There are many good things to do in the strawberry farm, one of which is strawberries, this work is really suitable for children and adults. Secondly, many are selling strawberry-made ice cream, many are also selling jackets, bonnets, tshirts, shorts, rattan made bags and food delicacies of Baguio.
Burnham park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the summer
capital of the philippines, many more can be done here. like cycling,
bicycle rental costs 40 per hour. Riding boats can cost 150 pesos per hour but it is a must try experience in baguio also you do running or jogging every morning.
Every morning there are also many people dancing to Zumba. There are also
many couples, families dating here.
There is plenty of work to do in wright park, riding a horse cost 200 – 300 pesos per hour but it is worth it and once in a lifetime experience, also you can chill out in the park there and also take pictures in the nice place and flowers,
can take a picture of a dog that is really good for young people as well
as for other adults. In front of it you can see The Mansion House…
Though the rules are very strict while entering the only the front of it but its a must visited place because aside from it is the house of the president of the Philippines here in the north but also it is close to Wright Park. I must say that taking pictures here is an honor because it is not usual in other country to take pictures with a government property. There is alsoalot of seller outside selling souvenirs that are perfect pasalubongs and also soy milk with sweetened strawberry jam and tapioca balls aside from that they also sell soy milk.
Picking fresh strawberries is one of the most awesome experiences on the outskirts of Baguio. It is a fun activity for your family, especially for the kids.
The Strawberry Farm is located in the nearby town of La Trinidad, Benguet, about less than 10 kms away or 30 minutes travel time from the center of Baguio. The strawberry picking season is from November to May. You don’t have to reserve slots, but the best time to go is in the morning, when there’s not a lot of people yet. We went during the peak season of the Panagbenga Festival — and the crowd was still manageable.
The Strawberry Farm also produces other fruits and vegetables, but most people just go to pick strawberries. They say that this farm has the best sunset view in La Trinidad Valley. The natural flowing water around the farm is used to water the strawberries.
You can opt to have a guide who will give you a basket and assist you in picking the ripe fruits. The strawberry is the only fruit with seeds on the outside. It grows very close to the ground and is a member of the rose family.
It is easy to detect the ripe ones because of their bright red color. Even kids can do it! The strawberries are very colorful and sweet. It felt very romantic to pick them with our own hands. You can succumb to the temptation to eat it and taste for yourself if it’s really sweet.
Strawberries are very delicate, so there’s a lot of wastage from casual pickers (including the ones that people eat). This is the reason why the cost/kilo of strawberries in the farm is almost doubled.
The retail price in the strawberry farm is P300 per kilo versus the market price of P100-P150/kilo. But you can negotiate it down to P250/kilo.
I could still remember the last time I traveled to Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos, Pangasinan.
I was a newbie TV producer then for a major network. I did a story about a coastal clean-up and mangrove planting in Alaminos, and we had a sidetrip to the Hundred Islands. It was my first time and I would love to enjoy the islands and the beach, but I was too focused with work. I had so many things to do and coordinate that I almost forgot the beauty that surrounded me.
I directed the shoot with volunteers from a school there while they were planting mangroves on the wide shores of Alaminos. Interviewed people about the environment implications of the depleting mangroves in the area, and how the “planting” activity can help the community in the years to come. Honestly, I had that strange feeling that the story was just a show-off, I just hoped that the seedlings that we planted will really have a positive impact in the years to come, that the plants were nurtured and we genuinely instilled care for environment for the locals.
Later that night, I interviewed the Mayor of the town. He was very accommodating. I didn’t quite understand why we need to interview a politician for a mere story of mangrove planting. I just made the interview interesting. I tried hard to infuse some depth in the conversation like “What are their plans and projects to protect the environment, to protect Hundred Islands.
We had our dinner then traveled back to Manila. Upon arrival to the office, my team of cameramen went home to finally rest. While me, I still had to write the script and endure a non-stop 3 day of editing until the story is ready for airing.
Yes, I traveled to Hundred Islands that time, but I couldn’t remember any significant memories about the trip. I felt empty.
After a long time, probably about 8 years ago, I traveled back to Alaminos, Pangasinan.
Back to Hundred Islands
Welcome!
The place looked better and more organized. Even the port itself, they also have a better system for boat queueing for the island hopping. But the 50 pesos additional rental for the life jacket is funny though. They said, the life vest were free, but if you’re going to use it outside the boat to roam around the island, you need to pay rental fee of 50 pesos.
They also have this plastic floating bridge to make the boarding to the boat a little less stressful. A few minutes off the shore, I discovered that some islands have this same floating bridge. The place has really changed after all these years.
It has more than 123 islets but 4 are developed for tourists to enjoy namely Governors Island, Marcos Island, Children’s Island and Quezon Island. There are other islands that are starting to be developed but these 4 are the major attractions as of now.
Our first stop was the Governors Island, probably one of the largest islands in the national park. These are actually like two islands connected with a plastic floating bridge in orange color. Eloi and I crossed the bridge, took some photos and explored the beach on the other side of the island.
We were back on the boat, and passed some of the famous islands like Romulo island, Turtle and Scout islands among others, until we stayed for a few minutes of swimming at Marcos Island.
Most of our travel buddies decided to explore the cave on the island, but us, maybe due to being a Tito and Tita of Manila, decided to chill at the beach.
We just sat there, enjoying the place, talking about anything. Later that afternoon, we then transferred to Quezon island, to kill some time before going back to the mainland.
Quezon Island probably has the best sand among the islands there. It’s white and powdery. We went up to the third floor of one house there just to eat. There was no more option in terms of food, so I just bought some cup noodles.
We ate for a few more minutes and watched the sunset.
Chill
It was nice feeling coming back to Hundred Islands. It brought back a lot of memories from my first visit, but still I was able to see the place in a new light, maybe because there are a lot of changes that happened in the course of more than 8 years.
We went back to the mainland and surprised by the awesome Christmas lights and decorations on the park. My travel friends were joking that we were in Disneyland. There were so much lights that it in a way uplifted our emotions. Traveling can sometimes be tiring but it recharges, reenergizes your soul to move forward. Whatever circumstances that you’re in, get up and explore further.
How to get to Hundred Islands
There are now so many options and bus companies that offer daily trips to Alaminos, but probably the most popular is Victory Liner in Cubao. This is where we usually ride the bus going north of the country, whether its Baguio or Pangasinan. Fare is about Php 400
Once you arrived in Alaminos, ask for the Lucap Terminal. That’s where you’ll find tricycles going to Lucap Wharf or now called Don Gonzalo Montemayor Wharf, which is the jump-off for island hopping. Fare is Php 15 per person, but it will not leave until its full. As an alternative, you may charter the tricycle for Php 100. Lucap Wharf has improved tremendously over the past years. The last time I was in Alaminos, this was just a usual port with the Hundred Islands structures and letters on it. Now it is filled with buildings and a Tourism Office.
Please be reminded that there is like an entrance fee of Php 300 each, and Environmental fees of Php 40 pesos for Day tour and Php 80 for overnight.
Going to Hundred Islands by Car?
Road trips by having your own car or a rented van is definitely much better than public transport right? Going to Pangasinan is a lot easier these days because of SCTEX, then take the Luisita, Tarlac Exit and go for the route to Camiling. From Camiling, you will pass through the towns of San Clemente, Mangatarem, Aguilar, Bugallon, Labrador and Sual before finally arriving in Alaminos. By the way, Waze is also helpful.
There are also some Tour Companies that offer travels to hundred islands, just check events on Facebook and check their itinerary.
From Clark, Pampanga to Alaminos, Pangasinan
From Clark International Airport, take a jeepney going to Dau Central Bus Terminal. Then ride a bus going to Alaminos.
From Manaog to Hundred Islands in Alaminos
You have the option of either riding a van or bus going to Dagupan. Once you’re in Dagupan, ride another PUV to Alaminos. Then another tricycle to the Lucap Wharf as jump-off to Hundred Islands.
From Dagupan to Hundred Islands
Going to Alaminos from Daguan is roughly about more than hour of bus ride. You can also ride a van. Once in Alaminos, it’s just a tricycle away to Lucap Wharf.
From Baguio to Hundred Islands
Baguio as a highly-urbanized city has more options going to Alaminos, either bus or van. Once you arrive in Alaminos, you know what to do. Ride a tricycle to Lucap Wharf.
Things to do in Hundred Islands
As a summer destination perfect for family and friends, there are a lot of activities to do in Hundred islands from relaxing on the beach to those extreme adventures. Here are some of these to choose from as well as the prices.
Island Hopping – Popular for having more than 100 islands and islets, island hoping is one of the most popular activities to do. Though we can’t explore all islands, it is still an amazement to see those little islands scattered and overlooking the vast ocean. There are actually islands that are good for tourism that you can explore via the standard island-hopping tour like Governor’s Island, Quezon Island, Marcos Island and Children’s Island. Price of the island hopping depends on the type of boat and of course the number of passengers. Day tour costs from 1,400 PHP to 2000 PHP for 5 to 15 passengers. For a Two- Day tour the price is ranging from 3,000PHP to 5,000PHP for 5 to 15 people. This is subject to change so better contact the Alaminos Tourism office to be sure.
If you happen to avail the Two Day tour, of course you’ll be able to explore more islands like Romulo Island, Lopez Island, Turltle Island and a lot more!
Swimming – Of course this is an old time favorite activity during summer. Hundred Island has lots of awesome beaches and islands to go swimming like Governor’s Island, Quezon Island and Children’s Island.
Kayaking – There are definitely more adventure awaits in Hundred Islands and one of these is Kayaking! For as low as 250 pesos per hour good for 2 persons you can explore the islands. Of course, make sure you have proper safety gears like life vest.
Snorkeling – Hundred islands is also home of rich marine life especially the giant clams. When I was still a TV producer and we did a story in Hundred Islands, I remember seeing a lot of giant clams and these are being taken care of by the local government. For only PHP 250 you can rent snorkeling gear and witness the beauty of hundred islands under water.
Banana Boat – This favorite family and barkada bonding is also available in Hundred Islands for only PHP 1,500 for 7 persons.
Jet Ski – This exciting water activity is only 2000 pesos for 30 mins.
Parasailing – When you’re enjoying Hundred Islands you’ll definitely witness some tourists doing parasailing. Another exciting adventure for everyone. This costs PHP 2000.
Zipline – Yes, there is a zipline in Hundred Islands which can be found at Governor’s Island and Quezon Island for PHP 100 to PHP 250.
Where to stay in Hundred Islands
More and more travelers are opting for an overnight stay in Hundred Islands, camping style! But for some especially if you travel with kids, it is recommended to just do a day tour and stay at some hotels and accommodation in Alaminos.
If you don’t want to stay in Alaminos and would rather feel the hundred island vibes, you can stay on the islands by renting cottages, this can be either closed cottage or open. But of course, If you want to stay overnight, staying in a closed cottage gives you more security and privacy. Price may vary from PHP 1,000 overnight for cottage to PHP 5,000 for a guest house. This can be either from Governor’s island or Children’s Island. You can also rent a tent ranging from PHP 500 to PHP 1000 depending on the size of the tent. If you have your own tent, camping fee is PHP 250.
These price is subject to change so it would be better to contact the Alaminos Tourism Center in advance just to be sure of the charges. 09209004470 or email alaminoscitytourism@gmail.com
Once you arrived there, the first thing that you have to do is go straight to the Tourism Office to assist you properly and also to ensure that you are transacting with the right people. There is a standard fee for all island hopping tours and other services, so it is better to coordinate with them.
Where to eat in Hundred islands? Nothing to worry. Now, the place has enough carinderias and restaurants to choose from. If you want more choices, you can go to the town proper, you can find fast food chains there.
You know the drill for DIY. It is better to travel at night to avoid crowd and traffic. Go to the bus terminal and catch the earliest trip.
The best time to travel to Hundred Islands is during summer. But of course, starting November or December is fine, just check the weather and make sure there’s no typhoon.
During island hopping, make sure you have enough water, and food also.
For rates for other water activities, please also coordinate with the Tourism Office.
If you have enough time, you can do a sidetrip to Cabongaoan Beach in Burgos, Pangasinan or in Bolinao. To maximize your time, it is better to leave Manila as early as 1AM to arrive in Alaminos early morning.
You can buy souvenirs in the nearby stores around the Wharf or go directly to the Tourism Office.
Day tour starts at 6:00AM until 5:30AM only. If you wish to stay overnight in the islands, you’re only allowed to leave Lucap Wharf until 6:30PM only. Camping fee is Php 250 per night. You can bring your own tent, but if you don’t have, you can rent for Php 500. The main camping site is Quezon island.
Always be a responsible traveler. Leave no trace always. Bring all your garbage back to the mainland and do a proper disposal.
Mobile signal and Internet are available in the Hundred Islands National park
There is one ATM at the Tourist Information Center. You can also check more ATM at the town proper. But please be reminded that payment for services are on cash basis. So bring enough cash, okay?
Why you should visit Hundred Islands
It has always been a fascination as a kid to someday visit Hundred Islands. As a popular destination featured in our textbooks at school, you don’t have any idea how excited I was when I first traveled to hundred islands. But sadly, the stress and pressure of my work then as a TV producer ruined all the excitement. It’s not really possible to enjoy a place while visiting it because of work.
Good thing after so many years, I’ve got a chance to go back and enjoy the place purely of the sole purpose of travel. I can say that one must visit hundred islands not only because it is an awesome summer getaway but to personally satisfy your curiosity about this place. Yes, there are roughly about a hundred islands (123 to be exact) there but only a handful can be visited, but the view of those islets when you do the island hopping is of course fascinating. So if you’ll have the time and budget, Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan is a must place to visit, especially during summer!
In the south of the Philippines is an island entirely covered with palm trees. It boasts the best waves in the country and attracts surfers from all over the world. It also happened to be my home for the last month of 2017. Siargao was my island home for 35 days. I adventured on land and sea to create this bucket list of tourist spots in Siargao. While the island is known as a surfing hotspot there are so many awesome things to do in Siargao that don’t involve the waves. Here is the ultimate Siargao bucket list!
30 Awesome Things to do in Siargao
#1 Surf some waves!
This list of things to do in Siargao has to begin with the surf, it is after all the surfing capital of the Philippines. Siargao hosts the ‘Cloud 9 Surfing Cup’ each September, an official WSL Pro event. It also boasts waves almost all year-round, similar to surfing hotspots like Oahu, Hawaii.
The beauty of surfing on Siargao is that there is a surf break for all levels. Personally, I suck at surfing so I hit up the beginner waves at Jacking Horse. I did enjoy watching the seasoned surfers tearing up the bigger waves out at Cloud 9.
If the waves aren’t rolling in nicely at the beach breaks you can pay $4-5 USD to ride a boat out to an island break less than an hour from Siargao and surf the afternoon away in the middle of the ocean.
These are some of the popular surf breaks in Siargao and what you can expect at each of them.
Cloud 9: This is the most famous surf break on Siargao and has some nice barrels. We spent many mornings watching the experts carve it up from the three-story hut that sits out over the water.
Jacking Horse: The most accessible beginner wave on the island. A great spot for learning how to catch a wave but often crowded with surf lessons and it has a strong tide. Lots of paddling if you aren’t a gun. Some of the local longboarders tear it up here!
Stimpys: A consistent left-hander, which is a great place for short-boarders to have a little fun.
Pacifico: Although its a long drive (up to an hour) from General Luna, at Pacifico, you will find some of the biggest surf on Siargao.
Rock Island: Take the boat out for a fast-moving right-hander. Best for experienced surfers.
Guyan (Secret Beach): Head on past the trespassing signs and enjoy small rolling waves great for beginners. It’s about 30 minutes from General Luna.
If you don’t surf there are still plenty of things to do in Siargao! I only surfed three times in Siargao during the whole month. If you are wondering what to do in Siargao if you aren’t a surfer this list has got you covered.
#2 Cloud 9 Pier
One of my favorite things to do in Siargao was to wake up for sunrise and chill out on the end of the Cloud 9 pier. Sometimes surfers were tearing it up and watching that was awesome. Other times I watched the sun slowly rise in the distance. Hardly anyone wakes up to head out there except for a few others, quietly enjoying the start of the day at Cloud 9. If you had out here for sunset you will find yourself sharing the hut at the end of the pier with quite the crowd. It doesn’t get the perfect sunrise or sunset due to its location but it’s one of your best bets if you are in General Luna. I wrote a full blog post about the best sunsets spots on Siargao best sunsets spots on Siargao.
#3 Magpungko Rock Pools
Magpupungko Rock Pools on Siargao Island are one of the most popular things to do and easily my favorite day trip on the island. Just a 45-minute moped drive from the main tourist area of General Luna, the rock pools are exposed at low tide and are an awesome spot for hours of exploring and cliff jumping.
The crystal clear blue water had me speechless. This is an epic little area, with coves, caves, and cliff jumping spots aplenty. There are multiple spots to get your backflip on if you are into a bit of a jump. I advise wearing water shoes or just regular shoes like me as the rocks are very jagged and sharp to climb.
Tayangban Cave Pool was one of the highlights of my many adventures throughout Siargao. It was one of the best caving experiences I have had in Asia. For 15 minutes you swim and float in darkness, only aided by torches. Bats fly around you until you finally emerge to the open cave pool where you can cliff jump from seven meters.
Immediately after descending through the opening, we were chest deep in water. We swam through the dark caves, guided by a solitary torch. From time to time bats swooped down on us and eerie noises shot out from the distance. The water was mostly chest height so you could walk through in most sections if you prefer.
The cave opened up after fifteen minutes with a huge archway that helped to breach the darkness and welcome us back to the sunlight. It was then just a short swim to the open pool, which is the end of the tour. Many people call it a day here but there is a cliff jump spot into the 18ft deep water. That was a big bonus for us and made it one of our favorite places to visit in Siargao!
This is a spot you will likely drive to without even planning on it. On the way to destinations like Pacifico, Tayangban Cave Pool or Mapgpupungko Rock Pool you will pass through an area we called ‘top of the road’. I’m not sure if this is a local/official name or something we came up with.
It’s halfway to Magpupungko and you will know when you have arrived. You will veer around a sharp corner and all of a sudden be looking out over thousands of coconut palms. I think we pulled over almost every time we came here to check it out.
One morning we came for sunset. Even though it is not a spot to see the sun come over the horizon, the colors were so beautiful as the light slowly broke out over the palms. We did have to wake up at 4 in the morning for that mission. Sunset in the palms is nice and at both sunrise and sunset, you can get some light rays shooting through the palms!
#6 Sugba Lagoon
Sugba Lagoon is one of the most popular things to do on Siargao. It’s a short day trip from General Luna, Siargao to a spectacular lagoon surrounded by epic mountains. The day trip costs around 1500 pesos (30 USD) per person or more if you book it in the tourist are of General Luna. However, we managed to find a way to get to Sugba Lagoon for 300 pesos (5 USD) per person.
Despite being a recommended as one of the popular Siargao tourist spots, Sugba Lagoon isn’t overcrowded such as spots like Kayangan Lake in Coron. You won’t have the lagoon to yourselves but it’s a big enough area to find your own piece of paradise to chill, take photos and hang out. It is a 4000-hectare sanctuary, which you will enjoy on the drive in as well as while you hang out in the main lagoon. Activities at Sugba Lagoon include renting a big wood raft, SUP boards, diving board, swimming and relaxing in the cafe.
There are so many awesome things to do in Siargao Island but one of the most popular activities is to get off the island and go island hopping from Siargao. There are three beautiful islands only a short long-tail boat trip away from General Luna, which is the tourist part of Siargao. Guyam Island, Daku Island, and Naked Island are the three stops along the tour, which includes pick-up, drop-off, and a seafood lunch.
Guyam Island is a tiny island covered in palms. You can walk from one side to the other in about 50 steps! It’s a beautiful little Oasis!
Daku Island is the biggest island of the tour and a great place for a swim and lunch. Small huts line the beach, perfect for chilling in the shade and enjoying a seafood banquet!
Naked Island is a small sandbar, which earned its name by literally just being sand. A few bits of grass are growing on it now but it is a great little stretch to hang out with mates!
Heading up to TakTak waterfall in Santa Monica is a full- day adventure to the north part of the island. From General Luna, the waterfall is 1.5-hour drive but is well worth the effort. We enjoyed the waterfall to ourselves. Cliff jumping, tree jumping, and exploration to the top of the falls were the highlights of the adventure. It’s one of the less touristy things to do in Siargao. It’s the only waterfall on Siargao but a pretty damn cool one!
The first thing I noticed at Alegria Beach on Siargao was the white sand and crystal clear water. Coconut palms lined the beach. It could have been a postcard. This wasn’t one of the popular Siargao tourist spots with just a few locals hanging back on the grass behind the beach. It is quite a long drive to Alegria Beach from General Luna. It can take about an hour driving.
There is quite a bit of reef at this beach but there is still water deep enough to swim in, which isn’t too common on Siargao. One of the hardest things to do in Siargao is to find a beach where you can swim without being near a reef. Alegria isn’t perfect but you can get fully submerged in parts without stepping on sharp rocks.
In the very north of the island is one of the least touristy things to do in Siargao. In the town of Santa Monica is a huge pier. We headed out here after a day of visiting Alegria Beach and Tak Tak Falls. Siargao isn’t the best island for sunsets as the main Siargao tourist spots don’t really face west at the sun. However, this is one spot where you can watch the sun drop down over the horizon on the ocean.
Sitting out on the end of the pier, we watched as the fisherman packed up after a day of work and chatted with a few young kids. The drive back to General Luna in the dark isn’t too fun but we stopped halfway in the dark, turned off our moped lights. It was then that we were blown away by the epic blanket of stars. It was the best starscape I have seen in my entire life! Fireflies buzzed around us and we couldn’t have been more grateful to be on Siargao in those moments!
#11 Shaka Cafe Smoothie Bowls
This is not a food blog but there are a few spots that will make it on this list you need to try! Shaka is the standout and an obligatory acai bowl is in order from this chill little cafe right by Cloud 9 surf break. With lots of different smoothie bowl options, you can’t go wrong especially with a coffee included for $6 USD. Not a bad way to kickstart your day! Don’t forget to upload a photo of your bowl to Instagram because these bowls are works of art.
#12 Pacifico Beach
It may seem like a long drive but a visit to Pacifico beach is one of the things to do in Siargao that you will not regret. Far away from the crowded waves of Jacking Horse in General Luna, Pacifico gives you that North Shore, Oahu small surf town feel. A few resorts and homestays are nestled in the dense palm trees that line the pristine stretch of beach that is Pacifico.
The drive towards and past Pacifico is beautiful with winding roads leading you along the coast and in and out of palm tree forests.
#13 Beach Clean-up
Halfway through my stay on Siargao, I received an invite on Instagram from @thesuncrew.
The Sun Crew is an organization in Pacifico that has over 40 registered kids who they help in a number of ways. Some of the kids stay with The Sun crew, others came and hang out and do activities. Each weekend they organize a beach clean-up at 9 am on Saturday to help keep Pacifico Clean. More importantly, the kids learn early on that rubbish can have a negative impact on the environment and keeping it clean is instilled in them at an early age.
After the beach clean-up, the kids have a surf and a big lunch, which is kind of the reward for the clean-up, although they had just as much fun running around picking up the trash with us!
This was just one big family and was one of my favorite things to do in Siargao. Thanks so much to The Sun Crew for inviting us and to the 40+ kids for making us laugh for four hours straight.
#14 Hit up one of the nightly parties!
We didn’t party too hard on Siargao but we ventured out into the nightlife four or five times in the month. One of the most popular things to do in Siargao is to surf during the day and party at night then repeat that every day for the entire trip.
The bars in Siargao actually have a cool system that works well for the partiers but also the clubs. Each night is a different venue and the bars share the nights of the week. If you feel like partying just ask anyone where the party is at that night. They will give you the pre-pre location, pre-location and the actual party, which will kick off around 11 pm.
Bravo, Rum Bar and Viento seem to be the popular picks throughout the week but hands down you can’t leave Siargao until you have had the ‘Jungle’ experience. Each Friday night there is a wooden shed with open walls that fill to max capacity and becomes one hell of a party. During the day it looks like a place you would keep your horses but come Friday night you don’t want to be anywhere else!
#15 Secret Beach
I mentioned this spot earlier in the surfing section but I think it deserves its own bullet point. Secret Beach or Guyan Beach is about 30 minutes drive from General Luna. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see 20 motorbikes with surf racks parked in the middle of nowhere on the side of the road. You’ll need to walk through the palm jungle for about 15 minutes up and down a few hills until you will reach the coast. Here you will find a small surf break with good intermediate waves.
The walk to the beach is reason enough to visit but this whole experience just exudes island vibes.
#16 Dapa Town
While it might not be high on your agenda of things to do in Siargao, to visit the main town of the island, I always like to check things like that out. In Dapa you will get to see Siargao life beyond the tourists. We did some grocery shopping here, had to visit the pharmacy (none in General Luna), left from Dapa port to visit Socorro and had lunch here on the way up north several times. Life on Siargao is pretty relaxed whether by the surf or not.
Tip: We had a burrito and shake at the Mexican place in Dapa for $1.50 USD. No complaints.
#17 Sunset at the Secret Mangrove Wharf
Just before you reach Del Carmen, a small town in the northeast of Siargao you will unknowingly pass one of the best sunset spots on the island. This is one of my favorite things to do in Siargao and each time I visited this magic spot I was the only tourist around.
The wharf extends out towards the mangroves which are the focal piece of the view along with the perfectly still water. When we first saw this water so still, we knew it would be an amazing spot for a colorful reflection if the sunset blew up. We were in luck.
A local took us out in a small boat and we also sent the drone up on every occasion we visited this spot. From the sky, this complex mangrove system only gets more and more epic.
It’s not a common thing to do in Siargao but it was one of my favorite spots in the region. Corregidor Island is about 30 minutes by longtail boat from General Luna. It isn’t normally included in the daily island-hopping trips. Often it is a stand-alone adventure with resorts like Kermit offering tours to Corregidor.
On Corregidor, a small number of locals live in the village. Beautiful beaches cover every inch of coastline. It is one of the few islands in the area, which has an elevation. This means hiking. we hiked to the top of Corregidor, which is covered in long grass and palms. It’s a landscape you don’t see very often.
#19 Join a local Karaoke Party
It pains me to say this because Karaoke almost drove me insane a few times in Siargao. When a local family has a birthday or just feels like it, they fire up the karaoke machine and settle in for a 12-hour jam session. This involves some bangers and great vocals, although the majority of the day is often a very loud, off-key blasting, which you are hopefully not next door to.
The most important part is that the Filipinos love karaoke and they fire up the machine at any chance. Filipinos also love welcoming people to share in their fun, food, and family so don’t be surprised if you get invited in or find a way to invite yourself in if you are similar to some of my friends.
We spent a couple of nights hijacking a local family’s karaoke party and I watched as my friends slaughtered some classic tunes in a way that made me never want to hear those songs again. It’s always a great laugh and a good chance to hang out with some locals and get beyond the language barrier with the help of some classic anthems!
#20 Watch the Sunset at Cloud 9 Pier
I mentioned earlier in this post that the Cloud 9 pier can get a little busy at night but it’s all relative. You will have space to sit down on the edge of the hut and watch as the pastels in the sky burn and slowly dim. Watch the last surfers retire from the waves below as the sky darkens.
#21 Chill Sessions at Kermit Restaurant
Hanging out at Kermit was one of my favorite things to do in Siargao. The breakfast wasn’t necessarily cheap but for $5 USD you got a choice from french toast, a big bowl of fresh fruit, bacon, and eggs etc. Also included was a coffee and a fruit smoothie. Pretty decent value if you ask me.
The Wifi on Siargao is pretty unreliable all over the island. Kermit wasn’t perfect but it was always a good place to start the endless wifi search. Out the back, they have a few pull-up bars and a slack line. We tried very hard to learn to slackline but that shit is hard! My mate and I would work out on the bars at Kermit and then jog the 3 kilometers down to Cloud 9 for sunset. Island life!
Kermit is a chill resort and it looked like the place I would want to stay if I wasn’t a tightass budget backpacker!
#22 Visit Sohoton Cove in Socorro
Our favorite day on Siargao… wasn’t actually on Siargao. We island hopped on the ferry from Dapa and then a few small boats to Socorro then Sohoton Cove.
We visited so many cool spots in one day that I will list each one individually:
Blue Lagoon (Titikan Lagoon)
Water so blue it reminded me of Kawasan Falls. I don’t understand how something can be so milky blue right next to crystal clear water around the corner. We arrived at the Blue Lagoon and took a short tour in a private boat up and down the lagoon. It’s similar to the lagoons in El Nido.
Tip: this is the most epic place to drone from. You won’t see it until you are in the air!
Crystal Cave
Venture deep into this epic cave system. I mean really deep. We walked several hundred meters into the cave with our guide. Watch out for stalagmites and bats. You can also squeeze down a small tube for several hundred meters. It’s so tight that we all came out covered in mud! This is not one for claustrophobes!
Hagukan Cave
This was the craziest damn cave ever! To start with you swim in an entire way to the back, which extends over 30m. Once inside Hagukan Cave, if you splash the water you will soon discover why this is labeled as the luminescent cave. The water will glow electric blue as you splash. We were like a big bunch of kids splashing about, fascinated by the glow!
Magkuku-ob Cave
We thought the Hagukan Cave would be by far the best cave and the highlight of the day but shortly after we visited Magkuku-ob Cave. You swim into the cave then climb up into the cave before emerging at a 5-meter cliff jump back into the lagoon where you began! What an adventure spot this is.
Club Tara Resort Diving Board
Our tour guide parked the bought at a pier to a bit of a random looking resort. However, it had a 5-meter diving board. They knew us too well. 30 flips and crash-landings later my head was full of water and we had the best time! Definitely, try and stop here if your guide is up for it.
Behind the resort is a huge lake, which I am having trouble locating the name of. Definitely, make the five-minute walk over the hill to check out how peaceful it is.
Sunset in Sohoton
Finally, you should end your day on a beach or in your boat like us, enjoying this epic region as the sky lights up. We were blessed with an absolute belter of a sunset. Fiery red marked the end of the best day ever!
#23 Go Cliff Jumping in Siargao
Siargao is a small island in the Philippines that from first glance may seem to have no cliff jumping opportunities and maybe cliff jumping is just not of the things to do in Siargao. In fact, when I first arrived I thought there would be no jumping for my next 30 days on the island. Throughout our adventures, during the month we ended up finding quite a few spots ranging from 3m to 8m.
We had a month to try the good, the bad and the not so good. We were on a budget so the price is just as important as taste to us. These were our favorite budget eats:
Miguels: Awesome burritos and tacos for $1.50 in General Luna. Prepared quick and goes down great with a San Miguel Beer.
Ronaldo’s: It’s the local favorite. They serve just about any food but the best is the bbq chicken which they do out the front on the bbq. It takes forever to get your food but its pretty cheap and very good quality. Go with a group of friends and hang out for quite a while before you get your food! A chicken curry is only $2 to give you an idea of the price.
Aventinos: After a long day of adventuring you don’t always want to wait an hour at Ronaldo’s. When we wanted something quick and cheap we headed to Aventinos pizza. It’s super cheap and you can get a huge pizza for as low as $2.50 and obviously more expensive with different toppings.
There are quite a few more but those were our three go-to cheap spots to eat in Siargao.
#25 Go Off-Road on Random Roads into the Jungle
The beauty of Siargao is that is so raw and the island atmosphere is so real! General Luna is touristy but 90% of the island is not touristy at all. Jump on your moped and go for a drive. Turn off onto some random dirt tracks during golden hour and watch the light rays shine through the palms as you get eaten alive by mosquitoes. Getting lost in the jungle was one of our favorite things to do in Siargao during golden hour.
#26 Shoot Photos on Siargao’s Most Epic Road
At either sunrise, sunset or just whenever head down just pass ‘Top of the Road’ and you will be on a long stretch of road. Coconut palms line this road and it’s not til you send a drone up that you will fully understand how awesome this road is. If you don’t fly a drone then no worries. It’s still the best road on the island for photos. We shot both from the air and down on ground-level and they are my favorite shots of the trip.
#27 Climb a Coconut Palm to the Top
If you love a challenge, try to copy the masterful locals who scale a coconut palm in seconds. The first few steps up the cuts in the tree are easy until you find yourself tired and 10-meters high in a palm. This might just be one of the hardest things to do in Siargao.
#28 The Bent Palm
While there are many palms that have grown sideways on Siargao (They can’t all be perfect!), there is one that has had an extra little bit of attention than the others. We hung out with @jacob from Beautiful Destinations for a day on Siargao and he posted an epic shot of this bent palm we had seen earlier that day. We didn’t think we could live up to his photo but we went back at a different time of day and had a blast in this cool little spot taking some photos and getting glass in our feet while wading down the river!
#29 Coconut Palm Forest for Sunset or Sunrise
Hanging out inside the coconut palm forest is so damn cool. I was just overwhelmed no matter which way I turned. Thousands of palms, small pools of water, light rays shining through, small fires burning off rubbish, pet pigs squealing and small wooden huts. It’s an amazing place to explore and once again if you drone, send it up here and look around. It’s not one of the commonly suggested things to do in Siargao but you won’t regret it!
#30 Hang Out with the Locals
No matter how many awesome things there are to see or how many waves to ride, the most important thing in each destination I visit is the locals. You are visiting their home. Not only should you treat every inch of their land with respect but these are the people you want to hang out with if they give you the chance. This is one of the best things to do in Siargao and I encourage you to go out of your way to meet a local at karaoke, a surf, a chat at breakfast in the hostel, a beach cleanup or a full-day adventure. Think not what can they do for me but how can you help them. Our favorite day on Siargao was the beach clean-up we did at Pacifico with all the local kids and surfers. The people in Siargao are pretty chill and happy to share a joke with them.
Siargao is a beautiful island. Treat this island with respect. Leave it better than you found it and be proud of your actions. Make a positive impact during your visit. I hope this Siargao travel blog has given you an idea of just how beautiful Siargao is!
El Nido is a popular tourist destination at the northern tip of Palawan. With overall 45 islands located in Bacuit Bay, it gained a massive worldwide attention for its pristine white beaches, towering limestone cliffs, scenic mountains, mysterious caves, startling wildlife, enchanting lagoons and rich coral garden. From aerial to panorama and under the sea, El Nido has an exquisite biodiversity.
2. It is not really that expensive
El Nido is NOT expensive if you are a smart traveller. To get there, your fastest option is via El Nido airport, but it is too costly. A cheaper way to this is to fly from Manila or Cebu to Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. From Puerto Princesa, you can hop on the bus or van at the San Jose terminal for a five to six hours ride to El Nido. Shuttle vans will usually cost you PHP 500 to PHP 600 (USD 10.59 to USD 12.70) while bus trip can cost you from PHP 380 to PHP 480 (USD 8.05 to USD 10.16).
As for your accommodation, there are luxurious to budget friendly lodgings that you can choose from. Hostels facing the gorgeous Bacuit bay may vary from PHP 1,000 to PHP 1,200 (USD 21.17 to USD 25.41) per night while inns near the town proper can range from PHP 500 to PHP 800 (USD 10.59 to USD 16.94) per night. I strongly suggest staying in hostels near the beach so you can spend your night in the hammock listening to the soothing waves while gazing at a starry night sky. This experience is very therapeutic and you will surely not regret it.
There are a wide variety of cuisines available in the town that can be as cheap as PHP 50 to PHP 300 (USD 1.06 to USD 6.35) a meal. Island hopping tours usually include buffet lunch on the beach so you can save your money for a free lunch.
It is also cheaper to buy souvenir items in town than in souvenir shops at the airport. Palawan is also known for cashew nuts so don’t forget to buy some. You can have it for PHP 120 (USD 2.54) per pack.
Your El Nido trip can be as luxurious and as affordable depending on your itinerary and skills. If you’re superb in haggling and terrific in planning, your El Nido tour cannot hurt your pocket.
3. The locals are very kind and helpful
Everyone is smiling at El Nido. From the locals, tour guides, tricycle drivers, tourists and even the kids playing on the seashore, people are speaking the language of joy. Maybe this is because El Nido is laid-back, peaceful and gorgeous. You can easily approach locals to help you find affordable tours and eatery.
On our first night in El Nido, we bought some rice from a neighbour. They don’t usually sell cooked rice, but they are generous enough to spare some for us because it’s already late in the evening for us to go to the town. Also, on our inland tour of Nacpan beach, the tricycle driver who accompanied us kindly guided us in climbing a hill to witness the breathtaking panorama of the unspoiled twin beaches.
One of the finest things I noticed is that the locals are proud and love their town. When you talk to them, they will always bring up praises on their island, which is really beautiful, and tell stories and legends about where the names of the islands and caves are derived from.
4. There are no hospitals in El Nido
As of 2016, there are no hospitals in El Nido. There are few drug stores where you can buy basic pharmaceutical products, and according to our tour guide, there is only a small clinic for immediate medical concerns. That is why it’s advisable to buy your medicines before travelling.
One of the locals that I was able to chat with also said that there are already plans and potential investors that will capitalize in building a hospital in the town soon. Hopefully, it’s true.
5. Bring extra cash because there are no ATM machines
Make sure that you have enough cash when travelling to El Nido because currently, there are no ATM machines there. You can withdraw at the Puerto Princesa airport before heading to El Nido and there are also few banks there. Keep a budget for your trip and always have an extra for side trips and spur-of-the-moment activities.
You will never get bored in El Nido, Palawan for there are lots of islands waiting to be explored and activities to be experienced. Whether you are the typical romantic beach bum or the adventure junkie, El Nido always has something to bring out the naturist in you.
There are 4 tours you can choose from if you want to go island hopping and 1 inland tour. El Nido is packed with islands where you can enjoy kayaking, scuba diving, surfing, snorkelling or you can just simply enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature. From sunrise to sunset Bacuit bay can keep your eyes busy wondering what a beautiful world we live in.
7. Island hopping will make you fall in love with El Nido
There are lots of tour agencies in the town of El Nido and the prices are standard for PHP 1,200 to 1,400 pax per day (USD 25.41 to USD 29.65) which is still negotiable depending on your haggling skills. Some hotels also offer packages for their guests. It is advisable to book a month or two earlier so you can avail of some promos. Tours usually start from 9 am to 5 pm, and it usually includes buffet lunch in the beach.
Below are different tours with corresponding destinations:
Tour A: Lagoons and Beaches
Destinations: Small lagoon, big lagoon, Miniloc Island, Simizu Island and Seven Commandos.
Tour B: Caves and Beaches
Destinations: Entulala Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Snake Island Cudugnon Cave and Cathedral Cave, Pangulasian Island
Tour C: Shrines and Hidden Beaches
Destinations: Star beach, Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Hidden Beach and Tapuitan Island
Tour D: Beaches and Caves
Destinations: Cadlao Island, Pasandigan Beach, Ubugon Cave and Bukal Beach
Tour E: Inland Tour
Destinations: Nacpan, Calitang and Duli
Tour E can cost you from PHP 1000 to PHP 1200 (USD 21.18 to USD 25.41) good for 3 to 4 person. There is also an entrance fee of PHP 50 when you reach Nacpan via tricycle or motorcycle.
Take note that as of the end of February 2016, half of the road to going to Nacpan is still under construction so prepare for 20 minutes of rough road, but it is still worth it when you reach your splendid destination.
For Tour A, B, C, and D, there is an environmental fee amounting to PHP 200 (USD 4.24).
8. There are lots of foreigners
El Nido is an international tourist destination. You can spot lots of backpackers from different countries and the locals are fluent in English, making backpacking in El Nido easier. Group and joined tours in El Nido are normal, so expect to meet some new friends after every day tour.
Most of restaurants and grills in El Nido offer American, Italian, Japanese, Korean and Filipino cuisine, so that it’s not only your eyes that will be enchanted, but also your taste buds.
Rotating power interruption in El Nido is a thing. In our first night in El Nido, the power was on and off. Some of hotels have generators, but just to be safe and sure, always bring a power bank while in El Nido. Locals said that the situation of electricity in El Nido is so much better now compared to the previous years where electricity is only available from 6pm to 4am. During our stay, we just experienced power interruption for 1 night, and thankfully, it never happened again.
10. It is one of the best islands and beaches in the world
Before I visited El Nido last month, I read a lot of blogs and saved tons of pictures of it. Palawan has been voted as the world’s best island two years in a row by the Conde Nast Traveler. On the other hand, Nacpan beach is named as one of the best beaches in the world by TripAdvisor. With the hype, reviews and nominations that they gave El Nido, I can’t help but keep my expectations high.
Gladly, El Nido, Palawan didn’t fail to amaze me. I fell in love with it. Our camera must be so shy because it can’t perfectly capture how blessed and majestic this paradise is!
A progressive city by the bay with the Philippines’ most active volcano and the world’s most perfect cone on the backdrop is Legazpi City.
The capital of the Province of Albay and regional hub for Bicol Region, Legazpi City beckons everyone with its beautiful scenery, natural wonders, delectable cuisines and delicacy, and lovely people.
Our Lady of Gate Church of Daraga
More than its unparalleled attractions, Legazpi City also serves as gateway to the province and the region’s amazing destinations. Trek the trails of Mount Mayon; dip in the hot springs of Tiwi; rekindle the volcano’s tragic past at Cagsawa Ruins; experience adventure and the best view of the city at Lignon Hill; enjoy the sun, sea and sand of Misibis Bay; discover the unspoiled white sand beaches of Cagraray, San Miguel and Rapu Rapu; be amazed with the black sandy beaches of Bacacay; visit the province’s ancient churches and heritage buildings; enjoy the cold water of its countless waterfalls; or explore its hidden caves.
If these do not excite you, swim with the whale sharks of Donsol, see the virgin beaches and hidden treasures of Sorsogon, dive in Manta Bowl of Masbate, go wake-boarding in Naga, be mesmerized with the seascape of Caramoan Peninsula, surf in Catanduanes and Daet, or fall in love with Calaguas.
Truly, Bicol is the land of beauty and wonders, and in the middle of it all is Legazpi City, your gateway to Bicolandia!
Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga
How to Get to Legazpi City
By Air
Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have regular flights from Manila and Cebu to Legazpi City.
By Bus
Several bus lines connect Metro Manila to Legazpi City including Philtranco, Superlines, DLTB, Cagsawa Tours, Amihan, Isarog Line, St. Jude Transit and Goldline Tours. Fare starts at P800 and travel time is approximately 9 to 10 hours.
By Train
Philippine National Railways’ used to service Albay Province with their Bicol Express. The end terminal was in Legazpi City until the service stopped in 2006 after the line incurred damages due to typhoons. In 2011, the PNR Bicol express resumed its Bicol Express service albeit only up to Naga City, Camarines Sur. Currently, PNR service to Bicol is not operational.
THINGS TO DO IN LEGAZPI CITY
See Mayon Volcano up close (or trek the volcano and drop by to Mayon Resthouse Observatory).
Experience adventure at Lignon Hill. Trek up, try zipline, see the unobstructed view of the surrounding and check out the observatory.
Hang out Embarcadero, Legazpi City’s newest commercial and entertainment hub.
Climb up the Kapuntukan Hill for the panoramic view of Albay Gulf, Mayon Volcano and the surroundings.
Explore the Japanese Tunnel at the foot of Lignon Hill.
Feast with spicy Bicolano cuisines. Try laing, pinangat, ginataang langka or bicol express.
Join the fun of Magayon and Ibalong Festivals
Visit Magayon Art Gallery and Legazpi City Museum
Stroll in Bicol Heritage Park and Albay Park and Wildlife
See the Liberty Bell in front of Provincial Capitol
Drop by to the nearby town of Daraga to see the Cagsawa Ruins and the century old Our Lady of Gate Church
Dip in the hot springs of Tiwi
Try caving in Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave of Camalig
Dive and snorkel in Albay’s unspoiled dive sites
Discover the white sandy virgin beaches of Bacacay, San Miguel and Rapu-Rapu
Experience the luxurious Misibis Bay Resort
Trek to Quitinday Hills of Camalig
Explore Jovellar Underground River and Quitinday Falls
Explore more of Bicol wonders in Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes and Masbate
I recently took a day trip to Taal Volcano from Manila with a local friend of mine and I have to say that it was absolutely amazing. I love hiking for two reasons, you get to be active and take in amazing views at the same time. If you are in the Manila area and looking to do something fun nearby, I highly recommend taking this trip.
Taal Volcano is located in the city of Tagaytay about 2 and half hours from Manila. It is an active volcano that last went off in 1977 and has a total death toll of over 5000 people. Taal is referred to as “an island within a lake, that is on an island within a lake, that is on an island.” This is because Vulcan Point Island sits within Crater Lake, which is on Volcano island that is located on Taal Lake which is located on the Island of Luzon. It is a really beautiful place with amazing views once you reach the top.
How To Get There
The best place to catch a bus to Tagaytay where Taal Volcano is located is to go to the MMDA Southwest Integrated Bus Terminal in Pasay City. It’s located at the Coastal Mall. The bus ride costs 70 Pesos and takes roughly 1.5-2 hours to arrive. It’s best to get on the San Agustin bus line and tell the bus driver that you want to go to Taal Volcano. When you Arrive, you can practice your negotiating skills and hire a tricycle to take you down to Taal Lake for anywhere between 100-250 pesos (2-5 USD). If you can find someone who gets a commission from the boats, you will pay a little less.
When you arrive down at Taal Lake. You will catch a boat across to Taal Volcano. The cost is somewhere between 1500-2000 pesos (30-40 USD) for roundtrip. Congratulations, you have arrived to the historic Taal Volcano, let the journey begin.
Horse Or Trek
When you get to the bottom of Taal Volcano, you have a few options. You can rent a horse for somewhere around 350-500 pesos (7-10 USD). If you choose this option, you will get a guide to lead you up, give you some history and show you the views. It’s a good experience either way.
You can also decide to take on the challenge of tackling the mountain by trekking on foot. There are several factors that make this a difficult task. Depending on the time of day that you decide to trek the Taal Volcano, it can be ridiculously hot. There are also some steep inclines that make it a little tricky. If you are an active person in moderate shape, it shouldn’t be too difficult. Even if you’re not, it’s just a slower pace. I personally found hiking up more rewarding and you can stop and enjoy the view whenever you want with no interruption. The choice is really yours.
How To Prepare
Whether you are going to be hiking up Taal Volcano by foot or taking a horse up to the top, there are some things you should do to prepare ahead of time. First off ensure you drink plenty of water. I’m talking a minimum of 64 ounces the day before and keep hydrating the day of. It’s very easy to get heat exhaustion so hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Also, you will want to have proper shoes with not so much wear and tear that allow for good footing. You don’t necessarily need any fancy hiking shoes or boots, but you’ll want to ensure you make it up without any problems.
Make sure to bring plenty of snacks to eat on the way to the top of this beautiful place in case you need a little extra fuel to get you there. You may also want to bring a hat to protect yourself from the sun and a handkerchief or something to cover your face since there is a lot of dust from the horses that are making their way up and down the trail. Lastly, I highly recommend eating somewhere before making your way to Taal Lake. Once you make it to the other side to where Taal Volcano is located, you have very limited food options, and honestly, it didn’t look very appetizing. Once you have all of your preparation done, you will be ready to go!
Touted as one of the Philippines’ premier tourist destination, Boracay is a tropical paradise off the province of Aklan in the Philippines, and is internationally known for its fine, white sand beaches that captivate every adventurer and nature lover’s heart. It is a very small yet fascinating island that only stretches up to 7 kilometers with a width of only 1 kilometer at its narrowest.
It wasn’t until the 1970’s that tourism reached the island. Word of its pristine beauty was spread by European Backpackers until mainstream tourists started to take notice. In just a span of 10 years, the whole world has discovered the beautiful island of Boracay ranging from back packers to upscale tourists.
Yet despite its rapid growth and commercialism, Boracay has managed to preserve some of its beaches. A good example of this is Yapak Beach located at the back of the popular White Beach. There, it is still possible to walk on a deserted beach and enjoy peace and solitude. It is more popularly known as Puka Beach from the shell that was once endemic to this part of the island.
THAT WAS THEN.
1. The Sand
Fine, fine sand.
White Beach’s long and wide stretch of white sand has to be the most obvious reason. The sand here is just sparkling white especially when the sun is at its brightest. It is so fine that it is such a joy to dip your toes in it and leave footprints everywhere. (Though I still think Panglao Island in Bohol has finer sand.) And it doesn’t stop there. White Beach, the island’s most popular stretch, spans four kilometers, some parts of which can be so wide you can play almost any sport you want on it.
2. The Landscapes
Boracay Island Beaches
The sand that slowly slopes down into the blanket of turquoise water, which turns into deep blue as you move your gaze farther; the silhouettes of the sails as they slowly glide through the rolling waves; the ridges of the mountains that create a good backdrop for the low-lying clouds that get blown by the wind across the sky — ah, so damn pretty.
3. The Familiar
Starbucks Boracay
When I was in Boracay, I didn’t feel like I abandoned city life at all. It was more like I shrunk my metropolitan lifestyle, put it in my pocket, and took it with me to a tropical paradise. The establishments were all too familiar even when it was my first time there. All you have to do is go the DMall and you’ll know what I mean. Shopping? Check. Nightlife? Check. Sports? Check. Restaurants? Check.
The downside is that even the things I don’t like about the city have snuck their way here, too. Traffic, garbage, noise. I bet prostitution, too.
4. The Activities
Boracay offers a number of activities that people of all ages can enjoy. The athletic will love playing sports. The not-so-active will enjoy the spas. Even kids will find something to do here.
mini Ferris WheelYou can even pray if that’s your thing
5. The Food
Speaking of food trips, one thing that I don’t really appreciate about secluded beaches is the limited food options. The same cannot be said about Boracay. This tiny island offers a wide array of food selections — from seafood to steak, from local dishes to foreign, from street food to gourmet, from buffet to carinderia-style: you’ll find ’em all here.
English breakfast
Crowd favorites are Jonah’s fruit shakes and the chorizo burger (choriburger) being sold in many stalls around Boracay. Seafood! And oh, kalamansi muffins are a best-seller, too!
6. The Convenience
Coy and Winston posing at a Globe Prepaid booth
There’s wi-fi in most places so you don’t have to worry about checking your email or Facebook account. You can even pay your bills, apply for a plan, or run other errands. If you’re planning on bringing your work to the beach, it can be really easy for you.
7. The Accommodations
Pool area
We all know this. From hostels to five-star hotels, Boracay has them.
8. The Sunset
World Famous Boracay Sunset
My blogger friends and I were having a drink at Epic and we were having so much fun we didn’t realize that the dark was already starting to blanket the island. They decided to get up and walk closer to the shore. I didn’t know why and I was not expecting anything really but when I first saw the sun as it kissed the horizon, I knew it was what they all wanted to see — the famous Boracay sunset.
9. The Nightlife
When the sun takes a dip, the fun is just beginning to some. One of Boracay’s strongest selling points that is not present in many other local island destinations is its vibrant nightlife. Bars and clubs abound in the beach front, bringing the music, the dancing, and the booze we oh-so-loved in the city to the island paradise that is Boracay. If partying isn’t your thing, you can always hang at an al fresco cafe or restaurant and just enjoy a quiet evening with friends, old or new.
For a list of the island’s clubs and bars with info on price, type of music, and opening hours, check out this post by Boracay Compass: Boracay Nightlife Guide.
And yes, the fire dance. (But I did not enjoy it, to be honest.)
10. The Crowd
It was the crowd that I had always hated about Boracay. I had always thought that I wouldn’t find anything pleasant about Boracay being crowded. But I was wrong. I did not realize that the upside is that it gives tourists an opportunity to make new friends. In the short time that I spent in Boracay, I had met some of the nicest and most delightful people.
Bloggers in Boracay!Winston, Cheyzer, Raleene, and Melai
Boracay’s “ability” to cater to visitors of all ages and from all walks of life has a lot to do with its charm. Whether you’re traveling solo or part of a group, on a weekend getaway or on a honeymoon, young or not-so-young, on-a-budget or the just-swipe-it type, there is something in Boracay that you will love. And this makes Boracay a great place to build new relationships and strengthen old ones.
As written on this post, “What makes Boracay special is the relationships that the island nourishes as families, friends, and lovers choose to strengthen them by the bay or at a nearby restaurant or at the dance floor. The music in the background and the laughter from the big crowds have become part of the island’s character. The charm of Boracay is that it has something for everyone within a few yards from nature’s liquid whisper.”
Boracay and I might not have a good start but I can definitely declare that I adore Boracay now. Is it my most favorite beach ever? Maybe, maybe not. I still prefer the quiet charm of a secluded cove to a busy, chaotic beach but there’s nothing wrong with joining the crowd sometimes and just enjoying their company. Yes, there are issues in the island that need to be addressed but it is still a special place. I love Boracay now. I love Boracay.
As one of the green parks in the City of Pines, Baguio Botanical garden is also one of the prime spots that provide peace and quiet to the city. It is located along Leonard Wood right after Teachers Camp and before the Wright Park. It has been known…
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Punta de Uian Resort has a spectacular view to amaze its beauty, the building design, its uniformity, it convey the Persian-British-Thai elegant style of concept. Punta de Uian Resort import lovely furniture and decorations from Bali Indonesia. The main lobby itself is an exquisite example of design, you will notice the life size lady statue of Kepeng Coins Statue/Coin Lady, picturesque of European elegant style to make ones welcome and feel at home. In Punta de Uian Resort inspired architectural design concept is Indo-Thai, you will find Balinese statues all over the place to make the resort extra ordinary. The Mansion Cabana of Punta de Uian Resort has an impressive furniture too.
At the beach, Punta de Uian Resort has its way to make people happy and in the middle is the lagoon which provides Japan-Thai romantic scenery during the night. The lagoon of Punta de Uian Resort provides a way for boating, kayaking, fishing and other lake fun activities. Punta de Uian Resort has back and rear cooling nature, the ocean itself and the lagoon.
In the beach, Punta de Uian Resort provides an open cottage for people to stay and catch the breeze of the ocean where the pristine blue waters of ocean engulfing its panoramic viewers. Punta de Uian Resort shows a remarkable sights of Pundakit and Capones Island.
At the back, Punta de Uian Resort provides a panoramic view of wide expanse of trees and mountain range in the region that convey the beautiful God’s creation.
Punta de Uian Resort has a Chapel with forty (40) feet tall Mama Mary statue beside the Chapel where purifies the soul.
To those who have been in Punta de Uian Resort, satisfactory says that Punta de Uian Resort is one of the best beachfront resort with swimming pools they have stayed in the Philippines. So far, as have been mentioned earlier, Punta de Uian Resort provides not only the ocean and lagoon but an enticing swimming pool where a third option to enjoy your stay at the resort.
There is so much for you in Punta de Uian Resort, the food is great and the resort offers food at reasonable price not overcharge.
Philippines is well-known to its innate hospitality, the staff in Punta de Uian Resort are very helpful, genuinely friendly, polite, accommodating and respectful to make sure everything is nice for your stay. Though Punta de Uian Resort cannot please everybody but out of their small way comforting and pampering bigger appreciation comes their way by itself.
Punta de Uian Resort indeed has a wonderful landscape, very well located beach and pool, big lagoon and Mountain View grants peace of mind. If you are looking for a less crowded beach, the Punta de Uian Resort is the perfect place for you to unwind, relax and scape the busy cities.
Traveling from far to Punta de Uian Resort is not that exhausted due to SCTEX and TIPO, then at the resort parking space is not a problem, Punta de Uian Resort has 20 hectares lot area where you can park anywhere.
There is a lot of improvement in Punta de Uian Resort such as the policy, swimming pool rules to keep the pool clean and convenient to swim for everybody, urgency in delivering food orders and a whole lot more.
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