ensure visitor safety and coordination. After registration, you can arrange for a boat (banca) to take you to Atulayan Island. The round-trip boat rental is approximately ₱1,500 and can accommodate up to 10 people.

Parking Facilities: If you’re bringing a vehicle, parking is available near the Barangay Hall for a minimal fee. This provides convenience and peace of mind while you’re enjoying your island adventure.

Boat Ride to Atulayan Island: The boat ride from Nato Port to Atulayan Island takes about 30 minutes. During the journey, you’ll be treated to scenic views of the sea and surrounding landscapes. It’s advisable to wear a life vest for safety, which is typically provided by the boat operator.

Arrival at Atulayan Island: Once you arrive, you’ll find that Atulayan Island is a serene and less-commercialized destination. Accommodation options are basic, with open-air cottages available for rent. It’s recommended to bring your own food and water, as supplies on the island may be limited. Some locals offer cooking services for a fee if you prefer to have meals prepared on-site .

Remember to bring essentials like drinking water, food, and camping gear if you plan to stay overnight. Also, be mindful of the environment by cleaning up after yourself and respecting local customs.

Where We Stayed: MJ Victoria Beach Resort

For our overnight stay, we settled at MJ Victoria Beach Resort, one of the go-to spots on Atulayan Island. The place is simple but has everything you need for a chill island experience. There are plenty of open cottages available — perfect for groups, families, or barkadas just looking to relax by the shore.

If you’re staying overnight (like we did), they offer cottages with small enclosed spaces where you can sleep. Don’t expect hotel-level comfort — it’s more on the rustic side — but it does the job if you’re there for the beach and not for luxury.

💸 Rates:

• ₱1,250+ for day use

• ₱2,500 for overnight stay

• An environmental fee of ₱10 per person is also required — this is a must, so make sure to settle it upon arrival.

You can also bring your own tent!
If you’re into the camping vibe or just want to save a bit, setting up a tent on the beach is totally allowed. Just coordinate with the caretakers and they’ll guide you on where to pitch it.

Cooking + Essentials

You can cook on-site, but just a heads up — the designated cooking area is a bit far from the cottages. We brought a portable butane gas stove, and honestly, that saved us a lot of hassle. Highly recommended if you want to cook near your cottage without walking back and forth.

Also, bring your own drinking water. While there’s a small tindahan (local store) where you can buy basic food and snacks, it’s best to come prepared — island prices can go up quickly, and options are limited.

What’s the Best Thing?

The place is absolutely a paradise.

It may not be as hyped as other islands, but Atulayan seriously delivered. The sand is soft and white — probably because of the crushed corals scattered all over the beach. If you’re the type who enjoys just walking barefoot or lounging on the shore, this is your kind of island.

One of the best parts? The water.
The waves are super calm, making it perfect for swimming even for kids or those who aren’t confident swimmers. And weirdly enough — the water doesn’t feel that salty or malagkit like most beaches. It’s clear, cool, and refreshing, like it was made for lazy afternoon dips.

Now let’s talk about the rock.

There’s this huge rock formation along the beach that adds such a unique character to the place. It’s great for photos, and if you’re a bit adventurous, you can climb a little and get a nice view of the shoreline. Some people even use it as a diving spot during high tide (just be careful!). It felt like our own little landmark — a quiet witness to this hidden island’s charm. All in all, it’s the kind of place that makes you forget time. No noise, no crowds, just nature and good vibes

Nighttime - No Burnfire Moment

As the sun dipped and the sky turned into this huge canvas of stars, the whole vibe on the island shifted — in the best way. It was so serene. Just the sound of waves, faint music, and happy chatter from a few other night campers nearby. The kind of night that makes you forget there’s even a world outside.

And yes, there’s videoke! If your group’s the type who loves belting out hugot songs or doing fun karaoke battles, you’re in luck. But take note: since they’re running on generator power, videoke use is limited to 6 hours and costs ₱1,500. Worth it if you’re sharing with the group and just want to vibe out with some tunes under the stars.

We didn’t go all out with karaoke though — we kept it lowkey with storytelling, some good shots, and just pure bonding. No bonfires allowed on the island, but honestly? We didn’t even need it. The mood was already perfect.

We called it a night around 12 AM (some cousins stayed up till 1), but time felt sooo slow there — in the best way. I swear, I woke up at 2 AM and thought it was already morning 😂. The kind of slow that makes you feel present. No rush, no pressure — just pure, simple joy.

This Island Gave Me the Break I Didn’t Know I Needed