My Backpack Diaries

Kuala Lumpur Itinerary for a Short Stay

2017-01-11T18:55:00.001+08:00

My family and I were visiting Kuala Lumpur Malaysia but would only have a day and a half to explore so I've created this itinerary as our guide. We were coming from Singapore and originally, I didn't want to stop over at KL anymore and was very excited to travel straight to Cameron Highlands but my sister insisted on it. She had been to KL a few times and maybe she also want us, her family, to see and experience Kuala Lumpur even for a short period. I've researched and picked the attractions that I thought maybe worth seeing the most then researched on how to reach these places from Ceria Hotel (a beautiful budget boutique hotel) where we stayed for 2 nights. I thought it might be helpful to some who would be staying in the same area so I want to share it with you.

It was raining hard the afternoon we arrived in KL and it didn't really stop until we left. The rain was on and off so unfortunately, we didn't manage to see Merdeka Square and experience the food and ambiance of Jalan Alor at night. I feel a bit disappointed about it but comforted myself in the thought that at least there's a reason to be back in KL someday. Besides, we were traveling with my 2 year old daughter and my old folks so we really had to take it easy.

Never the less, I'm grateful that it didn't rain continually the whole day. We got to spend Christmas eve in a bar restaurant located just behind Petronas that has a sweeping view of KL skylines and it was a wonderful experience. I've come to see Petronas towers too. Just recently I was staring at it's much smaller replica in Meralco's Liwanag Park and then I was looking at and admiring the real thing!

If you're going to have a layover or would also be staying in Kuala Lumpur in a day or two, this itinerary and map of Kuala Lumpur railways might help you. Happy travels!

Top 10 Singapore Must Try Food

2014-04-10T10:06:00.001+08:00

If you're going to this lovely garden city and is wondering what are the Singapore must try food, here's what I would suggest.

Going to Singapore was very exciting for me and believe it or not, one of the top reasons of me wanting to go there is to sample their local food. I agree that food greatly mirrors how vibrant the culture of a specific place is and not trying the local fare is a complete miss on what could have been a total experience.

Prior to the trip, I was browsing and reading some tips on what food to try when I arrive in Singapore. From the vast lists I've read, I've created a mental note on what appealed to me most and researched the best places to have them. Like with all my previous travels though, some plans had changed and instead of looking for the said places, I (together with my husband and my sister) ended up having our meals wherever we're near during lunch, dinner and siesta while wandering around the city. We ate mostly in hawker centres, (like a food court here in the Philippines) a place with several stalls selling different food choices from each other. These are great places offering sumptuous, clean and affordable meals. I noticed that in all hawker centres, there's just always one stall selling drinks.

Singapore is a multicultural city and country, something that is evident when you roam around. With Malay, Indonesian, Chinese, and Indian influences (I'd say Arabic too), no wonder why they have so much diversity in their local cuisine. That's something I truly appreciate during my stay in this modern yet culturally rich city.

I've stayed for ten days in Singapore and had eaten mostly Singaporean food. Based on experience, here's my list of Top 10 food I encourage you to try in Singapore, specially if it's your first time going there.

1. Hainanese Chicken Rice

Do I need to say more? Maybe not because one can never utter the words Hainanese chicken without relating it to Singapore. Although it is said to have come from Hainan province in China, it is tagged as the "national dish" of Singapore. I've tried this at different stalls and the tender juicy meat and the gelatinous skin of the steamed chicken and even the roasted one never failed to wow me. Combined with the aroma and spices of ginger and chili dip, this is like heaven in my mouth.

The best I've tasted is in a stall located in the hawker center near MRT Braddell station where we stayed. I always notice a long queue of patrons whenever we're passing by. This stall was featured in several local newspapers for their Hainanese Chicken rice.

2. Satay/Sate

Meat that is seasoned, skewered and cooked in smoky flaming coals, who would say no to that? With Singapore's version, the spices used are just so distinct in flavor. Dipped into the peanut sauce, it absolutely is a winner. I could eat this everyday of my life. This dish is said to be an Indonesian and/or Malaysian influence.

I also had tried this a few times and my favorite is the one being served in The Singapore Food Trail, a food station at the foot of the Singapore Flyer. Their version has a richer taste and a little bit spicy.

3. Chili Crab

This is another famous dish that Singapore is known for. The crab is cooked with a savory sauce made mostly from chili and tomato sauce and egg I guess, based on what I had. I've read it's supposed to have a hint of sweetness on the sauce and has a perfect balance of spiciness but what we tried is really overly hot. A soft shelled crab was also used instead of a mud crab. Despite that, I still enjoyed the dining experience, just made sure not to dip it in too much sauce. I think it's not just me who enjoyed it, proof is my photo of the crab after we devoured on it. :D

The next time I go back to Singapore though, I'll surely head to the East coast where I've heard the best restaurants serving chili crabs as well as pepper crabs are located. Ours was ordered from a stall in Makansutra, a favoured dining destination and meeting place of expats and Filipinos (just noticed) in the city. By the way, a friendly reminder, bring a lot of tissue with you and a hand sanitizer if there's no where to wash your hands before eating and specially after dining, it surely will get very messy.

4. Popiah

If you love your vegetables, this is another dish you must try in Singapore. A Chinese influence, Singapore had made it their own. It is similar to a spring roll, well, really is a spring roll, with veggies wrapped in thin, soft, paper like crepe. It's their version of our lumpiang sariwa back here in the Philippines, somewhat similar but you have to give it a try because the veggies inside and the sauce tastes somewhat different from our version. Not to sound unpatriotic but I really prefer their version.

5. Oatmeal Prawn

I'm in love with prawns and I think this is a brilliant dish! Tried this dish twice, loved it both times. Chewing the prawn and the oatmeal together produced an interesting texture and contrast in my mouth. The prawn was very succulent while the oatmeal was kind of crispy. It tasted buttery, with a hint of garlic and a bit spicy.

6. Murtabak
I absolutely don't have any idea about this food. Thankfully, while walking one afternoon along North Bridge Road on our way to Arab Street and the nearby Kampong Glam, we noticed several cars slowing down on the side of the road queuing up waiting to be handed a plastic bag from what seemed to be touts from a nearby food store. Curiosity got me and my husband so we stopped by the restaurant and checked their menu. The food they were serving aren't familiar at all. Without any idea what to order, we asked the server that we'd like to have whatever the person on the next table is eating. We were told it is called murtabak. We decided to try both the mutton and chicken murtabak and requested that we'll have the food to go (take away in Singapore's term).

It was a good call trying it out. It was like a pan fried pancake with shredded meat of mutton and chicken. It came with a thick curry gravy that added more flavor to this food.The aroma and spices of murtabak transported me to a middle eastern country although I've never been there.

7. Fried Oyster Omelette
As the name implies,this dish is cooked using beaten eggs that is filled with small oysters then pan fried. What I liked with what I tried is the hint of some herbs that was added into the omelette plus a little kick of spiciness. Here in the Philippines, I usually eat the oyster raw so eating oysters into it's omelette version is a fairly new experience.

8. Rojak
Here's another food I highly recommend. It isn't just one of Singapore's signature dishes but it's a healthy food for snacking considering the main ingredients are fruit and vegetable slices. I saw the uncle selling this cut up some artichokes, green apples, pineapple, cucumber and green mango that looked a bit weird. He then tossed it into a tangy brown sauce then topped with roasted ground peanuts. It got me a few minutes to get used to the taste (because I swear this is so different from the tastes I was exposed to) but ended up liking it. It was delicious!

9. Cendol
Cendol is a refreshing treat after walking in a sunny Singapore. It is a traditional dessert and is believed to be a Malaysian/Indonesian influence. Cendol is made of thinly shaved ice topped with green pandan flavored jelly noodles (never imagined noodles can be a dessert), grass jelly, sweetened red beans and sugar palm fruit then poured with coconut milk. It reminds me of a simpler halo-halo, our local concoction here in the Philippines. It's a creamy and cooling treat.

And last but not the least,

10. Hor Fun
This is the first meal I had upon arriving in Singapore. I'm a huge noodle fanatic and I just can't stop eating noodles. (as long as it's not instant noodles) Unlike what I usually order here back home and what we've tried in Hongkong, the hor fun in this corner stall in a hawker centre near Braddell Station is far from being oily. The thick rice noodles were al dente, the sauce has a smoky flavor, the variety of seafood used were so fresh and the chineses brocolli is cooked perfectly. The best hor fun ever. Maybe it's not really a Singapore signature dish but the fact that the auntie who swiftly cooked this is a Singaporean and considering how good it tasted, I think it should count. :D

So there's my lists. I'm thinking though, after we are satisfied with delighting on these lovely feasts, what would be the best way to end the meal? Well, don't miss on the famous teh (tea) to cap everything. Order teh tarik if you prefer hot milk tea or teh peng if your prefer cold. This is one brew that made me fall in love with tea.

I had a taste of all the food I had planned to eat in Singapore except for fish head curry and laksa (sadly). I'm thinking these two might have been included in my list if I did. I will not miss on those two when I get back to this gastronomically fulfilling city.

So there's my top 10 food to try when traveling to Singapore for the first time.

Revisiting Puting Buhangin and Kwebang Lampas

2013-06-11T15:42:00.002+08:00

It was 2010 when I first visited Puting Buhangin and Kwebang Lampas in Pagbilao Quezon. Back then, the owners of the cove didn't allow guests to stay overnight. It was sad leaving the cove after just a few hours of lounging at the shore. The place is nothing but captivating, your sweet respite from the hassle and bustle of an urban jungle. It's a joy when I heard that the new and current owners of the cove (current because the land ownership is still on trial with the higher court) already allows beach camping and overnight stay. Without second thoughts, I decided it would be the perfect place to bond with my husband's siblings before her sister goes back to US and more importantly, to have our prenuptial photo taken.

The first time I went there, I took a boat from Brgy. Bantigue as stated in my previous blog. This time, I decided to try the other route suggested by other bloggers that would involve a short boat ride and some trekking.

Commuting to Puting Buhangin and Kwebang Lampas

Ride any Lucena bound (city capital of Quezon province) buses from Manila. We rode Lucena Lines stationed inside Araneta Center in Cubao and paid Php217. JAC Liner and Jam Liner both in their Buendia and Kamias Stations have hourly departures too. Travel time is around 3 and a half hours.

Alight in Lucena Grand Terminal. Look for the queue of jeeps going to Pagbilao town. Travel will take around 20 minutes and fare is Php10. The jeep will take you directly to their jeep teminal in Pagbilao near the market.

On the same area, ride a jeep bound Ibabang Polo. Inform the driver you're going to Kwebang Lampas so he can drop you to the jump off point where you can start your trek to the cove. It took us about 45 minutes to arrive and paid Php40 each. Once you've alighted, please ask the locals to point you the way to make sure you're on the right path. We did it and the locals were very friendly and very eager to help.

Fares may change. It is what we paid on our trip last December 2012.

The Trek to the Cove

The trek would start on a concrete road that would lead you to what looks like a barrier in the middle of the road (It looks like a checkpoint without people manning it). From there, you'll start walking on rough and unpaved road with interesting views of hilly terrain.

The only sad thought is it seemed there's an ongoing mining in the area (I could be wrong though) that left several pits and expanse of barren brown land. It took us about 20 minutes of walking before we saw few houses. Walking towards the back of the houses, we arrived in what seemed to be a lake or a pond.

The locals said we can cross the lake by walking as it is shallow and just thigh deep. It looked wide and a bit murky so we kind of felt concerned for the two kids trekking with us. We don't want to gamble our safety so we decided to ride a small boat that helped us cross the water for just Php10 each.

Arriving at the other end of the lake, we continued treading until we saw a very gorgeous view of the rocks and the sea with the Pagbilao Power plant in the background. We stopped for a while for some photos.

We continued traversing with the visible pathway until we entered a forested area, slowly engulfed in the thickness of the trees. The trail is quite slippery because of the previous rain but is not so bad, although proper care is still advised. Our two kid companions was able to do it without any problems, I'm sure adults would find it easy. We continued walking until we arrived in the area with coconut trees, the grounds for Puting Buhangin, that is. :)

On Pitching Tents and Fees and Some Reminders

We were greeted by Mang Lando, the new caretaker of the the cove. He allowed us to choose our spot where we can pitch our tents. He also offered a small open hut with tables and chairs but politely declined, it's just too much for me. That night however, while we were cooking using our tiny camping stove, it rained. We were using umbrellas while cooking as not to get wet. Kuya Lando approached us and offered us to use the hut for free. Who would decline such an offer right? I feel grateful for his generosity. You may contact Mang Lando at 09475911630 or +639475911630 (from abroad).

After setting up tents, I also asked him about their other fees. I don't want to get surprises, if you know what I mean.

Rates as of December 2012

Entrance Fee Day tour Php50

Entrance Fee Overnight Php100/night

Open Hut with Table and Benches Php400

Fresh Water Php50/pail or bucket (I find it unreasonable)

Pitching Fee (Own tent) Php150

Tent Rental Php300-500 depending on tent size

They have functional bathrooms/shower rooms but it is not clean. There's water stored in their big containers used to flush the toilet but is not for bathing purposes, again it is not clean. There's no available drinking water so it is a must that you bring your own. There's no electricity and bonfire is prohibited when we went there (There's even a sign posted on a coconut tree informing guests there's a fine for violating this) so make sure to bring flashlights or headlamps to be able to move around at night and a camping lamp for your socials. Like in other remote places, mosquitoes can be notorious so insect repellent is handy. Locals say there's a jellyfish season in Puting Buhangin but we we're lucky during our visit, that it isn't. One of our kid companions still got stung by a jellyfish though that caused him pain, swelling and redness in his arms. It's a good thing we brought vinegar just for this purpose. We applied some on his arms and a few hours later, he was back wading in the water.

The Cove

They say an experience could never be created twice and I agree with that. I know however that one thing can create a wonderful experience twice or more, it might not be on the same level but has the same intensity at some extent. I was mesmerized by Puting Buhangin and Kwebang Lampas when I first visited. (Please chick here to read my previous blog.) My second visit still left me in awe. It still is my happy beach - secluded, serene, beautiful. The emerald green water is still sparkling. The sand is still as white as ever. The shore is devoid of any debris or trash. The cave still has an amusing effect on me. My only disappointment is the vandals who left their names known to all guests by inscribing it in the stone walls. That's very irresponsible and uncivilized. Deep in my heart, I'm hoping this stops soon.

On the lighter note, I'm glad that Puting Buhangin retained its raw beauty. I could still sit in one area for a while just looking at the beauty before my eyes. It consumed me. Our several hours of travel was worth it. We stayed for three days and 2 nights and my favorite moment is the evenings when the full moon radiates it's glory to the sea and the white sand underwater illuminates and makes the sea sparkle against the dim night. The second night, the moon seemed to shy away leaving only the stars flaunt their beauty on the dark sky. It was priceless and romantic.

Our last day had the best weather so that's when we have our prenuptial photo shoot done. I didn't wear any make up. Fresh from swimming, I just slipped my dress and combed my salt water drenched hair. My then boyfriend (now husband) did the same and in a few minutes, we were wearing our best smiles and comfortably posed together in front of the camera. The photos turned out lovely, probably because our background is beautiful and we felt hopeless romantics in this gorgeous beach.

As the clock ticks on the third day, I am left quite sad knowing we'll be leaving soon. Our three days in this beach made me a kid again, carefree and spontaneous. Puting Buhangin and Kwebang Lampas is and will always be my happy beach.

A Hongkong-Macau Itinerary for 3 Days

2013-05-09T01:16:00.000+08:00

I want to share the Hongkong - Macau Itinerary my sister and I used on our Hongkong trip. My sister booked a round trip ticket for both of us to Hongkong November last year. I didn't really plan on any major travels or backpacking trip that time since my now hubby and I were saving up for our upcoming wedding that happened early this year. Sweet as she is, she planned this as our last bonding experience together before I say goodbye to being single. It was her gift for me and believe it or not, she never allowed me to spend a single Hongkong dollar in our entire stay in Hongkong. I felt like the luckiest person in the world! Imagine traveling for free? Up until now, I am very grateful to my sister. It was my first time to travel outside the Philippines and we all know, a trip to Hongkong isn't cheap.

The only thing she requested me to do is to take care of all the details about our visit in Hongkong. I embraced the challenge and lovingly researched. I first looked for an accessible, affordable and decent place to stay for the three nights. I don't want her spending too much for this trip, specially I know accommodation can be really pricey in Hongkong. After I found one, I started researching on the attractions we would be visiting. It was a challenge since I learned that there are too many to see yet we have a very limited time to visit, added the fact that she would also want to see Macau. I wasn't sure how to compress everything in a three day stay. So I just chose the places that based on the numerous articles I've read would be fit for first time visitors. I made a draft on the attractions and grouped them based on their proximity from each other. So my Hongkong Itinerary would show that in each day, we visited places that are quite near to each other or at least, within the same direction. I then browsed the web for info on how to go from one attraction to another and the approximate travel times. It was time consuming but patience proved to be useful. It was a breeze going to different locations and we saved time by not getting lost because of the guides. :) Lastly, I created a list for projected expenses.

I want to share this 3 Day Hongkong itinerary for those who are planning to go to Hongkong and would prefer not to spend a fortune and would want to maximize their stay. I have to remind you though that this is a very tiring itinerary and I wouldn't recommend this to travelers who are with elderly and kids. This itinerary is fast paced and would include a lot of walking. If you think you are fit enough and is game for a bit of an "amazing race" experience, this will work perfectly for you. Please click on the image to make it bigger and readable.

This is a doable itinerary. We managed to see and do everything included here except for the Symphony of Lights on the second day and dining in Tim Ho Wan on the third day. To get the most of your money's worth in paying entrance fees though, I would advise you to have one whole day each for Disneyland and Ocean Park.

I hope this 3 day Hongkong-Macau Itinerary will serve as a guide in creating your personalized itinerary. :) Have a happy trip!

How to Create Your Do-It-Yourself Trip

2013-04-26T02:09:00.000+08:00

I remember back in high school, our class adviser asked us to write an essay entitled "Who Will I Be 10 Years from Now?" With a happy heart, I composed my essay saying that in 10 Years, I'm already in Law School, pursuing my dream to be a pro bono lawyer for my beloved countrymen. (I ended up taking Accountancy instead and worked in the BPO and Hospitality Industry) One by one, we all read what we've written in front of the class. It sounded like the usual chant of being professionals and being successful. It's understandable. Coming from a bunch of 13 year old minds, everybody have high hopes and soaring dreams. Then suddenly, one of my classmates stood in front of the class. With a confident voice, he professed that in 10 years, he had already traveled the whole world. It really took my attention. At first, I thought it was silly, not to mention impossible but for some reason, I couldn't take that out of my mind. It was an idea that had lingered up until now. Maybe because secretly, in what was then my young mind and up until today - I secretly wish to travel the world too. I hope that someday, I might just would. Who knows? For now, I am happy and contented in discovering the wonders of my homeland and it's neighboring countries through my do-it-yourself travels. DIY travel gives me a chance to go to different places without breaking the bank and it allows me to truly immerse myself with local culture of a certain place for I have the luxury of time and capability to decide where i want to spend it.

So how do I go about creating my Budget DIY travels?

First, I plan ahead.

I avoid traveling on a whim. With this, I am able to take advantage of seat sales and discounted rates from various airlines and hotels. The philosophy here is simple, the rates are cheaper if you book in advance.

The second key is Research.

This is crucial. This is the part where you will base most of your decisions for the trip. Once you've decided where to go, start making the web your best friend. We're lucky that in this generation, we are likely to find everything we want to know through the net.

Researching on Flights:

As mentioned earlier, planning ahead is better. There are times though that we have to leave right away and I learned that most of the time, it is cheaper to book with flight search engines. I had worked in the hospitality industry for a while and the concept is these companies buy in bulk that they're able to get big discounts. Naturally, their prices are cheaper too, that is how they pass the big savings to their customers. So if you must travel indefinitely, it wouldn't hurt to check out flight search services like Flight Network for considerably lower rates.

Researching on Accommodation:

I first check on hotels with the lowest rates then from there, I do my research. I also consider hostels, inns or homestays. I prefer budget accommodations - cheap but at the least, decent and safe. Unless a trusted family member or a friend have assured me that their stay in that place is seamless, I make sure to check all the reviews I can find about a specific hotel/resort online. Reviews are subjective so be sensible too and trust your instinct when choosing where to stay.

Researching on Places to Visit:

Let's face it. Traveling isn't the only thing we do in life. Usually, we are only presented a very limited time to travel so why not spend it wisely? That's when blogs of fellow travel bloggers come in handy. Their insights about a specific place give me an idea whether an attraction is worthwhile. It helps me decide whether to still go or just skip a destination. I take note of everything that seems interesting then list them in order. That way, I'll not miss to see what interests me the most. Then, to further avoid losing that precious travel time, I try my best not to get lost (although it proved to be so much fun when it happened to me once). Some blogs even share directions on how to hop from one attraction to another. That is mostly useful. Just be patient in searching for these guides.

Third, I Set a Reasonable Budget.

Having made your research, you will now have an idea of how much money you would need to set aside for the trip. Mostly, expenses would be comprised of transportation,accommodation, food and entrance fees. Depending on where you're going, there are sometimes other fees like environmental fee, guide fee, the occasional tips and taxes for custom duties. You don't have to sweat searching or guessing for an exact amount, a ballpark figure would do but don't forget to bring extra for contingencies.

Lastly, I think positively and stay flexible.

I have to admit it. There were several times that what actually happened during my travel is different from what I originally planned. Typhoons, getting lost and other circumstances substantially changed if not totally expunged my original itinerary. Don't have a heavy heart when this happens. Having an itinerary is ideal but sometimes, it's even more fulfilling when you have to roll with the changes. These circumstances along with what you witness around you are the experiences that will truly open your eyes and enrich you as a traveler.

More than ten years had passed since my classmate and I started noticing our dreams of traveling the world. Neither of us fulfilled it - yet. Despite that, I'm really happy right now that in this hard times when earning isn't easy, I'm still able to travel and doesn't have to spend much of that hard earned money. I'm thankful that I learned the concept of Do-It-Yourself travels. If not, my purse might have already hit the rock bottom purchasing expensive package tours since I can never give up traveling. Worse, I might have ended up not traveling at all.

I hope to continue doing budget DIY travels in the future and have more beautiful travel memories to share in this blog. I hope you all do too. :)

Cagbalete Island Accommodation: The Old and New Resorts

2013-04-11T13:39:00.001+08:00

Whenever I plan going on a trip, accommodation is one of the most important aspect of my research. As I was looking for the best place to stay in Cagbalete Island, I read from blogs that there are just three resorts right in the island offering accommodation. I chose the one that seems to have the best reviews, Villa Cleofas Resort. Arriving in the island, I learned that there are other three new resorts that just opened in the area, two of these I passed by when we were kayaking in the morning. More resorts mean more options and usually more options is better.

THE OLD RESORTS

Villa Cleofas Resort

Contact #: Tonet - +63 917-8395852 / Tess - +63 917-8143475

Website: www.cagbalete.net

Rates: Own Tent Php 250/nt

Tent Rental Php 400/nt

Bamboo Hut (6 pax) Php 1500/nt

Studio type room (3 pax) Php 2000/nt

Small Cottage (8 pax) Php 2500/nt

Medium Cottage (12 pax) Php 3000/nt

Big cottage(25 pax) Php 5500/nt

This is where we stayed. Originally, we planned on bringing our tents and camping in their grounds but sometimes, even to camping enthusiasts, the sound of being able to lie down in a soft mattress and pillows sound more appealing. Plus the fact that in getting a cottage, we would be able to recharge our phones and cameras when we need to.

These are the things I like about the resort.

- It was very easy communicating with them. I just sent them a text message and received a reply right away. Transacting with them is a breeze. Also, the caretakers are kind and always ready to serve.

- The resort is lovely. There are umbrella trees dotting the beachfront with beach chairs and hammocks perfect for just lounging around, relaxation and bonding. The ground is covered with bermuda grass. The resort is so green.

- Restrooms are not ensuite the cottages (but just located a few steps at the back of each) but I like that the shower room is separated from the comfort room. Water supply is strong.

- They have a generator that runs from 6:30 PM to 5 AM that is probably located very far from the cottages. We didn't hear any sound from it. It was always a good night sleep.

- They offer kayak and volleyball activities that we enjoyed.

Things I believe the Resort Can Improve on

- Don't expect too much on the cottage. For Php2500/nt, it is really bare except for the 2 stand fans and the floor where they will place the mattresses. It still worked well for us considering we're outside most of the time. The roof doesn't have a ceiling and that was what our problem was. There are constant particles (that looks like insect dungs) falling from the roof to our pillows and beddings. I'm sure it continually happened while we were asleep.

- Some rates seemed unreasonable. We stayed 2 nights and cooked 5 times, cooking rice and a dish for each meal. We were charged a total of Php500 for Kitchen use/LPG, Php100 for each meal. Thinking about it, we could buy a full tank of LPG by just adding 200 or 300 pesos and I'm quite sure we haven't used even half of the tank. We didn't realize there's a charge for using their pots and pans too until we were about to check out and checked the charge slip. That was an additional Php200. So there, I feel that those rates are pricey.

Overall, we enjoyed our stay in Villa Cleofas. It is a lovely place. Despite feeling that we could have spent less, it is nothing compared to the beauty of the place and the fun we experienced in the island. So if asked if I'd recommend it to family and friends, ofcourse I will. Just make sure not to cook too much especially if you're not with a big group.

MVT Sto. Niño

Contact #: +63 921-7275398 / +63 927-7774828

Website: www.mvtstoninoresort.net

Rates: Tent Php 250

Bahay Kubo (2-4 pax) Php 1000

Fan Room (4 pax) Php 1500

Room with A/C (2 pax) Php 2000

Room with A/C (4 pax) Php 2500

Pansacola Beach Resort

Contact #: +63 928-5058633

Website: www.facebook.com/pansacolabeachresort

Rates: Open Beach Hut (4 pax) Php 1200

Tree House (6 pax) Php 2500

Sawali House (10 pax) Php 2500

Nipa Hut (10 pax) Php 2200

Sasag House (12 pax) Php 3500

Agoho House (14 pax) Php 4000

Buho House (20 pax) Php 4500

THE NEW RESORTS

An interesting fact: The owners of these three new resorts and the older Villa Cleofas Resort are all relatives. Apparently, the land was their inheritance from their grandmother. Wow! (On my wishful thinking mode: How about me being a long lost grand daughter lol!) That explains why these resorts are located right beside each other. Facing the beach, on the left most side is Villa Cleofas, on the far right is Joven Blue Sea Resort then Villa Noe. Lastly, on the right most side is Doña Choleng Resort. (Source: Ryan Manaog, owner of Doña Choleng Camping Resort)

Doña Choleng Camping Resort

Contact #: Ryan - +63 910-8823346 / Maybel - +63 928-2569919

Website: http://www.donacholeng.com/

Rates: Tent (2-3 pax) Php400 - Php500
Open Bali Hut Php1000
Bali Hut (with Electric Fan, 4-6 pax)) Php2000

Room with aircon (6-8 pax) Php4500

Room with aircon (18-20 pax) Php8000

I haven't had a chance to stay in this resort yet but Ryan, the owner of the resort offered me a free accommodation (as seen in the comments section of this blog). I thought that was very generous considering I didn't blog about Doña Choleng alone but the other resorts as well. Since I don't have definite plans on going back to Cagbalete yet and can't blog about an experience with them, I sent him a thank you text message and a request for photos and more info about their resort so I can update my blog. That way, readers would learn more about the resort and might help them in deciding where to stay. I was surprised not to receive a reply by text message, that's because he called instead. :) I appreciate the call specially when I learned that they have around hundred of guests in the resort that day. A company was having their outing in the resort. They must have been quite busy.

Doña Choleng is a fairly new resort that opened its doors only this March. Based on experience staying on hotels/resorts, new is always better. New rooms would usually entail new mattresses, new bedding and new everything - that can usually provide a more comfortable stay.

The resort is located at the Southeastern part of the island where one can have a panoramic view of sunrise. Their beachfront is on the stretch of powdery white sand and crystal clear water, thus I believe is their Slogan: The Boracay of the Pacific Ocean. I've been to Boracay too and I'd say both Boracay and Cagbalete have their own charms.

They have different accommodation options that cater to different needs of their guests. First is their Bali huts that is cooled by an electric fan and what I'm thinking is the natural air coming in from the windows. With a small double bed (based on UK and Ireland bed sizes standard) plus a bunk bed with 2 foams in both sizes, the bali huts can accommodate 4-6 people. One of their air conditioned rooms have 3 double beds (US size - also where we base our bed sizes here in the Philippines) and the allow maximum of 8 guests in this room.

From Sabang Port, one can reach it through a 15 minute trek. Worry not to get lost because the resort have their own "salubong boys" who will fetch guests from Sabang.

If you're thinking about bringing your own food, you can do so without having to pay any corkage. For some who would prefer to be pampered and do nothing but relax, you can make arrangements with the resort's staff. They could provide you a whole day's meal for Php800/head. That includes 3 meals and 2 snacks.

I've only been to Cagbalete once and stayed in Villa Cleofas, which I think had already been an institution for accommodation in the island. On my future visit, I am looking forward to stay here in Doña Choleng Resort to experience the difference. As they say, change is always exciting. :)

Joven Blue Sea Beach Resort

Contact #: +63 939-2899752/ +63 917-9848505

Email: jtbluesea@gmail.com

It is on the same stretch of beach (the same side) as of Villa Cleofas. I passed by this resort when I was kayaking but I was too far I only saw the open huts near the shore.

Villa Noe Beach Resort

I received an email from Ms. Lorie of Villa Noe last Feb 5 2014 providing their new contact numbers. Here's Villa Noe's updated contacts.

Contact #: +63 905-5193847 / +63 909-5241773 / +63 929-2176971

Website: www.villanoe.com

Rates: Bring your own tent Php100

Tent Rental Php 400 - 600/night

Cottages Php2000 - 3000/night

Cagbalete Island: A Perfect Summer Getaway

2013-03-28T12:55:00.001+08:00

It's officially summer time in our dear archipelago! For some, summer is synonymous with vacation. It is the time of the year perfect for lazying around, getting a tan or visiting places without worrying for turbulent seas or erratic weather. It is the ultimate time for bonding and relaxation. In short, summer is fun.

Our country is composed of around 7,100 islands, all beautiful and uniquely mesmerizing so we will never run out of new places to spend our vacation with. I recently had a chance to visit one with my friends, the lovely Cagbalete Island. I'm sure this island is already known to a lot of people. Surprisingly, when we were there, the side of the island where we stayed was so deserted that it felt like we own the island.

Cagbalete Island is in Mauban Quezon, a getaway that can be reached in about 6 hours total travel time from Manila. It is an island surrounded with rich water, a combination of fine and grainy cream sand, and a home to disciplined people as seen by how clean the shores (and even Sabang port) are.

Getting There

There are a number of ways in getting to the island but I will be more specific on my own experience traveling to the island.

JAC Liner, JAM Liner and Lucena Lines have bus terminals in the Cubao area. We chose JAC Liner. Their station is in Kamias, can be found on your right when traveling Northbound in EDSA. JAM Liner's terminal can be found opposite to their station. Lucena buses on the other hand are located inside Araneta Center in Cubao. We planned on taking JAC's direct buses to Mauban Quezon but their website isn't updated so what's written there as an hourly trip starting from 5 AM to 2 PM is not accurate. They only have 2 trips, 5 AM and 12 NN. Because of that, we rode their bus headed to Lucena City (Quezon province's capital City). The ride took about 4 hours and 30 mins. Fare was Php218. Then we alighted in SM Lucena.

From SM Lucena, we rode a van going to Mauban. Fare was Php65. It was a fast 45 minute ride considering I was expecting an hour and 30minute travel time. Last trip of vans headed to Mauban is 9PM and from Mauban to SM Lucena is 5PM. Buses are also available in Grand Central Terminal in Lucena City (not in SM) for a cheaper fare but I'm sure will definitely be a longer ride. (Fare as of April 23, 2013 is Php54).

From Mauban Market where the van dropped us, we walked our way to Pantalan (Mauban Port) to board the ferry going to Sabang Port (Mauban Island) It is a short walk. We registered and paid a Php100 fee to Frances, the lady manning the Tourism Booth. The Php100 fee is a total for environmental fee - Php40, Terminal Fee - Php30 and take note, a Porter fee of Php30. So if the porters try and help you carry your luggage, don't be alarmed or shy - they are just doing their job and won't ask you for any tip or additional fee.

We paid the Php40 ferry fare directly to conductor of the ferry. Frances told me that they used to collect the fare in the tourism booth too but since they would be increasing the ferry fares soon and are just waiting for the tickets with the printing of the new fares to arrive, they just let the conductor collect it on their end. So expect a fare hike in your future visit. (Update: My sister in law traveled to the island on April 23 2013 and paid Php50. She and her companions weren't charged a porter fee though.) We arrived in Sabang Port in 45 minutes. There are only 2 trips going to and from Cagbalete, 10AM and 4PM to the island and 7AM and 1PM back to Mauban. It is advisable to be there earlier because they leave as soon as the ferries are full.

The Island

Our ferry, Neneng can't dock near the shore since the water is low. We transferred to a smaller boat with a flat bottom. From there we we're guided by Kuya Wilmer in our 20 minute trek to the resort since it was located on the other side of the island. It was an easy trail. Sometimes though, the trail becomes really muddy in some parts and there are a few fork trails so it's advisable to have a guide the first time you're trekking.

The resort is a picture of serenity. It’s almost deserted except for four other campers who left the following day and proved to be pigs. I’m sorry for the term, but the day they left, they also left their pile of snack wrappers, cigarette butts, paper plates and glasses scattered on the seashore just beside the tents they rented. This literally caused my blood pressure to rise. How could people be so irresponsible leaving their trash for other people to clean it up for them?

For accommodation options, please check Accommodations in Cagbalete.

We stayed in the Eastern side of the island. Photo enthusiasts would be glad to stay here to capture the beautiful sunrise. It is a perfect spot to lounge in the hammocks hanging under the umbrella trees. The wind seems to always invite me to sleep but I didn't give in, afterall, we just stayed for two nights in the island and time is better spent exploring the place. It was high tide when we arrived the first day but come night time, the water recedes very far leaving the almost white sand shimmering under the full moon.

The following day, we explored Bonsai Island, an island directly located in front of Villa Cleofas Resort. It is an island with a panoramic view of flat bed rocks and some bonsai looking plants in the middle of the island, thus the name Bonsai Island. The whole island is submerged in water during high tide and can only be accessed during low tide. I would say, it is another haven for photography enthusiasts. Shortly after we arrived, we noticed the water slowly creeping in, a sign that it soon will be high tide gain. High tide is more frequent in the island during full moon, as what the caretaker told us. If you think about it, it makes sense.

After that, we decided to explore the Northern part of the island where MVT Sto. Nino Resort is. The shore is significantly shorter in that side of the island compared to the beachfront of Villa Cleofas. There are several driftwood with interesting shapes and the sand is surprisingly finer in that part of the island. The water is higher too so we waded our way to the water and joyously swam to our hearts content. The water is cold and warm at the same time. Warm on top and cold in the bottom. It is near a creek or maybe a river so I thought it maybe a brackish water (a combination of salt and fresh water) causing for the interesting difference in the water temperature.

The following morning, it was high tide still and we decided to kayak, going to the Southern part of the island. The water is so clear in this part, I could see the bottom even in the deep part of the beach. We passed by two new resorts. It was a good one hour of kayaking when we decided to go back before we get burned by the scorching sun. It was a perfect decision since by the time we got back in the shore, it was almost low tide. The famous sand ripples came into sight and another photo ops with a lot of jump shots started.

There are several activities you can do in the Cagbalete Island, except nightlife. It is a peaceful haven for people looking for solitude. It is a place to retreat and bond with special people or just a place to lounge and feel the caress of nature. I really loved my stay here. It was truly relaxing and fun. Sometimes, your travel companions would make a lot of difference with how you would perceive your experience with a specific place and this time, I am just so thankful that everything was great. :)

My Five Most Favorite Romantic "Travel" Movies

2013-02-10T18:13:00.001+08:00

It's February again! Needless to say it's the most romantic month of the year. Lovers from around the world would be falling in love once more as they proclaim their undying love with sweet and romantic gestures with each other. :)

What is the best way to celebrate Valentine's day together? If you'd ask me, it surely is still and will be an unforgettable travel together. Since my beau and I are currently in a time where we are so occupied preparing for probably what I could say is the most romantic day of our lives together, we would be skipping that this year and just wait right after the wedding (which is 15 days from now!)

For now, I'd be contented to watch these movies again that I fell in love with in the past years, one in a day. :) I call these romantic travel movies and by travel, I didn't mean just literally traveling but these movies show panoramic views of my dream destinations. That way, I would feel like I'm already traveling while feeling good about love. :) These movies are not just for love junkies though, even singles can enjoy this quite a lot. Why not give it a try and see what I mean?

1. BEFORE SUNRISE

After watching this, I wondered how the world is full of mysteries. Traveling opens us up to a lot of possibilities, even meeting someone who is intellectually different from us yet stimulating enough to get us interested, attracted and who knows?.. who would sweep us off our feet? Now that's destiny. :)

2. OUTSOURCED

This movie led me to appreciate how colorful and beautiful the cultures in other countries are. The more reason for me to want to travel. :)

3. CHASING LIBERTY

It seemed a bit unreal but I don't really care. Who doesn't love a happy ending anyway? Plus the landscapes of Austria, Prague and the rest of Europe are awesome!

My favorite part is when Ben asked Anna, " So if you're scared, why do it?" and Anna answered "Because the things you're scared of are usually the most worthwhile before bungee jumping into the river just below the bridge.

4. LEAP YEAR

No matter how we plan things, sometimes it wouldn't just work out, or it will but in a way we didn't expect it to happen. That happens in life and in love too. :)

5. TAKE ME HOME

This movie showcased not only the beauty of America (from East Coast to West Coast) but also the lessons the characters learned from each other as well as from themselves while hitting the road.

*** Movie clips in this post are NOT mine and is owned by the respective owners who posted this in Youtube. ***

Morong Bataan's Pamarta Bali Beach Resort in a Gloomy Weather

2012-11-26T00:09:00.005+08:00

Life is fast paced and sometimes, when we get a chance to bond with family or have a breather, we often prefer to go somewhere near. Time is precious so most of the time, people won't want to spend most of it in the road. That's our utmost consideration during this bonding moment with the family. Pamarta is about 3 1/2 hours drive away from Manila as well as from my hometown in Nueva Ecija where my parents will be coming from.

It was one of those moments I always look forward to because it doesn't usually happen since my sister is working in Singapore. I'm staying here in Manila and my parents are in the province where they are living like newlyweds again (without any children). My sister only had 2 days to spare since it was just a weekend vacation for her. This is a place she chose for us to go and I had to trust her instincts since nobody from our family had been here before.

We arrived in Pamarta Bali on a hot and humid afternoon. We drove on our way there and we kind of got lost despite the directions provided to us by the resort. Upon arriving, the caretakers seemed to be expecting us already and our nipa huts were both ready. We made a deposit prior to arrival to secure the reservation.

Pamarta is not a full service resort. It has basic amenities. Instead of offering rooms for accommodation, they have built individual nipa huts that came in two sizes. The bigger hut can accommodate maximum of 5 people and the small hut has room for 3 people. The huts have just enough space for the allowed occupants as I've mentioned but might be a problem for people with a big built. We weren't that comfortable ourselves with the small huts considering we're thin. It wasn't air conditioned and doesn't have it's own bathroom. They have a common bathroom/restroom that is obviously clean and well tended for. What I like about the huts is the attached sitting area with tables where you can have meals or hang out before deciding to sleep. Currently, they are constructing a building for more accommodation choices.

The resort also doesn't have a restaurant but they allow cooking for a fee. Their kitchen area is spacious enough but could be better if they have placed a roof in cases of rains. The following day we were there, it had been raining hard because of a typhoon that we didn't expect would hit the area and it proved to be so hard to cook with just a makeshift piece of tarpaulin that was used as a roof. They also have grills. They don't charge corkage for food brought in the resort. I appreciate that when we were cooking, the staff lent us some of their kitchen utensils that we forgot to bring.

The beach has a wide shore ideal for games or team building activities. As for us, we had fun trying to capture a perfect jump shot using a point and shoot camera. As expected, we were not able to get a decent one. The shore is a long stretch of gray fine sand and the water is clear. I'd seen better beaches though. The best feature of Pamarta is probably the infinity pool and the jacuzzi. It was really lovely. It was the first time I went to a resort spending more time in the swimming pool rather than the beach. The water is perfectly warm for night swimming. We sat by the edge of the pool sipping a bottle of beer while sharing stories with each other. I only realized it wasn't allowed the next day when I read the signs posted near the pool.

That night before we slept, the weather was fine and we were so surprised that we woke up 5AM the following day because of the heavy rains. Turned out, a typhoon was affecting the area. I did check the weather forecast before we went to this trip and I wasn't expecting a typhoon. The sea became turbulent with high swells and we weren't allowed by the resort's staff to swim there anymore. Even if they didn't, we were sane enough not to risk it but still glad about their warnings. The climate turned cold too but we were not to be stopped by the weather from having fun. We still swam in their pool that surprisingly still has the water warm. Even my parents did join us and we had a blast wading in the pool while it was raining. It's priceless.

We left Pamarta before lunch time realizing the weather wouldn't suddenly turn well. Since there's no space for us to move around in the huts after swimming, there was no point of us still lingering. Despite that, my family still had fun in the resort. I'm looking forward to getting back there, probably when their concrete rooms with own restroom is completed.

Here are the Rates in Pamarta

UPDATE: Rates I'm sharing here are the rates provided to me by the resort during our stay. For updated rates, please check the resort's website or Facebook page.

and the Driving Directions the resort emailed to us.

Take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to Dau Exit then proceed to SCTEX all the way to Tipo Exit. Enter Subic (SBMA) passing by Subic Airport and Triboa Bay (APEC Villas). Exit at Morong Gate. Follow the Anvaya Cove signage then after Anvaya, go all the way to Morong Junction Crossing. Turn right then turn left after the old Morong church. Go straight ahead until you see Pamarta Bali Beach Resort. It is located right beside Gold Coast Beach Resort.

*** As I remember, you'd pass by unpaved narrow roads before reaching the resort.

The Blogger Would Like to Share: Tips on Creating Your Do-It-Yourself Travel

The Official Philippine 2013 Holidays

2012-09-03T02:27:00.004+08:00

For people like me who is passionate about traveling, it is always a good thing to plan ahead of time. It's in advance planning we save a lot by being able to book lower airfares, sometimes even cutting the cost half the original by taking advantage of seat sales. Knowing the future holidays would better assist us in the mapping out our travel calendars.

Recently, Malacanang issued Proclamation 459 (please open the link for a more detailed information) as guidelines to the 2013 Holidays. If I'm not mistaken, there will be fewer long weekends for next year comparing it to the current year. Don't fret though, what are vacation leaves for?

Check this out and let the wanderlust begin. :D

Why Bohol is my Favorite Island in Visayas

2012-09-01T15:49:00.000+08:00

As we travel, we are opening our lives into an outside world that usually differs from the one we move in everyday. With this, we witness a lot of things that in a way change our perception about people around us. Sometimes it even gives us a better vision of who we are or creates fond memories that can last a lifetime or perhaps, it leaves us a very good impression about the place and in an instant it becomes our favorite destination.

That's just exactly the way I feel about Bohol. I don't have a Boholano blood. I had only been there once and I must admit, I had been to only six provinces of Visayas (the second island group of the Philippines where Bohol is located) to date and I won't have so much basis for comparison but ever since I've set foot in Bohol, I just know this is a very special place. It is like falling in love, and my heart was captured at first sight. :)

I have many reasons why Bohol is my favorite but I guess, all will some up to only one point - I learned that it is not only beautiful with the attractions it offer but the beauty also comes from its character.

Bohol is an amazing place. I've been to the usual tourist spots and it amazed me how environmentally rich this province is. White sand beaches and islands abound and I could still almost feel the fine white sand of Dumaluan Beach on my bare feet as well as the calm water engulfing the long crescent-shaped sand bar in Virgin Island. On my first day, I floated and just let myself be carried by the river flow of Mag-aso Falls.

- the pristine Dumaluan Beach in Panglao Island Bohol -

I specially couldn't forget how exciting it is to see dolphins jumping and showing off in their natural habitat. I remember not being able to stop jumping in our boat whenever I see one and I'm almost teary eyed with gladness (That's kind of shameful to admit but I'm an unpredictable cry baby). I was mesmerized by the teeming population of fish even in the shallow part of Balicasag Sanctuary. For a moment there, I experienced being friends with a lot of fish that dearly swam around me and willingly showed up for my video. Errr.. on second thought, maybe it was the bread we were holding they were after. Nevertheless, there is no question on how blessed Bohol is and admiringly, on how Boholanos take pride in protecting what was entrusted to them.

- video from a shallow part of water in Balicasag Island -

The beauty of Bohol doesn't end in its bountiful marine life and relaxing beaches. It is also the only place here in the the Philippines where the famous Chocolate Hills can be found, thousand of grassy hills that turn chocolate brown on dry season. I have a very clear remembrance of this attraction from my grade school textbooks so I couldn't really believe it when I was already in Sagbayan Peak seeing the hills for real. Bohol is also a HOME for tarsiers, one of the smallest primates in the world. When I say home, it really means the word because by now, this is the only province in the country where tarsiers can still be seen and a sanctuary was built for them in Corella Bohol to help these creatures from going extinct. Honestly, I couldn't seem to end my list on what's wonderful about Bohol but I'm sure I only scratched the surface and is hoping to see more on my next visits.

With all the things I've mentioned, what really got into me is how clean and green Bohol is. With the whole second day spent in checking out the inland attractions, I've never seen a single plastic or any garbage in the roads and attractions we've passed by even if I was intentionally looking for it. I've stayed in a beachfront resort for two nights and never did I see any floating garbage in the sea or a pile of garbage in the area. I was told by the driver of the car we hired that the local/provincial government has a very stern policy regarding garbage disposal but personally, I believe that although strict implementation is helpful, positive results can be more attributed to the discipline of Boholanos. How could a river have houses built just beside it and the river still is one of the cleanest I've seen in the country? On our last day there, we rode a ferry to Cebu and I was astounded seeing the water in Tagbilaran Port, it is clear I could see the rocks and a school of fish swimming in the shallow part of the water. I left Bohol that day with great admiration and I could only secretly hope that's how things work everywhere in our country.

- the clean and clear water of Tagbilaran Port on a hazy morning -

One unique fact about Bohol: All the tricycles I've ridden in Tagbilaran City have a bible passage printed in the body of the side car. Out of curiosity I asked about it from the drivers and learned that it is a city ordinance and is a requirement in getting a registration.

During my stay there, I observed that Boholanos are naturally religious and is deeply rooted in their faith. They have high regards with respecting rules as well and it extends even in churches where there are proper dress codes to obtain entrance. This is arguably one of the traits that make them special. I just feel that godly people oftentimes are also honest, committed, responsible and caring. That's also probably one of the reasons why Bohol continue to be a very beautiful place, because of people who care for it.

- beautiful churches of Bohol -

I witnessed how caring Boholanos are that they are sensitive to the needs of other people. It was the first time I experienced riding a vehicle where a driver (Kuya Edgar) stopped the car and gave way to a granny who looks like she wanted to cross a main road. No matter how simple the act is, I was touched by this gesture. This is something I don't witness often if not at all, in the place where I live. My family also experienced this caring through the staff of the apartelle we stayed in in Tagbilaran. This is a budget accommodation but the service that was provided to us was top notch, making my family feel like we're millionaires. That is something that's not easy to forget for a shy family that can only travel together once in a while. I became a more compassionate person because of that and I'm always inspired to provide the best customer service at work too. It is true that an encounter with few beautiful souls in one destination can greatly affect a person's whole perception about the place and that's what happened to me.

My stay in Bohol left me nothing but positive experiences and insights. I'm sure there are plenty of other destinations that also has a beauty to share since the Philippines is a naturally beautiful country. So if you ask me what sets Bohol apart from the others for me to love it so much? Simply because the beauty of Bohol was not only seen by my naked eyes but was also felt by my heart.

This is my entry to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers Blog Carnival for the month of September 2012 themed The Visayas Round-up. This month's host is Ding Fuellos of www.ThePinoyExplorer.com.

Buddy's and my Cravings for Pancit Habhab

2012-08-28T01:25:00.000+08:00

One of the places that I always wish of coming back to is Lucban, a town in Quezon province located south of Manila. Lucban is a lovely place, clean and green but what really won my heart is the culinary experience Lucban provided me when I was there. In some of their streets and nooks are restaurants or local diners worthy to be tried out.

I specially love the famous Pancit Habhab, a noodle made right in Lucban and is cooked using a recipe that might be an open secret to the locals. Traditionally, it is served in a piece of banana leaf, drizzled with a special vinegar then is eaten by bringing it directly to the mouth, thus the term habhab. I, however didn't eat it that way when I was there. It was served in a cup yet the taste forever lingered and sometimes I couldn't stop myself from craving it.

Thankfully, this special noodles was already brought here in Manila by Buddy's - a restaurant that has it's roots in Lucban and that means I could feast on pancit habhab without traveling for 4 hours back to Lucban. The restaurant I visited is the one located in Timog corner Sct. Ybardaloza. I probably need not describe my dining experience but definitely, my craving was much to my relief, satisfied. They also have some other specialties in their menu.

Adding to my pleasant experience is the very festive decoration in the restaurant's interior. It feels like witnessing Lucban's streets during the Pahiyas Festival. You would never question the restaurants tagline: Buddy's - Dito parang laging Fiesta! (Buddy's - It always feels like a feast here!)

Buddy's is open from 10 AM to midnight everyday. Haven't tried everything but for the pancit habhab, it's delicioso. I surely would be going back here to eat again, hopefully with my friends next time. :)

Other of Camiguin's Attractions: White Island and Ardent Hotspring

2012-08-08T02:56:00.000+08:00

There are several attractions Camiguin can boast of. We however, only have a day and a half to see all of them so we chose what seems to be the best for our preference from the seemingly interesting list. Besides snorkeling in Mantigue Island and Sunken Cemetery, we were also able to visit the famous White Island and the relaxing Ardent Hotspring.

As its name implies, White Island has a pearly white sand in a crescent shape but is extended with curving sandbar that is possible to walk on during low tide. The sand is mainly powdery yet on some parts of the sandbar are shell bits that might be a bit uncomfortable to the naked feet. This is a very small island devoid of any trees so it is advisable to go here early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid too much sun. Sunblock and hats are also helpful. We arrived there 3PM and the sun greatly turned my skin darker, nevertheless it didn't stop me from having a blast.

The water in the island is so clear that you can see your feet clearly while standing in a shoulder deep water. I'm about 5'3". The island has a lovely backdrop of the the surrounding volcanoes located in the main land - Mt. Hibok-hibok, Old Volcano and Mt. Mambajao.

The current is kind of strong that day we visited and several times I found myself being dragged to a different direction than where I was supposed to head to. That is something tourists should be careful about. We planned on waiting for the sunset to witness how it would look like in the island. Unfortunately, waves started to be rough and were advised to leave before it gets even rougher. So we did.

Reaching White Island is a breeze. We took a motorella that would take us to Brgy. Yumbing. It is about a 15 minute ride and we paid Php60 for all 5 of us. We were dropped near Paras Resort and just walked to the table at the end of the street where we paid for our boat ride. Tourism in Camiguin is admiringly well organized. We paid Php400 for the boat (for maximum of 8 pax) and Php20 each for the environmental fee.

There were a number of stalls near the boat area selling souvenirs. After an hour of checking out some, we rode another motorella going to Ardent Hotspring. We have an agreement with the driver to take us back to our hotel in Mambajao. That is advisable since Ardent is not very accessible and would take about a 35-40 minute drive to/from Mambajao. Transportation may not be readily available especially at night. We paid Php160. For those who want to stay in Ardent for a night, they offer accommodation.

Upon arriving in Ardent, we paid Php30 entrance before being able to enter the gate that would lead to the different pools. Excitedly, I checked out the different temperatures of the pool. It was my first time to dip in a natural heated water. The water is coming from the natural spring of Mt. Hibok-hibok, one of the active volcanoes in the country. The highest they got is 39 degrees, a result of combining the hotspring water with cold water yet I found it too hot so it took me a few minutes soaking up in the less hot pools first before finally dipping here. It was uncomfortable in the first few minutes but felt truly relaxing afterwards.

It was a perfect treat for my sore muscles after a tiring day of swimming and snorkeling in two of Camiguin's islands. I wanted to have stayed here longer if only it didn't rain so hard and we don't have a place to leave our things. Not wanting to get them wet, we decided it's time to leave. The time I spent in the hot pool, meeting new faces and sharing stories with them is one of the highlights for our Camiguin trip for me. :)

My Review of Cabua-an Beach Resort - A Budget Accommodation in Camiguin

2012-08-02T12:31:00.000+08:00

Camiguin is a charming unpretentious province located in Northern Mindanao in Southern Philippines. Its appeal roots from the simple and laid back life of the people. It is considered a small province yet it is home to some of the most famous attractions of the country like the majestic Mt. Hibok-hibok, the therapeutic hot spring of Ardent, the flourishing underwater life in Mantigue Island and the unique experience of snorkeling in the Sunken Cemetery.

I considered several accommodation options for our trip in Camiguin. Although our group had a budget I was trying to meet, I still wanted to stay in a beautiful beachfront property. Thinking there's no possible night activity to do in town, I imagined spending the evening with my travel companions in the seashore while we're sharing stories over a few bottles of beer. I stumbled upon a site with different accommodation options, with estimated rate plus contact numbers however, there's no other information or photo I could use to decide. The resort didn't have a website at that time. Comparing it to other beachfront resorts though, I decided it's worth a shot. We had our reservation with them.

Cabua-an Beach Resort is about a 30 minute multicab ride from Benoni Port and a 10-15 minute walk from the town center of Mambajao, the capital town of Camiguin. There are also several motorelas that you can ride going here. Fare around town is Php7 (last quarter of 2011). I wasn't really expecting much from this place given the rate but I feel that we got the value of what we paid for.

The main building where the reception area and where our room was located is still a few steps away from their gate, passing by a few fruit bearing trees. We we're provided with our room key and climbed the stairs leading to the second floor where some of the rooms are located. The stairs first led us to a veranda that served as a pathway to individual rooms. It has a beautiful view of the back lawn, noticeably manicured and taken cared of as well as the pathway to the sea. There are wooden tables and chairs set up in front of each room that served it's purpose well. By this, I was already convinced Cabua-an is a lovely place and could have just set up a hammock in the veranda and sleep there for the night but everybody prefer a bed including me so we opened the door to our room.

The room we got is an air-conditioned family room. There were 5 single beds with a weaved rattan headboard with the bedding in my favorite shade. These are things I liked about our room. It is spacious and was entirely clean. The en suite bathroom and toilet are separated and there's an additional sink outside the bathroom.The beds are comfortable and bedding smelled nice. Even without a guard and with the front desk closing at 10PM, I still felt really safe. I also thought of some things they can still probably improve on. I mentioned that the room is spacious however I found the bed arrangement awkward. The airconditioner just cooled one direction therefore guests staying on the corner won't feel that there's an AC at all, sadly I'm the one to experience that. Whenever somebody walked, I strongly felt it while lying on my bed but I'm thinking it might be because of the wooden floor.

The room is basic but is adequate with our needs. The lack of TV in our room is fine with me. I was there to explore and appreciate what's around me. For guests booked for an extended stay, you may opt to book for the cottages, some have TV and hot shower. With the Php950 we paid, I still feel that we got the bang for our buck, honestly maybe more.

The main building also houses the restaurant (where there's a TV) that opens from breakfast up to 10 PM. We didn't try it as well but we bought their home made polvoron. It was delicious. Besides the main building, there are also beachfront cottages but can accommodate fewer number of guests. You may check their updated rates here. They also have WiFi in the main building.

The beach is not a stretch of sandy beach that I imagined but has a pebbled shore. The rocks and stones were smooth if not round. I didn't have a chance to check out the water or what's under it for we left the whole days we were there to check out other attractions. What I remember is the night I'm sitting in the veranda and was serenaded by cicadas that might be residing on the very tall tree in front of our room.

Overall, I would recommend this place to a friend. The room is basic and there's really nothing special but the resort itself is already a retreat, a place to appreciate peace and quiet. I could imagine myself going back to Cabua-an, sitting on the same seat I've occupied in the veranda, sipping a cup of coffee with somebody I love, feeling the light breeze of the wind caress my hair and smelling the fresh fragrance of the surrounding greens. Oh, I must be dreaming now but really, I'm glad to have stayed in Cabua-an and I''ll be happy to stay there again when I go back for a visit.

You might also want to read about the places I've been to in Camiguin.
Sunken Cemetery
Mantigue Island
White Island
Ardent Hotspring

Malasag Eco Tourism Village

2012-06-27T10:08:00.000+08:00

Malasag Eco Tourism Village is located in a hilly terrain in Sitio Malasag, Brgy. Cugman in Cagayan de Oro City. It can be reached by riding a jeep from the city to Mapawa (Php13 fare) then riding a motorcycle in the junction (habal-habal fare is Php14). The habal-habal ride is exciting, it is an uphill and sometimes curvy ride with lush forests on the side of the road.

There is an entrance fee of Php30 after which, one would be provided a map making it easier to navigate the vastness of the place. Climate is significantly colder in Malasag. It offers a stunning view of Macajalar Bay. Their al fresco restaurant is the perfect spot to view the lowlands and the sea while enjoying dining.

It is said that this village was created to increase learning about the lives of ethnic groups in the country. Sadly, I didn't experience that when I got there. Roaming around, what I was able to appreciate is how green everything is. Trees, flowering plants and trimmed grass are everywhere. It is an ideal place for picnic and family bonding. They do have a swimming pool with a Php50 entrance fee and an open grassy field perfect for sports like frisbee (Ultimate).

Aside from that, there is also a zoo that based on my observation, although I might be wrong, isn't maintained well. The animals seemed very hungry. :( I'm thinking maybe because of low tourist visits, the place isn't raising enough funds to fully take care of them. That was late last year though, I'm hoping things have changed by now. The collection of animals are quite interesting and had variety.

There is also a long hanging bridge built under the shade of towering trees. it is wobbly yet my companions and I had fun crossing it to the end. Talk about the child inside of us. :D There are also different accommodations for guests who would prefer to stay in this tranquil and relaxing place.

The Gardens of Malasag is just a few minutes away from Mapawa Nature Park, in fact you would have to ride thesame habal-habal from Cugman Highway, you'd just need to take the left side of the fork road when going to Malasag. It is a place to consider as a side trip if coming from Mapawa Nature Park.

Cagayagan de Oro on Foot

2012-06-26T08:27:00.001+08:00

Cagayan de Oro is a bustling city in the northern part of Mindanao. I've met some of the friendliest people here while traveling. Arriving in CDOlate the first day, we didn't have enough time to visit the attractions located on the outskirts of the city so we decided to get immersed with what can be found right at the very heart of the city. There are some interesting things to see and can be reached just by walking and so, our walking tour began.

The City Museum

This is an old water tank converted into a museum in 2008. It is a product of the city's initiative for "adaptive reuse of a heritage structure". The water tank/tower was completed in 1922 and served as a reservoir of the old Municipality of Cagayan with water coming from Malasag Hills. It is located in the oldest section of the city where a settlement was established by Recollect missionaries. It withstood the heavy aerial bombings by American planes in Sept 1944. (source: a manuscript inside the museum)

The small museum has three levels. Picture taking is only allowed in the ground level where photos of famous Cagay-anons who made a big contribution to the city is on display. It also has some information about DXCC, a radio station of the city. The second and third floor hold photos of the lifestyle and events of the old city.

The City Museum of Cagayan is open from Mondays to Fridays, 9:30 - 5:00 PM. It is closed on Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays.

San Agustin Metropolitan Cathedral

The Cathedral is just a few steps away from the museum, almost beside it. It is a Roman Catholic church and is a sybol of deep faith of Cagay-anons.

Plaza Divisoria

This is probably the busiest area in the city. It is a plaza with several monuments surrounded by shady trees. Our hotel was located in this area and it was very convenient. There are a lot of restaurants built almost beside each other,as well as ukay-ukay stalls. Transportation is always available in this area.

During weekends, including Friday nights, it is the location host for the festive Divisoria Night. There are live on stage performances. A block of the plaza is also converted into an alfresco restaurant serving booze and grilled food. In the other area are tiannges perfect for scoring clothes, shoes and bags at a cheap price.

Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan)

Xavier University was founded in 1933. It is located near the other end of Plaza Divisoria. Proper attire should be observed when planning to get inside the university for guards won't allow you when wearing shorts/skirts 3 inches above the knee as well as spaghetti/scowl neck tops. You would have to leave an ID too. There's a chapel inside the university. There's a museum that's undergoing renovation when we were there. The atmosphere inside the university is relaxing.

When you get tire of walking, don't fret. There are several motorellas roaming around that can take you to your next destination. On our case, walking around proved to be a rewarding experience.

How to Go to Three of Iligan City's Waterfalls in One Day

2012-06-25T09:27:00.003+08:00

During the last quarter of 2011, I had a chance of visiting three waterfalls found in Iligan City, also known as the City of Majestic Waterfalls. I only had a day so I tried to maximize my visit and researched on what are the falls located in the same area that is possible to see in justa day. Here's a guide on how to visit Ma. Christina Falls, Mimbalut Falls and Tinago Falls in one day when you're coming from Cagayan de Oro.

How to go to Ma. Christina Falls:

- dried fish stall in Iligan City Market -

From your hotel in Cagayan de Oro, ride a jeep going to Bulua Terminal (Westbound Buses). Ride a bus going to Iligan City. Fare for an airconditioned bus is Php145 but the lady conductor said because it's their first trip, we only have to pay Php115 as a discounted rate. Not so sure why it works that way.
The bus will have a final stop at their terminal in Iligan City. Ride a jeep that would take you to the market. There are queues waiting in the terminal. Fare is Php7.50.
If you didn't bring lunch with you, you can buy it in the market There are local eateries (carinderia) that based on experience sell delicious, cheap and clean food. Bought kilawing tuna and lechon kawali and rice for a total of Php57.
Ride a jeep going to Buruun. These jeeps pass right across the street where the carinderias are located. Tell the driver to drop you off Ma. Christina Falls. fare is Php12.
The driver will drop you on a highway, right after a bridge with a stunning view. From there, walk towards a street on the left that would lead you to the gate of Ma. Christina Nature Park.

How to go to Mimbalut Falls and Tinago Falls:

- the drop off point to Ma. Christina Falls -

On that same bridge, ride a jeep with the same route (going to Buruun). Tell the driver that you're going to Mimbalut Falls. You will be dropped in a waiting shed where there are queue of motorcycles (habal-habal) that can take you to Mimbalut Falls. The path to the falls is not advisable for a walk, it's quite far.
Negotiate with the motorcycle driver. We were charged Php125 each for both Mimbalut Falls, Tinago Falls and back to the highway where we can ride a jeep back to the terminal after the tour. 2 passengers in each motorcycle.

Ma. Cristina Falls and the Hydro Electric Power Plant

2012-06-25T08:35:00.000+08:00

Every Filipino must surely know or heard about Ma. Cristina Falls. It is included in one of the earliest subjects being taught to elementary pupils.

The famous Falls is located in Iligan City, a progressive city in Lanao del Norte in Southern Philippines. It is a 320 feet falls with very strong water flow that is perfect as a source of hydroelectric energy. It is part of the Agus River Power Development and is operated by National Power Corporation.

Arriving at the gate of Ma. Cristina Falls Nature Park, we paid Php35 each for entrance fee and Php10 each for the shuttle that would take us to the top of the park where the spectacular view of the twin falls is awaiting appreciation. The open shuttle passed hilly terrains with a wonderful view of rich flora. The road is too narrow and there is a certain part that was partly blocked because of minor landslide. The ride was short but kind of breath taking. The shuttle stopped at the end of the street where the building of the power plant is erected. We were guided to climb a set of stairs that sometimes lead inside the building. On the third floor, there is an open area designed for tourists to view the falls. This is the nearest point one can get to the falls.

When we just arrived, only one the falls is open but it was already fascinating. A few minutes later, the second falls opened and is is truly strong, it's like the falls wanted everybody to know she's the mightiest falls and it's jaw dropping. Despite our distance, I felt the mist of the falls reach our area and dampens my skin. I can't wait to text my mom to let her know Ma. Cristina falls is right in front of my sight. She used to be a Grade 1 teacher and this is one of the topics she is familiar about. The guard I asked told me it's not all the time the power plant releases water from the dam constructed on the top of the falls, they usually release it during weekends when there's too much water stored thus they open both the falls.

The river where the falls drop has a very strong current that would be perfect for white water rafting. The sound it produces sounds like an adrenaline rush, non stoppable and exciting. It flows downwards where it meets with the sea under the bridge, the same bridge where you alight when commuting to this place.

Ma. Cristina Falls is something you won't want to miss when you're in Iligan City.

Burot Beach: A Cheap Get-away to Calatagan Batangas

2012-06-22T07:32:00.001+08:00

This visit to Burot Beach is more of a spur of the moment escapade rather than a planned trip. I was browsing the lists of the latest blog posts of Pinoy Travel Boggers in our Facebook page when my attention was captured by a title of a blog entry. It mentioned both the words beach and budget and having been deprived of the beach for a few months already and since I'm now on my thriftiest year saving for an upcoming wedding, I quickly checked where the beach is located. To my delight, it is just in Calatagan Batangas, a town about 3-4 hour drive south of Manila. The following week, I had found myself traveling from Ortigas to Lawton, sleepy from my night shift to meet my companions and ride a bus plying Calatagan.

There are no longer Calatagan bound buses in Park n Ride Terminal in Lawton as stated in the official website of Calatagan. The buses there would take you to Nasugbu instead. We just took the bus and alighted in Lian Batangas where we rode a jeep to Calatagan. The supposed to be three-hour ride took us five. Apparently that day, there was an ongoing demolition of informal settlers' houses near Coastal Road where our bus was passing.

It was already past noon when we arrived Lian and we rented a jeep that would take us to Calatagan, to avoid waiting for a long queue of jeeps waiting to be filled. We paid Php300 for all of us, 8 adults and 2 children. We added Php100, the driver seemed really helpful.

In Lian, we had our lunch at a local diner (carinderia), bought more supplies including 2 big containers of drinking water then arranged for a tricycle ride. We paid the tricycle drivers Php300 each, with an arrangement that the drivers would fetch us the following day.

The road to Burot Beach is kind of bumpy. After a short cemented road, it becomes a narrow dusty road that may be uncomfortable. After about 30 minutes, the tricycle entered a gated property and started driving in an even more dusty unpaved road. In just a few minutes, the view changed from a ragged dirt road into a scenic view of water world and mangrove areas in both sides.

We reached the end where there is a serious looking guard collecting for a Php150 entrance fee per person. He was carrying a shot gun which reminded me of security guards in Banco de Oro.. The blogs I read mentioned of this place as a property of Henry Sy or his coporation, which when I asked the caretaker and the guard, they said it's true. Btw, there is a separate fee for using the bamboo tables in the beach, it ranges from Php300-500.

We started pitching our tents under an umbrella tree. There is no accommodation in the area. The weather is too dry and hot when we were there and the umbrella trees did great in providing a cool shade. I was planning to take a nap feeling really tired having been awake for 24 hours but the excited voice of my companions already wading in the water changed my mind. I joined them and found out the water is too shallow for swimming even if we walked far, with lots of sea grass and worse, sea urchins. It was really not possible to take a dip. I was dismayed. To be honest, I even thought it was not worth the effort. Nikko even got stung by something in his face and arms and it might be a jellyfish, the jellyfish we previously saw swimming with us though doesn't sting so we're not sure what caused him the rashes and pain. At that time, I can't wait to go home the following morning and lay my weary body to a comfortable bed. It suddenly changed when the sun started to set. It was a glorious sunset changing the colors of the sky from blue, orange, red then indigo. It was the most dramatic sunset I had witnessed.

Night time came and we happily feasted on our food, chicken and pork adobo plus salted egg in tomato. Both are simple dishes but at that time, it seemed to have transformed into food of the royalties. :D Electricity has not yet reached Burot Beach so the area could have been pitch black if not for the bright light illuminating from the caretakers lamp. We also had our own lamp that is reliable all the time.

The following morning, the beach is a picture of serenity. It was still low tide and I haven't seen a single wave. I'm even starting to doubt if this is really a sea. I know it is because the water is salty, it's just that the water is so calm and silent. We roamed around the place and admired how beautiful it is. The sand isn't fine, the water is too shallow but the serenity and peace the place offers is next to none. There is a rocky area on the left of the camping area that is so picturesque.

Late morning, we noticed there was a change in the depth of the water then we realized the tide is getting high. We tried our luck swimming in the water and found out it was deeper than the day before.I could actually swim! Yey! We spent long hours snorkeling and discovering more of the underwater. We saw several star fish, more jelly fish, and a school of small black fish. On the far right end of the beach where there are rocks that looked like a remains of a building, the water is even deeper and there are actually corals, sea slugs and more and bigger sea urchins. I saw a post underwater that may had served as a foundation for the razed structure.

With the view, the deeper water on the second day and with the company of adventurers like me, I was really having a good time and almost forgot my dismay the day before. :)

Burot beach is, after all, worth my sleepless hours, the long travel caused by traffic jam and the bumpy ride, not to mention the Php150 entrance fee. Provided it's high tide and you've brought an aqua shoes or sandals to protect your feet from the large population of sea urchins, it is an enjoyable place, rustic yet charming. They have clean water source that can be used for cooking but I just hope that the bathrooms/restrooms in the beach be improved soon because it's far from being decent. It is next to disgusting. The allure of the place weighs more to me though that the restrooms so if asked if I'm willing to go back there, I'd say yes, I'll just try to minimize my use of the restroom. :)

At 3 PM, our tricycles arrived and we had our final picture as a group with our sun-kissed skin. We arrived back in Manila in just a 3-hour van ride paying Php180. It was the cheapest overnight (and out of town) trip I had for the past years. :)

***Thanks to Marx of www.Marxtermind.com for sharing this place and for answering my questions. Thanks to everybody who joined in this overnight trip. Let's do it again soon. :)

The Blogger would like to share: Tips on Creating Your Do-it-Yourself Trips

Sampaloc Inn: an Accessible accommodation in Tanay Rizal

2012-06-15T05:51:00.002+08:00

Front facade of Sampaloc Inn

For the night, we stayed in Sampaloc Inn during our quick get-away in Tanay. There are quite a few considerations on how I chose where to stay. We came from Daranak Falls that afternoon and would go to Sierra Madre Resort the following day so I was thinking of settling somewhere between the two. With the help of Google maps, I decided Sampaloc Inn was the perfect place. Located roadside, it is very accessible and felt safer to go to plus the rates are affordable.

Rates

Arriving there at early evening, we we're shown the rates available (which I had already researched prior to my trip). We were given the room key and upon entering the room located on the far end of the hallway, we decided the roadside rooms would do better so there will be a view. I requested for it and was promptly accommodated. Their housekeeping entered one of the rooms and quickly made some final touches to make sure the room is clean.

Deluxe rooms

We stayed in a deluxe room. It is a room with basic amenities like non-cabled TV, a DVD Player (DVDs are free to borrow from the front desk), hot and cold shower, closet with hangers, and a dining table with 2 chairs. The bed is a double bed with two pillows that I wish is thicker and fluffier. The room is airy, spacious and clean not to mention it smelled fragrant. I specially like the wide sliding glass windows that can be opened to let the cool breeze of Tanay to enter the room. The aircon is cold and quiet in our room but I guess climate in Tanay is that cool so we ended up turning off the AC came 3 AM. I had a comfortable stay in Sampaloc Inn.

one of the Filipino breakfast served

The Inn have their own restaurant and the only food we got to try is their breakfast. I loved their sinangag (cooked rice sauted and added with seasonings). It is available for room service.

friendly frond desk

The front desk is helpful enough giving us directions and tips on traveling to our next destination the following day. Although Sampaloc Inn is a simple accommodation with basic amenities, I wouldn't think twice staying here again.

Commuting to Sampaloc Inn

1. From Star Mall Van Terminal, ride a van going to Tanay. Stop would be the terminal in Plaza Aldea.

Fare is P70 and would take 1 and 1/2 hours.

2. From Plaza Aldea, ride a jeep going to Sampaloc. It is a 35 minute uphill drive/travel. Fare is P26.

3. Drop off at Sampaloc Crossing then a ride a tricycle to Sampaloc Inn. It wouldn't take you 5 minutes and

the ride is P10.

My Hopes for Batlag Falls

2012-04-06T05:54:00.001+08:00

We, maybe are all familiar with the saying "Hitting two birds with one stone". That exactly is what you will experience when visiting Daranak Falls in Tanay Rizal, for in that same area just a 10 minute uphill walk is another falls equally worth visiting.

Batlag Falls is the strongest cascade out of several smaller falls in the area. Comparing to the other falls I've been to, the water flows gentler. The place is shady and offers a dreamy-like sensation with the cool breeze brought about by the several trees around the area. The smaller cascades scattered around made me feel like I'm a princess in a fairy tale wandering in the garden of my kingdom.

There are two pools created by the water flow ideal for swimming. The catch basin under Batlag falls is shallow, about 8 ft deep according to the caretaker of the falls. Some Korean tourists are happily swimming when I got there. On the left is another pool which is deeper, about 20 feet in depth. Moss grows abundantly in the moist rocks adding green to the surroundings. In some areas, vines are creeping in the trees and it the ground and it kind of looks like an enchanted forest as well.

There are cottages and a man-made swimming pool on the lower part of the falls area. The water flows directly from the mountains making it cold. The sight of the pool didn't quite appeal to me though, it seemed not to harmonize with the natural surrounding although I think it is a good addition for those who prefer the clearer water as the falls catch basin looked kind of murky to me, probably because of the rains the night before I visited.

One thing that makes me sad is the fact that when I got there, there are numerous cigarette butts scattered almost everywhere, some plastic wraps in some areas and in one area, a huge untidy pile of alcoholic beverage bottles. There's a string of artificial flowers adorning the falls which I think had been hanging there for quite a while for it isn't in good form anymore. I understand that was a props used by a TV show who had a shoot there but it wouldn't hurt removing it afterwards right? It isn't a good sight. It kind of destroys the natural beauty of the place.The owner collects Php50 entrance fee and I couldn't imagine why this area can't be kept clean like Daranak Falls. I'm sorry for the word but after seeing the garbage area on the way to the swimming pool, I was totally disgusted and decided to go back to Daranak falls right away. I hope visitors and the owner as well, do both their share in preserving gifts like this. Other than than though, I still find Batlag Falls as a beautiful place and can just be improved more or at least, maintained.

For now, the beauty of Batlag Falls can still conceal the trash left about by irresponsible people but I'm hoping visitors and the owners both do their share. If it get's cleaned up, this place will be a total charm, a more enchanting place. You now that something we see only in our dreams as a perfect place? - that can be Batlag Fals.

Sierra Madre Resort, A Resort with a Scenic View

2012-03-08T15:03:00.002+08:00

Dreaming of a quiet bonding moment with someone or probably a place to spend with friends? Sierra Madre Resort is a good option. Located at the top of the mountains of Tanay Rizal, it exudes a very intimate atmosphere. This is the place where the only noise you will hear is the howling of the wind. It is too serene that time seems to stop and everything becomes perfect.

When we arrived, we quickly started exploring the area. We walked along a pathway that offers a scenic view of the surrounding mountains. Well, the truth is almost all areas in the resort is scenic. We walked down the slopes until we reach the Spring valley, a part of the resort located far from the main building. It has a more private pool, one is color blue, the other is green with its water coming directly from the mountain. The pool is surrounded by a garden of manicured lawn and pine like trees. Again, needless to say, it has a picturesque view of the mountain ranges.

From the pool area is a pathway to the plight of stairs leading to the Sto. Nino Falls. It is a waterfalls about 20 feet, spewing an ice-cold and clear water and is surrounded by moss adorned boulders. It doesn't have a pool where the water drops yet for some reason, I found myself enjoying standing under the cascade with the water pouring in me. :D The air is cooler in that part f the resort, with the thick foliage and trees trapping most of the sun's rays out and prevents it from warming the area.

We retraced our steps to get back near the spring valley pool and saw another branch of pathway leading to the prayer mountain. It is a series of stations of the cross and once we reached the top most part of it, we realized we're in another mountain. Cool! And the wind is cool too, cool enough that we didn't realize we're already being burned by the sun.

Few hours of exploring and we then decided to climb back to the main area, where the cluster of rooms and main pool area is located. It is gorgeous there. There is a platform built adjacent to the pool where tables and chairs were set up, it is overlooking the mountains and the wind is freely caressing my hair. That's where I found utmost relaxation. Nikko and I just sat there, ate pizza and chilled over Eraserheads' songs. I wanted to swim in the pool after the meal, I ain't a good swimmer and wanted to practice more. The pool looks so inviting, however when I checked it out dirt was already noticeable on the floor of the pool and there was a frog floating in the main pool. Although Nikko removed it, I wouldn't ever swim in a pool enjoyed by a frog, not in the next million years, haha!

I checked out the shower area near the main pool and was a bit disappointed that almost no water is dripping from the faucet. I just wanted to wash my face to freshen up a bit but it was near to impossible. I'm not sure if this is how it always is, I'm thinking that maybe because it was a Wednesday and no other guests are in there but somehow, I still feel we should have been able to use those basic amenities. Sierra Madre is a very nice place, location wise and if only the main pool looked clean and there's water in the shower room, then it might have been superb.

The resort offers rooms/suites that can accommodate maximun of 12 people. They also have rooms for 2 people. The rooms I believe is devoid of television since it's the resorts aim to have their guests do nothing but to commune with nature and feel the tranquility of the place. Being a nature lover, I would agree with that except when it's night time and there's nothing else to do really. They have zip lines by the way.They also have a restaurant but was not able to try it since we brought our own food.

The resort has a Greek themed garden, highlighted by a Gazebo and Greek statues. It made sense, as the resort is in a high area, perfect with cool climate and a stunning view, no wonder it makes one feel that it is the home of the gods. There are flowery vines that made the place even lovelier and a hanging bridge tucked near the pine trees.

Overall, I enjoyed exploring the vastness of Sierra Madre Resort. It is a refreshing treat to my senses, location wise. It is a serene place perfect for total relaxation and I would reiterate, should I have been able to use the main pool and there's water in the shower room, I'd say this place is perfect.

How to go to Sierra Madre Resort from Manila Via Commute

I found out two ways commuting there, first is the more scenic route which will involve more zigzag roads and mountain views.

Ride a jeep or FX from Cubao to Cogeo. FX fare as of this writing is Php35. From Cogeo (already a part of Antipolo), ride a jeep going to Sampaloc (a barangay of Tanay). Fare is Php52 to the resort. Sierra Madre will be on your left. Last trip of jeeps passing by the resort from Sampaloc to Cogeo is 6 PM but depending on the volume of passengers and the weather, it is always safer to leave earlier, about 5 PM. That's according to the jeepney drivers I asked in Sampaloc.

That or the second way is when you're visiting Daranak Falls in Tanay first.

From StarMall in crossing, ride a van going to Tanay Rizal, fare is Php70. From Daranak Falls, it is always wiser to go back to the terminal in Plaza Aldea to have a guaranteed seat. From the terminal, ride a jeep going to Sampaloc. Travel time is about 30 minutes. Fare is Php26. From Sampaloc, ride a jeep to Cogeo. Fare is Php10. Sierra Madre is on your right. Last trip of vans from Tanay to Crossing is 8 PM.

The Blogger Would Like to Share: Tips on Creating Your Do-It-Yourself Travel

Daranak Falls: The Pride of Tanay

2012-02-29T17:20:00.003+08:00

I've been planning to visit Tanay, specifically Daranak Falls for the past few years. I happen to pass by the narrow road leading there from the highway going to Momarco Resort in 2008 and I promised to go back and see what Daranak Falls look like. I never knew whatever happened and I haven't gone there, not until after 4 years had passed.

It was a Tuesday morning when I arrived and I expected nobody would be there since it's a weekday. I was surprised that there are quite a number of people (mostly families and barkadas) already occupying the picnic tables and cottages, busy grilling meat and sea shells. It is a far comparison though during weekends, the tricycle driver told us guests would reach even a thousand during weekends.

There was a bridge at the back of the small structure where we paid entrance. It's the start of the water system. The water is shallow with rocks scattered on the riverbed. We walked straight to the falls and was amazed. I've seen pictures of Daranak Falls but it still is different when you're seeing it for real. It was nice knowing there's this waterfall just near Manila, a place that somewhat promises relief from the busy streets and lifestyle of Manila. What's best is it's a public area and the government of Tanay only asks for minimal entrance fee intended for the maintenance of the place. I believe they are doing a good job in keeping the place neat. :)

It rained the day before we traveled to Tanay so the water, although greenish and clean is not clear. I wore my goggles and couldn't see anything underwater. The cascade of the water is strong and I got to enjoy a water back massage towards the end of my stay in the falls. We started swimming at 3PM after the sun was friendlier. That's when most of the visitors packed their lunch boxes and left the place. The water is cold and refreshing, a welcome contrast to the sunny weather. I waddled in the shallow part of the falls and floated in the deeper part of it. It was like I'm glaring at my childhood memories when I was spending my time carelessly and joyously.

Daranak Falls is one of the many reasons why tourists visit Tanay and I understand why. It is a grandeur that can easily be reached from Manila and definitely would offer a day filled with a bit of discovery and fun. :)

How to Go to Daranak Falls via commute:

There are vans going to Tanay parked in front of Star Mall in Crossing. When you're in EDSA facing the mall, you'd find the queue at the most right corner. Fare as of this writing is Php70. It took about 10 minutes to fill the van when we arrived at 9:30AM. Travel time took about 1 and 1/2 hours and stopped at the terminal in Plaza Aldea. Tricycles are available and would take you to Daranak Falls. Usual fare is Php200 per tricycle maximum of 5 people. During weekends,there are tricycle queues in front of the registration area of the falls to take you back to Plaza Aldea but on ordinary days, there's none and you might want to have an arrangement with the driver for a return trip back to the town. We paid Php300 for the two way trip for the two of us.

The Falls hours are from 8AM to 5PM. No overnight stays are allowed. Entrance is Php20 for adults and Php15 for kids. Picnic sheds/tables are being rented for Php100 for the entire day.

The Blogger Would Like to Share: Tips on Creating Your Do-It-Yourself Travel

Reminiscing my Extraordinary Romantic Getaways

2012-02-12T16:42:00.001+08:00

Not everybody likes traveling but I bet everybody loves romance. It surely tickles even the innermost human nerves and then suddenly, it feels like you're floating in mid-air. :)

I've been in love for the past several years of my life. Friends always ask me what's the secret to keeping a long time relationship. To be honest, I don't really know, I'm not an expert in this department. I don't even think I'm pouring so much effort in this relationship but maybe it helps when there's a shared passion. I love traveling and he loves adventure, not much of a similarity but both come hand in hand. :) Not that I'm saying it's the magic but true enough, traveling and discovering new things together rekindle the flair every now and then. With that, let me share you two of the trips I consider most romantic in our past years together (well, not really romantic since I spell romance with a-d-v-e-n-t-u-r-e). To set your expectation, you might not find it romantic at all, but never boring for sure.

Witnessing Sunrise at the top of Mt. Pulag

It was March 2005 when we reached the peak of Mt. Pulag, the highest peak in Luzon and the third in the Philippines. We joined common friends in their second attempt of witnessing themagnificent sunrise of this mountain. Choosing to traverse the steep and mostly ascending Akiki Trail in our ascent, it wasn't a walk in the park, it was a truly tiring 2 days of walking and climbing experience. What made it awesome though is the changing views around. The mountain offered stunning views of lush pine forests gracefully standing along the cliffs, the mossy forest that doesn't allow sunlight to shine through the woods, the rolling grassy slopes and the dwarf bamboo trees. It was also super fun trekking with friends, who have contagious light spirits. To tell you the truth, I stayed most of the time inside the tent once we reached the campsite near the peak on the second night. It was so chilly that my thin body had a hard time coping with the frigid climate, nevertheless, it was a very enriching experience with Nikko and our friends. We woke up at 5am the following morning to climb from our campsite to the peak. There, we patiently waited for the sun to shine. Nikko and I settled beside each other, then... the moment we've been waiting for was unfolding. It was the sun greeting us gloriously. I felt like I'm in heaven seeing the sun starting to illuminate the sea of clouds resting all around us with it's gold rays. It was a magical moment. It felt like the time stopped ticking and we we're just there for the soul purpose of realizing how wonderful God's creation is, and we're beside each other to witness it.

We quietly stood next to each other, holding hands. He then kissed me on my forehead before saying he loves me. That even made it more beautiful for me. Witnessing the sunrise of Mt. Pulag with him is one thing that will always be special to me. We then have picture taking with our friends. :) Needless to say, Mt. Pulag's sunrise is what I consider the most romantic experience. :)

Treading the Unfamiliar Highway of Puerto Galera in the Dark

It was February of 2011 when we had our Puerto Galera trip. We stayed in the more quiet and intimate Tamaraw Beach Resort in Aninuan Beach. Late afternoon on our first day in the resort, we decided to have a leisurely walk on the shore passing by a gorgeous view of a brook surrounded by lush greens with a background of the nearby mountains then the wide expanse of sandy shore in front of the Ayala-Zobel's property.

We crossed a boulder and before we knew it, we we're already walking the shores of Talipanan Beach, located at the far end of the beach stretch. There, we found Luca's, an Italian Restaurant built out of bamboo and nipa with the stunning view of the bluish sea and rocky cliffs. We had a filling dinner of pizza and pasta. We may have lost consciousness of the time and it turned dark without us noticing it. That's when we realized we didn't have flashlights with us to illuminate our path back to the resort.

We decided it wasn't safe to retrace our footsteps in the shore back to the resort. Earlier that afternoon, we crossed a narrow stream where the sea water flows directly into the brook. It wasn't too deep with the water just high above my knees but tides may change and there's always a possibility it might get deeper. It's unwise to go on specially with the darkness that set in. Our best option is the highway, hoping there are tricycles or any mode of transportation passing by the area. We asked direction from Luca's on how we'd reach the highway and they pointed us to a narrow path that turned ascending in a few minutes. With my camera almost emptly, I couldn't turn the LED lights on, instead we relied in the faint lights of our cellphones. Not very reliable but that's the best we've got. The highway is elevated, carved from the foot of the mountain, so in our right is the mountain and on the left is the cliff. Since it was dark, I didn't have a chance to see what I'm guessing is supposed to be a magnificent view. What I saw is a white figure of something slowly crossing the road, right in front of us, from the mountain side to the cliffs, then suddenly disappearing. I'm not joking, I had shivers at that moment but I didn't tell it to Nikko right away, he seemed not to see it. We continued walking and realized the highway is devoid of any lamp posts. It's totally pitch black, the moon might be resting that night. That was the first and only time in our relationship that I heard a bit of panick in Nikko's voice. Although he was trying to sound natural, he somewhat sounded really concerned. It was so creepy that the only thing we could see is a small portion of the asphalted road where we were stepping. We continued. What made me at ease is his hand tightly holding mine. Although anxious, I'm pretty sure that we would arrive in Tamaraw Resort safely. After 20 minutes of walking in the dark, we started to see light posts, few but is a comfort to see. We started to laugh at each other, sounds crazy I know but maybe we we're just so happy to finally surpass the dark.

After 5 minutes of lamp posts and houses though, the road started to be dark again but we were no longer afraid. We started sharing stories while walking and politely said no to a tricycle who stopped and offered us a ride. Then we reached a residential area of the highway again. In just a few minutes, we saw Tamaraw Beach Resort's convention Center and we were so thankful to finally make it, after 35 minutes of walking. We bought a beer and coke in Tamaraw's restaurant, sat in the chairs near the shore, played Bob Marley from Nikko's phone and ate the left ver pizza from Lucas. (Nakakagutom ang matakot, lol!) We started to relax and cuddle, can't get enough of sharing how each felt earlier. Our experience is more frightening than romantic but that experience led me closer to him and he to me. :)

There's a lot more to tell but these two are my definite favorites. I know romance would involve flowers, fancy dinners and surprises but on my experiences, these far exceeds my romance thermometer. It kept both our adrenaline pumping, our heart racing and it just drew us nearer each other, the natural way. :) Afterall, when you find someone who's happiness is as simple as yours and who finds it joyful holding your hands in silence while the sun is rising, or in this matter walking a deserted and dark highway (lol!) what's there to look for?

Happy Valentines Day everyone! What's your story to share?

Tinago Falls and Mimbalot Falls: My Memories of Iligan City Before the Typhoon Sendong

2011-12-20T19:19:00.002+08:00

Last Thursday, I finished my blogs about Tinago Falls and Mimbalut Falls during my break at work. I was not able to publish it because I haven't worked on the photos yet. The weekend swiftly passed by and I was traveling Saturday and Sunday so I didn't see the news until I got back here in Manila and saw it. As I've watched the TV, my heart sunk to see what happened to Iligan City (as well as Cagayan de Oro) where both Tinago and Mimbalut Falls can be found. Iligan City had been devastated by the recent typhoon that battered the area. A lot of properties were destroyed including hundreds of homes, water supply had been cut and the latest news says 700+ are already confirmed dead and hundreds are still missing. I'm not a local of Northern Mindanao nor have several friends from there, but the fact that I had just been there two months ago, had the opportunity to interact with kind locals who were very helpful while we're trying to find our way to wherever we were going makes me sympathize with the locals. I really feel for them now.. I almost don't want to see the news anymore because it really is heart-breaking. But no matter how hard the situation my fellow Filipinos are facing now, I'm confident that they can make it through.

I hope we, who are not affected find it in our hearts to help them by sharing what we can. Even small donations would count. Please check National Red Cross'es link for cash donations. (http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow) It would really help a long way. Our prayers for their strength would also mean so much.

I almost don't want to post my entries anymore feeling like it's not appropriate but somehow, seeing the beauty of these falls somewhat makes me realize that life is like a falls, no matter how strong the rapids are, how rocky the path is, LIFE MUST GO ON. I trust that the people of CDO and Iligan feels the same way.

My blog entries on Tinago Falls :

Tinago Falls: A Hidden Majesty in Iligan City
Mimbalut Fall