Pinoy Travel Pod | Travel Spots in the Philippines

White Island - Mati Davao Oriental

2013-02-27T21:28:00.000-08:00

Another fascinating island in Mati Davao Oriental is the White Island. It is a small island with purely white sand and no trees. It is only a few kilometers from Pujada Island.

White Island is often surrounded by huge waves because it lies in an open water of Pacific Ocean. You cannot stay there at night due to it's dangerous huge waves and some part of the island will disappear during high tide.

From Pujada Island, we sail our boats again to reach White Island. At that time, I didn't know that the island was encircled with huge waves. And we are having hard time docking at the shore. So we do some timing with the waves and jump out from the boat as fast as we could.

Upon reaching the island, it's a wonderful feeling walking barefoot. You can see the other side of it facing the whole Pujada Island. It was indeed a scenic view. Perfect for taking pictures having the whole Pujada Island as background.

On the other side of White Island, there were still huge waves banging on the shore. And you can see waves from different directions are coming in. The waves in White Island were much larger compare to Dahican Beach.

It wasn't a sunny day at that moment and we experienced a little rain while sailing but when we reached the White Island, it was so hot and we easily got sunburn. I think it's because the island doesn't have any trees. :D

The hardest part we encountered was the time we depart from White Island. It's really a struggle launching ourselves to the boats again. It's a kinda fighting with the huge waves scenes. But overall, despite of that struggles, we enjoyed that most. It was a childlike experience according to one of my travel buddies. :)

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/09/white-island-mati-davao-oriental.html

Pujada Island - Mati Davao Oriental

2013-02-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

We all know that Mati Davao Oriental is a goldmine of natural wonders and one of this wonders that I can highly recommend is the Pujada Island. Pujada Island was our next target after the harsh huge waves in Dahican Beach Resort.

We hired small boats to get there. Those boats are actually used for fishing that is why it's capacity was only for 2 to 3 person. I enjoyed the view of a numbered small boats sailing together to reach the island. I also enjoyed knowing that the boat operators and the relatives of my friend were also enjoying being with us. One of them said she never reached Pujada Island although she was living in Mati for a long time. :D

Before we headed to Pujada Island, we went to a fish vendor near the island. They sell variety of delicious fishes and some are not really common in a city's wet market. I can say that locals there are truly blessed because they are very rich in marine life. Their fresh water was over flowing too 24 hours each day. They let it flow all day because the water pipe will explode if they'll close it.

When we reached Pujada Island, I was amazed of it's beauty. It is an undeveloped island and populated only by caretakers and locals whose task is to guard the Island from abuse and to maintain it's pristine condition. According to the locals we talk to and to our boat operators, the island was shared by Barangays Lawigan and Macambol.

We explore half of the island by walking along the shore. The white sand were so fine and soft that makes our foot sink a little when stepped on the sand. We enjoyed also taking pictures and doing anime fighting scenes. We want to stay there overnight however there's no light and we didn't brought any tents for sleepover.

How To Get There

From Davao City Ecoland terminal, ride a bus going to Mati and from Mati City, talking to locals is the easiest way to get to Pujada Island. The locals are so very nice and approachable. In our case, we stayed at my friend's relatives which is located just along the sea shore and lots of fisherman's boat docked.

So we asked them if we could rent their boats to help us reach Pujada Island. They were so nice and kind and even them were also having a good time staying on Pujada Island.

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/09/pujada-island-mati-davao-oriental.html

Dahican Beach Resort - Purok Maribojoc Mati, Davao Oriental

2013-02-13T21:25:00.000-08:00

Dahican Beach Resort was one of the most popular spot in Mati Davao Oriental. It was dubbed as another Boracay of the South but it wasn't look like one. Dahican Beach Resort is famous due to it's huge waves where a lot of surfers spend their time playing with the waves, enjoying surfing and skim-boarding.

Dahican Beach was the second place we visited when we had our tour there. It is also quite isolated from the city center, as you pass through rough roads. The wide fine white sand coastline is fronting to an open sea from the Pacific Ocean, that's why huge waves are coming in to the resort.

We witness some people there who do skim-boarding and they were awesome. We had a lot of fun playing with the huge waves without boards. :D

Dahican Beach Resort is clean, from the shoreline up to the cottages and comfort rooms despite of still being undeveloped and a lot of locals resided near the resort.

Botona Dahican Beach Resort is located in Purok Maribojoc, Dahican, Mati, Davao Oriental. Set within the fully-fenced 2-hectare area are two European-inspired houses with two airconditioned rooms in each house. With only four rooms available for rent, the resort maintains its quiet and relaxing ambiance.

Botona Dahican Beach Resort
Contact Numbers: +63918-525-5227; +63916-796-8054
Website: http://sites.google.com/site/dahicanbeach/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=109667829073793&v=info

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/09/dahican-beach-resort-purok-maribojoc.html

Mainit Hot Spring and Pangyan Falls - Brgy. Don Mariano Marcos, Lupon Davao Oriental

2013-02-07T21:24:00.000-08:00

At Brgy. Don Mariano Marcos, Lupon Davao Oriental lies a refreshing waterfalls and hot spring. The locals called it Pangyan Falls. It is a small cascading waterfalls and behind the flowing streams, there's a small hot spring tub with a natural flowing luke-warm water.

You need to walk for a few minutes before you can reach the place. The resort was affordable. There are cottages too. And you need to pay entrance fee and parking fee for motorcycle - if you have any. Many locals used to take a bath there and sometimes do their laundry.

At the waterfall curtain, you can swim there but not suitable for diving because it is not too deep. At the time we went there, it's a little rainy day and the waterfalls is kinda heavy.

We tried to cross the shallow flowing stream to reach the other side and try to climb the upper part of the falls. The current is a little strong and can't hardly control our balance. And they said, the current become too strong during a heavy rain season.

We reach the top and witness a nice view there. There's an upper portion but then it's hard to climb it, so slippery and not a so good view. So we just enjoyed the view and water there and then proceed to hot spring to relax out body from the long travel.

Other hotos taken at Pangyan Falls

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/08/mainit-hot-spring-and-pangyan-falls_28.html

What To Do in Mati Davao Oriental

2013-02-02T21:23:00.000-08:00

Mindanao has a lot to offer when in comes to nature tripping, adventures and breathtaking white sand beaches. Been planning so long to visit Mati Davao Oriental as I wanted to explore more in local spots.

I have a friend who lives in Mati Davao Oriental and just this year, me and my travel buddies decided to go to their place. This is one of the best travel experience I had. Adventures, great bonding with friends and a lot of new experiences.

You will be amazed as you enter Mati Davao Oriental. A huge signage welcomes you. You can stop there, take pictures like we did. There's a restaurant too in case you wanna have some break and buy foods.

And along the highway headed to Mati proper, you can witness the so called Sleeping Dinosaur Island. From above, you can see the whole shape of island which is really a sleeping dinosaur shaped. You can see changes to the said island due to some numerous trees cut down. But island still looking good.

We asked the driver to let us took pictures outside. So we have bunches of photos there and enjoyed the scenic island view.

We stayed at the house of my friend's auntie. They are so very accommodating, friendly and nice. You cannot have an awkward feeling as you talked and go along with them and seems like they are also enjoying being with us up to the end of the tour.

We are expecting to visit Pujada Island and Dahican Beach and to our surprise, we visited more than that. We experienced a little bit of trekking since we went to waterfalls, hot spring, cold creeks, white sand beaches and white island. Places that aren't known to many who has been in Mati.

We visited a flowing cold stream - a suggested attraction of one of the locals there. They called it the Secret Creek. It was a 30 minutes trek before you can reach the Secret Creek from the main base.

When you're near, you can hear the flowing water. It is actually a shallow long flowing stream. Entrance Fee is Php 10.00. The water is fresh, clear and cold. Suitable for relaxing and can take away stress.

We also visited waterfalls and hot spring, white sand beaches in Pujada Island and White Island. Watch out for this blog entries. I will discuss more about those islands and other spots we visited in Mati Davao Oriental.

Here's how to get there

We hired a van for Mati tour. The advantage of hiring a van is that it is more comfortable and you can ask the driver to stop at any spots you like and took pictures. Also it is much cheaper and I swear, commuting there by land is so difficult.

Also it is much better if you have a friend with you who knows routes in Mati. Or you can get a tour guide. You may contact the tourism officer in Mati and ask for assistance or tour guides - http://www.mati.gov.ph

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/08/mati-davao-oriental-getaway.html

Sarangani's Marorong Islet

2013-01-24T21:21:00.000-08:00

Last but not the least is the Marorong Islet. This is the last attraction we visited since it is near at Mabila Port. Marorong Islet is located 130 meters away from Mabila Port. It is also called as Ballistic Islet which derives from a word bullet because of it's bullet or rocket shaped like that nestles the ruins of what was once a bastion of Ruy Lopez de Villalobos.

Marorong Islet was already renovated, they added sea wall along the islet to keep waters from coming in during high tide. It has a little shore portion but we haven't see it because it was already late in the afternoon when we get there and water is about to go high.

Island hop in Balut Island can be done in one day but if you want to stay there for more days and nights during other outdoor activities, you can check in at JVL Inn or stay at Tuke Maklang Beach Resort. JVL Inn is located in Brgy. Mabila - it is just a walking distance from Mabila Port. It is safe because Mayor Jerry Cawa owned Tuke Maklang Resort and JVL Inn.

JVL Inn is a comfortable place and affordable too. Room rates range from PHP 1,000 to PHP 2,000 per room and per night. Usually rooms are good for groups like 5-8 persons according to one of the JVL stuff we talked.

Also don't worry about the foods as JVL Inn has a cafe downstairs. Their foods are affordable and delicious too.

We left Mabila Port at 9:00PM. Every Sunday, M/V Song of Dolly 3 fare is only PHP 300.00, original fare is PHP 360.00. Again, we traversed 5 hours before reaching the Lion Wharf in General Santos City and the night we left Mabila Port, it was really raining hard.

Some of my friends asked me why am I not afraid traversing the ocean in the middle of the night, I said "that's one of the fun thing in life - taking a risk :D". I do pray also, in fact the boat captain leads the prayer before leaving the port.

For more travel details and expenses breakdown in Balut Island , check out this post - Olaniban Island Balut Island

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/07/marorong-islet-ballistic-balut-island.html

Tuke Maklang Beach Resort at Balut Island Sarangani

2013-01-19T21:20:00.000-08:00

After visiting Sabang Hot Spring, we then headed to Tuke Maklang Beach Resort. At far you can see blue green waters, but some part of it has a lot of sea weeds specially at the shallow portion - still Tuke Maklang is nice.

The resort was already developed, with 2 available rooms, each room is good for two persons. You can bring tents and pitch it for free. There are open cottages available too for only Php 100.00.

Open Cottages in Tuke Maklang

You can enjoy sports here too as they have volleyball sand court and jet ski. They have small boat (kayaking) but the time we asked to rent it, they allow us to use it for free. :D We enjoyed boat riding even though we don't know how to use boat paddle.

Aside from that, you can check out the back of Tuke Maklang Beach Resort, another set of white sand beaches but not yet developed.

At the back of Tuke Maklang

Tuke Maklang Beach Resort was owned by Mayor Jerry Cawa. The entrance fee is only PHP 10.00. They have also canteen where you can have short orders and halo-halo. So when you're planning to visit Balut Island, don't ever skip this place. You can stay here overnight, more convenient and safe.

Getting there should be included when you hire a boat for island hop. Please check out the post about Mabila Port in Balut Island, Sarangani. Few people only visited this place as Balut Island is not yet well known to people and it takes a lot of time before you can reach the place.

But you know what, traveling in remote places is more fun, educational, adventure, you'll discover how simple their lifestyle is, know their culture and beliefs.

Other Photos Taken at Tuke Maklang Beach Resort

At top of this wall resides numerous bats

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/07/tuke-maklang-beach-resort-balut-island.html

Sabang Hot Spring at Brgy. Lipol, Balut Island Sarangani, Davao del Sur

2013-01-14T21:19:00.000-08:00

The next spot we visited in Balut Island was the Sabang Hot Spring. Some suggested to go there at night right after the island hopping to let ourselves relax and experience a bath in hot spring.

But to our surprise, Sabang Hot Spring has a temperature that can be hot as 80C - you can really boil an egg here! Sabang Hot Spring is about 16 meters wide. There were two enclosed hot springs there. The small one and the heart shaped one. The heart shape hot spring has the hottest temperature as it is very near to a huge volcanic hole where you can see the water is really boiling. It produce sulfur also - which they said it's good for skin and used by many spa.

According to the boat operator, Sabang Hot Spring, Olaniban Island and even the M/V Song of Dolly 3 are owned by RD Group of Companies.

Maybe few years from now, there will be available spas near the Sabang Hot Spring. It might be fully develop also as the place was already promoted on TV and a recommended tourist attraction in Mindanao.

Sabang Hot Spring is located at Barangay Lipol and about 1 hour and 30 minutes travel from Olaniban Island.

While strolling around Balut Island and while heading to Sabang Hot Spring, we witness these scenic view of Bolae Cove and Tuke Nunsol. Really breathtaking. Check out these photos.

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/07/sabang-hot-spring-brgy-lipol-balut.html

Olaniban Island in Sarangani

2013-01-09T21:17:00.000-08:00

Mindanao is comprised of beautiful islands that are unknown to many. Exploring the southernmost part of Davao del Sur and southwest of Saranggani Island, I found a beautiful island called Balut Island - not so known to many. Balut Island is a volcanic island, known also as Balut Volcano which is an hour away from Indonesian Islands. There were no reported volcanic eruptions in the history.

Balut Island is composed of 12 barangays according to the locals we talked to. Mostly populated by Muslims, Bilaan and Sangils. Sangils are natives of Indonesia. Saranggani Island is rich in marine and aquatic life. They have a lot to offer like fine white sand beaches, underwater caves, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking and other fun outdoor activities that could possibly make Sarangani Island become one of the best tourist spots in the Philippines.

How To Get There

From Davao City Ecoland Terminal, we ride a Yellow Bus liner bound to General Santos City around quarter to 8:00PM. It's a 3 hour bus ride and from General Santos City bus terminal, we took a motorcycle that brought us to Lions Beach Wharf where M/V Song of Dolly 3 boat waiting for us. M/V Song of Dolly 3 will leave at exactly 12:00 midnight, so better manage your time, book first on the boat.

M/V Song of Dolly 3 will dock at Mabila Port, Balut Island. They don't operate on a daily boat ride schedule. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday midnight were the only schedules available bound to Balut Island and from Balut Island, the same days but leaves Mabila Port at 9:00PM. From Lions Beach Wharf to Balut Island, it will took 5 hours. Instead of seats, the ferry provides a bed to each passenger to have a comfty sleep while travesing.

At 6:00AM, M/V Song of Dolly 3 will dock at Balut Island first port to unload cargo from the ship. A lot of supplies were unloaded on the ferry for Sarangani Island locals needs. Then will dock at Mabila Port after unloading cargo.

It is a must to meet Hon. Mayor Jerry Cawa or chieftain Hon. Abet Jawed as soon as you get to Sarangani Island. They can assist and guide you. They can also help in recommending pump boats to be use for island hopping.

We hired a pump boat for island hopping for only Php 2,000, boat capacity is 8-10. There are other boats to hire in case you exceed to 10 persons. And make sure to hire a pump boat with two engines. 2 main reasons: faster and engine back up in case other engine will stop working in the middle of the sea.

We first stop at Olaniban Island. From Mabila Port, it took us 1 and half hour to reach Olaniban Island. The island was nicely shaped. Fine white sand, crystal clear water and undeveloped place - a truly perfect getaway. It has a lighthouse which was built by Americans during their reign. A really recommended place to visit. Watch out the other spots we visited in Saranggani Island that I will about to discuss soon. :)

Sarangani Island Travel Expenses Breakdown

Yellow Bus Liner Bound to GenSan - Php 250.00
Motorcyle - Php 10.00
Lions Beach Wharf Terminal Fee - Php. 20.00
M/V Song of Dolly 3 - Php 360.00
Pump Boat - Php 2,000

Ferry Bound to Balut Island Contact Number
RD Group of Companies (083)552 4435

Other means of travel in case M/V Song of Dolly is not available
M/VNieky or M/V Sabgangat located at Puting Bato Wharf

Other Photos Taken at Olaniban Island, Sarangani

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/06/olaniban-island-balut-island-sarangani.html

Taboan Public Market in Cebu City

2013-01-04T21:16:00.000-08:00

Before leaving Cebu City, you should visit Taboan Market in Cebu where you can find a lot of dried fishes. Vary from different type of fishes, squids and shrimps for a very affordable price.

The famous dried fish is Danggit. A small and thin fish available as salted or unsalted. I prefer both as both salted and unsalted taste good to me.

I bought dried danggit for only Php450.00 and dried squid for the same price per kilo. You'll get a lot of dried fish when you buy 1 kilo. Taste good specially when you dipped it to a vinegar with garlic and have a best fried rice - a very tasty breakfast!

Aside from dried fish, other Cebu's delicacies can be found there like dried mangoes, otap, chicharon car-car and other delicacies.

How To Get There

If you're not familiar with the transport routes in Cebu City and you're planning to take public transport, then you'll find it difficult to get there. I suggest to get a cab, all taxi drivers know this place as this is one of the famous market place.

A Kalesa (Kartanilya) from Carbon headed to Taboan Market

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/06/taboan-public-market-carbon-cebu-city.html

Lapu-Lapu Shrine at Mactan Shrine Park Cebu City

2012-12-28T21:14:00.000-08:00

The Lapu-Lapu Shrine is also a tourist attraction in Cebu City. It is indeed a historic place just like Magellan Cross. The Lapu-Lapu Shrine is a 20 meter bronze statue and can be found at Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City.

The statue was built to honor the native leader Lapu-Lapu who defeated the Spanish soldiers and killed the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. The first Philippine battle was happened last April 27, 1521 on the very exact location where Lapu-Lapu monument was built. That is why the place is being preserved for historical conservation.

The place is famous specially when conducting educational tours, as students from all over the region visit the place for historical purposes. It is a great honor too to visit this historic place and was proud to have our native hero named Lapu-Lapu.

Inside the park there are stores that sell different souvenirs. If you do feel hungry, there are lots of restaurants. There's also a seafood restaurant that is suitable for your stomach and pocket.

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/06/lapu-lapu-shrine-mactan-shrine-park.html

Magellan's Cross in Cebu City

2012-12-18T21:13:00.000-08:00

We didn't miss the chance to visit other places in Cebu City like the old Magellan's Cross. It was a 485 year old cross actually. According to history, 500 years ago, Ferdinand Magellan planted a huge cross in Sugbu which is now Cebu. Magellan's intention was for the Baptism of Island Chief Rajah Humabon into a Roman Catholic religion.

Magellan's Cross is located in Cebu City Hall and just along Magallanes Street. The street name "Magallanes" was derived from a Spanish translation of Magellan.

The original Magellan's Cross was encased in a wood cross displayed on the center top of the chapel. They do it that way to protect the cross from people who wants to chipped some part of it believing it has a miraculous and healing power.

How To Get There

Magellan’s Cross is located at Magallanes Street, just right in front of the old Cebu City Hall building. You can get a taxi cab and tell the driver to drop you at Magellan Cross.

What we did was took a PUJ. We do that usually in order to familiarize the place and it's route. Along Magallanes Street, you can find Cebu guitar vendors, shell crafts and woodcraft displays - best for souvenirs.

A Note About Taxi Cab in Cebu: Just be extra careful as many Cebu taxi drivers are not really trusted. If they sensed that you are a tourist, they might stroll you somewhere before heading to your real target place as they want to make you pay higher.

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/06/485-year-old-magellans-cross-in-cebu.html

Cebu City's Taoist Temple

2012-12-12T21:11:00.000-08:00

Having a day tour in Cebu City, we first visited Cebu City's Taoist Temple. It is located in Beverly Hills Subdivision in Cebu, Philippines. Cebu Taoist Temple is one of the main attractions of Cebu. The temple arised last 1972 by group of Chinese. It is elevated for about 270 meters above. Beside this temple, another temple named Phu Sian can also be found however it is not open to public.

Cebu Taoist Temple was built to have a worship place for Taoism. It is open to all from 8am to 5pm. Some devotees pray inside and they said it really grants their wishes. Usually, people visit only to have a tour and to see Chinese religious beliefs. Inside the temple, you need to observe silense specially on the prayer rooms. They wouldn't allow you to take pictures inside the prayer room. Loud voice and any chaotic actions are not allowed inside, just respect their temple and you'll be fine.

You can only enjoying sight seeing and picture taking on other temple area except the prayer room. There are guards on duty and they are very strict in regards to their do's and dont's.

Inside the temple, you'll find Lao Tze teachings. They have said that devotees climb 81 steps and that represent as the 81 chapters of Taosim scriptures. Arriving on the prayer room, they will light a joss sticks and ask for fortune reading from the monks. It's my first time to saw a monk, I only saw that on Chinese movies. And it's a nice travel experience knowing some other culture and religious beliefs.

How To Get There

In our case, we didn't exert too much effort in order to get there. I have my auntie residing in Cebu, she guided us and bring vehicle with her. Thanks for a very well accommodation!

Cebu Taoist Temple is located in Beverly Hills Subdivision. It is about 10 minutes away from the main road of Barangay Lahug. It is recommended to bring vehicle with you or ride a taxi because the place is too far and you cannot found PUJ heading there directly. When riding a PUJ, you need to stop at high way and then just walk going to the temple.

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/06/taoist-temple-in-cebu-city-beverly.html

Cebu IT Park

2012-12-07T21:10:00.000-08:00

Cebu City is one of the top growing IT business industry in the Philippines. The known Cebu IT Park has generated a numerous job opportunities, good advantage for Cebuanos.

Progressive Cebu IT Park

Cebu IT Park recently employing more than 13,000 individuals and now hosting over 60 BPO providers. No wonder biggest call center companies and other outsourcing companies can be found here.

They also maintain a well modern trading center with Asian architecture and high end technologies in which talented individuals and BPO specialist are comfortable conducting IT meetings here.

The park also offers recreational activities and wellness centers and of course with a tasty food choices available near the infrastructure called as The Walk. Many food booths are there with well serving stuffs.

Cebu City's Asiatown I.T. Park is just 1.5 kilometers away from Cebu Business Park and 20 minutes from Mactan International Airport and about 10 minutes from Cebu International Port. More convenient as it is also near to shopping malls, hotel and other dining options.

For inquiries, you can contact their Administration Office
7th Floor Cebu Holdings Center, Cebu Business Park
(6332) 412-7257
(6332) 415-1411 to 15
(6332) 415-1481
customer_care@cebuholdings.com
www.asiatownitpark.com

Contact Number sources and other info sources can be found at http://www.everythingcebu.com/cebu-profile-basic-info/cebu-city%E2%80%99s-asiatown-i-t-park/

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/06/cebu-it-park-cebu-citys-asiatown.html

What To Do at Night in Metro Cebu City

2012-12-02T21:09:00.000-08:00

If you are fond of night life, unwinding and hanging out with friends through having disco and bars, then you'll surely love Cebu City.

Cebu City has a lot of entertainments to offer - best location is the Mango Avenue where nightclubs, discos, bars, music lounges and cafes can be found. Most of them remain open until dawn, so all party people love to stay here as they can fully enjoy the non stop party with their friends.

It is expected that every weekend Mango Avenue is very crowded. Also every Wednesday, a lot of people come in because many bars are having a special promo for ladies where their discos are free of cost.

About security, of course everyone of use is concern about the security of places. No worries as a lot of cops are on duty along the highway of Mango Avenue. They will not tolerate any kind of chaos.

Image source - http://media.photobucket.com/image/mango%20avenue%20cebu%20city/pinakamaldito/IMG_3087-2.jpg

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/06/night-life-in-cebu-city-what-to-do-at.html

Sizzling Pepper Steak in Ayala Center Cebu

2012-11-29T21:07:00.000-08:00

Hungry stomach, after hours of mall strolling, we went to look for a tasty and new restaurant that don't exist in Davao City. At least we could try a new cuisine in Cebu City. There a lot to try in Ayala Center Cebu to feed your stomach. We first went to a Romania cuisine but then it's so full that waiters and waitress cannot even get our orders.

So we moved to another restaurant and found Sizzling Pepper Steak. They serve beef steak, spicy pork sizzling for an affordable price. The taste - yes delicious, tasty, mouthwatering and well-seasoned. When I research about the Sizzling Pepper Steak Restaurant, it was said to be the best sizzling pepper steak in town - no wonder.

Aside from that, they have also a warm welcoming staffs. The ambiance is cool, relaxing perfect for smoky dishes.

Sizzling Beef Pepper Steak

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/06/smokey-dinner-at-sizzling-pepper-steak.html

Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu City

2012-11-22T21:06:00.000-08:00

When visiting a large cities, we won't miss strolling malls like in Ayala Center in Cebu City. Ayala Center Cebu is the Cebu Business Park’s centerpiece, a fully-integrated shopping center. Built on a 9-hectare property, this shopping center is ideally situated at the crossroads of connecting avenues that link up with the rest of Cebu City.

It is the biggest mall in Cebu City, it has a mini park on the center of the mall - located outside where you can breath fresh air. It's a typical Ayala malls like in Glorietta Manila and Abreeza Davao with a lot of store you can shop on. Food corners and coffee shops.

Ayala Center Cebu’s Active Zone is the wellness and recreation hub of the mall. Located at the North west of Ayala Center Cebu it is where high-end lifestyle brands are found such as Phiten, Fitness and Athletics, Time Depot among others. A special nook with a good selection of food kiosks is also found in this area.

More historical information on http://www.cebuholdings.com/project/ayala-center-cebu

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/06/mall-tour-at-ayala-center-cebu-cebu.html

Skywalk Extreme and Edge Coaster - Sky Experience Adventure at Crown Regency Hotel & Towers, Cebu City

2012-11-16T21:04:00.000-08:00

Acrophobia or fear of heights, do you have that? Well, if you do have, I guess experiencing Skywalk Extreme and Edge Coaster will be the most pretty way to overcome your fear. Staying a couple of days in Cebu City, we have done a lot of things, adventures and mall tours.

Skywalk Extreme - Sky Experience Adventure in Crown Regency Hotel & Towers, Cebu City

We first try the Skywalk Extreme in Crown Regency Hotel and Towers. Crown Regency Hotel has 37 floors and it is the tallest hotel in Cebu City. From the 37th floor is where we are about to experience sky adventure. I have a friend with me and he do have an acrophobia but was amazed because he's the one who insisted to try this. (Thank you Kai for a fun sky adventure!)

When we get there, the stuffs were so accommodating, I let him handle my camera so that he can took pictures for us. It was indeed breathtaking outside, specially at night. You can see almost whole Cebu City. There's a guitar shape highway fronting the Crown Regency Hotel when you look down. A best experience and you must try it too.

Going back to Skywalk Extreme, it's not literary you'll swing on the edge facing the ground from 37th floor, that's really what I am expecting when we plan to try Skywalk Extreme but then you'll just have to pass the subway outside wearing body harness. It's not really that scary - good for the heart as they've said.

Edge Coaster - 2nd Sky Experience Adventure in Crown Regency Hotel & Towers, Cebu City

The second sky adventure ride we experience was the Edge Coaster. Where all you need to do is to sit on the coaster with body harness locked. When engine starts, the coaster will pull half down which makes you lean facing downwards. It's a scary feeling because it seems like you'll be falling. Then you have the control to take it back to normal position or to elevate it again until you reach the next corner. It's just 10-15 minutes Edge Coaster ride.

A total of Php750.00 to experience Skywalk Extreme and Edge Coaster with souvenir and certificate. There are photographers that will took pictures while you enjoy the rides. Each picture will cost Php200.00. It's up to you if you'll get those pictures.

For Rates and Schedules in Sky Adventure, please visit this link - http://www.skyexperienceadventure.com/page/rates-and-schedules

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/06/skywalk-extreme-and-edge-coaster-sky.html

Villa Carmelita Inland Resort and Hotel - Toril Davao City

2012-11-08T21:03:00.000-08:00

Another nice swimming pool in Davao City is the Villa Carmelita Inland Resort and Hotel. It's new name was Ermelyn's Inland Resort but Villa Carmelita is the common and known name.

Villa Carmelita Inland Resort and Hotel has a huge swimming pool for adult, elevated part is 7 feet and it has kid's pool for 3 feet. Kids would also enjoy 3 slides and other amenities like playground.

You can bring foods for a low corkage, Php40.00 for food corkage and Php20.00 for drinks. The entrance fee is only Php100.00. There's a cafeteria inside the hotel and serves you grilled chicken, pork, fish and other foods in case you don't want to bring foods. They also serve soft and hard drinks and other beverages.

Swimming pool is only until 10:00PM. You can stay overnight by acquiring a room on Villa Carmelita Hotel. It's quite expensive; 1 room good for 2 is Php 2,500 for less than 24 hours.

Villa Carmelita Inland Resort and Hotel is located in Km. 14 MacArthur Highway, Toril, Davao City. It can easily be found because it's location is just along the high way.

Villa Carmelita Inland Resort and Hotel Rates

Entrance Fee (Adult) - Php100.00
Entrance Fee (Kids) - Php80.00
Food Corkage - Php40.00
Beverage Corkage - Php20.00 per bottle
Tents and Tables are FREE

How To Get There

From Davao City proper, take a PUJ heading to Toril. Tell the driver that you are headed to Villa Carmelita. It's just a walking distance if you'll saw Felcris Supermarket Toril.

Villa Carmelita Inland Resort and Hotel
Km. 14 MacArthur Highway, Toril Davao City
Contact Number: 295-2688

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/06/villa-carmelita-inland-resort-and-hotel.html

Campo Agua Resort and Restaurant - Brgy. Sirawan Toril Davao City

2012-11-03T21:01:00.000-07:00

Living a years in Davao City, just recently I heard about Campo Agua Resort in Sirawan Toril Davao City. Campo Agua Resort is a nature type resort that is good for family bonding and team building activities.

Entrance fee is only Php 60.00 inclusive of cottage and swimming pool. Inside you can enjoy a cool nature look. They have swimming pool but only 3 feet. Only for kids. :) They have a lot of fish ponds too where you can do fishing - fishes variaties are Tilapia, Bangus and Hito. Captured Tilapia will only cost Php 70.00. Fishing rod rent is only Php 5.00 and bait cost Php 20.00

What I like most in Campo Agua Resort was the fishing activity. I can recommend this to all to have their family bonding here at Campo Agua Resort. The place is also clean, nice cottages and friendly service crews.

At the time we went there, fishes isn't that very good because they were still small. If you do have plan to go out fishing at Campo Agua Resort, you can call them first and inquire.

I love also their food - so delicious. We order deep fried Hito and it was so mouth watering. Can't wait to go back there and catch huge hito. :D

Campo Agua Resort is only 1 hour ride from town proper. It is located along Sirawan highway and it is so easy to locate. Get a chance to visit this place too this summer!

Campo Agua Resort Contact Numbers

Landline Numners
+63-82-291-1666
+63-82-299-2795

Mobile number
+63-916-7645283

More Photos Taken at Campo Agua Resort

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/05/campo-agua-resort-and-restaurant-brgy.html

Little Boracay Resort at Kisulad, Sta. Maria Davao del Sur

2012-10-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

Enjoying summer, I found a nice fine white sand beach resort in Sta. Maria, Davao del Sur. Before, it was known as Puting Balas - a visayan term for white sand but the real resort name was Mariscal Beach Resort. Owned by Sta. Maria Mayor Rudy Mariscal.

It's white shoreline was measured for about 2 kilometers long. People would mistakenly thought that the sand were artificially dumped there because after this long kilometers of fine white sand resides a gradient black and brown sand. But then locals said that those white sand were really natural.

Nowadays, the resort was known as Little Boracay because of it's Boracay like white powdery sand. The difference are no parties and fire dancing, few people come and go and no hotels. But some of us wants a hideout to have inner peace and serenity and I can recommend Little Boracay as your perfect serenity getaway.

The resort has airconditioned rooms too and neat open cottages for a cheap cost. They also accomodate seminars, they have functional rooms and hall.

Entrance Fees and Other Cost

Entrance fee PHP 20.00
Airconditioned Room PHP 1,000/day
No food and drinks corkage

How to Get There

Mariscal Beach Resort or Little Boracay was located exactly in Kisulad, Sta. Maria, Davao del Sur. It's 96 kilometers from Davao City. By land, you can ride a bus bound to Sta. Maria. Davao City bus terminal is located in Ecoland. Non aircon buses only cost Php 80.00 and air conditioned buses like Metroshuttle would cost Php 142.00 and Metroshuttle non air conditioned bus cost only Php 132.00. From Sta. Maria, take a tricycle and ask them to take you at Little Boracay.

Other Photos Taken at Little Boracay

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/05/little-boracay-resort-kisulad-sta-maria.html

Kaputian Beach Park Samal Island

2012-10-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

Kaputian Beach Park really has a nice location, perfect shoreline and fine white sand. We had a chance to take photos there while the boat we rented stop over to refill gasoline.

The area were so nice however when we get back to the boat, from the boat we saw many sea urchins under the water. It's kinda disappointing why they let sea urchins live there even on shallow waters. Backpackers won't like to stay there and swim with numerous sea urchins.

However, I do believed that they will find ways to moved those sea urchins on a deep area to make tourist happy staying on Kaputian Beach Park. You can visit Kaputian Beach Park Resort for more information about Kaputian Beach Park such as rates and more photos inside the resort.

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/05/kaputian-beach-park-samal-island.html

Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Samal Island

2012-10-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

One of my dreams was to experience the luxurious Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Samal Island. I had a chance of a close encounter through Samal Island Hop. We asked the tour guide to get the boat closer to Pearl Farm.

Indeed Pearl Farm was breathtakingly nice and awesome, it's obviously expensive and no other resort can compare I think. The cottages that were aligned near the shoreline were so nice. The tour guide said that cottages and guestrooms were designed from Maranao that reflects the Island's culture and were inspired by a rich tribal ancestry.

Other Pearl Farm Beach Resort Photos

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/05/pearl-farm-beach-resort-samal-island.html

Malipano Island in Samal

2012-10-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

Right there, I discovered another island called Malipano. It is a separate island that still belongs to Samal Island. I was amazed with Malipano Island because of it's clean ambiance that reveals more beauty and elegance. Malipano Island is located hundred meters away from Samal Island and has a seven executive villas.

Malipano Island has elegant houses that was built directly over the water and some other houses were located on a rocky area above the beach. Houses location were so nice and it's style were like a high class modern houses that you can relax on.

Malipano Island cottages are octagonal shape that contains a reception area, dining room, living room and a guest suite. Each room has a private toilet and bath room too. You'll surely feel like a princess with their heavenly beds, nice furniture, floor and overlooking location of veranda. It is definitely an executive villas and dripping in luxury.

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/05/malipano-island-samal-island-hopping.html

Vanishing Island in Samal

2012-10-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

Mansud Wall

We also passed by with this breathtaking Mansud Wall they called when we are on our way to Vanishing Island.

Second stop was the Vanishing Island. I just discovered that there were two Vanishing Islands in Samal. I was expecting to visit the one I saw online with a cottages on a little island that vanish during high tide and only cottages can be seen.

But then, the tour guide brought us to a very little island that was about to vanished that time. I was not disappointed because that little island were also nice and amazing. Really a small sand were only seen when we get there.

We asked the tour guide if we can swim there, it get easily deep even when you are just near on the island. They let us wear life vest and swam there for an hour. It was an amazing experience and underwater it was very rich in coral reefs and marine life.

Before we left the island, it was only an inch before it will vanish. If you want to get there - the Vanishing Island was in between Davao City and Samal Island. A pump boat ride from main Samal City was about 3 to 5 minutes.

Original post can be found at http://themarkofanexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/05/vanishing-island-samal-island-hopping.html