Camiguin: The Island Born of Fire (Part 1)

Day 1 - 31 January 2016

We started the day early to prepare for our travel towards Camiguin. As we have checked the distance from Iligan, approximately we will be there by noon. So, we hired two habal-habals to the bus terminal which the guard of Staylite Suites suggested to us. We paid 100php for both and split the fare into 3. The bus terminal is 5 to 10 mins away from Staylite Suites so we were able to ride the non-stop CDO bus for 100php until Bulua Terminal.

The bus ride took us roughly less than 2 hours and then we rode a jeepney for about 15-20 minutes going to Agora Terminal for 12php. From there, you have an option to ride either a bus or a van to Baligoan Port. In our case, we chose the later due to travel time since that van just needs to be filled with passengers that it will go straight to the port. A man approached our group while we were at Dunkin Donuts and offered his transportation service to the port for 120php per person.

The van was slowly filled with different passengers bound for Balingoan Port. The back part of the van was our space and I must say that it was quite comfortable for our 2-hour ride. At 11:30 AM, we were able to catch the M/L Hijos ferry which will be leaving by noon. Ferry ticket was at 170php and an additional of 2php and 15php for the Municipal and Terminal Fee. While waiting for the ferry, I texted our contact for our tours and accommodation in Camiguin, Teddy, that we're about to board.

Our transport towards the Island Born of Fire

The ferry started to roll by 12:30 PM. We passed by several fishermen near the port doing their thing under the intense heat of the sun. I can only imagine their sacrifice just to get some fish for a living.

Feeling the fresh sea air on my face, I tried to get a nap since the travel time would be around 1.5 to 2 hours. As I close my eyes, the excitement fills me in of what I may see and experience on our upcoming adventure.

Inside Benoni Port

Then our ferry have reached the port of the small island of Camiguin. We immediately went inside the terminal to have our clothes changed for the tour. Their terminal was clean and spacious for travelers. Just outside the terminal, our driver was patiently waiting for us holding a placard with my name. In my mind, I was "Oooh, cool!" hahahaha. We rode a green multicab and headed to our first destination - Mantigue Island.

When we booked our tour with Sir Teddy a month before our trip and we decided to have it customized since we only have limited time with specific destinations that we wanted to visit.

By 2:30PM, we reach the jump off towards Mantigue Island. We hopped on our small motor boat (550php per boat) and after 10 minutes, our feet have felt the fine sand of Mantigue.

View of Mantigue Island from the marine sanctuary

According to TripAdvisor, Mantigue Island is the 4th top destination after Katibawasan Falls and White Island. This natural beauty is very good in terms of diversity since aside from the beach, you can also see that there's vast space for trees. You actually have plenty of things to do here. You can visit and stroll in their nature park, have a picnic area with tables under the trees, paddle boarding, you can swim and do snorkeling with giant clam or just bum by the beach.

However, if you want to go the the marine sanctuary (which I suggest that you do), you will need to pay 100php for the boat and another 10php per pax for the environmental fee. For me, the additional fees are all worth it. Your eyes will feast with the amazing view underwater.

Snorkeling at the marine sanctuary

Our lovely boat guides

After enjoying the sun, sand and the island, we proceeded to the Arden Hot Spring to relax. It's waters come from Mt. Hibok-Hibok where most hikers also go to to end their day. The entrance fee is 30php for adults and 15php for kids. Inside, there are tables and rest rooms for visitors. If in case that you don't have food with you, you can buy snacks or even meals outside the park. We enjoyed the hot waters while we exchange stories about our day.

On my next post, we will have our entire day touring around Camiguin. Until then!

When We Chased Watefalls in Iligan City

Day 0 - 29 January 2016

Chasing waterfalls is a bit of  a trend today as most of travel junkies know. When we decided to do a side-trip to Iligan City upon booking our CDO trip, excitement filled me. I made a research and discovered that Iligan has more than 20 unique waterfalls. Thinking of visiting each waterfalls, I tried to do a research about most of the visited ones and made notes for reference.

We arrived in Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan De Oro around 9:00AM and immediately looked for the Super Five shuttle to Iligan. This was the shuttle service that was recommended by our colleague that we reliable and safe. Once you step out of the arrival area of the airport, the different shuttles are very visible. There are vans going to CDO, Agora Market, Iligan City, etc. So, we spotted the the Super Five shuttle to Iligan which cost 150php including a bus transfer.

When we entered the bus, it was spacious and there were a few people on board. (Tip: Seat on the right side to have a view of the sea along the Butuan - Cagayan De Oro - Iligan Road). The ride took us 1 hour and 30 minutes. The Intergrated Bus and Jeepney Terminal was the drop off in Iligan. Having not known the exact ride to our inn, we rode a "taxi" hailed by one of the porter at the terminal. This taxi looked like a private car and has no air condition and has a fixed rate of 100php within the city. In less than 10 minutes, we're at the Staylite Suites where we had a reservation.

The "Reception"

The good thing about Staylite Suites, there are no deposits for reservations. You can just pay upon check-in. We paid 600php for 1 room with a large bed, a bathroom, a small desk and cable TV. That's it.

Forgive me, this shot was taken after our stay and we were no longer able to fix the bed thoroughly. But the bed was prepared neat and clean for us on our arrival.

Anything that you will request has additional charges. Like extra towel, drinking water, etc. They have their list and menu on every room. But if you are just looking for a place to sleep in, this is good enough in a city.

We decided to start our trip after lunch and we decided to just visit 2 waterfalls since we only have the afternoon to wander. We walked a few minutes to the main street to wait for a jeepney (7php) to the city center. From the city center, we rode another jeepney going to Buru-un (11php). Just advise the driver that you will be going to Maria Cristina Falls and they'll drop you at the jump off. (Tip: Seat at the right side of the jeep to have a view of the sea. Landmark is a steel bridge and the entrance is on the left side of the road.)

Entrance to the Nature Park

The jeepney driver dropped us across the road going to Maria Cristina Falls which is inside the National Power Corporation's Nature Park. We paid 45php per person and 50php for our group for the shuttle since they said that the waterfalls is quite far from the entrance,

The shuttle

We stopped by the Botanical & Zoological Gardens first to explore. They have an ostrich, a monkey, birds and a butterfly house plus some plants here. There are also a few patios where you can take a rest and breathe fresh air. After exploring the gardens and taking some pictures. we headed back to the waiting area where our shuttle driver dropped us. We thought that he was the only driver that time for he was also assisting other guests around the park. We waited for about 20 minutes, I guess, until we were fetched. And so, we have reached the viewing point of Maria Cristina Falls and there was a program on-going which was a bad timing. Anyway, seeing the falls gave me a literal "WOW" on my face. The one that I have only read in books is now in front of me. It was massive and the waters coming from above was so strong! No doubt it provides hydroelectric power to almost 70% of Mindanao. Indeed, the second highest waterfalls in the Philippines is Majestic.

The shuttle picked us up at the parking space. As we passed by the waiting shed near the Botanical Gardens, and the guards offered us a ride to Tinago Falls. We grabbed their offer for 75php per person. Well, I can say that this price is reasonable enough because Tinago Falls is quite far from Maria Cristina Falls.

From the main road, the motorcycle turned left leading to a small road towards our destination. (TIP: Your landmark is the small stores like a small market). Once you arrive at the jump off leading to Tinago Falls, you will be welcomed by tour guides that will offer their services. However, as long as you can read signs, you no longer need a guide.

On our case, we were surprised that our guide said that it was mandatory to get a guide. Two of them walked with us to approximately 500 steps down to reach the falls. Be careful because these steps are steep and can be slippery when wet. The number of steps is worth it once you have witnessed the beauty of Tinago Falls.

According to legend, there was a Sultan who lived with his wife. The Sultan's wife, while being pregnant, met a diwata who pretended to be a beggar who asked for help. The wife did not entertain the beggar which made the diwata curse the couple and their child to be ugly. So it came true and the child was named Tin-ag and the couple hid their child inside a cave due to embarrassment. Later on, Tin-ag grew up and met this diwata again and offered her to become something beautiful. She accepted it and from there, she became the Tinago Falls.

Till our next adventure!

Davao City: The Safest City in the Philippines

Day 2: 08 September 2015

We left La Familia Beach Resort around 9:00am by the help of Kuya Roel. There are daily trips and many boats leaving for Davao City from Babak Port since it was the nearest port to the city. Some of the passengers lives in Samal Island and are working at different establishments in the city. The boat costs 13.00php per person and after paying, you need to log your name at their records. The ride was fast which was around 15 to 20 minutes and we arrived at Sasa Port. It's situated at the back of a wet market and might get you confused on how you'll be able to get out to the main road. Just follow where the people are going or you may ask the local sellers too.

Sasa Port

We are not familiar on how we can go to Red Planet so we decided to just ride a taxi. Taxis and jeepneys are everywhere when you get to the main road.

Tip: Better have your research or a map on where you need to go to avoid hassle or remember the landmarks, It's actually helpful if you have 3G on your phone :)

We passed by SM Lanang and our hotel happened to be just beside Robinson's Supermarket. Our taxi meter until the hotel was 130php which fair enough due to the distance and traffic.

I wanted to compliment Red Planet Davao's staff were very hospitable and helpful as I can say. They would always greet every guest with a smile and friendly tone. We were well accommodated with out early check-in request around 11:00am. However, there are no new towels yet since these are distributed at the regular check-in time. After sleeping on non-air conditioned and non-comfy beds, we found ourselves enjoying the cold room with soft bedding and pillows. We rested for a while before we go out and do our itinerary for the day.

Red Planet Hotel's Front Desk

By 12:00nn, we got out of the hotel to go to Eden Nature Park. We have researched that they have a lot of recreational activities just in one place. We rode a jeep until Gaisano Mall for the guard at Red Planet said that there are jeepneys passing by going to Toril. But when we asked the people there, they said that we need to ride another jeep until Aldevinco. Since it's already lunch time, we stopped by an eatery where you can get a jumbo 1 piece fried chicken with rice for only 28php ONLY! Cool yeah! Anyway, we left the eatery with a full stomach and happy pockets.  We rode a multicab with a sign going to Roxas and we asked the driver to drop us in front of Aldevinco where there are lots of jeepneys waiting for us going to Toril.

As per instructions in the previous blogs that I have read, we need to go down at Chowking facing Mercury Drug in Toril where tricycles are waiting for those who are going to Eden Nature Park. The fare was 100php/person for an almost 20 minutes ride.

Tricyle around Toril

After we were dropped off at the reception area, we immediately registered and paid for the entrance worth 220php each with plated snacks. This was required for every visitor as per asking the lady on the reception but I actually have some doubts. Anyway, you better ask this again when you visit the nature park especially of you're only up for the rides. You will be given a voucher for your snacks plus a guide map for the park has various recreational activities scattered at the 80-hectare attraction.

Reception Area's Facade

It suddenly drizzled when we arrived and so we decided to eat first. We went to the park's restaurant which is The Vista Restaurant. They have selections for their snacks, we opted for a spaghetti with garlic bread and a caramel bar plus one glass of soft drinks.

Inside Vista Restaurant

Our plated snacks

After eating, the rain poured a little harder and as per the lady on the desk, rides are put into a halt due to the weather. It was already 2:45pm and we are worried that the we might not be able to make it for the rides are sometimes until 4pm only. At last, the rain stop and we proceeded to the other side of Eden where the rides are.

At the desk, you will have the prices shown and you can get to choose which activity would you like. Since we wanted to make the most out of our trip, we chose the Combo Package (Skyrider + Skycycle) for 300php each  and the Tandem Swing for 400php for 2 persons. This is 150php less if you are getting the three activities individually.

Be sure to have your harness and helmet on by going to the harness area before going to each activity. We started with the Skyswing first. We sat at the swing side-by-side and was given instructions to expect 3 whistles before we face our fears. Two whistles as warning, and the last whistle is to signal you that they will let the rope go and BAM! By the way, this swing stands 95 feet above ground and you will be pulled 80 feet high. I can say that you will REALLY feel the adrenaline rush once you try this. (Have your phones/cameras ready and give it to the attendant to have your screams recorded. The attendants sure know how to take videos and pictures at the same time. Awesome!)

Here we go!!

We headed to the harness area after our Skyswing experience to have our harnesses changed for they use different ones for the Skycycle and Skyrider. It was my first to try out the Skycycle and I was very excited. While cycling 60 feet above ground, you will see a panoramic view of beautiful trees. The ride would last for about 4 to 6 minutes and will depend on how fast you pedal. Below the Skycycle, there's the Skyrider which is 400m long. This is 200m going to the other and another 200m going back.

Let's do some cycling

Skyrider-ing

I can say that the long trip was indeed worth it for we enjoyed the rides plus having received a good service from the attendants. After the rides, we explored some of the areas inside the park. Just follow the map when you are inside and you are good to go!

Going back to the main road in Toril, we rode another tricycle parked just outside the park for 90php each. The driver dropped us off near a public market where jeepneys going back to Roxas are waiting. We hopped on the jeepney and paid 20php per person which was also the same going to Toril from Roxas. It's actually not that hard to commute around Davao as long as you ASK people politely, yes? So don't forget to include Eden Nature Park on your list when you visit Davao.