Escape to Grand Mosque, Cotabato City

View from my Alnor Hotel room

Do you remember a moment in your life where something unwarranted is about to explode in your face and you can do nothing to stop it? Then you realize what a huge mess you've gotten yourself into but you continue anyway because the wrong felt so right at that moment? The "this-must-be-it" moment?

Because I do remember. I can still remember the joy, the fun, and the pain.

I travel to explore and discover more than what is right under my nose. But it is also my coping mechanism.

On one particular event in my not so interesting life, I find solace in Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Masjid Mosque or popularly known as the Grand Mosque of Cotabato. It is the largest mosque in the Philippines. The construction was funded by the Sultan of Brunei.

We were in Cotabato for work that week and while working, some douche broke my heart bigtime. Since I am in Cotabato and he's in Manila I endured two days holding back all the pain I feel and the words I need to say. But on our last day in Cotabato, I ask the driver to take me and Kuya Jason to the Grand Mosque to take some footage. And when I saw it, I was like a giddy kid running and can't contain her happiness and excitement.

I forgot all the pain I felt that moment. The place was so quiet and solemn. The structure beguiled me and gave me peace. It felt like I was healed by the picturesque and some good spirit possessed me in a good way like a shaman pointed her wand and gave me tranquility.

Pupils playing during break. They are attending the class on how to read the Koran.

When we got out of the mosque there's a parade of goat outside. Then I said "wait I have to take a picture of you" they all suddenly stop and pose. Amazing isnt it? Our driver said that it must be their leader which is the biggest in front of them stopped and all of the goats followed.

I was just so happy that moment. It erased the explosion that I never saw coming and replaced with some kind of peace and quiet.

If you are curious what happened to that "this-must-be-it" guy, well we both moved on with our lives and I am in a much happier place now.

Burot Beach: Overrated?

Captured the sunrise while in the boat bound for island hopping

While other travel bloggers write solely about the positive experiences they had during their travel and share little to nothing about the negative, you read so much greatness about the place and you expect so much when you go. The thing is, the negative will always hunt you and if you let it win, it will ruin your whole trip. For me, it's a challenge that I always want to accept. It is a piece of learning that wasn't written in any form and can only be acquired through experience. The fun and learning in traveling then, starts.

Planning the unplanned is common to young ones. You just thought of going somewhere today, drag your friends with you, pack your bags and your off to go. This is exactly what happened to us on our trip to Burot Beach. Friday night, Jhen and me wanted to go to a nearby beach to beat the summer heat. So we both googled on where to go and we stumbled to a blog featuring Burot Beach since it's a three to four hours away only from Manila.

Thrilled to pitch a tent to experience a camping style accommodation, bonfire and sleeping to the sound of the beach sounds great. It's going to be our first time to do just that. I thought we won't make it but on Saturday afternoon, we meet at Metropoint in Pasay Rotonda and head to the van terminal bound for Calatagan. It's a van terminal near Kabayan Hotel and Metropoint. I advise anyone taking this route to be early to avoid long queue. The vans also are not frequent and can only seat 16 pax. Fare is 180php. Get off at the van terminal near the Calatagan Public Market and ride a tricycle going to Burot. Fare is 150php one way to Burot, another 150php going back to the market. The travel time to Burot from he market is around 10-15 minutes bumpy road. I contacted a tricycle driver the night before to assist us. Here is his number. Kuya RC: 0905 358 7083

Look closely and you will see the people scattered all over the area.

This Burot trip came in a short notice. I just told Jhen to pack whatever she thinks we will need. We didn't prepare that much bearing in mind that we are headed to a secluded place, without electricity, good accommodation and descent comfort rooms. Why not?

True enough, Burot Beach is a secluded area. It is Henry Sy's property waiting to be developed. I don't know the real deal about having visitors, but it is a place where there's a "private property, no trespassing" sign. Guards man the area that collects the fees upon entering and a certain caretaker that owns a small store inside.

We arrived around 7PM at the beach and we were welcomed by a very big crowd. What to expect? It's a given fact. It's summer and a weekend. We paid 130php each for the entrance fee and we went to the store to rent a tent. Unfortunately, there's no more tent left available for rent. Opppps. We don't have any tent with us too. Think...Think... Think...

Since we have nothing to do about the supply of tents and torches, we looked for a place to settle our things and lay our picnic mattress. We ask Kuya RC not to leave us until we were settled and if he can find us a tent. He said his tent was broken. We just decided to stay the night in the open under the tree with our things and a picnic mattress with us. Besides, we're not here to sleep. Kuya RC left us and told us we can text or call him if we need anything.

2 hours had passed and I received a call from Kuya RC saying that he fixed his tent and he will be lending it for a fee. We agreed so he came back with his tent and his friend to pitch it for us. Yahoo! Tent it is.

We spend the night chatting about random things and from time to time distracted by random people doing crazy stuff. A man urinating in the seafront, (the heck?) a young couple near our place arguing about something,( melodramatic ) a female sitting alone in the sand, ( there's nothing wrong about it. I know! But it freaked me out because she stayed their like an hour, not moving) group of friends drinking beers and talking like the person they are talking to is a kilometer away from them (she was like that the entire evening until 4 in the morning, just imagine) and a drunken man spitting, kicking and splayed beside our tent. Good god his friends noticed and removed him from our sight.

Jhen asking Kuya Bong about the island hopping deal. The sun is not yet rising

We already saw the sun slowly rising in the east by 5:30 am. We can now fully see the full scenery of the place and it was crowded, plastic everywhere and the disappointing feeling of another hidden treasure slowly fading. We saw a bus parking in the parking space and sooner, the place became as crowded as you can imagine. Not as we expected as blogs described it as a nice beach area. It wasn't.

Just imagine the mess every single person in this planet contributed for leaving traces to the places they went. No exception.

Blurry shot but look at the plastics scattered all over the place.

So we decided we need to get outta here. But we didn't allow it to stop us from hoping that there is something positive about this area. So we approached the man in the boat and ask him how can we avail of an island hopping tour. He told us he was one of the boatman offering tours and it's 100php per head but you have to wait for other tourist to join before they leave. There's 8 -15 passengers depending on the size of the boat.

In our case, we chose to rent the boat for an hour which cost us 500 pesos for 1 hour. Kuya bong helped us arranged our bags and tent and then we were off.

And that island hopping tour sums up our weekend getaway. When Kuya Bong started the engine of his boat, I felt that familiar pang of feeling I always feel when I travel. That kind of peace and infinite happiness.

Who would have thought this was the house used for the All My Life movie starring Aga Muhlach and Kristine Hermosa. That movie was ONE of only a FEW local romantic movie I like.

This one was also used to some local television series. Kuya Bong say's its a series from ABS-CBN but I have no idea what series.

I really can't remember what series Kuya Bong was talking about so we just posed for a picture.

Besides, the area was good. 

My friend Jhen was excited to see the starfish, but when she was able to see and had a chance to hold one, she chickened out. So instead of her, I posed with the stars on my hand. LOL!

Never ever bring it with you

After our island hopping, we swam along the shoreline. We settled in a spot were there is lesser people and cleaner area. While walking, I saw a girl holding a starfish that appears like she's taking it home. What the heck? They're not supposed to take those sea creatures away from their home. I pity these kind of people, such ignoramus. Imagine it being done to a poor child taken away from his mother.


If you plan to visit the place, I suggest go really early so you can choose a good spot. Prepare to use the comfort rooms built without logic. One common logic of separating the female CR to male CR is to avoid men from peeking to the ladies or vice versa but in Burot Beach's case, well, wait till you see it. :)

Is it overrated? Well I guess depends in your experience. For me, some travel blogs exaggerate their description of the place. I've read some travel blogs that says pretty much about what to expect from it. But you cannot say it indeed until you experience it.

The island hopping tour made this trip memorable. I enjoyed Kuya Bong's company. I wanted to go back because of him. To explore the hidden wonders of the area more. I wanted to cross to the other side of the island, we're locals really live.

I wanted to join these women while they paddle and look for whatever their looking.

I'll be back Burot. I will...

Lake Pandin: A boon or a bane?

You probably read a lot about Lake Pandin in San Pablo, Laguna. I have heard so much about it too. Seeing great pictures online and positive reviews from different travel bloggers, I guess it's worth a try. So last Black Saturday, I decided to go to Lake Pandin tagging my friend along for company.

On how to get there click here.

I will not write about the background or history of the place since you will find it anywhere in google. I prefer to write something that will describe my experience.

Four days before Saturday which is Tuesday, I texted Ate Siony and Ate Tina as some other travel blogs say for raft reservation. Ate Siony wasn't able to beep me back but fortunately Ate Tina did the reservation. To my surprise, she told me that they will charge us 500php each instead of 360php because we were only two in the raft. In the end, I caved in. I just want to experience it and the 140php difference will be alright plus they will add inihaw na liempo to our food.

Then here comes Black Saturday and we go. We hired a guide to take us to the lake which was a kid and his name is Justin. He was entertaining. Giving us snippets of what awaits us in the raft ride. There is no fix price for guides during the trek so you're free to give them any amount you deem fit. For us, we gave him 20php. You have to trek for 10-15 minutes.

Contact Numbers:
Ate Tina: 0907 995 2983
Ate Siony: 0929 978 9565

with my guide Justin. (blurry picture as my friend is trying to figure out my camera)

Bamboo raft waiting to board

As we arrived, we were greeted by a lot of tourist docking on their rafts. We were approached also by some residents selling halo-halo and leche flan. As we were directed to our bamboo raft, I took the opportunity to take some pictures while waiting for the person in-charge to take us to somewhere.

About 20 minutes, a girl approached me and asked me if it's okay to have a family consist of 5 adults join us. They were walk ins and don't have any reservation. I said it's not okay, they should've contacted someone before coming right? And we were charge 500 pesos because the raft will be for 2 adults. (call me a bitch but I really am sometimes haha)

After another 10 minutes of waiting, a guy approached me again and asked if a family of four can tag along. He pointed to a mother smiling to me and a cute little boy staring at the bamboo raft. They were walk ins too. This time I said okay.

The man told them the price. I'm surprise again because they were charged 360 per head without the inihaw na liempo as an add on. So I think this Ate Tina tricked me, I don't know what's the real deal though.

Anyways, we started the tour and we ate a sumptuous meal plus Enzo, the cute kid is our entertainment.

No spoon and fork folks. Eat like a local.

What are you thinking little lad?

There's nothing really special about the tour. You get to ride a bamboo raft, eat like a local, see the view it is. For me though, I like the quite and serenity of the place with only the chirping of the birds as your music. The water is not as clean as it used to be because of fish kill incidents to the seven lakes. According to Justin, the water became cold. Its apparent that the change of water temperature affected the lake.

So to speak, is it a boon or a bane? It is both. You get to see how difficult it is to pull the raft through the ropes and how these women manage to pull it off without hurting there hands. Much to my experience, I enjoyed it mostly because of the locals. Watching them chat and make fun of one another is a boon and seeing their simple yet extraordinary duties. I'd consider it a bane to witness how climate change affected the community. There's a fish pen with tilapias in the lake. If the changes in water temperature continues and people wouldn't do something about it, this once beautiful lake that we still experience now will soon live in our memories.

Top 10 Things I Learned From Traveling

It's been a long time since I last posted something in my blog. Neither time nor laziness was the reason I cannot properly compose myself to write something. During those past months of lethargy and writing predicament, I've been busy traveling for work, completing my masters application requirements because I really do want to be back in school, reading and watching movies to rekindle my oh-so-sleeping-mind. Tonight, I thought I should right something I learned from my past backpacking and isolation tendencies. Here is my list which I think best to share with you.


1. PLANNING AND RESEARCHING

It's my number one tool before I go out and about for a travel. I once read a book that says "the pleasure isn't in doing the thing, the pleasure is in planning it" which is true at least to me. I always find it exciting to plan something and doing research of my to-go place. Then going to that place and experiencing it, makes the planning successful.

2. STRANGERS ARE GREAT COMPANIONS (This doesn't apply every time)

No man is an island. So when you are traveling alone, you need to talk to a stranger and oftentimes you can be friends with them. Locals are always helpful in some travel destinations. I always ask for directions and they are happy to help. I've made friends during my travels and they are great companions and tour guides.

My dearest Pagudpud tour guide Kuya Arnel. He's been featured to other travel blogs.

3. LEARNING HOW TO CHARM THE GUARDS

I have a weird fascination with rusty, old and dilapidated buildings and areas. Not because I want to ghost hunt but I find it mysterious and interesting. Just like the process of knowing a person. After you see the outside, you have to look into the inside and seeing them as a whole makes them beautiful with their imperfections. You know, that right kind of wrong.

Dealing with the guards can be tricky and at times irritating. But guess what? I always win them over. I tried sneaking into one private art deco building in Quiapo, Manila. At first the guard ask for a permit and refuse to compromise but at the end, I managed to convince him to let me and my guy friend in. Yey!

El Hogar Building Hallways

The Chinese Cemetery in Blumentrit, Manila experience was different. The guard only allowed me but not my guy friend in. Better than nothing. My best trick? Be persistent. Always throw punchlines and laugh with them. Find a way to connect with them and SMILE. My guy friends always tell me it's easier for women to trick the guards. I say it's a gift for badass women. LOL! :)

L-R Outside of the Mausoleum, Inside of the Mausoleum. Wonderful!

4. UNDERSTANDING WILDLIFE AND ZOO ANIMALS

I am not an animal lover. I've owned a couple of dogs when I was a kid and lovebirds which died because I cannot take care of them. I though animals in the zoo are better than those in the wild. But as I've visited zoo's, theme parks and rehabilitation areas, I soon realize the difference. Seeing those skinny horses used for livelihood in Tagaytay and Baguio breaks my heart. Those sea creatures exposed to camera flash from visitors in Manila Ocean Park concerns me. However, those in the wild are threatened by human activities to it's extinction. Seeing sea turtles released after being rehabilitated for months face the threat of being captured again by poachers and foreign fishers. We have read or seen animal exploitation around the world and we are aware that some of it, are endangered and some were nowhere to be found. Proper regulation needs better implementation. But how can we do it? If United States cannot regulate their own people, how much more my country who is foreign to it's own land?

5. FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE OF THE DESTRUCTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT

In relation to number 4, I've also seen destructed mountains used as mining sites. I've seen a dry river, a dying mountain, a 100 years old tree being logged, and breathing the polluted air. The sad thing about it, we've seen it's effect. We've experienced the rage of our nature and what are we doing about it? What it can still do and how much of it's brunt can we bare?

A dry river in Sta. Cruz, Zambales

2 days after Typhoon Haiyan struck Visayas. This was taken in Panitan, Capiz.

I have a friend who throws his candy wrappers anywhere and when I told him how wrong what he is doing, he just told me that's why there's janitors and highway cleaners to get it. If he won't do it, they will lost their jobs. What a douche! Manners should be a subject.

6. BEING INDEPENDENT

I've always been an independent one. Some of my friends praise me for going alone on a long trip and some will give me a raised eyebrow. Being independent doesn't mean I'm a loner or a hermit. I love being in a large group too while traveling. Some may not understand, but traveling alone gives me peace of mind. I can decide faster which way to go, what food to eat, how to get there and walk in my own pace. I can be whoever I want me to be.

Timubo Cave, Camotes Island in Cebu

7. LOVING THE MOTORCYCLE RIDE

I must say, I can't wait to try it in Bangkok. The experience of riding a motorcycle during tours thrills me than riding inside a comfortable car or whatever four wheel vehicle that might be. With the motorcycle ride, you can take in the view, the breeze of air and the most part the ride itself.

Camotes Island Tour

8. NIGHT MARKETS

While in Baguio, I experienced going into a night market and damn right it's addicting. You can get a really good bargain into almost everything. I bought a nice jacket which cost 50php. Good for the cold days. It's also amazing to observe people from locals to foreigners flock there and haggle. I should check night markets in Hong Kong. :)

9. WALKING ALONE DURING THE NIGHT

It can be creepy and unsafe so I chose where to go and I trust my intuition here. If I feel like it's not a safe place to roam around at night, I don't do it.

View from SM BAGUIO at 1am

and most importantly,

10. DON'T STOP TRAVELING

Traveling isn't just giving yourself a treat from your hard days work. It isn't about wasting your money and time. It's not just for the young and strong, for the rich and famous. It is about you discovering the world, seeing what you need to see, learning, experiencing, breathing, living.

Cute Cloudy Bookshop in Baguio City

Mt. Cloud Bookshop Instagram Post

"Reading will bring you to so many places."

That was what my college professor once told me. Reading books wasn't my hobby. I only read books when necessary such as school stuff and can even survive a year without even visiting a bookstore. But that was until a friend injected me her "bookwormness". I've started reading fiction books last year and soon I understood why people loves to read rather than just wait for it in movie screens. Finishing a 549 pages book is fulfilling and rewarding. There were times it feels different like I trespassed the lives of the characters. That I've been there all along and when the story ends I was transported back to reality and learned things I never knew before. It makes me more aware and conscious in many aspects. And that led me to Mt. Cloud Bookshop.

The prices of the books are a bit luxe (tourist price) but a visit will not harm you. There's also a restaurant beside and a free screening of classic and social related films offered by Sineng Pambansa. Zamboanga was on screen during our visit but with our limited time we skipped it.

2nd Floor

first floor

Hallway from Mt. Cloud to Sineng Pambansa. Artists really live here.

Sampaguita Suites Plaza Garcia Cebu City

I was looking for a cheap hotel to book for a night in early February 2013 for my leisure trip that is near the tourist attractions in Cebu. While browsing the internet I found several good hotels with a very reasonable price but I considered some factors most especially the useful information I got from TripAdvisor and reviews from other blogs.

Sampaguita Suites is perfectly situated in Plaza Garcia just beside the Island Souvenirs Boutique  and a minute walk away from Magellan's Cross, Sto Nino Church, Fort San Pedro, Malacanang of the South, pasalubong stores and food stalls. Another plus is they have a good website and you can book and pay online without hassle.

We arrived at the hotel at exactly 1PM exhausted and tired from our trip in Camotes Island. Since the check-in time is 2PM, we just informed the front desk lady that we arrived already and stored our luggage in their storage then we stroll around the area and eat near the Sto. Nino Church.

After we eat, we head back to the hotel to get some rest. We didn't have any problem with the check-in and the staff are very helpful and welcoming. They always say hi every time they see you.

As for the rooms, we booked a matrimonial room good for 2 persons. The room is very basic with towels, hangers, cabinet, tv and air-condition. They only provide small soap so you should bring your own toothpaste and shampoo. The room was spacious and has a good view from the glass window overlooking the Sto. Nino Church and the City Hall. The room look so dull because of it's lighting set-up. There were no lampshades provided so either you keep the lights open the whole night or keep the television on to have some source of light while sleeping. (I can't sleep if it's too dark)

Another thing is, their website says that they have a wifi connection in rooms but... well that's not the case when we got there. You can only access the wifi when you are in the lobby. So I have to go and stay at the lobby until 12 midnight to check my emails and upload some pictures.

Overall, I will recommend this hotel to those who are not picky. You just get what you pay for but could be better.

Pros:

Near tourist and historical attractions

Cheap Taxi fare to Cebu International Airport (We only paid P198 going to airport)

Access to public transportation

Cons:

P500.00 Deposit Fee (You can get it after you check-out)

Bystanders and people sleeping outside the building at night. (Security on duty 24/7)

Wifi Connection is limited.

For more details about this hotel: Click the link >> Sampaguita Suites

Sugbutel Bed and Bath Review

The hostel is located at Don Carlos A. Gothong Port Centre, a 5 minute walk away from Sm City Ceby. I decided to stay here for a night because of it's location and price. I booked two lower beds in their business class accommodation worth Php 300 each. When we got to the place for check in, it's a bit annoying that the price we already paid was for the beds only. The bedding's and towel were not included and you have to pay another Php 100 for it. I mean, wasn't it suppose to be package because obviously you're there to sleep on that bed.

Another thing that got me annoyed was when we get to the fourth floor; the staff gave us the beddings and the towel. She said that we have to give it back to them when we check out. Shouldn’t they put it on the beds on our designated cubicle and they get it once we check out? Unless that was not the purpose of check-out for them, was it?

Anyway, after we told them about it, they put the beddings and lead us to our cubicle. The beds are comfortable with a safety box and the aircon is good. The place is cozy and if you’re only staying for a night, it will suffice. We were designated in the cubicle near the comfort room which was a good thing. The comfort rooms are clean and there are about 3 toilet cubicle and 3 showers.

4th Floor Lobby

View outside the ground floor lobby

Overall, it’s a good stay for a night and great location if you wanna be near SM City. Taxi and jeepneys are also available in front of the hostel.

Just a tip: Avoid the beds near the cubicle’s door. You can’t sleep that way. Also avoid this place during peak season if you don’t want to ruin your stay. Some people who stays there might not be that considerate to others.

For rates and accommodations, visit there website by clicking here.

Travel Guide in Going to Camotes Island

Update 2014: I was able to exchange messages with Kuya Edu and he says it's good to go in Camotes at this time. :)

From Reclamation Area or SM City Cebu, we drove a jeep (25 or 27) going to North Bus Terminal. We paid 10php for the ride. We went off to North Bus Terminal and we ride a Bus going to Danao Port. Just tell the driver or conductor to drop you off. The fare is Php 40 and less than 40 minutes travel time depending on traffic.

When arriving at the Danao Port, you have to pay Php 180 for Non-Aircon and Php 200 fare for Aircon from Danao Port to Consuelo Port in Camotes. I suggest you go for the Non-Aircon so you can sightsee during the travel. While waiting for our departure, we visited Danao Church just in front of Danao Port to kill our time and pray for a safe travel.

Gate Entrance to Danao Port

Danao Port

Non-Aircon Seats

When the Jomalia Shipping vessel, we were already on queue to get to the ferry. A lot of young Koreans (I guess students) and a few Americans were also on board to go to Camotes. They kind of overpopulated the whole vessel since all you can hear was foreign language. I wonder why these non-nationals know this place and can find time to go there while a lot of Filipino’s aren’t aware that these little heaven exists and as one local Cebuano admitted that they didn’t even try to visit the island themselves.

Please check my photoblog Illumination for more photos.

A Paradise I Found In Cebu

Cebu City is known to be one of the most visited tourist destination in the Philippines situated in Visayas Region. Cebu had played a big part on the Philippine history. It was a cliché (and a reality) to most of my history classes from tertiary to college education as the island in the Philippines where Portuguese National and Spanish conqueror Ferdinand Magellan pitched the first Catholic Cross of the country. Having said that, it’s a place I dreamt to step my foot into.

Luckily I have booked an early ticket seat sale promo by Cebu Pacific. It only cost me Php 1,200 for a roundtrip ticket Iloilo-Cebu-Iloilo flights. I got really fortunate because I was in Roxas City during that time. It is a city in Panay 2 hours away from Iloilo City.

While checking the web for Cebu Things To Do and Itinerary for my 4Days 2Nights Escapade, I found a really fascinating and a must visit paradise in Cebu. The Camotes Island in Consuelo, Cebu City has a virgin white sand beach where you can find peace and a truly relaxing ambiance. Take note that there are a lot of beaches that can be found in Cebu such as in the islands of Mactan, Malapascua and Bantayan to name a few but Mactan beach being the most accessible when you are in Cebu is kind of overrated for me while Bantayan and Malapascua is a bit far. Camotes Island however is just 2 hours away ferry ride from Danao Port, Cebu to Consuelo Port in Camotes. (Instructions on how to getat Camotes Island)

When we (with my mom) arrived at Consuelo Port in Camotes, we were approached by the habal-habal (motorcycle) drivers and asked us where we are headed to. The Santiago Bay Garden and Resort that we were booked was the biggest/well-known/cheapest resort in Camotes (as of my writing). Be aware that there are only a few resort/hotels in Camotes, so you have to book in advance when you are planning to go during peak season. (Accommodation’s in Camotes Island)

The habal-habal driver Kuya Edu offered us a tour in the island. He drove us to our hotel and he waited for us until 2PM for our island tour. We checked in to our room and took lunch at the resort. Food prices are very reasonable and staffs were very accommodating to us contrary to the reviews I’ve read in TripAdvisor. After lunch we take a dip in the beach water since we couldn’t afford not to with the view right in front of us. No offense to Boracay (I used to like it), but this paradise in Cebu brushed my Boracay epitome. With fine white sand like powdered milk, a clean and very clear water where you can see a colony of small fishes even in the bay side, and a not so populated, quiet, peaceful ambiance and virgin island, I definitely found a new place to spend my summer vacations. (The resort is in the beach front with the very breeze of Camotes Island)

After our short water dip, we head out of the resort for our tour. Kuya Edu introduce us the Timubo Cave, Mangodlong Rock Resort (which is a sister resort of Santiago Bay Garden and Resort) Lake Danao, Santiago Baywalk and Agoda Market. The price negotiation was settled immediately without further ado because I’ve already done my research before we got there about their actual pricing. (Transportation in Camotes) This is one of their major sources of income so please stop haggling to help them.

Lake Danao

Lake Danao

Timubo Cave

Timubo Cave is an underground cave that has a crystal clear water. While I was inside, I was like how the hell this thing happened? I’ve never been into a cave with this water as clear as the drinking water. We can’t avoid not to take a dip on the water. A lot of Koreans, Americans and fellow Filipinos were also their enjoying the water.

Fine white sand

The Mangodlong Rock Resort, a sister resort of Santiago Bay Garden and Resort is also a tourist destination with jet skies to enjoy and cottages on top of rocks. It is a must see. If you are staying in Santiago Bay resort, you don’t have to pay for the Php15 entrance fee to enter the place.

Local kid curious what the heck I'm doing. LOL!

Rock Cottage

Mangodlong Rock Resort Top View

After our stunning and unforgettable (and must be back again) experience, we get back to our hotel to take a quick rest and experience the inviting water from the pool overlooking the beach.



Please check my photoblog Illumination.