TravellerHints! Sta-Cruz Island: the Philippines is an archipelago and it has a wide array of islands with wonderful beaches and a breathtaking scenery. Ranging from granular white sand, black sand and to pebbly beaches, could you ask for more? A pink sandy beach, yes there is a beach with pink sand in the Philippines. The Sta-Cruz Island in Zamboanga City should be included in your bucket list.
The island is famous for its pink powdery sand. The pink sand of the island is a mixture of the pulverized red organ pipe coral and the white sand.
The organ pipe coral is a species of coral which is soft and natural. It can only be found in the Indian Ocean and central and western part of the Pacific Ocean.
The Santa Cruz Island was not only bestowed with the as marvellous place but this one of a kind corral that makes the island makes the island even more unique.
The great Sta-Cruz Island and the Little Sta-Cruz Island are twin-islands located in the BasilanStraitt.
They serve as a military camp so tourists are not allowed. However, they welcome any tourists, especially those who are into scuba diving and snorkelling.
The Island was declared a protected area on April 23rd, 2000. The rampant illegal coral reef mining destroyed most of the corals, that is the reason why the government of Zamboanga is improving the island’s preservation, protection, and conservation. They try to rehabilitate the island’s ecosystem and to develop its ecotourism.
From Manila, you can either go to Zamboanga City by plane or by boat. You have to book a trip to the island through the Department of Tourism in Zamboanga in Paso del Mar. A boat for an affordable fee for round trip can accommodate up to 10 passengers with a guide from Paso del Mar going to the island.
The city tourism also offers an arrangement for a dive guide. Staying overnight and camping is not an option but there are tents available for rent while you are staying on Sta-Cruz Island. Santa Cruz Island with the local government protection will soon be a perfect place for ecotourism in the future.
