WOW PINAS!!

ILOILO in HALF A DAY

2012-09-26T23:08:00.000+08:00

The first time I visited Iloilo was a spur of the moment thing when my husband and I decided to give the province a quick tour after the end of the convention we attended in Bacolod City. Travel time to Iloilo from Bacolod City via a fast craft is about an hour.

Since we were pressed for time as we still have to catch the last trip back to Bacolod, we asked the taxi driver we hired to bring us to the most famous place of the province.

Our friendly driver suggested MIAG-AO CHURCH. But before going there, we had lunch in one of the eateries near the beach. We ordered their Chicken Inasal and Talaba (oysters). I was surprised to learn that talabas are being sold by the bucket there and are relatively cheap. (They are quite expensive in the city where I reside.) Unfortunately, I chose the mere steamed talabas hence, I was not able to enjoy them that much. I like them baked and buttered.

CHEAP TALABAS

CHICKEN INASAL
Did not like this that much. Color's too orange for me and texture's too dry for my taste..

MIAG-AO CHURCH is a 45-minute to an hour drive from Iloilo City. Some drivers, for some unknown reasons, would say that it would take you 2 hours to reach Miag-ao from Iloilo City but it's totally untrue.

It turned out that MIAG-AO CHURCH is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the few Baroque Churches in the Philippines. The construction of the church allegedly began in 1787 and was completed in 1797. It is a magnificent church and very well preserved considering that it was erected about 200 years ago.

Below are some of the pictures we took:

MAGNIFICENT CHURCH

THE ALTAR

Thereafter, we made a quick tour of the UP Campus also located in Miag-ao. There is nothing much to do there except take our pictures alongside the famous UP Oblation statue :).

As there is not much time left, we headed back to Bacolod City via a fast craft. Though we weren't able to do much, the short visit was well worth it.

Fastcraft schedules can be viewed on the following websites:

BACOLOD TO ILOILO via SuperCat
ILOILO to BACOLOD via SuperCat

BACOLOD TO ILOILO via Ocean Jet
ILOILO to BACOLOD via Ocean Jet

BACOLOD to ILOILO and vice versa via Weesam

Soon... a more detailed account of our recent Iloilo trip where I was able to stay there for 4 days

CAMSUR WATERSPORTS COMPLEX -Where Kids can be Kids and Adults can be Kids too!!

2012-04-18T00:21:00.000+08:00

After our kids finished their Math Intensive Training in Naga City, we (the mothers) brought them to Camsur Watersports Complex at Pili, Camarines Sur for some serious R & R. The water park is a 40-minute ride from Naga City.

The park was made famous by its world-class wakeboarding/kneeboarding where beginners and experts alike can join in the fun. The biggest wakeboard area is right in the middle of the park... Once you registered as a beginner, you will be given the option to kneeboard or to wakeboard. Kneeboarding is easier since it does not require much balancing act and even first-timers may be able to finish one complete trip (which means going around in a circle while ducking some orange bouys).

You have to lean to your right/left to duck the orange bouys

Practicing on dry land.....

Beginners who want to wakeboard will be led to the "Beginner's Area" which is much smaller than their main wakeboarding area. Instead of going around in a circle, you only need to cross the small man-made lake from one end to the other. Looks simple and easy but is really hard thing to do judging from the fact that only few of the kids were able to completely cross it without falling or sinking.

FAIL 1

ALMOST

FAIL 2

Also a big hit with the kids is the Lago del Ray. Also a man-made lake with an obstacle course made of huge and colorful inflatables. It reminds me of the tv show WIPEOUT. I'm pretty sure this was super fun for the kids - they were grinning and laughing the whole time. If you don't want to get wet, boats and kayak are also being rented out. We tried boating and after a few minutes, regretted the decision as it was so hot. It would have been more fun if we swam with the kids instead.

The Mandatory Jump Shot

The OBSTACLE COURSE

Some of the wood cabins being rented out in the park

ACCOMMODATIONS: There are several options. There are cottages, cabanas, huts, and container vans. We chose the container vans as each (the family type) can accommodate up to 4 pax. Inside are about 4 beds, a small kitchenette, a bathroom and a small receiving area. Too bad I failed to take pictures of our pretty trailer type home. Pictures are available though at their website: http://www.cwcwake.com/accomodations_rooms .

FUN at the FOOT OF MT. MAYON

2012-03-16T17:26:00.001+08:00

On our way back to Naga City from our "Butanding Encounter" in Sorsogon, we dropped by Albay's Cagsawa Ruins Park to view the Majestic Mt. Mayon and its perfect cone with the famous Cagsawa Church belfry on the foreground. Unfortunately, the weather's not good and the mountain's peak was covered with fog :( ... Nevertheless, we still had loads of fun doing some wacky poses as choreographed by our accommodating and very able tourist guide/photographer .....

INCREDIBLE HULK POSE

The MONSTER POSE??!

MT. MAYON (hiding) and the famous belfry

The CAGSAWA RUINS is situated in the municipality of Daraga, Albay (a few kilometers away from Legazpi City). The Cagsawa Church was built by Franciscan friars in the 1700's but was destroyed in 1814 when Mt. Mayon erupted. It was said that hundreds of those who sought refuge in the church during the eruption died. According to our instant guide/photographer, they purposely sought refuge in the church in the belief that their faith will save them (I just don't know if this is an accurate account of what really happened then).

After the 1814 eruption, only the belfry and parts of the facade were left standing. It is believed that the facade of the structure collapsed due to subsequent earthquakes. Hence, only the belfry remains standing as of present time. Below is a photo of the ruins after the 1814 eruption where some parts of the church's facade were still standing.

Sources: Wikipedia

Today, the Cagsawa Ruins Park is a "must-see" place in Albay and is one of the most picturesque places in the country. Souvenir items may be bought from the several small shops found inside the park. You may also hire a tour guide to give you an informational guided tour. Some of them are quite adept in handling several kinds and brands of cameras (whether it be a point and shoot camera or a DSLR) and will teach you the "mandatory poses." :D Service fee for the tour guide is totally dependent on the generosity of the tourist.

DAHILAYAN ADVENTURE PARK GET AWAY

2011-11-05T13:33:00.000+08:00

The first time I visited this place, there wasn't much to do yet except to try out their famous ZIPLINES. So I was pleasantly surprised when I came back and found out that they added several facilities and attractions that are still family oriented despite their "thrill factor."

Of course they still have the ziplines which we tried.......

And the ADDED ATTRACTIONS:

TREETOPS OBSTACLE COURSE - We thoroughly enjoyed this! This is supposed to be for children but the child in me can't help but try this out too. Adults are permitted to try the course as long as you do not exceed the maximum weight allowed.

So hard to do this using slippers.....Bring sneakers/rubber shoes!

fun fun fun

The first time she tried this, my youngest daughter's knees were shaking and it took forever for her to finish the course even if I was directly behind her and continuously prodding and encouraging her. But after finishing the entire course, the second time around was a breeze for her :D You can repeat the obstacle course at a discounted price.

ROPES COURSE - Made famous by that KC and SAM Movie. It's similar to the Treetops Obstacle Course but much harder. This, I wasn't able to finish. I can conquer the fear of heights but those damn ropes were just too hard to conquer - didn't have enough upper body strength to carry my weight. Maybe next time....

This was really HARD!! I wasn't able to finish this course!.

The LOOK of CONCENTRATION

ZORB IT....

Getting Ready for the ZORB

BUGGY RIDE - This is a little bit pricey. Price was P800.00 per buggy. It's like driving a Go Kart. There's a trail/course you have to follow which you will finish in less than 10 minutes (I think) depending on how fast/slow you are driving. It gets a little scary when you realize you're driving just beside a cliff. ATVs are also available but we preferred this one. I'm guessing this is also safer for the kids riding with us.

It was getting dark and it was really foggy when we took this for a ride so we weren't able to enjoy the view while driving/riding. It was still fun though.

KIDS' PLAYGROUND - Even little kids and toddlers can enjoy the Adventure Park. They have this really nice playground coupled with a really nice view.

THE PINE GROVE LODGE - The Park's website says it is "a nine-room ski chalet inspired Manor which has a 180 degree view of the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park at the restaurant floor, & a private garden patio for intimate barbecues & bonfires."

The Pine Grove Lodge

The rooms are spacious, have nice interiors, clean bathrooms and flat TVs. Our room also has its own balcony overlooking the mountain range.

My only complaint: limited selection of food in their menu (especially desserts!!)

DROP ZONE - I heard this is their newest attraction which features a 120ft free fall into a man-made lake ... :0 ... interesting...

A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN NEARBY....

Several meters from the Adventure Park is a pretty picturesque garden known as the DAHILAYAN GARDENS and RESORT. The garden's really nice and they have this picturesque white gazebo which is perfect for outdoor weddings. There is also a man-made lagoon, a campsite. a big white tent where you can hold parties or other events and some cottages for overnighters.

SOOOOOO PRETTY......

The MARQUEE

Loving the GAZEBO

A Stormy Trip to LAOAG and VIGAN

2011-10-09T11:34:00.001+08:00

Taking advantage of the long weekend last 27-30 August 2011, we decided to take our long-intended LAOAG-VIGAN trip. We booked a Dvo-Mla-Dvo flight, reserved a 2night stay in Fort Ilocandia (Laoag) and a one night stay in Vigan Plaza Hotel, booked a van for our long drive from Manila to Laoag and back, and prepared a detailed itinerary (the first time I prepared one for a trip). With every detail taken cared of, we were all set for our tour.

SUPERTYPHOON MINA ARRIVED

The night before our trip, Storm Signal No. 1 was declared in Ilocos Norte (where Laoag is) and Ilocos Sur (where Vigan is). Thinking that it only means rain and wind that are just a little stronger than normal, we decided to continue with our trip.

FIRST STOP: ISDAAN, Gerona, Tarlac

ISDAAN is the famed floating restaurant in Gerona, Tarlac where motorists and travelers usually make a stop-over. With its gigantic statues, it really is hard to miss. The place looks like a mini fishing village with several small and big huts where guests could take their meal. To get to these huts, you have to cross interconnected bridges made of bamboo. Underneath is a big pond teeming with fishes.

In one corner of the establishment is their TACSIYAPO WALL where you will be encouraged to throw breakable things as stress-reliever or to release some pent-up anger. Breakable plates, glasses, vases, etc. are available for sale (starting price: about P15). I was told they use to sell working TVs which you can also throw and break for P1500/TV.

THE TACSIYAPO ALL

About to throw a mug

The food in ISDAAN is ok and the price is quite reasonable. We ordered some of their specialties and some “normal” food. We liked their tahong cooked in garlic and their spare ribs.

We wanted to further tour the place and take several pictures but since it was raining, we weren’t able to do so. Hence, the crappy pictures.

After our stop in ISDAAN, we started our looooong and stormy journey to LAOAG. It was raining hard on some areas and we passed by several flooded areas. In my itinerary, we were supposed to visit the AGOO Church in La Union but we had to scrap it because of the rain.

FORT ILOCANDIA, LAOAG CITY

THE HOTEL'S FACADE

It was about 11pm when we arrived at the hotel. The expected 10-12hr trip stretched to a 14hr trip (including stops for meals) because of the storm.

Loved the hotel’s rustic appeal with its façade and interior walls covered with red bricks and its floors laden with Vigan tiles. The lobby has impressive huge chandeliers and a charming wooden and winding staircase. But since they do not turn on all the lights (only one or two of the chandeliers were turned on), it’s quite dark, gloomy and eerie.

It is apparent that it used to be a grand hotel but somehow lost its grandeur along the way. From the outside, it is still an imposing and beautiful hotel but inside, it just feels a little deserted.

THE LOBBY

THE RECEPTION AREA

THE BEAUTIFUL FOUNTAIN WHICH WAS NEVER TURNED ON THE WHOLE TIME WE STAYED THERE

FIRST DAY: LAOAG CITY – A Series of Unfortunate Events

Storm Signal No. 2 in Laoag is up! Our entire first day was spent TRYING to tour the place. Attempts for some sightseeing (Windmills, Marcos Museum, Malacanang of the North) were foiled by heavy rain, strong wind, flood, and brown-outs. The only “touristy” place we visited was their famed LA PRECIOSA Restaurant which we were not able to fully enjoy as their electricity was out, it took forever to have our food served, and a customer beside us was griping loudly because of the slow service. We ordered crispy dinuguan (A MUST!), pinakbet, bagnet and Vigan longanissa. VERDICT: The BAGNET was a little bland for my taste; We liked the CRISPY DINUGUAN. The crispy fried pork went well with the “dugo” which was cooked much drier than what I’m used to. The PINAKBET was okay; We didn’t like the VIGAN LONGANISSA.

The famed VIGAN LONGANISSA

The last stop for the day – Robinsons Mall! The only place where we could go around without getting wet!

SECOND DAY: VIGAN TOUR

Weather was much nicer now. First stop was at the CRISOLOGO MUSEUM which used to be the house of former Congressman Floro Crisologo who was murdered inside a church and whose murder was never resolved.

Some fascinating items can be found inside such as, a wooden refrigerator, an ancient typewriter, old cooking stuff, and of course, the bloodied pants of the late congressman (as emphasized by the museum's caretaker). The museum does not charge entrance fees but donations are very much welcome.

stone roller for chocolates

CRISOLOGO as FATHER OF SSS

Room of his famous son

an ancient stove

VIGAN CALESA TOUR

St. Augustine Church

After visiting the museum, we hired two calesas to tour us around the city (we paid 150 per hour each). First stop was the pretty St. AUGUSTINE CHURCH. The facade is covered with red bricks and its columns are cream-colored. I also has a bell tower located several meters from the church which is also laden with red bricks.

Then we proceeded to the BURNAYAN JAR FACTORY where one worker demonstrated to us how they make vases out of clay.

Next stop was the HIDDEN GARDEN - it's actually just a small quaint garden with a small cafe and a wishing well. Nothing much to see here. I like their comfort room though - one side of the wall has a floor to ceiling see-through glass to give you a view of a small pocket garden while you're doing your thing. :D

BALUARTE NI SINGSON came next. It's a privately-owned zoo by Gov. Chavit Singson and entrance is entirely free. Inside you can ride a small carriage being drawn by a MINIATURE HORSE for a quick tour of the place. From afar you can see a building with gold-tinted windows/facade and a tree(!) growing on top of the building . We were told it's the house of Gov. Singson.

With the MINIATURE HORSE

Last stop of the tour is the CRISOLOGO ST. We love this place!! The street is cobbled with stones and is lined with ancient houses on both sides most of which are being used as souvenir shops selling Vigan made/woven handicrafts, shirts, etc... There was also a school and a funeral parlor (!).

CRISOLOGO ST. We arrived early so most of the stores were still closed

Lunch was at the Vigan-themed McDonalds.

BATAC, Ilocos Norte

On our way back to Laoag, we dropped by the MARCOS MUSEUM and MAUSOLEUM at Batac, Ilocos Norte (about 20kms from Laoag). To my surprise, my children were really very excited to see the body of Marcos, Sr. whom they hear so much in school. The museum is virtually a shrine for Marcos. On the ground floor, you can watch a 20-minute documentary about his life and accomplishments. On the 2nd floor is a chronological depiction (through pictures and news clippings) of his political career.

A TRIBUTE TO IMELDA's Fashion Sense

understandably blank

The year Marcos died

The mausoleum is just beside the museum. Unfortunately, taking pictures inside is strictly prohibited. Inside, the walls were painted in black and upon entering, you can hear an eerie background music which scared my youngest daughter.

Marcos' body is placed inside a glass enclosure allowing you to view him on all sides. He looks very well-preserved prompting my youngest daughter to ask if it is really him.

EMPANADA

After, we crossed the street to taste their well-known empanada and longanissa at Glomy's. The empanada turned out to be (or looks like) a lumpia wrapper filled with meat and vegetables (coleslaw? papaya strips?) and egg, folded in half and deep fried. Personally, I think liking it would be an acquired taste. I like BATAC LONGANISSA though a lot better than the Vigan counterpart.

BATAC LONGANISSA

We then drove for about 5 minutes to view the famous PAOAY CHURCH - a very old but beautiful Church. It is so old that ferns are already growing on its outer walls. It is said to be originally built between 1699-1704.

PAOAY CHURCH

A few more minutes of driving, then we were at the MALACANANG OF THE NORTH. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed entry as it was already closed. The place closes at 4:30 p.m. and we arrived just a few minutes before 5 p.m.

3RD DAY: WINDMILLS and LIGHTHOUSE

Since our Laoag-Manila flight was scheduled at 11 a.m. (cancelled our long drive back), my husband and I woke up early in the morning so we could still go further north to see the BANGUI WINDMILLS and the BURGOS LIGHTHOUSE.

BANGUI WINDMILLS

We reached the windmills after an hour of driving. They're huge but pretty. There were about 20 of them and allegedly supplied a large percentage of electricity in the area. It was raining intermittently so getting good pictures was a challenge.

BURGOS LIGHTHOUSE

On our way back to the hotel, we dropped by the old Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (also known as Burgos Lighthouse as it is situated in the town of Burgos) which is several minutes away from Bangui Windmills. It was allegedly first lit on 30 March 1892 and is still functioning. It was still closed so we just took pictures outside. Overlooking the lighthouse is the beautiful South China Sea.

Despite the stormy weather and our series of unfortunate events, it was still a fun trip and an educational one for my kids who were able to witness firsthand and for the first time what a typhoon is :D

The Magnificent SOHOTON of Bucas Grande Island, Surigao

2011-09-21T20:59:00.000+08:00

Going there from Davao City entails about 9-hour travel by land (including stops for meals) and a 45-minute boat ride, but the long trip is all worth it.

On our boat ride, we saw several islets (which are actually rocky cliffs with heavy vegetation) looking like mini forests floating on sea. There were also several “pocket” white sand-resorts surrounded by lush greenery making them secluded from each other. Our first stop was in one of these resorts, The La Fortuna, to have lunch. Nearing the resort, we noticed how clear the water is. When I got down from the boat and stepped on the beach, first thing I took note of is its powder-like sand which could easily rival that of Boracay’s.

Swimming with the jellyfish

After our lunch, we were transported to their non-sting jellyfish sanctuary. The sanctuary looks like a lagoon as it is almost entirely surrounded by greeneries except for a small entrance which can only accommodate small paddle boats. Once there, you can go down your boat and experience the thrill of swimming with thousands and thousands of jellyfish. Incidentally, that was my favorite part of the trip.

One of the few transparent jellyfish we saw

After the adventure with the jellyfish, next stop was the SOHOTON CAVE and COVE. The cave is the only entrance to the cove where the water is partly salt water and partly fresh water. Since the cave is submerged in water during high tide, the cove is only accessible during low tide. According to our guide, the name “Sohoton” comes from the Visayan word “suot-suot” which means to squeeze yourself into narrow paths just like what you have to do to get inside the Sohoton Cove. Inside were more greeneries and splendid turquoise blue waters. We were then brought to “HAGUKAN” Cave where we were asked to go down from our boat and swim inside and see ourselves “glowing” in the water. If you’re looking inside with the entrance of the cave at your back, the person in front of you will look like he’s glowing. The “glowing” effect is actually caused by the light coming from the outside. The cave got its name from the Visayan word “hagok” which means to snore because when it is filled with water, it emits snore-like sounds.

Look Ma! I'm GLOWING!

Next stop is the “MAGKUKUOB” Cave. Since it’s low tide, there were just a few inches of water inside. This is the final stop of the day where, according to the guide, we will have our “graduation.” By “graduation,” he means that we will climb to the cave’s other exit and once we’re out, we have to jump into the water about 15 feet below! Since there will be no other way to go down (going down the same path would be harder), those who chose to climb HAVE to jump. And jumped we did.

The "Graduation" Jump

On our way back to our resort, we were lucky to have spotted 2 beautiful rainbows.

One of the 2 rainbows we spotted

The second day, we explored “BOLITAS” Cave. We were shown the crystals, stalagmites and stalactites. Adding to the

CRYSTALS

thrill was the sound of a rattle snake. However, to see the “bolitas,” you have to literally crawl into another opening of the cave. Only one person can fit the opening and there can be no more than 6 persons who can go inside the chamber all together. Upon seeing how hard it was for our first batch of “crawlers” to go in and out the chamber, we passed up on the chance to go inside :). We were also brought to “TIKTIKAN” Lake (which entails a 100-meter hike) but since we were told the soil in the lake is muddy, we opted not to swim and just took picture. Last activity of our 2nd day was snorkeling in crystal blue waters where beautiful corals abound even in shallow waters.

The Beautiful TIKTIKAN Lake

HOW TO GET THERE FROM DAVAO CITY: 9-hour land trip via Butuan to Hayangabon Port (Butuan to Hayangabon Port is approximately a 3-hour drive) and a 45-minute boat ride from the port.

Boat Ride to Bucas Grande Island
from Hayangabon Port

WHAT TO BRING: If you are a large group, the life vests of your guide might not be enough so bring extras. They won’t provide snorkeling sets so bring your own. Aqua shoes are also a must.

HOW MUCH IT WILL COST YOU: For our group, we paid about 4K+ each which includes all the boat transfers (from Hayangabon Port and back and in-between islands), 2-night accommodation at the Hidden Resort, all our meals and the guides. Not bad. :)

The view on the other side of the island

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: The view on the other side of the island is its exact opposite. No more lush vegetation because of mining activities. I heard they promised to replant on the affected areas. I hope that would be enough to bring it back to its former grandeur.

FOOD: You're surrounded with water so expect your guides to serve you seafood. They don't usually serve pork unless you ask for it.

Mini LOBSTERS

GIANT Crabs!! Yummy

PARADISE

HIDDEN Resort - This is where we stayed for 2 nights

The VIEW from our room

One of the many "POCKET" RESORTS

A fancier resort

DONSOL, SORSOGON - A Surreal Encounter with the Gentle Giant

2011-09-20T17:54:00.000+08:00

I was in Naga City last March 2011 to accompany my eldest daughter for her intensive training in Math. While she and her friends/classmates were busy pouring over math worksheets, we (the mothers) took a trip to the once sleepy town of Donsol, Sorsogon for a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the “butandings.”

“BUTANDINGs ” or whale sharks are considered to be the largest fish in the world (they are not mammals like whales) and are known to visit the waters of Donsol from November to May.

Initially, I thought butanding-watching is all about sitting on a motorized banca, waiting for them to show their fins above water or jump like dolphins in the ocean. But when a friend kept on reminding me to “dive,” I did a little research and realized that to better appreciate them, the experience actually calls for you to jump into the sea and swim. :O The fact that life vests are available is of little comfort as I am not a swimmer and I have never tried jumping into an open sea (once in a trip to Bohol, I managed to go down from the banca but ended up just holding on the banca’s katig while my husband and cousin-in-law were gushing just how beautiful the reefs are below).

BANCAs For Rent

When we reached Donsol, I was still unsure if I would take the “plunge.” Nevertheless, I went on to rent snorkeling sets for me and my 8-year old daughter Denise “just in case.” Denise insisted that she’s not going to swim but “knowing her,” I ignored her adamant declarations.

Since we drove 3 hours just to get there, I psyched myself to jump and trust my life vest which already bore visible signs of wear and tear. First to jump were Apple and Joy (whom we just met) with our designated guide, Larry. After their jump, I was horrified when our banca immediately sped away leaving the three in open sea. Apparently, we can’t stay put as we have to give way to the other bancas with passengers already raring to jump and there is a maximum number of bancas allowed to stay near the butandings. This means, you have to wait for a few minutes for your boat to come back and get you.

THE PLUNGE

When it was my turn to jump (Denise was still steadfast in her decision not to jump), Larry made some hurried instructions about blowing water from your snorkel right after you surface from the jump and before I knew it, it was time for me to jump. They said you have to move fast as the butandings will not wait for you. Larry was holding my hand to guide (drag, actually) to the spot where the butanding is. Then he shouted for me to look down. The first thing I saw are its unmistakable spots. For first timers, this will instantly give you a sense of awe to be just a few feet away from the gentle giant. It’s huge but it glides gently and smoothly. I tried to swim and follow it for a longer viewing experience but within a few seconds, it was gone.

LEFT in Open Sea

BUTANDING's unmistakable spots

In my succeeding jumps and just as I expected, Denise was already eager to dive and was even asking for more “jumps”. This time, I had a better view and it was so near we could almost touch it. I was wishing I know how to swim so I don’t have to wear the life vest and I could go under and swim alongside or in front of it for a while just like the pictures I see in travel magazines. All the same, the entire experience is surreal and is definitely worth the 3-hour drive and having to wake up at three in the morning.

The SPOTTER
As the name implies, he is
responsible for spotting the
butandings hence, the need to be
on a high vantage point

HOW TO GET THERE: Donsol, Sorsogon is a 3-hour drive from Naga City (1 hour if you’re coming from Legazpi City). You can hire a van for 5k or a taxicab for 4k to bring you there and back to Naga City in a day. Since we have to reach Donsol early, we left Naga at about 4am. We reached the Tourism Office at about 7am and a short line was already forming outside the tourism office (I was told the office usually opens at about 7:30-8am).

Registration process: (1) You will be asked to fill out a form stating your name, etc… (2) Registration fee is P100/pax regardless of age. (3) Rental of a motorized banca, including one guide is P3500. Each banca will accommodate a maximum of 6 tourists (excluded from the count are children, the guide, the spotter and their assistants). You may request for additional guides at P600/guide. (4) After registration, you will be asked to watch a short video clip showing the dos and don’ts. (5) And off you go…..

Snorkeling sets and flippers are being rented out just in front of the tourism office at P150/snorkeling set/pair of flippers

hmmm...... how come they have nicer and newer life vests?

My Travel Buddy