Wanderful PH

Exploring the Philippines, one island at a time.

[itswanderfulph-blog]

Scrub Island, BVI Day Pass Tour for only $30!

The thing about island tours in the Caribbean is that it somehow gets a little more than what you would usually spend for a trip. Just the flight going there would already cost you so much, but if you already have a plan of visiting and it happens to be in Tortola or one of the closer islands, here’s an additional trip you can score for a very cheap price!

The Caribbean consists of a lot of islands, and one of the most famous tourist destination is the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The BVI has 4 main islands: Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Aside from these 4 main islands, there are around 50 other smaller islands and cays. But this post will focus on one of the smaller islands which is very near Tortola (where most tourists land and stay), The Scrub Island.

Now, let’s get to the details.

If you haven’t been to the BVI yet, you need first to determine if you will be needing a visa to get in. You can check all the information and requirements needed about that here.

If you’re already on island and you haven’t finalized your itinerary or just lost of things to do, you can rent a car or take a taxi going to Trellis Bay at the East End of Tortola. It would be easy to find since Trellis Bay is just behind the airport. Once you’re there, a boat will bring you to your destination. You don’t have to pay anything since the boat is for free and it will just take you around 8-10 mins to get there.

Once you arrive, you need to go straight to the front desk. You just need to pay $30 for a whole day pass and tell them the amenities and activities that you’re planning to do that day.

Here’s a map of the island and the different areas where you can spend your day. (Got this from their website.)

Let’s break this down. There are three beaches where you can stay. The first one is the Marina Village where your boat will dock once you arrive. Here, you can also see the catamarans docked, a small beach with a trampoline, two pools, a bar, a restaurant and a fine dining. This is also where you’ll see the rooms of guests staying for one or more nights.

You can also do kayaking, paddle boarding, jump on the trampoline or just simply bathe under the sun and get your tan.

If you don’t like the beach so much, there’s a pool just a few steps form the beach where you can dip and relax while drinking your favorite beer.

This place can get a little crowded during the peak season because all the amenities are very accessible from this part of the island. If you’re looking for something more private and quiet, the North Beach is where you should be.

From the entrance of the front desk, there’s a flight of stairs going to where the service is parked and you just have to tell the driver that you want to go to the North Beach, and he’ll take you there.

Fewer people plus a wider beach front. There are beach chairs, umbrellas, a lot of shade where you can rest, a small pool and a bar where you can order drinks. I was able to read a book and take a quick nap here while we were waiting for the sun to set.

The third beach which you can go to is the Honeymoon beach which is accessible via kayaking or paddle boarding. I didn’t get the chance to see this part since we arrived after lunch and it was soon gonna be dark, so we decided to just schedule it for next time. However, just by the looks of it, there would be fewer people there (in case you want peace and quiet), plus the fact that it’s not that easily accessible.

This is definitely a must-visit island in the Caribbean! I have been living here for almost a year now but I didn’t know why I only recently decided to visit this place. Food is great and drinks are available until the evening, the staff are very nice and accommodating. You can decide on how much you want to spend on food or if you’d like to spend an overnight stay in the island, but if you’re just looking for a day pass, $30 is all that it takes!

By the way, here’s the schedule of the boat from Trellis Bay to Scrub Island and vice versa:

From Trellis Bay: 6:45 AM to 10:30 PM

From Scrub Island: 6:30 AM to 10:15 PM

I hope you enjoy your stay in one of nature’s little secrets!

[itswanderfulph-blog]

A 3800 PHP ($73) Trip to Cagayan Valley (3 Days 2 Nights)

I’ve always wondered how it would feel to reach the tip of Luzon or to visit the farthest island down south. I’m from Luzon but south part of it so I’m kind of living in the middle part of the Philippines (not really middle I know, but you get my point), and reaching the farthest parts of this beautiful country is something I’ve been dreaming of. And because of pagiging kaladkarin, I was able to tick one of the two from my bucket list: REACHING THE TIP OF LUZON!

Above is a map of Luzon which, of course, I screenshot-ted lol from google images and edited through paint. Haha. But that tip is what I’m talking about! Traveling all the way from Laguna to that part of the map is tiring. Just by looking at it, you know it would consume so much time, energy and money but believe me, it’s worth every single minute and effort of your life!

Let’s lay down everything you need to know about transportation to Tuguegarao which will be the jump start of your trip to this awesome destination. You have two options: one is riding a plane to Tuguegarao thru Cebupac. Rates would vary depending on the date you will be booking your flight. I would suggest you choose this first option if you have very limited time since the flight would only be for an hour and 10 mins. It would save you so much time which you could use to explore the province.

But if you’re like me who doesn’t care about time and wants to experience all the hustle and bustle of commuting, then choose option B: the bus. Just to set your expectation, the bus ride would be for more or less 12 hours. Much cheaper but definitely much longer.

DAY 0

We arrived at Victory Liner in Kamias at around 10PM and was waiting to book for a ticket when we learned that the next trip was scheduled at 6AM. That was way out of our plan.

Tip: Book your tickets ahead of time especially if you’re going there on a holiday.

We asked for other routes but it would take so much more of our time and 12 hours was all we had alloted for the travel to Tuguegarao. Fortunately, Jac Liner, which is just near Victory Liner in Kamias, also has trips going to Tuguegarao. The seats aren’t as spacious as Victory Liner, but it would do for spontaneous travelers. A ticket would cost you around 650-700php ($13.49) one way. Make sure to bring food with you during the trip because it would really be a long travel. There will be a series of stop overs but since we traveled at night, we consumed it mostly for sleep for the itinerary the next day.

This was us on our way to Tuguegarao. I look like I’m already tired but the trip wasn’t even half there yet. LOL

DAY 1

We arrived in Tuguegarao and awra na agad us. We were so eager to start exploring! We just had a quick breakfast before we headed to the first stop. There’s a Chowking near where you’ll get off from the bus. There’s also Jollibee so a quick fix for your food would not be a problem.

1ST STOP - CALLAO CAVE

From where you’ll be eating, you can ride a tricycle going to another tricycle terminal which will bring you to Callao Cave. Fare is for 20php. From the terminal, there are other modes of transportation going to Callao Cave but it’s very seldom. Best option would be to rent a tricycle. Fare would be much higher (in our case, 200php each and we were 3 so total of 600php) but the travel time would be for around 30 to 40 mins and the place is not that accessible. So the amount I paid is actually just fair.

Other fees you need to pay when you arrive at the venue would be:

Entrance Fee - 20php

Bangka Rental - 40php each

Tour Guide - 100php each

It’s actually really cheap when you’ll have this view after:

2ND STOP - PANSIT BATIL PATUNG

After exploring the whole cave, we went back to town to eat their famous pansit batil patung.

Don’t be deceived by its looks. This serving is actually for 3 people!

After trying my best to eat the whole plate, we decided to spend the night in Sta. Ana, Cagayan since we need to leave very early in the morning for the next stop. We were able to get a very cheap hotel for 1500php a night for 3 people: Eden’s Lodging Hotel. you can check their facebook here for details and pictures of the rooms.

Day 1 Expenses

Chowking breakfast - 120php

Tricycle to terminal of Callao Cave - 20php

Tricycle to Callao Cave - 600php (max of 4 people) ; 200php each

Entrance in Callao Cave - 20php

Bangka - 40php

Tour Guide - 100php

Ref Magnet (because you know) - 50php

Water - 20php

Pansit Batil Patung - 90php

Mt Dew - 32php

Tricycle to Terminal of Sta Ana - 10php

Van to Sta Ana - 180php

Eden’s Lodging House - 1500php ; 500php each

TOTAL: 1382PHP - $26.83

DAY 2

We woke up extra early since we needed to travel to the port of Sta. Ana where we will be riding a more than an hour boat ride to Palaui Island! We left the hostel we were staying at 4 in the morning and rode a tricycle going to the port. Tricycle ride will cost you 50php each (not bad for the distance you’ll actually travel). Once we arrived, we went to an office which handles tours to Palaui Island. The boat trip will cost you 850php back and forth. Quick reminder: since it’s located at the tip of Luzon, the boat ride will be challenging. The water’s not calm so you have to anticipate rough waters and high waves, but the people driving the motorboat are skilled so you’ll be able to reach the island safe but wet.

Wasn’t able to take much photos during the boat trip because I was scared that my camera would get thrown off the boat or I would get thrown off the boat. lol

After an hour of rough boat ride, we arrived in paradise. The local tour guide gave us a quick orientation about the history and topography of the island.

It is also with them that you need to pay 70php environmental fee and 100php each for the tour guide.

The view once you get off the boat.

And the hike begins. We did not have the proper footwear for this trip. We just had slippers and the bad news was it just rained so the hike was more challenging than what we expected. We badly wanted to see the famous Cape Engano Lighthouse which was used by early Filipinos to welcome incoming ships from the north.

Once you reach half of the hike you’ll have this majestic view:

At that moment, I just felt so lucky to be witnessing this beauty!

The entrance to the lighthouse.

Finally! After an almost hour of hike, we arrived here. And the bonus part was, we were the only people.

Now this was already breathtaking, but the view on the other side was much more than what we signed up for this trip.

Just casually sitting down and letting everything sink in. This is why I feel in love with discovering different places in the Philippines. When you think you’ve already seen everything, you’ll be surprised at how much more there is to see and explore!

Stayed here for hours when we decided we had to check one more hidden gem in this island before we head back.

Trail back down.

Don’t get tips from me about trekking and hiking. I’m not the best person to give advice. LOL

After 20 mins of trekking, this welcomed us!

And of course, we can’t leave without taking a dip!

After a whole day tour in the island, we went back to our hostel. It was ‘leg day’ for us since we had to hike to the top of the island to see the famous lighthouse and to witness that breathtaking view, plus that waterfalls! Before we hit the sack, we went out to get some dinner. There are only a few stores near our hostel but we really didn’t mind because we just wanted something to eat and then sleep immediately. If you’re someone who really needs full meals, you can bring canned goods with you, or ask the hostel if they can cook for you. There’s also a restaurant nearby but it closes early.

Day 2 Expenses

Tricycle to Port - 50php

Boat ride - 850php (285php each)

Environmental Fee - 70php

Tour Guide - 100php

Tricycle back to Eden’s Lodge - 20php

TOTAL: 525php - $10.12

DAY 3

We woke up early the next day to commute going back to Tuguegarao. We needed to catch a van trip going to a friend’s house to get some free lodging and food. Sa buhay ngayon, importante ang mga ganitong bagay. Haha.

Before the trip, we decided to have brunch first. Rode a van back to Tuguegarao and another van to Piat, Cagayan where our friend lives. Spent the whole night there and decided to go back to Manila early morning the next day.

Day 3 Expenses

Brunch - 120php

Van to Tuguegarao - 180php

Tricycle to terminal of Piat - 20php

Van to Piat, Cagayan - 70php

Tricycle to termina back to Manila - 20php

Bus to Manila - 700php

Bus to Laguna - 71php

Jeepney - 8php

Tricycle to home - 20php

TOTAL: 1,209php - $23.30

TOTAL EXPENSES FOR THE WHOLE TRIP:

3,816php - $73.54

This trip will always be one of the most memorable for me. Got to tick this off my bucket list plus only spent less than what I usually spend on my trips.

[itswanderfulph-blog]

A quick summer getaway near Manila!

If you’re a very busy person and short on leaves pero gusto pa din umawra this summer, then there’s a perfect place for you to go to. Just a 3-4 hour drive from Manila, Real Coast and Surf in Real, Quezon is a haven for beginner surfers, instagrammers and those who just want to escape the busy city life.

Real Coast and Surf is actually divided into 2: the hotel and the surf camp. But since this is a budget trip post, I’ll make a separate entry for the hotel part. Let’s focus on the surf camp for this one.

The place boasts of its well-decorated beach front which is very eye-candy. Entrance fee to the beach for a day tour is only for 350php which includes the use of toilet and bath, grill and the common area.

There are three ways to stay at the surf camp. One is to rent one of their cabanas. There are different types of cabanas depending on your group size. These cabanas are not the luxurious ones you know. It doesn’t have air-conditioner, but come on, bakit ka mage-aircon e gusto mo ngang magswimming sa beach, di ba?

You can check the availability, inclusions, rates and do some reservations on their website: http://www.realcoastandsurf.com/

Walk-ins are also okay however, making reservations would make your trip less hassle in case the place is jam-packed.

If you’re not into cabanas, then tent pitching is another option. Unfortunately, they don’t have tents for rent available, so if you’re planning for one, then bring your own tent. Pitching on regular days is 450php and 500php during the summer.

And of course, the best option for budgetarians is the common area. This is perfect for day tours since you’ll not be staying overnight (duh, kaya nga day tour lol). The common area doesn’t have additional charges, you just need to pay the entrance fee. There are tables and colorful bean bags you can use to rest and sleep while waiting for the perfect time to soak under the sun.

The camp also serves food. Price ranges from 120php to 250php, but bringing food and drinks from outside doesn’t have any corkage so better bring some fiesta handaan realness with you if you’ll be staying longer. Manong bangkeros also bring fresh fishes and pusit for a very cheap price. There’s a grilling station at the right side of the camp.

There’s a common toilet and bath in the area too. Normally, this is a problem for some travelers who are ‘cr-sensitive’ (I understand you. I don’t judge. lol) but this is one of the cleanest common T&B I’ve been to. Kuya who’s in charge of it makes sure that it’s spotless, so give him some thumbs up when you see him mopping the floor every now and then.

Now, once you’re all settled down, time for some sun action!

Now let’s talk about how to get there.

For those coming from Manila, Makati and Quezon City, you can take a van/bus in Legarda bound to Real, Quezon. Travel time is 4-5 hours depending on the number of stop-overs you have. Fee is 220php. Ask manong to drop you off at kanto ng Tignuan. You’ll see a huge tarp of Real Coast and Surf so you’ll know you’re there. Ride a tricycle for 150php, but if you’re more than 3 on a tricycle, they’ll ask for 50php each.

For those coming from the South, route would be to ride a bus/van to Lucena Grand Terminal. From the terminal, there’s a van going to Infanta which will pass by Kanto ng Tignuan in Real, Quezon. Travel time in total is 5-6 hours.

Overall expenses for the trip:

Alabang to Lucena via bus - 180php

Lucena Grand Terminal to Real via van - 200php

Tricycle to Real Coast and Surf is 150php per tricycle

Day Tour - 350php

Tocilog for lunch - 150php

Bought pusit, uling, kamatis and sibuyas (for early dinner)- 57.50php each

Tricycle leaving Real Surf to van terminal- 100php each

Van to Legarda - 220php

Bus to home - 75php

Total: 1482.50php

We opted for the Legarda van on our way home since we left the resort at around 7pm and buses and jeepneys were not available anymore. You can just ask manong to drop you off along Ortigas EDSA if you’re from the south too.

Happy camping!

[itswanderfulph-blog]

Surigao-Siargao Trip

It’s already summer and I know that a lot of you are looking for that once-in-a-year unforgettable out-of-town trip. Well, for me, isa ito sa mga yun. I know this is a super late blog post about my trip to Surigao-Siargao because you know, work, pero this is it. I’ll be laying down some basics (expectations included) and how-to’s for this trip.

First off, you need to book a plane for this (unless keri mo ang matagalang byahe like days). Our ticket was booked months before this trip (thanks to Sir Devs) kaya medyo mura yung nabook namin. If you’re not on a tour package, better yet do some researching first to atleast know what, where and how you’re going around the city (good thing we had Pepper and Enay for this one).

Day 1

So after a one and a half hour plane ride, we arrived in Butuan City where Pepper (who flew a day before because of a confusion on CebuPac’s website) was waiting for us for the hotel where we will be staying for the first night. Pepper surveyed the hotels in the city and Wayfarer’s Dormitory had the cheapest offer. We got a room with 3 bunk beds which was good since we were 6 in the group. From the airport, you just have to ride a jeepney for about 15-20 minutes (their version is a smaller one like the ones in Cebu). Don’t give in to the tricycle drivers’ offer especially if you’re on a DIY trip. Uso dapat ang pagtitipid.

Below is a map I edited beautifully for you para hindi na kayo mahirapan hanapin ang dorm. Love you guys!

First night was for settling down and planning the days ahead while we were having some beers on the side. By the way, the dorm serves meals as well so hindi na kayo mahihirapan pa lumabas. Medyo pricey compared to fastfoods pero kung fastfood hanap mo, sana hindi ka na nag-Surigao. Charot!

Dinner while planning for tomorrow.

Since the trip we were planning to have was multi-city, medyo effort and delikado if commute would be the option we’ll choose. Besides hindi namin kabisado ang lugar kaya medyo mahirap mag-risk. So we decided to hire a vehicle for the whole trip including our travel to Siargao. It was a Toyota Innova which could fit all 6 of us. The vehicle was for 9000php all in so it was pretty cheap considering the places we wanted to go to. Plus Kuya Gary, our driver, was very accommodating and funny so it wasn’t hard talking and asking him for favors. He sometimes did some touring himself too.

Day 2

First stop was Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, Surigao Del Sur. From our hotel, it was an estimated 3 hours and 40 minutes drive. (Yes guys. When I said multi-city, I meant it.) It’s one of the most visited spots in Surigao Del Sur so you should have this on your list.

Entrance to the falls.

Cottages near the falls in case you decide to stay for the whole day.

The main attraction.

We wanted to stay longer but the third stop was a 2-hour drive from where we were, so we decided to pack up and leave the place after an hour. Good thing we decided to rent a vehicle because the stops are in secluded areas (meaning wala pong bumabyaheng deretso sa falls).

Second stop (before we head for another long drive) was the International Doll House. This one’s just a few minutes away from Tinuy-an Falls. From the name of the place itself, the owner is fond of collecting original and expensive dolls. Medyo creepy inside mga mamshies so if you’re not fond of dolls because there’s this super slight possibility of it being actually alive, then just stay outside.

Steep stairs to the Doll House. Watch your step!

The clown dolls are really creepy!

And of course, Barbie Dolls!

Third stop was the Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur. This one’s quite famous for its mysterious depth since according to tsismis, no one’s been at the bottom of this river. According to more tsismis, the son of the previous mayor attempted to scuba dive to reach the bottom but was found dead after. Pero after researching, it turned out it was really all tsismis. However, in 2014, a doctor-diver really did die in the river while doing a documentary about the caves in the Enchanted River but found it hard to escape the strong current and lost oxygen supply. He was the brother of a former City Vice Mayor of Cebu.

Before this trail, there are stores at the main entrance where you can buy souvenirs and stores which can assist you with your food. Sa kanila na bibilhin lahat tapos sila na din magluluto. Very reasonable naman yung price.

Entrance to the Enchanted River.

The river was not so enchanting that day. Probably because of the number of people swimming. But we still did what we could to enjoy.

There were huge fishes under the water so I was kind of paranoid they’d bite me so I wore my aqua shoes. lol Life jackets can be rented at the entrance for 20php.

We also rented a small kubo where we stayed and ate.

We left the place before dark since the next stop would be Surigao Del Norte port which will  be the jump off point to Siargao. Travel time was about 7 hours. Yes, 7 long hours of travel. I mentioned multi-city, right?

With all the stop overs for dinner, coffee, sleep (yes we all slept inside the car including our driver while we were on hazard on a parking lot somewhere in Surigao Del Sur because we were all super sleepy), and more coffee, we arrived at Surigao City Port at around 1 in the morning. Since the ferry doesn’t leave until 5 in the morning, we decided to stay somewhere near the port. We then discovered that there were people sleeping on the ferry already while waiting for it to depart (mygad kung san san pa kami pumunta pwede naman palang matulog sa boat). The ferry ride takes about 3-4 hours from the port to Siargao and at some parts of the ocean, the ride can be really scary because of huge waves.

While waiting for the boat to depart.

Huge waves on some parts of the ferry ride. The waves were so huge, the sides had to be closed because the water was coming in. I was so scared I wanted to call my parents but there was no signal. lol

At last, we arrived the the Port of Dapa in Siargao! First things first, we needed to eat. From the port, just a few steps you’ll see stores and carinderias wherein you can eat for a very affordable price. Then, we needed to get a place to stay. We talked to one of the tricycle drivers and he was accommodating to help us look for one on a very cheap price.

Rode this tricycle where all 6 of us tried to fit in.

It’s a 15 to 20-minute ride from the port to General Luna. Was able to find a good room for 6 within Cloud 9 area.

Before lunch time, we prepared for the tour. We visited 3 islands: Naked island, Daku island and Guyam island.

Everything looked like a painting!

Naked Island

Daku Island

You can already request manong bangkero to help you with your lunch in the island.

Guyam Island

After the island tours, we went back to our room and prepared to discover the night life in the island. There’s not much, to set your expectation. But there are bars open to help you unwind before you hit the bed.

The next morning, my friends tried surfing. There are a lot of kuyas who’ll assist you near the shore. Prices range from 300 up, but of course you can always use your charm.

We left the island around noon to give time for the travel to the airport. Same route will be taken so basically the travel time is not that hard to predict. But traffic can also be experienced in Surigao City as well as Butuan City so better to a lot extra travel time.

Below is a summary of the travel you’ll have for the whole trip:

Same travel time going back but, as advised, please provide extra travel time. You’ll never know what can happen and you don’t want to miss a flight.

[itswanderfulph-blog]

Bataan, 2016

[itswanderfulph-blog]

Bantayan Island, Cebu

I’ve been to Cebu a couple of times already but to be honest, I’ve never really had an adventure here. I have relatives in Oslob and whale shark watching would be very easy to tick off my bucket list, but I still can’t muster enough courage to face these gentle giants. So for this summer, I started with just a light adventure in Cebu.

I’ve heard about Bantayan Island a lot of times from my cousins and how beautiful the beaches are so I made sure I see and experience it myself this year. I’ll be laying out every little detail I can remember from the trip including expenses and additional activities you can do in the island. I’ll also be including a few alternatives just in case you find it quite expensive.

First things first, you have to book a flight to Cebu. I’ve booked mine a month before since this was a planned trip with my friends, making the ticket less expensive. The farther the booking date to the travel date, the better. Mine costs 3200php roundtrip airfare with 15kg check-in baggage. Why the check-in baggage? Well, you’ll be in Cebu and Cebu is also known for its danggit, tuyo, and daing na pusit which of course you can’t carry inside the plane. Plus the dried mangoes, piyaya and sylvanas. So, you should really think this through. *wink* You can also check if AirAsia and Cebu Pacific have piso fares or promos. Follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

Flights during this time were delayed since high volume of people were traveling so bring with you extra patience. My flight was delayed for 4 hours. Imagine the things I did inside the airport. Lol But airlines will be giving you updates in case your flight will be delayed. Plus complimentary meals.

You have two options once you arrive in Cebu: one is to travel straight to Bantayan Island and the other is to stay and explore the city first. What I did was to stay in Mactan City to explore it’s night life but it was only for a very short time since we needed to take the bus at 3AM.

I was staying with a friend who was based at that time in Cebu so the accommodation was for free, but there are a lot of cheap hotels and transient houses in the city so you don’t need to worry. If you don’t want to spend additional cost for an overnight stay in the city, you can opt for the first option.

After exploring what Mactan has to offer at night, we went home around 1:30AM and slept. Woke up around 2:30AM. Did a quick shower and rode a taxi to the bus terminal in Cebu City. By the way, make sure you have peed and have everything with you because the travel time is not a joke. I was actually thinking that it would only take about 2 hours maximum since it was still in Cebu, but I underestimated how big Cebu is as an island. It took us almost 5 hours to reach our destination.

Once you arrive at the port, you need to ride a barge for about one and a half hours. You’ll be arriving at Santa Fe Port which is already part of the Bantayan Island.

From Santa Fe Port Terminal, you just need to ride a tricycle cab which will bring you to your resort if you already have one booked. If not, the drivers are more than happy and willing to help you look for a resort which fits your budget.

Once you already have a resort, you can settle in and spend the remaining days in paradise.

You can also rent motorcycles in the island for faster trips to and from your resort. Rent is 200-300php for the whole day. Cheaper than the Baler rates.

One of the famous destinations in Bantayan Island would be its Virgin Islands. It’s a 20-minute boat ride from the main island. You can rent a boat for 1500-2000php depending on how good you ask for discounts. :D

Once you arrive at the island, there’s just an additional island fee you have to pay. But once you’re there, everything is worth it.

And they have this special quarter pounder burger.

On your way home, you just have to ride a tricycle back to Santa Fe Port Terminal, ride the barge back and take the bus ride back to Cebu City.

This remains to be one of the best trips I’ve had because of how the beach looks stunning and enchanting especially during sunset.

[itswanderfulph-blog]

I’ve been wanting to visit Baler for the longest time. I don’t know how to surf and I doubt that my physique would allow me to stand on that very unstable surfing board with those huge waves, but the idea of riding the waves makes me want to become more adventurous than I already am.

It was January 29 and the first month for 2016 was about to end. I had no plans of any trip for January but I guess the kid in me couldn’t resist to stay put in Laguna for a long time so I impulsively said yes to a trip which was worth all the hassles.

I traveled from Laguna to Quezon City at around 9PM hoping to arrive early for me to still get some sleep at our apartment before the long trip to the province of Aurora. Arrived there at 12 midnight, slept for one hour until my friends woke me up since it was time to go. From Tandang Sora, we rode a cab to Genesis Liner in Cubao along EDSA. Their trips start at 2:30 in the morning. We asked for the schedule of their trips but they said it changes depending on the number of passengers they have so it’s much better for you to contact them or visit their website or facebook page.

The bus we booked was a deluxe since no other bus was available. It’s quite pricey compared to normal buses: one-way trip is 700 but inclusive are bottled water, biscuit and a small blanket. If you’re on a tight budget, you can also check the schedule of normal buses traveling to Baler. Joy Bus Liner also offers trips to Baler.

Travel time is about 5-6 hours maximum. If you’re not used to long trips and bumpy rides, I suggest you bring plastic bags in case you need to, uhm, puke.

We arrived in Baler’s bus station around 8 in the morning. At the vicinity, there are tricycle drivers which can bring you to your hotel. Some of these tricycle drivers are also registered tourist guides in Baler so they’ll definitely be offering you packages to visit the different tourist spots in Baler and nearby towns.

If you want to have a tourist guide already before you arrive in Baler, you can contact Kuya Bon (09293156670). He’s a tricycle driver but he’s a registered tourist guide as well. But if you just want a tourist guide (w/o the tricycle), you can contact Kaye (09163786237).

We stayed in Desiree’s Lodge and Transient House near Costa Pacifica Hotel. It’s just across The Good Food, one of the famous restaurants where you can eat in Sabang Beach, Baler. Desiree’s offers cheap but comfortable rooms depending on the size of the group that you have. They have family rooms and small rooms for couples or small barkadas. Once we were settled, we decided to explore Baler!

Here’s a list of some places you can visit in Baler and some nearby towns.

On our first day, we decided to visit the Lukso-Lukso Islet, Diguisit Falls, Diguisit Beach and their famous hanging bridge.

Lukso-Lukso Islet

Diguisit Falls

Diguisit Beach

Hanging Bridge

Here’s one of the views you’ll have while braving this hanging bridge:

We also did some biking around Baler. You can rent bikes for only 100php/hr and ride it going to town. There are also motorcycles you can rent if you want to discover Baler on your own, at your own pace. Motorcycle rentals are around 500-600php for half a day, 800php if it’s for a whole day. Rob, a Swedish, manages this business. You can bargain for the price. Just make sure you don’t get too mesmerized by his eyes and smile. Hahahaha.

After a long day of travelling and discovering what Baler has to offer, you can’t just go home after and sleep. Well, maybe for an hour or two. But you have to go out again at night to discover the night life they have to offer.

They don’t have that much bars and clubs here but if you’re looking for a drink or two, they have some bars along the front beach of Sabang. You also have El Jardin and the one where we stayed for two nights, Uhuru bar. If you’re looking to just chill after a long day of travelling and surfing, then Uhuru bar is perfect. Cara, one of the owners of the bar, would be very much happy to accomodate you and share stories about the island. She’s actually from Manila, but she decided to stay in Baler and open a bar with her Swedish friends who cook amazing dishes! Don’t be deceived. These Swedish cooks can speak some tagalog words so you don’t have to really exert too much effort. *double wink*

On our second day, we decided to take a dip in one of the falls in Baler. Mother Falls was unfortunately not available for dipping because of the last typhoon which hit Baler. So we went to the second biggest falls, the Caunayan Falls.

Locals reminded us to not use the rocks as ‘panghilod’ because according to them, these rocks are alive and can irritate your skin. Well, there’s nothing wrong in believing what locals tell you, so we just avoided using the rocks.

After two days of staying in Baler, I can say that I would definitely go back to Baler. Probably will surf again and try mastering the art of balancing myself amidst those huge and angry waves. Haha. But seriously, this was one of the most relaxing trips I had.

*some photos were taken by desappointing, ronellito and vitaminejan (IG accounts)

[itswanderfulph-blog]

Because Sagada can mend your broken heart.

It’s as if my ~ber months couldn’t be much colder, I was invited to an impulsive trip to Sagada on November last year. I was not sure if it was because my friends needed additional people for the trip or maybe destiny decided that I needed to stop the bitterness and finally move on from the heartbreak I just had a few months before. So, I filed for a leave, packed my bags, and rode a bus to where we were meeting for the trip.

It wasn’t my first time up north but it was my first time to travel there without my family. Baguio is a place where my clan loves to go whenever all of my titos and titas want to go out of town. I was excited because I was going further than where I’ve already been and because I’d get to tick this off my bucket list, hoping that I’d also forget what needs to be forgotten.

Since I was stressed from work and life in general, I was willing to splurge just to get a lot of things off my mind even just for a weekend. But it turned out that the package which costs 2990php each was not so bad at all. The itinerary was full packed plus it includes van transportation from Quezon City to Sagada and back, as well as the lodging for 3D/2N, the tour itself and entrance fees for two destinations.

We left QC on Thursday night around 11PM via van. The travel took almost 9 hours (You don’t have to worry because there will be series of stop overs for everyone’s convenience and safety) before we were able to set foot on Banaue for a healthy breakfast. After having breakfast, you’ll get some time to take some pictures of the famous Banaue Rice Terraces and buy some souvenirs for the trip.

First reason to start moving on from the past. This view will give you assurance that there are a lot more things in life, so start exploring!

After having breakfast in Banaue, you’ll have another 3-hour trip to Sagada. Yes! That view up there is just a teaser of what’s coming next, so just imagine my excitement on what Sagada could offer!

When we arrived in Sagada, we went straight to our hotel to rest for a few minutes. The hotel had very comfortable beds and bathrooms plus the wifi! They have different rooms to accommodate different groups depending on the number of people in each group. The building is a four-story building and since we were placed on the top-most floor, imagine the cold at night. Mas malamig pa sa puso kong nasaktan. #charot 

After an hour of rest, Day 01 of your tour will start already: Caving. You’ll be asked which one you prefer more: Normal Caving or Connecting. In normal caving, you’ll explore only one cave (not sure if it’s Sumaguing or Lumiang Cave). Actually, even with one cave alone, it would be very challenging as what I’ve heard from friends who took the normal caving. But if you’re more adventurous just like me and my friends, I would suggest you try connecting. It’s very exhausting but after the experience, you’re sure you’d be able to surpass every heartbreak there is in a lifetime.

Just a few reminders: make sure you’re wearing proper attire for caving / spelunking. For men, above the knee shorts or cycling is better for you to move freely and easily while going through the “obstacles” inside the cave. Shirts, preferably easy dry will provide you maximum comfort. Never use white shirts. Also, don’t wear hiking sandals, buy water shoes instead. This will give your feet a good grip on the rocks inside the cave.

After all the spelunking you’ll be doing on your Day 01, you would need to rest (believe me). So you will go back to your hotel to freshen up and then you’ll have the rest of the night to appreciate the peace Sagada can offer. You can have dinner at one of the restaurants within the area.

Much to my amazement, it wasn’t just the place that captivated me. The food in Sagada made me love the place more. They offer different dishes which can and will make you want eat everything on their menu. Each restaurants have their own specialties that you must try before you leave the place. Don’t forget the famous Sagada Lemon Pie and their own version of Yoghurt.

Second reason for moving on: Sagada’s famous lemon pie. You’ll forget all the pain he caused you in every bite.

Other places that you’ll be visiting for the next two days will surely make your almost 3000php budget more than what it’s worth.

Third reason to move on: these wonders of nature. It gets to show that like these trees, it would take time for love to grow back, but once it’s ready, once you’re ready, magic will happen, again.

Here’s a sample itinerary for a 3D/2N trip in Sagada, Mt. Province.

All these places will surely mend you broken heart. Trust me. It mended mine.

[itswanderfulph-blog]

An Overnight Trip to Anawangin Cove.

It was almost June and work was already upon me so I decided that I have to go somewhere before classes start eating a huge chunk of my time. Me and my friends were looking for a beach near Manila where we could spend a night to relax. We needed less travel time and since we were tight of budget, cheap, but would still give us that feeling of isolation and peacefulness. What better beach would there be than Anawangin in Iba, Zambales!

An estimated four hour drive from Manila, Zambales offers 8 islands for you to visit and discover. But if you’re just like us, with limited time and scarce amount of money, you can focus on the three islands in Iba, Zambales which would still give you the vacation you need.

Since we were on a package, we were supposed to be fetched by a van from Quezon City straight to Iba, however some of the people we were with for the van backed out last minute because of the coming Typhoon. (Yes there was a typhoon coming but we still pursued the trip. WALANG MAKAKAPIGIL SAMIN! Haha.) We just decided to commute instead.

We took a bus at the Victory Liner Station in Cubao going to Olongapo and then took another bus en route to San Antonio in Iba, Zambales. From there, you just need one more tricycle ride to Pundaquit where boats are waiting to bring you to Anawangin Cove. Estimated travel time is around 4-5 hours.

CAPONES ISLAND

First island we went to was the Capones Island: white sand beach, clear water plus less crowd (also called Isla De Gran Capon). It’s a 20-minute boat ride from Pundaquit. Unfortunately, we didn’t stay in this island long because big waves were soon coming due to the typhoon, so manong bangkero decided to go straight to Anawangin next.

I’ve heard you can actually trek onto the top of the island to see the Capones lighthouse. From where we docked, it’s a one-hour trek but you’ll be needing a guide according to manong bangkero since the there’s no trail going there. There’s another way which is on the other side of the island but the boats won’t be able to dock there because of its rocky shore and big waves.

NAGSASA COVE

I was actually hoping we could get a glimpse of Nagsasa Cove as well because I’ve heard it was better than Anawangin. However, the weather wasn’t accommodating and the waves were trying to tell us to take shelter in Anawangin for that day.

But from what I’ve heard and read, Nagsasa is bigger and less crowded compared to Anawangin. It’s located farther than the two islands but the travel time would compensate for the beauty it has to offer.

ANAWANGIN COVE

From Capones Island, the boat ride took around 10-15 minutes before we reached the island of Anawangin.

And there it was, an island wherein pine meets the beach. It’s a combination of Baguio and an island too far from civilization where you can find peace and solace.

When we arrived at the island, there were more than the usual number of groups already settled in, but since we were all excited and pumped up for this new adventure, we didn’t mind. We were able to find a perfect spot near the bamboo barricade where we can get a clear view of the wonder we will be experiencing for the next day.

Since we were on a package worth 1300php per person, everything was already provided to us including the cooking utensils, chopped wood, drinking water, gas and charcoal for cooking plus the tents. Kuya JR, who lives on the island with his family will also assist you on what to do, where to get something, or where you can put up your tents. He also own the little sari-sari store on the island which sells over-priced items (which I think is just right since they still have to pay for the boat ride to and from the island). Plus, there’s a halo-halo store there to help you beat the heat.

There’s also no electricity and network coverage on the island, that’s why you’ll be required to interact with the people you are with. Total disconnection from the real world. You’d have a lot of time to get to know new friends, discover the island, swim, and get to watch the beautiful sunset. Plus stingless jellyfishes are everywhere!

This is by far one of the most fun and most cheap trips I’ve had. Maybe next time, I’d get to visit Nagsasa as well.

To go back to Manila, you need a boat ride back to Pundaquit. The boat who brought you to the island will be the same boat fetching you. From Pundaquit, one tricycle ride to San Antonio and you just need to wait for a bus going to Olongapo/Cubao which will pass by the main road. Travel time is around 4-5 hours.

[itswanderfulph-blog]

Boracay is known to be one of the places which one should definitely visit during summer. It’s not the “Summer Capital of the Philippines” but you’ll definitely feel summer when you visit this beautiful island. With its fine white sand and beautiful sunset, it’s something that has to be included in your bucket list before you go out visiting other countries.

I’ve been to Boracay twice but the experiences I had were both different and both gave justice to the amount of money spent on this beautiful island. Yes, you’ve read that right! Taking a vacation in Boracay, especially if you’re from Luzon or somewhere far from the island would somehow entail spending more than the usual amount of money you spend on trips because of one, the airfare (if you’re planning to take the airplane, which for me is the fastest and most convenient way to go to Bora) and two, the activities you have to experience while in Bora.

The first time I visited the island, I was with a friend and it was an impulsive decision. (Yes, you can actually do that! Decide right now to go to Bora and book a flight! Just like that!) We have been planning for a very long time already to visit the island but I was hesitant because I was not sure if I had the right amount of money with me yet. One thing I hate when I travel is when I don’t get to experience everything the place has to offer. It could be my first and last and I always want to make the most out of it. She convinced me to book a flight the week after that day and since I was in the mood for a spur-of-the-moment thing, I agreed and booked a flight immediately. The airfare was quite costly considering how close the date we booked our flight to. The two-way tickets cost us around 5000php. Quite expensive for people who prefer affordable but fulfilling trips, I know but believe me, it was worth it. The second time was a planned one with my cousins. The flight was booked months before that’s why it was somehow cheaper. One way flight to Boracay cost me around 2000-3000php. For faster and easier booking of flights, you can download AirAsia and CebuPac’s applications on Android and iOS.

Now, there are two places where you can book your flight to Boracay: Kalibo or Caticlan. Kalibo will be much much cheaper compared to flights booked to Caticlan. However, you still need a van/bus ride from Kalibo to Caticlan. Van ride costs around 200php and the travel is around 1.5 to 2 hours. However, if you’re feeling a little more generous and willing to spend more for convenience, then you should book your flight to Caticlan instead. You just need one more tricycle ride worth 10php from the airport to the port. So it’s just a matter of time or money for you to choose which place to land.

Just a reminder, Caticlan airport doesn’t cater late afternoon to night landings. They have what we call “sunset limitation” wherein landings cannot be accommodated at night due to the lack of runway lighting.

At the port, there are windows on the left side of the entrance where you have to pay for the environmental fee - 75php, terminal fee - 100php and the ferry fare which is 25php. Once done with all the windows, you can proceed inside where you’ll be waiting for the ferry to bring you to Boracay. From the port of Boracay, you just need one more tricycle ride to your hotel.

And then, you can start your vacation!

Don’t forget to bring your underwater camera and sunnies!

And do some activities in the island! There’s a lot! Like the ATV.

Or parasailing.

Or standup paddleboarding.

If you’re done with the activities, the best thing to do next would be to chill by the sand to wait for the sunset.

The island is also known for its stirring night life. Bars can be found on all three stations of the island. Plus there’s LaBoracay to watch out for! 

[itswanderfulph-blog]

A Trip To Taytay Falls in Majayjay, Laguna

If you’re looking for a nature trip which would totally detach you from the real world, Taytay Falls is one of the best places to visit. Aside from the fact that it is located in the suburbs, there’s also no supply of electricity in the area where you’ll be staying so isolation from the outside world is effortless.

Located in one of the towns in Laguna, Taytay Falls is approximately a four to five hour drive from Manila. But if you’re looking to commute from Cubao, there are two bus companies you can choose from: DLTB Bus Company located in front of Nepa Q-Mart or HM Bus Terminal located in Immaculate Concepcion. They have trips going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. (For schedules of trips, you can visit their websites but normally they have trips as early as 4AM to 10PM). Fare is approximately around 140php. When you arrive in Sta. Cruz, you still need to ride a tricycle (20php) going to the jeepney terminal which will bring you to Majayjay, Laguna costing 50php - 60php. Upon arrival in Majayjay, there will be tricycles waiting for you which will bring you to the entrance of Taytay Falls. Last time, manong driver asked for 200php each tricycle because of the steep road going to the entrance of the falls. But you can always use your charm to make manong driver lower the price.

If you brought a car with you (just like in our case), travelling would be a lot faster plus if you don’t know the way, people in Laguna are very kind and hospitable so don’t hesitate asking directions from them.

At long last, we arrived in Brgy Taytay around 9PM.

Since it’s summer and people from different provinces and cities are looking for adventures as well, a lot of tourists were already settled in the area when we arrived so we needed to hurry up to get a nice place where we could set up our tents. But first things first, make sure you have everything you need before trekking down the area near the falls. It’s a 20-minute trek so going back is really not advisable. There’s an entrance fee of 30php, and then someone will be asking you if you need tents (yes you can rent from them to avoid bringing one which can be a hassle). Tent price depends on the size of the tent you’ll be needing. Smallest tent which can fit 2-3 persons costs 200php.

There’s also a sari-sari store near the entrance where you can buy charcoal if you’re planning to grill some pork or fish. Also, don’t forget to buy gasera (60php) because that will be your source of light and can be a source of gas for the bonfire.

A wide space for parking is also available in the area. You just need to pay manong 80php for the parking fee.

Bundled chopped woods for bonfire can also be bought near the entrance for 60php. Make sure you have this for the bonfire because that will make everything magical. Plus it will drive away unwanted insects.

Manong and his wife who you rented the tent from will be the one assisting you through the trek so be nice to them and make sure to build rapport so that they’ll place your tent near the falls. *wink* Once everything is settled, you can go start unpacking and settle down for the night. Since it was already late and a lot of people were already camping near the falls, we were placed a little too far from the falls but it was still good since we were able to get a spot all to ourselves. Me and my friends haven’t eaten dinner yet so we ate first and then, we setup the bonfire.

This is when the magic happens. Good music plus amazing people is equals to good company.

One more majestic thing about the place is how clear the sky is making the stars very visible. Plus the weather is very cold which is what everyone is looking for in this scorching hot summer. (Don’t forget to bring jackets and blankets for sleeping.)

NEXT DAY

Waking up to the sound of rushing water just outside our tent plus the sun shining through the trees made this day one of the better days I’ve had for so long.

Everyone was up for breakfast around 6:30AM so we went back to the entrance to grab some coffee and something to eat. Everyone was thrilled to see the falls up close and to start dipping into the water so we went back as soon as we finished eating.

And of course, it did not fail. The water is crystal clear and the falls is about two-storey high beaming with glory. It’s nothing like I’ve ever seen before. Maybe because most of the places I’ve been to so far are not as secluded as this plus the cold water would definitely make you forget about summer.

You can also go trekking on other parts of the Taytay Falls. It’s long so you get to pick your own spot where you can swim and soak in the cold water coming from the falls.

And of course, you can’t leave the place without experiencing the falls itself. It’s at the far end side so you need to swim onto a huge rock in the middle of the pool and then walk your way towards the falls. Best massage you’ll have, ever (if you prefer hard massages).

After a good 30 minutes, we went back to our tent to pack our things and go home. Comfort rooms to wash and change are available as well. If you need souvenirs for the trip, there are shirts and keychain stalls at the entrance where you can buy.

To commute back to Cubao, the jeepney terminal bound to Majayjay is just 5 minutes away. Normally the jeepney comes every hour so you might need to wait for a few minutes. From Majayjay, you need to ride another jeepney bound to Sta. Cruz. In Sta. Cruz, there are already bus terminals going to Cubao or Buendia. You can just ask manong driver to stop near the terminals.

If someone would ask me to come with them back to Taytay Falls, I would definitely say yes. It’s one of those trips where you get to be one with nature and appreciate how wonderful the world is.