Kamandag Beach in Ternate, Cavite: What is it good for? Is it really free?
Two days before the Philippines national election day on May 9, 2022, my friends and I decided to take a little break from the grueling printing jobs we had months before the election day. Inspired by vloggers with fishing content on YouTube, we figured it would be fun to do some camping and fishing. After watching a lot of YouTube videos, we were convinced that Kamandag beach is the best place to be. We are from Dasmarinas Cavite. It was near our place and they said camping and fishing were free.
We prepared our camping and fishing gear and off we went. Excited. It was Saturday, May 7, 2022. We prepared for overnight camping and fishing. It was the first time in three years since we had our outdoor experience. We heard it was a nice place to be. And most of all it was free. Or so we thought.
We reached Ternate, Cavite, and were met by some barangay officials there. We were asked to pay the ecological fee. Twenty pesos each to be exact. It was minimal so it was okay. A certain Robert guided us to Kamandag beach. We paid him a hundred pesos for bringing us to the site.
We were unaware that the beach is privately owned and when we got there, the property caretaker asked us to pay 100 pesos each as an entrance fee, 200 pesos for each tent that we brought, and 400 pesos for the bamboo table. We paid the entrance fee and the tent fee. We did not avail of the table. It was not free after all.
There were only two groups of campers when we arrived just before sunset. I must admit, the place is really nice. It has so many good points but it has its own minuses. Let's talk about why this particular site is good.
Good things about Kamandag Beach
Very few people visit this area, especially on weekdays. If you really want to escape the business of urban living, this is one place where you will get to enjoy personal silence and music from the sea. You can practically do anything you want here without worrying that others will be disturbed. You Can Set up your bonfire and make quality time with relatives and friends.
The place is quite clean thanks to responsible campers and visitors. The view is great, especially the sunset. Fishing is great in the morning but you have to walk to reach a nice fishing spot near Puerto Azul. Trevallies, groupers, and checkered snappers are the common species you can catch.
From Kamandag beach you can also take a boat ride to other locations. Kayukno beach is a favorite. Carabao island in Maragondon is another. The ride will cost you from 250 pesos to 500 pesos depending on the number of destinations you want to visit.
Generally, Kamandag beach is a budget destination. But it is not free.
Not so Good things about Kamandag Beach
My Recommendations
Kamandag beach may not be free and does not offer the comfort you will find in beach resorts in the area but it is still a good place to go. The site is ideal for friends, groups, and families who want to enjoy a budget-friendly place near the sea. Just do not forget to bring your own tent, especially food and water.
Camping and fishing are truly enjoyable here.
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