MT BATULAO BATANGAS

Mt. Batulao is found in Nasugbu, Batangas and stands 812 meters above sea level. This is just a 2-3 quick  hours drive from Manila. It has 12 going up and going down different peaks. There are two trails getting to the highest peak. The old & new trails. There is also registration fee of 20 pesos each trails. Since we took from old to new trails we had to pay twice, so a total of 40 pesos. And consider the gas, toll fees, and fresh bukos  if you want to entice along the way.

We started our trek around 8AM.

 Had our quick lunch at Peak 7 as early as 10:00 in the morning.

taking group photo at Peak 7

It was my second time for a day hike, the first one was in Mt. Pico De Loro in Cavite. But this is the most challenging trek that I did so far. Rumor says that  there was a hiker who fell from Peak 8 and end up dead. I wonder why this trails are still open for public. And so tried to climbed up to the Peak with one of  my office mate. It was a bit scary because it was foggy and zero visibility when we get there. good thing, we both survived! :)

 at Peak 9

 Peak 10

 at the summit- Peak 11

This is the only picture taken from my camera. When we get to the Peak, the strong winds suddenly came & the heavy rain started to pour. Foggy, zero visibility & it was so scary and we're just sharing in small tent owned by the 2 child who are selling water & some stuff.

 (rio,me,crisabel,aliza, jocel,sane,donnalyn with her bf)

 (jake, jocel, me, emie, cristy and Dean)

This bunch of people are not happy before heading home without JUMP shot! crazy but cool!

Happy reading!

EL NIDO, PALAWAN

El Nido is a coastal settlement on the Philippine Island of Palawan. El Nido compromises 45 islands and islets, limestone cliffs are also found here, which form a Karst backdrop similar to those found in Ha Long Bay, Krabi and Guilin. El Nido is a popular destination for locals during the long holidays of Holy week but, until recently has been relatively unknown to foreign tourists. El Nido is more than just a stereotypical tropical paradise. Beaches, clear waters, jungle, steep limestone cliffs, and stunning inlets make for one of the world's most beautiful seascapes. Before El NIdo became a popular tourist destination, fishing and harvesting swift nests (Nido) were the main source of income Nowadays tourism has become the municipality's main source of revenue: however, the authorities are trying to keep it sustainable and hotel chains are refreshingly absent. Huge tour groups are nowhere to be seen. El Nido is also known for water sports such as diving, snorkeling and kayaking.(source: wikitravel)

Getting there:

By Private Van

There are Private vans available at the Puerto Princesa Bus Terminal for rent. Rates are ranging from 12,000.00 to 18,000.00 depends on how many seats you are going to lease. This is recommended for group travelers and if you want your trip to be more comfortable and hassle free.

By Public Van

Three van companies are doing shuttle trips in El Nido, departing from San Jose bus Terminal in PPA. Fare are 600.00 per person and 700.00 for Hotel or airport pick ups (minimum of 2 people) and the travel time is 5-6 hours. The ride with is quite rough as the last part of El Nido-Taytay are on finishing process of paving. The aircon-bus ride tends to be much comfortable but takes longer as its pick ups passenger anywhere and anytime. If you are in a hurry (flight etc) then don't depend on timely departure as there minivans almost never depart on time. The departure time is actually when they start picking up people around the town and actually get on the road 30-60 minutes later. Also they sometimes make you change minivans along the way once or twice and your luggage is tied on the roof despite of the covers can be becomes covered with heavy dust from the gravel on the road 1 hr before El Nido.

By Bus

Air-conditioned and ordinary buses departs San Jose Terminal, Puerto princesa and El Nido market alternate regulary. Cherry Bus departs PPA 5:00, 9:00 A/C, 11:00, 13:00 A/C, 15:00, 21:00 A/C. El Nido to PPA departures are set for 7:00, 9:00 A/C, 11:00, 13:00 A/C, 15:00, 21:00 A/C. Fare is 550 for the aircon trip and 450 for non-aircon. It takes about 7 hours. These are relatively new buses and absorb bumpy roads much better than the smaller vans, and with more leg room. There buses do, however, be filled eventually,and stops can get quite annoying.(source wikitravel)

ACCOMMODATIONS:

There are lots of hotels available in El Nido. From cheapest to expensive one. But if you aren't picky like laying in a queen size bed with cold & hot shower in it, you can actually  sleep for an overnight for as low as 300.00, a Nipa Hut type made of Bamboo's and a stand fan with Mosquito net is just so cool for true backpacker/travelers. 

ISLAND HOPPING

The most popular activity in El Nido is island hopping which cost roughly from 1,200.00-1,500.00 with 4 basic day trips to choose from Tour A-D.We take the Tour A. Additional fees may charge for kayaking & diving.

MINILOC ISLAND

 SIMISU ISLAND 

(seems i belong. Just kidding..lol )

SMALL & BIG LAGOON

7 COMMANDO ISLAND

(Mary & Lian)

Reminder:

Electricity runs from 14:00 to 06:00 but some areas have their own generators to cover the period.

SMART & Globe work well at El Nido. And make sure you cash up already before heading to El Nido because there are no ATM's or banks installed in the area.

Happy reading!

APARRI l TUGUEGARAO, CAGAYAN

Aparri is a municipality in the province of Cagayan, Philippines. It sits at the mouth of the Cagayan River. Aparri’s attractions also include its sandy beaches and town fiesta. May 1 to 12 every year, the town’s fiesta celebrates the patron saint San Pedro Gonzales of Thelmo with nightly festivities. (source: Wikipedia)

Getting there:

Take Florida, Victory Liner or Genesis bus in Cubao.Travel time will take 15-18 hours by land, fares ranging from 650.00 to 800.00. You may also take a flight via Cebu Pacific or PAL bound to Tuguegarao and from there take a bus or Van to Aparri. Travel time from Tuguegarao takes 2-3 hours. It is a bit expensive when you take by air but its more comfortable and less hassle than taking by land.

CALLAO CAVE

Callao Cave is one of the limestone caves in Peñablanca, Cagayan. The seven-chambered show cave is one of 300 caves that do the area and best known natural tourist attractions of the province. The town is name as Peñablanca (spanish for white rocks) for the presence of white limestone rocks in the area. Callao cave is located the barangays of Magdalo and Quibal in Peñablanca abour 24KM northeast of Tuguegarao City, the Capital of the Province of Cagayan. (source:wikipedia)

CAGAYAN RIVER

The Cagayan River is also known as the Rio Grande de Cagayan, is the longest and largest river in the Philippine Archipelago. It is located in the cayayan Valley region in northeastern part of Luzon Island and traverses the provinces if Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Isabela and Cagayan.(source:wikipedia)

 view from Callao cave

PIAT

Piat is dubbed as the Pilgrimage Center of Cagayan Valley because of the thousands of devotees and tourists who come here to pay homage. It is the home of Our Lady of Piat which continues to be the source of objection of devotion of many catholics in the region. (source:Wikipedia)

Piat is 39KM away or an hour ply from Tuguegarao City.

happy reading!

ANAWANGIN COVE l CAPONES ISLAND, ZAMBALES

The Anawangin Cove is a crescent shaped cove located in San Antoni, Zambales with a pristine white sand beach. What makes the place unique is the unusual riddle of tall pine trees flourishing round its vicinity. . The cove’s relative isolation has kept it free from development, there are no resorts on this sparkling piece of natural beauty, save for a few huts and deep wells. Just behind the beach is the pine forest and a marsh, where one can find natural springs feeding to the sea.(source:wikipedia)

The Anawangin Cove is the most popular destination for campers and beach goers alike. Just the mention of the name Zambales will ring a bell for those who have gone to the cove that a trip to Pundaquit is never complete without feeling Anawangin’s mixture of volcanic ash and white sand beneath your feet. Anawangin is the nearest cove from the town of Pundaquit. It is also currently the most visited and developed among its neighboring coves. Owned by a local family who also lives in Pundaquit, they make sure that the place is well maintained and the shores are regularly cleaned by its caretakers.(source:http://www.pundaquit.com)

GETTING THERE:

Anawangin is just a  3-4 hours ply from the hassle-bustle City of Manila. If you are coming with group like 10-15 pax, I suggest take a van for rent, 2D&1N rates roughly Php 7,000.00-8,000.00 excluding gasoline, drivers meal and  toll fees. Boat transfers,Tents and other kitchen utensils are already included for those who avail online package promos (cashcashpinoy,ensogo,metrodeal) for as low 688.00/pax. or DIY travelers, take Victory Line bus(Cubao, Pasay) to San Antonio then drop off at Pundaquit then tricycle to the Port. Boat rentals ranging to 1,000.00-1,500.00 for 10-15 persons.

There are no roads leading to Anawangin. It is accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from Pundaquit or by a six-hour trek through hot, open trails thru the Pundaquit range.

ANAWANGIN MINI FALLS

A five minutes walk towards north of Anawangin Cove. or you may ask in some locals if you ain't sure getting there.

CAPONES ISLAND

Capones Island is one of the main attractions in Pundaquit, Zambales. The island is actually a big lump of rock formation with very little soil. Beaches around the island aren't that homie for the usual tourist mainly because of the sand and rock mixture from the crashing waves of the open ocean, (source:pundaquit.com)

Capones is just 15-20 minutes boat ride from Anawangin Cove. According to boat drivers staying for an overnight here is not advisable or not really allowed. When plunging, make sure that you know how to swim, it's not safe for those who don't because of its shallow waters.

Happy reading!