Bicol Adventure Travel Guide

Camarines Sur is located at the central part of Bicol Region. There are two ways to get to Camarines Sur. Philippine Airlines via Naga Airport in Pili and Legaspi City have daily flights while Cebu Pacific Air have daily flights via Legaspi City only. If you are up to a road trip, Camarines Sur is a 8-hour drive away from Manila. But if you are headed to Sabang, bus travels with an estimate of 10hrs. There are several buses that travel daily like Isarog Bus Lines & Penafrancia. 

During my first time in Bicol, I wasn't able to explore it that much because I had to be back in Manila because of my review. Since I wasn't able to experience their wakeboarding in CWC, I said to my self, I'll be back. And yes! last 2012, we went back to Bicol not only to try wakeboarding but to explore the beauty of Caramoan! :)

Our first stop is Caramoan since we took a bus heading straight to Sabang Port wherein you would have a boat ride for one hour and forty five minutes to two hours to Guijalo port then another 30 minutes tricycle ride to Centro. Our trip to Caramoan was kinda a "not-so-good" timing because during the time we went there, they were shooting for Survivor USA so most of the islands were off limits. But still we had a great time exploring some of the beautiful islands :)

DAY 0
2100 Cubao to Sabang 

DAY 1
0700 arrival at Sabang
0715 walk to Sabang port
0800 leave for Guijalo port
1000 arrival at Guijalo port
1030 Arrival @ Centro via Tricycle
1045 Check-in at Rex Tourist Inn
1115 Early lunch/rest
1300 Start of tour
1800 end of tour

Though these are only some of the islands we've seen in Caramoan, I know there is more to see!! I would really want to go back and explore the other islands!!! :D 

DAY 2
0800 breakfast
0830 leave Caramoan
0900 Centro to Guijalo port
1100 Guijalo port to Sabang port
1130 Van pick-up @ Sabang port
1200 lunch
1330 Cagsawa Ruins/Magayon Festivals
1900 Check-in @ CWC

After our Caramoan adventure, we headed to Legaspi to see the Cagsawa Ruins. In Cagsawa Ruins, you'll be able to see the Mayon Volcano and see its perfect cone. You would notice that kids would be taking camera tricks of you with the ruins. You just have to give them a tip. If you have time you can go to Lignon Hill and try their Zipline. Magayon Festival is held from April-May. Btw, during our trip, we had a free ride to go around Naga & Albay, we just had to give 500pesos for the fuel. YAY! less expense hehe :)

We arrived late in Naga already, so we just checked-in at Camsur Watersports Complex, had a late dinner and recharged, for tomorrow would be an extreme experience for us :)

DAY 3


0800 Wake-up
0900 Breakfast
1000 Register for Wakeboarding
1100 End of Wakeboarding
1200 leave CWC
1300 lunch @ Biggs
1400 Deer Farm
1800 Dinner
1900 Isarog Bus Lines to Cubao

We had a heavy breakfast in CWC Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar. The food was okay but kinda pricey. anyway, we still enjoyed it. After breakfast, we registered for our wakeboard experience. At first, we planned to get the half day rate since we thought we would want to try it all over again. But the lady in the cashier, suggested that we get the hourly rate since this sport is kinda tiring. We were beginners, so we just took the suggestion since its also cheaper. The line was not so long, so we just got our gears and fell in line. I was kinda nervous, I was thinking of the "what ifs" like what if i fall, I dunno how to swim.. waaahh (though I had life vests on, I was still scared) then what if I get hit by the next wakeboarder... waahhh... but of course, I wanted to try this so I had to face my fear.. and yes, it came to my turn.. I held on tight, I gripped the hand bars with all my powers and kept my arms steady, enjoying it, came to the middle of the lake, and fell... HAHA!! I was not drowning since the water was shallow and I had my vest on but what was freaking me out was I can't get to the side of the lake and I can see another wake boarder coming my way... WAaah.. what if the board hits my face?? I was trying to pull my self away, and yes I able to get up walk back carrying my heavy board to the start of the line. Another try? yes definitely! My arms were kinda hurting but it was ok til I tried another round and I can't even get myself on the lake for 3-5mins. I tried it for the third time and I failed again. So I said, Oh well, its really a tiring sport. Good thing the girl on the counter gave us that advice to take the hourly rate. Though I wasn't able to get around the whole course in wake boarding, i'm glad I was able to try it. Til next time!! I'll make sure to perfect it... Not hahaha!! Overall, I enjoyed it!! I'm so proud of myself!! :DDDD I'll be back for WAKEBOARDINGGG!!

PS. Forgive me because I lost my pictures during our stay in CWC this are only some of the pictures that were saved :( but good thing I still have even a few of it.

After checking-out in CWC, we ate our lunch at Biggs, they say it's good, for me, it was okay.. nothing really special.. hehe! afterwards, we went to Deer Farm, it's a big farm with lots of deer as in lots. 

THINGS TO KNOW:

Caramoan bound boats schedule:

1st Trip: ETD 0530

2nd Trip: ETD 0730

3rd Trip: ETD 0900 or 1100

Last Trip: ETD 1400

Estimated arrival of boats from Caramoan:

1st trip: 0900

2nd trip: 1100

3rd trip: 1300

Last trip: 1400

CWC RATES with rental of vest and helmet +PhP 500.00 Deposit + Valid ID refundable upon return of gear (wakeboard with slip-on Bindings and Kneeboards inclusive)

Buy your bus tickets as soon as possible since buses get fully booked fast.

TRAVEL BUDGET EXPENSE:

PS.

You can lessen the estimated budget if you choose cheaper accommodations and places to eat :) HAPPY TRAVELING!!

Boracay Trip: Summary, Itinerary and Budget

Traveling to Boracay, known as the Island Paradise doesn't mean you would have to spend your one month salary just to discover its beauty. There are ways to enjoy the beach without leaving your wallet empty. Tip #1 there are several airlines like Cebu Pacific Air & Pal Express that offer promos for as low as P1 base fare. Imagine spending less than a thousand bucks for a round trip ticket. Tip #2 when finding a room to stay, i would suggest that you just get a cheap decent place because most of the time you would stay outside to explore the island and not sleep the whole time in your room. Tip #3 traveling during lean season (June-November) would help you save a lot because most prices can double during the peak season (December- May) :)

I've experienced traveling to Boracay during the rainy season and summer. During my first visit, I was so excited to explore the beach and the activities so after checking-in at Taj Guesthouse, we explored the beach.. the beach was really breathtaking. The water was so blue and the sand was so fine. People would say that Boracay is very pricey and overcrowded, but when you learn how to appreciate and enjoy the things you see around, would definitely give you second thoughts on doubting what Boracay has to offer.

                     

If you want to do more fun-filled activities than staying at the beach, there are lots of activities like parasailing, island hopping to Puka Beach, ATV, snorkeling, helmet diving and sail around the beach while relaxing on a sail boat.

You would also love Boracay for the food. They have a wide variety of dishes. Mongolian dishes, Filipino, foreign, seafood, steaks, buffet, street foods, and even fast foods that you see in Manila like Mang Inasal, Shakeys, Yellow cab, Andoks and even Starbucks. :) and oh yeah, don't leave the island without tasting Jonah's Fruit shake & Snack Bar. I would also recommend Astoria's Breakfast Buffet, it may cost a bit, but its worth it. 

Jonah's Fruitshake located at the back of Astoria Boracay

Before the day ends, don't forget to get a relaxing massage by the beach. or you can even request to have it done in your hotel. Lastly, you would definitely love the night life here. As soon as the sun sets down, the fun is just about to begin for those who love partying. These club and bars bring music and lights to the beach front. Most bars are located at Station 2.

Things to know:

White Beach is composed of three sections.

The northernmost section – Station 1 – has the widest beachfront. This has the best (and most expensive) resorts and hotels. eg. Red Coconut Hotel

The center of White Beach is Station 2. People come here to eat, shop, and party. Hotels here are cheaper. Eg. Taj Guesthose & Tan's Guesthouse

If you’re looking for a quieter area, then Station 3, the southernmost section, is for you.

You can book your hotels at agoda.com to get cheaper rates. I was able to book Red Coconut Hotel here and yes it was cheaper of 500-1000php compared to there regular rates.

And a very important reminder:

:)

TRAVEL BREAKDOWN EXPENSE: 

Boracay is gorgeous! Happy Traveling! :)

The Budget Travel Guide To Camiguin, Bukidnon & CDO

I've been to Mindanao twice not just because I want to experience it again but because I've missed something that I want to try. And yes, it's RAFTING! The first time I went here was right after Typhoon Sendong, last January 2012. We weren't able to try it due to some changes of Cagayan de Oro River-scape because the water level rose up to 20ft. Nonetheless, I wasn't that disappointed since I knew I'll be back in a couple of months and besides, SAFETY always comes first. :) 

Every time I travel, I always get excited of what to see in my next destination. Traveling to Cagayan de Oro is a 1 1/2 hour plane ride. My first stop when I step my foot on the City of Friendship, CDO,  is to go straight to the Island Born of Fire, Camiguin. It is known as that since it has seven volcanoes and several volcanic domes. Camiguin is a pear-shaped island on the Northern tip of Mindanao. It's just a small island with so many tourist attractions. Some of the interesting spots here is the Sunken Cemetery and Old Catarman Church Ruins. Kuya Teddy, our tour guide and his multicab, welcomed us in the port of Camiguin. We checked-in at Paguia's Cottages wherein our contact person is Kuya Roel Paguia, the son of the owner of Paguia's Cottages. He offered us a package which seems just right for its price. What I like most about Camiguin is that their food, entrance/environmental fees & transportation rates are cheap and they really have standard rates which means locals do not take advantage of tourists.

DAY 1 CAMIGUIN 

0415 ETD Manila
0540 ETA CGY
0550 Airport to Agora Market Terminal
0620 ETA Agora Market
0630 Van to Balingoan Port (2.5-3hrs)
0930 Arrival @ Bolingoan Port
0945 Ferry to Benoni Port (2hrs)
1145 Arrival @ Camiguin
1200 Check-in @ Paguia's Cottages Camiguin
1300 Start of Camiguin Tour via Multicab 
2100 End of Tour

You can get a room good for 5pax for only 1500php ain't bad right? 

there are life size statues depicting the stations of the cross if you reach the top

Gui-ob Church was destroyed and partly submerged by volcanic debris during the eruption and formation of Mt. Vulcan from 1871 to 1875.

Katibawasan Falls-it's so cold that I can't even dip long

Ardent Hot Springs- refreshing!

Sunken Cemetery- you can go diving here and check what's under..creepy!:)

Sto. Nino Cold Spring- COLD

We had our early dinner at Sto. Nino Cold Spring. You can rent a cottage for only 50php. Before you enter this place, there are ladies who'll approach you and give you a list of short menu wherein they'll cook it for you. They offer chicken, fish, pork which can either be cooked as fried, grilled or even adobo. Price ranges from 280php-300php/kilo. They would serve it inside Sto. Nino Cold Spring so you can have a picnic under your picnic huts.

DAY 2 BUKIDNON

0530 Wake-up
0545 Leave for White Island
0600 Arrival @ White Island
0630 Leave Island
0645 back @ Hotel/ Breakfast
0830 Check-out/ Leave for Benoni Port
0845 Ferry to Balingoan Port
1015 ETA @ Balingoan Port
1030 Van Pick-up to Dahilayan Adventure Park
1230 ETA Dahilayan Adventure Park, Bukidnon
1600 Leave for CDO
1800 Arrival @ CDO, Check-in @ Traveler's Pod
1830 Dinner/ Free time

Before leaving Camiguin, you shouldn't miss White Island. Make sure you go there early, since its popular sand bar is only seen during low tide. They say that the island can be a letter C or letter I depending on its ocean tide. Next is Bukidnon. Bukidnon is known for its Dahilayan Adventure Park which has the longest dual zipline in Asia with 840m Ziplines with a drop of 100 meter. You would also get to see Del Monte's Pineapple Farm.

Premier Pod 2700php good for 5pax

Travelers Pod

with the waves of white island

A rainbow sets on White Island

Horseback riding around Dahilayan Park

Del Monte's Pineapple Farm

 The Biggest Pineapple :)

We checked-in @ Traveler's Pod in CDO. It is accessible, cozy and very comfortable. It's really great for Travelers. One thing that we didn't like was that we had a reservation on their premiere pod good for 5 but their aircon was not functioning well. So they had to transfer us in 2 rooms (good for 3pax & 2pax). I just hope that they would check their rooms first and repair things that needs to be repaired before accommodating their guests. But overall, we enjoyed our stay, I liked their choice of bed sheets, the room is very clean & its really relaxing :)

DAY 3 CDO

As early as 8am, the staffs of Red Rafts will be picking you up at your hotel. You would see their jeepney loaded with boats on top of it that would make you even more excited. When we got this package, we had other guest with us. One by one, they picked us up at our hotels. Before proceeding to rafting, we had a short tour to Macahambus Cave. In rafting, we had a choice of getting the short course or long course. Since we were just new, we wanted to only take the short course, but before hopping in to our boats our guide convinced us to get the long course instead since it is more exciting because of the longer rapids, powerful waves and strong currents. it's longer, more exhausting yet more adventurous! We just had to add 300php/each so we said OK! Let's get it on! :)

0700 Wake up/ Breakfast
0800 Pick up @ Hotel
0825 Arrival @ Macahambus Cave
0840 Leave for White Water Rafting
0900 Start of adventure
1200 End of course
1300 Lunch
1400 Jeepney transfer to Lumbia Airport
1555 ETD CGY
1720 ETA Manila

There's our jeepney! :)

a stolen shot in Macahambus Cave

All I did here was scream!! Waaah

Non-stop HI-5!!!

SOAR!! HI 5 to RAFTING!! :))

I would suggest that you do rafting on your last day cos this would be tiring. Tiring yet fulfilling and such a fun-filled experience. This 3-day Mindanao escape was such a blast. Overall, this is one extreme vacation! :) #ONLYINMINDANAO #ONLYINTHEPHILIPPINES

Where/ What to EAT:
*Camiguin

Native Chicken Adobo & Kilawin @ Sto. Nino Cold Spring

Lazones-30-35php/kilo during their Lazones Festival

Only @ White Island. :)

*CDO

Shrimp Sinigang, Laing, Calamares, BBQ @ Golden Cowrie Native Restaurant

Vjandep Pastel

*Bukidnon

Del Monte Farm Clubhouse
Cawayanon, Barangay San Miguel, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

Pinutos sa Kanto
Barangay San Miguel, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon

TRAVEL BREAKDOWN EXPENSE:

CONTACT PERSON

Kuya Teddy (Multicab): 0939-244-0521
Kuya Roel Paguia: 0917-310-7085
Paguia's Cottages: (088)- 387-9018
Travelers Pod:  (088) 851-8988/ 0917-717-6910
The Red Rafts White Water Rafting: 0917-855-6983 / 0922-897-3175

HAPPY TRAVELING! :)