Exploring Sagada: Sumaguing Cave, Hanging Coffins & Bomod-ok Falls

Showing you the beauty of Sagada from the perspective of this Filipina traveller.

April 25, 2017, 9:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:01 am

Johanna Michelle Lim Johanna Michelle Lim is a brand strategist, creative director, and travel writer based in Cebu City, Philippines. She swims in jellyfish-infested oceans, treks through mountains, rides rickety buses, and walks in busy cities. She is almost always never home. Catch her at What Distance Tells Us.

Contributed by What Distance Tells Us

It is a pain to take a bath in Sagada. “Mamaak ang kabugnaw!”, says a companion, who served as a congenial alarm clock to an early itinerary. At dawn, when most Igorots are still beginning to awaken in their metal-insulated houses, sipping Mountain coffee with the insouciance of someone who doesn’t know any less, we take a quick bath, the quickest we can muster, before heading on to a early hike.

In the Mountain Province, heat is the rarity. Oil bought in sari-sari stores congeal easily. Soft drinks are bought cold with no need for refrigeration. And as we puff up the Main Road to an even more elevated destination, breaths turn into mist, joining the omnipresent fog that signals the start of a typical Sagada morning.

Also read: Why Sagada Should Be Your Next Long Weekend Getaway

There are no flatlands in Sagada. Although a good number of their commercial buildings – pension houses, restaurants, souvenir shops – are congested in the Main Road, you have to navigate through an intricate system of stairs to go from Here to There. Even residences are two-floor levels below or above, most of them with open doors where children and old men peep for a glimpse of the outside world.

Up and Down. Up and Down. Only the Highway is considered as Middle Ground. There are all kinds of stairs – stone, wood, earth, concrete – all deceptive in their façade of sturdiness. Locals are easily distinguished this way. A local’s steps are always instinctual. There is carelessness to their stride, coming from someone who has already picked the more credible footholds even before feet touch ground. But a tourist, a tourist strides through these paths with a deliberateness of someone who is afraid to fall.

Sumaguing Cave

“Magpahulog ka na lang.”, was the advice of a SAGGAs (Sagada Genuine Guide Association) accredited representative, Janno, as he gives us a few tips before entering Sumaguing Cave. He wasn’t joking. It was, he said, the safest way to land. No resistance led to fewer scrapes. The entrance is a slippery drop comprised of 246 manmade steps from the start down to the base of the cave. There are no helmets, no safety ropes.

“Peru huwag kayong mag-alala.”, adds Janno as another tour guide lights two gas lamps that will serve as the only beacon in this 2-km., 60 ft. high dome. “Alam na namin kung anong gagawin kung anuman.” Janno smiles with the nonchalance of a born and bred Igorot who has explored his share of caves, without baggage. Not even a first-aid kit.

The first phase (there are three phases) is the most challenging. Guano is everywhere. Rocks are weathered. Surfaces are smooth. Still hit by sun and wind, the white rocks are the most dangerous, friendly to the touch but offering no support.

A first-timer, such as myself, has no fear of falling. The only way to survive is to act like a local, to realise that climbing is more instinctual than skill. The feet dictate where it takes you. Up down. Left. Right. Grip. Slide. And although rocks are deceptively slippery, it is the unassurance of the surface that gives a first-timer such as myself the heightened sensation of assurance. To look past where you almost slipped to where you’re supposed to go.

“May free footscrub pa, o diba?”, jokes Janno as slippers were taken off for the more reliable grip of feet. The second phase is a combination of the more porous limestone that once was submerged underwater. Imagination should be widened, he further appeals, as out of the limestone formations in one of the biggest caves in the Philippines, comes a Queen, a King, a Princess, a turtle, an elephant and even a birthday cake. On the way back, we blow it, to celebrate a feat. Survival perhaps.

The Hanging Coffins

To be an Igorot, if only by imitation, is the only way to survive in Sagada. The word “Igorot” means mountaineer, and whether it is belief or physical protection that dictate Igorots to be so, outsiders can’t really be sure. But you must have a certain reverence for height if you are to love Sagada, for it is only in the inaccessible that any sense of achievement can be found. Most Ganduyans (the collective name for the people in Sagada) rituals strongly follow the same belief.

“The nearer you are to heaven” or the higher you are from the ground, Janno explains, “the closer you are to God.” Hence, most Igorots, those whose religion fall more on the ancient than in the influence of Christianity, hang coffins in elevated places such as cliffs or caves. To get to the Hanging Coffins, you must pass through Echo Valley, an easy feat if you take a shortcut through the World War II Veteran Cemetery.

Going up to Echo Valley, where you can proclaim an enthusiastic “I love you.” followed by a surprising confirmation of “I love you.” too, is easy. Going down to the Hanging Coffins is not. Two kids, James and Dan, no older than 12, served as our guides. And while we find support from anything nature can give, branches, root ends, James and Dan whistle and pick leaves along the way to be made into their favourite sipa.

There, strapped on the side of a cliff, are about 20 or so coffins suspended by ropes. Some have chairs tied to them. “Chairs were used to place them in fetal position.”, said Dan. “Have you noticed how small some of the coffins are?”

The most recent addition was in 2010. The coffin is still fresh; the wood light. Going up the second site, another burial area, this time in a cave, Dan tells us this story: Once, a tourist took a skull from an open coffin with the intention of bringing it with him as souvenir. While going up, the skull talked to him in Kakana, the local dialect of Sagada. No one dared steal again.

The second site is a tricky play of holding on and letting go. Gravity is an adversary. Rain is making the already-steep path even more slippery. In the cave, are six or so coffins, toppled on top of one another. One was open. A bone sticks out. And I remember Dan’s story.

There are several more burial sites in Sagada that cannot be visited by tourists anymore. A good number of locals just bury loved ones in their backyards. This is to everyone’s mutual benefit, they say. This closeness allows makes guidance from the beyond easier.

Death in itself, while it brings about “closeness” of a sort, is still falling. But Sagada makes you realise that even falling has its advantages.

Also read: 4D3N Banaue Sagada Baguio DIY Itinerary and Travel Guide

Bomod-ok Falls

“Alam ko hindi kayo sanay sa ganitong lakad. So Gudlak nalang sa’tin.” Says Anita (Igorot name: Day-um), a guide from the Northern Sagada Indigenous Guide Association or NOSIGA. She hands us our walking sticks and teach us to walk sideways, testing how well each step receives our weight. Our all-girl group dismisses her admonition. In our heads, we are already retorting: “We can take it. We’ve walked farther before.” Inaccessibility is as much a driving force as the place itself. Inaccessibility connotes that not too many people have treaded there before.

Bomod-ok Falls is still 3km. or 4,000 steps down moss-covered rocks, rice paddies, a gold mine and several pocket streams. But confidence wanes the farther we descend. All throughout the trek, locals pass us, carrying the heaviest of loads – a sack of rice, a metal sheet, machinery parts.

Also read: 13 Awe-Inspiring Waterfalls in the Philippines You Must Visit

Bangaan, where Bomod-ok is found, is in the Northern part of Sagada, where even more isolated areas surprise you with an outcrop of people. “Naa pa diay mga tawo diri dapita?”, we asked as we pass by Barangay Fedelisan, the halfway point to the Big Falls. There are no roads for cars here. Everyday, the people of Fedelisan – students, workers, housewives going to the market – ascend and descend these stone steps back and forth. “And what if you’ve forgotten something?” we asked curiously. “Eh, di Doubletime!”, says a woman from Fedelisan.

We are trying to do just that. “Bilisan nyo!” is the constant cry of Anita, who constantly walks ahead of us as an example. It is supposed to take only 1 ½ hours going to and coming back from the falls. It takes us 6. We justify it to her by taking pictures of every local detail, storing it in Gigabytes as much as in memory. When in fact, we are resting every few minutes, hiding the sound of heavy breathing with the click of capture, the signs of wear with the viewfinder.

The falls itself is dependent on rain. Heat depletes its supply. Rainfall replenishes it. Water is abundant in Sagada. Every few metres or so, one will find a pocket stream, mini-falls or tag-ulan falls, as locals like to call those that appear only when it rains. While Bomod-ok’s grandeur is amplified by tourists, locals are more attracted to its functionality more than anything else. Water from the mountains is cleaner and richer in minerals. Bomod-ok’s is no different. Many tap it to supply their irrigation systems, their washing, even their drinking.

A few locals use it to supply romance. “Merong iba dyan kaya lang karamihan di talaga pinapayagan.” says Anita of local visitors. The current is too strong. Even she doesn’t allow her kids here despite the temptation of cool water, scenic view and the sound of constant falling that somehow invites its visitors to “fall” too. After we succumb to it, plunging in despite chattering teeth, we head back, the sound of the water getting fainter and fainter.

Living in an island, there haven’t been too many encounters made with mountains, or else there’ve been too many seas. Bodies of water teach us that everything can be coasted through. But mountains, mountains teach us that steps, whether deliberate or instinctual, are needed for any act worth accomplishing. The beautiful thing is sometimes the effort to climb or is just as fulfilling as the peak itself.

Every step is an experience. And what better place to learn this than in the town with a thousand stairs?

Mt. Apo Reopens to Public

Heads up, trekkers and mountain climbers! The highest peak on Philippine soil is back!

April 21, 2017, 9:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:02 am

Race Del Rosario Race is a beer-chugging backpacker who occasionally dabbles as a spermologist. When he's not travelling, he freelances as an events host and organizer. His ultimate dream? To travel the 6 continents before he turns 40.

Great news for hikers and mountain climbers! Last April 12, the highest mountain in the Philippines reopened to the public.

Also read: 11 Life Lessons You'll Learn From Hiking Up Mountains

A resolution passed by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), the highest policy-making body in Mt. Apo, lifted the prohibition to climb the mountain. PAMB stated that their decision will help preserve and protect Mt. Apo, promote eco-tourism, culture, and traditional arts, and provide livelihood to local communities.

Mt. Apo was restricted to the public for more than 13 months due to a fire that razed it in March 2016, leading to the destruction of more than 100 hectares of forest cover. The reason for the fire remains unknown, but investigations suggest that it was due to a fire left unattended by irresponsible hikers.

Also read: Top 10 Mountains in Philippines With the Most Incredible Views

PAMB imposed guidelines that will strictly manage and regulate the trekkers who will be entering this sought-after destination. Here are some of them:

• Only 50 trekkers per day will be allowed to enter.
• No camping at the peak of the mountain. Trekkers may visit and take photos but should leave immediately before night time.
• From ₱1,000 during off-peak and ₱1,500 for peak seasons, the permit fee was increased to ₱2,000 and ₱2,500 for standard and peak seasons, respectively. Moreover, an additional guide fee of ₱1,000 will be imposed for a group of five campers.
• Additionally, hikers should pay an exit fee of ₱1,000 to ₱1,500.
• Campers must undergo a camp management orientation before they will be allowed to enter.
• All porters (local guides) must undergo environmental protection and preservation seminars.
• The maps and trails provided by PAMB should be followed.
• Local communities should be informed every time climbers start to climb.

Also read: 10 Different Types of Hikers You Will Meet in the Mountains

Interested trekkers may choose to enter from any of the various entry points including Davao City, Sta. Cruz, Digos City, Kidapawan City, Makilala, and Magpet.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, prepare your bodies and conquer the highest peak of the Philippines!

Exploring Iloilo’s Islas de Gigantes

See the beauty of Islas de Gigantes from the perspective of this Filipina traveller.

March 24, 2017, 8:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:02 am

Johanna Michelle Lim Johanna Michelle Lim is a brand strategist, creative director, and travel writer based in Cebu City, Philippines. She swims in jellyfish-infested oceans, treks through mountains, rides rickety buses, and walks in busy cities. She is almost always never home. Catch her at What Distance Tells Us.

Contributed by What Distance Tells Us

A boat that had gone all too soon, and an on-the-dot appointment that called for Option B. The overnight ride would’ve been a leisurely 12-hour sail from the port of Cebu straight to the arms of sofstpoken Ilonggos. It would’ve allowed this sleep-deprived to find comfort in an air-conditioned cabin. The bags tucked at the feet. Food and water a pick-me-up.

Iloilo, in the beginning, had seemed too reachable. There is no reward to be had from easy access, was my haughty thought. But the missed boat changed these dynamics. What would’ve been a no-brainer had been replaced by pitstops that dragged the hours from a passive 12 to an active 24. To keep that on-the-dot appointment, I would now have to take a 3-hour bus ride to the South of Cebu, cross to Negros, drive to Dumaguete, take another 6-hour ride to Bacolod then cross again via fast craft, finally, to Iloilo.

Also read: Islas de Gigantes Travel Guide: All You Need to Know Before Your Getaway

To realise that inconvenience is a gift is the consciousness of the comfortable, or the enlightened. It is said in the redundancies of the everyday where the unfamiliar draws us out of the mundane, only to realise, later on, that the unfamiliar also belies discomfort. All these concepts – escape, reality, an escape from reality – are said in the safety of rooms and relationships. It is not said in the light of a cramped bus where a pickpocket sits waiting for a hefty donation.

By the time I got off that bus, whichever one, I could no longer trace, I had donated a good amount to an anonymous in-need, and the camera lens, the one I thought was safely tucked in the belly of my backpack, had found a convenient exit point all the way to the floor.

Inconvenience aside, the on-the-dot appointment was kept, but the pressure of keeping it, the very convergence of time and space that allowed me to be on the spot where I should be at the time when I should be in it, was cloistering. That we need to escape from the very convenience that we somehow built is the paradox of a modern world.

2 to Paradise, 9 to return

So, I find myself in the Iloilo countryside as soon as the appointment released me. From Tagbac Terminal, buildings transformed into rice fields. And mothers breastfeeding their babies open their chests insouciant to watchful eyes. The bus was headed to Estancia, drop-off point to Islas de Gigantes, a collection of 10 islands, 2 hours away from the mainland.

Francis, a lawyer from the heartland of Sagada, checks his GPS to show me we were still 3 hours away. It is one of those providential meetings. How do two people, for instance, one from the mountains, the other from the sea, meet in the city and agree in a span of 10 minutes to travel together?

On the bus, demonstrating his debacles in court, Francis uses terms like “testicular fortitude”, more politically correct, he says, than ones he previously considered. But more than the language, I am interested to see how a mountain person takes to the sea.

Estancia Port is a busy commercial area where freezer trucks go in and out, fish packed as soon as fishermen could dock their small vessels. Hoses releasing tons of water constantly clean out the air of the smell of fish. While in our boat, the operators are busy transporting goods needed in the island, goods often taken for granted by those with easy access, crates of GoldEagle Beer, baskets of fruits, stacks of eggs, kilos of onions. Francis is almost seasick, he says, the weight of produce shifting the boat left and right.

There is only one trip going to Gigantes every day. It leaves at 2pm, and returns to mainland at 9 the next day. Locals don’t mind. But travellers who’ll reach there at nighttime yet, do.

On all sides, the sea seems to have given birth to islands, islets, most corrugated by trees, and even more so by the etched patches of Typhoon Yolanda. A number of them do not have the need for names.

“I wish I could own an island”, I gushed.

“Bawal yan under Philippine law.”, Francis morosely tells me.

Of the first two islets that greet from Gigantes Norte, one is shaped like a turtle, the other is home to a white solitary house built on top of its limestone formation.

Also read: Forget Boracay: Islas de Gigantes White Sand Beaches are Unspoilt

The shores, like most parts of Gigantes I later realised, are covered in mounds of scallop shells. They pile up in residences, in front of school buildings, on roads. In makeshift huts, women and children are busy taking out its meat.

“Di nauubusan ang dagat.”, Louie, my guide, tells me. Too much supply that some residents have stopped eating them altogether.

It was unquestioned what dinner would be. No need to order, the guide tells me, as he brings in plate after plate of, aha, scallops. In adobo. Creamy gata. Steamed. Sizzled. Grilled. And just to add in variety, easy favourites like sagang, calamari, tilapia. All under ₱85. Francis whispers to me how he’s sure of what breakfast will be tomorrow.

“Scalsilog. “, he jokes.

Scalsilog and sour water, the very element its Barangay where our resort, Hideaway, is known for. Barangay Asluman. Their tap water has a sour aftertaste that stays in the tongue.

Earlier in the day, while crossing to the other two Barangays, Louie tells me, that Granada is as understandable as its counter Barangay Asluman. Granada is named after hundreds of the said fruit trees. Sweet granada. All yellow and meticulous to eat.

“Dalhan kita bukas.“, the good-natured Louie originally from El Nido, tells me.

Light at Pasil Point

After catching the sunset at an abandoned lighthouse, Louie cuts through Barangay Granada and points out to a place, a short uphill slope, he humorously names the “call centre”.

It is the only area in Gigantes where a decent signal could be found. Silhouettes sit by the roadside, light from mobile phones the only indication of their presence, engrossed with the outside world.

“Busy ngayon, Ma’am. Traffic. Graduation kasi ng highschool.”, Louie explains, as we met two or three motorcycles with togaed passengers along the way.

Yolanda has doused whatever light Gigantes may have had. Commercial establishments have generators. But Pasil Point, the brooding rock formation that only adds to the absence of light, is pitch black.

What can be seen, firing the greed to swim at night, are limestone formations that stand 60 feet above water and silhouettes of late night drinkers in cottages near the shore.

But always, with an absence of the artificial, are sparks of light that only show themselves to those who choose to see.

The stars fall to their own synchronicities, a tad different from that of El Nido or Sagada, we point out. And on the trees are fireflies, some emitting white light, others yellow, a few orange.

It is low tide and as we strive to submerge completely, the eye catches something in the water, sparks of bioluminescence that follow the body in motion. Every time the hand moves, for instance, pixie dust follows. Until the whole body is surrounded with light. I would’ve wanted to unexplain the surrealism of the moment, but Francis cuts with the more natural shriek.

It’s shrimp, Francis tries. It’s fish, or scales from the fish, says Louie. Or perhaps a reflection of the stars?, I ask them. But it couldn’t be. We continue to bathe in light until Louie warns of the dangers of lightless roads.

Bakwitan and the Four Islands

Or perhaps the danger was more of sleepy drivers. Riding on the back of his motorbike, he contradicts his earlier statement by saying the island was protected somehow.

In Hideaway, the safety of giants’ coffins metres away somehow provided an abnormal comfort. The 12-foot carved tree trunks sat at the back of the resort. Like the coffins of Sagada, the sleeping giants, they said, were crouched down to half of their length. It enamoured me how tall they must’ve been standing up.

In the morning, we would visit one of those 70 caves that once held such coffins, and saw fragments of skulls and femurs at the entrance. The Japanese had tried to climb Bakwitan, Louie said, where the locals evacuated back in World War II. But constantly failed.

They must’ve passed out, I presumed, the kilometre-deep cave a challenge of heights and dips. Some areas you crawl on, and others you harness whatever upper body strength left. It is the type of difficulty that sells.

Another group had backtracked, and it is only near the exit where our guide jokingly comments, “Malapit na matapos yung paghihirap nyo.”, that we learn very few finish. Or the sellable story’s told. And to borrow Francis’ term, it is perhaps a test to testicular, or womanly, fortitude that very well vends inconvenience. The cave exits to a 60-foot drop with only a slight allowance between living and joining the giants.

It is the same concept perhaps that brings about the charm of islands. That the threshold we cross to get there is oftentimes followed by the savoured knowledge that many did not. With Louie still as guide, we hopped through several islands after the travail, until the sweat from the cave mixed inconspicuously with that of the sea.

Salt mixed with midday heat though made Francis look for in vino veritas even before lunch. It has become a useful tool to his negotiations, he notes. And Antonia, one of the many islands, had just that: a solitary house with a solitary store, and vino at the right temperature.

Seemingly waiting for us on his kawayan bench is Manong Danilo, and at his feet, like a loyal watchdog is his Blackwater rooster. Iloilo produces the best fighting cocks in the country, and Blackwater, Manong Danilo says, just happens to be the best one.

”Sus, spoiled.”, he says of the rooster. “Hindi pa nga ako nakatikim ng Centrum na imported, peru ang manok ko nakatikim na!”

Manong Danilo takes care of his chickens like the children he used to take care of. All have since flown off his nest. To London. To Paranaque. To Cebu. And over beer and heat, he talks of the apos he has seen only through Facebook. And the children and ambitions who have since outgrown these patches of sand. In vino veritas.

“Maski isang apo naman lang, Ma’am”, he says. But such comes with the beauty and isolation of islands perhaps: that the threshold we cross to get there is followed by the sad realisation that many cannot.

We leave Manong Danilo and Blackwater for an island more isolated, Tangke they called it, with a lagoon and new graduates sitting on their jagged edges dreaming of bigger ponds. They too, like Manong Danilo’s children, are about to outgrow the islands.

“Saan kayo mag-aaral?”, I ask them.

“Tong isa sa Ateneo. Tong isa naman sa Singapore.”, a skinhead answers for the rest.

“Sira!”, they call back.

How to tell these crazy ones, the sira ones, to do just that, to be reckless in their dreams, to not give in to the terror of inconvenience. There will be plenty anyway along the way.

I often wonder why we strategically place ourselves in situations that belie frustration, and questioning, and oftentimes, an uncertainty that stays in the bones. Perhaps because what very often comes out of the inconvenient is the unconventional. Only there do can we question things beyond their common reasoning.

On the bus to civilisation, a beep finally signals the step back to reality. It cut through the realm where technology was once a drive-by.

“Alis na kmi“, Louie texts, “Nka.banlaw ba kyo kc mahapdi ung dagat?”.

He considers this from a standpoint of a tourist not used to such discomfort. But I told him I wanted the salt on my skin for just a little while more. The city – technology – and all that they stand for had become reachable again. The absurdity often is, sometimes we do not want to return to them.

“Kelan u babalik?”, he asks me. He will visit the “call Centre” more often, he says, just in case a text comes in, one that will signal my return.

But like every place I promise to, the only answer to be given is “Soon”.

Dinagat Islands: An Underrated Gem in Mindanao That’s Worth a Visit

Another stunning destination to add to your Philippine bucket list!

February 24, 2017, 8:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:03 am

James Aquino After visiting more than fifty international cities in three continents (and still counting), James is on a quest to visit at least two new countries each year. A registered nurse, a stage father, and a grumpy husband, he has always believed that travelling offers something that you will never learn from school. His best advice is to always take pictures along the way, but never forget the stories behind them. Read more of his travel stories and his passion project at The Panoramic Soul.

Vacation in the Philippines involves three things: food, friendly people, and a beach. Many look for sanctuaries where they can rest and get away from the hustle and bustle of the metro.

The southern part of the Philippines, particularly Mindanao, has been getting a bad rep for the longest time. What many don’t know is that it hides gems that are worth visiting. Dinagat Islands is one of them.

Also read: 20 Underrated Provinces in the Philippines Totally Worth Visiting

This island municipality that is home to more than 100,000 people lies in the northeastern part of Mindanao. This island tends to be overlooked in favour of some more popular ones, but wanderlusts are surely willing to experience and discover new and off-the-radar places.

For a young province, Dinagat Islands has so much to offer. It does not fall short on festivals to celebrate and places to visit.

Dinagatan Festival or Bugkosan sa Isla is province-wide festival that brings together the island’s seven municipalities. Bugkosan is actually a mnemonic for Best Unique Gathering for Kudos (credit and glory for achievements) Organized for Sustainable Advocacies and Networking developments. This festival is a celebration of the island’s charter and is essentially a way to instil awareness on the province’s cultural and environmental importance. This festival is a thanksgiving celebration geared towards how bayanihan – an age-old Filipino trait of a community of people helping each other – is depicted in the everyday lives of the locals.

The municipality of San Jose is the centre of trade, commerce, and tourism. In this municipality, Banwag Festival is celebrated. This festival marks the commencement of the annual Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association Conference, a religious gathering of the association’s members from all walks of life. Members who attend the conference get to celebrate the festival by gathering in the cultural centre of the island and lighting a candle in the middle of the night. This symbolic lighting is in support of the peace and unity of the island municipality’s dwellers.

Other festivals include the SirongSirong Festival in the area of Cagdianao. This is a festive celebration in honour of Saints Peter and Paul, highlighted by ethnic Mardi Gras contests and agricultural-industrial fairs. Other celebrations include the Kinabog Festival in Tubajon and Lawigan Festival in Loreto.

If one is not able to take part in the festivities, you can visit some sites that are both beautiful and culturally enriching. The Gelato Ancestral Home is as popular as its scandal-ridden owner. Located in Tubajon, this home was built by volunteers of Ruben Ecleo of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association. Another is the home owned by the daughter of the late Ruben Ecleo (founder of PBMA), called the Islander Castle, which was built overlooking the sea.

Apart from man-made structures, visit the Tubajon Bat Sanctuary, where one can get up close and personal with the bats. Tourists can take pictures of hundreds of bats flying over the area going in and out of the cave. A free for all spectacle that is both scary and breathtaking.

Who can ever pass up a trip to the beach? A trip to Biray-Biray Beach with rock formations is a surefire way to convince anyone to come back for the quietness and relaxation it gives to visitors. On the way to another beach, Lalaking Bukid can be seen from afar. The mountain range takes the shape of a sleeping man, whom locals believe to be the mythical Prince Gat. He is also, as locals say, the lover of Princess Dina. The island was named after them.

Also read: 10 Unspoilt Philippine Destinations for Your 2017 Getaways

Dinagat Islands is not just about colourful decorations and costumes or even the beautiful sea of lights at night. It is about how locals celebrate their faith and tradition. The picturesque beaches and lush greenery are just some of the things to be in awe of and serve as reasons to go and visit the island.

Hulugan Falls: What to Know Before You See This New Natural Gem in Laguna

Looking for a weekend adventure near Manila? Discover the new gem of Laguna, Hulugan Falls.

February 15, 2017, 9:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:03 am

Keza Marie Enriquez Keza likes to call herself a blabbermouth which she derived from her being chatty and her eagerness to speak her mind. She has this insatiable thirst for epic adventures and brand new discoveries which she fondly writes about and shares on her blog, A Wanderful Sole. Her idea of a perfect morning is coffee and toast at the beach marvelling at a spectacular sunrise or atop a mountain admiring the dreamy sea of clouds. Waterfalls are her first loves along with panoramic sunsets, chocolates and cats!

Contributed by A Wanderful Sole

The Filipino Backpacking community went abuzz when a photo of a newly discovered waterfall in Laguna surfaced the internet late September 2015. The photo was no doubt beautiful that it immediately took my breath away and triggered my inner curiosity. Words about it spread like wildfire. Days passed and more and more people are posting their wonderful experiences in Hulugan Falls on Facebook and Instagram. It made me unable to resist its charm that I decided to pay it a visit before Christmas.

My first attempt to witness the beauty of Hulugan Falls was a failure. I and Ian, my boyfie-slash-constantly-complaining-travel-buddy woke up late and started preparing at 8am. Traffic in Calamba made the travel twice longer than normal causing us to arrive in Sta. Cruz a little over 1pm. While I already realised that we were a little pressed with time and Brgy. San Salvador (Jumpoff point to Hulugan Falls) is still an hour away, I haven’t thought of calling it a day until one of the locals confirmed that we might as well be wasting time if we would still pursue Hulugan Falls as there might be a great chance of local officials not allowing us entrance that late unless we are in to spend a night there. Staying there overnight on Christmas Eve wasn’t part of the plan.

Also read: Chasing Waterfalls in Laguna: A Weekend Getaway with Friends

A little upset, I decided to head home. Just when I thought the world was conspiring against me, I discovered another hell of a surprise along the national highway on our way back. It was an utterly weird restaurant called Isdaan. And wow! It pretty much compensated the missed Hulugan Falls adventure as the food was good, the staff were the friendliest I’ve known and the scene, absolutely stunning!

My second attempt was a day after Christmas. I made sure not to go on indulging in holiday merriment and drinking too much so I would wake up early the following day. My being a party pooper on Christmas day paid well as I woke up at 5am and prepped up for that day’s adventure early on. From our home in Biñan, we reached Sta Cruz at 9am. When during our first attempt what bothered us was the limited time, it was rain on the second. The ever pessimist Ian urged me to quit and try another day but I on the other hand was hard as steel in seeing Hulugan Falls, not tomorrow nor some other time but that very same day. What can a soft drizzle do to us anyway? He was wise not to argue any further as few minutes passed, we were already ridden on the passenger’s seat of a jeepney heading to Brgy. San Salvador in Luisiana.

The journey through the roads going to Luisiana made us discover other beautiful things the province of Laguna has to offer through the tarps displayed along the highway. There’s the magnificent waterfalls in Pagsanjan (Of course I’ve read about it in my geography class!), the irresistible underground cave river in Cavinti and the white water rafting/tubing in Majayjay. It surprised us how this province near the bustling Metro Manila got so much up its sleeves. Perhaps I was just overpowered by the thought that anything near Manila is as exploited and exposed to people and pollution as that busy city itself. I was too caught up with that thought that I didn’t open myself to endless possibilities in this side of the wood. Such a shame to know that I have been missing a lot of amazing things lain in my backyard for a very long time.

Also read: Finding Peace & Quiet at the Twin Lakes of San Pablo, Laguna

The ride got even more exciting as we paved our way through the uphill roads of Laguna. The richness of the greenery along the highway was something I appreciate the most. It made the travel bearable as it completely took my attention away from my aching butt. Normally, rides like this would get me shifting positions from time to time like I’m the most uncomfortable human in the planet but the scene got me so hooked that I forgot I was cramped up inside a moving jeepney with Ian sleeping on my shoulder with all his weight on me.

The downpour had stopped several minutes before we reached Brgy. San Salvador which took a little longer than I expected. The jump-off point is an inverted T-junction, at the mouth of the street going to Hulugan Falls and spotting it is easy if you pay attention to the road. There’s a huge signage facing those coming from Cavinti and a small waiting shed. A little walk leading inside the street is a spot where you get your guide.

After getting ourselves a guide (the meek and kind Kuya Wilbur – #27), we then rode a trike going to the captain’s house where we registered and payed the fees. From the captain’s house, we then walked passing through local houses towards the first block turning left to a then still under construction road.

The walk is just easy. No tiring uphill walk. Just the bearable one but it lasted for about an hour. Halfway through, along the road is a signage on the left with the trail going to the other waterfall called Talay. You can take this route if you want to see the 2-tiered Talay Falls first then trek your way down to Hulugan Falls. We chose to stay  on the road until we reached the end of construction and landed on a dirt road. We walked down the muddy trail for a little over 15 minutes before reaching a resting camp.

We rested for about 10 minutes and headed on to face the challenge of the main trail going to Hulugan Falls. The trail was a very steep decent along a ragged path that stretched to about 100 metres. It was like a straight forward downhill natural staircase. The first 30-40 feet was the most difficult since the gaps between each step is longer than what a normal human can actually manage. Bamboo pipes were placed in both sides of the trail to serve as support.

Upon reaching the bottom of the first part, you will then have to turn left and walk along rocks with some of them covered with moss. It will stretch to some 30 feet. Upon reaching the end of it, another descending path similar to the first part will have to be taken. It will turn left upon reaching the first 20 feet and will continue all the way down to the foot of the river. If you encounter some showers, don’t fret. It isn’t rain but sprinkles of water coming from the falls blown softly by the wind. In that same spot as well was where we had the first glimpse of the wonder of Hulugan Falls. We also have to be very careful in trekking the final left going down as it was totally muddy and dripping wet.

Also read: Top Laguna Attractions for Your Next Weekend Escape

Standing on a rock at the base of the trail was where I first marvelled at the exemplary Hulugan Falls. Her water flowing softly down from a 150 ft. (just an estimate) elevation was oh so flawless. She was so elegant. Seemed so delicate with her mist engulfing everything within her reach. I can hear her singing with every pounce she makes at the basin. She was so enchanting that she had me entangled in her charm, making me care less about how crowded was her world that day.

We walked near her towards her catch basin which seemed like a natural swimming pool tracing east to an area resembling a cave. There we left our valuables to Kuya Wilbur’s care to take a swim and indulged in her cold waters. There were not too many people swimming so it was such a perfect opportunity. We settled at the rock near the falling water. We could no longer swim any further since we were advised it wasn’t safe. From the spot where we were seated, we saw several rainbows formed in the water. It was so amazing that spotting a rainbow after the other pretty much took our time. Silly but it was fun.

I still haven’t had enough when Ian told me that we were heading out. I thought it was to explore the other waterfalls in the area but heck no! He was so obsessed with going home! Upset, I tried to convince him otherwise but you know men, when they are up to something, there’s no way they’d back down. So I gave up and called it a day. The events may not have turned out as planned but the very fact that Hulugan Falls exceeded far my expectations is more than enough for me to content myself with how things unfolded that day. Maybe getting a new travel buddy would do me the magic next time. Kidding. (Laughs)

My 5 cents of thoughts

1. I’m saddened how hundreds or thousands of trees were cut down just to pave way to tourism in the area. Locals said construction of the road was spearheaded 6 months ago just about the same time when news about Hulugan Falls surfaced and the influx of tourists poured tremendously in the area. I wish someday we could promote tourism without sacrificing what’s still left of our forest.

2. I was surprised to know how Kuya Wilbur didn’t impose how much to pay him only saying “Whatever we think is good enough compensation for him” when asked how much would he charge us when all over the internet people are stating ₱650. If I would be asked whether ₱650 is fair enough, I think it is a little bit overpriced, at least in my opinion.

How to get there

1. Commute

Ride a bus going to Sta. Cruz from Buendia or Cubao Stations. You might also find some buses enroute Sta. Cruz in Edsa. Fare is ₱140. Alight the bus in front of Sunstar Mall. From across the street beside Sunstar mall is a jeepney terminal. Ride one going to Lucena which departs every 30 minutes. Fare is ₱30. Ask the driver to drop you off in Brgy. San Salvador.

2. Private Car

Drive south in SLEX taking Calamba exit. From the toll gate turn left passing through the bridge then follow the National Hwy going to Sta Cruz, then to Pagsanjan and Cavinti. Upon reaching Brgy. San Salvador turn right at the street with a signage of Hulugan Falls.

Things to bring

• Waterproof bag
• Waterproof camera (If you don’t have one, try putting them in a waterproof case. You’ll badly need it.)
• 2L Water
• Packed lunch
• Trail food/Snack
• Trash bag
• Waterproof mat (where you can place your valuables while you take a dip in the water)
• Toiletries (for washing up)
• Towel
• Extra clothes

Summary of expenses

• RT Fare Sta. Cruz – ₱280
• RT Fare Sta. Cruz – Brgy. San Salvador – ₱70
• RT Fare Jump-off to Captain’s house – ₱30
• Registration Fee – ₱20
• Guide Fee (Up to you) – ₱650 (Hulugan-Talay-Aliw Falls) or ₱300 (Hulugan Falls)
• Bath – ₱20

TOTAL – ₱570/pax for a group of 2

*You may bring friends along to at least have the 5 of you share the guide fee cost.

Other information

• Guides are available at the registration point. While others may recommend a specific guide, please understand that there are 130 of them and it would be for everybody’s best interest if we would give them equal chance.

  The latest that local officials will allow tourists to the see Hulugan Falls is no later than 3pm unless you are to stay overnight.

• There is a campsite situated by the river above Hulugan Falls. Camping fee is ₱50 per person.

  If you still haven’t had enough chasing waterfalls, you can visit Talay and Aliw Falls. Please note that Aliw Falls is situated within a different Barangay than Hulugan and Talay Falls which may require you to get a new guide or pay another fee.

• Locals sell special bibingka which is perfect as snack after the long trek while marvelling at the beauty of the waterfalls.
• The parking area for those bringing their car is beside the Brgy. captain’s house. Not sure though whether there is a parking fee.
• To those going home to Cavite, you can get off the terminal of passenger vans routing to Calamba/Sta. Rosa. Dropped off is at Sta. Rosa public market. The terminal for vans routing Cavite is a few walks' away from the drop off point . There, you can ride another passenger van going home.
• Isdaan Floating Restaurant is a perfect sidetrip after a long day chasing waterfalls.

Sample Itinerary

Hulugan Falls only

0530: Assembly Buendia/Cubao Station

0600: ETD Sta Cruz

0800: Sta Cruz

0900: San Salvador Registration site

1000: Hulugan Falls

1200: Lunch

1400: Pack and Leave

1500: Wash up

1600: Head Home

Hulugan, Talay & Aliw Falls

0530: Assembly Buendia/Cubao Station

0600: ETD Sta Cruz

0800: Sunstal Mall Sta Cruz

0900: San Salvador Registration site

1000: Hulugan Falls

1200: Lunch

1400: Talay Falls

1600: Aliw Falls

1700: Wash Up

1800: Head home

Other interesting places to visit in Laguna

• Isdaan Floating Restaurant
• Bukal Falls
• Taytay Falls
• Mt. Romelo, Buruwisan Falls and the other stunning waterfalls
• Pagsanjan Falls
• Buntot Palos Falls
• Pandin and Yambo Lakes
• Cavinti Underground River Cave

There you go folks! If there is anything I missed to mention, feel free to leave them in the comments. Until next time. See yah. 🙂

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Monte Cueva: A Magnificent Cave Chapel in Maasin, Leyte

Sometimes, the best trips are the unexpected ones. Read how The Bisaya Traveler discovered the cave chapel Monte Cueva in Maasin, Leyte.

February 10, 2017, 9:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:03 am

Aldrich Infantado Aldrich Infantado is a quirky and eccentric bona fide travel junkie who thrives on outdoor adventures and exploring less explored paths. He shares his life-changing solo trips and colourful barkada getaways to the world through his travel blog, The Bisaya Traveler.

Contributed by The Bisaya Traveler

Exploring the magnificent Monte Cueva wasn’t part of my agenda when I visited the city of Maasin. While I’ve already done my homework and read blogs about it, I really wasn’t expecting that I would have the chance to see the Monte Cueva de la Virgen Shrine in person. With so little time for fun and adventure, I thought I would just be dropping by Maasin to attend a novena, and head back to Cebu.

Also read: A Simple Travel Guide to Leyte: What You Need to Know Before Your Trip

But eventually, we made some changes to our itinerary, so we can accommodate a visit both to Canigao Island and Monte Cueva for the weekend. After plotting our itinerary, I just burst into ecstasy and excitement.

Prior to our visit, my girlfriend’s sisters, cousins and practically the whole Aguilar clan warned me about the steep stairway leading to Monte Cueva. As a matter of fact, they even suggested the place is not for those with weak knees and for folks who are a little scared of heights. With an elevation of 172 meters above sea level, hiking it can indeed be quite a challenge for anyone.

But with a solid workout routine and a string of successful hikes under my belt, I thought getting there would be a piece of cake. Little did I know, I would literally be drenched in sweat, once I made it to the top. It wasn’t backbreaking, but it wasn’t a walk in the park either.

Our short yet sweet retreat to Monte Cueva de la Virgen Shrine

From their residence in Manhilo, we took a short tricycle ride to the gateway of Monte Cueva. We then entered the narrow alley that leads to the entrance of this sacred. Once there, we made a few poses and snapped photos of the lofty staircases of the shrine.

There are a couple of stairways heading to the top of the shrine, and we took the one the right side. My girlfriend’s cousins said that the stairway we took had over 550 steps.

As it turns out, getting there wasn’t as easy as I thought it was going to be. When I looked at the zigzagging concrete stairs, I said to myself “dude, you’re in for a good cardio workout today." Without wasting any more time, I together with everyone ascended the stairway.

Along the way, we saw a pair of white statues that beautifully depict the Stations of the Cross. On the third station, everybody, except me, took a quick break from our hike. I, however, went forward with the journey, climbing each stair with a sense of joy and excitement.

I was way ahead of them, and I barely took a breather. It was around 4 o’clock in the afternoon, and the sun was starting to set. I had to increase my pace, so I can catch sight of the small cave church before it gets dark. I only stopped whenever I saw a sight worth snapping.

Also read: Kalanggaman & Sambawan Island: A 4-Day Trip Without an Itinerary

Moments later, I found myself less than 20 steps away from the top. I rushed a bit and stepped into a small entrance that featured a lovely statue of Mother Mary. Afterwards, I stepped into the slightly dark cavern and got treated to a breathtaking sight of Monte Cueva.

Quite frankly, Monte Cueva isn’t as large and elaborate as some of the historic churches that I’ve been to in Visayas. Still, it is without a doubt one of the most extraordinary and strangely beautiful sacred sites I’ve ever seen. Although it’s small, it has wonderful features that you won’t see in other churches, such as its limestone walls.

There weren’t a lot of people around, during our visit to Monte Cueva. I was even totally alone for a minute or two inside the cave.

I moved around the cave chapel and took some shots of its one-of-a-kind design and features. Eventually, the whole gang arrived, and like me, they were utterly amazed by the chapel’s unique splendour.

We left the cave chapel and explored the area. Since Monte Cueva is a holy site, we also said our prayers as well as lit up some candles.

One of Rabbie’s cousins instructed us to go to the viewing deck area to get a great overlooking view of Maasin. And I must say the vistas there were truly outstanding!

Nighttime was about to come, and we descended back to the gateway. This time, though, we took the easier staircase, to reach our destination.

How to get there

To get there, you need to travel to Maasin City. For those who are from Cebu, you may hop on a boat ride plying the Cebu-Maasin route for ₱330. For the most part, travellers from Cebu will arrive in Maasin at 2 to 3 am, meaning you’ll have some spare time to rest, before going to the shrine. From the Maasin proper, there are tricycles and habal-habals that would take you to Monte Cueva.

As for the entrance fee, you can pray and soak in the scenery of Monte Cueva for everybody’s favourite price of zero pesos!

Reminders

• Bring a litre of water and light snacks.
• Pack a handkerchief, face towel, or an extra shirt.
• Behave, while there. Remember, Monte Cueva was designed as a place of worship.

Also read: Biri Rock Formations: Travel Guide & Things You Need to Know

Hinatuan Adventure Beyond the Enchanted River

Adventure seekers should explore Hinatuan's beauty and its rich marine sanctuary. There is surely more beyond the enchanted river that will truly give you an awe-inspiring view.

February 2, 2017, 9:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:04 am

Johanns Cordita Johanns is a trail runner and mountaineer who was born and raised in Mindanao, Philippines. Although working full time, she sees to it that she's living her 20s in full bloom with the mission to share her off the beaten path adventures and rave runs in the hopes of inspiring others. Follow her adventures at Sightseer Pinay.

Contributed by Sightseer Pinay

I am a Hinatuanon, a proud resident of Hinatuan yet a humble local of which. I grew up in our little town restricted of time and money to explore most of nature's beauty our place can boast of because I was only a student by then living with a travel wary grandmother. So I end up strolling in the town proper, some of the municipality's accessible tourist spots, and neighbouring cities/municipalities when occasion permits -- mostly on school related events such as school's press conference. Today, however, I went on an adventure to experience the most of Hinatuan beyond the enchanted river for I know, I won't be home soon... again.

Also read: 4 Days Surigao Itinerary: An Unforgettable Summer Adventure with Friends

First off, let me give you a quick overview of my humble town.

Municipality of Hinatuan

Hinatuan is one of the major tourist destinations in Surigao del Sur region of CARAGA. It has gained popularity back in early 2000 when casts of SPIRITS, an ABS-CBN teleserye, shoot an episode in Enchanted River. Apparently, people only know of Hinatuan Enchanted River oblivious to the fact that there are many gems lying in wait for rediscovery (I will tackle about it further later in this post).

Facts

• Hinatuan was derived from the words Hato which was later called Hatu-an.
• Hato connotes a method of preserving fish, and 'an' was later added to denote a place of preserving fish.

There is also a tale on how the town got its name. Accordingly, there was a Boholano migrant, who, out of curiosity asked a native Manobo-Mandaya in Visayan dialect, "Asa ihatod niining mansakaay na mga tao ang pagkaon?" (Where will these farmers send the food?) The native, being new to the dialect kept on repeating the word Hinatudan. And so the Boholano thought that it was perhaps the name of the place. It was only during the later part of Spanish regime when Visayan immigrants omit the d and changed the name to Hinatuan.

• Early settlement was in 1851 near Buhisan, "a living stone", bank in Hinatuan River.
• No attempts were made to spread Christianity in 1856 to 1874 due to shortage of Christian missionaries.
• In 1898, a permanent church was built (now St Augustine Parish Church) through the efforts of the then parish priest, Fr Nicasio Jansen.
• Hinatuan has 24 barangays in which majority are located along the coasts, thereby making Hinatuan as the home of islets and beach sides.

Top attractions in Hinatuan

1. Enchanted River and Island Hopping

Ever since the enchanted river made a name in the tourism industry, the destination has been welcoming thousands of visitors every year. The area is only small in size to accommodate flocks of travellers that sometime in 2014, the number of persons to be accommodated should not be beyond 200 per two shifts: 7am-11am and 1pm-5pm. Island hopping was then strongly promoted (although the activity was already offered even before 2012) to introduce tourists to following destinations:

Update: The Enchanted River will be temporarily closed to the public on 3 Jan - 9 Feb 2017 for maintenance works. To visit nearby destinations, take a pump boat at Barangay Cambatong. Same rate applies.

Also read: I Spent 7 Days in Caraga Swimming with Jellyfish, Island Hopping & More

2. Sibadan Fish Cage

Swim with fishes and tamed stingrays here in Sibadan. You can also stay for the night here if you want to embrace the breeze.

3. Rock Island Resort

Currently an ongoing beautification, the resort is perched on rocks where you can also stay for the night. On daytime, the resort is open for island hoppers.

4. Pacific View Resort

Obviously, the Pacific Ocean can be seen here hence the name of the resort. What made it unique, however, is the paddle board activity they offered. Rooms are also available for accommodation.

5. Margaret Island Peak Resort

The resort is a 130 steps mountain-island which will give one a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Yet at the moment, the place is not yet fully restored after the typhoon Sendong.

6. Tipdos Island

An untouched beauty, Tipdos Island is a must visit crescent-shaped island.

7. Tinago River

A beauty surrounded by nature forests or rock islets, Tinago River is a picturesque view where you can take a swim or do wake boarding.

8. C-Fish Cage and Sandbars Resort

Here, you can enjoy fishing and have your catch cooked. The resort also offers accommodation.

9. Vanishing Island

It is a sandbar that is highly visible at low tide where anyone can enjoy a swim and bath under the sun. On high tide, the island seems to be lost.

10. Ponta Cave

A privately owned cave which is open to the public, Ponta Cave is suitable for quick caving adventure.

Note: You can also ride a boat at Barangay Cambatong for island hopping if you have already been to the Enchanted River. Same rate applies, 160/hr for every person in a group of six.

Other destinations away from Enchanted River

1. Palaran Ultimate Cave

The place is blessed with intoxicating stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone formations ideal for thrill-seekers.

2. Mangcahurom Island

The island is a beautiful stretch of powdery sand, with fewer tourists on visit. Perfect for sunbathing without scrutinising eyes.

3. Harip Ocean side

Local government unit is currently making efforts to promote Harip as one of tourist destinations in Hinatuan. Its powdery white sand beach is a good place to unwind and relax.

4. Red Pearl Surf

With big waves ideal for surfing that occurs on Amihan season, Red Pearl Surf has ignited curiosity from both locals and tourists. Now, you don't have to travel far to surf with the waves.

5. La Beda Sink Hole

According to Hinatuan Tourism Council, it is a 100-feet deep sink hole where one can experience rope climbing. Highly ideal for those thrill-seekers out there!

6. San Juan

Next to Maomawan, if locals would prefer land trip over boat ride, people are flocked at San Juan. A seawall was built as bridge to get to the other end (on the sea) and get a better view of the Pacific Ocean. I love the sea air in here.

Note: San Juan was destructed during typhoon Sendong. Although it can still be visited, it is no longer as majestic as it was.

7. Sunview Beach

8. Ligad Beach

Sightseeing

Drop by the town plaza and visit landmarks of Hinatuan all clumped in one area in which sites are only a few steps away from each other.

1. St Augustine Parish Church

As I mentioned earlier, the church was built in 1898 under the regime of Fr Nicasio Jansen. The architectural design of the church is a replica of Baguio City Cathedral. However, this 2016, major renovations were made giving the church a totally different facade.

2. Father Urios Academy

The school, which is managed by the Dominican Sisters since 2005, is the only private (and) Catholic school in Hinatuan. The main building was erected on 1962 and has undergone minor renovations. Since that, my friends and I coined it as 'titanic', as it was made of hard wood and we thought it might fall down with one strong earthquake.

3. Children's Park

I call this as happiness park as this is one of my childhood playgrounds. I even played on the see-saw just this week and I was feeling like a child again. Well, not many have seen me because my cousins and I played during the night.

4. Hinatuan Synoptic/Doppler Radar Station

With the installation of a radar system, Hinatuan has been a reference point of weather disturbances. It is also the town's highest building by far.

Trivia: There are only two towns in Mindanao where a Doppler Radar Station is installed. One in Tampakan, South Cotabato and the other is obviously here in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

5. Rizal Park

A ubiquitous statue in the country, my memories of Hinatuan Rizal Park is that of a dating place. :) hmmmm.

6. Bay walk

For a long time, the only hangout by the sea is the fish port, located few metres away from the public terminal. Around 2012, it has been beautified, attracting both old and young alike.

7. Educational Tour

Visit Hinatuan Eco Park and learn about replicable solid waste management practices. This is a recommended site to visit as it depicts the practices of Hinatuanon hailing the municipality as the winner of National Zero Basura Olympics Garbology Marathon. The site is guaranteed not to be smelly.

8. Jam Sessions

Every Friday and Saturday nights, Jam's Native Cuisine has a live band. The place is orderly and ideal for barkada night out.

9. Seafood Frenzy

Given the town's location, Hinatuan surely has lots of seafoods -- from crabs to shrimps that can satiate one's gastronomic needs. There are varieties to choose from sold at Enchanted River Vendors Association located just before the Enchanted River.

10. Paladong Festival

Every 28h of August, the town celebrates its patronal fiesta in honour of St Augustine. The celebration starts from August 19-28, and the highlight of which is the Paladong Festival, showcasing the beliefs of early settlers of the town.

How to get to Hinatuan

By bus

1. From Butuan City, ride a bus bound to Mangagoy and drop off at Hinatuan Public Terminal. Travel Time: 4 hours. Fare: ₱190, regular

2. From Davao, ride a bus bound to Butuan, drop off at San Franz (San Francisco) Bus Terminal, then take another bus bound to Mangagoy. Travel time: To San Franz, 5hrs; to Hinatuan, 2hrs. Fare: around ₱300, ₱90.

Note: There are vans available both at Davao and Butuan Terminals.

Where to stay

I made mention earlier that Pacific View Resort, Rock Island Resort, Sibadan Fish Cage, and C-Fish Cage and Sandbars offer rooms for accommodation. That is if you want to stay a night in the sea near other island hopping destinations. However, there are also a number of lodging houses in the town proper that can provide you comfort. Two of my recommendations are:

1. James Pensionne House and Restobar

This is the oldest lodging house in town but rest assured that it is still at par or above standard with the newbies. It is owned by my late grandma's brother and is now taken cared of by my aunt.

2. Bea and Koa's Hometel

A residence turned hometel by Lindo family. You can take it as your second home while you're away from home.

There are indeed many islets and beaches to visit in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. Thus, I urge you to visit the above-mentioned destinations for you to experience most of the untouched beauty in Hinatuan.

PS. Check out snaps and snippets here, or follow me on my sites for updated travel trails.

Guintarcan Island: An Unexplored Gem in Cebu

This turquoise blue waters of this relatively unknown island in Northern Cebu is sure to make your heart skip a beat!

January 25, 2017, 8:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:04 am

Roneth Politud Roneth is a dreamer guided by her wanderlust and curiosity. When she's not sleeping, she's probably wandering somewhere. She writes about her adventures and misadventures at www.theficklefeet.com.

Contributed by The Fickle Feet

Last year, I was part of an adventure where we went island hopping for four days. It was epic. And since then I’ve tried to join these adventures organised by Outdoorsman’s Hub. But it seemed that the universe was not on my side or, should I say, my schedule was a mess. I kept on skipping those activities until the day we finally went on a 2-day trip to Guintarcan Island.

Also read: Bantayan Island: A Must-Visit Paradise in Cebu, Philippines

Does the island ring a bell? No. I thought so. That's because this is not a common destination. In fact, I never heard of it until the Facebook group organised the trip. The unknown island made my heart pump faster. And so the Fickle Feet wanted to be on that island.

Just so you know, Guintarcan Island is a part of the Bantayan group of islands, in the province of Cebu. The locals call it Kinatarkan.

How to get to Guintarcan Island

• From Cebu City – Take a bus at the North Bus Terminal going to Daanbantayan
• From Daanbantayan –  If you are in a group and want to rent a boat, it may cost ₱1,500 to ₱3,000. Not sure of the rate since our trip was organised and had a fixed price.

On the way to the lagoon

Passing by La-aw Cove

As we were heading to the lagoon, we passed by this cove. Since our boat cannot go near, we had to swim our way to get to the island.

We passed by a tunnel-like rock. Also, we climbed and conquered those rocky cliffs. And then got lost on our way and went back from the beginning. So if you’re going there, remember this: after the climb, go RIGHT. Don’t get lost. You might find a dead end like we did.

Also read: You’ll Want to Move to Cebu After Seeing These 23 Stunning Photos

Take a dip in the La-aw Lagoon

The La-aw Lagoon is a small inlet located inside the island. It is partially blocked by huge rocks that we passed by. The water is greenish since there’s a lot of seaweed under the water. It is quite scary, actually. But regardless of that fact, it was a beautiful paradise.

What else?

Cliff Jumping

After passing the tunnel, the climb on the right side is the way to the lagoon, the climb to the left side is the way to the cliff jump area. Be careful on your way because the area is rocky. The cliff jump is almost 15 feet.

Snorkelling at the La-aw Cove

We did some snorkelling in the La-aw cove. There’s not much to see but it was still fun.

Camping at the beach

I’m suggesting this because this is what we did. But I must tell you that it was quite difficult to find comfort rooms in the island since it is not commercialised yet. However, the locals are nice and you can ask them to help you so you can do your business.

Also read: 20 Best Islands in The Philippines for Beach Getaways

Final note

In other words, if you are seeking for some privacy and want to go in a secluded area, Guintarcan Island is for you. The only thing that will cost you is the travel expense. But it's a very little cost for such a wonderful paradise.

The Northern Philippines: A Road Trip to Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur

Five days on the road to explore the beautiful provinces of Cagayan, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. Here's a summary of how it was done.

January 20, 2017, 8:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:04 am

Remedios Lucio Remedios Lucio is the Website Owner of The HodgePodge Lifestyle, a lifestyle and current events website. Writing is her passion in life. She loves exploring the world, meeting different people, learning new cultures, knowing several languages, food tripping—anything where she can discover a thing or two. She dreams of travelling around the world. She has already started by living in and visiting several countries including her country, the Philippines. She also dreams of having her own book published in the future, fond of photography, drinking coffee and her pets.

The northern part of the Philippines is the perfect escapade if you have a week-long break from work. For five whole days, we took our car to visit the provinces of Cagayan, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. Curious how we did it? Let me share with you the highlights of our grand road trip up north.

Also read: Underrated Northern Luzon Destinations Worth the Road Trip

Cagayan

Calvary Hills | Image credit: Remedios Lucio

In Cagayan province, we visited Sta. Ana, Iguig and Peñablanca. Don’t mistake Cagayan for Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao. It’s actually part of the Cagayan Valley in Luzon which includes Cagayan, Batanes, Nueva Vizcaya, Divilican, Maconacon, Dinapigue, Palanan, Cauayan, Santiago, and Quirino. So, if you want to visit Cagayan Valley itself, it would perhaps take you several weeks. It’s best to choose a few destinations to be included in your itinerary. Travelling to Batanes separately is advised as it’s a different island.

Vehicle Depot | Image credit: Remedios Lucio

What to see here? It’s the peak of Luzon before Batanes and Babuyan Islands that’s a seaside so it’s a point entry and exit for both local and imported goods. There’s a huge car depot you can check out with luxury and cheap vehicles. Whether you’re buying or not, it’s great for photo op. We saw several sports cars and Hummers. There are no gates but simple thin metal fences so entering isn’t a problem or restricted.

Afterwards, visit the picturesque Calvary Hills which has the Station of the Cross and an old Spanish church. It sits on a sloping hill with a lake that’s peaceful. Locals visit this place during Holy Week and ordinary days for prayers.

Callao Cave | Image credit: Remedios Lucio

Before sunset, we went to Peñablanca where the Callao Cave is. If you want to see the bats crossing the mountain from the cave, you need to be there before 5pm since they come out at that time. Hop on the wooden boats and the tour guide will paddle towards the location of the caves. It’s such a peaceful scenery but the excitement comes as the bats come out from hiding inside the caves.

Cagayan Holiday & Leisure Resort | Image credit: Remedios Lucio

Since it was already almost evening, we headed to our accommodation at the Cagayan Holiday & Leisure Resort in Sta. Ana. It’s a luxurious resort with villas and its own casino. It’s also a beachfront property where you can jet ski or do other water sports activities. We rented one villa with two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room and a kitchen.

You can dine at the hotel, or before checking in, you may opt to eat at restaurants you pass by outside. After our dinner at the hotel, we checked out the facilities and found ourselves trying the casino. The funny thing was, we don’t know how to gamble but our room came with several free tickets to a Baccarat game so we decided to try it. We capped off the night after several tries and headed back to our accommodation to rest.

Cagayan Beach | Image credit: Remedios Lucio

The next day, we went to the so-called “Boracay of the North” of Sta. Ana. We spent the morning swimming and basking in the sun at the white sands of Anguib Beach. There’s another island you can visit if you have more time at Palaui Island, a 45-minute boat ride from the main town. You’ll also see Cape Engaño, a lighthouse on top of a hill. It has the panoramic view of the Dos Hermanos Island, Babuyan Islands, Engaño Cove and the Pacific Ocean.

Ilocos Norte

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation | Image credit: Remedios Lucio

We left Cagayan to visit Ilocos Norte with our luggage in tow. It was a long drive but the bridge was broken as a new one was being built. Thus, adding more to our travel time.

We killed time by watching the vehicles, jeepneys, tricycles and their passengers board bamboo rafts with people guiding them through the stream. It was interesting how Filipinos make things work with what they have. The water wasn’t flowing too fast and it wasn’t deep so it was safe enough for the vehicles to cross the bridge. But being from the city, we were a bit scared. Luckily, when it was almost our turn, we were signalled to pass the new bridge finally.

Around dinner time, we were almost near Pagudpud but we stopped by a cosy German restaurant along the way to eat. We were already hungry and good thing their food was delicious. Apart from us, another family arrived who also came from Cagayan. We were driving on the same road for several hours so we recognised their vehicle. After dinner, we stumbled upon a cheap hostel to rest. We were beat and ready to hit the sack.

Bangui Wind Mills | Image credit: Remedios Lucio

The next morning was another day full of activities. First, we stopped at the Bangui Windmills with its fine beach sand, huge white windmills and crashing ocean waves.  After taking lots of photos, we went to the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. You can walk on the rocks or hire a horse so you can ride it until the beachfront area or the other side of the rock formation.

Cape Bojeador| Image credit: Remedios Lucio

We also went to the beautiful old ruins of the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse. It’s a favourite of mine as I can climb all the way up to see the 360 view of Ilocos and the ocean from afar, but during this time, it was closed. Instead, the museum was open so we took the opportunity to check it out.

Marcos Mansion| Image credit: Remedios Lucio

Whenever you visit Ilocos Norte, people will always think of the Marcoses’ properties since they hail from the province. We went to their ancestral house to see the antiques and old rooms of the family. I’ve been there several times but it never gets old especially with the lake view behind it.

Paoay Sand Dunes | Image credit: Remedios Lucio

Near the mansion is the Paoay Sand Dunes which was turned into a destination for extreme sports adventures. You can do sandboarding, ride the 4x4 across the sand or take lots of jump shots for fun.

Paoay Church | Image credit: Remedios Lucio

For lunch, we went to the Paoay Church where the delicious Pinakbet and Bagnet Pizza can be found. The small restaurant in front of the church serves local Ilocano and Filipino dishes that are mouthwatering. Take a photo of the church after dining and go inside to see the well-preserved interiors.

We ended the tour around Ilocos Norte and headed to Ilocos Sur.

Ilocos Sur

Calle Crisologo | Image credit: Remedios Lucio

We stayed overnight at one of the old traditional Filipino-Spanish houses converted into hotels in Vigan, the Cordillera Inn. There’s also another beautiful hotel there called Vigan Plaza Hotel.

The next morning, we did a walking tour on our own around the Calle Crisologo cobblestone streets of Vigan where you’ll see old traditional houses, stores and the Cathedral of Vigan. We went to the church to pray for a safe trip to Manila. Then, off we went to the souvenir stores where you’ll find Filipino crafts and furniture that are well-made. There are also delicacies such as Bagnet and Empanadas.

Cathedral of Vigan | Image credit: Remedios Lucio

For lunch, there are plenty of small cafes and restaurants around the plaza. It’s not a very big area so walking or riding the kalesa (Filipino for horse-drawn carriages) is possible. It’s a picture-worthy destination that brings you back to the olden days.

Also read: Backpacking Northern Luzon in 9 Days for PHP10,000

It was our last day at the Northern part of Philippines and sadly, we had to leave after lunch to head back to Manila. It was another long road trip but we stopped at gas stations and restaurants for quick breaks. This road trip was ultimately one of the best vacations we’ve had and we will be back to visit the rest of the provinces at the tip of Luzon.

Taal Volcano: What to Know Before Climbing the World’s Shortest Volcano

On the island of Luzon in the Philippines is Taal Volcano, a picturesque hiking destination easily accessible from Manila. Read this guide before your climb!

January 18, 2017, 10:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:05 am

Sara Mahendran Sara is a writer and vlogger who believes that adventure can be found in simple things, as long as you have the appetite for trying something new. Some of her favourite things are food, nature, animals, and documenting it all with her camera. Check out her blog (Lights, Camera, Adventure!) for her stories as well as guides and tips on travel, budgeting, and vlogging.

You might expect the world’s shortest active volcano to be unimpressive, but Taal Volcano certainly makes up in beauty what it lacks in height. Despite standing at only 311 metres tall, it is home to one of the most scenic views in the Philippines.

Taal Volcano also has something not all other volcanoes do – an acid lake. It is unsafe to swim in, but beautiful to look at as the acidity of the water makes the lake a viridian green.

Taal Volcano is an island located in Taal Lake, but its crater lake contains an even tinier island (Vulcan Point)!

Climbing Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano is an easy climb, and the path is not steep at all. The entire climb can be completed in 45 minutes. The only challenging part was the huge amount of volcanic ash that made the ground soft and difficult to walk on.

It was additionally challenging for me as I made the mistake of hiking at 3pm, when the weather was incredibly hot. I felt like I was slowly being roasted, so I had to take lot of breaks in the shelters along the way. In the end, I completed the climb in about one and a half hours.

There is also an option of hiring a pony to bring you up the volcano for ₱500. It will make the ride a lot easier, and far quicker.

I personally chose not to ride the pony as I wanted to take my time and enjoy the view. I really loved how the surroundings looked like a desert, especially because I had never seen such terrain before.

Many crosses like this one dotted the side of Taal Volcano. I thought they were a little morbid at first, but then I was told they are just distance markers. (Not graves, like I thought they might have been!)

The land was craggy and extremely dry, but I was able to find lush flora and small animals among some of the rocks.

Tips

I really enjoyed my climb and had a lovely time, but I wish I knew some of these tips before going.

• Guides are available for hire at ₱500.  However, they are not needed. The path up Taal Volcano is a straight one and there is no way you could get lost.
• Bring a face mask or handkerchief to tie around your face to prevent inhaling volcanic ash.
• Wear clothes that can be easily cleaned or dusted as you will be coated in a layer of ash.
• Do not swim in the lake. You might get acid burns.
• Bring plenty of water and your own snacks as the food and drinks sold at the village there are expensive.
• Be sure to have plenty of sun protection, and climb before noon to escape the heat. Ideally, leave Manila around 6am.

How to get there

Taal volcano is located just a few hours away from Manila, making this a perfect day trip. It is recommended you leave as early as 6am in order to avoid hiking in the blistering sun (like I had to).

Route: Manila → Tagaytay City → Talisay → Taal Lake → Taal Volcano

If you are starting from Manila, take a bus ride (₱120, 3–4 hrs) to Tagaytay City. If the bus does not drop you at the jeepney terminal, take a jeepney there (₱10, 15 mins). Then take a tricycle/jeepney (₱50 / ₱20, 40 mins) from the terminal to Talisay. You will be brought down a narrow and twisty path to the base of Taal Lake. You can then rent a boat (₱1,600, 20 mins) to get to the volcano.

The tricycle (₱50) I took to Talisay was so tiny I could barely fit into it.

I had to fiercely haggle my way through to Taal Volcano, as people tend to overcharge foreigners. The boat (max 6 passengers) can cost as little as ₱1,200 for locals, but I was initially charged a whopping ₱2,500. I managed to get a price of ₱1,600 after much persistent haggling.

The banca (₱1,600), a local motorised boat that would take us across Taal Lake to Taal Volcano.

Expected costs

A day trip to Taal Volcano should set you back around ₱777-1,277, that’s roughly US$15.70–25.80, depending on whether you purchase a horse ride or not.

In addition to the transports costs, you have to pay a small environmental fee of ₱50 (adult) or ₱30 (child). Payment will be made over the counter at the information hut, and a receipt will be issued.

The boatmen might ask you to pay additional landing fees and entrance fees, but I think those might be scams as there is no documentation to prove those fees are required. To prevent any misunderstandings, confirm the total cost of the trip with the boatmen before embarking so that they do not give you any surprise fees.

Cost breakdown

Return bus ride from Manila: ₱240

Return jeepney to Tagaytay jeepney terminal: ₱20

Return tricycle to Talisay: ₱200

Return boat ride to Taal volcano: ₱1,600 for the whole boat, ₱267 if the cost is split among the max load of 6 pax

Environmental fee: ₱50

Horse ride (optional): ₱450

Also read: Taal Volcano – A Natural Marvel to Behold

So there you have it, all the things you need to know before heading to Taal Volcano. You can also check out this guide on everything you need to know before going to the Philippines so you are well prepared.

Our Dahilayan Adventure Park Experience in Bukidnon

Feel the adrenaline rush as you zoom past trees and mountains in Bukidnon's Dahilayan Adventure Park.

January 13, 2017, 8:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:05 am

Mike Raquel Mike Raquel is a web developer during the weekdays and a traveller, mountaineer, and biker during the weekends or whenever he has vacation leaves. He is adventurous and loves to explore. He shares his travel stories through his blog, Miked’s Travel PH.

Contributed by Miked Travel PH

A place that you should definitely include in your Northern Mindanao itinerary is Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon. Here, you can find Asia's first longest dual zip line and other extreme rides like the Dropzone and the Python Roller Zipride.

Also read: Northern Mindanao Travel Guide: Iligan, Camiguin, Bukidnon & CDO

How to get there

The adventure park is located in Brgy. Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon. The nearest airport is the Laguindingan Airport that is 46 kilometres away from Cagayan de Oro.

From Cagayan de Oro

• Go to Agora Bus Terminal and take a jeep or van bound to the jump off point which is Camp Philips.
• In Camp Philips, hire a habal-habal (motorcycle) to get you to Dahilayan Adventure Park.

• If you are in a group and want a convenient way to get there, you can contact Kuya at this number +63 936 451-1937.
• The adventure park also offers round-trip transport from CDO during Saturdays only.

The Adventure Park

The travel time from CDO to the adventure park is around an hour and a half. You'll be passing by hectares of pineapple plantation and countryside views. The climate on the park is a little cool and you'll see a lot of pine trees around that somewhat remind you of Baguio.

Just beside Dahilayan Adventure Park is Dahilayan Forest Park, where there's also a lot of activities to do. The adventure park also offers accommodations which you can check here.

Extreme activities

There are several activities you can do in the park. One of the most popular here is the 840-metre dual zip line. Aside from that, they have 320 and 150 metres zip-lines. Another popular ride here is the Dropzone, where you will be dropped 120-feet and swing above a man-made lake.

Each ride costs differently and there is no ride all you can ticket, but they have a package for some of the rides. My friends got the 'ZipAll Package' for ₱600 (price may be changed) that includes 320-metre, 150-metre, and the 850-metre zip line ride. For me, I wanted to try the dropzone so I choose the 'ZipAll' + Python Zip + Dropzone package for ₱1,000.

We first did the 320 and 150 metres zip line, followed by the Dropzone. The Dropzone really got me a little nervous when I saw someone being dropped, and got a little scared when it's my turn and I need to pull the release rope to be dropped. Yup, you will be the one to release yourself by pulling the rope! But after I pulled the release rope (and screamed a little), it was just awesome, and I felt like I'm flying.

Also read: Top Destinations in the Philippines to Visit Even During the Rainy Season

After that adrenaline-pumping dropzone, we proceeded with the 840-metre zip line. A truck picked us up to transfer us to the starting point of the 840-metre zipline. The position in the zip line is in superman position and the ride is almost a minute.

The activities, especially the 840m zip line and Dropzone are definitely worth the experience! Be sure to include these activities in your Northern Mindanao adventure! Thanks for reading!

Also read: How Our Family Spent 22 Days in Eastern Mindanao: Tips & Cost Breakdown

Cheers from Bukidnon!

An Adventurer’s Guide to Ormoc City

Ormoc City is not called "Beauty by the Bay" for nothing. Here's a simple travel guide for all you adventurers.

January 6, 2017, 8:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:05 am

Ephraim Arriesgado Ephraim is a registered nurse who devotes most of his time in mission work -- empowering the youth and impacting communities. With the whole Central Philippines as part of his mission territory, he travels from island to island with a purpose always in mind. Follow his adventures at Selfless Travels and @selfless_eph.

Contributed by Selfless Travels

Today, I will be giving you my very first travel guide featuring the province of Leyte, my home province. You can also view my Leyte Travel Series.

The Destination: Ormoc City, Leyte

Ormoc City is located in the western part of the province of Leyte and is fondly called the "Beauty by the Bay." It is a first class city and the largest city in Leyte by land area. It is approximately 104 kilometres away from Tacloban City, the capital of Eastern Visayas. Today, Ormoc is a progressive city and a major transportation centre in western Leyte. Ormoc City offers many historic and natural attractions.

Also read: Backpacking Ormoc City: Simple Travel Guide

How to get there

Cebu City to Ormoc City

• By slow boat = ₱430
• By fast craft = ₱800-₱1,000

Tacloban City to Ormoc City

• By van = ₱120 (2 hours travel time)

Places to explore

1. Lake Danao

It is Ormoc's main natural attraction. Previously, it was named Lake Imelda, but was changed to Lake Danao Natural Park afterwards. Lake Danao is a violin-shaped lake on the mountains of Ormoc. It has about 139 hectares of total area and is about 700 metres above sea level. The lake is a great place for boating, kayaking or fishing. And the area around the lake is also ideal for sightseeing, camping, trekking, picnics and retreats.

Tips

• Near Ormoc's new market is the terminal for jeepneys and multicabs bound for Brgy. Lake Danao.
• The lake is just a 5-minute walk away from the barangay.
• Travel time to Lake Danao is about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Fare is approximately ₱25-30.
• You can also ride a habal-habal from Ormoc City, though not that common. You can negotiate for your fare.

2. Lake Kasudsuran

Named by the locals as "The Little Lake Danao", Lake Kasudsuran is also a place to explore in Ormoc City. The lake is a beauty to behold with surrounding fresh green trees and vegetation, and a calm and serene atmosphere.

Tips

• The lake is only accessible by foot.
• You can ride the jeepney near the market bound for Brgy. Gaas. The jump-off point is Sitio Maglahug.
• Fare is about ₱30-50.
• The trek to the lake is about 2-3 hours .

3. Lake Janagdan

This lake completes Ormoc's three lakes. Lake Janagdan is the smallest of the three and is accessible only by foot. The jump-off point is at Brgy. Cabingtan. Going there is about two hours trek.

4. Alto Peak

It is the highest mountain in Eastern Visayas. Alto Peak stands at 1,332 metres above sea level. You can also read Pinoy Mountaineer's post: Alto Peak (1,332+).

5. Veteran's Park

It is a park located near Ormoc's sea wall and is a memorial to the veterans who have fought during the liberation of Leyte and the Philippines.

6. Centennial Marker

This beautiful monument is located near the Veterans Park and is a tribute to the Western Leyte Guerilla Warfare Forces.

7. Ormoc City Superdome

It is Ormoc's pride and one of the city's landmarks. It is within the city proper and a venue for many sports and socio-cultural events

8. Puente de la Reina

This historic bridge was built during the Spanish times and was known as the "Bridge of the Queen". This is the city's oldest bridge and is the last existing structure that gives evidence to the Spanish colonisation of the city. The bridge was used as a docking area for ships or sailboats of the Chinese and Javanese merchants who are selling their products to the locals. Puente de la Reina is included in the Puentes de España en las Filipinas or the Spanish Bridges in the Philippines.

9. Agua Dulce

Ormoc City has one of the sweetest water in Eastern Visayas. They say it is second to the sweet water of Biliran. Agua Dulce literally means "sweet water", a testament to its sweetness. You can quickly find two of these within the city proper.

You can also explore these places

• Old City Hall, New City Hall
• Leyte Geothermal Production Field
• Leyte Golf and Country Club
• JICA Flood Mitigation Project / Riverwalk
• Pineapple Plantation
• Ormoc's Mangroves
• Philippine-Japan Peace Memorial
• Flashflood Memorial Marker
• Bantigue Beach Resort, Sals Beach Resort

Also read: 11 Romantic Sunsets in the Philippines to Share with Your Special Someone

Additional features

Sunsets at Ormoc Bay

For your taste buds

1. Queen pineapples

A must-try in Ormoc is its queen pineapples. These pineapples are big and are famous because of its sweetness. You can find these pineapples on fruit stalls along the streets.

2. Cassava cakes

It is one of Ormoc's best and delectable delicacies. Choose Young Attitudes' cassava cakes.

Travel  tips

1. The fastest way to go to Ormoc from Tacloban and vice versa is by van.
2. You can do a walking tour around the city.
3. Visit the tourism office near the port area or view their website here.
4. For your accommodation, I recommend Hotel Don Felipe, IALodge, Pongos Hotel, Ormoc Villa Hotel and Sabin Resort Hotel.

I hope this Adventurer's Guide is helpful to you.

Also read: A Simple Travel Guide to Leyte: What You Need to Know Before Your Trip

If you have questions and enquiries, drop your comments or e-mail me at rokx_iphe@yahoo.com.

Abra de Ilog: A Scenic Town in Mindoro for Bikers & Adventure Seekers

Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro is the perfect place for bikers and thrill-seekers looking for a weekend escape from the bustling Metro Manila.

December 22, 2016, 9:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:06 am

Gelyka Dumaraos Gel is a wild heart, free-spirited 20-something Filipina who lives life travelling, writing, and meeting people. When not on the road, she is either beating deadlines for an article assignment or babysitting her one-year old nephew. She lives in Makati. Check thoughts on travel, life, and love at Musings and Pathways.

Contributed by Musings & Pathways

Most weekends—for the usual backpacker who juggles travel and his 9-5 job—is filled with near-Manila getaways and detailed itineraries that can be done in a day or two. It can be a quick dip by the beaches of Zambales or a day tour in Corregidor. One may even opt for a night at the summits of Batangas or spend some time cooling in Tagaytay while enjoying an order of bulalo.

Also read: 8 Relaxing Places Near Manila to Escape the City Life

But while these places, as well as many other spots in the Philippines, offer different kinds of recreation for the busy yet on-the-go traveller, a town in Occidental Mindoro is offering a simply distinct, low-impact way of immersing on adventure while pampering the eyes with breathtaking views.

Meet Abra de Ilog and its emerging trails for the biking enthusiasts.

Some may know this place as the entrance to Occidental Mindoro. Its port is the sole entryway to get to different towns within the province. Say you’re going to the famed Apo Reef or Pandan Island of Sablayan town and you’ll definitely dock into Abra de Ilog’s port.

But Abra de Ilog, a town between two mountains, has more to offer than this. It has recently opened its trails for mountain bikers—a way for the town to let the travellers immerse themselves in the place, through interaction with the locals, while passing through green fields and beautiful sceneries.

Also read: 7 Farm Experiences Near Manila for Your Next Weekend Escape

Trail 1

The first trail can be started off by the port of Abra de Ilog. This trail is perfect for beginners with its ten to 20 minutes of uphill and downhill cemented pathway—just perfect for a calming morning ride.

Passing by the trail lets you see the whole Abra de Ilog Port, a breakwater, and a few boats resting on its copper-coloured beachside.

About five minutes to the wide road, you will pass by a Mangyan village, which nipa huts are distinctly situated by the hillside. On its backdrop is the lush greenery from the mountains.

Resting on the road will let you interact with Iraya-Mangyans, the dominating ethnic group in the town, who have already embraced the lowland’s culture.

The way shall also lead to Puerto Galera. However, the project of having a way from Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro is still not yet finished. Motorbikes, however, can brave the long, rocky, and muddy way if they want to cross the boundary.

Trail 2

The town has a whopping number of waterfalls. All in all, it has 14 waterfalls situated in different barangays but the most famous and frequently visited are Papali, Agbalala, and Apyas.

The second trail will lead you to these three.

Starting from the port, one shall pass through green fields, rough roads that are shaded with trees, communities, narrow pathways filled with rocks, and a couple of streams.

About 12 kilometres from the port, Papali will welcome you with its refreshing atmosphere and cool waters which shall tempt you to take a dip. Upon going back, you will pass by Agbalala Falls and Apyas Falls. Agbalala Falls is the most visited of all these. It is located in Barangay Wawa, Sitio Agbalala.

Also read: Chasing Waterfalls in Laguna: A Weekend Getaway with Friends

Bikers need to go up to the registration area and park their bikes before trekking up to the falls which will take at roughly ten minutes. In trekking your way to Agbalala Falls, you will pass by boulders of rocks. Take precautionary measures though in stepping through these big rocks as they tend to be slippery. Be wary as well of your head when climbing up. Bring a head gear for protection if possible. Agbalala Falls is best visited during the summer.

Apyas Falls, meanwhile, is the smallest falls of all the three. From the cemented road, you need to bike for a couple of minutes, passing by a grassland, and into the midst of trees and tall grasses. It looks like a stream but you can actually swim in its small pool-like space. This is mostly frequented by the locals before Agbalala Falls was opened.

This may be finished a couple of hours past lunch time. Resting in a hotel near the port is optional or you may bike your way through the town proper and buy some corns. Abra de Ilog is known for producing corn crops.

But you know what’s more interesting about these two trails? According to its tourism office, you can actually catch the 2am RORO trip to Abra de Ilog, get off from the ship at dawn, take the biking trails, rest, eat, and dip in waterfalls, and finally, head off the Manila after an awesome adventure-filled day. Yes, this town in Occidental Mindoro can be visited in a day.

Abra de Ilog believes that bikers are responsible travellers. What they do to go places leaves nothing but prints from their bikes, memories of talking with the locals, and dipping by the town’s numerous bodies of water, an act which promotes the care for the environment through low-impact travel.

Masungi Georeserve Guide: What to Know Before Your Trek

Looking for a great outdoor adventure to do with your friends? Trek the the Masungi Georeserve.

December 21, 2016, 8:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:06 am

Hannae Cuyugan Hannae is an adventurous traveller and a lover of life. She wants to witness sunrise and chase sunsets around the world. She is a foodie, fitness, fashion enthusiast and a beautyholic. She is the author behind the lifestyle blog site www.hANnaeYTHING.com.

Contributed by hANnaeYTHING

Masungi Georeserve is a vast conservation area tucked in the rustic rain forests of Rizal. The name is derived from the word “masungki” which means “spiked", a very fitting description for the sprawling and untouched limestone landscape within the conservation area.

Also read: 10 Eco-Tourism Parks in the Philippines for Your Next Family Outing

Sharing with you step by step and up close as we traverse the karst terrain for 4 1/2 hours. Are you ready to take this adventure with us? Here we go…

We drove from Manila to Rizal via private vehicle and was instructed to go to the Garden Cottages located at KM 45 Marcos Highway. A Masungi Georeserve staff welcomed us there and checked our name on the list. From Garden Cottages, we were directed to drive 2 kilometres more to Masungi Georeserve gate which has a signage of KM 47 at the right side of the road coming from Manila. They have a big parking area where we were welcomed by their friendly staff.

We walked for around 5 minutes to go to the receiving and briefing area.

Briefing was conducted by our designated park ranger, Sidney. He discussed the Do’s and Don’ts during the trail and most importantly, the safety procedures. This is the area where we signed waivers, head gears were given and worn and 2 bottled waters were distributed for our consumption during the trail. They provided bags for us to put our bottled water, phones and other gadgets.

Their restrooms are very nice, clean and complete with sunblock, powder, lotion and hand wash. We freshened up prior to our trek as there are no restrooms along the way.

So our adventure begins!

After 25 minutes of trekking, we arrived at Sapot or web. Enjoyed the fantastic view of Laguna de Bay from this web-style iron viewing platform.

At the end of the hanging bridge is another single path terrain with an amazing view!

Walked further for another 30 minutes of immersing with mother nature.

Head gears are very important in this adventure because there are so many caves and other rock formations that have small openings and passageways.

We walked for another 30 minutes and rested on this relaxing place.

Walked for 30 minutes more and came across the Unggoy or Monkey cave.

After walking further, we arrived at Duyan. A truly breathtaking view!

From Duyan, we had to walk through the hanging bridge and go up another rope obstacle. Remember, the park ranger will always tell you that there is no backing out because the trail is a one way track.

What a spectacular view up there!

And now the real challenge is going down the steepest rope trail and then walking through the biggest rope hanging bridge in the Philippines.

From the longest hanging rope bridge, we went down further to enter the Yungib ni Ruben. One of the most beautiful caves I've ever seen.

Going out of the cave was challenging as we need to pass through a small passageway again.

We walked further along the rocks and wild trees.

Arrived at the foot of Tatay, the first and taller rock natural sculpture.

Moving along, we walked again to see the beauty of Nanay which features five limestone rock peaks interconnected by bridges.

Walked for another 30 minutes and arrived at the last hanging bridge that we will pass.

Continued to trek for another 45 minutes.

Finally, we reached the Liwasan and then the Visitor shed where our food awaits! Everybody was famished and tired. We were served with fresh calamansi juice, banana and chicken sandwich which we chose upon registration. The food was part of the package.

It was truly an exhilarating adventure. Something that I will forever cherish. I am lucky to have friends who embrace the same passion as mine to explore new places. This activity further strengthened our friendship. It was also very educational and informative as our park ranger shares his knowledge about the rocks, wild plants and animals found inside the conservation area.

It has been said that “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” and I could not agree more. Trek while you still have fresh legs to walk and strength to move up and down. Take into once in a lifetime adventures while you still can! Up until now, I still could not believe that I was able to complete the trek. That I was able to brave through all the obstacles and the long walking. Immersing myself with all the wild animals, rock formations and wild plants and trees made me appreciate the Philippines more. We are abundantly blessed with rich natural resources and each one of us should partake on taking care of it.

Also read: Top 10 Mountains in the Philippines With the Most Incredible Views

Here are a few tips for those who would want to book a Masungi Georeserve Trail:

1. Book ahead of time. They require you to book five days ahead of your preferred schedule. They are getting really popular so the schedule is really tight especially on weekends. They also require 50% down payment paid through bank and they will send confirmation of your schedule. Be on time because some were not accepted or rescheduled because they arrived past their schedule.
2. Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
3. Bring more water, they will only give you 2 500ml bottled water for the entire duration of the trek.
4. Eat a really heavy, big and hearty breakfast before embarking on this journey. You really need energy to walk and go through the challenging terrain.
5. Bring and apply sunblock for your skin protection.
6. Bring crackers, candies, bananas or chocolates to keep you going. Just remember to keep all your trash inside your respective bags.
7. You may opt to bring your own head gear as the ones they gave us were smelly or better yet bring alcohol to spray on it before using.
8. Observe silence and follow the instructions of the park ranger at all times.
9. The park ranger who was assigned to us, Sidney, was really a good photographer and he knows how to operate a camera or go-pro that explains our fantastic pictures.
10. Bring light towels because you will definitely be drenched with sweat during the activity.
11. Bring extra shirts as well.
12. Bring your adventurous soul and fearless self and enjoy what Masungi Georeserve has to offer!

Perfect weather, exhilarating adventure and great company, it was a memorable Masungi Georeserve experience!

Also read: 8 Relaxing Places Near Manila to Escape the City Life

Jomalig Island Travel Guide: All You Need to Know Before Your Getaway

Despite the long travel, Jomalig Island in Quezon is still worth it! Save this travel guide.

December 5, 2016, 9:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:06 am

Ellie Balangue Ellie has a serious travel-bug problem. She loves the mountains as much as she loves the sea. A self-proclaimed bohemian gypsy, she belongs to the archipelago of the Philippines. A less-travelled enthusiast, she strongly believes that she's living on wrong era and belongs to the 20s. She's definitely a writer by heart. Join her as she wanders the highest peak and deepest sea and all the roads in between of her beloved country on her blog at Chasingculprit.blogspot.com.

Contributed by Chasing Culprit

This guide is based on what we have experienced on our trip. Last 1 April 2016, I called my friend, Jhem, who just got back from overseas work. I told them that my plan on weekend was cancelled and I am free to go wherever two days and one night may take us. I suggested going to Jomalig Island, but since it's a 6-hour boat ride, we hesitated at first and considered Cagbalete. But I've been dying to visit Jomalig Island way back in 2014. I adjusted the itinerary I saw from my research and told them it is possible to go to the island.

Friday night we started our adventure to Jomalig Island.

Also read: 7 Long Weekend Getaway Destinations in the Philippines

How to get there

1. Land travel

Go to Legarda and look for Raymonds Bus Terminal. This is in front of Arellano University. The bus leaves every hour. Ride a bus bound to Infanta Quezon and get off at Real Port Quezon. Make sure to inform the conductor that you are going to Jomalig Island so they can drop you off at the exact port. There are a lot of ports there. Fare is ₱198 for aircon bus.

2. Boat ride

From Real port, ride a passenger boat going to Jomalig. The earliest boat leaves at 10am. Yes. That's the earliest. But for us, since we are already full, I think about 50 passengers already? We left at 9am. Fare is ₱350, inclusive of meal.

Where to stay in Jomalig

Bringing your own tent is the best option. You can pitch it anywhere you want. There are also some locals who offer homestays. I don't have much idea about it, though.

The mother that we met told us that they offer a nipa hut good for 10 for only ₱500. Not really sure about it but you can always contact her. Please see details of the contact person below.

TENT IS THE BEST OPTION. Where to pitch your tent? Believe me, you will never run out of place for it. During our stay, there are only 8 groups, so we have the beach all to ourselves. Just please follow the leave no trace policy.

Also read: 15 Secret Beaches in the Philippines You Probably Didn’t Know About

Is there an entrance fee?

I don’t know if it's called entrance fee, but they will ask for ₱170. Ate Malou of the municipal treasury is the one in charge for this. But they will come to you in your place.

Where to eat

You can bring whatever food you may want. Basta yung hindi madaling masira. (Something that doesn't spoil easily.) You can also cook there but be mindful of the fire. You can also have the locals cook for you. Of course, you'll have to pay for it. You can also order from them: meat, seafood and frozen goods, depending on availability.

Restroom

There's no restroom at the beach but many locals are offering this. You’ll have to pay again, of course. But I really don't know how much. They are very hospitable so you can politely ask them.

Electricity

There's no electricity from 1am to 5pm. Even on the beachfront, there's no source of electricity. Make sure to charge your gadgets beforehand and don’t forget to bring your flashlights, extra batteries, and power banks.

Contact person

We really don't have any contacts from the place. When we got on the island, my friend wanted to eat fish and since this trip was spontaneous (I just asked them to join me last Friday), all we had were canned goods and chips. We met this very kind mother, Ate Denden, who helped us with everything. From food to charging our phones to using their restroom. She told us that a neighbour will be selling a pork meat and if we want, we can buy 1 kilo for the three of us and she will cook it for us.

These are the menu she cooked for us during our whole stay:

• Dinner – Sinigang na baboy
• Breakfast – Longganisa and egg
• Lunch – Inihaw na baboy

The meal with rice, plus the use of restroom and charging our gadgets, cost us ₱1,000 only, which we then divided among ourselves. Not bad, eh?

Here's her number: +63 948 9936 005

Also read: 12 Unique Restaurants in Quezon Province Worth Hitting Up

Can you rent your own boat?

Yes, you may! A lot of people have been asking me about this, since the earliest boat that leaves Real, Quezon is 10am and it is six hours of sea travel, clearly, it is time-consuming. But I asked Ate Denden and she told me that yes, you may. Just contact her directly for the details and she will be the one to coordinate with a boatman.

Overnight Jomalig Island Itinerary

Note: This is just based on what we've experienced and may still vary depending on delays

11.00: ETD at Raymonds Terminal at Legarda to Real, Quezon, ride a bus bound to Infanta, Quezon. Fare is ₱198 for aircon bus

3.30am: ETA at Real, Quezon (Travel time will depend on bus speed and traffic. Make sure to inform the driver/conductor that you will be sailing to Jomalig Island. There are loads of ports there, but you can ride a trike if you got off at the wrong one and ask them to drop you off at the designated port going to Jomalig)

9.00 am: ETD from Real, Quezon going to Jomalig Island (Yes, 9am. Honestly, the first trip is 10am but since we were about 50 passengers that time, they left early. If you are a big group, you can make a reservation so that the boat will wait for you, but make sure to be there on time because there will be some "walk-ins" who want to go there and are also conscious of their time. Boat travel time may vary depending on the waves of the sea and how fast the boat is). Fare is ₱350 each inclusive of food, don't expect much, it’s a fisherman's meal, but still delicious. On our way, they served pinakbet and plenty of rice! They also charge us ₱20 each. I really don't know what was that for.

Also read: 15 Totally Underrated Destinations in the Philippines

3.00pm: ETA at Jomalig island | ₱170 entrance(?), someone will approach you when you have to pay for it. There is no exact place. I think they will just roam over the long stretch of island and will ask you to pay for it. Official receipt will be provided. Ate Malou of Municipality treasury is in charge of it.

3.30pm onwards: Pitching of tent. Rest. Enjoy the beach. Walk and discover the long stretch of the island. Play and swim with the local kids and wait for the beautiful sunset. Watch the stars at night.

I think itinerary really depend on you. The earliest boat that leaves from Jomalig Island going back to Real Port is 10am. Latest is 2pm. So based on that, you may adjust your time and preferred breakfast or whatever activity you feel like doing the next day.

Breakdown of expenses

• Bus from Legarda to Real, Quezon ₱198
• Boat from Real to Jomalig ₱350 pesos (inclusive of food)
• Other fees ₱20
• Island fee ₱170
• Food (dinner,breakfast,lunch) / Restroom use ₱1,000 divided by 3
• Boat from Jomalig to Real ₱350 (inclusive of food)
• Bus from Quezon to Manila ₱178 (ordinary bus)

TOTAL = ₱1,600

If you have more concerns, feel free to message me directly on Facebook. I am more than willing to help you out.

Ellie

Bolinao, Pangasinan: What Every Visitor Must Discover

Escape to the beautiful town of Bolinao in the province of Pangasinan with this simple guide.

December 2, 2016, 9:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:07 am

Ervin Malicdem Ervin Malicdem is the Chief Science Researcher of Project NOAH with over ten years of mapping advocacy nationwide: mapping roads and trails in the Philippines. His mapping efforts were widely recognised during the Haiyan crisis, to which the navigation map he produced was used by the international relief and rescue operations in Tacloban, and cited by UNOCHA as the map to use for operations. He also maintains a mapping and travel advocacy resource for the Philippines, Schadow1 Expeditions. With his advocacy, he realised that mapping would not only benefit tourism, but could also save lives by empowering disaster risk reduction management.

Contributed by Schadow1 Expeditions

Bolinao is the last town at the northernmost tip of Pangasinan. Despite being a flat land, you must traverse a mountainous area not more than 120 metres above sea level to reach it. Although not as famous as Alaminos because of the Hundred Islands, Bolinao offers a number of beautiful attractions for visitors.

Also read: 5 Easy Weekend Destinations Outside Manila, Philippines

Patar Beach

Patar Beach is the famous golden sand beach destination of Bolinao, which features fine golden sand, a vibrant sea and fiery sunset on clear days. Coordinates 16.30282N 119.78179E

When commuting, Patar can be reached via an 18-km tricycle ride from its main town centre. There is a public beach where  you can pitch a tent for ₱250 or with a cottage for ₱300. However, when you want a quieter place, you can choose to stay at the less crowded private resorts for a fee.

All resorts are accessible from Patar Beach with rates ranging from ₱500 for a night including cottage to ₱1,200 per room per night, to a more exclusive hotel at ₱3,000 per night. All of the resorts are facing west, thereby giving you the same view. What differs is the class of accommodation and the number of visitors.

We stayed a Nelly's White Beach Resort. It's a not-so-fancy resort that we chose just to have a more peaceful stay while pitching our tent compared to the populous public beach. You may contact Nelly Ramirez, the owner at +63 (908) 1059493. You may mention this blog so she can remember.

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse

Near Patar Beach is the Cape Bolinao lighthouse that is used to guide seafarers, signifying that they have just passed the tip of Pangasinan peninsula and needs to re-orient their bearing. The 50-metre tall solar powered lighthouse is a great viewpoint to see the stretch of Cape Bolinao and Patar shores from above. Coordinates 16.30701N 119.78565E

Bolinao Rocks (Patar Rock Formation)

The Bolinao Rocks are considered the natural "breakwater" structure of Patar beach as the beautiful rock formations separate Patar from the northern beach shores of Bolinao. Entrance to this place costs ₱70 and an overnight to one of its huts costs ₱300. Coordinates 16.31723N 119.78344E

Enchanted Cave

About five kilometres away from Patar Beach is a private resort called Enchanted Cave. This area was discovered in mid-2000 as a location filled with coral rock formations, signifying that this area was once below sea level. Subsiding sea levels have exposed this area and became a dry land. Upon development, the initial plan was to only make it a homestay resort but the discovery of an underground cave and water system has given extra credit to the owner, opening the small cave for a fresh water swim to a limited number of visitors.

Entrance to the resort costs ₱150 per pax for sightseeing and a swim. Although ₱50 is refundable if you decide not to swim. Personally, the water is cool and clean and you would not regret taking an hour to swim in this natural cave swimming spot. Coordinates 16.3421N 119.8043E

Bolinao Waterfalls

Among the tourist spots along the Patar Area, Bolinao falls is separated from Patar by a wide and undeveloped highland. Thus, the only way to get there is to get back to the main town and head back south passing the Anda junction between Kilometer 346 and 347 towards Barangay Samang Norte. From the National Road, it is about 6 kilometres of rough road to reach the waterfalls.

The area has free cottages good for picnic but not for overnight stay. The falls is a great location for group picnic during breakfast and lunch. The place gets cramped with people easily during a holiday. Entrance to the falls costs ₱50 per pax and a parking fee of ₱20. Coordinates 16.3077N 119.8656E

Also read: 13 Awe-Inspiring Waterfalls in the Philippines You Must Visit

Bolinao Church (St. James the Great Parish)

Bolinao Church is a 15th-century church built from pulverised coral stones and held together using egg yolks. Aside from being a centre of the Catholic faith in Bolinao, it also served as a protection from invaders during the middle ages of the Philippine colonial history. Because of its topography, at the tip of Luzon's western peninsula, the town is open to sea invaders and pirates from various origins in the Southeast Asian nations and kingdoms. Coordinates 6.38859N 119.89353E

Authentic Bolinao Food

Binungey is Bolinao's signature delicacy. It is a rice cake cooked inside a bamboo trunk and is sweetened using melted raw sugar. Costs 3 pcs for ₱100 for smaller servings and ₱50 per pc for bigger servings.

Transportation

The primary transportation within the town is the tricycle. We have acquired the services of Kuya Gerry to tour us around the town for 2 days with his trike for ₱1,200. You may contact him at +63 (939) 3369550. Just mention him my name (Ervin) so he can remember. Having your own vehicle that can withstand the rough roads is a plus.

Getting to Bolinao from Manila is easy. You just have to take a bus via Victory Liner or Five Star Bus in Pasay or Cubao. However, in times of limited availability of buses, you may ply via buses going to Dagupan. Then, ride another bus via the same liner or via a cheaper non-airconditioned mini bus on Bolinao Express direct to Bolinao. Click here for the bus route map.

Deluxe airconditioned bus fare from Manila to Bolinao is ₱459 as of this writing.

Also read: 7 Farm Experiences Near Manila for Your Next Weekend Escape

Our trip to Bolinao is part of our 2014 year-end mapping expedition of Batangas to Benguet (Mt. Pulag) to Pangasinan via Calasiao to Dagupan and to Bolinao. Mapping data acquired from the expedition has been contributed to Openstreetmap Philippines with a goal to provide a recently updated, and precise street-level mapping data of the country for navigation guidance, tourism, outdoor recreation, and disaster resiliency planning.

Our mapping data is also being compiled regularly to GPS-assisted navigation devices format and can be downloaded for free on our #mapPHL page.

Map

• Google Maps (link)
• Schadow1 Expeditions Contributions (link)
• How to use the Navigation System (link)

*All text and images © Schadow1 Expeditions by Ervin Malicdem CC-BY-NC-SA

Our Mt. Marami Adventure: What You Need to Know Before the Climb

If you ever plan to hike Mt. Marami in Cavite, read this guide from someone who's been there.

November 24, 2016, 8:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:07 am

Keza Marie Enriquez Keza likes to call herself a blabbermouth which she derived from her being chatty and her eagerness to speak her mind. She has this insatiable thirst for epic adventures and brand new discoveries which she fondly writes about and shares on her blog, A Wanderful Sole. Her idea of a perfect morning is coffee and toast at the beach marvelling at a spectacular sunrise or atop a mountain admiring the dreamy sea of clouds. Waterfalls are her first loves along with panoramic sunsets, chocolates and cats!

Contributed by A Wanderful Sole

Basic info

• Location: Maragondon, Cavite
• Jump-Off: Brgy. Ramirez, Magallanes Cavite or Brgy. Talipusngo Maragondon
• Elevation: 405+ MASL
• Difficulty: 3/9
• Features: Scenic view of Cavite and the nearby Pico De Loro

Mt. Marami is the less known counterpart of Pico De Loro. A distant mountain situated in Maragondon, she is less searched, less spoken of the two. Her trails are less beaten with only a handful of brave spirits come to walk through them. Her beauty is rarely a word of mouth nor a hot subject. It may be the case but her being less conceals an even awe-inspiring more. More challenging assaults that will make you drop to your knees. More hours of walking under a scorching sun. More off-beaten tracks to get lost to. More breathless moments and scenic views to fall in love with.

Also read: My Pico de Loro Ascent and What Every First Time Climber Should Know About

And on the side note, more and more cow's poo.

The climb

We started the trek way too late at 10.45am. The plan was we would be starting at 8. However, our (Boyfie and I) journey from Biñan Laguna which took us 2 hours, 4 jeepney rides and a tricycle made us arrive in McDonald’s Naic (Meet Up Place) 30 minutes after 7am. There we met with that day’s climbing buddies, Sir Migz and Donna. We then walked to the terminal with heavy bags on our backs (well, technically mine was small but still heavy) which took 10 minutes and waited for another 10 for the next available jeepney. The ride to Brgy. Ramirez could have just taken an hour but we all fell asleep and missed the jump off adding other good minutes to the time wasted but it was no biggie as it was still fun.

From the jump off at the main highway, we rode a trike going to Brgy. Ramirez registration site. After all the formalities were done, we then took off for the eventful day. We didn’t get a guide since Sir Migz frequents Mt. Marami and he knows it all too well crediting it to the time they (he and his group) were once lost in this magnificent mountain. Also, we were to stay overnight, meaning the guide would cost double than the usual price so heck NO!

The first leg of the hike was through a concrete road passing by residential houses with probably every local asking why we had not secured a guide or if we would like to get one to which we politely declined. The concrete road ended and we then found ourselves walking along a dry, up and downhill dirt road until the long descent to the river which took approximately 15 minutes. We then walked along rocks up the trail leading to a spot where we crossed the almost dried up river. Upon crossing, that was when we first encountered a steep assault.

We overcame probably 3-4 assaults with walks over a flat surface and short descents in between before reaching a plain several metres up the river. The trail which was too exposed to the scorching midday sun added pressure to the hike with little air to bag for. Panting, we continued to walk further until we found a good resting place under a line of trees covering us from the punishing heat. It was 11:20am and what should have been a short breather became our lunch break. We indulged on whatever little comfort was on our plate for 30 minutes and when we were fully satiated, we resumed to take on the ordeal I never knew would last as long as forever.

We walked until the end of the plain then quickly descended to a dirt road. We continued the up and downhill walk until we entered a woodland. The trail within the forest was just the same as the ones we just passed through. It probably took another hour before we came out of the forest and stumbled into a road which was too wide to be considered a trail with one of the trees bearing an arrow pointing to the left and a sign that says “This way to Mt. Marami.” There in the same spot I first saw Mt. Marami from afar with its summit and the so-called “Silyang Bato” seeming to sing to me to “Hurry Up!”

We rested for 10 minutes and I took the opportunity to snap me some photos. When we continued, just 5 minutes after we reached the 2nd registration point. We logged our names, paid the fees and spent another 15 minutes talking just about anything with the 2 locals who facilitated the registration. My watch said it was already 1.30pm but Sir Migz said we were actually still ahead of schedule so there was really no need to hasten up. I couldn’t believe my ears. I was wondering “How could we still be ahead of schedule when we have not done some good climbing yet, like we’ve not experienced the real stuff just yet?” Turns out, it’s just the way things are in this mountain. Long and lazy hours of walk along an up and downhill road in the middle of the day under the agonising sun. Sweet!

We resumed with the ordeal when we realised we have already overstayed. We went through the same up and downhill walk with some ascents and descents longer than the ones that came before. We passed by a small church, The Nuestra Senora Dela Paz commonly known to locals as “Nuestra” then went on further until we were already too exhausted and burnt up with that day’s seemingly endless boring routine. Not that it was in any way easy but it just wasn’t that exciting. We rested by the river and took comfort on chocolates and trail snacks. Afterwards we walked for a few good minutes before bumping into the first resting camp where a van and a car were parked and where we got ourselves “Buko Juice”.

It wasn’t really necessary for us to linger in that resting camp. We weren’t at all tired (maybe just me) cause we just rested. We weren’t hungry nor thirsty cause we just ate but we got ourselves “buko juices” anyway. Something just compelled us to sit and indulged again in hearty conversations with the locals. Perhaps it was to take a break from the madness of walking for hours without knowing how long does it still have to go on. Bonus was a group of blissful and funny youngsters caught up with us and made things even more interesting.

I didn’t want to move on just yet when Sir Migz decided to head on with the trek again. I still wanted to sit and talk! While following closely behind my climbing buddies, I was actually waiting for the funny bunch to catch up with us. We passed another resting camp but we didn’t drop by and continued with walking until we reached the end of the road where a residential hut stood with an old owner-type jeep parked in front.

We approached the local woman who was resting in the hut along with her 2 kids. Sir Migz asked her instructions as he was kind of bothered whether we were still on the right track. He said the roads were kind of different from the way it was the last time he was there so he just needed confirmation. The woman was not much of help since she has not really climbed all the way to the top of the mountain. She sent for her husband who arrived minutes later. He too was not much of help as he could not really confirm what Sir Migz was trying to ask them. The clock was quickly approaching the hour of 3pm and we needed the answers quick else we won’t make it to the summit in time for the sunset or even before dark.

Just when we were about to take off relying only on our intuition, the long haired guy from the registration area came and told us to take the trail at the back of the hut as it was easier and will only take an hour and a half to the summit. We were kind of skeptical about it but Kuya Long Hair was so persuasive, he finally convinced us.

We took a few minutes more to recharge and refill our water bottles. When we were all set, we headed on to take on the real stuff that I was waiting for, for 5 effing hours! The clock just hit 3pm so if Kuya Long Hair was true to his words, we would still make it to the summit before dark and we would still have plenty of time before the sunset. We walked passed the hut continuing to a narrow stream which we crossed to get to the mouth of the trail. We might have been told that this trail would take us to the summit swiftly but what they failed to warn us about was that it was too steep and a straightforward assault to the peak.

Few yards from where we started, I was already running out of breath. What baffled me was how bushy the trail was. Branches of trees grow overhead. Dried leaves were scattered everywhere almost obscuring the path. All along I was thinking “If this is the trail hikers regularly take to hike up the summit, why does it look as if no one has ever dared set foot on it for ages?”. Oversized mosquitoes were also swarming over us, bothering us whenever we would take short breathers. The strenuous climb took its toll early on and barely halfway to the summit, Ian was almost to give up due to too much exhaustion brought about by the heavy backpack he was carrying since the start of this entire ordeal. I offered to take the bag from him asking to support me while we hike up but he refused. Just before matters become heated, Sir Migz made a conscious effort to leave us to settle things and went ahead together with Donna, reminding us to follow closely after we rest.

Ian and I resumed the trek, pacing a bit slower without compromising that day’s goal, “The Summit Sunset”. Despite the assault becoming ever more difficult, we refused to give up pushing and motivating each other even when things were slowly becoming impossible. I couldn’t remember the number of times we stopped for short breathers before and after every painful assault but we held on.

From the woody forest to overgrown vegetation, the scene quickly shifted into a bamboo forest without us even noticing. What remained in my memory was the first time I first had a glimpse of the skies, the almost setting sun, the surrounding mountains and the view of the infamous “Silyang Bato” up close which invigorated my soul as it was evidence that the summit was already within our reach.

The last leg of the hike was the most taxing which consisted of bamboo tunnels, steeper assaults, more obscured trails, a rock climb to the final stretch and a deadly hop from one cliff to the other that was over a meter apart. That cliff hop got my knees trembling like crazy but I managed to do it after several attempts of counting 1-2-3 with the jump to the end but I would freeze like hell come 3! I still haven’t figured out how I was able to overcome every ounce of difficulty in time before the breathtaking sunset but I was just glad with being able to conquer myself and my hopelessness before the seemingly without end nightmare.

I don’t know but I considered us making it to the peak just minutes before the setting sun a miracle. It was such a blessing. I might have broken every inch of my bones during the arduous assaults and torn my muscles in each effort I had exerted but that seemed to vanish when I found myself sitting in one of the rocks at the summit and staring at the panoramic view of the skies, the outlying mountains and the sea from afar with the sun sitting atop the distant horizon and with their colours colliding harmoniously creating an inexplicable beauty that was way beyond perfect to cap off the day.

Also read: Top 10 Mountains in Philippines With the Most Incredible Views

The descent to the campsite and the stunning night scene

We took a different route and started the descent minutes after the sun finally vanished behind the horizon. The sun may have already given way for the night but its light stayed for several moments more. Plus, the moon which has taken centre stage was also shining at her brightest that night making the descent less of an effort although we still had our headlamps and flashlights on as precaution.

The first part of the descent was through a 90-degree walls of rocks. After that is a descent through an eroded trail for several metres where you will need to scour for things you can hold on to as one miss will get you rolling your way down and earn you bruises and if you are that lucky, a disjointed knee. Upon overcoming those 2, everything seemed to be a walk in the park like literally it got me thinking why haven’t we taken this route on our way up. We reached the campsite after probably 10-15 minutes where we pitched our tents and prepped up for dinner.

While waiting for dinner to get served, I marvelled at the moon shining so bright on a clear night sky dotted with several stars. I would have loved to see a milky way but the moon pretty much compensated for that. In the far-flung mountains were Tagaytay and the usual city lights. Planes flew overhead with its engine resonating on the entire mountain. The air became colder as time went deeper into the night. When dinner was ready, we feasted heartily as if it was our first to have eaten that day! We had a brief talk as bed was calling too early and we were too beaten up by this eventful day so before the hour hit 8pm, each was off to a snoring spree. 😀

The unexpected morning sea of clouds and the overly speedy descent

I woke up to the voice of Sir Migz and his gentle pounding on our tents. He was like excited to show us something! Turns out he was marvelling at something he hasn’t seen before in the many times he has climbed Mt. Marami. It was 5.30am and the sun hasn’t risen the horizon yet. When I got out of our tent, I was amazed to see fluffy white clouds engulfing the entire mountain. I quickly grabbed my camera to snap me the most awesome memory I can keep of Mt. Marami. The sun came and what my eyes have witnessed was totally extraordinary! It was never short of stunning! Orange skies battling the blues over gentle white clouds. Epic!

The sun has quickly crawled up the sky chasing away the cold morning breeze and replacing it with his warmth. Our breakfast was over a slice of bread and coffee. When we were filled, we broke camp, packed up and started the descent. I couldn’t really help but think that if this was the route we had taken yesterday to the summit, we could have avoided the trauma we experienced. The descent was just a breeze and if I would put it in reverse, it wouldn’t be that hard either. More walks over a flat surface. Not much of aching assaults! Puff! We even made it all the way down for just a little over an hour given how slowly we’ve walked and how long we had stalled after I slipped and fell down! All those times I was thinking, “Kuya Long Hair will really get some good scolding from me! I swear!”

My 50 cents and other info

We didn’t plan a traverse but after we did, I realised it was worth it. The trail we had taken to the summit was the old trail mountaineers normally took before it was destroyed by the typhoon and was just recently restored by Mt. Marami’s caretaker. It is located at the end of the road at the back of the house several metres passed the so-called Talahib trail and approaches the summit from the west. The other trail, also called the Talahib Trail on the other hand is a lot easier. It is the one that hikers nowadays take to hike to the summit and approached it from the east. It is an open trail, too exposed to the sun if you come to start the trek late but offers more stunning views during the hike.

The roads to the foot of Mt. Marami is now being paved which I can’t tell whether a bad or a good thing. Good is hiking would be cut down to just 2-3 hours as there won’t be a need for long walks due to easier access. Bad is easier access means influx of hikers which might destroy the mountain. I hope when the roads get done, the local officials would limit the number of hikers to barely a hundred everyday most especially on weekends.

Since we were too lazy to walk back to Brgy. Ramirez, we took the service of Kuya “can’t remember his name but he is the caretaker of the mountain” to drive us to the jeepney terminal bound for Amuyong! We paid a whopping ₱800. If you happen to be feeling lazy walking back after the trek, I suggest that you endure. Please don’t patronise this overpriced service! If only Ian was feeling well, we would still choose the walk all the way back!

How to go there

Commute – Ride a bus in coastal mall going to Naic, Cavite and alight the bus at Jollibee Naic. Walk to the terminal bound for Magallanes. Ride one and get off at the jump off to Brgy. Ramirez. From there, ride a trike going to Brgy. Ramirez registration office. Alternatively, you can ride a bus going to Nasugbu, Batangas and alight in the intersection at the side of Amuyong School. Ride a jeep going to Brgy. Ramirez in Magallanes jump off point then take a trike to the registration office.

Private – Take the highways going to Tagaytay continuing to Nasugbu. Turn right to the highway before Amuyong School then follow your way until Brgy. Talipusngo. Turn to the left with a sign to Mt. Marami and drive your way from the concrete road, to rough and rocky dirt road passing by shallow rivers like there was 3 of them until you reach the first “Kubo” passed the Nuestra.

Summary of expenses

• RT Fare Mla-Naic – ₱120
• RT Fare Naic-Brgy. Ramirez – ₱80
• RT Fare Trike – ₱40
• Guide Fee (Day hike) @ ₱500 – ₱100
• Environmental Fee (Ramirez & Maragondon) – ₱40
• TOTAL – ₱380/pax for a group of 5

Note: I did not include the driving service as I don’t recommend it.

Things to bring

• 3L Water (1.5L trail water & 1.5L camp water)
• Tent and tent lamps
• Jacket
• Change Clothes
• Packed Lunch
• 2-3 canned goods (Tuna/corned beef, spam/ luncheon meat)
• 1 cup rice
• Food containers
• First Aid Kit inc Personal Meds
• Sunblock
• Insect Repellent
• Kikay kit/Toiletries
• Wet Wipes/Paper Towels
• Waterproofing items (Large plastic bags/Ziplock bags)
• Food utensils
• Poncho
• Bush hat
• Umbrella
• Extra Cash
• Camera with extra battery
• Headlamps &/or Flashlights
• Trash Bag (Leave No Trace)

Sample itinerary

Overnight (Back Trail – Talahib Trail)

Day 1

0500H Meetup Mcdo Naic

0600H Board Jeep going to Brgy. Ramirez Magallanes Cavite

0700H Arrive at Jump off point , Brgy Ramirez

0715H Start Trek

0830H Arrive at rough road

0930H Arrive at Nuestra (Rest 15mins)

0945H Resume trek

1000H Arrive at Kubo

1030H Arrive at Selected Campsite (setup camp) Rest

1100H Eat/Prepare lunch rest

1600H Prepare summit assault, photo ops of sunset

1800H Descent from summit

1900H Back to Camp prepare dinner/socials

2200H Lights out

Day 2

0400H Wakeup call/Prepare breakfast and packed lunch

0600H Break camp

0630H Start Descent to Talahib trail

Day hike (Back Trail Talahib)

0400H Meetup Mcdo Naic

0500H Board Jeep going to Brgy. Ramirez Magallanes Cavite

0600H Arrive at Jump off point , Brgy Ramirez

0615H Start Trek

0730H Arrive at rough road

0830H Arrive at Nuestra (Rest 15mins)

0845H Resume trek

0900H Arrive at Kubo

1100H Summit/Photo Ops

1200H Descent from summit

1400H Arrive at Kubo/Lunch

1500H Trek Back to Brgy Ramirez

1700H Brgy Ramirez/Wash up

1800H Home Bound

Traverse day hike and overnight (Old-Talahib Trails)

Day 1

0500H Meetup Mcdo Naic

0600H Board Jeep going to Brgy. Ramirez Magallanes Cavite

0700H Arrive at Jump off point , Brgy Ramirez

0715H Start Trek

0830H Arrive at rough road

0930H Arrive at Nuestra (Rest 15mins)

0945H Resume trek

1000H Arrive at Kubo at the end of the road

1030H Rest

1100H Eat/Prepare lunch/Rest

1430H Prepare summit assault/Start Trek

1700H Summit/Photo Ops

1800H Descent to Campsite/Set Up Tents/Prep Dinner/Socials

2200H Lights out

Day 2

0400H Wakeup call/Prep breakfast and packed lunch

0600H Break Camp

0630H Start Descent to Talahib trail

Also read: Mount Batulao Guide: What You Need to Know Before Your Hike

Note: Just adjust the time for those doing day hike traverse.

There you go! I hope you love my Mt. Marami story and I would love to hear yours after you get there. Until next time. Ciao!

My Bucket List-Worthy Skydiving Experience in Iba, Zambales

You only live once. Include skydiving in Zambales in your Philippine bucket list. Happy YOLO-ing!

November 8, 2016, 8:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:08 am

Katherine Cortes Katherine is a software engineer and writer. She is also a passionate advocate of voluntourism, believing that each of us can make a little difference to the world. She travels with her boyfriend Hali. They publish their stories and travel videos in their website Tara Lets Anywhere and post updates on their Facebook page.

Contributed by Tara Lets Anywhere

In our last moments, we might think of things we might have done, dreams, mistakes, opportunities and if one was an important decision or not. Most might have an answer to “Have you ever?” and most have an excuse for “Why’s?” I stumbled upon something interesting and this is on most people’s bucket list — skydiving.

Social media has been helpful in accessing places or events that are cheaper than what is expected of trips, tours, or adventure, and here is where I’ve read about a post regarding skydiving in Iba, Zambales. It’s cheap and cheap does come with a price. Either risk it or don’t.

Also read: Leap off a Plane: 10 Stunning Places Around the World for Skydiving

Disclaimer: I’m not writing to promote an organisation that hold events such as this but to write about what I’ve experienced.

Skydiving in Iba, Zambales

Flyxtreme Adventure Club in Facebook created this event, in connection with Skydive Zambales. I’ve been aware in the past that skydive doesn’t come cheap. The cost apparently ranges from ₱18,000 to ₱20,000. However, I learned that 3 months before the event it’s possible to have monthly initial deposits to fully pay a skydive, which costs ₱13,500. The first and second deposits were paid through bank and then the last was given on the exact day of the event.

I was worried initially because of the weather since rainy season has started in June. I also had other concerns. In other skydive events, tandem skydive is most advisable because this is where a divemaster jumps together with the guest, so the divemaster takes responsibility and control, and this is the safest option. To my surprise, I asked the organiser of the event and was told that we were jumping solo. I thought jumping solo costs much more, so I inquired about tandem jumping and was again surprised to know it is more expensive than the solo jump that we would be doing. This brought excitement.

I clarified other concerns such as how high we would be jumping and contingency plans in case of disagreeable weather. I was told that the plane wouldn’t fly if there was bad weather and the event would be cancelled.

There was a bit of rain before the day of the event. The following day, we arrived early morning in Iba, Zambales, and there was no hint of cloudy skies. The sun was up after 5 hours of travel from Manila. Our tour operator told us there would be free dinner and teased one of the guests, who had just celebrated her birthday recently, that it would be her treat. This I didn’t mind. The organiser of the event also handles the annual balloon festival in Subic, so when we arrived in Iba, we stayed at the quarters to rest before heading to Iba airport for the induction of those who would be skydiving.

What to expect and remember

This is what’s promoted in Skydive Zambales — safety. Listening is key because the instructors discuss important matters on the jump. It will be radio assisted, and what we would be doing is an instructor-assisted deployment (IAD) for the solo jump. In solo jump, the divemaster would be the one to pull the pilot chute, a small parachute used to deploy the main parachute as the skydiver descends. They strictly prohibit using GoPro strapped to the wrist because most guests divert their attention to taking selfies during the jump rather than listening to the radio. The divemasters have their own camera to capture the jump. We are told of incidents wherein some skydivers didn’t listen and ended up in the sea or hitting a fence. Nothing fatal but worth noting.

Skydive Zambales consists of some of the military, army, and police officers that have a USPA (United States Parachute Association) license for skydiving. So skyjumpers and even rookies are in good hands. They have trained for this so one should really listen up. Miss Kara David covered Skydive Zambales with actor Raymart Santiago sometime ago for a skydiving story.

They hold a dry run before the actual jump as good practice: correct hand and feet coordination of holding and letting go of the plane ’til the manoeuvering of the parachute as it descends and proper landing. The latter, when not followed, can cause wounds or scratches.

The plane that was used, a tora-tora-like plane, fits only four people: the pilot, two guest divers and a divemaster. If the jumper fails to jump the first time and wants to have a second try, there will be an additional fee because there’s only limited time for jumping at a certain spot and if the plane goes around again there will be additional gas consumption. Be sure you’re really ready and remember what you paid for — it’s not refundable.

Conquering fear with a solo skydive jump

I was on the third flight, silently remembering the important parts of the chute to operate, such as the toggle that steers the parachute that one holds, and what to do in certain situations, as in the case when the first chute doesn’t function. In the latter, that is where the second parachute comes to play. If one descends and the first parachute fails, it automatically opens at 1000 feet.

In situations such as fainting midair or getting the head hit while descending or when the jumper is aware that the first chute did not open, one should remember where the cutaway handle and ripcord is. All jumpers will be assisted accordingly through the radio. We were taught a chant that goes “grab right, grab left, pull right, pull left.” Right is where the cutaway handles is, and left is where the ripcord is.

The first ones in our team landed okay, though the American that jumped first had some minor wounds because he pulled full break on his chute for almost 30 feet, hitting him a bit hard on his landing. There are safety officers in the area who will give medical attention if ever something happens.

Still, I was determined to jump.

I kept in mind that when placed and holding on to the side of the plane, instead of looking down, one must look at the divemaster. When the divemaster says “go” or signs that it’s time to jump, you jump. Do so with your head held high and your body into an arc, and count ’til your chute is fully bloomed or opened then boom! You’ll be enjoying a beautiful view on the way down.

Even first-timers get to do a solo jump.Colourful parachute falling down from the sky.Another skydiver in the event. 

The commands to steer the chute that will be given via radio assist are turn left, turn right. Instructions included are such: raising the toggle up stabilises the movement, half break is when you pull the toggles chest level, and full break that is most of the time used when you’re landing is when you pull your toggles to waist level.

Also read: 15 Thrilling Outdoor Adventures to Conquer in Cebu

Minding the view while listening to the radio, I was just thinking of landing safely. When the chute stabilised its movement, I was relieved. I followed whatever was told on the radio assist. As I descended down and was close to landing, the radio instructor told me to raise my hands. I had a hard fall, but thankfully, it was in a grassy area. I was waiting for the radio instructor to tell me to full break, but perhaps since I was landing in a grassy area, he just told me to raise my hands. Some tips in landing are to cover your face and make your legs closer then tuck and roll on the ground.

I thought I was still a bit far from the ground, though I didn’t get scratches or wounds. Just sandy pants. It’s over! I survived! And it all happened before lunch time.

Post-skydiving events

There is paragliding too for an additional fee, which is what mainly the Flyxtreme Adventure Club offers. I didn’t sign up for that. There was a guest who backed out in skydiving and instead went for the paragliding. Those that didn’t sign up for the paragliding waited in the quarters. I took a bath and slept and the others did as well, with some swimming on the beach waiting for the paragliding event.

The paragliding activity started around 4pm, which is a really long waiting time from the end of skydiving activity earlier. The itinerary says our departure is at 8.30pm. I think it would be a great improvement for those organising events such as this to have a separate van for the ones that won’t be joining the paragliding activity so they can go home earlier. I waited from lunch and the promised free dinner did not happen, and the tour operator told us they haven’t bought something to cook.

On our way home, we stopped at KFC somewhere in Subic and the tour operator gave us certificates of our skydive. We were told that certificate can be used so that our next skydive would just cost ₱3,500.

All in all, it’s a fun experience though perhaps it’s better to ask or go straight to Skydive Zambales in Iba Airport for the skydive rather than join a packaged tour event. I got home at 2am. Sir Anthony was my divemaster that day and it’s an experience with words of encouragement before jumping.

Update

We’d been receiving inquiries about the rates in Skydive Zambales, and here are the recent ones as of this writing (December 2015):

• Solo skydive: ₱12,500
• Tandem skydive: ₱17,000

Kuya Raymond of Skydive Zambales recommends doing a tandem skydive instead of solo. According to him, it is safer and more enjoyable. The height of the fall in tandem skydive is 10,000 feet, compared to the 3,500-4000 feet in solo skydive.

Also read: 15 Incredible Outdoor Adventures to Conquer in the Philippines

Afterword

You can visit Skydive Zambales’ Facebook page here.

Watch our heart-pumping skydiving experience here:

https://vimeo.com/136495570

Exploring Culion Island: The Former Leper Island of Palawan

Do you know that there used to be a Leper Island in Palawan? Read on to learn about it.

November 3, 2016, 8:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:08 am

Remedios Lucio Remedios Lucio is the Website Owner of The HodgePodge Lifestyle, a lifestyle and current events website. Writing is her passion in life. She loves exploring the world, meeting different people, learning new cultures, knowing several languages, food tripping—anything where she can discover a thing or two. She dreams of travelling around the world. She has already started by living in and visiting several countries including her country, the Philippines. She also dreams of having her own book published in the future, fond of photography, drinking coffee and her pets.

A small island tucked somewhere around the crystal clear water of Palawan is a historical destination in the Philippines. Culion Island is one of the intrinsically rich locations that’s worth a visit. It used to be a place people would rather avoid because it was once a leprosarium where the lepers were treated back in the olden days. But all that has changed now because those patients were already healed and the World Health Organization declared the island officially leprosy-free in 2006—one century later.  Let the local’s beautiful stories inspire you when you visit Culion Island.

Also read: 12 Things to Do in Coron, Palawan on Your Very First Getaway

After spending a few days in Coron Island, we headed towards Culion Island where we were lucky to meet relatives and survivors of leprosy during our stay at the quaint, sleepy town. It’s one boat ride away from the port of Coron. We stayed at Hotel Maya for a couple of days. It’s located on a hill with a view of the serene ocean surrounding the island. It’s the best hotel you can find in the island. There are others that are cheaper and simpler but this was the one recommended by our friend who has been there before.

It’s cheap, simple, and clean with friendly staff. Don’t expect high end hotels here. One of the things I love about Culion is that staying there means being disconnected with gadgets and internet. There’s no internet connection and TV so you’ll really spend more quality time with your loved ones while travelling. The room we got has a great ocean view. It has a fan and aircon but no hot shower. Electricity is also limited but that’s fine as you’ll be outside most of the time exploring.

Food is served mostly at Hotel Maya but there are a few eateries around the island. The food is actually great though there are no posh restaurants or fast foods. It’s refreshing as their dishes are cheap and delicious. So for breakfast and dinner, I recommend dining at the hotel, then for lunch and snacks, try the eateries, and other food stalls around town.

Discover the history of Culion Island through a walking tour or hire a local tour guide. We did the latter which was also recommended by our friend from Puerto Princesa. First stop is the eagle marker and a Jesus Christ statue on top of the hill as if protecting the town, which is seen from the boat ride upon arrival at the island. There’s also a marker you shouldn’t miss along the shore line of the island behind the hotel, which signifies where the first patients arrived onboard their boats.

Next stop is the Culion Museum which is a few blocks away from the hotel. We met our museum guide whose father was a leper. What’s the story behind this island becoming a leprosarium and what exactly is leprosy? Locally called Ketong, it’s a disease that’s a bacterial infection associated with discoloured skin patches, clawed fingers, damaged nerves, etc. Back in 1906, the first patients came from Cebu and were brought to the island which became a treatment centre. From then on, about 5,303 lepers were brought here coming from different parts of the Philippines and even from foreign countries.

Also read: The Tabon Caves: An Enchanting Treasure of Palawan Everyone Must Discover

They built a leprosarium led at first by Dr. Charles de May with the help of four nuns from the Order of Saint Paul Chartres, a Jesuit priest, and other employees. The medical team grew as the need arises to the point that it became the best facility for the disease around the world. During those days, the town was divided into two wherein the half of the island was occupied by lepers while the other side was occupied by the locals who weren’t sick. There’s even a marker that serves as the divider.

Our museum guide told us his father’s story and how he grew up in the nursery for children whose parents had the disease. They were separated to prevent them from getting leprosy as well. The nuns and nurses took care of them. He said that it was a disciplined environment. In the 1980s, scientists found a cure at last after so long and many were healed though some of them sadly passed away.

Check out the videos, photographs, medical equipment, etc. displayed at the museum. It’s a great opportunity to understand more about leprosy which was considered a curse in those days when not much information or studies were made about it. But now that we’ve learned from the museum about the disease, it widened our thinking and realised how thankful we are that we’ve found a cure. No person has to live the way they did back in those days when there was none.

Afterwards, we hopped on our tricycle and went around the island. You’ll pass by different historical landmarks such as the lepers’ children’s accommodations; doctors and nurses houses or medical clinics; lepers’ and locals’ abodes; schools, etc. It’s not a huge island so it can be toured for a day.

Along the way and on the last stop at the La Immaculada Concepcion Church, you’ll see the beach from the road. The church sits on top of the hill beside Hotel Maya where you can gaze at the picturesque view of the simple town and its surrounding body of water. Done in old adobe stones on its exterior and red paint on its interior, it’s a beautiful church that’s worth visiting. After praying to say thanks, walk outside to see the ocean and old canons around the church. The view is mesmerising -- the perfect way to end the tour of the former leper island.

Also read: 10 Things You Need to Know About El Nido, Palawan

Visiting this historical town of Culion is one of the highlights of my travels in the Philippines as I got to learn about leprosy, the rich history of the island, and the locals’ simple way of living. It’s worth exploring the town as it’s a major depart from the usual island hopping. Oh, and we also learned that it’s cheaper to begin your island hopping here (if you want to also visit beaches) than doing it first in Coron. So why not include Culion Island the next time you plan your next destination in Palawan?

Also read: How I Spent 3 Days in Coron, Palawan for Only PHP 4,950 (All-In)

Siargao for Non-Surfers: Travel Guide, Itinerary & Tips

Who says Siargao is only for surfing? Here's a travel guide, complete with itinerary, tips and cost breakdown, for non-surfers!

October 18, 2016, 8:00 am June 22, 2017, 10:09 am

Olivia Bautista Livi is an ambassador of the world, at least to her friends and colleagues. She fuses her passion, tech skills, and experiences to come up with creative ideas fit for her job as a web & graphic designer. On weekends, she tags her boyfriend along and together, they discover the world. Traveling adds fuel to her passion in photography. Check out the adventures of her Little Feet.

Contributed by Little Feet

Since I will try my best to give you a detailed itinerary about Siargao, this might be a long post!

Siargao group of islands in Surigao del Norte, Mindanao is considered as the best surfing destination in the Philippines.

According to locals, waves can go as high as coconut trees during typhoon season. No wonder why it is a destination that is sought after by surfing enthusiasts, both foreigners and locals. But Siargao is not limited to surfing alone. For less adventurous and sporty people like me, the group of islands has a lot more to offer other than riding the waves. Here is a detailed itinerary and guide for first-timers (like us!).

Also read: How to Spend 3 Days in Siargao, Philippines

The basics

When to visit

They say that the best time to visit is during the typhoon season and the fiesta, which is at around September to early October. Take note that there is a price surge during these times for this is when surfing competitions are held. Try to check for Cebu Pacific’s latest promo fares for June-September, the “summer season” in Siargao.

Basically, go there in September if you’re a surfer since waves are nice. For non-surfers like me, it’s okay to go during their summer season, but the waves are quite flat if you want to give surfing a shot.

How long should you stay

Let me tell you that 4 days isn’t enough! First, there is only 1 flight per day returning to Cebu (12.15pm) so 1 day will really be sort of wasted for travelling. But you can sneak in a bit of surfing at around 6am. If your flight is at 12, better leave at around 10:30am. We only had 2.5 days and it was so bitin. We weren’t able to visit Bucas Grande/Sohoton because of the tight schedule. I recommend staying for 4 whole days for a complete (but still a bitin) experience.

How we got there

There is no direct flight from Manila-Siargao. There are a lot of options to get to the destination. We took the Manila-Cebu-Siargao (Sayak Domestic Airport) route, all by plane. Total plane ride is approximately 2 hours, and the hassle part is waiting for the connecting flight. I guess this is the quickest (but most expensive) route to take. Cebu Pacific is the sole carrier offering flights to Siargao Airport.

Another way chosen by most locals is the Manila-Surigao route. From Surigao airport, head to the port going to Dapa. I’ve heard that it is a 3-hour ferry ride that costs about ‎₱250, one way.

Getting around

From Sayak airport – You can take a van for ‎₱300/head or a habal-habal (motorcycle) for ‎₱200/head. It will take 40 minutes to reach the resorts in General Luna (the main tourist hub and surfing spot).

There are many options for exploring the area:

1. Habal-habal – Just wait at the main road and the locals will offer you a habal-habal ride for ‎₱20 per way.
2. Bike rental – ‎₱250 per day
3. Motorcycle rental (recommended) – For as low as ‎₱350/day for 3 days minimum. For a one/two-day rental, prepare to shell out ‎₱400 per day. Fuel is no problem since there are a lot of stores that sell such for ‎₱40 per 1L bottle of coke.

Where to stay

We stayed at Bravo Resort in General Luna. It is around ‎₱2,900/night with the following amenities: Aircon, Dipping Pool, Free Wifi, a common area where you can relax, private hot & cold shower, villa type with an extra day bed. You can book via Airbnb.

You can save ‎₱400 if you choose not to use their aircon, which they highly recommend ’cause their rooms are well-ventilated (and weather-proof!) Most people who stay here are foreigners and they have an in-house restaurant that serves Spanish cuisine.

The common area is probably my favourite part of the hotel. After a long day, we just relax and use the free wifi over a few bottles of beer and cocktails (Robby lang). It’s so relaxing! I really recommend the resort plus the staff are very hospitable.

Looking for budget-friendly inns? Fret not, they have a lot. Just ask for locals to guide you to inns that are within your budget. I saw signages of air-conditioned rooms for ‎₱600 a night and fan rooms for  ‎₱149, good for 12 hours. Just stroll around the island to find good deals.

Online booking? Check out Airbnb for hassle-free reservations. For instant booking, check out Booking or Agoda.

Where to eat

Food in Siargao is generally affordable. I remember us having lunch at this small restaurant. We only paid ₱140 for 2 cups of rice, pork steak, puso ng saging and tuna. Water is ‎₱5 per glass.

Some popular food places in General Luna:

1. Aventino’s Pizza – They can deliver to your resort. Their specialty pizza costs ‎₱350, good for 3 pax already.

2. Bravo Resort’s bar & restaurant – They serve Spanish cuisine. Head there at night time to enjoy a few bottles of beer, cocktails or maybe some wine and tapas.

3. Mama’s Grill is famous for their ihaw-ihaw.

4. Siargao Bleu – One of the few restaurants that serve a variety of seafood. Contrary to Siargao being an island, there are not much seafood choices aside from tuna and shells. Our guide said that restaurants have to order in advance for seafood supply such as shrimp, crabs and other variety of fish.

5. Shaka Coffee – A more artsy type of cafe that showcases surfing photography as well.

Additional tips and important reminders

1. Eat on time and bring baon (own snacks / meal)

Most places to eat open only during meal hours, unless you opt to eat at the restaurants of major hotels. Mama’s grill for example only opens during lunch & dinner time, so if you are fond of eating late lunch, better adjust your meal time when you’re in the island. Local restaurants close at around 9pm. Bring snacks as there are only limited choices in the island.

2. Hang out with the locals

They are very friendly and helpful! During our first night, we met kuya Ronnie, a very kind local who hitched us a ride going to the restaurant and back to our hotel. I recommend getting to know the locals so they could also share information and experiences about the island.

3. Save their numbers

Just in case you do not want to rent a motorcycle or bike, do not forget to save the kuya habal-habals’ numbers. Bars and restaurants are not really the walking distance type, so it’s better to text those kuyas to pick you up and bring you back to your destination. Pay an exact amount for most of them do not have change.

4. Ask the locals about the events around the area

Most bars have daily specials, discounts, great deals and happenings so better ask the locals the “in thing” for the night. They will even push you to “join the fun” and enjoy the night instead of staying inside your hotel.

Things to do

1. Go island hopping and beach bumming

Boat rentals are available at ‎₱1,200 for a big boat good for 8 people already. The guide will take you to 3 islands:

2. Take a dip at Magpupungko Tidal Pool

These are rock formations that appear to be like tiny pools during low tide.

Take note that swimming during high tide is strictly prohibited. You should come here at around 11am. Take a habal-habal to Pilar and the ride will take about 40 minutes. Entrance fee is ‎₱50.

3. Swim at Tayangban Cave

This is a newly opened cave pool wherein you can enjoy swimming in spring water. The pool has a depth of 10ft and you can explore the cave at about 20 minutes. Entrance fee is ₱20 without the cave and + ‎₱50 if you wish to enter.

4. Chase the Milky Way and go stargazing

The amazing thing about pitch black skies is that you’ll see the Milky Way with your naked eye! For enthusiasts like me, seeing the Milky Way’s beauty made me so excited for astrophotography. Just check the weather and pray for clear skies. Wake up at 3am and you’ll see the Milky Way just above you when you’re in General Luna.

5. Catch the sunrise in General Luna & take a sunset photo op at Cloud 9

FREE! Talk about beautiful long exposure shots of pinkish and orange hues, plus the silhouette effect.

For those who are fond of dramatic selfies, better make sure not to miss these.

6. Take photos of the beautiful scenery and the people

Siargao is so photogenic. I literally captured a thousand photos and I had a hard time picking which ones to post. I bet you’ll have a difficult time too!

7. Try surfing lessons

Ironic but Siargao is still the best surfing spot in the Philippines so if you’re up for a challenge, try it out for ₱500 per hour.

Also read: Surfing for Newbies: 7 Budget-Friendly Surf Camps in the Philippines

Surfing instructor fee is already included.

If not, take a stroll along the boardwalk.

8. Go diving

Surigao is surrounded by mangroves which means that marine life is abundant. I don’t really have an idea about the costs but they said that it’s a good spot for diving.

9. Visit Taktak Falls

It is located in Sta. Monica. I am not sure of this for we haven’t visited the place. Maybe next time!

10. Enjoy local food and hang out at local bars

There are lots of ihaw-ihaw places and bars. Most foreigners hang out for a couple of drinks and socialising during the night. They have “disco” days, just ask the locals about it. They also have open KTV for the singers out there.

11. Rent a motorbike

Exploring and getting lost in a city you have never been to is one of the more thrilling parts in travelling. Just be careful and remember that there is a speed limit of 20kph. Motorbike rental can go as low as ‎₱350 per day.

12. Visit Bucas Grande and Sohoton Caves

This is the most expensive activity in Siargao, and it is considered as the number 1 activity in the island. It is 2 hours away from General Luna, 1 boat ride plus land trip. You will be needing a good weather and a whole day to visit the place. Unfortunately, we didn’t have much time so we skipped this. Plus the cost is ‎₱3,500. We were only 2 in the trip so we found it quite expensive. Don’t miss this one, though.

Suggested 5-day itinerary

Day 01

• 1400 Arrive Sayak, Hire habal-habal (₱200)
• 1500 Check-in, habal-habal to Cloud 9 (‎₱20)
• 1600 Have coffee at Shaka Cafe (₱100)
• 1700 Surfing Lessons (₱500/hour)
• 1900 Tidy up & Dinner at Mama’s Grill (₱200)
• 2030 Have cocktails/beer at Bravo (‎₱200)

Cost = ₱1,440

Day 02

• 0600 Wake Up & quick breakfast
• 0730 Head to town for island hopping (₱20)
• 0745 Visit 3 islands (₱1200)

** for a group of ‎7, ₱172 each

• Naked
• Daku
• Guyam

** You can have lunch at Daku island. 150/kilo of tuna + ₱130 paluto (cooking) fee

** Cottage rental is at ‎₱250. Table rental is ‎₱150

• 1500 Head back to hotel to tidy up and rest for a bit (‎₱20)
• 1630 head to Cloud 9 and have coffee (‎₱80), catch the sunset (FREE!)

• Additional costs: Dinner est ‎₱150
• Total cost: Island Hopping : ‎₱172
• Transpo: ‎₱40
• Lunch Approx: ‎₱150

Cost = ‎₱512

Day 03

• 0600 Wake up
• 0730 Head to Tayangban Cave (‎₱350 for whole tour)
• 0830 Arrive Tayangban Cave, Swim and explore (‎₱70)
• 1030 Leave for Magpupungko Tidal Pool
• 1100 Arrive Magpupungko (‎₱50)
• 1300 Leave for Town, late lunch and then free time

** estimated lunch and dinner ‎₱300

Cost = ‎₱770

Day 04

• 0230 Wake up to catch the Milky way (South East) Use a compass to locate
• 0600 Wake up again and have breakfast, Habal habal to meet up point (‎₱20)
• 0730 Leave for Bucas Grande/ Sohoton (‎₱3,500)

** For a group of ‎7, ₱500 each

• 1600 Arrive Hotel, Tidy up (‎₱20)
• 1700 FREE time, dinner, etc. Est (‎₱150 for dinner ‎₱20 habal habal)

Cost = ‎₱710

Day 05

• 0430 Catch the sunrise in General Luna
• 0530 Head to Cloud 9 (₱20)
• 0600 Surfboard rental (‎₱200)
• 0800 Back to the hotel, tidy up, breakfast (‎₱20)
• 1000 Check out and leave for airport (₱200)

Cost = ‎₱440

• Total approximate cost for 5 days: ‎₱3,872
• Without surfing: ‎₱3,172
• With 4 nights accommodation @ ‎₱250/night: ‎₱1,000
• Total approx budget w/o airfare: ‎₱4,872
• Total approx budget w/o surfing & airfare: ‎₱4,172

That’s not too bad for the number of activities given 🙂

How to save on costs

If you’re travelling with a friend or two, it’s better if you join another small group to cut costs on boat rentals. Plus, you’ll meet new friends.

If the place is walkable, do a little bit of exercise instead of renting a habal-habal.

Eat at smaller carinderias instead of known places.

Search for promo fares!!

Opt for a homestay if you’re not picky and if you don’t want to shell out money for accommodation

You can actually find more ways to save, and generally, the place is affordable contrary to the belief that Siargao is an expensive destination to visit.

Our trusted local guides

• For habal-habal, Magpupungko and Tayangban Cave: Kuya Marlon – 09192628951
• For island hopping and motorbike rental: Kuya Ronnie – 09483792229

Also read: Surfing in the Philippines: Top Spots to Catch the Waves this Rainy Season

We just got back and we’re still having a vacation hangover. We’ll definitely visit Siargao again! Though the fare is quite expensive compared to other destinations, I assure you that it’s worth it.

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