IMMUKI ISLAND
We were on our way home when my friend, Albert, told me about the meaning of Immuki Island’s name. I was surprised and laughed when he said that it is derived from the local dialect for “Vagina”. Why? because Immuki Island’s main lagoon is shaped like the female genitalia.
Immuki Island is located in Balaoan, La Union just a few meters from the shore so no need to hire a boat. During low tide, visitors can walk their way to the island and if it is high tide, balsas/rafts and a guide can be rented out which will tour guests to the island’s lagoons. The guide will pull the balsa through shallow clear waters and direct guests to the lagoons. What I like about the balsa is that it has a second floor which can give a different perspective and view from the ride.
LAGOONS OF PARADISE
There are three big lagoons in the island that is good for swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping. We rented a balsa to visit the first lagoon in which we saw limestone pockets with clear waters and swimming fish. Make sure to bring aqua shoes since there are dead corals and the limestone formations are very sharp. The lagoon has a deep pool where people can do cliff jumping and the limestone formations serve as a diving plank.
After the first lagoon, we went back to park the balsa. We walked towards the center of the island where a huge sign of Immuki Island was posted. There is a pathway surrounded by Bantigue plants going deep into the island where all the lagoons can be accessed. Same with the first lagoon, the second and third lagoons have clear turquoise waters. I really recommend that you bring your snorkeling gear because the sight of fish in the lagoon is very heartwarming to see.
We went back to our cottage and suddenly one of our companions left their hat in the first lagoon. So we went back to find it. It was getting late and the sun was starting to set. Going back was tiring, but it is probably one of the best views I’ve ever seen. The limestone pockets are now fully filled because of the high tide and the color of the setting sun gave a golden color to the sea and the limestone formations and pockets.
Immuki Island is a treat not just for nature lovers but also for adrenaline junkies — a combination of wildlife, exciting activities, and breathtaking landscapes. Just make sure not to harm the fish, cut down trees, and litter. Let’s make Immuki a place not just for tourists but but also to remain a home for marine life.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR MORE DESTINATIONS IN LA UNION, YOU CAN ALSO CHECK MY TANGADAN FALLS GUIDE.
TRAVEL GUIDE & TIPS
LOCATION:
- Barangay Paraoir, Balaoan, La Union, Philippines
HOW TO GET THERE:
- Take a bus from Cubao (PARTAS or VIRON) in Metro Manila OR you can check KLOOK BUS TRANSFER FROM MANILA TO LA UNION
- From People’s Park in front of San Juan Municipal Hall, ride a jeep or tricycle bound for Luna and drop off at Barangay Paraoir in Balaoan. (Travel Time: 25 Minutes)
THINGS TO DO:
- Swimming
- Cliff Jumping
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking
RATES:
- Environmental Fee (Regular Rate): ₱50 per person
- Environmental Fee (Senior/PWD/Students): ₱30 per person
- Tour Guide: ₱150
- Rafts/Boat (Good for 6 Persons): ₱250 for 1.5 Hours
- Life Vests: ₱20
- Goggles: ₱20
- Cottages: ₱800
ACCOMMODATIONS IN LA UNION:
- AUREO RESORT LA UNION
- THE CIRCLE HOSTEL – LA UNION
- THE ESCAPE SAN JUAN
- P AND M FINAL OPTION HOTEL
- THE LITTLE SURFMAID RESORT
- THUNDERBIRD RESORTS – PORO POINT
- EL NAVI SURFTOWN
POWER PACK:
- Swimwear
- Insect Repellant
- Sunblock
- Mini Fan
- Dry Bag
- Hat
- Beach Mat
- Sunglasses
- Water Bottle
- Aqua Shoes
- Snorkeling Gear
- Extra Clothes
CHECK OUT THESE DISCOUNTED/PROMO RATES FROM KLOOK:
- Boracay Parasailing
- Coron Super Ultimate Day Tour
- Boracay Sunset Cruise
- Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour Palawan
- Oslob Whale Shark and Cebu Canyoneering Adventure
CONNECT:
- Facebook Page (Balaoan LGU): lgubalaoanlaunion
- Website: balaoanlaunion.gov.ph/immuki-island/
NOTES:
- Visiting Hours: Opens Daily from 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
- No littering, smoking/vaping, and bringing of food and drinks in the island.
- The best time to go is in the afternoon so that it will be high tide when the rafts can go around the lagoons.
- Rentable cottages are located by the beach.
- You’ll walk on dead corals and limestones so make sure to bring aqua shoes.
©CHASEJASE
