Chasing the Golden Hour in El Nido

There's something about sunrise and sunsets that every time I witness one,it makes me feel better.There's a certain feeling of comfort.

True to its name, the Stunning Vistas Beach Resort has this nice little cozy view deck perfect for sunset watching.

El Nido Tour A : Finding Out What the Fuss is All About

Blame it on the scenic El Nido Bay, we we're surprisingly up early, all geared up for our island hopping activity on our second day in Palawan.

El Nido @ 7am 

Taking it Slow in El Nido

I've always rewarded myself a birthday trip to relax and keep me sane. Most of these trips are thoroughly planned and details are written down weeks before.
But just for the heck of it, the supposedly beach camping trip to Alaminos was replaced with a spontaneous decision to head to El Nido. (Toss coin shizz.Crazy I know.LOL)
After purchasing our plane tickets,we were in for another adventure.

Heart shaped island enroute PPC

El Nido : The Twin Beaches of Nacpan and Calintang

On our second day in El Nido,we were torn between island hopping and visiting Nacpan. What made matters worse was the sudden downpour that morning.

Cadlao Island caressed by rain clouds

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Siquijor : Budget & Other Things You Need to Know

I thought I've already seen all of it but during our first night in Siquijor, we were able to witness the beautiful sunset in Larena Pier.

Local hang out place. So nakisali kami plus barbeque and Coke :)

TRAVEL GUIDE: Siquijor

Siquijor is known to be the smallest island in the country. With the 102 kilometer coastline, it boasts of its white sandy beaches and mangrove forests. The island of fire also contributes to the country's mystical Caves, gracefully cascading waterfalls and panoramic views.

Map of  Siquijor (Photo credit to www.dumagueteinfo.com)

HOW TO GET THERE

TOUCHDOWN DUMAGUETE

Siquijor : Braving the unknown , unveiling the truth

Me : O sa Thursday pupunta kami sa Siquijor.Monday evening na ako balik.

Sis A: Ha Ate?Siquijor?Astig!!!

Sis B: Hala ate.'Wag ka magsusungit doon ha?!

Tita: Ano??! Siquijor?!

Cleanest port I've ever seen. I MEAN SERIOUSLY :)

I believe majority would have the same reaction. Siquijor, an island in Central Visayas is known for witchcraft, sorcery and  love potions among others. But the island born of fire is mystical and magical in its own right.

TRAVEL GUIDE: Palaui

Palaui Island is at the northwestern part of the town of San Vicente. It boasts of waters teeming with marine life protected by the Philippine Navy.

"For now, my brain's gonna stop thinking and just stare solemnly in all angles."

How to get there :
By plane:

• Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific have daily routes to Tuguegarao. 
• Tricycles are available within the airport premises.Fare to downtown should be around Php50-70 depending on your haggling skills.
•  If you'll be spending the night in Tuguegarao like we did,most hotels offer free airport transfer services.

The mighty Cagayan River like a snake slithering through the valley

Touchdown CAGAYAN! Sik-katruk nga nggana  (I can speak a little Ibanag hihi but majority of the people here can speak Tagalag so no worries )

By Bus :

• Bus companies like Florida, Ballesteros and Dalin in Sampaloc have regular trips to Sta. Ana.Fare is usually Php700-900 and travel time is 14-16 hours. 
• Alternatively, there are regular trips to Tuguegarao are also available.Travel time is 10-12hours.

628 Kms from Roxas Boulevard :))

From Tuguegarao : 

• In the Sto. Domingo market there are vans that head to Sta.Ana. First trip leaves between 5 am - 5:30 am. Fare to Sta.Ana is Php 180 and travel time is approximately 4 hours.
• From the Sta.Ana Public Market you can buy the supplies you would need for the trip.
• There are tricycles available that can bring you to San Vicente Port. Fare is around Php 30 - 40.

Seeing Cape Engaño for the first time

Once you arrived in San Vicente Port,you can ask the local fishermen for boat services or better yet contact Kuya Edwin Tabucol at 09269064657. Its better to contact him ahead of time so that he can make the necessary preparations. We used his older brother's boat and spent the night in his older sister's house.

The serene cove enroute Cape Engaño

 
Rate was Php2500 which includes San Vicente - Punta Verde - Cape Engaño - Punta Verde-San Vicente route. Alternatively, the boat ride to Punta Verde is Php 750 and if you decide to trek for 2-3 hours and see the rolling hills of Palaui, guide fee is Php250.

Cape Engaño's facade fronting the Dos Hermanos Islets

There are several guesthouses and beach resorts in Sta. Ana but no resorts or man made structures specifically made for tourists. We slept in a spare bedroom for Php 200/head.

Where to Stay in Sta. Ana

• Cagayan Holiday & Leisure Resort
• Reception: (0917)5889916
• Marketing: (0915)492878, (0939)3746148
• Website here   
• Eastern Hawaii Leisure Resort & Casino
• Contact Numbers: (0918)9160645, (0927)8085432, (0917)4482123
• Country-Inn By The Sea
• Contact Number : (0917)8094236
• Costa Carina Beach Front
• Contact Number: 788449534
• Jotay Resort
• Contact Number: (0906)478-1270
• Jerolinda White Beach
• Contact Numbers: (0934)1195897, (0906)8648227
• Balai Cagayano
• Contact Number: (0917)5922138
• Lordwin's Beach Resort
• Contact Numbers : (0919)7010036, (0928)3904518
• Eden’s Lodging House Lodging House Centro

• Contact Numbers : 
• (0917)5685235

Panorama: Verdant and fresh

 "Who cares what anyone else thinks. Just look into you heart and do whatever the hell makes you happy." - Bob Kelso

Palaui : Cagayan's Best Kept Secret

In the northern part of the Philippines lies the province of Cagayan, famous for its milk candies,grand cathedrals and the sprawling Sierra Madre mountains, it still has many secrets to unravel.

The stunning view of Dos Hermanos

About 4 hours from the capital of Tuguegarao is yet another heaven on earth.

Upon arriving in the Tuguegarao airport, I felt delighted to again be finally setting foot on this side of the country. Tumauini,a town in the province of Isabela known for the baroque confectionery like tower of St.Mathias Church,was just a mere 1 hour van ride away.

TRAVEL GUIDE: Calaguas

After several months of waiting, we were finally on our way to Calaguas. I've read a lot of great reviews about it and I just can't wait to get soaked! I'm not into travel packages so we opted for a DIY adventure and made sure everything was ready before embarking on the trip.

Paracale Port

How to get to Calaguas by plane :

There are no direct flights.Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and Zest Air have flights going to Naga Airport. It is the airport of choice since it is more proximal to Paracale and Vinzons, the jump off point to Calaguas.

There are several vans within the vicinity of the airport that would offer their services to bring you to Naga Van Terminal. Fare depends on your haggling skills.It can range from Php150 to Php300. The terminal is in front of SM Naga where Daet bound vans are available. Fare is less than Php200 and travel time is 2-3 hours. From the  Daet Van Terminal, Paracale bound vans will be seen lined up. Travel time is 1 hour and fare is about Php70.

Calaguas Part 2: Where time stops and starts at the same time

It was almost 5 PM when we finally docked the shores of Mahabang Buhangin. No tourists.No tents.No other boats. Just us.We were welcomed by Mang Ramon but our immediate concern was to find the perfect spot to pitch our tent. The trip going to Calaguas was another story.

Running out of fuel in the middle of the sea

Searching for the best spot. Me: AYAN NAAAAA!!! Dali sunset naaaa!! ( prinsesita mode )

Calaguas Part 1: Where time starts and stops at the same time

I was always on the look out for airfare promos. Not only that it's way cheaper than the normal fare, I have more time to do research ( DIY traveler here).

View of Mount Isarog from Naga Airport

Where It All Began

*Updated January 17,2013


Everybody was busy packing here and there.Their never ending checklist of things to bring got longer by the minute.Although this is not the first time they'd be traveling with children in tow,it was the first real out of town adventure ever.

Most of the summer vacation trips we had was more or less the Manila-Tumauini(Isabela) route. Same thing during semestral breaks.We'd be walking around the house still sleepy with one eye shut to prepare for yet another 8 hour-almost-nonstop-butt numbing trip (father dear is not very fond of stopovers if you know what I mean).

Philippines: Just can't get enough!

Every now and then, we wake up with a different horizon in sight. How the blinding sunlight warm our skin, how the towering cliffs cover the huts that take shelter underneath it, how the waves kiss the shore like a lover's first kiss. You will always be my first love.

I started my love for traveling at a very early age. There were a lot of constraints through the years but I never forgot how good it felt when I first saw the world renowned Banaue Rice Terraces. Unfortunately, cameras were a luxury back then ( or maybe I didn't really care and mental pictures of it was worth the trip).


And I know, it's about time to share my stories on the road to inspire you to get out of that box and discover bits and pieces of yourself on the road. :)