How To Get to Talim Island

Highlights

• Talim Island is a peaceful community located in the center of Laguna de Bay.

• It is home to residents, schools, and small businesses, with fishing as a main livelihood.

• Accessible by boat from Rizal and Laguna, it’s a place for locals to live and work.

Talim Island is a quiet, residential island in the middle of Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines.

Shared by the provinces of Rizal and Laguna, the island is home to several barangays where life revolves around fishing, farming, and community activities.

Unlike popular tourist destinations, Talim Island isn’t a spot for vacations or sightseeing. Instead, it’s where families live, children go to school, and people work to make a living.

This guide will help you understand what’s on the island and how to get there from places like Cubao or Laguna.

Where is Talim Island?

Talim Island is located in the heart of Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines. The island stretches about 32 kilometers and is shared between the provinces of Rizal and Laguna. 

Its unique position in the middle of the lake makes it accessible by boat from various points along the lake's shores.

Talim Island is composed of several barangays, with most residents living in simple homes close to the water or along its rolling hills.

The island is surrounded by the calm waters of Laguna de Bay, making fishing one of the main livelihoods for the locals.

It is not a tourist destination but a residential community where life revolves around farming, fishing, and small-scale businesses.

The island’s peaceful atmosphere and strong sense of community make it a unique part of the local landscape, offering a glimpse into rural life near Metro Manila.

What’s on Talim Island?

Talim Island is a quiet residential community where life revolves around fishing, farming, and small-scale businesses.

Most residents live in modest homes, with many relying on the island's natural resources for their livelihood.

Fishing, particularly tilapia farming, is the primary source of income for many families.

Small markets, chapels, and schools are scattered across the island’s barangays, creating a self-sufficient and close-knit community.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Talim Island offers simple hiking opportunities on its rolling hills.

While not developed as a tourist destination, the island’s natural terrain provides scenic paths that are ideal for exploring.

Hikers can enjoy views of Laguna de Bay and the surrounding landscape, making it a peaceful experience away from the bustle of urban life.

Although the island doesn’t have formal hiking trails, the open spaces and quiet environment are perfect for nature lovers looking to explore a rural setting.

Where is Mt. Tagapo?

Mount Tagapo, also known as "Bundok ng Susong Dalaga," is located on Talim Island in Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines.

It is situated within the boundaries of the municipalities of Binangonan and Cardona in Rizal province.

The mountain is a notable feature of Talim Island and is known for its distinctive cone-like shape. Standing at approximately 438 meters (1,437 feet) above sea level, Mount Tagapo is a popular destination for hikers looking for a serene and relatively easy climb.

From its summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Laguna de Bay and the surrounding provinces of Rizal and Laguna.

The trail to Mount Tagapo passes through grassy slopes and is accessible via a boat ride from Binangonan Port.

How to Get to Talim Island from Cubao via Taytay and Binangonan Port

Reaching Talim Island from Cubao is easy if you follow the step-by-step route through Taytay and Binangonan.

This route is a mix of bus and jeepney rides, leading you to Binangonan Port, where boats to the island are available. Here’s how to get there:

1. Take a Bus to Taytay, Rizal

From Cubao, board a bus heading to Taytay. These buses are available at major transport terminals in Cubao, such as those near Araneta Center. The fare ranges from ₱30–₱50, and the trip takes about 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic.

2. Transfer to a Jeepney at G-Line Terminal in Taytay

Upon reaching Taytay, go to the G-Line Jeepney Terminal. Ride a jeepney bound for Binangonan. The fare is around ₱25–₱35, and the journey typically takes 30–40 minutes, passing through scenic Rizal towns.

3. Arrive at Binangonan Port

Get off at the Binangonan town proper, near the fish port. From there, you can walk or take a short tricycle ride to the port area where boats to Talim Island are stationed.

4. Wait for a Boat to Talim Island

At the port, passenger boats heading to various barangays on Talim Island operate on a regular schedule. The fare is ₱30–₱50, and the boat ride lasts 20–30 minutes.

Make sure to confirm the schedule with local operators, especially during holidays or bad weather.

How to Get to Talim Island via Laguna

Traveling to Talim Island from Laguna is a straightforward process, especially if you’re near the Talim Island Ferry Terminal. This route provides a quick and direct way to reach the island by ferry.

1. Go to the Talim Island Ferry Terminal

Head to the ferry terminal located in Laguna. The exact terminal may vary depending on your starting point, but popular options include ports in Los Baños or Pila.

You can get there by jeepney, tricycle, or private vehicle, with fares ranging from ₱20–₱50.

2. Wait for a Ferry Boat to Talim Island

Once you’re at the terminal, wait for a ferry boat bound for Talim Island. These boats operate on scheduled trips, typically 2–3 times a day. Fares are affordable, ranging from ₱30 to ₱50, depending on the destination barangay on the island.

3. Enjoy the Ferry Ride to Talim Island

The boat ride takes around 20–40 minutes, offering peaceful views of Laguna de Bay. Confirm the departure times with local boat operators, as schedules may change due to weather or holidays.

Boat Schedules to Talim Island

Passenger boats are the main way to get to Talim Island. Boats run daily but are often dependent on weather and demand.

Note: Boat trips may change due to holidays or bad weather, so check with local boatmen for updated schedules.

Conclusion

Talim Island is not a tourist spot but a place where people live and work. Its quiet communities, schools, and fishing areas reflect a simple and steady way of life. 

If you need to visit the island for personal or family reasons, this guide gives you a clear idea of what to expect and how to get there.