Travel Guide to Malapascua Island, Cebu

MALAPASCUA ISLAND, CEBU

Malapascua Island is a small island that is very popular for Scuba Divers because of its famous thresher sharks and fine white sand.

Based on the blogs I've read, this place is really expensive and it is really expensive. I became out of budget because of how expensive this place is! As in 300Php for every meal. I was not able to go around the island because I was alone and it was my first destination for my first SOLO backpack trip! I was scared because people are looking differently and the island is infested with foreigners. It sucks to feel a stranger in your own country. 

Anyway, as I've said, Malapascua is my first destination. I am going to give you guys some tips on how to get there, what to expect, see and do. 

HOW TO GET THERE??

First you have to get to CEBU NORTH BUS TERMINAL, this one is very near to the airport. I was so thrifty that I rode jeepney instead of hailing a taxi from the airport. It was a easy ride just 3 short rides from the airport. For only 27Php I was able to reach the terminal. 

From the terminal you can ride a bus or van going to MAYA PORT, your jump off point going to Malapascua Island. It will take you 3 to 4 hours to reach the place. I opted to take the public van because it is faster and my itchy feet can't wait to get to Malapascua Island. The one - way fare roughly costs 180Php.

Then, from MAYA PORT ride a public boat going to MALAPASCUA ISLAND, which only costs 40Php. Note that there is no exact time of departure for this public boat, they leave whenever the boat is filled with passengers. 

See it was a piece of cake to reach this wonderfully expensive island. 

1. Ride a van or bus going to Maya Port

2. Ride a public boat going to Malapascua Island. 

Total waiting and travel time: 5 hours!

WHERE TO STAY??

I was browsing through the internet of the best and cheapest place to stay in Malapascua, a place that is cheap but comfort is not compromised. Until I stumble upon the Tepanee Beach Resort. I loved it in an instant because it has its own beach front compared to other resorts in the island and the best view for sunset! 

Tip: Booking can be done at their website, it is cheaper compared to Agoda plus they will quickly respond to your queries.

I booked the cheapest accommodation in the resort. It is a basic fan room without TV or Wifi BUT you have your own veranda plus T&B. You will not need the former because the view will be your entertainment.  The room rate plus breakfast costs 1,500! It is expensive but somehow worth it. 

WHAT TO SEE AND DO??

1. Just keep walking. 
This whole island is blessed with white sand. Well, you can also see the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda.

2. Be sure to visit Ocean Vida during happy hour, you'll get a free booze when you buy one. :)

3. Tour around the island. 
Since I was travelling alone, I shed 800 Php to tour around the small island of Malapascua. -__- I am a bit disappointed because I was not satisfied. I was assisted by two young men, younger than me! Yikes. Anyway, they kept me safe and I am hoping that I helped them. My contact is Kuya Michael, a local of Malapascua, (0935) 124-0244.

See how young he is!

I was the only passenger of the boat

A sunken battle ship in Malapascua, near the lighthouse

We were not able to dock at this castle because it was low tide.

See that long stretch of white sand

Snorkeling time!

Their so-called Fish Sanctuary

He is the youngest boatman I have ever seen

4. Go diving and say hi to their famous thresher sharks. 

Sorry, I do not have a SCUBA diver's license AND I do not have that much of money to spend, since I was travelling alone. Though I met an instructor, he seems nice. You can contact him with this number (0936) 3040-968. His name is Jim and he can speak fluent English, Bisaya and Tagalog. :)

5. Visit Kalanggaman Island, Leyte. 

Yes you hear it right, locals will be offering you to bea joiner to their trip to Kalanggaman, Leyte. I don't exactly know what's the price but a lot of locals will approach you. 

  

HOW TO GET OUT??

1. Ride a public boat back to MAYA port.
2. Ride a bus going to Cebu.

You may opt to go back to Cebu OR visit Bantayan Island. Check my Travel Guide to Bantayan to learn how to get there from Malapascua! 

TRAVEL TIPS:

1. Bring lots of extra cash though some hotels and establishments are accepting major credit cards.

2. Bring your own water, there is a scarcity of water in this place.

3. Be sure you have your own snorkeling gear, though there are few corals to see around the island.

4. Malapascua Island is really for divers. There are lots of diving shops.

Verdict of Tara Gumala:

To appreciate more and make the most of your stay in Malapascua Island, you should try SCUBA diving. This place is perfect for divers not for a usual travelers and those in a strict budget.

Ano, TARA GUMALA?


CIAO.
--
GABRIELA

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