Red Rock Falls also known as "Pulang Bato Falls"

              Few miles away from Dumaguete City is the town of Valencia where you can find the Pulangbato Falls. Since the falls is an hour away from the city, I decided to hire a tricycle to bring us there, I'm sorry i forgot the amount I paid but you can contact manong Angelico Agustin Jr. and just ask for the price, his number is 09425517723.  After an hour ride, you will have to ride a motorbike going up the mountain for about 5-10 minutes to be able to see Pulangbato.

            The falls is beautiful and definitely very unique from the other falls I have ever seen. The color of the rocks where the water flows is red. Locals said that it became that way because of the presence of sulfur in the water. You might ask, sulfur? is it safe for bathing? the answer is yes. Locals and tourist are allowed to take a bath and relax in this beautiful creation of God. So if you're in Dumaguete, don't forget to visit this place. 

Note: you have to pay for the motorbike going up and also there is an entrance fee (don't worry, its very affordable) 

...mmg

U Story Guesthouse, Siquijor

          I stayed in Siquijor for one night and I chose U Story Guesthouse . This resort is quite expensive if you compared it to other resorts  (budget friendly accommodation is also available in Siquijor) but I wanted to experience watching sunset in a cliff and that is the main reason why i stayed here. The cottage is beautiful, the bed, pillow, linens and even the towels were great. The bathroom has NO ROOF! very unique and very nice idea, i love it.

the bathroom...

        They also have restaurant that has a variety of food to choose from. Love the ambiance especially at night time. The staffs are very accommodating, they made sure we are comfortable. Also, if you're a book reader, the resort has a lot of good books for the guest to read...

          What I like most is watching sunset at the cliff side, sunset in Siquijor is one of the best I've ever seen. You shouldn't miss it.

Tips:
1. The resort is only open from November to May so plan your vacation well.. ;D
2. No phone signal at the resort, you won't be able to make a call or send a text message.
3. Cottage has no TV, so you have nothing to do, after dinner.. ;)
4. The place is perfect for couples.
5. .... and the place is beautiful and unique which I'm sure you will enjoy.. ;)

...mmg

Majestic Siquijor...;)

        It took me more than a year to  write another blog, I was so busy these past few months that I never got the chance to update and share some of my adventures. Anyway, I will try to catch up with all those missed blogs. ;)

         So here we go, my trip to Siquijor.

        From Dumaguete City, I took a 1 hour ferry ride for the amount of 200-350 pesos (if I remember it right). A tricycle is waiting to take us to all the beautiful places of Siquijor. I contacted the driver ahead of time and made  a reservation, his name is Allan Buktulan, and a very good driver  (his number is 09166419570, just in case you want to contact him).  The tricycle can carry around 4-5 passengers, multicab is also available for bigger group or you can rent a motorcycle good for two for a lesser price.

        Our first stop, Balete tree. A huge tree, about  400+ years old and said to be the oldest and biggest tree in the province. You can also experience fish spa, just in front of the tree for a very small amount. Every tourist never fails to visit this place that's why sometimes, it gets crowded.

 Balete Tree...

Fish spa..

         Second stop, the Lazi Church. The church was under construction during my visit, but I was able to go inside. What makes this church different? its the floor. Its not our typical floor, its not even, not even flat, it has this style that makes it uncomfortable to walk but definitely one of a kind. Across the church, is the Lazi Convent, an old convent being preserved and made into another attraction for tourists.

 The Church..

 The floor..

Lazi Convent..

         Third stop, Cambugahay Falls. A very famous falls, that everyone is talking about. Actually, I have no plan going to this falls, but our driver wanted us to experience what its like to be in this place and he was right, this place is definitely worth a visit.

         Fourth stop, Salagdoong Beach Resort. Clear water, white sand, beautiful view and cliff diving is what this place famous of. For the brave ones, don't miss the cliff diving.

         We also visited other churches along the way, different beaches and resorts (wait for my next blog on the resort where I stayed)  and bought some "pasalubongs". 

Tips:

1. A lot of tourist and locals travel from Dumagute-Siquijor-Dumaguete, so I suggest take an early trip to avoid the long line.

2. Siquijor is a small town, you can see everything in a day.

3. No famous restaurants, so don't look for one. No malls either.

4. The place is beautiful and clean, let's keep it that way. ;)

5. ... and enjoy your stay...;)

...mmg

Bais, Negros Oriental... dolphins!

         On our second day in Negros Oriental we are headed to Bais, Negros Oriental. Famous for Manjuyod sandbar and dolphin watching. From Dumaguete City we took a bus ride (sorry, i forgot the fare) going to Bais. Upon arriving to Bais town proper , our tour guide is already waiting for us. We contacted Jen whom her father owns a boat that would bring you to Manjuyod sandbar, and dolphin watching. From town proper,  we took a tricycle going to the port, travel time is about 5-10 minutes. 

            Then we started looking for dolphins in the middle of the sea, yes in the middle of the sea. At first i was kind of disappointed since I haven't seen any dolphins yet but after 30 minutes - 1 hour, we've finally found them, not just one or two, but lots of them.. 

           After the dolphin watching we are now headed to Manjuyod sandbar. Its actually a very long sandbar in the middle of the sea, probably the longest that I've ever seen. White sand, clear water, and beautiful sky all in one. The best time to go here is around noon or when it is low tide so you can really see the sandbar. The water is really inviting, so if you're not afraid to get burn I suggest you take a dip, or you might as well bring lots of sunblock lotion. ;)

If you want to contact Jen, just txt or call her at this number 09358623595 or 09177045575. They're very accommodating and will give you discount. ;)

...mmg

Apo island, Negros Oriental .. turtle haven!

          yes, I know this is already a long overdue blog about my summer 2015 but nevertheless let me start this again. After my South Cebu experience i'm now headed to Negros Oriental. From Liloan port, we took a ferry ride for an hour going to Sibulan port (fare is less than 100.00 pesos). From Sibulan port you can either rent a tricycle going to Dumaguete City or take a PUJ (public utility jeepney), fare is 11 pesos and travel time is about 15 minutes. You can either explore Dumaguete city by foot, take a tricycle, or you can even rent a motorbike if you want to check the city on your own.

            

        We stayed at Harolds Mansion, perfect for backpackers like us. We paid less than 1000.00 pesos, for 2 person already and they have their own diving and snorkeling shop for those who wants to experience the Apo Island tour like us. Upon arriving, I made a reservation right away for the Apo Island experience, 1000 pesos for each person and that includes transportation, lunch and gears for  those who wants to go snorkeling but price for diving is different.

        The next day we left the Harolds Mansion around 8am and took a multicab ride for about an hour, and another an hour boat ride going to the Apo Island. Apo Island is one of the best snorkeling spot I've ever seen. Turtles and fishes are everywhere. For those of you who wants to experience this but don't know how to swim, don't worry, you will be equipped with proper gears and a guide to help you experience this beautiful island. And don't you ever ever forget to bring your underwater camera because everything in that island is beautiful. ;D

If you visit Negros Occidental, don't be scared to experience this because it's definitely worth it.

...mmg

Tumalog Falls Oslob Cebu .. one of the best falls I've ever seen.. ;D

             After the whale shark interaction we are now headed to the famous Tumalog falls. From the resort where we stayed, we rented a multicab (from the resort) to bring us to the falls. It cost us 140 pesos for each person and that includes the entrance fee already. It took us about 15 minutes to reach the top and  we have to ride another motorcycle going down to the falls, the price is 50 pesos for each person, that's going down and going up already.

            Seeing the falls was amazing, very beautiful indeed. I wasn't planning to take a dip but i just can't resist the beauty of this falls. Thanks to my motorcycle driver who also became my photographer.  He was kind enough to offer his help but i forgot to ask his name, too bad for me. 

            Indeed, Tumalog falls is the best falls I've ever seen so far. Didn't even regret coming here and I would definitely love to go back and enjoy this place again. After an hour of taking pictures and enjoying the view, we've decided to go back to the resort since we have to catch a bus ride going to Liloan port. 

...mmg

... my first whale shark interaction ! ... ;) Oslob Cebu

                 After we visited Oslob town proper,  we headed to Aarons Beach resort located at Brgy. Tan-awan, Oslob where we will be spending the night. From Oslob town proper, you can either ride a bus or tricycle but bus is cheaper, i guess it will only cost you around 30-50 pesos but for tricycle it will cost 300 pesos for the entire trip. Upon arriving at the resort , we were welcome by the very friendly owner and assisted us to our room. The room is very comfortable, its air-conditioned, the restroom is clean and the bed, linen and pillows smells good and that's what i like most.  The room costs 1500.00 pesos and for me its worth it. The resort is located in front of the beach and they served food for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even snacks and the price is very affordable especially if you are group of 3-4 people. The resort has their own souvenir shop and diving area (for those who want to dive) and most especially they offer the whale shark  interaction.

              The next day, we woke up early, since the first whale shark interaction starts at 6:00 am. We went to the registration area, paid the fee of 500.00 pesos for each person and we rented underwater camera to capture our underwater moments for 550.00 pesos, and that includes a CD of all our pictures. After we registered our names, we were accompanied by 2 fisherman to our boat and gave us our life jacket and snorkeling gear. The boat could accommodate 2-4 person, I guess. Then we transferred from the resort to the nearby resort ( about 5 minute boat ride) for a short briefing of the do's and don'ts with the whale shark. After the briefing we went directly to the whale shark area.

             The interaction lasted for 30 minutes and that's one of the best 30 minutes of my life. Seeing whale shark for the first time, and having the chance to have my picture taken with the giants of the sea is amazing. A totally different experienced for me and my mom and we would love to do it all over again. 

     Whale shark interaction in Oslob is a must see in Southern Cebu. You shouldn't miss this one. ;D

(see my next blog for my Tumalog Falls adventure)

...mmg

Oslob Cebu old Church and Cuartel ruins.. :)

               We wanted to visit Oslob ,Cebu mainly because of 3 reasons. First, because of there old Church and Cuartel ruins, second, because of their famous Tumalog Falls (see my next blog for more info) and lastly, the famous whale shark interaction (see may next blog for my next info).   We took an airplane bound for Cebu City and took a 4 hour bus drive to southern part of Cebu which is Oslob (fare is less than 200 pesos). We went down at the Oslob town market and took a tricycle for 5-10 minute ride to there beautiful old Church and Cuartel ruins.  The church and the ruins are facing the sea which made it more beautiful. The fare for the tricycle is 10 pesos per head but if you want to occupy the entire tricycle you have to pay 40 pesos going there.  Touring this place will take approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour and you can  take a lot pictures with that short period of time. So, if you're planning to visit Oslob, don't forget to include this place...  ;)

... see my next blog for my Tumalog Falls adventure... 

...mmg

..Negros Occidental for the 3rd time... ;D

           Its been more than a year since the last time i wrote a blog. So much had happened last year (2014) that I never get the chance to visit some of the beautiful places here in the Philippines. But then, i managed to go to Negros Occidental for the second time, and few days ago for my third time. I visited this place for the first time few years ago (i wrote a blog about it already). Went to the same tourist spots and did the same thing, i guess.. ;D The only different about this trip is that i wandered the city using public utility jeepney which i never did before. I managed to visit the famous Calea pastries and coffee in which Bacolod City is famous of. I did ate in what they called "Manokan Country" located near SM Bacolod. Its a line of famous chicken house where you can eat chicken, pork, oysters, etc.

          Again, I went to "the Ruins" located in Talisay, Negros Occidental. I went there around 7:00 am and  luckily we are the first visitors that day so we get the chance to take pictures as much as we want. "The Ruins" has been the witnessed of the undying love of Mariano and Maria during the World War II. This place never fail to make me smile and continued to hope that someday i'll visit this place again with someone i truly love. <3

         Another destination is Campuestohan Highland Resort. I guess, some of you have heard or have been there before. Well, it's still the same plus some additional amenities which you can enjoy. The weather is not so good when we arrived. We we're welcomed by rain, strong wind and fog. It felt like we are in Baguio because its freezing cold out there. All i did was to drink hot cocoa and watched the fog slowly covering our cabin. ;D

'til my next its more fun in the Philippines adventure.. ;D

...mmg