Wanderful Experiences

3 Enchanting Waterfalls Of Luisiana Laguna and How To Get There

2019-10-25T10:18:00.000+08:00

Hulugan falls, Hidden falls and Talay falls

Luisiana Laguna is blessed with nice waterfalls that made this quaint province popular to tourists longing to see its hidden gem that lies in the dense forest of this town.

I am not really into mounting climbing but because of sheer adventure that struck me, I listed my name to join into a group tour. I already searched about this place and the view tickled my fancy and so that is why I joined in, plus the fact that Laguna is just a few hours from Manila which is also a contributing factor for me to get to try this trekking experience.

The meeting place was 6 am at HM Transit in EDSA, Cubao. The bus ride from Cubao to Laguna took us 2 hours. It was a Sunday then and the traffic was fast-moving. We took a jeep at a terminal which took us about 15 minutes waiting before it was fully packed and moved away.

The travel was fast and short and we were already at Luisiana proper. We alighted at the corner of San Salvador along Luisiana highway and walked our way to a near distance where few organizers are waiting for tourists like us who will be trekking for that day. We paid a minimal environmental fee for each of us 12 persons in the group. They showed us to either walk our way or take a tricycle to the jump-off point where we have to register and enlist our names. We all decided to take the convenient way by riding a tricycle so we can start earlier.

The jump-off point is a cozy house with a sari-sari store where you can buy drinks and snacks and they also have pay comfort rooms. When we met our tour guide we took off immediately.

There are 3 falls we have to see on this tour, the first fall we visited was a 30 minutes trek from where we took-off. For me, it was already a challenge as it was a long time ago since I trekked in the forest.

The trail was muddy and slippery due to the overnight rain that occurred last night, there is man-made bamboo handrail that kept us grounded while descending the trail that will lead us to the first falls.

We had to stride on the sprawled rocks on the small river to cross it when we were on the other side of the river, we could hear a faint gushing of water coming from a waterfall.

1. TALAY FALLS

This is the first fall that we encountered and the smallest amongst the 4 falls in Luisiana. Before we arrived here, just below the falls, we stopped over for our early lunch. There are man-made bamboo tables and benches where anybody can use them.

2. HIDDEN FALLS

If you want to see this falls there is no other way to reach Hidden Falls than rappel on a big boulder of stone to reach the top where Hidden Falls can be seen. The climb is short and space is narrow, the climber should be one at a time as there is only one rope to use for climbing and descending the boulder.

Once you get to the top, the mystical Hidden Falls looks so magical that your effort is so worth it.

From afar, we were contented watching and hearing the rippling of water coming on top. Although it can be reached, we did not get closer because our Tour guide warned us of the difficulty in getting near it as you have to climb the steep solid boulders and there are sharp edge rocks as described by our tour guide. So we better had to stay safe than risking any untoward incident.

3. HULUGAN FALLS

Finally, we reached the main event, this majestic falls called Hulugan falls. The fall is tall and wide, you can swim below the cool embed river or you can just stay below the fall and feel the gushing of water on your head and shoulders. We stayed there and enjoy its entirety for 2 hours. The area is secluded with nothing more but nature that surrounds it.

HOW TO GET TO LUISIANA FALLS FROM MANILA:

Getting to Luisiana Falls Via Van Transport:

Due to the popularity of Hulugan falls nowadays, there are Tour operators and Travel agencies offering this day tour activity all year round. You just have to check on their available schedules. Most of the van can accommodate a maximum of 12 persons per tour. In Metro Manila, the most common meet-up places are Farmers Cubao, Centris Quezon Avenue, Greenfield EDSA Central Mandaluyong and Mall of Asia Manila.

This is convenient, economical and less hassle. The Tour operator will collect your payment and make the arrangements and all you have to do is meet with your assigned local tour guide there.

Manila Van Transport route is via South Luzon Expressway, all the way to Sta. Cruz Laguna and Luisiana-Cavinti Road.

Getting to Luisiana Falls by public transport:

1. Ride a bus from Cubao or Buendia (HM Transport or JAC Liner) to Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

2. From Sta. Cruz Laguna, ride a jeepney going to Luisiana. The jeepney route will take the National Highway going to Rizal Street, Pagsanjan Town until you reach Pagsanjan-Cavinti Road. The jeepney will take the right turn going to Luisiana-Lucban Road. Drop-off at San Salvador Road. There is a metal ark of San Salvador on the right, a waiting shed and the signage of Hulugan falls at the corner that you should not miss.

3. Take a few minutes to walk and ride a tricycle going to the drop-off point.

Going to Luisiana falls on public transport is more flexible in your time, as you have to set your schedule and time when you want to get there. You have also the privilege to visit the town proper and nearby towns like Pagsanjan and Cavinti.

Going to Luisiana Falls by private car

Whether you will rent a car, van or using your car, the route will either be through South Luzon Expressway, that is the Bus or jeep route or you may travel via the Rizal route.

Taking the Rizal route will start from Antipolo then Theresa, and Pililia all the way to the last town, which is Tanay, Rizal. Adjacent to it is Liloan Laguna, just take the Lumban road that will lead to Cavinti-Luisiana Road.

I hope this blog post encouraged you to visit the enchanting falls of Luisiana. Share this post if you find this helpful.

Posted by: Mrs. Wanderful

Ten things our kids enjoyed in Bohol during our 2 days tour

2019-03-29T18:40:00.000+08:00

Bohol is one of the wonderful places in the Philippines that has lots to offer and that is distinct to other tourist spots in the country. Bohol is located in the West Visayas region of the Philippines.

Bohol is an island with lots of lush greenery that would capture your heart for your love of nature. Aside from its plentiful nature to boast of, Bohol has also its share of important history in the Philippines that is reminiscent of the Philippines historic past that is being preserved through the iconic historic sites that are also held as Bohol’s tourists' spots.

From our trip to Cebu, we embarked on a Cebu-Bohol Oceanjet ferry that took us 2 hours to the port of Bohol in Tagbilaran, its provincial capital. Outside the terminal are different modes of land transportation that are available to be hired to any of your destinations. We took a van that would fit our big family of 7 that includes my 2 kids.

Most of the activities on our first day in Bohol are on a road trip, the second day was Island hopping. We hired a local tour operator with van inclusive of local tour guide that took us to these destinations that kids loved and enjoyed so much

1. Encounter with Tarsiers

It was daytime when we visited this place and these cute little primates were sleeping. These creatures are known to be nocturnal and sensitive to be touched on the head. We were told not to touch it, as any human touch, especially on their head is detrimental.

These species can be seen only in Bohol so it should be a must to visit and look at them and remember not to touch them, just take lots of photos with them would be all right.

2. Chocolate Hills

The view of this chocolate like kisses is awesome when we reached the top of the Tower view. The 360 degrees of exhilarating view of hundred cone-shaped hills can be appreciated once you take a hundred steps above, but the hardship of going to the top to see the magnificent view will perish. The kids didn’t mind after all, as they were so excited to reach the top and watch the hills in full view.

3. Loboc River Cruise

The festive mood, the wide array of Filipino food served on a buffet while on a cruise, the lush greenery that can be viewed on the side and the quaint atmosphere that makes this Loboc River Cruise experience appealed to us and our kids.

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4. Man-made forest

The two-kilometer stretch of Loboc-Bilar road is a picture-perfect backdrop for a picture taking or even a selfie shot. We stopped over somewhere on the road and have our group photo. We could admire the tall Mahogany trees, even so, when we had our stop. The cool temperature made the atmosphere relaxing.

5. Baclayon church

The fascinating interior of the church altar captured the kids' curiosities and they were baffled with amazement

6. Blood compact shrine

The life-size statues of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, Datu Sikatuna, a priest, a Spaniard and a local person, these people in statue who made this symbolic blood compact in history as their mark of friendship for these two nationality brought has captivate my kids eagerness to learn more about what happened during those times in history.

7. Swimming at the Resort After our day tour, we went back to our hotel, and there’s still time for the kids to enjoy the pool. We chose to stay at Bohol Diver’s Resort because they have swimming pools and located near the beach. The resort has 2 swimming pools. The bigger one is perfect for kids because the deepest part is only 4 feet. The other pool is 10 feet deep.

8. Whale watching
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The following morning at around 7 in the morning, we took a boat going to Balicasag Island. While we were sailing we witnessed the whales swimming in the beach.

9. Balicasag Island

The white sand beach and clear waters are so enticing not to dip and swim. We also snorkeled in the fish sanctuary. There are boats for rent that took us there where we experienced swimming with the fish.

10.Island hop at Virgin Island

We stopped at this marvelous Virgin Island before headed to our hotel in Panglao. Its beauty is really beyond compare, we had nothing to say but admire its magnificent shape with powdery white sand and crystal clear waters that sprawled around this islet.

TWO DAYS ITINERARY GUIDE FROM CEBU TO BOHOL

Day 1

· From Cebu Port terminal to Bohol Port Terminal via Ferry boat

· Bohol Port Terminal to Hotel

· Visit Tarsier

· Chocolate Hills

· Loboc River cruise with lunch

· Bilar man-made forest

· Baclayon Church

· Blood compact shrine

· Shopping

· Back to the hotel for other activities like swimming, spa, dinner or indoor activities.

Day 2

· Whale and shark watching

· Swimming & snorkel at Balicasag Island

· Virgin Island

· Back to hotel and check-out in the afternoon

Backpacking Asia: How to Travel Frugally

2017-09-14T00:00:00.000+08:00

One of the things that you probably promised to do this year is to start saving. However, one of the goals you probably set for 2017 is to travel more and see the world. Both are good, but aren’t they conflicting? Not really, if you know a thing about frugal traveling. This doesn’t mean you’ll sleep and shower at airports or eat crap throughout your trip. This basically means you get the best value for your money and not spend much for nonessentials.

There is renewed appreciation for Asia among budget travelers and backpackers. The continent is rich in tradition, natural wonders, and is significantly cheaper than the rest of the world. You’d be surprised of how much an Asian tour would cost compared to a trip to Europe or the Americas.

If you’re planning to visit Asia this year, be smart and be wise. Know how you can save money when traveling to Asia, while spending nothing but time and gaining new experiences.

Plan early and plan ahead

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The key to frugal travel in Asia, or any part of the world, is planning ahead. You can’t expect to score airfare and great accommodation deals if you only plan weeks before the trip. Have a travel plan on paper so you can manage expenses. You have to decide on what you want to do before you can map out an itinerary. Are you going to an amusement park that charges entrance fees or temples and landmarks that you can visit for free?

You should know that Asia is fast developing. Big cities in Korea and Japan may cost you a fortune, but countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, India or Nepal are perfect for budget travel. There are a lot to do for very little money—visit volcanoes and famous landmarks, swim in beaches, and trek mountains. So before you book a flight, decide where you want to go and which experiences you want to try.

It’s okay to travel off-peak

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Most Asian countries, especially Southeast Asia, are tropical. It’s mostly hot and humid there. You don’t have to worry about the dangers of traveling during snow or hurricane season. If you plan to visit stunning beaches, which Asia has a lot of, you can travel in October and still get the tan you want.

Boracay Island in the Philippines is among the top destinations in Asia. The clear waters, gorgeous sunset, powdery white sand, and the epic party scene have made it a consistent favorite. But you shouldn’t worry about going there in September. The sun will still shine. The plus points: there are fewer people (because it could get really crazy there during the summer) and there are discounted rates for hotels, even luxury ones.

Boracay Island is very friendly to tourists and first-time visitors. It is easy to get around, very convenient, and there’s nothing that locals can’t help you with.

When it comes to hotels, choose location over beauty

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What do you need in a hotel? A decent bed and a clean bathroom, perhaps? If that’s all that matters to you, then don’t go looking for hotels with a balcony, a view, a bathtub or a lounge. Asian towns and cities that are frequented by tourists are bustling with backpacker hotels. Choose ones that are nearest the train or bus station. Never mind if space isn’t much, you’re not going to stay in them most of the day anyway.

Drop the tours

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One of the practical and frugal tips in traveling anywhere in the world is trying to avoid booking tours unless required. After all, you are exploring. And remember that Asia is a fast-rising continent with developments in transportation, making it very easy to get around. In fact, you can find the most advanced and convenient railway systems in Japan, Korea, and Singapore. Plus, the tours are really expensive.

Also, what’s so bad about getting lost?

Eat on the street

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If you are adventurous about food, Asia is really the place to be. Asian countries are very unique in terms of history, tradition, a way of life, and culture. If you want to dig into a nation’s history, eat the way they do. Food on the streets are not just a feast for the palate, it also provides an authentic glimpse into a country. And then ofcourse, it is cheaper. It even saves you time since you are always on the go. Just don’t forget to be careful if you are allergic to anything, and always bring basic meds with you just in case of stomach upset.

Walk the extra mile

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When traveling to Asia, you want to enjoy the sights. You want to take in the rich history as much as you can. The best thing to do is to walk. Sure, it could get hot, that’s why you need to wear very comfortable clothes and footwear. Walk as much as you can to get a better feel of the city and the people, and to take better pictures, of course. And did we mention it also helps you save money?

Barter all you want

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Now, here’s one of the really helpful frugal tips in traveling in Asia: barter is a way of life. If you want a souvenir from Bali, Indonesia, you can slash half the price and chances are that they will give it to you. Prices are marked up in popular tourist destinations and barter is expected. Just don’t be arrogant, and use your charm.

Bring water everywhere

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You have no idea how much bottled water costs around the world. In Singapore for example, a small bottle can cost over US$2. It pays to bring a medium-sized bottle and refill it with free water every time you can. Not only do you save money, but you are also doing Mother Earth a favor.

You can never go to Asia and come back as the same person. It will change the way you think about that part of the world that is often depicted to be languishing in poverty, corruption, and social injustice. It will charm you with its rich history and tradition, unique culture, friendly people, and yes, affordable cost of living.