Coral Geographer expedition cruise explores Jomalig Island as DOT, Jomalig strengthen international tourism cooperation

By Nimfa L. Estrellado Officials present Jomalig-made handcrafted products to representatives of the Island Trails Times cruise ship, markin...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

Officials present Jomalig-made handcrafted products to representatives of the Island Trails Times cruise ship, marking strengthened international tourism cooperation. (PIA Calabarzon)

JOMALIG, Quezon - Golden beaches and calm waters greeted an international group recently as nearly 80 foreign visitors arrived in Jomalig, Quezon province, aboard the 2025 Coral Geographer expedition cruise. The travelers, coming from various countries including Australia and the United States, took part in activities held at Salibungot Beach.

Located off the eastern coast of Quezon, Jomalig is a remote island town traditionally reached by small boats and known for its limited level of tourism. Its isolation has helped preserve its natural environment while positioning it as an emerging destination for nature-based travel.



For Jomalig, the visit marked more than a brief port call, signaling its growing visibility in nature-based tourism and cruise travel. The arrival highlighted the island’s potential to welcome international guests while retaining its natural, marine, and cultural character.

The Department of Tourism Calabarzon, in coordination with the Municipal Tourism Office of Jomalig, organized activities to introduce visitors to local life and landscapes. These included guided explorations of pristine coastlines, coral-rich waters, and community-led sustainable tourism sites.

Guests sampled local cuisine, watched traditional performances, and toured key attractions during their visit, gaining a closer look at everyday island life. The itinerary featured golden-sand beaches, diverse coral habitats, and ecotourism initiatives rooted in environmental protection.

Tourism officials described cruise travel as an important opportunity to elevate lesser-known destinations like Jomalig, one of Quezon province’s emerging tourist spots. They said careful planning helps ensure that growth benefits both visitors and residents without placing strain on local services.

During the program, DOT Calabarzon Regional Director Marites Castro underscored the importance of hosting the Coral Geographer expedition in strengthening the region’s tourism profile. She said the cruise visit creates livelihood opportunities for residents while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

“What we want is for the LGU to be well-informed, as this is crucial in improving preparations for the arrival of tourists. Proper coordination is essential, especially for cruise tourism, which presents a valuable opportunity for a town to gain recognition and further develop its tourism industry and local economy,” Castro shared during the event.

As the island gains attention abroad, local officials are also focusing on community involvement in tourism planning to ensure residents have a direct role in shaping how tourism develops. They are encouraging participation from local stakeholders so that growth reflects community priorities and benefits island households.

Among the cruise passengers was George Maddox, a 65-year-old travel agency owner from San Diego, California, who returned to the Philippines for the first time since 1985. He expressed admiration for Jomalig’s scenery and said the country deserves stronger promotion in international tourism markets.

“I’ve always told my wife, who owns the travel agency, that I wanted to visit the Philippines, and now I’m finally here. The island is beautiful, especially the beach, and I hope to return when the weather is a bit better,” Maddox said.

For Susan Straub of South Australia, the visit stood out as much for the people as for the place, leaving a lasting impression beyond the scenery. She said the warmth of the community and the cultural exchanges, particularly the residents’ efforts to welcome guests through dance and music, made the experience especially memorable.

“We found the place very welcoming, and the people made a real effort to engage with us. We truly enjoyed their dancing and musical performances. I joined the cruise to experience the island and get to know the people of the Philippines better,” Straub said.

To mark another milestone, DOT Calabarzon and the Jomalig local government led a plaque exchange ceremony with representatives of the Island Trails Times cruise ship during its maiden visit to the island. The activity symbolized Jomalig’s growing presence in the international cruise tourism circuit.

Castro and Jomalig Acting Mayor Dahlia Manalo presented cruise officials with locally made products and handcrafted souvenirs to showcase the island’s culture and craftsmanship. The cruise line, in turn, offered a token of appreciation to local officials, acknowledging the community’s warm welcome and hospitality.

Beyond its golden beaches, Jomalig continues to attract interest for its fishing villages, forested trails, and clear coastal waters that reflect a vibrant marine ecosystem. These features appeal to travelers seeking quieter, nature-based experiences rooted in community stewardship.

With more visitors expected, authorities are emphasizing sustainable and community-based tourism approaches to guide future development on the island. These efforts focus on protecting natural resources, managing visitor impact, and ensuring that tourism growth delivers long-term benefits to local residents.

Overall, the 2025 Coral Geographer expedition cruise placed Jomalig more clearly on the international tourism map by introducing the island to new audiences within the global cruise sector. The visit underscored the municipality’s potential to grow as a destination while preserving the natural and cultural qualities that define it.