Fire Ball of the Country, Siquijor Backpacker | DIY | Travel

After a night of pigging out in Cebu City, I went on to my second destination the next day, Siquijor. According to Wikepedia, Siquijor is the 3rd smallest province in the country and it was called "isla del fuego" or Island of Fire by spaniards. It is  also known as a mystical island, home of the aswang and what not but unbeknownst to many, its actually a very beautiful destination for any travel enthusiast because of its laidback lifestyle, white sand and mix of turquoise green and blue water. Its a paradise! 

Nearing the island, the famous Siquijor sea water greeted me. What ive read from other blogs were really true. The port itself was a standout.

From the port gates, tricycle drivers/ tour guides will offer you tours and hotel transfers. You need not to worry because they have fix rates for their tours and hotel transfer. I got my inland tour with hotel transfer for 1000 from Kuya Dexter. From the port we went straight to Charisma Beach Resort and Restaurant which was located in San Juan. I chose to stay in San Juan for 3 reasons. 1. Its closer to the port 2. They have a long stretch of white sand beach. 3. They have the best view of sunset. 

Charisma Beach Resort offers a cheap dorm accommodation for P350. This includes access to their pool, a locker, a bed with a pillow, blanket and towel. The dorm has fans situated at each corner and 1 shared bathroom with just cold shower. The room has 12 bunkbeds and lockers. Upon payment, they will provide you with a padlock for your locker. This is already a good value for money. The staff are friendly and very accommodating. I give them 4 stars. After checking in, i left my bag in my designated locker and then started the inland tour. 

St. Francis of Assisi Church

Bell tower near the church

Capilay Spring Park

Century Old Balete with foot spa

St. Isidore de Labrador Church

Lazi Convent

Walkway down to Cambughay Falls

3 Tier Cambughay Waterfalls

Tarzan or Jane? LOL

Free Fall

Panorama of Salagdoong Beach

Left side of the beach

Right Side of the beach

Never too young for extreme slides. 

Cliff jump anyone?

Instagram worthy beach. LOL

The entire trip was beyond amazing. It exceeded my expectation of the island and my favorite spot was Saloogdong beach. The color of the sea water is way better than what I've seen from the photos. Its a wonder on its own. I was definetely smitten by the islands beauty, though my short stay could've been perfect if the sun was out. Sigh. 

Nacpan-Calitang Twin Beach 2014 | El Nido | Palawan | Backpacker | DIY | Travel

You will never ran out of beaches to visit while you are in El Nido, but this one right here, you better not miss. 

Nacpan-Calitang Twin Beach is getting  a lot of buzz from tourist simply for its breathtaking view from uphill, calm beach, white sand and laid back setting. There isn't really much to do  in this side of the island but the view is satisfying enough for any beach lover out there. Beach bum all day every day, I say. 😋

If you plan to stay here overnight, there are homestays near the beach or you can set up a tent for a more nomadic experience. Make sure that you climb uphill to get a better view of the island. Its just at the left side of the island near the houses of the locals. Its an easy track so no pain for you. Take a lot of photos because the view is just breathtaking. I think i said breathtaking twice now. LOL. 

Nacpan-Calitang Twin Beach is part of the El Nido Inland Tour E which would also include, Nagkalit-kalit Falls, Makinit Hot Spring and Corong Corong Beach. Price range us 1000-1500. 

Baler Expenses (2 days/1 night)

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.  

Paracale Port

Our ride (mel and barbie doing the peace sign, me smiling at the back while yam takes the photo)

Houses near Paracale Port

Mahabang Buhangin Beach

The rocky side of the island

Volleyball anyone?

Waling Waling Eco Village under construction

Calaguas Crew

Mel's Sexyback

Barbie getting her perfect tan

Yam adores the fine white sand

My sizzums are workin' it

Aquamarine-ish poster

Sun kissed skin

"i-Dawn Zulueta mo ako" moment

Me and the sunset.