Thursday, September 18, 2014

Panay (-Aklan) + Guimaras

Tibiao River kayaking

Bagtong-bato Falls, 1st of its 7 tiers

Malalison Island hike

Miag-ao Church. The only 1 of the 4 Baroque churches declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Philippines out of Luzon.

Actual Itinerary and Costing
September 4, 2014 (Day 1)
1:30 PM Depart from NAIA 3 to Iloilo International Airport 691.50
shuttle from Marikina Heights to McKinley 65.00
breakfast 99.00
taxi from McKinley to NAIA 3 + tip (140 / 2) 70.00
2:35 PM Arrive at Iloilo Internal Airport
van from the airport to Jaro 0.00
lunch 0.00
transportation / misc (Jaro Cathedral and Belfry, Lizares Mansion) 230.00
Overnight in Jaro Bellevue Pensionne (900 / 3) 300.00
September 5, 2014 (Day 2)
8:00 AM Depart from Molo Terminal to Tibiao, Antique via van 180.00
taxi from lodging to van terminal + tip (90/3) 30.00
stopover meals / misc 106.00
1:00 PM Arrive in Tibiao, Antique
lunch 42.00
habal-habal ride from Tibiao Town Plaza to Kayak Inn 140.00
registration fee 50.00
river kayak + tip 800.00
Bugtong Bato Falls guide fee (400 / 3) 134.00
Dinner c/o Blue Wave Lodge (400 / 3) 134.00
Overnight Kayak Inn + tip 350.00
September 6, 2014 (Day 3)
6:30 AM Breakfast at Blue Wave Lodge (250/3) 84.00
misc 175.00
8:30 AM Depart from Kayak Inn to Culasi port by habalhabal + tip 210.00
9:00 AM Arrive at Culasi Blvd (port)
9:45 AM Depart from Culasi Blvd to Malalison Island by boat + tip (950 / 3) 317.00
10:00 AM Arrive in Malalison Island
environmental fee 10.00
11:00 AM Guide fee to Nablag Islet (200 / 3) 67.00
1:00 PM Lunch at homestay (150 / 3) 50.00
misc 44.00
Overnight at Malalison Island (400 / 3) 133.00
September 7, 2014 (Day 4)
7:00 AM Depart from Malalison Island to Culasi Blvd
breakfast 96.00
8:00 AM Depart from Culasi to Kalibo by bus 100.00
10:30 AM Arrive in Kalibo
tricycle to Roxas City van terminal 10.00
11:00 AM Depart from Kalibo to Roxas City by van 120.00
12:30 PM Arrive in Roxas City
tricycle from Roxas City Terminal to Palina Ecopark (150 / 3) 50.00
lunch / Palina River Tour + tip (1370 / 3) 457.00
tricycle to  Pan-ay and to Roxas City Terminal (300 / 3) 100.00
5:00 PM Depart from Roxas City to Iloilo City by van 150.00
7:00 PM Arrive in Iloilo City
taxi from Jaro terminal to Ong Bun Pension (152 / 3) 51.00
dinner @ Chikahan 271.00
misc 45.00
Overnight Iloilo City - Ong Bun Pension (1030 / 3) 344.00
September 8, 2014 (Day 5)
7:00 AM Depart from lodging to Ortiz wharf by jeep 7.50
breakfast / misc 164.00
8:00 AM Depart from Ortiz Wharf to Jordan Port, Guimaras by boat 14.00
8:15 AM Arrive at Jordan Port
8:20 AM Start of Guimaras Land Tour
tricycle + tip (1400 / 3) 467.00
lunch 64.00
misc 280.00
1:00 PM Start of Island Hopping 
2 hours boat + tip (810 / 3) 270.00
6:30 PM Depart Jordan Port to Ortiz Wharf by ferry 20.00
6:50 PM Arrive at Ortiz Wharf
jeep to Ong Bun Pension 7.50
dinner 95.00
Overnight Iloilo City - Ong Bun Pension (1030 / 3) 344.00
September 9, 2014 (Day 6)
6:30 AM Depart from lodging to Molo Church by jeep 10.00
breakfast at Pid-Als 72.00
8:00 AM Depart from Mohon Terminal to San Joaquin by bus 50.00
jeep from Molo to Mohon Terminal 10.00
9:00 AM Arrive in San Joaquin, Explore South Iloilo
tricycle to San Joaquin Cemetery 8.00
jeep from San Joaquin to Miag-ao 15.00
jeep from Miag-ao to Guimbal 15.00
jeep from Guimbal to Tigbauan 12.00
jeep from Tigbauan to Mohon Terminal 19.00
taxi from Mohon Terminal to Tatoy's in Villa (80/3) 27.00
misc 79.00
1:00 PM Lunch at Tatoy's 289.00
2:00 PM Depart from Tatoy's to Ong Bun Pension
taxi from Tatoy's to Ong Bun to Airport (600 / 3) 200.00
2:30 PM Depart from Ong Bun Pension to Airport
pasalubong 428.00
3:00 PM Arrive at Iloilo International Airport
terminal fee 200.00
5:30 PM Depart from Iloilo International Airport to NAIA 3 691.50
6:35 PM Arrive at NAIA 3
taxi from NAIA 3 to Tramo (100 / 2) 50.00
train ticket from Pasay to Shaw 14.00
9:30 PM Arrive at the Office - Back to Work!
Total cost per pax 10,228.00


Contact Numbers and Notes:
Antique

  • Kayak Inn / Tibiao River Kayak / Bugtong Bato Falls hike: 0921-570-1947 (Edwin or Shiela Endrico). Best to do river kayak during the rainy season. River and falls run dry during summer. Kayak Inn only got 2 kubos for rent but there are other accommodations available in Tibiao. They can cook meals for you but if you weren't able to bring food for cooking, you can order meals at Blue Wave Lodge for a very reasonable price.
  • Malalison Island boat and accommodation: 0916-324-5068 (John Sumanting) or 0928-492-9103 (Kapitan Mario Fuenteblanca). Sunset is best seen on the other side of the island. Trek late in the afternoon just in time for it. The sand bar by the docking area can be seen during summer.

Capiz

  • Palina River Tour: 0948-131-4147. You can have lunch at the eco-park but must be pre-ordered.
Guimaras
  • No need to contact a tour guide when going to Guimaras. Head straight to the Tourism Office at Jordan wharf. They'll assign a tricycle for your land tour at a standard rate at no additional cost. The driver will serve as your guide, too.
Iloilo
  • Lizares Mansion in Jaro is known as Angelicum School by the locals
  • Iloilo can be easily explored by PUJs. Don't be afraid to ask the locals for directions. Tagalog isn't widely spoken though. Taxi cabs are also easily available for those who don't mind spending some more for convenience :)
  • Biscocho Haus' butterscotch is a must buy pasalubong :)

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Cagayan (Sta. Ana, Tuguegarao, Penablanca)

Cape Engano
Anguib Cove
Crocodile Island
Callao Caves

Actual Itinerary and Costing
August 1, 2014 (Day 0)
5:00 PM Depart from Victory-Kamias Terminal by regular AC bus 652.00
jeepney for Marquinton to St. Joseph-Anonas 10.00
jeepney for St. Joseph-Anonas to Highway (EDSA) 8.50
stopover meals 115.00
August 2, 2014 (Day 1)
5:00 AM Arrival in Tuguegarao
tricycle from Victory terminal to passenger van station 15.00
5:30 AM Depart from Van terminal in Tuguegarao  180.00
8:30 AM Arrival in San Vicente, Sta. Ana
breakfast 32.00
9:15 AM Depart from San Vicente, Sta. Ana
10:00 AM Arrival in Punta Verde, Palaui
11:00 AM Start Palaui island tour (Cape Engano, Anguib Cove)
boat rental + guide fee + tip - Punta Verde, Anguib Cove, Cape Engano, Crocodile Island (4500 / 5 pax) 900.00
Guide fee
Anguib Cove entrance fee 100.00
lunch c/o homestay 250.00
dinner c/o homestay 250.00
overnight homestay 250.00
August 3, 2014 (Day 2)
7:00 AM Breakfast c/o homestay 150.00
8:00 AM Depart to Crocodile Island
9:30 AM Back @ Homestay
10:00 AM Depart to San Vicente
10:45 AM Arrival in San Vicente
tricycle from San Vicente to van terminal in Sta. Ana 15.00
lunch 65.00
11:50 AM Depart to Tuguegarao 180.00
Pasalubong (Alcala Milk Candies) 200.00
snacks 50.00
2:50 PM Arrival in Tuguegarao / check - in
tricycle to inn 10.00
overnight stay @ Villa Carmelita (1150 / 3 pax) 384.00
KTV 328.00
miscellaneous 85.00
August 4, 2014 (Day 3)
8:00 AM Breakfast @ Jaksilog 105.00
9:30 AM Depart from Tuguegarao to Penablanca for Callao Caves
tricycle from Jaksilog to Victory to tricycle terminal for Callao Caves 15.00
tricycle to and from Callao Caves rental + tip (650 / 5 pax) 130.00
10:15 AM Arrival in Penablanca
Callao Caves registration fee 20.00
2-way boat ride 20.00
guide (tip) 50.00
snacks 20.00
12:30 PM Depart to Tuguegarao
1:15 PM Back @ Villa Carmelita
2:00 PM Check-out
late check-out charge, 100 per hour (200 / 3 pax) 67.00
2:30 PM Lunch @ Jaksilog 170.00
miscellaneous 130.00
6:15 PM Depart to Manila by 1st class bus (Victory) 865.00
tricyle from Villa Carmelita to Victory terminal 10.00
August 5, 2014
5:30 AM Arrival in Victory Kamias Terminal
jeepney from EDSA to St. Joseph 8.50
jeepney from St. Joseph to Marikina Bayan 10.00
breakfast @ Pares House 78.00
7:00 AM Home Sweet Home
Total cost 5928.00

Contact Numbers:
Elsa Laddaran (Palaui Homestay) - 09052832559
Edwin Tabucol (Guide / Boat to Palaui) - 09269064657

Notes:
  • We found out that Victory-Tuguegarao terminal is very near the passenger van terminal to Sta. Ana. No need to ride a tricyle but if you prefer to, fare is only PhP10 and not PhP15 per pax as we were charged by a not so honest driver.
  • The port to Palaui is far from Sta. Ana public market where the van terminal is located. Just tell the driver that you are going to Palaui and drop you off in San Vicente.
  • Palaui is dependent on solar power. Bring power banks or extra battery packs for your electronic gadgets.
  • Mobile network in Palaui is dominated by Globe. Very weak if not nothing at all reception for Smart.
  • Manang Elsa cooks great food! We were served crabs and lobsters as per our request :)
  • Want to try Pansit Batil Patong in Tuguegarao? Go to Koby Kubo :)
  • Hotel Carmelita in Tuguegarao offers great rates, clean rooms, and friendly staff. They are strict on check-out time though.
  • Food @ Jaksilog is great! We enjoyed our breakfast so much that we also had our lunch there :)








Monday, July 7, 2014

Aurora (Baler, Dipaculao, Aurora, San Luis)

Surfing just before sunset at Sabang Beach

Sunrise at Ampere Beach


Ampere Beach

Ditumabo Falls
Actual Itinerary and Costing
July 4, 2014 (Day 1)
5:00 AM Depart from office to Genesis bus terminal (Cubao)
bus from  EDSA-Crossing to Cubao
12.00
6:30 AM Depart from Cubao to Baler via Genesis
450.00
stopover meal
40.00
2:00 PM Arrive in Baler
buffet lunch at Gerry Shan's
199.00
check in at June Samano's Homestay (2 nights)
680.00
1-hr surfing lesson
350.00
dinner and drinks @ Bay-ler View Hotel
220.00
July 5, 2014 (Day 2)
4:30 AM Depart from homestay to Ampere beach for sunrise watching/start of land tour
balete tree entrance and tip
26.00
breakfast
55.00
mirienda
25.00
lunch
110.00
Aniao islet entrance
20.00
mirienda
95.00
tricycle rental + tip (1200/4)
400.00
Nanay Pacing's peanut butter
180.00
July 6, 2014 (Day 3)
7:00 AM Buffet breakfast at Bay's Inn
180.00
9:00 AM Depart from homestay to Genesis bus terminal
10:00 AM Depart from Genesis bus terminal to Manila
450.00
stopover meal
60.00
4:00 PM Arrive @ Manila
jeepney from EDSA-Kamuning to Anonas
8.50
jeepney from Anonas to Marquinton
11.00
4:30 PM Home Sweet Home
Total cost
3,571.50

Contact Numbers:
June Samano Homestay - 0908-104-2043
Tricycle/Guide (Arturo Martinez) - 0920-218-6730

Notes:
  • There are 3 regular trips (6 - 7.5 hrs travel time with 2 stopovers) to Baler - 11PM, 2AM, 6AM
  • Gerry Shan's is an all-day buffet restaurant. Must try :)
  • Tricyle/guide rental is PhP800.00 (bus terminal to homestay transfers, Balete tree, Ditumabo Falls aka Mother Falls, Ermita Hill, Dicasalarin Cove, Aniao Islet, Diguisit Falls, Dona Aurora House, Baler Church, Baler Museum, Quezon House). Additional PhP200 if including Ampere beach sunrise watching
  • Tricyles aren't allowed to go to Dicasalarin cove. The road, although paved, is too steep. We hiked up to Dicasalarin view deck (Baler PAGASA station) for a little less than an hour
  • If going to Ampere beach, better leave the homestay at 4AM to catch more awesome sunrise sky
  • Vans can reach Dicasalarin cove. There's an entrance fee of PhP300 per person as it is a private beach owned by the Angaras
  • June Samano Homestay is perfect for budget travellers. It is right along Sabang beach baywalk, between Bay's Inn and Bay-ler View Hotel. AC room good for 4 costs PhP1,500 per night. Additional bed costs PhP200 per night
  • Great food (and ambiance) at Bay-ler. Servings are good for 3 pax
  • Tapa flakes and suman @ Bay's Inn - must try! Buffet breakfast is worth it, drinks included :)
  • Dona Aurora House, Quezon House, and Baler Church aren't the original structures anymore
  • As per the locals, surfing season is from September to March. April thru August is just right for beginners
  • Nanay Pacing's peanut butter is indeed a must buy :)