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.

Travel Guide to Tanay, Rizal

TARA SA TANAY, HANE!

Tanay is just 1 - 2 hours away from Manila, depends on the traffic. It has been serving a lot of tourists, mostly locals, a great escape from the bustling sound of Metro Manila. I don't know much about Tanay, whenever I hear about it all I can remember is that it is a place where Joseph Estrada was house arrested! Nothing more, nothing less.

Until recently, a friend of mine asked me if I have been to a falls in Tanay. I was puzzled if there is such a thing and I even doubt if it is really stunning.You can't blame me, it just an hour away from Manila and we all know how polluted Manila is!

Anyway, me and my travel buddies/photographers (c) Sir Elvis for the photos below (naks naman), set a date to explore Tanay for a day. I did not do a full research about Tanay, I just asked a co-blogger, Sir Jay, who has been there a week before ours. Since this blog is all about my travel, itinerary, how to's; I'm gonna give you guys my travel tips to Tanay! HANE?

This is our itinerary, hope this will help you.

TIPS!

1. If you are travelling with group like 4 - 5 pax, you may opt to rent a tricycle for a day. Rate ranges from 800 - 1000 depending on your haggling skills! Though if you are a group of 10, renting a van is the best option as there are no jeeps passing thru Daranak and Calinawaan Cave.


2. TRAVEL EARLY! As in 4am - 5am. To avoid heavy flow of traffic in Ortigas Ext., -___-

3. Gates of Daranak Falls opens at 8:00am, be there before the said time as it gets crowded. If you don't like being in a crowded place, Daranak Falls is not for you. Though I was able to get a good shot! ;)

4. Never miss Batlag Falls, yes the entrance is VERY EXPENSIVE!!! For the record, it costs 120 Php per head. I know, even I contest about it but I have no choice. IT WAS PRIVATELY OWNED BY A GREEDY INDIVIDUAL!!! Nevertheless, I enjoyed it because I was the only one swimming during that time!!! hahaha. #RareMoments

Photo Credit: Sir Elvis

5. Calinawaan Cave is not a must see. It is also privately owned by a clan and not properly maintained. If you are a celebrity fan, you'll recognize the place as it is one of the favorite locations for shooting. One of the recent movies filmed there was Bonifacio.

Photo Credit : Mark Garcia

6. Visit the old church of San Ildefonso, the one in the town center. It has a sculpted tree with an image of Mother and Child(Not so sure about it). It is worth visiting plus there is a saying that you can wish in a church when it is your first time to visit it.

Photo Credit : Frezian Villanueva

7. REGINA ROSARI. Largest Mama Mary I have ever seen! Reminder: Shorts, mini skirts and sleeveless are not allowed to go up to the statue but they are giving long skirt ("tapis"). The view up there is very relaxing, the lush greenery of Sierra Madre and the fresh air! Ahhhh!!!! Though it is really crowded -____-

Photo Credit: Frezian Villanueva

8. If you are a fan of balancing stones, you find a lot of it at the river below the gates of Daranak Falls!

Credits to Sir Elvis

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? VISIT TANAY NOW! ESCAPE FROM THE HUSTLE BUSTLE OF MANILAAAAAAA!


 Hope I helped you in any way. Please leave a comment if you have any clarifications and I'll be glad to answer it all.


Ano, TARA GUMALA??

CIAO.
--
GABRIELA.

Hof Gorei Beach Resort, Samal Island, Davao del Norte

A SECRET HIDEAWAY IN SAMAL ISLAND

Samal Island or also known as IGaCoS (Island Garden City of Samal) is a small island in Davao Gulf under the jurisdiction of Davao del Norte. It is nearby Davao City and been a hideaway for people who wants to escape their city lives. Only 10 - 45 minutes away from Davao depends on where you want to go. 

Hof Gorei Beach Resort is second to none accommodation in Samal Island, it may not be as prestigious as the Pearl Farm because it is privately owned by a Filipina whose husband is an Austrian. One of their unique features is that they assign personal butler in every room. In our case we had two butlers because I booked two rooms. 

I will give you a list on why to choose Hof Gorei Beach Resort as your next destination in Samal. 

1. They are easy to deal with, their reservation officer is very accommodating and ensured our boarding in their transfer (Yes, they provide free transfers from port to resort v.v.).

It was a large pump boat and we were the only guests that were transported

2. Your personal butlers are very attentive and will ensure that all your needs are given! Kudos for this and for preparing a romantic dinner for my family! (It was my parent's anniversary) We experienced a not usual dinner because of their set up.

Meet our personal butlers! Not just one, but TWO!

The Dinner with candlelight. Soooo romantic

3. Their food is surprisingly delicious and fresh. I loved their Puting Paksiw! :) 

4. The attic room is the best! Very spacious and has a nice view from lush green landscape to a relaxing view of the ocean overlooking Mt. Apo!  :) You should stay at this room as it provides tropical vibe to your vacation. Highly recommended but it is not advisable for oldies as it requires going upstairs.

5. It was like we rented the whole place, it was not crowded compared to Pearl Farm! You will surely enjoy the serenity of this place from white sand shore to lush green landscape to their swimming pool. It may not have activities but enjoying the nature is already time consuming! :)

6. Their jacuzzi on top was a surprise as well as the view on the way there.

7. You will feel closer to nature from white sand to different exotic trees to paradise view on our windows  to endangered birds in their vicinity.

For inquiries you may reach them thru the ff:

Address: Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, Philippines, 8120

Website: http://hofgorei-resortdavao.com

Contact No.: +63 922 864 6814 | +63 920 966 7564 | +63 917 711 3868

Ano, TARA GUMALA? 

CIAO.

--

GABRIELA

Mt. Pulag : Adventure of a First Timer

HEAVEN ON EARTH

Mt. Pulag is very popular as it is one of the highest mountains in the Philippines, it is 2,922 meters above sea level and the magnificent "SEA OF CLOUDS". There are several trails up to the summit depends on what type of mountaineer are you. There are three prominent trails going to the peak, these are the Ambangeg - Ambangeg trail, Akiki - Ambangeg trail and Akiki - Ambaguio trail. 

Ambangeg trail is the easiest trail of all, this known as celebrity trail. (If it is your first time to hike, you have to choose this). I am not a mountaineer but this trail is like a walk in a complicated park. I will give you guys some tips on what to expect and prepare before your climb to Mt. Pulag.

1. Have a LEGIT tent.
This is very important because the COLD will bother you at night and having a good tent will protect you from extreme coldness. They said that it will be best if your tent's under sheet is NOT made of sack as it penetrates water compared to water proof cloth.

Someone's happy inside the tent!

   

2. THERE IS NO DECENT COMFORT ROOM
Well, what can you expect. The government is not funding it. According to the DENR officer, there was a project on coming up with a bathroom using the mist from clouds BUT. tsk. tsk. Anyway, if you could bare the smell of mixed feces and urine you may do so but I highly doubt, that is one of the most terrible smell I have ever experienced! EEK! >_<


3. You will enjoy the trail going up because of the scenery and cool climate, it is like walking in an air conditioned room.

 4. The trail is really tiring, it is a loooong walk (sometimes muddy) with some assaults, like 90 degrees assault all the way up to Camp 1. It is okay to 'take 5' (a.k.a REST). There is no race as everyone will be accommodated in the camp 2 and extension of Camp 2. Don't worry if you are left behind, in every climb there is a so-called 'sweeper' in every group, who makes sure no one gets left behind.

5. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE BONE SHIVERING COLDNESS OF MT. PULAG!!!
I was wearing 5 layers of clothes!

1st: Undershirt
2nd:Long sleeves
3rd: Knitted Jacket
4th: Wool Jacket (Gap)
5th: WINTER JACKET

I was also wearing 2 PAIRS OF GLOVES, socks, thermal stockings, leggings and trekking pants but the cold managed to penetrate in my skin!!!

Ohhh, never forget your scarf and bonnet! :)

 

That's it! You are now ready to conquer Pulag and witness the SEA OF CLOUDS! GOODLUCK!


Special thanks to Basekamp Galleria for organizing this event and making it budget friendly. You can visit their facebook page and follow their upcoming invitational climbs! For those asking how much it costs me to reach Mt. Pulag. I only paid 2,500 Php, ALL - IN! They also prepared our dinner and brunch. :)

It was my first climb and I am proud to say that I conquered Mt. Pulag!! I think you too can do it! Have faith and be prepared. :) I advise that you join Basekamp's climb to Mt. Pulag as they provide all your needs and patiently answers all your queries.

Ano, TARA GUMALA?


CIAO.
--
GABRIELA.

The Year I've become a traveller

2014 TRAVELS

List of places I've been for the past year

2014 is a memorable one mainly because of the following:

1. I started this blog TARA GUMALA. 

2. I started travelling and organized DIY travels. 

3. I got a life insurance. 

4. I traveled with my family.

5. I got a chance to do a volunteer work before the year ends. 

Hoooraaaaahhhh!

Okay, I do not know how to start this, I'm in a dilemma whether to present it chronologically or based on my favorite spots. :) I guess, to avoid any biases, I will just have to go with the chronologically order. 

1. Baler, Aurora

2. Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte

3. Albay, Bicol

4. Subic Beach, Sorsogon

5. Rock Formation, Biri, Northern Samar

6. Apo Reef, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

7. Puerto Princesa, Palawan

8. El Nido, Palawan

9. Boracay Island, Aklan

10. Davao City + Samal Island

11. Mt. Pulag National Park, Benguet

12. Sitio Yangka, Capas, Tarlac

Puro local lang travel ko for 2014, how about in 2015? :)

Wow, it was like I travelled every month. Amazing! Thank you Lord for this year of travel, for keeping me safe always.


Cheers to more years of travels! Cheers to endless wanderlust! Cheers, TARA GUMALA! :)


Thank you for travelling with me, looking forward to our future travels.

Ano, TARA GUMALA?


CIAO. 
--
GABRIELA