Charming Siargao

The fastest and most convenient way to go to Siargao is a connecting flight from Manila-Cebu and Cebu-Siargao. Siargao is known as the "Surfing Capital of the Philippines" but that doesn't mean only surfers will enjoy the very beautiful place.

*Cebu Pacific offers flight from Cebu to Siargao.

We took the fast way by booking a connecting flight from Manila-Cebu-Siargao. 

Touchdown! Siargao Domestic Airport

There are a lot of cheap accommodations to choose from, we opt to choose Romantic Beach Villa.

We choose the Pacific Room and that is our view everyday during our stay.

Rates/Prices of tours from Romantic Beach Villa (as of May 2015)

We stayed at Siargao from May 24-29, 2015, however I can say we really just stayed there for 4 whole days.

Day to Day Itinerary:

May 24 (Day1) - Solely for travelling Manila-Siargao, We booked the connecting flight from Cebu.

May 25 (Day2) - Rest and Enjoy the hotel (Swimming in the Pool and explore the island)

May 26 (Day 3) Island Hopping (3 islands)

May 27 (Day4) Sohoton Cove (Bucas Grande Tour)

May 28 (Day 5) Surfing at Cloud 9 

May 29  (Day 6) Departure

Day 3 (Island Hopping Tour consist of Daku, Guyam and Naked Island)

Some pictures we took during our whole day tour.

My boyfriend and me with our boatman/tourguide "Kuya Dante" during our Island Hopping.

 First stop, we did some snorkeling.

First island, Naked Island. There are no trees nor stores to buy something but there's one tent in the middle, they said its for everybody however it looks like "First Come, first served, basis"

Long stretch of fine and white sand, so scorching hot so don't forget to put sunblock or else... hehe :)

Next stop, Guyam Island. Very beautiful island as well however they said no families are also living here.

Honestly, when I took the picture below it reminds me of the movie "Life of Pi". :D

Last island, but not the least is the "Daku Island". There are more of less 200 families living in this island. No electricity in the island. This is where we had lunch. It's very common here to asked "PALUTO" or having somebody cook food for your group.

Some photos we took in Daku Island.

That's what we had for lunch. We had rice, fish and shell and ofcourse, fresh buko. We paid more or less Php500 (11US$).

Sohoton Cove, Bucas Grande Tour

Jellyfish sanctuary. You can swim but you are not allowed to get one according to the law.

Inside the Hagukan Cave, the guides said when you move its like the water is glowing. You need the guides to assist you upon going inside. The entrance was so steep that you need to do floating just to get in.

Entrance to the Hagukan Cave, that is the way in and only way out as well.

Outside the Makukuob Cave. If you dare to get in the cave and go up. the only way down is by jumping the cliff. Ofcourse I tried that.

Other pictures while exploring Sohoton Cove with small banca which can only hold 2 people at the same time.

REMINDERS:

- There are few ATM's in the area. You need to ride habal-habal/motorcycle which is mainly there public transportation in the town if you want to go to one place to another or to ATM's.

- There are no lunch included on the island hopping and tour so better pack food and water so that you can lessen your expenses.
- Snorkel mask is also not included, Bring your own or rent from the hotel/accommodation.

If you are planning to go to Siargao, you may visit this facebook page TARA LETS TRAVEL since they offer affordable free and easy package.

Batanes Get-Away with Itinerary

Batanes is definitely one of the dream destination of most traveler's bucket list. We are so greatful that we already had the chance of visiting Basco, Batanes and one of the island nearby. First quarter of the year is the best time of visiting the island. It's a little chill and it's a no typhoon season/

There are couple of airlines which is flying from Manila to Batanes.

We chose to fly with Philippine Airlines.

There are a lot of places to visit for sight-seeing in Batanes.

Upon arrival, we just decided to take a walk and explore the place near our accommodation since we arrive early.

We visited Sto. Domingo Church, without knowing that this will be included on our Batan North Tour package.

Below are some of our itinerary.


Batan North Tour

Itinerary:

• Mt. Carmel Chapel
• Radar Tukon
• Idjang Viewing
• Fundacion Pacita
• Idjang Viewing
• Japanese Hideout
• Boulder beach Valugan
• Vayang Rolling Hills
• Naidi, Light house
• Sto. Domingo Church

Mt. Carmel Chapel

A.K.A Tukon Chapel, the design of the church was inspired by Ivatan traditional stone houses.

Japanese hide-out tunnel

Inside the tunnel, you can even walk inside but be careful of some sharp stalactites formed. Watch your head!

This serves as Japanese military hide-outs before and one trivia about this tunnel is; some of the people who dug this tunnel were children. Some are still alive and were able to recount what happen on that day.

Welcome to Fundacion Pacita

It was the home of the artist Pacita Abad. It was now a restaurant and a lodge where nature lovers may stay which definitely will enjoy the scenery.

Boulder beach Valugan

There is no white sand found on this beach, only boulders and round stones. It is said that these boulders are from Mt. Iraya, when it erupted before.

Vayang Rolling Hills

A.K.A Vayang Ranch, you may see greenish grass and the deep blue sea on the background. The wind was so strong and it can litterally blow you away.

 Naidi Hills, Light House

View inside where you can actually buy some souvenirs.

They allow people to go up the light house where you can see a 360 degree view of north of Batan,

You will be able to see a panoramic view of the West Philippine Sea.

*Mt. Carmel church, was also included on the itinerary however we just skipped it since we already went there by walk since it's near our accommodation.

We had our dinner at Ivatan's Pension house since I wanted to try some local dish of Basco. Our tour guide politely said that he will be calling for a reservation, however when we get there, the food is already prepared. We just found out that he already ordered a food for us and it's a very big serving for 5-6 pax, I believe.

There's a lot more to see in this island. Check the link for our Batan South Tour.

Coron, Busuanga (Solo Adventure)

My Coron Solo Adventure

I've never been this eager to travel so when I received a notification regarding piso fare, I quickly book a round trip flight (Manila-Coron-Manila). I got it for a very cheap price of Php1,382 (US$32).

I didn't even know what to expect or what to see there. I just used Google to know what are the things to do.

When I reached Coron Town, I have realized that there are no beach nearby where you can swim. We found one in Bali beach (I posted pictures below), but we are not able to swim as well because of the shallow water. There are no taxi/cabs here and most of the transportation is tricycle or motorbike. 

Things to do in Coron

- Island hopping

- Snorkeling

- D.I.Y. Land tour

-Picture taking

-Most favorite of all: SELFIE!

- Scuba Diving (since there are a lot of dive spots here, but I haven't tried it yet) 

 

Jump shot in the road going to Maquinit Hot Spring.

(c) to the person I met there

  

 We are flying with Cebu Pacific ATR 72-500.

Upon check-in, they need to check our body weight for security purposes.

1. Upon arriving at Francisco B. Reyes Airport at Busuanga Island, Coron, Palawan, I proceed at the arrival area and on my surprise I found my name written on a small white board.

2. I approached one guy and he informed me that the lodge where I am staying contacted them for me to be able to reach Coron Backpacker Lodge on Coron Town Proper. (Fare as of July 2014; Php 150 Airport - Coron Town)

3. I rode a van from the airport going to the town proper, the driver dropped me on the main road and I just followed the sign going to Coron Backpacker Lodge.

Coron Backpacker Lodge
Php500/night - fan room

*No reservation required, I just sent an email and they just confirmed my stay on that day

You can visit their website at:
http://palawan-coron-backpacker.com/
Contact number +63 916 4004 871
coronbackpacker@gmail.com

Day 1

- Arrived at Coron, Busuanga Island.
- Checked-in at Coron Backpacker Lodge
- Rest for the next day

Day 2

I was about to join a tour however weather doesn't permit and I woke up a bit late already so I made a DIY land tour in Coron. It's a good thing I meet three awesome tattoo artist whose also from Manila whose doing workation (work-vacation) who accompanies me on the said "land tour".

ITINERARY:

Bali Beach (Php 20-Locals; Php 30- Tourist) 
It is just a walking distance from Bali beach to Maquinit but it is much better if you rent a tricycle or a motorbike. It's really hard to find a tricycle from here.

We just spent our lunch here since we tried to check the place if we are able to swim however the water was so shallow.

  
Next stop, Maquinit Hot Spring (Php 200-Adult; Php 180-Senior; Php100-Children)
Maquinit Hotspring
37 - 41 degree celcius

Mt. Tapyas (No fee)
One of the spots you shouldn't miss.
Mt. Tapyas will give you 360 degree view of Coron Island. All you need to do is take more or less 750 steps going up.

Day 3

Coron Island Hopping (Php650)

 Inclusions:
Kayangan Lake
Twin Peeks Reef
Hidden Lagoon
Atwayan Beach
CYC Island 
*Buffet lunch included

The very famous Kayangan Lake.

 
 Long stretch of whitish sand in the beach.

Best part, buffet lunch on one of the island during our tour.

 There's also a game we played, Filipino vs. Foreign (mixed of races from all over the world)

Only men are allowed. They played "Tug-Of-War".

Make a guess who won. 

 

Some of the people I met during the trip.

Day 4

- Depart from Coron, Busuanga to Manila
- Arrival at Manila