a sweet memory from a leisure escape: Tour

Showing posts with label Tour. Show all posts

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Baler DIY Itinirary (Overnight)

Baler Itinerary

4:00am ETD Manila

11:00am ETA Baler, Aurora

11:30am Check-in at chosen Hostel

12:00pm Lunch

1:00pm Start Inland Tour (Ditumabo Falls, The Millenium Tree, Ermita Hill, Daguisit Falls, Museum, Quezon House, LuksoLukso Islets, Daguisit Rock Formation)

5:00pm Back to your hotel. chill

6:00pm Walk around town. Buy pasalubong

7:00pm Dinner

8:00pm You can doze off early or have a drink seaside.

Day 2

7:00am Breakfast

8:30am Surf

10:30am Checkout hostel to take last bus trip to Manila

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Last Day in Cebu, City

Right before my flight back to Manila, I made a quick visit to Basilica del Sto. Nino to offer a prayer, took some photos at Magellans Cross and Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. I planned to check out Fort San Pedro but it was scorching hot afternoon so i decided to head to Mactan for my flight. However, right before we take the turn to the airport, i asked the cab driver to take me to Mactan Shrine. I didn't get to see the shrine the first time i went to Cebu back in 2012 so i cant miss it this time. True enough, it does seem like he was wearing diapers from the back. LOL.

The cross is in some sort of support, maybe this is another result of the earthquake. Inside, you would also notice devotees offering candles and dances for the Sto. Nino.

Light a candle and say your prayer of giving thanks and forgiveness.

The outdoor Pilgrim Center in front of the Basilica.

You will notice the construction of the bell tower, right side of the church. This is a result of the earthquake back in October 2013.

Basilica del Santo Nino

There is a small adoration chapel located at the left wing of the church. Just follow the long line at the left to get inside the chapel. There are guards inside the chapel that manages the devotees. They are really organized.

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

Mactan Shrine

The entire trip to Cebu was exhausting but was all worth it. I got the photos that i need for my blog and i got to travel many tourist spots. I get to visit Siquijor and a quick trip to Oslob. Although, i still need to go back and explore the north side of the city. Cebu is rich with white sand beaches and different types of falls. You will never run out of places to visit when you are in the city. I've seen the photos of the sights to see northside from other blogger and i cant help but be excited. I'll go plan my next trip now!

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Whale Sharks in Oslob, Cebu

On the day of my birthday i travelled back to Cebu from Siquijor to meet the gentle giants in Tan-awan, Oslob. The whale sharks are getting a lot of hype from social media and other forms so im not one to miss this.

I catched the earliest boat ride out of Siquijor to Dumaguete and then another boat ride from Sibulan Port to Lilo-an. From Lilo-an Port in Santander I Hopped on a bus heading to Cebu and after 20mins we dropped off at the Whale Sharks Watching area in Tan-awan, Oslob.

I didnt book any reservation for the Whale Shark watching so i asked around and the bus conductor referred me to Aarons Beach Resort, for just 100 pesos you will have your own locker and you can use their shower.

Aarons Beach Resort

All resorts have the same rate for Whale Shark Watching and Snorkeling. 300 for the former and 500 for the latter for 30 mins.

Whale Shark Watching Area, 5mins boat ride from the resort.

Facing Sumilon Island

After settling the payments and getting the underwater camera that i rented I went to the briefing area with 7 Koreans whom i will be sharing the bangka with. It was a quick briefing on the do's and don'ts while interacting with the whale sharks. Make sure that you keep them in mind, unless you want to be imprisoned or pay a fee.

Briefing Center

Once at the view point, you can already see the whale sharks going after the boat men that feeds them so they stay on the water surface. You can also smell that stinky fish smell in the area. Its tolerable though.

If you cant swim, it is best to wear a life vest for your own safety. Anyway the boat men will just push you down to get a good photo with the whale sharks.

Merrman!

Mermaid!

I have the same pose! LOL!

Photobombed

Tired and Cold

The go pro we rented was a complete fail. The photos were jammed with lines, over saturation and distorted images. So make sure that you examine yours prior and after getting ur photos which will be saved in a Compact Disc, test them. Ask the care taker in Aarons Resort to play the CD. The staff are nice and will be more than willing to oblige.

Things that you should know:

1. whale sharks are only available from 6am till 12 noon. I dont know where they go after 12 but definitely its somewhere in the deep ocean.

2. Don't wear sunscreen. This is hazardous lfor the whale sharks. Let's keep them safe.

3. Don't go near them. Keep a distance of 4 meters. There will be an instance that they bump you, this happened to me twice, swim away from them. Touching the whale sharks means jail time for at most 6 months.

4. Don't use flash on your camera. Whale sharks are extra sensitive to light.

5. Be nice to them. Just take photos and nothing else.

The experience overall with the whale sharks was one of a kind. Its one for the book because its not like everyday that you get to swim with these sharks. They were gentle and they dont eat human flesh, thats for sure.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

One night in Sugbu

I arrived in Cebu City around 6pm and right after checking in at Adelfa Hotel near Chong Hua Hospital in Fuente Osmena, my next order of business was to eat!!!

Larsian BBQ

BBQ Station

Puso' (rice)

I rested after finishing 7 pieces of puso', 6 pieces of Isaw, thigh part of Chicken, 1 medium sized squid and a Mountain Dew. Whew! I deserve this. LOL.

The night was young and i didnt have much to do, so I decided to go up Level 36 Club in Crown Regency but it was too early then. The clubs open but there weren't any guest yet.

Elevator Shot from Crowne Regency

My Cebu trip won't be complete without eating lechon so i went to Mango Avenue which is just 2 blocks away from Crowne Regency to dine in Zubuchon.

Zubuchon is one of the famous names when it comes to lechon in cebu. I ordered their boneless lechon, a beer and a pineapple mint shake. I was full alright. I didn't finish the whole thing though so had a take out to eat the next day.

Boneless Lechon P300

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Calaguas Castaways DIY / Travel / Tour / Backpacker

That feeling you get when you are so fed up with what you're doing and you just wanna run away and go somewhere. Not having to wake up early and finish a certain task. Far from any work or responsibility. I say plan a vacay, soak under the sun, and be just out and about for crying out loud.

About to play cast away and survivor for 2 days and 1 night, me and my 3 gal pals, we packed our bags, we head on to the island of our destination, Calaguas!

Calaguas is a group of islands in Daet, Camarines Norte. It is famous for its Mahabang Buhangin Beach. Uninhabited and Virgin. No hotels. No restaurants. No phone signal. No electricity. Nothing luxorious whatsoever. Just a plain fine white sand beach, very clear water and an amazing view of the sunset.

For a faster route to Daet, You can book a flight to Naga and then a van or bus to Daet. Your other option, if you have lotsa time,you can take the 6hrs bus ride. There are bus stations in Cubao and Pasay that has daily schedules to Daet. Book your plane tickets ahead of time for a cheaper fare. For bus tickets, its only advisable to book it in advance if its high season.

Now, to get to Mahabang Buhangin beach in the island of Calaguas, you could either take the Vinzons or Paracale Port. My group preferred the Paracale Port since its a faster route. We got off at Talobatib Junction and then took another ride to Paracale Port. We asked around for boat rentals, and we were glad we found one for P2000 (good for 4 pax). If you are good in haggling then maybe you can get the rental for a lower price. It will take roughly 2 hours to get to Mahabang Buhangin from Paracale port. The waves are big considering it was summer that time, but it was still manageable. Note that these are regular fishing boats so it would be wise to bring a waterproof bag for your belongings. You wouldn't want those cool gadgets get soakin wet.

Bring enough food and water. There are stores in the island but the prices are high so think twice. From the the time that we visited the island March 2013, there were no descent accomodations yet. Waling Waling Eco Village was still under construction. Your options then would be to bring your camping gear or rent a cottage. Tent Rentals range from 300-400 (4pax) with additional 100 per person for camping fee. Cottages on the other hand, ranges from 150-700. There's the open cottage and theres the bahay kubo type of cottage for some privacy. You would also need to pay environmental fee/barangayfee for 50. Theres a generator in the island now that gives light to cottages at night. But make sure you have powerbanks to charge your phone and cameras to capture the moments. There is a public changing/shower room, toilets and 2 water pumps which can be a discomfort for others, especially during peak season. Nets are available for beach Volleyball and the wide stretch of sand is good for playing frisbee. You can also trek uphill to get a good view of the beach. We did't get to try this but from the looks of it, it seems really exciting. You can make your DIY trip to Calaguas or you can book from travel agencies, which can be convenient if your travelling with a big group.