Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa Palawan

Don't ever leave Puerto Princesa if you haven't been to Honda Bay. All-in-one adventure like Island hopping, swimming, snorkeling, diving and even fish feeding. Perfect site for photography as well by capturing the sunrise or sunset across the blue ocean and white sand. Nice!

How to Get there?
There a couple of ways to go to this island. Just ensure to put into mind that both of these options meet at Barangay Sta. Lourdes Tagbanua

Option 1. Either get a travel agent by just paying them roughly around Php1,500 each person. This includes hotel pick-up, boat rentals, lunch, snorkeling gears and entrance to islands.

Option 2. Explore the island by yourself by just spending Php1,500 together with your group (max of 8). If you have a very tight budget, the second option will definitely save you from harm.

What's in our backpacks?
1. Sunscreen
2. Money (roughly around Php300 each, if you're a group of 8)
3. Swim wear
4. Extra clothes
5. Cap or umbrella
6. Packed Lunch
7. Camera
8. Snacks and Water
9. Aqua Shoes (optional since you can rent this)
10. Snorkeling set (optional since you can rent this)

How much is the Entrance Fee in each Island?
Unfortunately there are fees to some of the islands. But it won't cost you a fortune don't worry.

Canon (Cowrie) Island - Php25
Pandan Island- Php25
Snake Island - FREE
Starfish Island - Php50
Luli (Lulubog-Lilitaw) Island - Php50
Pambato Coral Reef - Php50
Dos Palmas - Php500 for just 20 to 30mins of stay only

Gears Can be Rented as well:

Mask - Php1000
Snorkel - Php540
Mask Strap - Php250
Handle - Php35
Mouth Piece - Php160
Fins - Php1200
Booties - Php600

Can we stay overnight in these islands?
Dos Palmas is the only one that have rooms for rent. Reservation is need. You may Visit Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa for more details.

Related Post:
Puerto Princesa, Palawan Itinerary

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Cebu

Check out the beauty of Plantation Bay Resort and Spa located in Mactan Island Cebu. This resort is considered as 1 of the Top 25 Resorts in Asia according to Conde Nast Traveler. Experiencing this resort is simply 1 of a kind! You won't even think that you're still in the Philippines. High Class facilities meet Customer Oriented Guest Personnel.

You're day starts by riding a tram (ala Night Safari without the animals of course!). While checking out the views, you'll realize eventually that you are already in your hotel. Don't worry, if you're not satisfied with the nature and site tripping, trams are just going around and around the resort.

While in the hotel room, Comfortable is a top of mind. A must needed relaxation is indeed vital in your vacation so don't be shy, ready the tub or feel the soft sheets in your bed. Pamper yourself.

After relaxation, try the nearby beach, lagoon, falls and even jump to a 12-feet high diving rock. That's the best way to get wet!

Other recreations like wall climbing, biking (means of transportation aside from tram), shooting, lawn tennis to name a few. For indoor sport, there's a gym and a game room inside. Choose from a selection of table tennis, billiards and darts. For hard core video gamers, don't worry, a room for Nintendo Wii and Playstation 3 are in place. Not to mention computer areas for those chat and email addicts.

5-star living at its BEST! Try comparing this to other resorts in the Philippines and they will just land as second placer. Simply one of the finest resorts our country can offer.

For more information about Plantation Bay Resort and Spa:

For general inquiries and reservations for individual travelers:
inquiry@plantationbay.com As your email Subject, type: Room inquiry
For amendments to your original reservation:
rsvns@plantationbay.com As your email Subject, type: Reservation Amendments
For travel agency, banquet, conference, and group package inquiries (Cebu office):
sales@plantationbay.com As your email Subject, type: Group inquiry
For travel agency, banquet, conference, and group package inquiries (Manila office):
manilasales@plantationbay.com As your email Subject, type: Group inquiry
For food and beverage inquiries:
fb@plantationbay.com As your email Subject, type: F & B inquiry

Address and Contact Numbers:
Plantation Bay Resort and Spa
Marigondon, Mactan Island
Cebu, Philippines 6015
Tel. + 63 - 32 - 340 5900
Fax + 63 - 32 - 340 5988

Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Located in the small town of Mindoro. Widely popular among beach lovers. Also known as "Puerto" or "Galera" for some. Only 3-5 hours away from Manila. Reach the Batangas City Port whether by car, bus or van. Ride a boat going to Sabang and White Beach. Due to its popularity, little by little, Puerto Galera is getting crowded. Lots of vacationist storm the island like in a "palengke" (wet market). Imagine the shore line during the summer (April - June) with lots of people in it doing their sunbathing, wading the water or even playing with the fine sand (but not white sand).

The best time in Puerto is during the night beach party! Almost all resto-bars have their own unique ways to attract all those party-goers to sit down and experience entertainment and not to mention the more popular "Mindoro Sling". Parental advisory: Tastes like iced tea but kicks like Red Horse. Don't be easily fooled by this drink or else see yourself lying in the sand - unconscious and totally drunk!

One thing noticeable about the place is lack of security. During the wee hours of the night, no police are in sight. During the time that Club Tourists went here, the place that we stayed was opened by thieves! We're suspecting its an inside job. When we rushed in to report to crime, damn, NO POLICE in the site. So we suggest to safeguard all your stuffs before partying.

Anyways, enough of the bad news. One thing that we can boast about Puerto is: listed by the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays In The World, and is the only bay in the Philippines to be listed here. Awesome underwater sites like well maintained coral reefs and numerous diving and snorkelling spots.

Enjoy the blue beach with some adventures like banana boat, jet skiing and wind surfing. Even have a short Hike to Tamaraw Falls. A common favorite among hikers and non-hikers alike. Just a 14KM walk from or 3 hours walk from Sabang.

Better visit Puerto Galera whether during summers and holidays. Not that far to reach. Not that expensive as well. Good for family, group or just dating.

Experience Puerto Galera Now.

How to go to Puerto Galera:
By Car
Drive through the South Luzon Expressway and turn right to Star Tollgate and head to Batangas Pier. Choose between Park or Ride - you may PARK your car in the pier or have your car RIDE in RORO (Roll On, Roll Off)

By Bus
Take any bus that goes to Batangas City pier (via CALABARZON). This is faster since this passes through Star Tollgate. Take bus liners such as Tritran (JAM) in Kamias-Edsa, JAM or BLTB in Kamuning. Fare is around Php 150 bucks

By Boat
When in Batangas City pier, there are lots of boat to white beach that you can choose from. Popular choice is the MV Brian. Fare is Php 140 plus Php 10 bucks terminal fee.

Puerto Princesa Palawan Itinerary

Day 1
2:30PM, ETD Manila
4:00PM, ETA Puerto Princesa Airport
4:30PM, ETA Lola Itang Hotel
5:00PM, Bakers Hill (Must buy: Crinkles, Ube Hopia and Pianono)
6:00PM, Binuatan Weaving Station
7:00PM, Mass at Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral
8:00PM, Public Market for pasalubong
9:00PM, Ka Lui Resto (Must try: Seafood kangkong and Kinilaw na Tuna)
10:00PM, Kinabuch Bar and Grill (Must try: Cheesecake, Tamilok or Mangrove Worm)

Day 2
5:00AM, Wake up call
6:00AM, ETD Lola Itang Hotel
7:00AM, Honda Bay

1. Bat Island
2. Starfish Island (known for its fine white sand and clear water that teems with starfish)
3. Snake Island (an island with a long stretch of fine white sand shaped like a snake)
4. Pandan Island
5. Cannon (Cowrie) Island
6. Lu Li Island ("Lulubog Lilitaw" means Floating-sinking island, depends on the tide)
7. Meara Marina
8. Señorita Island

12:00Noon, City Tour

1. Viet Village
2. Balsahan River
3. Crocodile Farm
4. Butterfly Garden
5. Mitra / Rancho Sta Monica
6. Palawan Wildlife Conservation
7. Palawan Museum
8. Plaza Quartel
9. Baywalk
10. Iwahig Penal Colony
11. Mangrove River (optional)
12. Estrella Waterfalls (optional)

Night, Dinner at Sari's Barrio (Must try: Kare-kare)

Day 3
6:00AM, Wake up call
7:00AM, Coffee at Kamarikutan Ka Kape
8:00AM, Pack-up
8:30AM, ETD Lola Itang Hotel
9:00AM, ETA Puerto Princesa Airport
10:05AM, ETD Puerto Princesa Airport
12:00Noon, ETA Manila



Related Post:
Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa Palawan

Camiguin Island

Considered as one of the Top 25 tourist destinations in the Philippines by Department of Tourism.

Here are the Top 10 places where you can go in the Island of Camiguin. Enjoy!

1. Sto Niño Cold Springs


2. Soda Water Swimming Pool


3. Sunken Cemetery


4. Old Guiob Church (16 Century-old Church)


5. Stations of the Cross


6. Katibawasan Falls


7. Vjandep Restaurant & Bakeshop


8. Ardent Hot Spring


9. Paras Beach Resort


10. White Island


Related Post:
Camiguin Itinerary

Anawangin Cove and Capones Island Itinerary

DAY 1
5:15 - 7:00AM, ETD from Victory Liner to San Antonio
7:00 - 7:30AM, Stop-over at Pampanga (breakfast, buy lunch)
8:30 - 8:45AM, ETA San Antonio; ETD tricycle to Brgy. Pundaquit
8:45 - 9:30AM, ETA Brgy. Pundaquit; ETD boat to Anawangin Cove
9:30 - 11:30AM, ETA Anawangin Cove; Free Time; Prepare Things; Prepare Lunch
11:30 - 12:30PM, Lunch
12:30 - 1:00PM, ETD from Anawangin Cove to Capones Island
1:00 - 5:00PM, ETA Capones Island; swimming, sight seeing
5:00 - 5:30PM, ETD capones to anawangin
5:30 - 6:30PM, ETA Anawangin cove; watch sunset; prepare dinner
6:30 - 7:30PM, Dinner
7:30 - Onwards, Socials

DAY 2
6:00 - 7:00AM, Wake-up call; prepare breakfast
7:00 - 8:00AM, Breakfast
8:00 - 10:00AM, Free time; swimming
10:00-10:30AM, Prepare things; break camp
10:30 - 11:00AM, ETD from Anawangin cove to Pundaquit beach
11:00 - 11:15AM, ETA Pundaquit; ETD tryke to San Antonio
11:15 - 12:15PM, ETA San Antonio; Lunch
12:15 - 3:30PM, ETD from San Antonio to Caloocan
3:30 - Onwards, ETA on your respective destination


Related Post:
Anawangin Cove and Capones Island

Anawangin Cove and Capones Island

Tired of crowded Boracay? or even saturated Puerto Galera? or long hours ride to Pagudpud? Featuring, Anawangin Cove and Capones Island in Zambales.

This is not your typical beach party type of location. Imagine a beach thats surrounded with Pine Trees. Yes, you've read it right. The serenity and calmness of this place gives a relaxing environment that is free from pollution, traffics, work problems and even other disturbances that can be found in the City.

It is considered as a "Place of Escape", NO cellphone signal, NO electricity, NO kitchen and Faucets and even NO Hotels around the vicinity. Imagine a place without all of these necessities... Hassle? Na-aahh... We can say It's an Experience! A place where you can enjoy even doing the old style way of living... Building a tent to sleep on, cooking using woods that you can get in the forest, and even taking a bath on a "Poso".

It is such a wonderful experience to try the old way of living... Anawangin Cove and Capones Island can served as a Camping Style of gathering for Families, Groups and even for Lovers. People can hike in the mountains that surround the place or simply take a boat ride to reach the island.

What's in our Backapacks?

Tent
1500 bucks each
Swim wear
Packed food
Flash light
Toiletries
Sunblock
Camera
Portable Stove with Gas
Pans
Drinks


How to Get There?

From Manila:
Victory Liner offers ride going to Iba Olongapo. Go down to San Antonio then, take a tricycle to Pundaquit for the Boat Ride.
Optional: Either go to Capones Island or directly to Anawangin Cove.

Going Back to Manila:
From Anawangin ride a boat to Pundaquit. Then ride a tricycle to "Bayan" or San Antonio Municipal Highway.

When in San Antonio, small groups can be chance passengers and ride a bus bound to Caloocan, big groups are suggested to ride a bus bound to Olongapo first for sure seats.


How Much is the Fare?

Victory Liner bus from Caloocan to San Antonio Zambales: Php 250
Tricycle to Pundaquit: Php 20 / pax
Boat Ride:
Directly to Anawangin = Php 1000 per boat 5 pax
Anawangin Cove + sidetrip to Capones Island = Php 1200 per boat 5pax
Environmental Fee: Php 20 / day
Reserved place for Tent: Php 100 / day
Bus from San Antonio to Olonggapo: Php 20 / pax
Victory Liner bus to Caloocan: Php 250


What Facilities are Available in the Island?

2 "Poso"
2 cubicles - "old school" type (curious? go see the place!)
2 Dressing rooms
No electricity, so better bring lamps, emergency lights or the like.

FYI:
-Anawangin Cove has a private and public place to camp. For cheaper payment, Club Tourists suggest to stay in the public side since there are no difference at all. Same facilities are offered. The place is also SAFE.
-It is not advisable to camp at Capones Island since there are no care takers to help you with your needs and no comfort room or any facilities at all.
-Club Tourists suggest to have a day tour at Capones and other adjacent islands then camp at Anawangin Cove.
-For those who needs a room rather than sleeping in a tent, Hotels are available along Pundaquit.

Who to Contact for Assistance?

Assistance includes:
Boat Ride going back and forth to the island
Reservation of place to build your tents
Island assistance like extra drinking water, ice or lamps

Please Contact Max at 09092546470
Note: You can contact him on weekdays since he's in the island during weekends. As it is described above, when in the island, there is no cell phone signal.

For more pictures of our trip, feel free to visit our multiply site at http://deanavic.multiply.com/


Related Post:
Anawangin Cove and Capones Island Itinerary

Lago de Oro, Batangas City - Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding in a much accessible place? Lago de Oro can cater your cravings for this type of sport. It is just located in the heart of Calatagan Batangas.

We went there in a day trip to cut our expense. Anyways, we just really wanted to learn how to wakeboard... that simple.

Whats in our Backpacks?
2000 each

Sunblock

Board shorts and swimsuits

Videocam and Digicam

Extra clothes


How to Get There?
For Commuters:

Calatagan Vans are available beside Metropoint Mall in Pasay City beside Edsa MRT. This will cost you 200-250 bucks going there.

For Non-Commuters:
- From Manila using coastal road pass through Tagaytay and go straight towards Nasugbu. Upon reaching "Y" junction just after Un-Oil Gast Station (right side) turn RIGHT. After passing Sugar Mill turn LEFT on "T" junction with Shell Gasoline Station on the left corner. Pass through Lian towards Calatagan. LAGO DE ORO is on the right side of the highway in Balibago, Calatagan

- From Makati using the South Super Hi-way, take exit at Sta. Rosa, turn RIGHT and go straight, pass through Tagaytay towards Nasugbu. Upon reaching "Y" junction just after Uni-Oil Gast Station (right side) follow the directions above (From Manila Bound)



How Much is the Fare?
Riding a bus from Pasay to Calatagan would cost you Php 250-300 only

Water Sports Time Tickets:

1 Hour Php 400

Morning Session (930-1230) Php 900
Afternoon Session (1330-1630) Php 900

AM & PM Session Php 1,386
Beginners Ticket Php 480
Early Opening or Late Closing - Can be arranged upon request

Where to Stay?

Lago de Oro has 26 hotel units with complete facilities.
Room Rates include:
Single / Double sharing Php 4,840
Driver / Maid's Bed Php 630
Extra Person in Room Php 726
Children under 12 yrs old - free of charge

What to Do?
Waterski or wakeboarding by cable ski system
Swimming in the pool or in the sea
Walking/jogging around the ski lake (1 km)
Playing volleyball/basketball
Playing indoor games such as billiards, darts, cards andtable tennis
Reading book at the library
Watching movies/sports/news by dream satellite TV
Relax and enjoy having massage using sandalwood oil from Western Australia
Fishing in the sea or lake
Rent a balsa and relax while having your lunch on the sea
Rent a boat and see the coastlines natural beauty
Snorkelling
Experience feeding sheep and lambs


Itinerary (Day Tour)
(Note: This is suitable to those living in Manila)

7:00AM, Ride GT Express FX in Terminal in Pasay Rotonda, beside Sogo Hotel
9:00AM, ETA Tagaytay Crossing, Ride Bus going to Lian Batangas
10:00AM, ETA Lian Batangas, Go down to BPI Lian and wait for Bus going to Calatagan
11:00AM, ETA Lago de Oro, Calatagan Batangas
5:00PM, ETD Lago de Oro, take BLTB or CROW Bus to Pasay

For more details about Lago de Oro, visit http://www.lago-de-oro.com/