Bagasbas Beach, Daet, Camarines Norte

WHERE: Bagasbas Beach, Daet, Camarines Norte
DATE OF TRAVEL: May 15, 2011
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:

1. It's a surfer's paradise! It has fast waves with a wide shore and fine gray sand.
2. Even if you're not a surfer, this is a great place to hang out, fly a kite or try skim/ bodyboarding! Sometimes, kiteboarding is done here, too. You can also just sit on your mat while watching surfers catch the waves!

FEES:
P400/ hour - surf lessons (board and instructor included)
P200/ hour - board rental (long and short surfboards)
P200/ hour - surf instructor
P100/ hour - boogie board and skim board rental

NOTE: Beware of currents. Bagasbas beach is notorious for its fast moving currents spread all over the Bagasbas waters at random spots. If ever this happens, swim/ surf sidewards to get out of the current.

DESCRIPTION:

Approximately 4 kilometers, Bagasbas beach is Camarines Norte's famous surfing spot. Blessed with fine, gray sand and fast-moving waves, this beach has become home to many surfers and those learning how to surf. Locals flock here to swim on weekends, too.

During surf season (October or whenever there's a typhoon), waves can reach 8 feet or more! On regular days, the waves range from 2-4 feet, but take note that they are quite fast. Make sure you're with someone when you swim or surf.

The beach's length will leave you lots of spaces no matter the number of people in the beach. There are also a few cottages for rent as well as simple bathrooms along the beach in case you need to wash up or take a bath.

Right across the beach is a strip full of simple accommodations, surf shops and carinderias (small restaurants) in case you get hungry or you need a place to sleep in. Surfer's Diner, one of the inns, can book a seat for you on Philtranco and Amihan buses going back to Manila.

If you're not a surfer and don't want to try surfing, Bagasbas beach is still a fun place to hang while you're in transit (whether you're waiting for the bus going back to Manila or you're stopping over Camarines Norte to get some fresh air before you head further down south).

If you're a surfer or would like to try surfing, you can check out the wave forecasts here:
http://www.magicseaweed.com
http://www.wetsand.com

Or you can call the contact (Ate Mabel) below to ask about the waves in time for your arrival.


HOW TO GET THERE:
1. Fly to Naga, Camarines Sur (45 mins flight)
2. Take a cab from the airport to the van terminal going to
Daet (20 minutes, P250)
3. Take a van to Daet (2 hours, P145 each)
4. Take a tricycle of jeep to Bagasbas Beach (P100-150/ tricycle)

You can also catch a bus (Philtranco, Amihan, Superlines) going to Daet, Camarines Norte from Manila. From the bus terminal, just take a jeepney or tricycle to Bagasbas Beach.

CONTACT:
Hangloose Surf Shop
Ate Mabel - +63909 5312869/ +63906 5737968
JB, her son, is a surf instructor, while Ate Mabel is in charge of the shop's operations.

Click here for more...

Tinago River - Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

WHERE: Tinago River, Hinatuan Bay, Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:

1. The serene ride all the way to the inner areas of the river will make you feel nature at its finest!

2. No pictures and words can describe how beautiful this river is. Wide opening, lush green trees, islets, houses on stilts, fishermen in their small bancas (boats) -- these are just some of the things you'll pass by on the way. And when you get inside the river itself, you'll wonder if there's a crocodile that will show up. It's just so unexploited (and somewhat looks forgotten) that you'll definitely feel your Steve Irwin shouting at you and telling you to go explore what's in front of you!

FEES: From the Enchanted River, you can hire a pump boat for 5 which charges P160/ hour.


DESCRIPTION:

Just a few minutes away from the Enchanted River is another breathtaking river called Tinago. While the water is not blue as in the Enchanted River, Tinago has its own charm. Passing from the sea to the wide mouth of the river gives you a wonderful view of nature. Small islands appear from time to time as well as houses on stilts and fishermen slowly waiting for their catch from the boat. Once inside the river, you will pass find yourself in a maze of mangroves. If you're lucky, you might just find animals roaming around the area.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Fly from Manila to Butuan City. From there, ride a jeep/ bus or hire a van (contact # below) to Bislig and ask to be dropped off at the Hinatuan Terminal. From there, take a habal-habal (P35/ head/ one way) to Enchanted River. You can hire a pumpboat going to Tinago River from Enchanted River.

CONTACTS:
Gemma Millan (Hinatuan Tourism Office) - +63919 4600855/ gemmamillancdic@yahoo.com

Engr. Josephine Lapeciros - just_xpo@yahoo.com.ph

Juvy (driver/ tour guide) - +63927 7175267/ +63909 9899854

Vivian Durano Otaza (Chairperson of CARAGA Travel Links - travel agency) - +63917 3648504/ +63932 2662378/ caragatravel@yahoo.com

CARAGA TRAVEL LINKS Address: Raniel Business Park, J. Rosales Street, Butuan City (across Gaisano mall)

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:

Now that I am working regularly, I have become a "fan" of long weekends. Back then, we had the luxury of staying in a place for a week or two to fully explore the area. Now, even though we know 3 days aren't enough, we have no choice but to make use of them.

For the 2010 Eid-el-Fitr weekend, we decided to fly to Butuan and explore two provinces: Agusan del Norte (where Butuan is) and Surigao del Sur. We knew we didn't have time to make mistakes in this trip if we wanted to make the most out of it. So we hired a van (P5,000/ day) through a travel agency to take us from Agusan to Surigao and back. Knowing only of the Enchanted River and Tinuy-An Falls, we asked Ms. Vivian of CARAGA Travel Links (travel agency) if there was anything else she could suggest. Apparently, "island hopping" is offered to visitors once they get to Enchanted River. For a charge of P1,000/ boat (good for 5 people), you will be taken around Hinatuan Bay for about two hours. (PS: We later on found out that they charge P160/ hour for the pumpboats so maybe you can also do this instead.)

When we got to the Enchanted River, we were approached by Engineer Josephine and introduced to Ms. Gemma Millan, the Tourism Officer of Hinatuan. After taking pictures of the beautiful river, we boarded the speed boat which Mayor Viola Jr. lent us (thank you SOOOO much).

Going out to the sea was definitely an experience. The houses on stilts looked lovely, and the surrounding environs were definitely breathtaking. Once out at sea, we made a turn to our first stop: Tinago River. Going inside the river was a treat for nature lovers like us. The serenity of the place made us feel right at home. For a while there , I was actually thinking of living in the area because it just seemed so beautiful and peaceful. The wide opening allowed us to appreciate the nature right in front of us. On the sides were countless mountains and trees, above us was the huge, blue sky and around us, birds were just flying and resting and chirping. We went past islets filled with coconut trees, children wading in the water and fishermen patiently waiting for their catch from their boats.

When we got inside the river itself, we passed a maze of mangroves. It made us feel like we were in a Disneyland Jungle Cruise, except it was a real one, so we started to wonder how many crocodiles lived in the area. According to Ms. Gemma and Engr. Josephine, no crocodiles have been spotted, but I would bet my life that if Steve Irwin (may he RIP) had visited this river, he would have found one! :D Anyway, with or without crocodiles, this river had a charm that I think would be similar to that of Amazon or the rivers we get to watch in National Geographic. It's small and almost untouched which may be why it made us feel like we were in an entirely different world, filled with nature and nothing else. Too bad for us, we didn't see animals but it did feel like they were all watching us, waiting to make our first move in "making friends" with them.

This may sound cliche but that quiet boat trip to Tinago River allowed me to be at my happiest state. While on board, I was just watching every little thing that was in front of me while feeling the wind on my face. Though the sun was out, the water and the trees did make our ride cooler. Everything in this area was simple, yet it was also grand. While staring at the scenery and listening to the birds, all I had were happy and peaceful thoughts. If people only explored Mindanao, this is what they would find: a sense of peace that you can't even get in Manila.

That trip down the river made me realize (once again) just how wonderful (and powerful) nature really is, and once you fall under its trap, you will never fall out of love.

Click here for more...

Lake Mainit - Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte

WHERE: Lake Mainit - Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 10, 2010
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
FEES:
NOTE:

DESCRIPTION:
HOW TO GET THERE:
CONTACTS:
HELPFUL LINKS:
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:

Click here for more...

Enchanted River - Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

WHERE: Enchanted River - Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur
DATE OF TRAVEL: September 11, 2010

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1. It is a unique river here in the Philippines! Its unknown depth gives it the deep sky blue color.
2. It's perfect for swimming! There are parts that become shallow during low tide and rentals of life vests are available.

FEES:
P10.00 entrance fee

BEST TIME TO GO: 12:00-1:00 pm for the fish feeding (note: no swimming allowed during fish feeding) This is when the water gets very very clear, too!

DESCRIPTION:

Enchanted River is found in Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. It is called "enchanted" because no one has ever reached its bottom. Many people, including scuba divers, have tried reaching for the bottom but have failed, hence the legend of its bottomless pit. Moreover, locals share that NOBODY has been successful in catching the fish in this river, whether by hand or by spear.

They say its bluish color is a result of its depth and the water clarity changes throughout the day. At around 12:00 nn, the water becomes clearer and even more majestic. Once the bell is rung at noon, the people swimming get out of the water and the fish start appearing to enjoy a feast. Fish feeding is done daily and serves as entertainment most especially for the locals during weekends.

Once inaccessible by vehicle, there are roads now that lead you right at the entrance to this river. Huts, tables and chairs are available for picnic and there are souvenir shops and stalls right across the entrance.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Fly to Butuan City (Agusan del Norte) from Manila. From Butuan, ride a jeep/ bus going to Bislig and ask to be dropped off at the Hinatuan terminal. From there, you can ride a habal-habal (motorcycle) for P35/ head/ one way going to the Enchanted River. You can also hire a van which will take you directly to the site (contact # of our driver below).

CONTACTS:
Gemma Millan (Hinatuan Tourism Officer) - +63919 4600855/ gemmamillancdic@yahoo.com

Engineer Josephine Lapeciros - just_xpo@yahoo.com.ph

Juvy (driver/ tour guide) - +63927 7175267/ +63909 9899854
*we paid P5,000 for the van (driver & gas included) for one day (from Butuan to Surigao del Sur)

CARAGA Travel Links (travel agency) - Vivian Durano Otaza (Chairperson):
+63917 3648504/ +63932 2662378/ +63 85 2259089/ caragatravel@yahoo.com
Raniel Business Park, J. Rosales St., Butuan City (across Gaisano Mall)

Click here for more...

Dive: Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

WHERE: Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
BEST TIME TO GO: anytime as long as there are no typhoons/ strong rains

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:

1. Puerto Galera is one of the best diving spots in the Philippines! It has diverse marine (read: soft and hard corals are all over!) and plant life, wrecks to explore and a lot of challenging dive sites (read: deep, drift, washing machine!)
2. According to puertogalera.org, Puerto Galera has an estimated 3,000 species of fish and marine life, about 50% more than the Red Sea!
3. While Verde Island (center of the center of marine biodiversity in the world!) is part of Batangas province in Luzon, it is nearer the island of Puerto Galera. Verde Passage separates Luzon from Mindoro hence the strong currents that create a vast marine and underwater plant life. Day dives to Verde Island from Puerto Galera are very possible and considered usual.

FEES: Depends on the resort you're staying at or your dive operator.

NOTE: Most dive operators are located in Sabang beach. If you're after a beautiful beach (with shorelines and white sand) or fancy resorts, Sabang is not the place for you. It is basically a jump-off point for scuba divers. You can try the other islands such as White Beach if you want to combine diving with other activities. For a list of the different islands and resorts, click this.

DESCRIPTION:

Puerto Galera is an island off the coast of Batangas and is officially part of Oriental Mindoro. Beach lovers as well as scuba divers spend weekends here because of the proximity and the beauty of the place. Home to several islands, one can choose a resort that would best accommodate one's needs since a lot of activities may be done here. Swimming, snorkeling, beach volleyball, scuba diving, mountain trekking -- name it, it's probably offered here.

Scuba divers stay at Sabang beach since it is the nearest beach to most of the dive sites. There is nothing much to do here but it's a great jump-off point if the only thing in your itinerary is diving. White beach on the other hand, is famous for its wide and long white sand and the nightlife. If you're looking forward to mingling with the crowd and strolling on the seashore, White beach is for you. Marco Vincent Dive Resort is located on White beach and has recently launched a grandiose dive boat that is perfect for a large number of scuba divers. Other resorts such as Oceana, Buri and Coco Beach prefer to stay in the quieter islands but they also offer Puerto Galera's best feature: Scuba Diving.

HOW TO GET THERE:
There are several ways to reach Puerto Galera. Some hotels in Puerto Galera arrange pick-ups all the way from Manila so make sure to check with your preferred resort.

BY PUBLIC BUS: Take a bus to Batangas City and find your way to Batangas City Pier. Jam Bus Line plies this route. From the pier, there are several ferries that will take you to Puerto Galera. Make sure you know which beach you're going because ferries dock in the different piers like Muelle Pier, Balatero Pier, White Beach and Sabang Beach. Bus fare is P175/ head (w/ aircon) and it leaves almost anytime of the day. Ferry prices range depending on your chosen "class". It should be around P200 or less. Once you get to the pier, you can ride a jeepney (P25) or tricycle (P50). Click here for the ferry schedule.

BY TOURIST BUS: Sikat Service has a bus that departs daily at 8:00 am from City State Tower, Mabini corner Padre Faura Streets, Malate, Manila. The fare is P700 one way and it includes bus and ferry tickets plus a guide. No minimum number of persons required and it can take you to either Sabang, White Beach or Muelle Pier.

BY CAR: From Manila, find you way to Batangas City Pier and take the RORO (roll on, roll off ferry) if you wish to take your vehicle with you all the way to Puerto Galera. You can also park it in Batangas if you don't want to bring your vehicle along. Click here for the ferry schedule.

BY BOAT: Some dive resorts in Anilao, Batangas (check our Anilao link) offer daytrips to Puerto Galera for scuba divers. During a calm, sunny weather, the Verde Passage may be crossed without difficulty. Some also offer overnight packages. Check with your preferred resorts (or dive groups) if they have arranged trips or they can arrange one for you. You can even pass by Bonito Island on the way back.

DIVE SPOTS WE'VE TRIED & TOTALLY ENJOYED: Hole in the Wall, Sabang Wreck, Canyons, Sinandigan Wall (aka Nudibranch City) and of course, Verde Island :)

CONTACTS:
Sikat Tourist Bus - +632 5213344/ +63917 6946918
Jam Bus Line (location: Taft Avenue or Timog corner EDSA, QC) - +632 9251758, +632 5208679

HELPFUL LINKS: http://www.divepuertogalera.com/

Click here for more...

Dive: Anilao, Batangas

WHERE: Anilao, Batangas

BEST TIME TO GO: all year round :)

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1. If you're coming from Metro Manila, Anilao is one of the nearest areas where you can really enjoy scuba diving. That means you can actually do a day trip and if ever you decide to stay overnight, you'll actually get to spend more time on the resort and underwater than be stuck on the road.

2. Anilao is filled with dive sites which offer varied marine life. The Philippines is home to about 75% of the total marine species, that's why it's no wonder that we have seen A LOT of interesting animals and plant life in Anilao. From planktons to small shrimps to clownfish aka "Nemo" to tunas to sharks to all sorts of rays to Napoleon Wrasse to our favorite, sea turtle (or as we call it, PAWIKAN). According to our dive friends, whalesharks are starting to appear in the area as well.

3. It is cheap if you're going with a group since you can all share in the Divemaster/ Dive Instructor fees as well as the boat.

4. Anilao = BEAUTIFUL SUNSET. Try staying in Dive & Trek and make sure you're on land when the sun sets. Trust us, it's beautiful!

FEES:

Depending on the resort, day trips (with 2-3 dives) can range from P2,000-P3,500 and overnight stay with 4 buffet meals start at around P2,750. Rates vary depending on the resort. Resorts like Aquaventure, Balai Anilao, Planet Dive and Dive & Trek offer affordable rates, Pier Uno, Outrigger and Vistamar (if you want a resort each and every family member can enjoy, stay here) have mid-range rates and resorts like Acacia, Eagle Point and Portulano offer high-end services. Day trippers are also charged with entrance fees that are usually consumable.

NOTE:
1. If you are a small group (2-3), Anilao may not be the best dive destination for you if you're on a tight budget. Maximum number of people for each boat is 6 for a small boat (plus DM and bangkero) and 10 for a big boat. The rates won't change even if your group has less people. You can of course dive with "strangers" and make new friends. :)

2. The style for most of the resorts in Anilao is this: they offer buffet meals (1 for day trip, 4 for overnight) as part of their package. If you have special food requests, make sure to let the resort know. For us vegetarians for example, the buffet style isn't really a treat but waste of money. Call ahead of time so they can make special arrangements for you. :)

3. While Anilao is rich in marine life, we noticed that compared to the less visited underwater sites in the Philippines, the marine life are generally smaller and they are "scared" of people. They usually swim away quickly the moment they "hear" you coming close. Some divers have also done harm to the marine environment such as vandalism, touching of marine life (especially the poor puffer fish), pointing of flash towards the poor animal's eyes during night dives and destruction of coral reefs (intentionally and unintentionally). If ever you decide to visit Anilao, please be a careful and responsible diver. One small change underwater can bring about a huge effect on the whole ecosystem. :)

4. Dive Sites You Shouldn't Miss: Mainit (If you want to see sharks, dive here at around 6-7 am), Bahura (beautiful corals and seascape), Koala's, Steps (easy to navigate and is home to unusual kinds of fish), Beatrice, Twin Rocks, Kirby's Rock, Basura (do a night dive here to see unusual marine life) :)

5. If you're bringing a car, take note of the steep and narrow roads going "down" to your resort. Since a lot of resorts are located on the hillside and the rooms/ dining area/ diving area are located WAY downhill, you will be asked to park in the middle area then use the steps to go to the "shore" or diving area. This means you have to climb back up as there are no elevators. Fortunately, some resorts like Vistamar don't give you this challenge. They have wide roads and ample parking space. Resorts like Dive & Trek on the other hand offer a free boat ride to bring you to their resort.

DESCRIPTION:
Anilao is a barangay in Mabini town, Batangas. One stretch of road houses most of the resorts of Anilao. With their fast increasing number, you will never run out of places to stay!

Also known as the "mecca" of scuba divers, it is a great place to go if you're a water baby. Sports like sailing and windsurfing are also offered here, and of course, you can snorkel if you don't scuba dive!

Because of its proximity to Manila, it is also a popular destination for day trippers or a weekend getaway for sea lovers. While Anilao is great for underwater and on-water activities, it may not be the best destination if you're looking forward to relaxing under the sun as there are no "beaches". There are different kinds of "beach hang-out places" like beach chairs and nipa huts and an amazing sunset to make up for it, though.

Anilao's waters are generally warm and is perfect for diving. A wetsuit, not a dry one, is what you need for diving. From late November to around February, the water gets a bit cooler but still warm enough for you to enjoy your dive.

Anilao is about 3 away from Manila but it can take longer if you leave late (the traffic gets bad in South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and some parts of Batangas) so make sure to wake up early and enjoy the beautiful morning scenery of Anilao. :)

HOW TO GET THERE:
There are a number of ways to get to Anilao. Click on this for the different directions if you're bringing a private vehicle.

For commuters, you can take the bus going to "Batangas City" from Buendia terminal then ask the driver to drop you off at the Bauan Jeepney terminal. Ask the jeepney driver to take you directly to your resort (if possible) or head to the Mabini dock and from there, hire a driver to bring you to your chosen resort.

CONTACTS:
Dive & Trek Resort, our favorite! - +63920 9064123 (Resort Supervisor-Allan)/ +639176694273 (Resort-Cora)/ +63917 4042973 (Resort-Myrna)/ (02) 8514123 (Booking Office)/ (02) 8320494 (Booking Office)

DIVE INSTRUCTORS:
Ricky Baccay - +63917 8188806
Janet Bellarmino - +63918 5045220
Paul "Pong" Villaroman - +63917 8990618
Jojo Ng - +63918 9005812
Dong Fergara - +63917 8226333

DIVE MASTERS:
JA Reano - +63917 8388568 (note: If you want to see turtles, contact this guy!)
Abet - +63919 5797402 (note: If you want to see sharks, contact this guy!)
Allan - +63917 9708007 (note: Abet's cousin who's also good in spotting pelagic marine life)

DIVE EQUIPMENT RENTAL:
* Most resorts offer equipment rental, but if you want to get your gears cheaper (P300 for BCD & regulator for daytrip-return the next day), rent from Ellen of Diver's Point. :)

Ellen Chua (Metro Manila) - +632 7253631/ +63918 9203323

HELPFUL LINKS:
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: to follow

Click here for more...

Boating at Burnham Park, Baguio City

WHERE: Burnham Park, Baguio City
DATE OF TRAVEL: May 27-31, 2007
WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Burnham Park is a good place to relax and appreciate the nice cool weather of Baguio. There are lots of activities that can be done in the Park, boating is just one of them.

DESCRIPTION: Named after Baguio City's planner, Daniel Burnham, this park is centered around a man made lake where you can go boating in. You can also take leisurely strolls, go biking and play sports in the park. Don't forget to bring your camera because this place is also a good place to take photographs in.

Click here for more...

Dive: Coron, Palawan

WHERE: Coron, Palawan
DATE OF TRAVEL: May 11-14, 2007
WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
FEES:
NOTE:

DESCRIPTION:
HOW TO GET THERE:
CONTACTS:
HELPFUL LINKS:
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:

Click here for more...

Snorkeling With The Whalesharks In Donsol, Sorsogon

WHERE: Donsol, Sorsogon

DATE OF TRAVEL: April 17, 2007

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:
1. Because not all countries are lucky to have whalesharks visit their waters. So many foreigners are DYING to get upclose to these gentle creatures.
2. Because it's a a humbling experience -- a great opportunity for you to appreciate the world and the creatures we so often forget about.
3. To swim with a bus-long creature and see it gently pass right before you is a thrilling experience!
4. By doing this, you are in your own little way, contributing to the long term survival of these animals. The locals, instead of killing them for their meat and hide, begin to see them in a different light.
5. No words can captivate the feeling of being there. You have to GO and EXPERIENCE it yourself!:)

FEES:
Registration Fee: P100 for locals / P300 for visitors
Boat: P3,500 - good for 7 people. In the summer, you are given 3 hours for the boat. On lean months, the boatman said that for the same fee, they allow you to stay longer since whalesharks are not as visible.

NOTE:
Before you ride the boat and search for whalesharks, you will be asked by the Donsol Tourism Office to watch a video about whalesharks. Kindly make sure you listen and follow the guidelines.

DESCRIPTION:
Donsol, Sorsogon is host to one of the highest concentration of whalesharks in the world. Many foreigners and locals alike visit the waters of Donsol to meet these gentle giants also known as the butanding. Although butandings arehuge in size, they only eat plankton are are harmless as long as you keep your distance.

Donsol, Sorsogon is about 1.5 hours from Legaspi City, Albay. There are other activities in Donsol that you can participate in such as the river cruise and firefly watching, enjoying the beach and the mangroves.

HOW TO GET THERE:
Fly or take a bus to Legaspi City, Albay. In Legaspi City, get a tricycle to take you to the transport terminal (Pacific Mall) for vans going to Donsol. Once in the terminal, just look for the vans marked Donsol and ask the dispatcher to save you a seat (P60 per seat). Note that the van will not leave until all seats are sold. So if you want to leave already, you can purchase the remaining seats. The ride will take about an hour and a half and once you get to Donsol, ask the driver to drop you off at your resort, and he will do so for an extra fee.

You can also hire a private van (12 seats) for P1,440 per way. From Donsol, vans leave daily for Legaspi from the Donsol town center. Last van leaves at 3:00pm.

CONTACTS:
Amor Farm Beach Resort - Agnes +63917-694-1687 / +63917-968-2733 / +63910-458-6140 / +63910-476-2176 / rasyl_r_amor@yahoo.com

Vitton Beach Resort - Nora +63927-912-6313

HELPFUL LINKS:
http://tourism.albay.gov.ph/whale_sharks.html

TIPS:
1. If you can, bring your own snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel and fins) so you don't have to pay extra P300 for equipment rental.
2. If you can, stay at Vitton Resort (P1,800 to P2,000 per night) or Amor Resort (P600 to P1,800) because they are the nearest resorts to the Donsol Tourism Office which is the jump off point of the whaleshark experience.
3. Although whaleshark season begins in November and ends in May, the best time to go is from February to April.
4. Make sure to leave early in the morning when the water is clear and makes it easier to spot the whalesharks.
5. Bring CASH to Donsol since credit cards are not accepted and the nearest ATM is in Legaspi City.
6. Bring an insect or mosquito repellent since there are lots of mosquitoes there.

Click here for more...

Caylabne Bay Resort, Cavite

WHERE: Caylabne Bay Resort, Ternate, Cavite
DATE OF TRAVEL: April 13-14, 2007

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:

1. It's a family-friendly resort! It has villas for every family and it offers a lot of activities (aquasports range from snorkeling to banana boat to kayaking and more)!
2. You will pass by the "magnetic hill" of Cavite on the way here!

FEES: P7,000/2 on regular rates but if you catch their promo, they offer rooms for two with breakfast for as low as P1,200!

NOTE: We stayed here for a night because we were invited to do a clean-up dive with the Philippine Navy for Earth Day 2007! The scuba diving trip was a special arrangement. Caylabne Bay Resort does not offer scuba diving as part of their facilities.

DESCRIPTION:
Caylabne Bay Resort is nestled in a cove of Caylabne Point. Surrounding it are the islands of El Fraile, Caballo, La Monja, Carabao and Corregidor! It has a total of 160 hectares and is about 90 kilometers south of Manila.

With Mediterranean style and a beach rolled into one, Caylabne is a charming resort. It offers a wide range of activities for each family member. Swimming, snorkeling, banana boat ride, kayaking and aquatrike are among the water sports one can enjoy. The beach is a great place to play volleyball and frisbee, too! There are beach chairs where one can chill while watching the sunset. The resort also has a mini-golf area, basketball, tennis and badminton courts, walking trails, restaurant and business center.

The sand is grayish but it's soft and smooth. There's also a small river beside the beach where one can hangout if the "small" beach proves to be crowded.

The rooms are comfortable and big. For just a few hours away from Manila, this could be a perfect getaway resort for the weekend.

HOW TO GET THERE:
BY PRIVATE VEHICLE FROM MANILA:
1. Drive along South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and exit at Carmona.
2. Continue west passing by General M. Alvarez (GMA).
3. Continue of Governors Drive passing by Trece Martirez City and continue to Naic, Cavite.
4. Follow the signs to Ternate town proper, passing by Muzon and a Caltex station on the junction that separates the road to Ternate and Maragondon. Take the right road (Ternate).
5. After the Ternate Municipal Hall, you will pass over a bridge and then Puerto Azul.
6. Continue southwest and follow the signs to Caylabne Bay Resort.

For other directions, click this.

CONTACTS:
Caylabne Bay Resort - +632 8138519-24

HELPFUL LINKS: http://www.caylabne.com.ph/

TIPS:
1. Stop by the "Magnetic/ Gravity Hill" along Ternate Highway. Put your vehicle on neutral and see what happens.:P
2. The food was very limited for us vegetarians. It would be better if you call ahead of time and tell them about your food request/s in case you have special food needs.

Click here for more...