24 Hours in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap is a city in northwestern Cambodia and is a home to the famous Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is accessible from any point of South East Asia either by land or air. Travelers often come here to see the temples but over the years, the city becomes vibrant and attracts even the not so history buff travelers. One thing that surprises many travelers is  even the country has its own currency, the Cambodia Riels,  the locals prefer to accept USD currency but if you don't have exact money if you buy something you will be given Riels as change.

44 Hours in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. Bangkok is a modern city that suits every traveler's taste. The city is divided into several districts namely Siam Square, Sukhumbit, Silom, Rattanakosin, Khao San Road, Yaowarat and Phahurat, Dusit, Thonburi, Partunam, Phahonyothin, Rachadaphisek, Ramkhamhaeng and Lat Krabang. Each districts has it's own character so travelers may opt to choose where to stay depending on their purpose of visit. 

Roadtrip in Sabah, Malaysia

During our Kota Kinabalu (KK) City Tour we met a taxi owner/driver Vincent, who drove us to KK City Mosque and Signal Hill Observatory Tower. He offered us to drive us to KK's neighboring towns on the next day when he learned our itinerary. To maximize our time we accepted Vincent's offer because bus transportation to and from KK and its neighboring town is a bit difficult for us. So read on to know our route is you happen to visit Sabah, Malaysia in the future.

Kota Kinabalu City Tour and Food Searching

KK City Mosque

Kota Kinabalu or KK is the capital state of Sabah, Malaysia. It's a home of Mount Kinabalu where the city name was derived. KK is the popular gateway for tourists visiting Borneo, one of the oldest rainforests in the world. during our 3 days visit in KK we managed to explore the city on our own and with the help of friendly locals and fellow travelers and we also experience the culture and the local way of life.

Crossing Borders: Malaysia and Brunei

Most people, locals or tourists from/to Sabah, Malaysia - Brunei cross border either by land or sea. There are available flights too and it's the most easiest and convenient way but it also the most expensive. Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam shared borders in the Island of Borneo.

I got my first passport stamp

Marlin Statue in KK 

It was my first time to travel outside of my country and I was afraid and nervous because I heard so many first time traveler "horror" stories. To avoid bad experience, I made sure to carefully plan my sister and I's travel. To help my fellow traveler who will travel for the first time, here's my personal preparation and tips.

Siargao Island: My First Solo Backpacking

Boardwalk at Cloud 9

There are less concern for a male solo traveler but for a female there are lots of safety concerns. I have heard different horror solo travel stories in the past but these days solo travel is now trendy especially among young professionals. Despite the warnings from my friends and family who obviously haven't tried traveling alone I carefully plan my first ever solo backpacking trip.

Discovering Real Quezon

Unfortunately, we had to cut our 3-day Polillo Island trip short due to some circumstances including bad weather. While on the way back to Real, Quezon our jump-off town going to Polillo Island we were discussing where else to do. Are we going straight home or go somewhere else?

Misadventure: Backpacking Polillo Island - the off beaten path

google map

Polillo Island is a group of islands located in the north-eastern side of Quezon Province. It is subdivided by three towns namely, Polillo, Burdeus and Panukalan. It is the most off-beaten town in the country that I've been to so far. Getting there as backpacker requires a lot of patience just like getting to the other islands of the country. 

Travel Guide: Pandan Island Resort in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

Pandan Island Resort Beach

Pandan Islands - the islands of Pandan Grande and Pandan Piqueño were declared as one of the historical markers on the Municipality of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. These islands have harbored several submarines and warships during World War II. Both of the islands are home to several thousand square meters of coral reef.

The Pandan Grande Island has a small private resort, called Pandan Island Resort. The resort has attracted several tourists, both domestic and foreign not only because of the golden-white sand beach and turquoise water around the island but also its peaceful environment.

Travel Guide: Apo Reef Natural Park, PH wonder beneath the earth's surface

Apo Island

Apo reef is the world's second-largest contiguous coral reef system and the largest in the Philippines, approximately thirty four (34) square kilometers. The reef and it's surrounding waters are protected areas, means fishing or taking any marine life around the area is prohibited. The reef is administered as Apo Reef Natural Park in the town of Sablayan, province of Occidental Mindoro. Even it is a protected area, tourism is open and administered by the local government of Sablayan and local office of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Untouched beauty of Palaui Island: Picturesque Cape Engaño

Back to back beauty of Palaui Island

Palaui Island is a protected landscape and seascape that lies off north-eastern tip of Sta. Ana, Cagayan in northern part of the Philippines. The island was put on spotlight on the year 2013 when one of the franchises of US Survivor Reality TV Show was filmed here.

Punta Verde Eco-tour: Baratubut Falls

Punta Verde beach

Punta Verde is a small fishing village in Palaui Island, Sta. Ana, Cagayan. This is the only place where tourists are allowed to camp if they wish to stay overnight in Palaui Island.

The lone crocodile in Crocodile Island

Crocodile Island is part of our boat tour around Palaui Island. The island is just 15 minutes away from port of San Vicente. The name of the island is derived from the rock formation that resembles the mouth of crocodile but it's offcial name is Manidad Island. There's no living crocodile in the island.

Callao Cave in Peñablanca, Cagayan

a chapel inside Callao Cave

The name Callao was derived from a name of a bird, Kalaw which is abundant and residing inside the cave long time ago. Callao cave is composed of seven chambers and the most accessible among the 300 caves in Tuguegarao, Cagayan and also the most popular cave in the area.

Palaui Island and Callao Cave budget and Itinerary

Palaui Island is a protected landscape and seascape that lies off north-eastern tip of Sta. Ana, Cagayan in northern part of the Philippines. It is a home of untouched beauty of natural wonders. Palaui Island has lots to offer whether you are an adventure seeker, nature lover or simply a laid-back traveler.

Misadventure: The way to Anguib Beach

Anguib beach is a part of our Palaui Island Adventure in Sta. Ana, Cagayan. Before the year ends I never thought I was going to crossed-out Palaui Island from my bucket lists. It was my friend who suggested to us to visit Palaui Island but she backed out weeks before our trip. But because I didn't plan other destination for my birthday trip I pursued with this trip with other friends joining me.

Learn To Swim: My swimming lesson

Outdoor pool at Philippine Sports Complex (Ultra)

I love being in water, whether in to the sea, river or lake but I don't know the proper way or technique of swimming. Even I can do floating my biggest problem is I am not confident enough to go in the deeper part of the water without life vest or life saving ring. I only swim in to shallow part of the water where I can still stand and my foot still touching the sea or river or pool floor. But then later, I learned that I can do more beyond the shoreline.

Staycation at Bakasyunan Resort and Conference Center

The Malacañang Palace declares that November 18-19 is a special non-working holiday for Public and Private sector in Metro Manila to ease the traffic congestion during  APEC Summit. All business owners must have been angry, but us, ordinary workers were celebrating. Hooray!!! It's two days off.

Hike and Plunge: Buntot Palos

Buntot Palos Falls

Buntot Palos (Eel's Tail) Falls is one of the numerous waterfalls in the province of Laguna. It is located in the town of Pangil, just 2-3 hours away from Manila. It is very accessible and can be reach for about 1.5 - 2 hours of moderate hike.

Gigantes Islands Budget and Itinerary

from the view deck of Cabugao Gamay

Gigantes Islands or Islas de Gigantes is a group of islands and islets in northernmost part of Iloilo province under the jurisdiction of the town of Carles. The two biggest islands are Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur. 

MAYrinduque: Last days of Summer 2015

Maniwaya Island

If there's only few days left before the summer ends where would you like to spend it? Is it on an unspoiled island with uncrowded beach, surrounded by pristine water and not so far away from Manila that you don't need to wait for airline promo? If the answer is Yes, Maniwaya Island is for you.

Pagsanjan Falls: The Vertical Way

'Pagsanjan' Falls

I have always read about Pagsanjan falls when I was in grade school. I remember that in Sibika at Kultura text books it is always the example of waterfall together with Maria Cristina Falls. Little we did know that locally it is not called Pagsanjan Falls, it is Cavinti Falls or Magdapio Falls. 

The sites that I love in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte

The province of Ilocos is divided into two, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte which is located in the Nothern part of the Philippines, particularly Luzon. There are many tour operators offering cheap packackage for Ilocos Road Trip. For 3000 pesos this is the most 'sulit' road trip for long weekend.

Still life at Magalawa Island

Magalawa Island in Palauig, Zambales

I asked my sis in-law to extend my niece's visit in Manila (they live in Bicol) so that I could take her to the beach just a week after our trip in Baguio. I also invited some of my college friends and my aunt who is on vacation from work in Lebanon. My aunt is the one who looked after Nicole (my niece) while sis, brother (Nicole's father) and I are at work. And so my niece was very excited and started to count days.

Tam-awan Village: Getting to know more about Cordillera people

During our first visit in Baguio we regret that we missed the Tam-Awan Village. So this time with other relatives I made sure that we don't missed it.

Tam-awan Village  is a 2.5 hectare land that was built to educate young people about the history, heritage, art and culture of Cordillera people long before Baguio became a city.

Puerto Princesa and El Nido Itinerary and Actual Expenses

Master Piece of Nature: Puerto Princesa Underground River

entrance of Puerto Princesa Underground River

Puerto Princesa Underground River is one of the Seven Wonders of Nature in the World. Many tourists from all over the world have visited this infamous longest navigable underground river.

El Nido Day 1: Island Hopping Tour C and D

Marina Beach

Before combination of island hopping tours for joining group in El Nido are still allowed but recently local tourism banned it. But if you are in a private group, combination tours are still possible. Since we are group of 12 persons (10 adults and 2 children) we decided to avail Tour C and D for our first day in El Nido.

Mt. Pinatubo Day Tour

Mt. Pinatubo crater lake

Mt. Pinatubo is shared by the provinces of Pampanga, Zambales and Tarlac. The major jmp-off point is at Sta. Juliana, Capas Tarlac. Today hikers and tourists from all over the world are enjoying and appreciating the beauty of Mt. Pinatubo's crater lake. Before it became famous all over the world, Mt. Pinatubo was a dormant stratovolcano until 1991 eruption. It was covered by forest and  rich vegetation. But during the eruption tons of ashes, gasses, mudflows, and a cloud of volcanic ash spewed by the volcano that leads the summit to collapsed and destroyed the vegetation and river systems of surrounding area.

Bolinao, Pangasinan Overnight Itinerary

at Balingasay bridge

Our Bolinao Trip last January 24-25, 2015 was the most DIY amazing trip that I ever organized so far. All of us in a group were first timers in Bolinao. Sure Iv'e been in Hundred Islands in Alaminos twice but both were day tour only. Bolinao is a name of a fish in our province in Bicol but in Pangasinan, Bolinao is a 3rd class municipality that is facing West Philippine Sea.

What to do in Bolinao, Pangasinan?

Sunset at Patar Beach

Bolinao is a name of a fish in our province in Bicol but in Pangasinan, Bolinao is a 3rd class municipality that is facing West Philippine Sea. The town of Alaminos in Pangasinan is the popular one than Bolinao because of Hundred Islands National Park but not much known to everyone, Bolinao has also lots to offer.

My 2nd Diving Experience

my 'selfie' underwater picture

Seems everyone has enjoyed their first dive so our group has decided that we will go diving again on the next day which is Christmas day. One of the reasons we agreed is because we want to see more corals and fishes. Corals and fishes around the diving resort are few.

Crossing out Scuba Diving from my bucket list

I live in an Archipelago but I'm no good in swimming, that's the fun fact. Despite of not being a good swimmer, scuba diving is one in my buckets lists that I wanted to try since 2013.
Not knowing what to expect I was hesitant  and nervous at first.

Birthday trip in Coron, Palawan turned in to Christmas Holiday

Kayangan Lake

I was pretty excited about my first backpacking birthday trip to Coron, Palawan but due to typhoon it was cancelled. Cebupacific air was kind enough to let the passengers to rebook their flight 7 days after their original travel date for free (promo tickets are not re-bookable) or refund their ticket cost. I was thinking to rebook it on the next week but my aunt invited me to join their trip to Coron on their Christmas vacation. So instead of re-booking the ticket I refunded it and bought regular tickets from PAL because it's cheaper than Cebupacific during that time.

Mt. Maculot Day Hike

At the Rockies in Mt. Maculot

Mt. Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas is a popular destination for mountaineers near Manila and nearby provinces because of picturesque of Taal Lake while when you are at the "Rockies".  The summit is 930 MASL. The mountain was put in bad lime light last April 2013 when a mountaineer that hike alone was missing and found dead. Many speculations arises that he was robbed and murdered.

Sightseeing: Batlag Falls in Tanay Rizal

Batlag Falls

Not far from Daranak Falls, just 3-5 minutes of trekking is another waterfall called Batlag Falls. It is also open daily from 8AM to 5PM. Entrance fee is 100 pesos for adult and 50 pesos for children. The entrance fee in Batlag Falls is a bit higher because the property is privately owned while Daranak Falls is owned by the government. Batlag Falls has overnight accommodation but night swimming is not allowed. They have rooms for rent and you can also bring your own tent for camping.

Sightseeing: Daranak Falls in Tanay, Rizal

Daranak Falls

Tanay in the province of Rizal is a home of many natural attractions. One of the attractions is the numerous waterfalls. The most popular is the Daranak Falls. It is 14 meters high and almost 40 foot deep catch basin that serves as a natural pool. It is also picture perfect for postcards. 

How to get there?

Puting Buhangin with Kwebang Lampas: The best beach of Pagbilao

Puting Buhangin with Kwebang Lampas

I was sad and disappointed in Dampalitan beach but when we arrived in Puting Buhangin after 30 minutes of boat ride my sadness turns into joy. Puting Buhangin means white sand and kwebang lampas is a sea cave.

Borawan Island

Borawan Beach

I've heard a lot about Borawan Island in Padre Burgos, Quezon. The name of the island came from the two famous beaches in the country. BORAcay and PalaWAN. They said that Borawan has a fine white sands comparable to the Island of Boracay and it has also limestones and rock formations that are comparable to Palawan.

Fun Photoshoot and more at Fortune Island

I am a great fan of Greek Mythology, I love reading books and watching movies about Greek God and Goddesses. How I wish that I could visit Greece and feel how it is like to be Athena or Venus. Finally, with no passport and no visa required my wish was granted.

Laid back afternoon in Lake Pandin, San Pablo, Laguna

San Pablo City in the Province of Laguna is a home of the "Seven Lakes" namely Lake Sampaloc, Lake Palakpakin, Lake Bunot, The twin lakes-Lake Pandin and Yambo, Lake Muhikap and Lake Calibato. The Seven Lakes provide not only leisure to the locals of San Pablo City but also livelihood for many years when tourism started to grow in the area.

Whitewater Rafting and water tubing in Magdalena, Laguna

the end point at the dam

Whitewater rafting is still a young water sport in the Philippines. It was first introduced in Chico River in Kalinga Province back in 1997 by three American whitewater enthusiasts. From then other river trails have been discovered. The most famous one is the wild whitewater rafting trail in Cagayan de Oro City province of Misamis Oriental in Mindanao, southern part of the Philippines. But because it is being commercialize and fares are expensive, only few people can afford to go there. But don't be sad because we learned that Magdalena, Laguna has this kind of experience to offer.

Pico de Loro 2

Last April 13, 2014, I organized a climb and invited other 12 adventure seekers that are all first timers in Pico De Loro. It was my second time to climb Pico de Loro. The first time I climbed Pico De Loro was four in the morning and it was still dark, I didn't had a clear vision of the trail. It was traverse to Nasugbu so we didn't take the trail back to jump-off point. Even the trail has many signboards and stabilized already and guide is not required I still hired a more experienced mountaineer to guide and assist us during our climb.

Visiting the History Lane : Corregidor Island

It's been awhile (February 9, 2014) since I visited Corregidor Island but all the things I've learned, seen and experienced are still fresh in my memory. And it's because today is Valor Day I feel inspired to write about my day tour experience at Corregidor Island.

Hiked, Swam, Jumped, Spelunked, Hung at Mt. Manalmon

Good to know
Mt. Manalmon is located at Sitio Madlum, Brgy. Sibul, San Miguel Bulacan. It is part of the historical Biak na Bato National park that is a protected area. Mt. Manalmon stood at 196 MASL and best training ground for newbies who love to experience mountaineering. And because it is accessible from Manila that requires 2 and a half hours only via private transportation it became a quick escape place of city dwellers. If you have a private car you need to pay 50 pesos for car entrance and 100 pesos for parking fee. Even Mt. Manalmon is merely a hill, all adventurers are required to get a guide. Guide fee is 300 pesos for a group of 10 persons and 5 pesos each for the registration fee. If you want to experience spelunking which is a MUST to complete your Mt. Manalmon 5-1 adventure, you will need to pay the guide additional 40 pesos per head for Bayukbok Cave 1-6 and another 40 pesos per head for Bayukbok Cave 7-8.

Calaguas Island Camping

Calaguas Beach

Many years ago this paradise is unknown to many. Once it was featured on local tv channel, Calaguas Island are now influx of tourists either local and foreign despite the absence of high class accommodation and facilities.

A Weekend in Baguio: Dining experience

A weekend in Baguio can be turned into dining experience.

A Weekend in Baguio City: A mother and daughters' trip

About Baguio City...

Baguio City is the summer capital of the Philippines because of its cool climate. It's located in highlands and also called "the city of pines" because of the abundance of pine trees.

A Weekend in Baguio: Strawberry Picking

To complete your Baguio experience, strawberry picking is a must.