Semi Retired Foamer: October 2022

Wednesday 19 October 2022

PIO DURAN

Pio Duran (Bicol Region, Philippines) is a reasonably sized port town to the south-west of Legaspi, though it is most easily accessed by road from Ligao. It is served by a number of ferry companies and is one of the primary transit points for car ferries to Masbate Island.

Indeed, it was a trip to Masbate that saw us there on this occasion.

If planning on using the ferry services out of Pio Duran, I strongly recommend allowing plenty of time.

There are a number of operators, mostly varying greatly in service, whether the trip or customer service in general.

Before leaving for Pio Duran, we were told there were services every four hours. However, we arrived at midday, only to be told that the next trip would be at midnight.

To be fair, there were smaller ferries, mostly not for carrying cars, and the four-hour frequency may have come out of confusion with my question.

Kav's Ferries

A big shout out to this company who responded quickly to all enquiries made. While their service was limited and didn't fit into our schedule on this trip, I can certainly recommend their customer service.

Montenegro Shipping

On the other end of the scale, they ignore all forms of communication, whether on Facebook or via their 20+ email addresses. Yes, I tried every email address in every port.
Their website only half works and, much to my disgust, must have been hacked and was showing adult content at one stage.

Santa Clara Shipping Corp

I was unaware of this operator when first arriving at Pio Duran, but they were to be the operator we travelled with to Masbate.

Our ferry in both directions was the impressive M/V DON EDUARDO, a very large car ferry that, while second-hand (built in 2001) is maintained in very good condition and made for an enjoyable trip, despite running into a storm while en route to Masbate.

I will be covering the trips on this ferry in a later post, however, if you are looking for more information on them, check out their Facebook page.

It wouldn't be a port without a bangka or fifty.

McROLAND approaches the port from whatever it has been doing.
Photo: Brad Peadon

A Filo grasshopper.
Photo: Brad Peadon

One of the friendly locals out for a walk along the waters edge.
Photo: Brad Peadon

Population 2020 - 49,070

Households 2020 - 9,452

Region - Bicol

Province - Albay

Land Area - 133.70 square kilometres

A stroll down the main street.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Pio Duran was named after the Filipino Lawyer and Legislator, Pio Saceda Duran (1900-1961) .

Photos: Brad Peadon

Pio Duran locals.
Photo: Brad Peadon

Superlines #1197 turns around at the port after arrival.
Photo: Brad Peadon

Another unidentifiable bangka.
Photo: Brad Peadon

A lineup of trucks sitting at the port. From the aroma, it is suspected that they were all for conveying fish to markets around the region.
Photo: Brad Peadon

Bus awaiting a load of passengers at Pio Duran. It was to have quite the wait for the next ferry.

Photo: Brad Peadon

Antonina Inn was our home for the 12 hours we were waiting for the Masbate ferry.

If you find yourself in the same situation, this is a lovely clean place, with friendly management and staff.

Could have happily stayed way longer.

Facebook Page

Photo: Brad Peadon

With everyone hungry, it was time to head down to the local Mcdonald's to grab a Big Mak (without the two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, onion or tomato).
Photos: Brad Peadon

An unidentified little old ferry sitting at the port.
Photos: Brad Peadon

Having just arrived from Naga, 'Son of Bongo' has a rest at the port. The whopping big thing on top is a karaoke machine that we were ferrying from Manila to Masbate.
Photos: Brad Peadon

This fascinating building was located across the road from the hotel we stayed in. Going off the markings around the balcony wall, it looks to be a former Caltex service station.
Photos: Brad Peadon