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!

Taking A Few Steps Towards El Nido

View from Marina Garden Beachfront Inn

Day 0 - 26 November 2015

So it begins. Our long wait was over. Rewind to June 2015 - we have booked our round trip ticket to Puerto Princesa for 2,011php per person. I know this is beyond cheap but then, not bad for a round trip fare. We were a group of 6 people, particularly my office mates.

Our flight was at 10:00 AM, 26 November 2015. According to blogs, November is the start of the peak season in El Nido. Expecting fully-booked accommodations, we have checked several resorts and inns in the island and Marina Garden Beachfront Inn. We booked 2 standard rooms with aircon directly with them for 3,250php per night. This includes 1 double bed and 1 single bed with a bathroom and complimentary daily breakfast for each person.

As expected, we had a delayed flight with Cebu Pacific. We arrived at Puerto Princesa around 12:00 noon. Just outside the airport, we were welcomed by Kuya Rey, the driver of the van transport that was referred to us by our office mate. But I DO NOT recommend him because we sought help from him on getting tours arranged for us and it did not went well. Anyway, we stopped by Robinson's Mall to have our lunch and buy some groceries since there is a limited supply in El Nido. I suggest that you buy your stuffs in the city especially if your have a private transportation because some items can be present in the island but it can be expensive.

After eating, we started our 5-6 hour trip towards El Nido. The road was like leading to Baguio -full of zigzags and some sharp curves. I tell you now, those people who have weak stomachs must bring their anti-"biyahilo" medicines and some handy plastics just in case. On our trip, we had two stopovers where you can pee and buy something to eat.

Sunset in Taytay, one of Palawan's municipality

We have arrived in El Nido after 6 hours. We went off the van just near our resort since the road was quite small for plenty of vehicles. Also, it's better to walk around to be familiarized with what's around. Well, the town center was small enough that you can walk and explore around. It has a lot of accommodations and food establishments scattered everywhere. It felt like I was walking in Boracay's main road it's just that El Nido had a lot of side streets and it's more peaceful.

Marina Garden Beachfront Inn was located in front of the PNP station so you have the assurance of additional security during your stay. Check-in was smooth and the resort staff were very friendly. We dropped our bags and rested for a few minutes before having dinner. The room was very good and had a home-like feel. I say that you won't expect that the rooms are good unless you see it in the inside.

Gateway to the beach

The resort has a lot of rooms to offer with it's not-so-big property. You can check their website at http://www.mgelnido.com for more information.

Flat screen TV with cable

We decided to buy pork barbecue and isaws for our dinner at a nearby eatery. They several selections for grilled food that are only 10php per stick. My dinner was only 50php for 3 barbecues and 2 cups of rice. Awesome, yeah? Happy tummy plus happy pocket!

We dozed off to sleep early this night for we'll be meeting Mark, our contact for our tours, as early as 8am. So good night for now!

Samal Island: One of Davao's Best Islands

Day 1: 07 September 2015

We woke up early to have our trip to Samal Island as scheduled at 8:30am. Kuya Rey, a driver whom Ms. Laura talked to to pick us up, was waiting at one of the open cottages near the "Reception" area before we arrive. Going back to the port was such a challenge since the road was uphill and very rocky that I needed to go down the habal-habal so Kuya Rey can drive up. I was left the middle of the "forest-like' setting and I got the chance to observe what''s around me. I can hear the birds whistling and the wind whispering in my ear. It was so peaceful. After a few minutes, I heard the sound of the motor and Kuya Rey was back to get me. Well, that was the only challenge for that ride. Haha Oh yeah, please don't forget to wear your sunblock every time you're wearing a sleeveless shirt. I was wearing one and I forgot to put on my sunblock. After the ride, the sun already made a mark on my skin. LOL.

Sta. Cruz Port in Talicud Island

At 9:00am, we arrive at Sta. Cruz port and saw that there was one boat leaving for Kaputian. That time, there were still no passengers aboard. We talked to one of the locals there who was also going to Kaputian and he told us that the boat will leave as soon as it is full. To kill some time, we roamed around the market just beside the port to buy our food for the day. The tinderas there was actually nice and helpful. I would recommend that you should buy food in the local markets to save some for your travel. Here's what we bought:

Fried chicken  - 40.00 php (2 large thigh parts)
Corned beef - 28.00 php (1can)
Dried fish (daing) - 25.00 php (1 pack with 2 pcs. of fish)
Coffee - 7.00 php (1 pack)
Milo - 7.00 php (1 pack)

Total: 107.00 php 

It was almost 10:00am, the boat was barely half full of passengers. Me and Nash were feeling a bit frustrated and wanting to just pay for the empty seats. But we are traveling on a budget so we just prayed for more passengers. While waiting, I noticed some children who were playing by the parked boats. They are actually also asking tourists to drop coins to the water for them to dive for. Take note, there's also a little girl included to the group. (Girl power!) Oh well, I wonder where are the parents of these children and that they allow this for their kids to do. Around 11:00am, the boat took off after a group of tourists came and joined us. (Oh thank God!) We paid 35.00php per person. The trip lasted for only 15 to 20 minutes and voila! We arrived at Kaputian port.

They were right, the sand and the beach in this part of Samal was very beautiful. Just like in Talicud Island, the sands were powdery white and the waters are teal-like in color. At the port, our boat driver had contacted a habal-habal driver for us to be dropped off Coracay Beach Resort. Our driver was okay but our fault that we were not able to ask for the price. Due to our hunger and the intense heat, we were eager to go straight to the resort to rest. It was almost an hour long of a ride from Kaputian to Brgy. Limao. We have passed several barangays with small stores where you can grab something to eat. On our way to the resort, we drove down a small road that was not yet developed. It was muddy and lots of puddles of mud which made it hard for our driver. And that moment came when we had a flat tire that we have to walk on our way to the resort. (Mind our hunger!!) Kuya (I have never asked his name) said that he'll just follow us to the resort after he got his tire fixed. We agreed and walk towards that muddy road where we don't know if the resort is already near or what. We asked questions to the guards of the resorts that we have passed by and thought of just getting a room if it's cheap enough. However, all of them were saying that Coracay was still far and their rates were out of our budget!

Anyway, we walked by La Familia Beach Resort and decided to check their rates. On the outside, we saw their rates and their cheapest was around 1,500-2,000php per night for a regular room. Thank you to my partner in in adventure, Nash, she was able to haggle our room for just 1,000php per night since we are not going to stay for long and we will be leaving early the next day. We got the Havana that was a non-aircon room which was good for about 10 people. Not bad.

Inside the Havana

Some of the open cottages - Bali Uno

Now that our habal-habal driver lost his tire, we have to look for a new driver to tour us to the Hagimit Falls and Vanishing Island. Kuya Buboy, La Familia's caretaker, recommended to us Kuya Roel who just lives beside the resort. We ate lunch (the chicken we bought at the port plus the rice we asked for Kuya Buboy to cook for) and freshen up before our tour. By 3:00pm, we headed to Hagimit Falls as what Kuya Ryan said so we can catch the sunset at the Vanishing Island. We were very fortunate with Kuya Roel because he was very honest and gave us a reasonable price for our tour.


First Stop: Hagimit Falls

Before you can enter, there would be paying entrance fees twice. First - upon entrance of the habal-habal (10.00php) then second - for the city ordinance where you need to also log your name as one of the visitors (40.00php per person). Kuya Roel was left outside and wait for us while we explore.

For your reference - Habal-Habal fares from Hagimit Falls

Let's go down!

Hagimit Falls - composed of several waterfalls where you may get to swim and also slide your way down to the next pool of water. They have several cottages here and also a place to stay overnight. At first sight, you might get lost with several paths but there are a lot of signs leading you to the falls so worry not. We just took photos and checked out the different pools of water where people were enjoying.

Rates:

2 to 7 years old - 20.00php
8 year old and above - 40.00php

Second Stop: Vanishing Island

We were so excited to to go to this beautiful island of Davao due to its sandbar and intriguing fact that it vanishes. Kuya Roel has it's own contact for us to rent the boar going to the island. Yes, you have to have a contact for a boat to get there. For us, we agreed for a price of 500php which we thought was not bad because we are again lucky because the tide was low and the island is visible. (Yey!) As we were sailing towards the island, I noticed that even when we were already far away from the shore, some parts were shallow enough that I can see the bottom.

We alight the boat which was parked just on the side of the island. There were other group of people that were staying for a day and us. We got to enjoy and savor what this place has to offer. Mangroves were everywhere. The sand was kind of coarse but it did not stopped us from walking our way to the other end.

We were able to catch the sunset, though its a bit cloudy, it was still very beautiful to witness.

By the way, we paid 50php as an environment fee. Once your on the island, someone will arrive (via boat as well) to ask for your payment. For those who wanted to stay for the entire day, Kuya Roel said that the house on this island was for rent for groups.

Well that summed up our second day of adventure. Our next stop would be Davao City. See you on my next post!