CDO - Camiguin - Bukidnon Tour DAY 2

Itinerary:
 10am -- Benoni Port (arrival)
 11am -- Katibawasan Falls
 12noon - Vjandep Restaurant
 1pm -- Pabua's Cottage
 2pm -- Walkway to the Old volcano
 3pm -- Sunken Cemetery
 4pm -- Sto.Nino Cold Spring
 6 pm -- Srdent Hot Spring
 7pm -- Pabua's Cottage

The multi cab that we hired was already there when we arrived at Benoni Port. Our driver explained to us our itinerary for the day.

Arrival @Benoni Port

Our first stop was Katibawasan Falls.A beautiful, clear stream of water cascading 70 meters into a rock pool surrounded by ground orchids, wild ferns, trees and boulders. Its cold water provides a refreshing summer splash to all vacationers. The path going there is shady and you will really enjoy the road cause its not bumpy. We paid P25.00 for the entrance. While we were there a couple of tourists are also enjoying the place.                                          

road going to Katibawasan.

 

our group picture..thanks to an american guy who offered to take our picture..

Then, Kuya driver brought us to Vjandep Restaurant cause we were all so hungry. We also tried their pastries and bread while we were waiting for our order. You should try their Baked Siopao,it is so yummy!!! 

Sorry I didn't have any picture inside the restaurant because we were all so hungry and forgot about everything :((

                              

 After taking our lunch, kuya driver brought us to Pabua's Cottage ( just in front of Paras Hotel). 

                                    

because of so much excitement, took picture of our place when we arrived from the day tour...

We relaxed for a while then the multi - cab was there again for inland tour. The different tourist spots here are really far from each other so you need to rent a multi - cab which is the mode of transportation here aside from tricycle.                                   

Going to Walkway to the Old Volcano took us for about 45minutes. Here, you can see life - size images of Jesus. This place is also a favorite spot for people doing their pilgrimage or Station of the Cross during Holy Week. If you wanna see the whole island 360 degrees, you must climb the 500 steps, we didn't dare..We only reached the the 4th Station of the Cross.

our hero (multi -cab!!)

    

 We then proceeded to the Sunken Cemetery ( these 2 are near each other). I guess this is the most famous tourist destination here in Camiguin. Yes, the cross at the center of the sea and it was also featured in one the movie entitled "Camiguin".You can even reach the cross by riding a boat and you have to pay P20.00 only.

                                     

view deck.

Then we passed bu the Old Church. There was a tourist guide once you enter the place. She explained to us that this place used to be a church but due to an earthquake and volcanic eruption that happened years years ago, the whole place was covered with ashes and ruined by the eruptions which killed a thousand people.And these structures are the only remnants.

                                    

                                         

 Now, after staying under the heat of the sun for almost half of the day, time to cool down..This is the farthest place from the city. I can/t remember how many minutes we traveled to reach Sto. Nino Cold Spring.When we arrived there, it was starting to rain already so we stayed in one of the huts available. They charged us P50.00 for the entrance.We only got to dip on the water for a short time because it was too cold and besides it was raining hard.

                                     

Sto. Nino Cold Spring is of course, a cold spring! Located in Catarman. Sto. Niño Cold Spring has a pool measuring 25 meters by 40 meters. It is 2 meters deep of cold spring water sprouting from the sandy bottom. The area has a restaurant, native cottages, picnic huts, cookout facilities and restrooms for visitors.
There are also live fishes swimming with you in the Cold Spring and if you try dipping your feet (with a lot of Dead Skin Cells!), the fishes will give you a foot spa and eat away your Dead Skin cells!     

                                                                                                                                                                   Our last stop was Ardent Hot Spring which is located at Brgy. Bug-ong or Brgy.Agoho, just 2km north of Mambajao. The water of the Ardent Hot Spring is 40°C warm. It is heated by the volcanic activity of Mount Hibok-Hibok. There are several pools and a large recreation area. When we arrived at the place it was already dark and the parking lot is full. We want to eat our dinner here but when we looked at the price its a bit expensive.I recommend that you make this place as your last stop. After a whole day tour, all you want is to relax, and I think this is the best place to do it.

Upon reaching our accommodation, we just took a bath and changed our clothes. We tried to look for a place to eat but it seems to be no simple carinderia to enjoy Camiguin's finest food. We decided to try Luna Ristorante (somewhat Italian food).It's just a walking distance from where we stayed. The ambiance here is really good. The pizza is ok but I think it is somewhat overrated but you have to try their carbonara, it is worth the price.

      

After our dinner, we walked back to our place. We also passed through a nearby store to buy some chips and bottled water.Then, went to sleep to save some energy for tomorrow's activity.                                                                                                 

CDO - Camiguin - Bukidno Tour DAY 1

ITINERARY: Cayagan de Oro Arrival and Camiguin by RORO

We took a flight via Cebu Pacific Air at around 630 pm and travel time took us an hour and twenty minutes, so we arrived at the airport kinda dark already. Unfortunate things happened with my 2 friends, they were not able to board on time so they had their tickets re - booked (which was actually expensive than the fare they paid for, so better be on time!).

Upon check out at the airport, there were so many taxi waiting outside so just tell the driver where you heading at. By the way this was a Do -It - Youself  Tour and at this time am still amateur when it comes to travel so wasn't able to research that much. We asked our driver to one of the pension houses ( i forgot the name of the place) but we didn't like the location of it cause its far from the city proper. So we asked the taxi driver any recommendations, he recommended Victoria Suites but unlucky enough,it was fully -booked. There was a hotel nearby, so we decided to stay overnight since all we need was a place to sleep cause will be leaving early the ff. morning. We also asked the driver if we can rent him going to Balingoan Port where we will take a RORO going to Camiguin. We of course did not waste our remaining time for tonight cause near our hotel is popularly known as Divisoria in CDO ( its a night market where everything were being sold from clothes, shoes, bags and foods). According to locals there, some items are original given the fact that CDO is a gateway in the south. We weren't able to buy anything but we enjoyed the foods. Night market opens Friday and Saturday night.

As soon as my friends arrived, we checked out at the hotel and went to Mc Do for our breakfast before going to Balingoan Port. The travel time is approximately 2 hours.We rented the van for P2500.00 (which I do not recommend,just take a bus instead much much cheaper). Along the way, some of us had to walk because there was a check point and we were overload in the taxi ( we are 6 ). 

that was our taxi, had to go back for us while Obet and I enjoying our walk..

Balingoan Port (obviously) hehe..

After enduring the 2 - hour travel (obviously we were not comfortable, the taxi was so small for the 6 of us), we have reached our destination. We immediately paid P120.00 in going to Camiguin. We didn't wait too long at the port and off we go!!The travel was so smooth and didn't notice that we were actually approaching Benoni Port. This was the most relaxing travel by the sea that I experienced

pciture taking inside the RORO

Link : CDO - Camiguin - Bukidnon Tour DAY 2                                  

PUERTO PRINSESA TRIP DAY 4

ITINERARY: CITY TOUR ( Crocodile Park, Butterfly Garden, Mitra's Ranch & Baker's Hill)

This was going to be our last day to what is known as the Philippines "last frontier", so we have to make the best time that we have. We had our breakfast a little late compared to the first 3 days. Again, the guide arrived late...But at least now we have the whole van on our own. 

Out first stop is the Baywalk, our guide didn't ask us to go down and we didn't ask either because we saw it during our first night. Right after, we went to Plaza Cuartel. No interesting facts here except this so called "garrison" according to our tour guide during World War II there were 200 American soldiers who were burned to death and only 11 of them survived.

this is the one that i called "garisson"

Right across the plaza, Immaculate Conception Church is situated. We were lucky to hear a mass even for a short time because it was a Sunday. Thank you God for allowing this trip to happen and the more we appreciate all your beautiful creations!!

My friend, Obet, calls it the "blue church"

    

From the church, we travelled for 30 - 45 minutes to reach Crocodile Park.We thought that we wouldn't be able to see the Crocodile Park cause it was a Sunday but how lucky we were because it was open. At the entrance of the building, we were greeted by Rio's skeleton, the biggest croc found in Palawan ( that was before Lolong came, I guess). 

Rio's skeleton and its skin..

bearcat

 After a little explanation, we were led to an area where we saw different crocs by ages. Then we were left on ourselves to explore the whole place. I just noticed that the place is not well -maintained.Fortunate though that it was not raining or else the place is muddy. Though there were interesting animals like bearcat and porcupine.

 After our meet-and-greet with the crocs, we went to Mitra's Ranch. Yes, you guessed it right, this is former Sen. Ramon Mitra's ancestral house. As of this time, nobody is living there  except for a caretaker though his son sometimes visits the place. This house was turned into a museum by the way. We didn't dare to go inside because we were happy enough to see the overlooking view of Honda Bay.Mitra's house can be found on Billionaire's St..Obviously because all the houses here are for billionaires, my God all are grand houses!!There's a zipline also here, but we didn't try it..

with my honey

 Our next stop will be the very famous "Baker's Hill". When we arrived there, a lot of vans and cars are parked on both sides of the street. The shop or store where you can buy all the pasalubongs is in front so you will not get lost. But I'd rather see first what is inside so i went to the right side and straight ahead. Kids especially girls will truly enjoy this place. It is so cute, as if you enter a kids' playground because there were a lot of Disney characters. They also offer seafoods buffet lunch here. It didn't enter in my mind to have our lunch there because we were running out of time, the city tour has to take 5 hours only and its getting noon already.

Baker's Hill shop

LIKE!!!

                                         

Mansion house...

This is one of the place that I truly enjoyed because of its beauty and so relaxing ambiance. And a must - go - place where you can buy your pasalubongs. They have different varieties of hopia, lengua, tamarind candy, crinkles and a lot lot more and for me its not that expensive.I love the landscape of this place and perfect location to have a photoshoot ♥♥♥. I toured the whole placeand I want to stay a little bit longer but we are really running out of time. So we had to go!!

Our last stop is the Butterfly Garden. There is a P25.00 entrance. I was hesitant to enter the place because I can sensed that the place is small and there's not much to see but they insisted since we were there already. And true enough, my instinct was right but at least I was able to see butterflies and dragonflies of different colors and kinds. In fact one of the butterflies stayed on my leg,so happy!!After a long long time, I was able to see dragonfly AGAIN!!!wohhoooo...

                                              

signage

sorry for my legs!!hehe.

 Though we are running out of time, we still managed to passed by the "bagsakan" market for dried fish pasalubongs, thanks to ate tour guide !!

                                                                                                                                                                   A little before 1pm, we were back at the hotel. At the reception area,we were told that we will leave the hotel at 3pm. but since the check out time is 2pm, they will allow us to stay altogether in just one room while we are waiting for the time. And so we decided to just order from Jollibee for our lunch since we don't have time to still go out. We just packed our things and watched Manny Pacquiao's fight against Bradley.Probably the reason why our tour guide was in a hurry..By the way Manny lost this fight which is very questionable and made a big news about the credibility of boxing world ( sorry, can't help to include this).

The Baywalk, Immaculate Conception Church and Plaza Cuartel is within city proper so it would only take you an hour to visit these places plus picture taking. You have to travel for 30 minutes to see the Crocodile Park and another 30 minutes to see Iwahig Penal Colony.Baker's Hill and Mitra's Ranch is near each other.

We encountered a little problem again, because Jollibee delivered a wrong order or rather they lack one item so I have to call them back and asked them to deliver but since they insisted that it was the one taken by the order - taker we have to pay for the delivery charge.Here I go again, I can't really just take it because the problem was on their part. The receptionist - on - duty(his name is Cesar Bryan Velarde) dictated all our orders correctly it was them who got the order wrong and they will charge us..I was ready again to be in a warrior- mode when the receptionist offered to pay for the delivery charge. But I said no, it was not his fault.But then Rey came and told me that it's ok na and never mind na lang. So, I shrugged off my shoulders. And after a while there was a knock on the door and it was Bryan with a box of cookies on his hands, and asking for an apology for the incident. How kind and thoughtful of him!! But i said that he doesn't have to do that because it was not his fault and I don't blame him. But he insisted that we take it as a token of appreciation. Thank you again Bryan!!!

We left the place at around 4pm and  was generous enough to let us stay a little bit longer. (http://www.raqpalawan.com/).

The airport is just 10 - 15 minutes away from our place so after the hotel service dropped us off. We went out again and looked for some souvenirs shop. We went to the city proper which is I think 5 minutes away by tricycle.Then we hurriedly go back to the airport again because Rey called us already that we have to check in our bags since the line is starting to pile up.

By the way, our tour was arraned by one of my friend who has a travel agency for us to have a hassle - free trip. Since I computed that if we are going to have DIY trip it would almost cost the same.

RAQ Pensionne

Address:	361 Malvar Street, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Contact nos:	+63917-533-2884                    +63917-582-1999       (048) 434-1429 (048) 433-2533
Here's our estimate	expenses:

        Airfare ( P2000.00) 2 way

        Terminal Fee ( P230.00)  2 way

        Foods - dinner / 1st night   ( P250.00 ) Kinabuch

                   - dinner / 2nd nite   ( P250.00)  KaLui

                   - dinner / 3rd night  ( P250.00) Balinsasayaw

                   - lunch / 4th day     ( P100.00) Jollibee

        Fares  - every dinner    ( P60.00 ) back and forth

        Entrance butterfly garden --( P25.00)

        Rent (snorkeling gears )  --  P 275.00

         Tip ( boatman )               - P50.00

                                          = P3490 + P4700 ( 4days/3 night tour and accomodation)

           Total Expenses        = P8190.00

You might also try when in Palawan : Dos Palmas, Firefly Watching, Iwahig Penal Colony.

If you are on a tight budget, you can find some place to eat which is a little cheaper. I didn't know that my budget reached P8190.00..But money worth spent!!!

Hope guys I was able to give you ideas how and where to enjoy here in PALAWAN.. See you on my next trip....COMING SOON!!!

                                                                                                       

PUERTO PRINSESA TRIP DAY3

What to expect? Scroll down please!!!!!

Our tour guide arrived late!!What a way to start the day!!But anyway, as usual we occupied the last seats of the coaster.On our way to Sta. Lourdes Wharf, our tour guide explained where are we heading and the activities in store for the day. The wharf is near compared to Sabang Port, estimatedly about 30 minutes going there. But before that, we were dropped to stores wherein we can rent snorkling gears, aqua shoes, underwater camera bags and other stuffs. They strictly reminded us to avail of theses suits for our safety. Who wouldn't be afraid since they explained what are the possibilities that could happen in case we are not going to have full - gear. 

Prices: snorkling gear  ---- P150.00

           aqua shoes      ---- P150.00

           camera bags    ---- P200.00

           bread              -----P15.00

   (used to feed fish)

After we got our gears, we are now ready to explore Honda Bay!

Pambato Reef

Our first stop was Pambato Reef. This  marine sanctuary  can be reached for about 15 minutes from Sta. Lourdes Wharf. This reef is located in the middle of the bay where the shallow sections are about 10 feet from the coral reefs. So, life jackets will be required especially for visitors that are not good swimmers. Tourists are also given the opportunity to dive down and touch the coral species and take pictures with the abundant fishes in the reef. I advised that you wear a diving suit because the water is itchy and you will feel that as soon as you dip your body in the water.I had a bad experience with a couple,since it will be my first time to do snorkling I am not yet comfortable with the tube in my mouth and they get distracted and said things that were not good. So I really did not enjoy my stay here.And i thought,that incident could ruin the entire trip but thanks to my friends who supported me all the way.And besides, our stay here was limited because of large numbers of visitors coming which I think is the usual practice.

Until now I am still wandering why it was called Starfish Island well in fact I had not seen as many starfish as I've seen in Bohol. But don't get disappointed because this is my first time to really do the TRUE snorkeling.Thanks to our boatman who was really so accommodating to take us to the area and enjoy the moment. I saw many kinds of species of fish.Sorry, I didn't have any photos taken here underwater.This is where we ate our lunch.Nothing can really compare having your lunch by the beach.

Starfish island

                                      

LUNCH time!!!

PANDAN island

Our last stop was PANDAN island. This island is near DOS PALMAS and a lot lot bigger that the previous island. Visitors can choose where they want to stay because there are so many huts and cabanas available. We opted a place near the snorkeling area. We group ourselves into 3 - 4 persons who came with Kuya to the site. This was the place where I really and truly appreciate snorkeling, most probably because I was more relaxed and already comfortable with the gears and in fact I went to the snorkeling site twice. Though the site is near the shore about 30-5- meters but it is so deep already. I cannot help but admire our boatman because he really dove until he touched the coral reefs and took photos of fish up close and personal. All we did was to waved to him while he clicked the camera.

                                      

                                       

That's ME!!!waving

oh YES!!!I saw Nemo!!!

Did you see the floater that we cling to?So don't worry if you don't know how to swim..

                                         

                                        

That's PETER, feeding the fish!!!

We really had a good time!!Good enough that my mood was not dampen by the bad incident that happened earlier. We were really so tired but given a chance to do it again, YES!!!definitely we will!!And it is worth trying...Before I end my piece for this day let me just leave you reminders that would be a great help for you future adventures!!

1. Wear a full gear suit, if you have a diving suit and aqua shoes you can bring it with you.Better be prepared than be sorry.

2. Apply a lot of sunblock lotion,not just  a protection from getting sunburn but to avoid some uncalled sea creatures that might bite you (like what happened to my friend that he suffered like a sebaceous cyst all over his body that he had to endure for a week, its so itchy according to him).

3.  Bring an underwater camera and USE it!!Take advantage of the time that you are there.

4. Bring extra money because there are foods, drinks, (in case you feel hungry because of the activity) and dried fish that you can buy especially in Pandan Island.

5. Loosen up!!and RELAX!!Don't be so time - oriented...

LINK: Puerto Prinsesa DAY1

           Puerto Prinsesa DAY2

           Puerto Prinsesa DAY4