Travel Guide to Cagbalete Island X Dahoyhoy Falls

WELCOMING SUMMER WITH TARA GUMALA

Holy Week Escapade

Loving the Sunrise!

Heyyy! Summer has officially started, we all can feel it! The heat index has gone up and people are starting to go out as the school year has ended. I have been organizing trips with and for my friends for the past year and as the summer started, Elvis and I thought that we should go on a trip that is near the Metro and somehow avoid the crowded place. We thought of Cagbalete Island in Quezon, which is just 3 hours drive from Manila and has a good colleague who owns a resort in the island, her name is Ms. Jen Torre. Too bad that I was not able to have a picture with her,  we were so busy that day, but here's a 360 view of the whole resort.

Dahoyhoy Falls

Mauban, Quezon is a first class municipality in Quezon, it was made famous because of Cagbalete, as it is the main jump - off going to the island. Mauban has many things and sights to offer, more than the white sand beach of Cagbalete. They have several waterfalls, one of which is the Dahoyhoy Falls. Not famous to all, as this place is only reachable by foot or bike.  If you are into rustic vibes, they have several ancestral houses that were built during the spanish era.

Panoramic view of the island during low tide

Awwweeesome!

Cagbalete Island is a small island in the eastern part of Mauban, Quezon. It is famous for its long stretch of creamy white sand. It may not be fine as compared to Calaguas or Boracay but if you love white sand combined with crystal clear water, Cagbalete will be your best option. Plus, it has the perfect sunrise! 

HOW TO GET THERE?

1. Via private car

From Manila, you can either take SLEX or Manila East Road/R5. If via SLEX, you can exit at Turbina then off to Calamba - Los Banos - Pagsanjan - Cavinti - Lucban - Mauban.  If via R5, you will pass through almost all the municipalities in Rizal and Laguna.

2. Via public vehicle

  

Your jump off point will be Lucena, as this is the grand terminal in Quezon. Going to Lucena is very easy as there are lots of bus companies offering hourly trip going there. From Lucena, you can either ride a bus or vans that goes straight to Mauban.

#FriendshipGoals

*Once you've reached Mauban, proceed to the port area and ride either Private or Public Boat to Cagbalete. 

Disclaimer: Sorry, I have no idea how much is the bus fare as we rented a van on our way to Mauban. 

*** For Van Inquiries: You may call Sir Macq at 0998 - 5615 - 736.

The public boat only costs 70 Php per head while the private boat ranges from 2,000 Php to 5,000 Php for a two - way trip. If time is of the essence, renting a boat is your best option. During holy week, expect high volume of tourist wanting to visit the island, waiting time for a public boat could take you up to more than 4 hours.


HOW TO GO HOME? 

1. Again, if you are visiting the place during peak season, securing your return trip is highly recommended. Negotiate with your boatmen and ensure that you have their numbers just in case they forget your pick up time.

2. If commuting, ensure that you get back at Mauban Port before lunchtime as there are limited trips going to Manila via JAC Liner.

OUR ITINERARY:

2:00 AM Meet up at Jolibee Shaw
2:30 AM Travel to Cagbalete
7:00 AM ETA at Cagbalete (We were caught in traffic at SLEX)
7:00 AM Secured tickets at the port, waited for an available boat.
11:00 AM Travel to Cagbalete Island
12:00 NN ETA Cagbalete Island, Pitch Tent, Lunch
4:00 PM Socials
7:00 PM Dinner, Party at the Beach, Socials!
5:00 AM Wake up, watch sunrise
6:30 AM Island Hopping
9:30 AM Heavy Breakfast, Wash up
10:30 AM Break Camp
12:00 NN ETD for Mauban Port
1:00 PM Lunch, Wash up
3:00 PM Travel to Dahoyhoy Falls
3:30 PM Trek to Dahoyhoy Falls
5:30 PM Travel back to Manila
8:00 PM Dinner at Emin and Mila's Canteen in Pagsanjan
12:00 MN ETA Manila

Our Budget: 1,500 Php (inclusive of all transpo, environmental fees and food) 

TRAVEL TIPS:

1. It would be best if you have a contact at Cagbalete Island, it makes all thing easier. :) Luckily, I have an angel who owns a place in Cagbalete, her name is Ms. Jen Torre of Joven's Blue Sea Beach Resort. She is very accommodating and answered all my queries plus, their rates are reasonably priced. Be sure to book your next trip with them.

2. You will curse the place during low tide. HAHA! We were forced to walk under the scorching heat of sun just to ride a boat because they could not dock at the shore. Looking on the bright side, hello sand bar! Perfect time to travel to Cagbalete Island from Mauban Port is at 6 in the morning. Low tide starts at 9 in the morning and ends around 4 in the afternoon.

Vandalized Sand bar! 

Tent City!

3. The electricity is only from 6pm - 6am. You don't need it anyway! :)

4. Cagbalete is one of the best places for sunrise. Be sure to wake up early and capture the magical moment. Plus, during holy week expect a blood moon! :)

A couple enjoying the blood moon.

Las Chicas!

5. During peak season each resort has their own way of keeping the whole island alive e.g. live bands, strobe lights, fireworks, fire dancers, etc.

Dinner time!

6. The best time to do island tour is between 4pm - 6pm (sandbar is visible and witness the sunset) or 6am-8am (best time for snorkeling and perfect lighting for photo shoot). The tour usually range from 1,500 to 2,000 which is good for 10 pax.


7. Bring extra cash because there are no ATM in the island and bring all the things you need before heading to the island e.g. drinking water, food and booze. *wink*

This is Sir Edgardo, you can contact him with this number (0907) 854 5945 if you want to visit Dahoyhoy Falls

8. Make sure you visit Dahoyhoy Falls before you go back to Manila. It is a perfect side trip for your Cagbalete Trip. Dahoyhoy Falls is just 10 minutes away from Mauban Market and 30 minutes walk from the jump - off area. You can ask for assistance at the the tourism office.

Jump off

Diyosa ng Tubig!

With the whole gang!

9. Before heading back to Manila, be sure to try Emin and Mila's Canteen in Pagsanjan, Laguna. "Mura na, Masarap pa!"

Verdict of Tara Gumala: Cagbalete Island is a must visit if you are looking for a white sand that is quite near the metro: perfect for weekend warriors! If you are a fan of white sand beaches, you'll definitely enjoy this island, its long-stretch of white sand will leave you breathless (literally and figuratively). 

Joven's has the best view for sunrise!

PS: Watch our video Cagbalete Island X Dahoyhoy Falls trip last Holy Week. Shot by Xperia Z5!

https://www.facebook.com/gabrielabermudafernandez/videos/10208952144631720/

Ano, TARA GUMALA?? 

CIAO. 

--

GABRIELA

Weekend at Borawan Island, Quezon

BORAWAN, TWO, THREE

Travel tips in Borawan Island

Borawan is a short term for (Boracay and Palawan), according to a local I've talked to, the island used to be a private beach but later on it was opened to the public but still owned by private individuals. The name was coined after the two most famous islands in the country because of the island's features resembles both Boracay and Palawan. 

Special thanks to Atty. Oman of www.lawstude.net for inviting me in their outing at this island. Sometimes it is better to travel a place you did not do any research because it gives you the element of surprise. It makes you wonder what it can offer to you and without any expectations, Borawan surprised me with its beauty. 

Tara Gumala with Oman is an Island

Supposedly, we will do a twin dayhike on that weekend but when Atty. Oman invited us and it was for free, even if we were just invited a day before the trip, I hurriedly said yes. Who can say no to a great deal?? HAHAHA.

Anyway, this trip was under a travel agency, Escape Zone. Not really sure with the name, did not bother to ask. I just followed what is their itinerary, after all, SABIT lang naman ako. Haha. 

Borawan Island is in the municipality of Padre Burgos in Quezon which is 3 - 4 hours drive from Manila. You may opt to drive your own or commute your way up to the island.

Here was our itinerary: (*Note that a van transfer is already part of the deal & our driver drives fast) 

Day 1

3:00 AM Meet up at Loading Dock, The Medical City

4:00 AM ETD for Pagbilao 

6:30 AM ETA Pagbilao Market (Buy stuff over the weekend)

8:00 AM ETA Jump off point to Borawan (It was low - tide when we got there, so we walked towards the boat but the boat ride only took 15 minutes)

9:30 AM ETA Borawan (Pitch Tent, Prepare Food) 

2:00 PM Island Hopping at Kwebang Lampas, Dampalitan and Puting Buhangin (Optional)

7:00 PM Dinner

Day 2

5:00 AM Wake up, Star Gazing and wait for SUNRISE! One of the best sunrise I have ever seen.

6:30 AM Breakfast, Prepare things and Freshen up

9:30 AM ETD at Borawan

11:30 AM ETA Tiaong, Quezon (Lunch at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan)

2:00 AM ETD for Manila

5:00 PM ETA MANILA. Home sweet home. 

The package already includes all fees except food.

Travel tips:

1. Borawan is best visited during off season, it gets really crowded during summer. 

2. During summer, the owners of the place put up a net,  in the ocean to avoid guests from jellyfish sting. The whole island is infested with jellyfish, be careful. 

3. You can pitch your tent anywhere in the island. Note that cottages is where the crowd goes, so if you want a peaceful weekend, staying far from the cottages will help you. Besides, you can ask for tables and chairs.

Isn't it nice waking up with this kind of view? :)

4. There a security guard which always roam around the island and making sure every guest are doing fine.

5. Speaking of that guard, he will immediately go to you when your boat docks at the island and will collect fees. 

6. I did not enjoy swimming because the water is infested with large jellyfish and I couldn't see my feet. The water is not that clear. 

7. The island is well maintained. There are people who always clean the shoreline and the whole island is well lighted. 

8. Be sure to wake up early around 5am, you can chase milky way if you are into night photography while waiting for the sunrise.

9. There is electricity in the island but only from 6pm - 10pm and a fee for charging your phone. :)

10. THE COMFORT ROOMS ARE FREE! Yey! 

11. The signal is strong and you can even browse your social media plus upload your selfie. *wink wink, nough nough*

VERDICT OF TARA GUMALA:

Borawan Island is a nice place to visit if you want a quick weekend getaway during off season. The sunrise, limestone and white sand makes the perfect summer vibe. 

Ano, TARA GUMALA??

Chasing Milky Way at Mt. Daraitan + Tinipak River with Plan B

This post is for you to drool how cool it is to stay outdoor! Enjoyyyyy!

First stop, ride that boat and cross the river. Fare: 5 Php

Then ride a tricycle going to Barangay and Register. Fare: 10 Php
Environment Fee: 20 Php
Mandatory Guide Fee: 1,250 Php for overnight

The rocky boulders on our way to Tinipak River. A horse is their way of transporting their goods.




View in front of our tent city.

Photographers getting ready to chase milkyway! No lights pleaaase!

Took us 1 minute to have this shot! Thank you Master Rizalde Cayanan

After an early morning hike, this view welcomed us. Sea of clouds

Buwis buhay shots!



Groupie with Sleeping Beauty!



Best selfie for 2015!

Tinipak River enroute to the Cave

VERDICT OF TARA GUMALA:
Daraitan and Tinapak River is indeed a must go to because of its natural beauty. I just hate the "mandatory" guide fee that is so expensive and they did not even issued a receipt! The local government must review their policy on this, in order to protect the environment at the same time the tourists.

Ano, TARA GUMALA??

Travel Guide to Pico De Loro!

Pico(n) De Loro

Mapipikon ka sa new trail

When I said to my parents that I will be organizing a trip to Pico De Loro, they said that the place is very expensive and became skeptical when I said it was only for 800 Php, and it comes with an event shirt and bagtag. They thought I was going to the beach resort! Hell no! hahaha. I'm not gonna shed thousands of pesos on a resort that does not have a white sand! #standards

Anyway, for mountaineers or hikers, Pico De Loro is very popular because of it is an easy trail and very near to Metro Manila. Thousands of tourist, especially, locals are hiking this mountain mainly because of it's famous peak (which looks like a parrot's beak) and it's monolith. Monolith is very popular for adrenaline junkies and to those who are into rappelling.

View of the Peak (beak) from the Base Camp!

I'm gonna share with you guys our itinerary for this trip! Note: my itinerary is good for a group of 10 or more.  For more details, just post a comment and I will answer it.

TRAVEL TIPS:

1. They said it is cheaper to just commute your way to DENR - Ternate. I say if you are a group of 10 or more, it would be best to hire a van, to maximize time and somehow save money.

I was looking for the cheapest van rent that will transport us to the DENR - Ternate and back to Manila and I stumbled on Cavite Van Rental Services. The usual rate of Van Rentals here in Manila is from 7,000 - 7,500 but I only got our van for 5,500 PHP! Now that a sweet deal plus they know the place because they are based in Cavite. You can reach with this number +63 - 919 - 7875- 090!


2. The old trail is already closed due to some issues on double registration. I could say that we are the first people to try the new trail! ;) #Raremoments

Ohh, the registration fee is only 25 Php! Not sure if they are legit because they did not gave us any receipts or whatsoever.

3. The new trail is really hard, way harder than Pulag (Ambangeg Trail)!!! Though the scenery is worth trekking for: from luscious green forest to the exotic wild flower along the way to fallen trees, which are perfect for photo ops!! Well, it is not that established compared with Pulag or Pinatubo Trail. You'll be required to hop on fallen trunks of trees and pass through a very steep slope!

4. Pico de Loro is perfect for Dayhike, Night Trek and Tramping (trekking and camping)! Though, I highly suggest that you stay there for a night to experience camping and you'll be not so wasted when you descend OR hike in the afternoon, be sure to be at the peak before sunset and do a night trek back to DENR Office!

Don't worry about running out of supply! There is a not-so-convinient stores on top! ;) Just prepare extra cash, it comes with a hefty price. HAHA!

Note: Just don't expect any decent bathroom and it is not for free! 

Camping at the base camp while I stayed in my cozy hammock! ;)

Pila balde in the CR!

5. Be sure to be at the peak during sunset! The view is really breathtaking!!! Words can't explain how beautiful the view! Though the way up is not that easy! We were crawling all our way up, you need trekking poles or a guide to bring you to the top.

They were crawling!!! :)

At the Peak! Overlooking Batangas & Cavite plus the Monolith! :)

(C) Sir Macoy Garcia for these lovely photos! 

Note: You may opt not to go to the peak and just stay in the base camp. There are some nice spots for photo op. Imagine being on the cliff! Haha. #Buwisbuhayselfie

6. NEVER MISS THE MONOLITH! I am so proud of myself for making it there! I never thought I could such thing. Special thanks to Kuya Nick for helping me to get to the top!

7. If you still have time, visit the Cavite Boracay. Not far from DENR - Ternate but the a tricycle ride costs 100Php per person! It was expensive because it is the "magnetic hill". Also, prepare another 100 Php for the entrance fee. Kinda expensive but worth a visit.

So that was it! Visit Pico De Loro now. It was the cheapest hike I ever did and very near to Metro. Be sure you do some stretching before climbing it to prevent severe body ache! :)

Best things in life should not be so expensive. Sumama ka na kasi sa mga gala ko. TARA GUMALA!


ANO, TARA GUMALA?



CIAO.
--
GABRIELA.