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 Tips in Apo Reef

Well, most of Filipinos are not aware where is the World's second-largest contiguous coral reef. They do not have any idea that it is right here in our country and few hours away from the Metropolitan AND you don't have to spend so much just to get there. 

I got the chance to visit the famous place for divers, beach lovers and travelers. Apo Reef is well known for its underwater life, and divers from all around the world are visiting this natural park to get a glimpse of exotic species, sharks, manta rays and for not divers they are looking for "NEMO". (We all know NEMO, right?)

Anyway, this post is intended to give you some helpful tips on what to expect in the Island if you are planning to visit it. 

1. Be prepared for a 3 hour boat ride from Sablayan Port to Apo Reef. 

Yea, this is a butt numbing boat ride, if you are not used to long boat rides, you'll definitely get bored. Luckily, my trip to Biri enhanced my patience skills to 200%. HAHA. Nothing will beat my experience there. Ooh, the waves are not that huge but the current is strong especially during daytime.

2.  Bring all the things you NEED for survival. There are no stores/establishments in the island.

Since it is a remote island, you should bring all important stuff before leaving the port. Making a list of things to bring will help because it is really hard to find resources in the middle of the ocean. Bringing drinking water is a must and you should bring at least 3 Liters per person for an overnight stay. 

The whole island of Apo Reef.  How does it feel to be surrounded with water?

3. Light is very essential next to water.

Apo Reef's solar panels were destroyed when the typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines. It really gets dark at night but the caretakers in the island light torches in the abandoned building. Good thing PLan B, is fully equipped. They brought portable lamps and each one has flashlight. (Bonfire is not allowed)

4. There is no decent bathroom. 

Don't expect that the bathroom is well maintained. Their bathroom is one of the worst bathrooms I have ever seen. Sorry but I think, the people who maintains the place should do something with this. Bathroom is a basic necessity. I had to clean it up and put some tissue and wet wipes on the bowl before I use it. The doors are shattered, floor is so dirty, and the smell is horrible. Well at least they separated boys from girls. :)

I think they should maximize the use of building, it is still new but neglected.

5. No fresh water for bathing. 

Being a remote island, there is no source of fresh water. Even the deep well pump produces salt water. So better bring your lots of water if you are planning to cook or stay in the island. This made me realize how important FRESH water is. I bathe with Salt water and it is not refreshing at all but it will do. I felt like I was in Survivor. 

6. Never miss the underwater life! 

You should bring your own snorkel. It is basic and hygienic. Also, there is no snorkeling gear for rent in the island. Your Apo Reef experience is not complete if you did not explore the World's Second-largest contiguous coral reef!

Credits to Sir Macoy Mejia

7. Wake up extra early for snorkeling.

Not a morning person? Well, you definitely wake up earlier than your usual in this island. Never be late in snorkeling. Perfect time for doing it is between 5:30am - 7:00am, it is feeding time for fishes and the water is calm. 

 8.  It gets hot even during night time. 

If you have hypertension or easily get irritated with high temperature, better bring a portable fan because it is really hot all throughout the day even at night! My friend slept outside the tent but still had a hard time falling asleep because of the humidity.

9. No signal reception.

Don't expect that you will get a nice reception in the island, even if you go up to the lighthouse. It is 3 hour away from the main land and our country is not yet equipped with such facilities. 

10. Leave nothing and Take nothing.

This is a Golden Rule. As a responsible traveler, we should always conserve and preserve the places we visit. We should respect what Mother Nature gave us and take good care of it. Dispose your garbage properly and never take sands or corals as souvenir! 

I think that is all you need to know. Well, if you have something else to share feel free to do so and leave it in the comment section. Enjoy traveling and keep on exploring!

Ano, TARA GUMALA?

CIAO.
--
GABRIELA

Things to do in Apo Reef

Apo Reef  | World's Second Largest Contiguous Coral Reef.

Before the month of May ended, I made a last Hoooraaah and got the chance to explore not just Mindoro but the famous Apo Reef. Since I missed it last January, I have been waiting for Plan B to have a "revenge" or re-visit the famous island.

Since this is a trip organized by Plan B, I do not have much idea on how to get there if you are travelling alone. Anyway, I am a bit OC when it comes to my trip, I make sure everything falls into places, what will happen next, where to go but this time I leave it up to the crazy peeps of Plan B since I have been with them in Biri. Worry free travel as other would say. 

Well just to give you a very brief background, I still did some research and asked the "caretakers" of the island. Apo Reef is the world's second largest contiguous coral reef. It has 32 squared - kilometer of protective reef. The Apo Island is a remote island that has a small lagoon and surrounded by mangroves, rock formation and fine white sand.

This place has been a protected area since early 90's as per Sir Albert. The joint forces of DENR, PNP, NAVY, and LGU have been appointing officials to secure the area and maintain the coral reef. They also have partnership with other international and local environmentalist group. As you can see, there is no electricity in the island but they used to have solar panels which were destroyed during Yolanda. 

To protect the reef, of course you need a budget. This is the updated rates up to 2020. Everything has a price. Diving is really expensive but the view is really worth it. My dream is to swim with a Pawikan and see other unique sea creatures and really go DIVING!

Back to Apo Reef. The island has white sand, well not all of it some part are cream and some parts are fine while others are not. Awesome right? 

Things to do in Apo Reef:

1. Explore the light house.

Ohh, Apo Reef also has a light house, a modern type of lighthouse. Too bad, I did not explored it. It was really hot and my humongous insect bites were irritating.. -___- Credits to Sir Macoy Mejia and Sir Ronie Santiago for these awesome photos! 

2. Explore the Mangroves and the Lagoon.

Another sight that must be explored in Apo Reef is the lagoon that is covered with Mangrove! It was kind of creepy because it has stagnant water which makes the soil to be muddy and the Mangrove itself is scary plus the dried trees. haha. Well, if you've watched Anaconda Movies and your imagination is wild, it will give you goosebumps. haha!

We were looking for the "balsa" or raft but it was on the other side. We thought of swimming through there but no one had the courage. hahaha. 

3. Picture taking at the Rock Formation. 

Another must see in the Island is rock formation. Same with other rocks but still worth to see. Also, dried corals were scattered everywhere.   

4. Sunset watching

Ooohhh! The sunset in Apo Reef is really romantic! Aaaagh. I love sunsets. Need I say more?

(hahahahahaha! They look like Pawikans right?)

5. Snorkeling/Diving! 

Never miss this, well this is the main reason you visit the Apo Reef, to explore its underwater sights! Too bad I do not have GoPro or any underwater cameras but the water is so clear, you can still see it from above. Early morning is the best time to snorkel. The ocean is calm and it is feeding time for the fishes. 

Nemo!

(c) Sir Macoy Mejia

6. Have fun with your friends, Go crazy with them!

There is no electricity and the whole island is dark. All we had were flashlight, booze, food, friends, cards and lantern! Socializing with them was crazy. 

Plan B!

with my new travel buddies. haha. #SugalsaIsla

Sky Lantern.

7. Photoshoot in the shoreline!

Yea. The island is white sand and make the most of it. There is a big swing that is perfect for Profile Picture. HAHA. Ohh, there is a big signage in the beach front that is so touristy. 

8. Watch the Pawikan Hatching During night time. 

I was not able to witness this personally. So sad. If you visit the place during the hatching season, you'll definitely experience this one. Watch this video made by Sir Jenel Mendoza. They were able to experience first hand a hatching of pawikan. :D Awesome. 2:11 - 2:!7!

So that was it. If you're planning to go to Apo Reef, do it around January or when it is cool. I swear there is no cool breeze even during night time in summer. I will post another entry that will give you some hints on what to expect in Apo Reef! Okay?

Ano, TARA GUMALA?


CIAO.
--
GABRIELA