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!

El Nido: Philippines' Last Frontier (Part 1)

Day 1: 27 November 2015

We woke up around 6:30 AM to have our breakfast by the beach. Breakfast meals are served by the tables outside their "cafe". This is a place where you can enjoy the early morning breeze and a view of the beach. The shore was full of boats used for tours.

Going back to our breakfast, the resort offers various options for their meals. From Filipino breakfast - Tocilog, Hotsilog, Baconsilog, etc. to Continental breakfast. You can also choose from hot chocolate (Milo) or coffee as your hot drink. I can say that the meal was pretty heavy which is enough to keep me going until lunch time.

Breakfast by the beach

BACONsilog!

By 8:00 AM, Mark, the one who arranged our tour arrived at the resort. I thought that we will be coming with us with our island hopping activity but it appeared to be that he just contacted an owner of a tourist boat to handle us. Thinking that we are boarding by the beach in front of our resort, Mark told us that we will be riding a tricycle to go to the other beach. This happened to be in Brgy. Corong-Corong. The tricycle ride cost 50php for 3 persons since the driver said that they were hailed from the terminal. But usually, it was said that tricycle rides would only be for 10php per person. Anyway, we walked on a small street with a sign of La Piage (if I remembered it right). On our way to the beach, I noticed a lot of constructions on-going. So guys, it's better to visit El Nido as soon as possible before it can become too commercialized.

To the beach 

The street led us to the beach in less that 5 minutes from the main road. The beach were also has plenty of boats parked used for either fishing or for tourists. Compared to the beach in front of our resort, this one's more peaceful and quiet. Less people are here since this is kind of far from the center of the town. Right there, Mark called one of the boat owners who's name was Robert. After a few minutes, we hopped on the boat. Kuya Robert was accompanied by Kuya Abner who did almost all the talking about the islands.

Beach in Brgy. Corong-Corong

You can rent some snorkels for 200php each but tell them before you start the tour because they are not available in the islands. We left the shore before 9:00 AM having us so stoked to explore El Nido.


1st Stop: Seven Commandos

Our boat fighting against the waves

As per Kuya Abner, the name came from the 7 commandos who actually lived on the island. Their names were found carved on one of the stones. The beach in this island was so beautiful. With white sands and crystal clear waters - this was a great start for our tour.


2nd Stop: Small Lagoon

The end of the Small Lagoon

It was just a few minutes away from 7 Commandos. Our boat needed to stop at the entrance of the lagoon because we need to pass by a small passage. You can either swim or kayak your way inside the lagoon. Kayaks can be rented for 300php and it can fit 2 persons. So we rented 3 kayaks for our group. It was so calm inside the lagoon where the waters are not that deep.

3rd Stop: Big Lagoon

This was one of my favorite part of Tour A. Everything's more peaceful out here. Our boat went all through the lagoon's end. We were the only one's in the place because everyone's were just at the rear part. Kuya Robert and Kuya Abner stopped the boat's engine and they started to prepare our lunch.

At the back of the boat, they started to prepare our lunch.

This surprised us. We did not expect that they will be "cooking" our lunch at the back of the boat. Haha! Cool! While waiting for our food, we enjoyed swimming around the lagoon.

Nash, enjoying the fresh air in the lagoon

We noticed that there was floating platform on one side of the lagoon. Kuya Abner said that it is used for some events that are held here, like weddings especially. Very intimate indeed.

Bon appetit!

Our lunch, as you can see from above's picture, was grilled pork liempo and fresh fish. All I can say is, "Ahh! This is life!". We also had fresh fruits like banana and pineapple for dessert. It was a very fulfilling meal for all of us.

View from the Big Lagoon going out the the open sea

We finished eating by 1:00pm and after resting a bit, we continued our tour towards the Secret Lagoon.


4th Stop: Secret Lagoon

We docked the boat on the beach near the lagoon. This time, the area's pretty jam-packed with a lot of people waiting on one line to go inside the Secret Lagoon. It takes time to go inside because the hole can only fit one person at a time. Be careful when you go into the small hole for the rocks are sharp and watch your head!

One by one as we enter the hole

"The Hole"

Inside the lagoon, you can enjoy the calmness of the waters. Kuya Abner was so kind that he climbed up the rocks to take a picture of us from above. Nice!

Shot taken by Kuya Abner from the above the rocks

Walking back to our boat

5th Stop: Shimizu Island

Beautiful beach of Shimizu Island

Does the name intrigues you? Well, it made me wonder too. It got its name from a Japanese diver who died from exploring a cave on the island. This is the last part of our island hopping for the day and I can say the we saved the best for last. We went snorkeling near the beach and the beauty under water was amazing. There were a feast of fishes and corals to lay your eyes upon.

Here, I share to you guys some of the shots a grabbed from my videos underwater.

A school of fish feeding on from coral to coral

You know them!

For the beginners, be careful not to go far from the shore because the waves can sometimes be strong and you might be carried somewhere that you should not be.

We finished today's tour around 3:00 PM and was able to get back to town by 4:00 PM. Again, we rode 2 tricycles for the 6 of us for 50php per ride. It had been a long but fun day exploring some of the islands of El Nido and so we rested for a few hours before we went our for dinner.