Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts

Tuesday, 28 July 2015

3D2N Dipolog-Dapitan Itinerary and Budget 2015

While my hubby's parents are in the Philippines, we wanted to treat them to a historical vacation in Dipolog and Dapitan for them to be able to explore the place where Jose Rizal was exiled.

Our trip was not thoroughly planned because not much information can be found on the net. Hopefully this blog post can guide travelers planning to go to Dipolog and Dapitan.

Note: Prices posted are based on our 2015 trip. Check respective sites for updated prices.

Sunday, 3 May 2015

Things to know when traveling to: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Jill and I spent the April holidays doing a tri-city trip across Vietnam and Cambodia. Our first stop was Ho Chi Minh City, where we stayed for 2 days and 3 Nights (we arrived midnight April 3).

I haven't been able to finish the full blog, so here's short post on notable things that you should know when going to Ho Chi Minh. Some of these I read from blogs before going to the trip and some I learned as we were there.

Time

  • The plane ride takes about 2.5 hours.
  • Vietnam is 1 hour behind the Philippines.
    • Take note of your plane's arrival time esp. when coming back to Manila
Money

  • The Vietnamese currency is Dong (VND).
  • Bring US Dollars (USD).
    • I didn't notice any Peso rate for currency exchange so it's safer to have a stash of dollars. Also, USDs are more useful in Cambodia compared to other currencies, such as Euro.
    • You can buy USDs from banks or money changers such as Sanry's. Just check which one offers the most favorable rate. 
    • Some bank needs you to pre-order dollars for exchange, which might take a week to be ready.
  • You can exchange USDs for VNDs at the airport or hotel. 
    • Unless you carried an obscene amount of dollars, trying to find the best rate might not be worth it.
    • Rate of exchange would be 1 USD = 21,000 VND
      • The rate we got was: 1 USD = 21,549 VND
    • The smallest Dong bill is 1,000 VND
  • Quick trick for checking VND to PHP: 1,000 VND is approx. 2 PHP.

Sunday, 8 June 2014

Sagada Walking Tour

On our last day in Sagada, we went for a walk around town. Just a few minutes walk away from the main road, we were able to reach the famous Echo Valley. People took turns shouting and waited for their echo to sound back. From here, you can already see some of the hanging coffins on the sides of the valley.

If you want a closer look, you can trek going down the valley to view the hanging coffins up close.

Just nearby, you can find the St. Mary's Escopal Church. There was an ongoing wedding celebration when we passed by so we were not able to take pictures of the church from the inside.

Behind the church, you can find a busy market set-up only during Saturdays. You can find goods from nearby provinces like Baguio being sold here.

While you're in Sagada, don't fail to try out their halo-halo (Php 25) which had a little of everything. Their halo-halo had macaroni, ube, corn kernels, coconut strips, melon strips, watermelon, avocado and an assortment of jellies. They even added a stick-o with no extra charge. Yummy!

If you still have energy, you can walk much further to reach the Sagada Weaving Center. When I got in their shop, I was quite disappointed to see that they don't sell much merchandise at all.

Behind the souvenir shop, there's a small house where locals do their weaving. You have to be quiet while you're in this area and be respectful to ask their permission first to take pictures. They don't like to have their pictures taken, they will only let you take pictures of their work but not with their face.

Just in front of the Sagada Weaving Center, you can find a souvenir shop, Sagada Collections where you can taste their Peanut Bars. I don't think these bars are sold anywhere else in Sagada and they are quite expensive - one pack costs Php 200. They are made of peanuts and white chocolate, they were really delicious. Everything in this store were expensive. If you are looking for affordably priced bags and wallets, you can buy them at the Indigenous Handicrafts & Inn.

The main road in Sagada has lots of souvenir shops so you have to do some canvassing if you want to find cheaper items. Their key chains and ref magnets range from Php 65 to 100. Coin purses in Indigenous Handicrafts & Inn range from Php 50 to 130 depending on size and design.


Sunday, 1 June 2014

Sunrise at Kiltepan Viewpoint, Sagada

The best place to watch the sun rise in Sagada is at Kiltepan Viewpoint. Make sure to get there early to be able to find a good spot to see the sun rise.

It was really hard waking up so early but after seeing the picturesque scene of the sun ascending over the clouds - it was all worth it. Feeling this close to nature was such a fulfilling experience.


Lake Danum at Sagada

Lake Danum is the best place to be for sun set viewing in Sagada. Unfortunately, it was raining when we were there so we didn't have the chance to see the sun.

You can go kayaking or boating while you're there or simply enjoy the cool breeze and serene scenery.

Thursday, 29 May 2014

Sagada Cave Connections

Three weeks have already past since we went to Sagada yet my memories of Sagada is still vivid in me. It was our second day in Sagada and we are about to embark on the most challenging adventure one can ever do when in Sagada - the Cave Connections.

We were a very big group, I believe we were more than 50 and so we were accompanied by more than 10 guides for our spelunking. We started by trekking to the entrance of Lumiang Cave. On its entrance, we can see several wooden coffins of the natives there. Our guide started telling us of how old the coffins were and also gave us instructions on what to do when inside the cave. But the most important rule when inside the cave was "Always trust your guide".

As we started spelunking inside the cave, our flexibility was tested as we try to fit in every hole in the cave. It was a never ending maze inside. There was a lot of balancing, climbing, butt trekking throughout the process.

After an hour of trekking, we only managed to reach half way through the cave connection. We had a few minutes breather in a flat surface inside a cave where we can hear bats everywhere and not to mention the stink from their poops. hehehehe When the rest of the group caught up with is, we then started to trek going to Sumaguing Cave. I never thought that I had so much strength and courage in me to do all the climbing, walking and maneuvering while inside the cave.

And after two agonizing long hours, we finally reached Sumaguing Cave. Here you can find many rock formations, unfortunately our guide was not able to point out to us all of them. This is the disadvantage on going to a tour with lots of people, you won't have the guide exclusively to yourself. Below picture is the King's Curtain rock formation.

We had a fun time relaxing in the cold water that flows through the formations. After taking several pictures, it was time to trek out of the cave. It was definitely one heck of an adventure that I never imagined I could make it through. After this adventure, I can proudly say that I have definitely conquered and survived Sagada!

Important Tips: 
  • Bring a light snack (chocolates or energy bar) if you're planning to go the cave at around 9 or 10AM, because you'll definitely get hungry when you get in the end of the cave.
  • Wear comfortable, loose/flexible clothes. Use rash guard, quick dry or cotton shirts. Wear leggings for ladies who don't want to get scratched by the rocks.
  • Use rubber slippers, water shoes or slippers with grips.
  • ALWAYS trust your guide! They will be there for you all throughout the journey. (",)

Sunday, 25 May 2014

Trek to the Scenic Pongas Falls of Sagada

On our first day in Sagada, we were scheduled to go to the famous Bomod-ok Falls but unfortunately there was an ongoing tribal ritual happening on that day that lead us to go to the less visited Pongas Falls. The local tour guide said that Pongas Falls  is their back-up in cases like ours but assured us that it is as beautiful as the Bomod-ok Falls.

It was raining hard when we reached the site so we had to wait for some time for the rain to subside. Just as the rain became a drizzle, we then started our trek. We walked through the rice terraces. I was always fascinated on how they go about these terraces and now I finally see that there were actually path ways in them that were not visible from afar.

On the way to the falls, you will be walking through slim cemented pathways along the terraces, passing through a rusty bridge, and trekking through some steep muddy edges.

After 30 minutes of walking, I felt exhausted. But after looking at my surroundings, I instantly feel revitalized and at awe at how beautiful and green nature around me was.

After an hour, we can now hear the sound of water flowing. It was a relieve to know that we were almost there.

After several more hikes and turns, we finally arrive at our destination - behold the Pongas Falls.

The water flowing from the falls was refreshingly ice-cold. The falls was so high and had 3 to 4 levels of it - I'm not quite sure. We only managed to climb up to the 2nd level. Sadly, you can't have a swim here since there's no basin. We rested awhile then went back to town when we're all ready to go.

If you're planning to go to a falls in Sagada, make sure to reserve one full day for it because you will definitely need your rest after the long walk.

Saturday, 10 May 2014

The Banaue Road Trip before Sagada

Planning to go to Sagada? There are two options to go there from Manila, one is via Baguio (which is faster because it's through the expressway) another one less traveled option is via the scenic route of Banaue. We chose the later and chartered a jeepney from Banaue going to Sagada.

The long ride is very well worth it. Enjoy the cool breeze, the fresh air and breathtaking scenery. Be in awe as you see the famous Banaue Rice Terraces for the first time.

Experience riding on top of the jeepney for an added adrenaline rush and really let the cold wind brush through your face. The view on top was amazing regardless of how painful our butt got after the trip.

But hey! it's all about the experience - at least you get to say that you were able to go on a road trip in Banaue topload-style!

Thursday, 8 May 2014

Conquering Sagada with Travel Factor

Have you ever wanted to go somewhere but just don't know how. You keep procrastinating on going on a trip because you don't know how to create an itinerary or don't know how much money to bring. Fret no more because there are now lots of travel agencies that offer all-in carefree tours at affordable prices.

I have always wanted to see the rice terraces up close but had always considered going to Banaue or Sagada quite far fetched. So we decided to go to Sagada through the help of a travel company called "Travel Factor". For only Php 4,950 you can now conquer Sagada without all the hassle of making the itinerary, the reservations and all the works. Their package includes the following:

  • Roundtrip Aircon Bus: Manila - Banaue - Manila
  • Roundtrip Chartered Jeep: Banaue - Sagada - Banaue
  • 3D/2N accommodation in Sagada
  • Day 1 Lunch, Day 2 Breakfast and Lunch, Day 3 Breakfast
  • Private Jeepney during tours around Sagada
  • Environment permits and entrance fees
  • Service of local guides and cave guides with lamps
  • Service of the tour director
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel Factor ID and T-Shirt
We were not able to follow the itinerary as it is posted on their web site due to weather conditions but we eventually covered them all on the next day.

Day 0 - MANILA - April 30, 2014 (Wednesday)
TimeItinerary
09:00 PMMeet up at Ohayami Bus Station at Fajardo St. cor. Lacson Ave., Sampaloc Manila
* Ticket price from Manila to Banaue is Php 450

Day 1 - BANAUE - SAGADA - May 1, 2014 (Thursday)
TimeItinerary
05:00 AMArrive in Banaue
We were dropped off at Hidden Valley Restaurant and ate breakfast there. (own expense)
07:00 AMTravel from Banaue to Sagada
Side trip at Banaue Rice Terraces
11:00 AMArrive in Sagada
Check in at Indigenous Handicrafts and Inn

Lunch at Pinikpikan Haus
Desserts at Strawberry Cafe (own expense)
02:00 PMTrek the rice terraces and see Pongas Falls
* unfortunately we can not visit the Bomod-ok Falls because of an ongoing tribal ritual
* skipped sunset viewing due to the rainy weather
06:00 PMBack in Sagada town proper
07:00 PMDinner at Salt & Pepper Restaurant (own expense)
Hot Chocolate and desserts at Sagada Brew (own expense)

Day 2 - SAGADA - May 2, 2014 (Friday)
TimeItinerary
07:00 AMAte breakfast at Pinikpikan Haus
* skipped sunrise viewing due to the rainy weather
09:00 AMStarted the Cave Connection Adventure. We went into Lumiang Cave and came out of Sumaguing Cave
02:00 PMLate lunch at Pinikpikan Haus

Desserts at Lemon Pie House (own expense)
05:00 PMWent to Lake Danum to see the sunset but there was none because of the rainy weather
07:00 PMDinner at Masferre Restaurant (own expense)

Day 3 - SAGADA - BANAUE - May 3, 2014 (Saturday)
TimeItinerary
04:30 AMSunrise at Kiltepan Viewpoint
06:00 AMBreakfast at Bana's Cafe (own expense)
09:00 AMTrek to Echo Valley to see the hanging coffins

Visit the St. Mary's Escopal Church
11:00 AMEarly lunch at Yoghurt House (own expense)

Free time to shop for pasalubongs
02:00 PMChartered jeep ride back to Banaue

Side trip at the Sagada Weaving
05:00 PMArrive in Banaue

Free time to go to the market place
06:00 PMEarly dinner at People's Lodge and Restaurant
07:00 PMBus ride back to Manila

Day 4 - MANILA - May 4, 2014 (Sunday)
TimeItinerary
04:00 AMArrive in Manila

Meals in Sagada start at Php 200 above if you're going to eat in restaurants along the main road. But if you are interested in eating local food you can go to Centrum building's basement for carenderias.

PROs:

  • Afford-ably priced package
  • Friendly and accommodating coordinators
  • Comfortable ride
  • Enough free time was provided for us to be able to explore the town
  • Meet new people

CONs:

  • Bus station is cramped.
  • There were too many participants during the tour that we were not able to hear the tour guide's orientation when we were visiting the sites. These are only on the ocassion that our group was joined together with another group of more than 30.

Are we going to avail another Travel Factor package? Yes, most probably we will but we would definitely be asking how many people are going to participate next time. We were just lucky during our trip that we were only a group of 11 plus our room has its own CR.

Overall, we had a blast in Sagada even with a few bumps and bruises along the way. We are proud to say that we have conquered the adventures of Sagada!

Monday, 28 April 2014

Adventures in Northern Mindanao

The best place to start an adventure in Northern Mindanao is to arrive in Cagayan de Oro which is known as the Gateway of Northern Mindanao. Get close with nature and get your heart pumping in their white river rafting.


Discover virgin white sand beaches in nearby Camiguin Island. Wake up early in the morning to go to the famous White Island.

While you're in Camiguin Island, try renting a jeepney and tour around the island for the day.
See the Church Ruins (Gui-ob Church)

Visit its falls

And drop by at the Sunken Cemetery


And lots of other sights that I don't recall =( but are as breath-taking.


If you love waterfalls, don't miss going to Iligan City. Be sure to have your cameras ready for these majestic waterfalls: Tinago Falls, Mimbalot Falls, and the grand Maria Cristina Falls.
Tinago Falls
Maria Cristina Falls
As a side trip, you can visit Macapagal - Macareg's ancestral house while you're in Iligan.


And if you still have a day to spare, you can go to the Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon for another doze of adrenaline rush. The park boast of its 840M long dual zipline which is the longest in Asia. Lots of other activities can be done here like the Luge and Mini Golf.




Northern Mindanao is filled with exciting adventures and eye-candy sights so make sure to plan ahead to be able to make the most of your trip.

Enjoy your summer everyone!