Coron, Palawan

Soul searching in Coron 🏝 Nov 07-10, 2018 🚩

Brief Background of Coron🏝🏞

Coron, officially the Municipality of Coron is a 1st class municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 51,803 people. It comprises the eastern half of Busuanga Island, all of Coron Island and about 50 other minor islets stretching as far as Tara Island in the north-east and Canipo Island in the south. All these islands are part of the Calamian Archipelago in Northern Palawan that separates the South China Sea from the Sulu Sea. The main population center of the municipality is composed of Poblacion barangays 1 to 6, where the Municipal Building, the Municipal Legislative Building, and the Judicial Hall of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court are located. Its fiesta is held annually on August 28 in honor of Saint Augustine. It is the commercial capital of the Calamian Islands. The municipality is home to the Coron Island Natural Biotic Area, which is listed in the natural category of the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

ITINERARY FOR 4D3N

First Day:

9:50-11:00am Departure from MNL

11:00-11:30 Arrival at Busuanga Airport

11:30-12:00pm Van Pick-Up c/o Yuane Tours

12:00-01:00 Travel time to Coron Town

01:00-04:30 Free Time

TOWN TOUR🚩

4:30-7:30 PM

Souvenir Shop

Lualhati Park

Centennial Shine

Mt. Tapyas

Maquinit Hot Spring

7:30-8:00 Back to hotel

8:00-9:00 Dinner at Lolo Bonoy’s Restaurant

9:00 onwards- WALWAL time 😂

Photo taken during my first day*

* Mt.Tapyas is one of the highlights of town tour, you get to see the view of entire Coron town on top of the hill. But before you reach the peak you have to prepare you knees to treck at 700+ steps going to the top.

Second Day:

8:30-9:00am Pick-up from Hotel

9:00am-5:30pm Super Ultimate Tour*

*Kayangan Lake

*Barracuda Lake

*Green Lagoon

*Skeleton Wreck

*Las Islas de Coral

*Twin Lagoon

**Banol Beach & Siete Pecados were not visited 😦

5:30-6:00 Back to hotel

6:00-7:30 Dinner at Winnies Resturant

7:30 onwards Chill at 413 Floating Bar

Photos taken on my second day*

*Freedivers would love to see this ship wreck.

Third Day:

8:30-9:00 AM Pick-up time

9:00am-5:30pm Island Tour*

* Atwayan Beach

* Sunset Lagoon

* Dinanglet Island

* CYC Beach

**Should be C2 Tour (Malcapuya, however due to Strong wind we were not able to follow the itinerary. We instead visited the nearest beaches.

5:30-7:00 Back to Hotel

7:00-8:00 Dinner at KT’s Sinugba

8:00 onwards Chill time

Photos taken on my third day*

Fourth Day:

9:30-11:30Am Brunch at Buzz Cafe

11:30am-2:00pm Free time until check-out

2:00-2:30 Van pick-up

2:30-3:30 Travel time going back to B.Airport

3:30-5:00 Boarding Time

5:00-6:00 Flight back to MNL

Hotel/Hostel: Four Thirteen Hostel (Highly Recommended)

Tour Agency: Yuane Tours (Not recommendable)

Estimated Expenses: Php 10,000/pax

Tips:

1. Book your hotel ahead time especially when peak season. I highly recommend Four Thirteen Hostel because the place is very clean & tidy, the staffs are very welcoming. Also the floating bar on its roofdeck is a plus.
2. In terms of which agency to book your tours, I recommend you to check out your hotel’s partner agency. I booked my entire tour packages with Yuane Tours but I found them unorganized and tend to transfer you to other agency to accomodate you.
3. When to travel? Think the best season to visit Coron is during Summer. Why? Because if want you to visit Malcapuya Island and other stunning beaches the ocean is quite sensitive to strong wind, if the oceans seems not stable the tour might be cancelled same as in our case where we instead redirected to other beaches.

#SoloTravel #coron #palawan #atwayanbeach #beach #vacation #beachboy #slay #Photography #instragram #Travel #lostinawonderfulplace #itsmorefuninthephilippines

For more info: Please watch & subsribe to my youtube channel —> https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC4NRqKntsMH65rW2GP9Fm-Q

Siargao 2018

June 14-17, 2018

Memorable trip in Siargao 🙄🏝

Siargao is one of the places which I told to myself that one day I’ll be visiting. It was actually a luck for me, I bought my ticket in Cebu Pacific going to Boracay which supposed to be on May 2018 but since I was one of those affected passengers of 6-month closure of Boracay I had a chance to reroute my trip to Siargao 😍 Yes! You read it correctly, I was so lucky to have that at PHP 2,000 roundtrip flight.

Finally, makakasakay na ako ng airplane after 23 years 🛫 Lahat kasi ng travels ko before Siargao ay Luzon area. Kakaiba pala talaga yung feeling ng first time makasakay 😁

MEMORABLE FIRST DAY!

– When I arrrived in Siargao I brought my bag to the place where I stayed. I found the place at AIRBNB at PHP 3000 for 4D3N and the owner lend me the motorbike for a day. Then nung naayos ko na ung gamit ko I looked for a reastaurant near me – Kermits Bar & Restaurant.

Food is Ok but not really what I was expecting, the people are not welcoming. As in, tinititigan lang ako na parang wala akong akong pambayad sa kakainin ko 🙄 Ang bagal pa ng servive nila kapag nagdadaldalan sila na crew 🤨

– After ko kumain, nagstroll ako going to Cloud 9 tapos nagsight-seeing lang sa gilid 😂

And after Cloud 9 I was looking for a restaurant to have my dinner but due to lack of street light in the highway and lack of senses during at night I got accident 🤣 Bumangga ako sa isang naka-park na motor mabuti nalang hindi nasira pero nasugatan ako sa paa not just sugat pero something na need tahiin to stop the bleeding.

I actually tried to ignore the pain on my first night pero sobrang sakit nya at hindi ako makatulog honestly. Mabuti nalang may meds ako for pain kaya kahit papaano gumaan feeling ko.

SECOND DAY

– Since hindi ako makalakad I cancelled my tour with Kuya Bebot going to Sugba Lagoon and yung rock formation. I chose to rest at home then I went to the nearest clinic to have my treatment. Yung budget ko naubos dahil dun 🤣 I spent 5k kasi tinahi sya then tinurukan ng injection 🙄

THIRD DAY

– Since eto na yung last full day ko sa Siargao siyempre kahit masakit pa yung paa ko at hindi pa close ung wound eh pinilit ko parin magtour 🤣 Mabuti nalang mababait yung mga kasama ko sa tour kasi tinulungan nila ako.

I had an arrangement ulit with Kuya Bebot siya yung isa sa kilalang tour guide sa Siargao. Super bait niya at maraming travellers/tourists yung satisfied sa service niya.

*Sohoton Cove

*Naked Island

*Other included sa package are Guyam & Daku Island pero hindi na namin napuntahan dahil nastranded kami sa dagat 😋 Malas ko diba 🤣🤣

Picture daw muna bago makaalis sa pagkakastranded 😎🤣

LAST DAY IN SIARGAO 😶

All I did on that day was strolling around and I bought some pasalubong before I leave.

I’LL BE BACK SIARGAO 😎

Jomalig Island

March 30- April 01, 2018

“Take me back to this paradise”

Real, Quezon – A breath-taking Jomalig Island 🏝 This Island is truly one of the must visit places here in the Philippines. It is located in the Province of Quezon.

How to get there?

By Public Transporation 🚌🚐

Both Bus & Van can take you to Real Quezon but we opted to take the bus at Raymond Bus Terminal in Legarda, Manila, it will cost you around PHP 210 -250. Students/PWDs/ Senior Citizens can avail 20% discount just present the IDs.

*In our case, it took us 5-6 hours of land travel. The bus dropped us at Real Port where boats heading to Jomalig Island is situated.

Upon arrival at Real Port, go straight to the Tourism Office (Registrar Booth) and pay the necessary Fees which will cost you PHP 150 it includes environmental fee & terminal fee.

Boat Fee is around PHP 400 which includes light meal that will be given in between the 4-5 hours sea travel.

In our case, we were unfortunate to catch the last boat heading to the island. Please note that only few boats are going to Jomalig Island so you migh not be accomodated if the boat is already 100 passengers, max capacity. So I advice you to be there as early as you can most especially if you plan to go on a peak season. Since no more Boats coming we opted to ride a normal fishing boat which is strictly a big NO because its too risky. We were 13 passengers in that boat and paid PHP 1,000 per head to Bangkero. It took 6 hours 1/2 to reach the Island. Too risky and mind blowing experience for all of us. Big waves were hitting us and we can’t see anything except the water most of the time 😂😂😂.

Where to stay?

3 days before our travel date I did research about the best cheap resorts in the Island. There are a lot of resorts to accomodate you at a low price. In our choice, we stayed at Apple Beach Resort 🍎 because based on reviews they are accomodating and the place is relaxing. We rented a small Kubo worth PHP 750 for 3 Days & 2 Nights.

What to do in the Island?

Island Hopping or Island Tour?

The best choice for me is Island Tour using habal-habal 🛵 👍

It will cost you PHP 600 with the all day tour. It will take you to 6-7 tourist attractions. I’m telling you it’s worth more than what you pay for.

* Take note to apply sun protection lotions 😂😂😂

How to get back to Manila?

Again habal-habal is the only way to get you back to the docking area, it will cost you around PHP 50 to 60. Kindly ask your resort staff to negotiate with them.

Once you reached it, pay at the ticketing area located at L&J Homestay. Same boat fare of PHP 400 (Regular) PHP 360 (Students, PWDs, Seniors). Time travel is roughly 4-5 hours again depending on the boat speed.

In our case, when we reached the docking area at Real Port we opted not to stay and wait till the Bus passes by. We rented a tricycle heading to Infanta, Quezon where Raymond bus terminal is located. It will cost you PHP 200-250 (Good for 4) depending on your negotiation wth Kuya Driver. Yes, quite costly but you will surely get the best seat. Time travel going back to Manily will take 4-5 hours.

****

Tips:

1. Make sure that you book ahead of time especially when peak season.
2. Be at Raymond Bus Terminal at 12 Midnight to catch the 1:00 AM trip going to Real, Quezon.
3. Ideal time to get to Real Port as per locals would be 4am to 6am to catch the first & second trips or else you will rent an unregulated boats.
4. Bring a bag of patience because sea travel back & forth is not a joke. I advice you to bring Portable Fan, cold water and download movies 😂😂😂

Puerto Galera

Feb 15-17, 2018

This place is so relaxing especially when you travel alone. A chance to meet other people and experience something different.

Actually this is my first ever solo travel and it’s really worth it. I did overcome my fear of travelling the water alone without my buddies. At first I was feeling nervous and thinking too much of what IFs 😂.

In terms of preparations, I did research about this place if I could really travel alone. But since many of tourits have had visited this place the online society have plenty of informations to rely on.

I booked at Airbnb one week before my travel so I don’t have any problem where will I stay for 3 days & 2 nights. I found La Solana Suites & Resort for PHP 1,500 per night good for 2-4 pax. The place was ideal cause it’s nearby the beach & you have to walk about 3-5 mins. They have accomadating staffs to make yoy feel comfortable.

Things to do in PG?

– Snorkelling 🏊‍♂️

– Island Hopping 🛶🚣‍♀️🏝🏞

– Island Tour 🚲🛵

– Night Party 🥂🍻

– Water Activities 🏊‍♂️🤽‍♀️

Potipot Island

The Gifted Islet of Zambales

Located in Candelaria, Zambales

Travel time: 5-7 hours

Safe Budget: 1.5-1.8k per head (Much better kung in a group para mas makamura).
EXPENSES:

RT BUS- P684.00 (CALOOCAN-IBA, ZAMBALES) 342.00 REG./ 274.00 STUDENT

RT BUS- P138.00 (IBA-BRGY. UACON) 69.00 REG./ 55.00 STUDENT

TRICYCLE- P40.00 (BRGY. UACON-BOAT AREA)

RT BOAT TRANSFER- P 400.00 GOOD FOR 4 PERSONS

ENTRANCE FEE- DAY TOUR P100.00 / OVERNIGHT P 300.00

FOOD – BAHALA NA KAYO 😂😂 KUNG MATAKAW KA IKAW NA MAGBUDGET 🤗🤗🤗
TN:

*Bus going to Sta. Cruz, Zambales ang pwedeng sakyan papuntang Candelaria (Brgy.Uacon). As far as I know Victory Liner lang ang meron na deretso papuntang Sta.Cruz, FYI sa Caloocan at Pasay terminals lang meron. Kung hindi kna nakaabot sa deretso na byahe pwede naman mag two-ride na papuntang IBA, Zambales (Victory liner terminal) then sakay papuntang Sta.Cruz sabihin mo sa driver na ibaba ka sa Brgy. Uacon. 🚃

*May tindahan sa mismong Island pero limited lang ang tinda nila at hindi ganun kamura haha. Expect higher price than the SRP.

*May fresh water sa island kaya makakaligo ka ng hindi maalat

*May Comfort rooms/Shower area 🚽🚿

*Meron area for grilling/cooking just bring your own Uling

*Sabi nila bawal Alak pero hindi naman nag-iinspect ng gamit kaya makakalusot 😂

*May kubo na pwedeng rentahan pero medyo hindi ekonomikal 😅

*No need for reservation

*You may conatct Ejay para sa Boat🚣 at susunduin ka nya sa Plaza kung saan ka ibababa ng bus -09055241706. Pwede ka rin bumili sa kanila ng mineral water P100 ung malaking galon at P100 para sa set ng Cooking materials.🍽🍳

Sobrang ganda ng Isla de Potipot 😋😍 Parehas namin nasaksikan ang SUNRISE 🌄at SUNSET 🌅 Hindi kami na expectation vs. reality, sulit yung pagod namin sa byahe. Malinis at maayos naman ang pamamalakad nila sa island dahil may mga nagpapanatili ng kaayusan sa isla.
#TeamBottop #OnVacation #PotipotIsland #DIY

Masasa Beach

Tingloy, Batangas (Phils.)- It is indeed a blessed beach. The clear crystal blue water is captivating and the fine white sand is great.

We went here last February 2017, the breeze of air was awesome where in it balanced the heat temperature. The waves was in good condition when were riding on a small boat.

I enjoyed my stay here since we camped here for 3 days and 2 nights. We survived and got too tanned lol! There are many transient houses ready to be occupied and it’s just around 3-5 mins walking distance. So the tourists have a lot of options to stay. Don’t worry the locals who manages the houses are very welcoming and kind to their guests. I haven’t heard any problems or instances that tourists are not treated well.

Activities in beach, as of today, are snorkelling, island hopping, banana boat (to be confirmed) and trekking to the mountains.

I used the itenerary below, I hope it would help you too. (http://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/masasa-beach-travel-guide/)

SAMPLE WEEKEND ITINERARY

If you’re spending a night in Tingloy, here’s a sample itinerary.

Day 1
05:00 am – ETD JAM Bus Terminal (Buendia or Kamias)
8:00 am – ETA Batangas Grand Terminal
8:30 am – ETD Batangas Grand Terminal (Jeepney to Anilao)
9:30 am – ETA Anilao, Brunch, buy supplies
10:00 am – Boat to Tingloy
11:00 am – Check in at homestay
11:30 am – Trike + trek to Masasa Beach, swim, etc
06:00 pm – Pack up, back to homestay
07:00 pm – Dinner

Day 2
06:00 am – Wake up, get ready
08:00 am – Boat back to Anilao
09:00 am – Jeep to Grand Terminal
10:20 am – Ride Bus to Manila

Because of Masasa Beach’s close proximity, it is often visited as a side trip attraction for those climbing Mt. Gulugod Baboy or scuba diving in Anilao. Below is a sample weekend itinerary for non-divers. Tweak this according to your schedule and needs.

Day 1: Gulugod Baboy
07:00 am – ETD JAM Bus Terminal (Buendia or Kamias)
10:00 am – ETA Batangas Grand Terminal
10:30 am – ETD Batangas Grand Terminal (Jeepney to Anilao)
11:20 am – ETA Anilao, Lunch, Rest, Prep for Hike
01:40 pm – Take tricycle to Philpan Dive Resort
02:00 pm – Start climb
04:00 pm – Set up camp, explore summit, sunset viewing
06:30 pm – Dinner
10:00 pm – Lights out

Day 2: Tingloy Island Hopping
05:30 am – Wake up, sunrise viewing
06:45 am – Breakfast preps
09:00 am – Break camp, start descent
10:40 am – ETA Philpan Dive Resort
11:00 am – Back at Anilao Port for island hopping tour
11:15 am – Buy lunch ingredients at Anilao Public Market
11:40 am – TOUR! Sombrero Island, Masasa Beach
05:00 pm – Back at Anilao Port
06:00 pm – Leave for Batangas City (Grand Terminal)
07:00 pm – ETD Batangas Grand Terminal
09:30 pm – ETA Manila

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

Here’s a summary of the possible expenses. This should give you a ballpark figure of how much to prep for this trip but in no way perfect. This should only serve as a guide.

The quieter side of Masasa Beach

Note that you would not encounter everything above. For example, if you don’t plan on staying overnight in Tingloy, then ignore the boat fare to Tingloy. Likewise, if you only wish to see Masasa Beach and not the other islands, ignore the island-hopping tour because you can easily reach it by taking the public boat to Tingloy.

Bus fare to Batangas Grand Terminal: Fare: P165 from Cubao, P157 from LRT-Buendia, P127 from Alabang.
Jeepney fare to Anilao: P37
Boat rental (island hopping tour) from Anilao: P4500 per boat (10pax max)
Boat rental (island hopping tour) from Masasa Beach: P1500 per boat (3pax max)
Public boat fare to Tingloy: P80
Tricycle ride to Masasa Beach: P30
Environmental Fee: P30
Masasa Beach: FREE
Sombrero Island Entrance Fee: P200

 

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Masasa Beach

• First of all, please don’t be an asshole. Don’t leave trash on the beach. Whatever you bring to the place, take them with you when you leave. Masasa Beach is beautiful, but trash is becoming an alarming problem.
• Electricity is unpredictable. Brownout is scheduled at 12mn but can happen as early as 10 or 11pm. Make sure your gadgets and power banks (mobile batteries) are charged.
• Consider the weather. I have seen Masasa Beach both on cloudy and sunny days, and boy what difference it makes. Masasa Beach is wonderful when it glistens under the sun because it shows off all its blues and greens. Like most beaches, it’s not as alluring when the clouds are there.
• There is a small restroom that you can use for a minimal fee.

 

 

 

Cagbalete Island

Mauban, Quezon (Phils.) – I went here to celebrate our 1st monthsary. We decided to stay at Pansacola Beach Resort which has the widest beach front among other resorts in the island. This place is so peaceful and the locals are very accomodating.

First day, we decided not to rent a room because we have tent and also to save money. There’s a camping site where the campers are allowed to place tents with corresponding fee of 100 per person. After we set the tent and put our things into places we cooked our lunch meal, there are cooking equipments for rent but we just borrowed some from other campers so we can save Php 50.00.

I realized that we all have to be friendly, so when we are in need we can ask for help. After lunch, we had our island hopping to the sandbar and mangroves. We rented a boat at Php 1,500 but we did not shoulder all because we asked other campers to come with us. As per the locals, it’s better to visit the area before lunch so you can see the sandbar at its low tide and same thing with the mangroves. We enjoyed the place and had so many instagramable pictures. We also did snorkelling after.

After those activites we stayed in the camping site and enjoyed each moments together, it was really tiring yet memorable experience during our trip.

Last day, we woke up at 6 am so we can enjoy walking around the shoar and enjoy the water while the sun is still hiding on the clouds. It’s so peaceful and everything that stresses me were suddenly gone.

Fortune Island

Nasugbu, Batangas (Phils.)- Filipinos’ love for beaches is really insane (In a good way) we always believe that no matter what season the concept of summer is never too late to enjoy.

My colleagues and I went in Fortune Island on November 2016, It was a private resort before but when a storm devastated the island all its facilities were wrecked, only few marks left on the island including the four pillar structure on the top and also the wrecked ship.

We had an arrangement with a travel agency for a day tour trip. As we arrived at the port area we noticed that the air was breezing and the waves were quite terrifying and risky considering the 45 mins boat ride to get into the island. But all the frightening moment turned into excitement as we finally stepped in the beautiful island. There’s no hotel, restaurants, or any facilities in the island so travellers need to bring tents, foods, utensils, and anything they need to survive. Comfort room is also not available so make sure that you condition your stomach very well. Shower rooms are available on the city proper once you get back.

Snorkelling and Cliff diving are the activities available on the side of island, the clear tortoise water is very eye-catching. If you are professional or mid-pro diver you will surely love the coral reefs and different fishes under sea.

I can say that this place is commendable for beach lovers and something that you guys must visit 🙂

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

Bagac, Bataan (Phils.) – I went there last June 2016 with my office mates. This place is really classic where you can take a lot of great photos. With all the restored and replicated vintage ancestral houses of the Filipinos would bring back the idea of how they lived. I really love the place since I had many great pictures it was so mesmerizing but this place is quite costly in terms of hotel accommodations and foods in the restaurant (Outside foods are not allowed).

In front, there is a beach where you can swim, the fine black sand and clear water is nice but the water doesn’t feel good as it was so itchy.

It’s me! Your Guy!

Hi everyone! I’m Marvic Reano, a young and cool guy who loves to travel 🏊‍♂️🏝🏞