EL NIDO, PALAWAN: Island Hopping Tours. Discovering Paradise After Paradise

The Philippines has always been underrated when it comes to what we can offer to the world’s tourism. Little do they know we have one of the most stunning islands in the world and one of them is Palawan, home to one of the country’s best destinations, El Nido. Discover one paradise after the other through island hopping and find out why Palawan set the bar higher than the rest of the world.byKEEP READING

LUZON

EL NIDO, PALAWAN: Capping Off The Day Gazing At A Spectacular Sunset in Corong-Corong

There could never be a better idea to cap off the day after an exhausting tour discovering things and going from places to places than to gaze at one of the most spectacular sunsets I will ever see in my entire life. A cup of coffee and a cream cheesed bagel could be much of a delight. I have always loved the sunset. It gives me that feeling of comfort, warmth and hope. It makes me look forward to a brand new day every single time. The night is no more than a shadow of another beautiful day coming my way. And not everyday do I have the opportunity to witness the inspiring collaboration of hues as the sun bids goodbye to what have been a wonderful day in one of the country’s best destinations, El Nido. I have heard of El Nido to be a paradise. A place home to no more…byKEEP READING

PALAWAN

EL NIDO VS CORON: An In Depth Comparison

Palawan has been dubbed as the best island in the world and has made international headlines in tourism for its gorgeous beaches and jaw-dropping rock formations. It is no secret how stunning this piece of paradise in the Philippines is. People crave for what Palawan has to offer. It is jam-packed with hidden gems and most of the islands remains relatively undeveloped and unexplored. Whenever people hear of Palawan, El Nido and Puerto Princesa’s subterranean river always comes to mind first; but little did they know that aside from El Nido, there is also another equally gorgeous destination hiding in plain sight, Coron. The dilemma is, after hearing or reading about Coron, people start to become confused as to which destination is better as they are both equally marvelous, El Nido or Coron? To help you decide for your next trip, here is an objective comparison of these two…byKEEP READING

CAMARINES NORTE

CALAGUAS ISLAND: Budget Travel Guide + Itinerary And Why It’s Better Than Boracay

Calaguas Island Travel Guide complete with Budget, Itinerary & Tips to make planning your travel to this paradise an easy peasy.byKEEP READING

BILIRAN

LEYTE & BILIRAN: 5-Day Budget Travel Guide + Itinerary

Discover the least travelled Leyte and Biliran using this 5-Day Budget Travel Guide + Itinerary.byKEEP READING

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CORON

CORON 5-DAY ITINERARY – A Budget Travel Guide To Awesome Tours, Cheap Eats and Places to Hit The Sack

OVERVIEW In the northern waters of Palawan lies several pristine islands commonly known as the Islands Of Calamianes which are sacred to the northern native tribe of this exquisite paradise, the Tagbanuas. For centuries, these islands have kept to themselves and were concealed from the prying eyes of the outside world where its people have relished the serenity within this breathtaking haven they call home until most recently. The Philippines have made its mark on the world’s tourist map, sensationalized by the more exploited Boracay Island. With thousands of foreign visitors coming to the country to get a dose of a promising tropical holiday yearly, some have opted to avoid the crowd and began to seek alternatives somewhere else which eventually led them to discover the unsung beauty of Palawan. Dubbed as the country’s last frontier, it started to make headlines in the international scene in the late 90s, drawing the tourist population at first to the natural wonders…byKEEP READING

LUZON

PUERTO PRINCESA: Budget Travel Guide, Cheap Accommodation, Tips and More

Puerto Princesa Budget Travel Guide. Everything you ought to know for an easy peasy Puerto Princesa trip from budget hotels, cheap DIY tours and delicious yet inexpensive eats.byKEEP READING

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EL NIDO

EL NIDO A LITTLE OVER P5000 IN 5 DAYS: Budget Travel Guide To Cheap Eat, Sleep And Fun Activities

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Contrary to the common perception that El Nido is a pretty expensive place to visit is the fact that this quaint little town has a lot to offer even to a traveler on a shoestring. Gone are the days when we shy away from this paradise, only salivating about its grandeur through our dreams as the hefty amount this beaut requires is yet to be saved. Gone are the thoughts that only the upper class members of the society can savor at its unrivaled charm and get to taste heaven. Now, just about anyone can venture into this once unknown secret.

DESTINATION

MY ONCE UPON A TOUGH TARAW CLIFF EXPERIENCE

Taraw Cliff is that giant limestone karst overlooking the beautiful town of El Nido in Palawan. It is the highest peak in town and the most prominent figure resembling a fortress when seen from the waters approaching El Nido. It is both forbidding and magnificent especially the protective manner of how it seems to engulf the entire town within its expanse. To some this is just another scenery to admire but to the more adventurous of spirits, this is another opportunity for a thrilling, totally nerve-wracking experience. After all what awaits atop the cliff is absolutely rewarding which makes it totally worth all the pain. I’ve always wanted to climb Taraw Cliff. The stunning bird’s eye view of the rest of El Nido I’ve seen in the photos on some of the travelers I am following on Instagram made me unable to resist the itch of taking too its arduous…byKEEP READING

Where to next….

   THE PHILIPPINES The Philippines consists of more than 7000 islands with world class beaches, rich marine biodiversity, majestic waterfalls, towering mountains and warm and friendly people. Discover more about this paradise by browsing through some of my posts that I’ve written finding inspiration from my travels around my beautiful homeland. VIEW POSTS   Nacpan Beach El Nido Palawan White Beach  Camiguin Island Calle Crisologo Spanish Colonial Houses Vigan Ilocos Sur Whitewater Rafting Cagayan De Oro City Matinloc Island El Nido Palawan 1 2 3 4 5  VIETNAM Vietnam is a melting pot of rich culture, ancient religions, timeless traditions, riveting history, magnificent relics and mouthwatering cuisines. Let me give you a piece of this wonderful country from accounts of my first solo overseas backpacking adventure. View Posts 1 2 3 4 5byKEEP READING

The Girl Behind A Wanderful Sole: Get To Know Bits and Pieces Of Her

Before you scroll down any further, I gotta warn you that what you are about to read are thoughts coming from an overconfident blabbermouth. Better brace yourselves as she lay her life bare for all the world to see. Yes. She is worse than an open book. She has no secrets. Her mouth is completely detached from her brain. What comes out of it are most of the time mindless blabbing about just anything. She tolerates the worst of things or might I say she just doesn’t care at all. She is not capable of shame nor self-loathing. She is proud and she loves herself too much that she came up with this stupid idea of writing herself a biography.So that’s just 1/8 of the entire article. Plenty of them are still on the way. Let’s begin, shall we?Note: A biography is supposedly an account of one’s life written by…byKEEP READING

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PALAWAN

It’s true that when you work hard to achieve something, the sense of fulfillment is beyond what you can imagine. The world seems to become a better place after the worst of storms have passed. It is very evident that nowadays the strongest of people are those who have overcome far too many adversities. And despite the hardship, a smile so precious is forever marred on the faces of people who have battled the most epic of wars as they have given themselves hope and vigor to accept brand new challenges and aim to achieve higher goals. Call it overly exaggerated but this is how I would describe our ride to one of El Nido’s most priced treasures, Nacpan Beach.

Nacpan Beach is a stretch of fine creamy white sands that goes up to 4km long. It’s pristine waters is a clear blue that reflects that of the sky. It is perfectly situated some 23km away from the crowded town of El Nido. I consider this as the right place for people who seek solitude,   a “paradise of peace and quiet” as there’s not too many tourists who venture in this part of town… And, only a few adventurous soul might have the patience to ride to it the hardest way possible – through a trail bike.

If you have not made any reservations with your hotel or travel agency for a private tour ridden in a car with the AC and stereo in full blast, you have 3 other options to go to Nacpan Beach – Tricycle for a price of P750 – P800. Motorbike/Scooter for P500 – P700. Trail/Mountain Bike for P400-P500. I wouldn’t say that one is more comfortable than the other since no matter what you choose to ride to get to this beach would require you to pass through a 5km unpaved road up and down a hilly path. They’ll probably just vary on the time you spend to get to the beach and the amount of energy exerted along the way. How I managed to survive biking to Nacpan Beach is rather a mystery I yet to provide answers with.

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The Journey

We started our ride late at 10:30AM so by the time it was 12NN we weren’t even half way through our destination and I seemed as if I was about to pass out from too much heat. Worse, there was no air to at least provide us comfort from the scorching sun. We had too many stopovers, evidence of the sun being unbearable. I’m no pro-biker but I have been biking since the day I learned to walk, stopped after I graduated college (7 years ago) but one thing I know for sure – no one can beat the sun when it decided to get cruel and nasty on you. There were series of unpaved roads (that made my butt sore). The real test began when we reached that left turn of what seemed like 3-5 km of purely unpaved, unshaven dirt road. Dust and dirt was all over me, it almost triggered my allergies. My butt hurt even more as I bike through stones after stones, hill after another hill. Despite the hell I was being through, I was in no way giving up thinking about the delight of sunshine that awaits me. A little past over 1PM, I was already in awe staring at that vast blue shimmering like thousand crystal under the blue sunlit sky.

I marveled at the beauty that was in front of me. My thoughts flew from the hardship of me getting there. From me having to pull my bike whenever I mistakenly didn’t bank speed which made me unable to pedal through that uphill road to every argument I and my partner/travel buddy had blaming each other of every lost opportunities and unfortunate situations during our journey. I felt so happy and content of that days adventure and I found myself looking forward to more challenging ones.

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The Road

• Starting Point to Barotuan Area near the bridge – This ride was never easy as it immediately started with a powerful pedal up a lengthy uphill road where even cars and motorbikes had struggled with given how their engines roared while climbing their way through. If you have not prepared the necessary speed to pedal up and your knees aren’t strong enough to compensate for that then I’m pretty sure you will end up dragging your bike until that point where you can ride it down again. This up-and-downhill ride will continue for the next 10-12km. There would be a short dirty road in between situated near the bridge which at that time was under construction.
• First turn left from the bridge to waiting shed – The next 8-10 km is a flat surface road giving you time to rest your shaky knees. However, almost half of it is consist of unpaved road where the most challenging part of the ride began.
• Waiting Shed to the beach – Resting at the entrance road to Nacpan Beach is a covered shed where you can take a break and breathe. When you resume, a wooden bridge would greet you few meters away. From the bridge to the beach is a long ride down-and-up the hilly, dirt road that stretches to 3-5km.

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The Scenery

Wondering if the whole lot of trouble biking is worth it? Let the photos speak for it. And Oh! Have I already mentioned how refreshing it was to bathe in the beach while the sky drizzled?

If Nacpan Beach fell short of your expectations, try climbing a hill at the far end of the beach to gaze at it’s equally stunning twin, Calitang Beach. If their breathtaking allure isn’t enough to leave you speechless, then something’s wrong with you. 

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FAQ’s

1. Do you recommend biking to Nacpan Beach to inexperience bikers?

• No. The trail would be so difficult for inexperience bikers. If you haven’t been biking before or you have not biked covering at least 10km on flat surface non-stop then you would not appreciate the ride.

2. What time is best to start biking to Nacpan Beach?

• I suggest you start early as 5 or 6AM so the sun wouldn’t be an issue since given that you go at the appropriate speed, you’ll reach the beach within 2 1/2 – 3 hours. Plus this gives you more time to savour the beauty of the beach before heading back to town.

3. What do I need to bring?

-Bring extra clothes and lots of drinking water. If you plan to stay overnight, you may bring camping tents to save up yourself spending for your accommodation. Make sure that you notify person/agency from whom you rented the bike so they can provide you further instructions. Also this gives you the opportunity to haggle for good price.

4. Are there accommodations/hotel in Nacpan Beach?

-Yes. Room rates range from P500-P1000.

5. Are there any restaurants or a place where one can dine in Nacpan Beach?

-Yes, there’s a couple of them at the beachfront but they close early at 6PM.

6. How much is the bike rental?

-The usual is P500 but there is an agency near the municipal hall (can’t recall the exact address) that offers P400.

7. What happens when the bike broke?

-You are provided with tools necessary for minor damages such as flat tires but if the damage is beyond you then they provide a mobile number that you can call for emergency.

8. Do I need to pay for the damages?

-That depends. Before you go on your biking tour, you will be asked to sign a waiver where all the terms and conditions are stated so make sure to read through.

9. Do I need to present an ID to rent a bike?

-Definitely

10. Are there any other trail destinations other than Nacpan Beach?

-Yes. In fact there’s plenty of them. You will be provided with a map anyway so you can just choose where to go.

11. Do they provide head gear?

-Yes. It is mandatory for safety.

12. What’s the best time to head back to town after a day’s tour?

-If you will be coming all the way from Nacpan Beach, I suggest you headback at 4PM. Bikes don’t have headlights and there are no street lights in roads away from the town proper.

 is one of the most sought tropical paradise in Asia and for all the good reasons. It not just boasts of white sugary sands and clear blue waters but it makes sure tourists  always have a meaningful time while on the island frompartying all night to fun filled day activities. Your time in Boracay can never be boring as there are so many things that you can do. I have listed some, if not all of them.

1. Banana Boating

This is very typical in any beach but is still worth the fun every single time. Price starts at P250.

2. Flyfishing

This is the more thrilling version of banana boating. Try it and see for yourself. Price starts at P400.

3. Helmet Diving

This was designed for those who can’t swim but still want to experience the feeling of being several meters deep underwater to witness the world down there. Price starts at P600.

4. Island Hopping

Visit different islands surrounding Boracay. Price starts at P1400/boat good for 5 people.

5. Parasailing

Get a descent view of the entire island while several meters up in the air. Price starts at P2000/parasail good for 2 people.

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6. Sunset Sailing

Enjoy the breathtaking sunset in Boracay while riding the paraw (local sailboat). Price starts at P1200/boat good for 4 people.

7. Snorkeling

Go discover how teeming with life Boracay’s undewaters are. You may bring your own snorkel or you may rent from one of the contractors in the island. Price starts at P250/person.

8. Stand Up Paddling

The waters in Boracay most of the time is steady and not suitable for surfing especially in the white beach but if you are the kind who gets bored with just sitting around, you may find SUP interesting. Price starts at P300.  

9. Jet skiing

We all know how exciting riding a jet ski is. In Boracay, you can have 15 minutes of fun for P1500/jet ski good for 2.

10. Kitesurfing

This water sport is more popular among foreign tourist. If can’t ride with them, you may enjoy watching them in action in Bulabog beach but if you want to kitesurf like a pro, you can enroll on a full kitesuring course. Price starts at P7000.  

11. Windsurfing

Similar to kitesurfing, you may need to take a full course before being able to windboard at pretty much the same price.

12. ATV riding

Stay away from the beach for a moment and go ATV riding on the highways of Boracay. Price starts at P500.

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13. Scuba Diving

If you are curious to see the life beyond the beach, several meters deep then this is the perfect fit for you. Price starts at P1500 with lessons and gears.

14. Cliff Diving

Conquer your fear of heights and plunge into cool waters. This is one thing you can do when you go island hopping and visit Magic Island.

15. Reverse Bungee (GMAX)

Experience this extreme adventure ride which is the latest craze in Asia and can only be found in Singapore and Boracay. Price is P4500 with video good for 3.

16. Mermaid Swimming

Who says mermaids aren’t real? In Boracay, there’s plenty of them. You can be one too. You may get lessons and rent your tails at the Philippines Mermaid Swimming Academy for a price of P1500.

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17. Glass Bottom Boating

Discover life underwater without the hassle and getting wet at a price of P700.

18. Pub Crawling

Meet new people, drink your heart out and party all night long for P790.

19. Zipline and Zorbing

It’s always fun to feel the rush wherever in the world you might be. Get the adrenaline pumping and ziplining and zorbing for the price of P400.

20. Food Tripping

Fill your appetite with the goodness that is Boracay with all its food offering from typical Filipino dish to foreign cuisines with still the touch of home in your palette. Enjoy refreshing fruit shakes, mouthwatering ice creams and crepes and sumptuous seafood dishes anywhere within this paradise.

21. Get a Massage

After a tiring day filled with fun activities, relax and get a massage. There are hundreds of massage spas scattered within the island and plenty of them along white beach.  

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22. Get Braids

Play with your hair and try a different hairstyle for only P150.  

23. Get Henna Tattoos

If you fancy how it feels to get inked less the pain then get a henna tattoo. Price varies on the size and design of the tattoo.  

24. Visit & Shop in D’Mall

Shopping is every girl’s favorite and where else would be best to do this in Boracay? Hop from one boutique to the other to see great finds and thrift items you may want to bring home to family and friends.  

25. Visit Boracay’s Ocean Tower

Wondering what the entire island looks like? A 360 degree view might be the answer.  

26. Have a Fun Filled and Adrenaline Infused Day at AquaFun Boracay

Experience one of the latest craze in Boracay. Have a day pumping with adrenaline in AquaFun, a newly opened recreational park. For more info, check them out on Facebook. You may also send them e-mail to aquafun.entertainment@yahoo.com and ring their mobile no. 0995 9688 077.

I guess this is pretty much it. Remember. You need not to do all these. What is more important is for you to have a great time in the country’s tropical paradise. If you have questions, feel free to fill the comments box below.   Note: Prices indicated above are quoted for off-peak season. Add a couple bucks then that should give you the cost for peak and super peak seasons.   For other Boracay Travel Tips, check out my post The Boracay Budget Friend Guide.

Siargao is one of the precious jewels situated at the end those less travelled roads. It has been in the radar for quite a while now but has only gained popularity among surfing enthusiasts. Until most recently, few have set their eyes to this lone paradise lying unperturbed in the eastern waters of Mindanao. This hidden paradise might have been overlooked for a very long time but it quickly garnered quite a following when people learned that beyond the monstrous waves this island is famous for are beautiful lagoons, enchanting cave pools and several gorgeous islands that it is now considered as the number one destination for this year and the years to come.

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A WEEK IN SIARGAO

First stop were the three rarely spoken jewels which could become your reason to visit the island as it will prove you that Siargao is not just a surfer’s haven. These three are Magpupungko Tidal Pools, Taktak Falls and Tayangban Cave and Lagoon. Renting a motorcycle is the cheapest option to get around the island but if you happen to be just like us who can’t drive or just too scared to drive and don’t have a driver’s licence then the best option would be to hire a motorcycle. For P1500, your driver will take you to the best spots this island has to offer starting from the enchanting pools of Magpupungko to the cold spring waters of Taktak Falls and the unspoken cave and lagoon of Tayangban. These three is definitely perfect to get your adventure in Siargao jumpstarted. Not only that. The island is such an eye candy that merely driving around is enough to get you through the day happy and content.

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USEFUL TIPS IN SIARGAO

• You can always haggle for the cost. For those who can’t drive, the motorcycle (Habal-habal) costs P1500 which can be shared by as much as three people. If you are just a pair of travelers, the lowest you can haggle the cost would be P1300 for one full day of motorcyle rental with the driver as your tour guide.
• For experienced motorcycle drivers, have your driver’s licence handy as you might encounter check points requiring such. Standard rate for motorcycle rental is P500/day exclusive of gas but can go as low as P300/day for a multi-day rental of at least four days and up.
• For those traveling in groups but could not drive, your best option would be to hire a tricycle which could fit up to five people for P2000/day.
• There are also SUV and van rentals on the island which is quite a great option for those traveling in bigger groups. Rate starts at P2500/day exclusive of driver and gas.
• Visiting Magpupungko Tidal Pools is best done during the lowtide hours. Locals normally know the hightide and lowtide hours so its best to ask them before heading out.
• The roads in the island are prone to vehicular accidents so please observe caution. Although majority of the roads are concreted, they are poorly lit. Driving around should be easy but it is highly advisable to head back to GL before the sun goes down. If you happen to be still on the road after the sun sets, drive slowly until you get back to your hostel.

 SUGBA LAGOON: Paddle Boarding, Cliff Jumping & Island Hopping

Another destination in Siargao that has quickly taken the spotlight recently is Sugba Lagoon. This little piece of heaven lies in the secluded town of Del Carmen and can be reached after 45 minutes on a motorcycle and another 30 minutes on a boat if you are to come from GL. Getting here may not be that easy and some might even find the cost of this tour over the top but soon after seeing Sugba Lagoon will make you realize how measly you had paid for an entire day spent in paradise. You’ll never see paddle boarding the same way ever again after doing it over the pristine emerald waters of Sugba Lagoon. You’ll never chicken out of cliff jumping and would quickly take the plunge after seeing its inviting and refreshing waters. And your definition of paradise will forever change after this charming lagoon took the standards several notch higher.

Related Read: SUGBA LAGOON: Guide To Siargao’s Most Stunning Jewel

Useful Tips:

• Prepare yourself for a long drive just to get to the Tourism Office/registration site for Sugba Lagoon.
• To save on food, it is best to buy precooked meals sold in GL for your lunch and snacks. However if you want to feast over seafood, there is a market place near the Tourism Office in Del Carmen where you can find a variety of freshly caught fish, crabs and other seafood. You can have them cooked in Sugba Lagoon where it’s charged P50/kilo for the rice and P100 for each dish.
• There are also fresh seafood sold in Sugba Lagoon but is pricey compared to those sold in the market place in Del Carmen.
• Check out the nearby Kawhagan Island before heading back to Del Carmen for an additional charge of P400/boat. The island features a sand bar of fine white sands and is a great place to view the sunset.

DESTINATIONS	Sugba Lagoon  Kawhagan Island
RATES	Sugba Lagoon Only – P1600/boat  Sugba Lagoon + Kawhagan Island – P2000 Note: Each boat can fit up to 6 people max.
WHAT ARE THE FEES	Rentals Paddle Board Rental – P200/Hr Kayak Rental – P200/Hr Snorkel Gear – P200 Table & Chairs – P100 Entrance Fee – P100 Docking Fee (Kawhagan) – P150 Paluto Fee Rice – P50/kilo Viand – P100/dish
DAY 2 – SUMMARY OF EXPENSES (4 People)	Habal-Habal GL-Del Carmen @ P800/2 – P400 Sugba Lagoon + Island @ P2000/4 – P500 Breakfast – P60 Lunch @ P600/4 – P125 Dinner – P120 Entrance Fee – P50 Docking Fee – P40 Paddle Board @ P200/2 – P100 TOTAL – P1395/Pax
CONTACT PERSON	Tourism Office (Del Carmen) – 09305510107

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DAY 3 – SOHOTON COVE & TRI ISLAND: Paradise Overload In One Day

Just when we thought we have already seen the best of what Siargao Island can offer came Sohoton Cove and the three stunning islands, Naked, Guyam and Daku, to take the game yet again to another level. If we were awestruck with Sugba Lagoon, I could not think of a word to describe the fascinating experience we had with Sohoton Cove and the three gorgeous islands that followed. I didn’t know swimming with the jellyfishes was fun. It was quite a unique experience for me. Something I never thought was possible really. Then toppling the amazing experience we had with the jellyfishes were the jaw-dropping beauty of Sohoton Cove’s lagoons, caves and karst mountains. It completely caught me by surprise since I thought such beauty could only be found in Coron and El Nido. I felt a little pang in my stomach fearing Siargao might just topple Coron in the number spot but was also excited to know what else this paradise filled with never-ending surprises has to offer. Then the answer came to me instantly after seeing Naked, Daku & Guyam Islands which with such ease put the other more famous beaches to shame.

Related Read: SOHOTON COVE: An Otherworldly Paradise, The Heart & Soul Of Bucas Grande

Useful Tips:

• This tour can be quite expensive. Boat service alone can cost up to P4000 and that doesn’t include yet the other fees in Sohoton Cove.
• If you wanna make the most out of this tour then better get started as early as 6AM to avoid the crowd and to have better chances of visiting the other sights without being a little press for time.
• After touring Sohoton Cove, you can drop by Club Tara Resort for some snap worthy photos for your Instagram.
• This tour can be done separately if you wanna have more time to explore each destination but please know that tour in Sohoton Cove is time bounded depending on the number of tourists visiting on the day of your visit. If even you prefer to do it separately, Kuya Romeo offers island hopping tour for P1200. You may call him at  09158581654.

DESTINATIONS	Sohoton Cove Naked Island Guyam Island Daku Island Club Tara Resort (Optional)
RATES	Boat Rental GL-Sohoton Cove-Tri Island – P4000 GL-Sohoton Cove – P3000 GL-Tri Island – P1500 Socorro-Sohoton Cove – P2000 Hayangabon-Sohoton Cove – P3500 Sohoton Cove Tour Pump Boat + Guide Fee – P830 Boating Sabay-Tojoman Lagoon – P100/pax
WHAT ARE THE FEES	Sohoton Cove Fees Per Person Filipino: Permit – P50, Entrance Fee – P25, Environmental Fee – P25 Non-Filipino: Permit – P100, Entrance Fee – P100, Environmental Fee – P50 Safety Gear Fee – P40 Meal Package P250-P300
DAY 3 – SUMMARY OF EXPENSES (4 People) ***We found two other travelers and shared with them the cost of this  tour. We were also lucky to haggle the boat cost down to  P3500 for Sohoton Cove & Tri Island	2Way Habal-Habal Hostel-Port – P40 Boat @ P3500/4 – 875 Permit Fee – P50 Entrance Fee – P25 Environmental Fee – P25 Safety Gear Fee – P40 Table – P25 Boating Sabay-Tojoman – P100 Pump Boat + Guide Fee @ P830/4 – 210 Breakfast – P100 Lunch – P160 Dinner – P100 TOTAL – P1750/Pax

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DAY 4 – GENERAL LUNA’S CLOUD 9: Blissful Moments Riding The Waves

Riding the waves are not just for surfers. It is for everyone may you be a surfer wannabe or just some curious soul wondering what it’s like to dance with the waves. Among the places here in the Philippines, we all know that Siargao is the best place to get a taste of your first surf. With that in mind, off we went surfing to cap off our Siargao adventure. It was not an easy feat but was definitely a perfect ender to yet another epic story we would surely cherish forever.

Useful Tips:

• Your first surf is definitely not going to be easy but you will eventually get the hang of it. No matter how many times you will fall hard into the water, get back up and don’t give up. Your glorious moment won’t be as fulfilling without the hardship.
• Start early. The waves are the best in the early hours of the morning.
• You would do best to pay attention to the surfing basics your instructor would be telling you prior to hitting the waves. I know it’s kinda easy said than done but keep in mind that practice makes permanent.

DESTINATIONS	Beginner-Friendly Surfing Spot Cloud 9
RATES	Board Rental With Instructor – P500/hr Board Rental Only – P500/day
DAY 4 – SUMMARY OF EXPENSES	Surfing for 1Hr – P500 Breakfast – P60 Lunch – P120 Dinner – P100 TOTAL – P780/Pax

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TOTAL EXPENSES IN 4D3N FOR EVERYTHING

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Direct flights to Siargao from Manila are now available with Cebu Pacific. Since that option was not yet available and all the other options were quite expensive at the time of our travel, we opted for Butuan as our primary access point instead. Illustrated below is the total expenses for this trip sans the expenses we accrued after our flight was rerouted to Davao.

Total Expenses Days 1-4	P5120
Accommodation (3 Nights) at P400/night/2Pax	P600
2Way Bus Butuan-Surigao City	P440
2-Way Ferryboat Surigao-Siargao (P230/Way) + Terminal Fee (P10/Way)	P480
2-Way Tricycle Surigao-Port (P50/Way)  + Habal-Habal Dapa Port – GL (P200/Way)	P250
Air Fare Booked With PAL (P495/Way) ***Got discounted plane tickets during a seat sale in February 2017	P990
TOTAL	P7880/Person

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HOW TO GET THERE

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From Manila – Fly via Cebu Pacific directly to Siargao. If direct flights are too expensive then you can either fly to Butuan or Surigao City. Both Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have flights to either of these two destinations.

From Surigao City – Ride a ferry to Dapa Port in Siargao. There are trips available daily with the earliest departing at 5:30AM and latest at 11AM. Fare ranges from P220-P320 depending on the seats.

From Butuan City – Ride a bus or van to Surigao City. Travel should take 3-4 hours. Fare is P220. From the bus terminal, ride a minivan or tricycle to Surigao Port (P15.) Then ride a ferry to Dapa Port in Siargao Island.

From Cebu – Cebu Pacific also has direct flights from Cebu to Siargao. If flying is not an option then you can ride MV Lady Of Love operated by Medallion Transport Inc to Surigao City. The marine vessel leaves Cebu on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 8PM and departs Surigao City on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8PM. Fares range as low as P825 for the economy seat to P5550 for an executive suite.

From Davao – Philippine Airlines now has direct flights to Siargao. If flying is quite expensive for your taste then you can ride either the bus or van to Surigao City. Fare is P570 (non-AC) ; P720 (AC) and travel could last up to 15Hrs. In Surigao City, simply hop on a ferry to Dapa Port in Siargao Island.

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SURIGAO-DAPA-SURIGAO FERRY TRIP SCHEDULE

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SHIPPING LINE	SCHEDULE	FARE
MV Fortune Angel 1	Surigao-Dapa: 5:30AM Dapa-Surigao: 11AM	Mabuhay Aircon – P300 Business Aircon – P220 Economy (Upper deck) – P250 Economy (Lower deck) – P220
MV Fortune Angel 2	Surigao-Dapa: 11AM Dapa-Surigao: 5:30AM	Mabuhay Aircon – P300 Business Aircon – P220 Economy (Upper deck) – P250 Economy (Lower deck) – P220
LQP 2A	Surigao-Dapa: 5:30AM Dapa-Surigao: 12NN	Regular Rate – P250 PWD – P200 Senior – P200 Student – P220
Dapa Express	Surigao-Dapa: 06:15AM Dapa-Surigao: 12:00NN	Regular Rate – P250 PWD – P200 Senior – P200 Student – P220
MV Atlantis Yohan	Surigao-Dapa: 11AM Dapa-Surigao: 6AM	Business – P320 Tourist – P300 Economy – P250

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SOME USEFUL TRAVEL TIPS

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Getting Around – Motorcycles are the best when getting around Siargao since the island lacks public transportation plying the route to or near each tourist destination. I don’t know how much do I need to emphasize this but always be safe. Drive at a moderate speed. Wear helmet. Avoid being on the road at night time as the roads are poorly lit. Countless accidents had happened in the island resulting to injuries or worse death so again, “Be Safe.”

Where To Get Your Tour – The Tourism Office in GL offers tour packages. There are also travel agencies that offer tour services to the best spots in the island. However for me, the most flexible and effective way is still to tour on your own. Rent a motorcycle or hire a driver to tour you around. As for the boat, you can find plenty of boat operators at the port in GL. Rates are always negotiable so don’t hesitate to haggle. Just make sure to be reasonable not to exploit the locals.

Where To Eat – Around Siargao are several eateries selling meals (rice + viand) for as low as P30. In GL just along the main strip to Cloud 9 is a fruit stand that sells a variety of delicious home cooked Filipino food. If you are more into gastronomic adventure then you’ll be happy to know Siargao has a wide array of choices such as Kermit, Buddha Surf and Warung just to name a few.

Where To Stay – Accommodations in Siargao range from the most affordable backpacker’s hostels to luxury resorts so you will have a lot to choose from depending on your budget. I will list below some of the most recommended resorts in the island based from reviews given by travelers in Agoda.

Best Time To Go There – For non-surfers who just want to relish the tropical goodness of this island, the best time to go there would be during the dry months from February-June. If you wanna catch the waves then September-January is the most ideal time for you to visit.

Minimizing Your Impact – To keep Siargao the virgin paradise that it is now and in the years to come, we as visiting travelers have to minimize our impact. Avoid bringing in or using plastics. Bring reusable water containers so you won’t have to buy bottled water every time. Dispose your waste properly at all times. It’s a shame but as fast as Siargao is becoming a tourist magnet is the sad truth that it isn’t ready and equipped yet to counter the negative impact of tourist influx.

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The first thing that entered my head was “peace.”

When our boat touched the beach, I sensed it in an instant. It was in the fresh air, the gentle waves. Each second my toes dipped in its wide, wide bed of white, white sand was a moment of therapy. By noon I was lying under the shade by the shore, reading a book and enjoying a pint of beer. Sun shining. Water shimmering. Wind dancing. And I was in the middle of it all, just taking it all in.

They must have felt it too the filmmakers behind Camp Sawi, they must have. When they set foot on the island while scouting for shooting locations for their fictional retreat for the brokenhearted, they must have felt it too. Bantayan Island is therapeutic. It is where you go to heal.

How to get to Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island is part of the province of Cebu, and the easiest, most convenient way to reach it is via Cebu City. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the second busiest and most important hub in the Philippines so getting here should be a walk in the park. Here’s how.

Where to stay in Bantayan

There are over 40 resorts, inns, and guesthouses all around the island, so finding a place to stay should be easy. You can find a basic room for as low as P400 per night. Campers are also welcome. If you don’t have your own tent, you can rent one for less than P200.

Thank you ❤

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MALANTANOG

Malatan-og Falls is located in Brgy. Kumaliskis, Don Salvador Benedicto. Very easy to locate because the jump-off point is just along the highway. If you will ask the locals on how long would it take you to go to the falls, they would readily say 30 minutes. The truth is, they are referring to their own speed and skills in hiking. For others, it would take 1 to 2 hours to reach this place.

The Castle is open!  For decades the gates of the strange house beside the Alijis-Murcia road have been shut. People have caught a glimpse of the strange towers overlooking the walls and wondered what was inside.  Well, wonder no more.  Finally the gates are open and the old castle house is now a tourist attraction and houses Kampana Cafe.

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Kampana Cafe is set inside the main house structure.  There are plenty of tables and chairs and the place has an old Philippine house atmosphere. For me, it felt like I was visiting my grandmother’s house. The wood and the floor is reminiscent of that period.

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Kampana Cafe and the castle grounds are still under renovation and soft opening.  There’s not much to see yet.BUT you can still have a good time.  Kids will love this place.  I loved our visit here  but some of our group thought it was a borderline tourist trap.  Personally, I had a great time and I think Kampana cafe is worth going back to even while they are undergoing renovations and even after they finish renovating the castle and grounds.

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Are you a backpacker, traveler, Looking for exciting  and  fun adventure this summer?
Include this to your list the Mayana’s peak of San Carlos City.
From the South Ceres Terminal in Bacolod City you can ride on a bus trip via Don Salvador Benedicto  that will take 1-2 hours travel from the city proper.
Fair matrix ranges from 100-130 pesos aircon/non-aircon bus type.
Onset inform the  conductor before the departure of bus to drop you at the Sitio Punod in San Carlos. They already know that you have plan to visit the Manyana’s Peak. Most of the time there are passengers traveling in day time going to the famous attraction of San Carlos ” The Mayana’s Peak “
Why fun and exciting?

Because it’s a  winding travel  experience on high-rise mountain road access. Plus the beautiful views that will feed your both eyes.

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On our end, we travel to Mayana’s Peak via motorcycle road trip.
As soon as you reach the Sitio Punod you can take a habal-habal ride. A motorcycle that use as mode of transportation mostly in secluded mountain areas. 
The fair cost 100 pesos and will take 15-20 minutes and 40-50 minutes if it is slippery or wet due to rain fall.

If you are a nature lover and a trek and hiking enthusiast you will surely love the famous Peak in Negros Occidental the Mayana’s Peak located in Sitio Punod, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

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Before you can go to the mountain you have to log your name and signed a waiver that are available in the tourist desk near the mountain. There they will provide you a tour guide that will accompany you going on the top of the mountain.

Going to the top you must be physically ready and had lots of water with you, its a tough climb that some people almost lost their breath, if you get tired dont hesitate to tell to your tour guide and friends to rest to gather more energy to climb.

At the time we reach the top, the mountain was covered with a thick fog that make us wait for about half an hour to let the fog disappear, when the fog was disappeared there you can see the breathtaking view of the entire City of San Carlos.

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Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton