World of Jeepney

World of Tricycle

28.01.2016

Costs

Total Expenses (USD): $1779
Dec. 1, 2015 – Jan. 28, 2016, totally 59 days
Food: $389
Hotel: $618
Tours(entrance/diving): $377
Transportation: $395
Average US$ /day: $30

27.01.2016

Total number of Islands Hopping

#1 Luzon
#2 Masbate
#3 Panay Visayas
#4 Boracay
#5 Guimaras
#6 Negros
#7 Apo
#8 Cebu
#9 Siquijor
#10 Panglao
#11 Bohol
#12 Malapascua
#13 Mactan
#14 Palawan
#15 Miniloc
#16 Coron
#17 Busuanga
#18 CYC
#19 Mindoro

26.01.2016

Ultimate Gateway Destination Coron Island

Please note Coron Town is in Busuanga Island, a 20-min bangka ride to Coron Island, not in Coron Island. As matter of fact, due to geographic formation, Coron Island is uninhabited, that makes the entire island more intriguing of all.

Like El Nido, Coron Town offers a list of standard day tour packages for tourist to select. Various Tours from island hopping to beach lovers, price from P750 to P2,500, depend on how far to go.

We joined Tour A Coron Island, (six destinations): Kayangan Lake, Smith Coral Reef, Lunch at Banol Beach, CYC Beach, Floating House snorkeling and Twin Lagoon, also lunch included with Crab. The wonderful experience is all very similar to the tour in El Nido.




Then there are world-class wreck diving here, with a dozen of Japanese warships and merchant ships found in the water off Busuanga. I was drag out from tour A and didn’t feeling diving any more, though Oliver did a lake and wreck dive.



Don’t hesitate to make a splash!

23.01.-25.01.2016

A Pleasant Ferry Ride

With several boat ride, the 6-hour lunch included ride from El Nido to Coron is the most pleasant ride of all. We were lucky to have an upper deck where we can sat freely and lie down too with lots of sea breeze. Lower deck was more crowded and definitely much more noisy from the engine. Moreover, there are so many beautiful islands and eye-catching beaches passing by, with a few local boats floating by as well, giving the entire ride occupied. On leaving El Nido, we passed he famous light weight boxer Pacquiao’s private own island Labutaya Island. That was something to look into his private island up and close.

22.01.2016

Standing Tall at El Nido

Cliff climbing the Taraw Cliff (280m) is highly recommended by a friend Leonel, though it is not entirely popular at the time we traveled; perhaps 3-5 small groups each day. But we were here, so not to climb seems not an option.



Always about climbing something high becomes a routine about sunrise watching, so yes, we started the ascent at 5 am in order to make the sunrise by 6:30 am. It was a solid one-hour hard rock ascent. We hired a guide cause it is not possible to hike without and yes, I confirm, it is not possible. Hire one, or you will be sorry (P400/pp).

21.01.2016

Gateway Paradise El Nido, Palawan

El Nido, by far the most tourist place we have encountered. Why not! El Nido has it all, one of the best beaches, dive sites for both scuba diving and snorkeling, island resorts, kayaking, island hopping etc… Particularly island hopping between islands for their beaches and lagoons are an awesome experience.



Generally all hotels and tour services are selling exactly the same standard tour packages, Tour A, B, C and D, standard prices from P1,200 to P1,500, divided by four regions of fabulous Bacuit Archipelago, and all lunch included, each designed with 4-6 destinations. Of course, a private tour boat can be catering if budget allow, or with time pressure.





We did Tour A (five destinations): Seven Commando Beach, Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Shimizu Island and Secret Lagoon, which almost every tourist come to El Nido booking this tour in particular, adding Tour C, if you have another day to spare and still into water with more beaches, snorkeling sites and islands. Why not! For both Big and Small Lagoon are excellent for kayaking (extra cost) and snorkeling; all destinations are also great simply to swim in. The buffet lunch was locally delicious, with grilled fish and pork, salad and fruit. Having lunch on the boat during excursion was such a great treat and totally relaxing atmosphere.



Since we have a group of 16 persons, after two destinations, our itinerary ran behind, we ended up skip the Shimizu Island, instead snorkeling somewhere nearby Small lagoon, which was also a pleasant snorkeling time. Dig into the water and enjoy every moment of it!

18.01.-21.01.2016

Explore the Subterranean River National Park

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is in fact near by the small village of Sabang, another 90 minutes minivan ride northwest of Puerto Princesa. Due to the tourist control each day in the park, it is necessary to register with the park service a day in advance before the river excursion. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Palawan, so expect a wait.

The boat ride starts in Sabang pier, cruising by the Sabang beach before reaching the cave entrance, where a massive limestone cliff by the white sandy beach is already an attraction. The underground river cruising is said to be one of the longest navigable river-traversed runnels in the world, total 8 km, while the 45-minute boat ride of 1.5 km is easily accessible by public. The entire tour, our boatman/tour guide spoke in low voice, so not to disturb the cave life, by helping of the spotlight, pointing out various features of the cave. I took the same boat ride back, while Oliver walked the 2-hour trail back, where he saw interesting plants and a huge monitor lizard.

The small beach village of Sabang itself is such a lovely place to stay overnight, instead of doing a day trip where else. There are many lodging and restaurants to select. Since the village has power only from 6 pm to 11 pm, I spend the rest of my leisure afternoon in a 4-star self-generated hotel catching up some writing and had a fabulous Chicken Sandwich with really real mash potatoes.

Moreover, minivan is the major mean of transportation getting around the island Palawan; the minivan service booth always line up with the various tour services by the Sabang Pier. During the road trip, we did see some local buses running, but we didn’t see a bus stop or terminal of sort.

16.01.-17.01.2016

Domestic Flying in Philippines

Not only Philippines is big, but also it is divided into thousands of Islands, making the boat ride the most popular mean of transportation of all. However, some islands are so far apart, it takes hours to a day to get to, not to mention the poor information of schedule and ticketing service, leaving us, in the end, to finally take the fly instead, though we mostly like to do overland.

We were lucky to purchase a relative cheap fly from Cebu City to Puerto Princesa, Palawan only a week in advance. Mostly a cheaper ticket can be book on line even way in advance, so if you are short in time, simply fly. Considering the distance, domestic air fare is acceptable.

15.01.2016

Thresher Shark Spotting in Malapascua Island

The highlight of going to Malapascua is to spot a Thresher Shark and that is everybody wants to see, a Thresher Shark. How scary is that!



For the phases of preparation in going to dive and to see Thresher Shark, there are one major task to complete and that is refresh course in Scuba Diving, since I had not been diving since 2009. Moreover, Thresher Shark can be clearly spot only in the deep blue water of 30 meters about, meaning an advance open water diving certificate required, meaning a refresh course is definitely not to be missed. For the start, I spend a good six hour to complete the refresh course with video and by the pool. Scuba Diving Refresh Course Done…

Only to be safe and enjoy, I decided to have a shallow fun reef dive before heading deeper. Absolutely did not want to be lost and in confusion when going to see a Thresher Shark. First Fun Dive Done…

Then, here came the major event. The entire diving experience in Mondad Shoa dive site is like a show, a show to get a glimpse of Thresher Shark, staging on the seabed of 25 meters deep. It was a deep dive, we couldn’t stay more than 20 minutes underneath and of course, only if we did spot a Thresher Shark within 20 minutes of time, otherwise, leave with disappointment would be a pit!




Our dive master Reagan is a local dive master who is very attentive and consider, he carefully and slowly took us down and constantly checked on our status. We were lucky to see two different Thresher Sharks, though visibility was not excellent, but the glimpse of their shape in distance in deep water was already an awfully amusement.

If you ask me whether it is worth to get a glimpse of Thresher Shark, I say Yes, it is totally worth it, even with a glimpse from the distance with poor visibility, not that I really want to have a closer encounter and be attack.

11.01.-14.01.2016

Cebu 21K Run

Ever since I decided to travel in Philippines last October, I know that I want to run a run somewhere in the Philippines. By the time the international flight book, Cebu Marathon 2016 is already in my mind, perfect city run and perfect timing.

The 21 km run starts at 4 am. Yes I say it again 4 o’clock in the morning, while 42 km starts at 3 am. Considering the heat in the day time, everyone will eventually come to appreciate such an early run. Moreover, we were lucky to find a hotel only a block, merely a minute walk from the start/finish line, making the start and finish less tiresome.

The first 7 km was great, not much traffic and pleasantly cool despite running right in the heart of Cebu center, then 8 km on running by the pier and CSCR over bridge highway, crossing the closed tunnel of less than a kilometer, which was the worst part of the entire run. The round trip run on the CSCR highway was refreshing, lots of sea breeze and the city covered in the dusk. By the time to run the last 7 km back to the finish line was daybreak, traffics and passengers surfaced and even the heat added up, making the returning run less enjoyable, but then it was another kind of city atmosphere on the streets. Overall, the 21 km was brilliant.

Congratulations to both Oliver and Rica! At finish line, a medal and finish shirt is collected. Mission Complete. Oliver Time: 2:26 Rica Time: 2:31

10.01.2016

Interracial Marriage

Four hundreds years of Spanish colonization plus a brief American Era in the Philippines history, its culture, its kitchen, its jeepney vehicles, its people etc., is not entirely Asia’s Asian at all. There are many living things around in daily life of Filipinos to reminding the nation its long and strong impact of Spanish colonization and powerful American influence.

In Carmen, I had an opportunity to stay in a guesthouse run by a couple, a Filipino wife Vivian with a Canadian husband. They met young in the city, returning to the girl’s native hometown Carmen (Chocolate Hills) to raise a family and living with the elders, thus running a guesthouse seems a better option. I will say it is the best option and life style when well planned and managed. Vivian’s father runs the yard, while Vivian’s mother runs the kitchen and I am sure our hosts have other family or work related matters to attend other than taking care of their pre-school girl; hopefully second one to come next year. I am always glad to meet three-generation living under the same roof.

Unlike Thailand, some foreign men has a Thai girlfriend. In Philippines, many more foreign men has a Filipino wife and a family. I am indeed very happy to see such a lovely interracial marriage working out in the country. I think Filipino women are hard working, bright and loving women in the world.

09.01.2016

Chocolate Hills

After days and weeks by sea, I could not be more happier and relax to see some green trees and mountains of hills. Chocolate Hills is certainly by far the most tourist attraction in Bohol island, except spotting a Tarsier. There are counted 1,268-1,776 such a series of majestic grassy hillocks and many stories to tell of how the names coming from. Here is my favorite version: in the name of famous Hershey’s kisses chocolate, if you know what I mean, cause Oliver the German doesn’t know. He insists German doesn’t know about kisses chocolate and I reply, no, you don’t know only. Can you German agree?

08.01.2016

Loboc River Cruising, Bohol Island

For something a bit more upscale river cruising, Loboc River is the right place to go river cruising. For P450, the floating restaurant catering buffet lunch takes us on a 45-minute journey through the gorgeous emerald jungle river. During the ride, a live band plays a tune of 60s, 70s and 80s, such music seems quite popular throughout the entire nation. There is even a brief stop to watch local performers on a floating platform, very commercial, yet quite appealing for the whole event setting.



There is a trail northbound by the river leading the same route as the river cruising, it is about an-hour easy walk one way. Since we just had the river cruising and luncheon, on the trail, it is funny to watch tourists in the very-tourist boats eating and listening to the live band, making the quiet walk, as matter of fact, almost annoying…ha..ha…

07.01.2016

Tricycle and Habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) for Hire

Tricycle is the Philippines rickshaw; it is found in most cities, towns and villages; particularly in many islands. It is the most convenient way to travel short distance with reasonable prices. For foreign travelers, it is crowded to fit 4 persons with backpacks packed behind or top, but I often see a group of family 6-10 persons, all fit into one tricycle. Regardless the smaller sizes of Filipinos, it is still quite a scene to see that many numbers of persons in one single tricycle. Same situation applies to motorcycle taxi.



One of the best way to explore smaller islands in Philippines is to rent a motorcycle by day, giving travelers great mobility and time to plan the day trip from attractions to attractions accordingly. Just about to rent one, surprisingly to learn that Oliver does not ride a motorcycle, despite he biked 7-month through West Africa. Plus auto motorcycle is rare in Siquijor Island, mostly with gear, so we decided to rent a tricycle to travel around the Island Siquijor. It sure is great way to travel, but it is sure not as comfortable as any other vehicle, cause tricycle makes loud engine noisy and not at all comfortable to sit in for hours. Next time, I suggest renting a motorcycle.

06.01.2016

Alona Beach, Panglao Island

The initial purpose of staying in Alona beach was to go to one of the premier diving spots in the Philippines – Balicasag Island, but all went cold when arrived late and tired in Alona Beach. Alona Beach is a happy hour beach in the evenings, packed with all vacationers from all different countries, making our arrival, somewhat irritated. Shortly after the dinner, back in the room, we suddenly decided to leave the ocean, beach and diving all behind and headed straight to Bohol Island, where mountains of hills are awaiting. Thus next morning, we left without looking back. Sure, no regret!?!

So the next morning, I decided to walked the Alona Beach in sunrise hour before departure. Everything is quiet and deserted, thus the beach is much more lovely and pleasant. I strolled and could not be happier to visit a 5-star resort, soaking a few moment pretending that I was sunbathing by the inviting and refreshing pool. And what a tremendous pleasure to use the toilet!

05.01.2016

May the Force Be with YOU

The release of Star War becomes so huge around the world; I feel I need to be part of the event, no matter where I am. Luckily, I visit the shopping center and immediately is attracted to this Adidas jacket. That is all I have to say to you – May Force Be With YOU…

04.01.2016

Tubod Marine Sanctuary, Siquijor Island

Three days in Siquijor island I did the must-do check list except snorkeling, since I had a good few ones already in Apo Island and I honestly think that no other places can beat Apo Island’s snorkeling sites, until I visited the Coral Garden in Tubod Marine Sanctuary.

Just the day before my departure, I met a fellow traveler who I met earlier on a Jeepney ride and met her again in Balete Tree. She told me she went scuba diving and had such a good time, particularly impressive greatly by the diving site of Coral Garden and urged me to go, so I did in the very next morning before my ferry ride at 2pm. How I was glad that I did not miss this underwater wonder of Coral Garden – the landscape of corals, tunnels, color of corals, color of water and marine life and its visibility, all very impressive altogether.

Of course, there are always an excellent snorkeling site to dive in, a beach to sunbath with, a mountain to hike up, a café to sit in etc., it is always nice not to miss something so special right in front of me, but if I do miss it; fine, there is always an excuse to come back next time to see or to do… Cheep up!

03.01.2016

Swim with Whale Shark in Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu Island

The experience is absolutely quite regimented, up close and personal with Whale Sharks, despite, in fact, there are a dozen of boats floating by, plus nearly 50 snorkelers in the water at the same time. Nevertheless to say, everyone has a very good 30-minute to observe either on the boat or swim with them in the water. Due to my previous not-seeing-any-Whale-Shark experience in Donsol Whale Watching Center, which is more natural interaction, making this entire interaction experience beyond overwhelm.

Oslob Whale Shark Watching is a well developed and organized attraction in Philippines. First you sign up, you pay, then your number will be called. A brief orientation will be given, emphasis on the distance we must keep with the Whale Shark. As matter of fact, I was not be able to keep the 4 meters distance, which is about the length of Whale Shark, due to the large number of crowds and the feeding boat coming very close to the tourist boats as well. I had a gentle touch with the Whale Shark by accident, I quickly swam away and kept my distance as away as possible, but the truth is not possible.

I was there during New Year Holiday, plus a Saturday, making the entire procedure a longer wait, yet in clear process. Price ranges from 500 to 1500 pesos: P500 (on the boat), P1000 (snorkeling, equipment included) and P1500 (scuba diving, equipment included). Please note, the Oslob Whale Shark Watching is actually in the village of Tan-awan, a barangay of Oslob. Can be easily reach from Cebu City by bus, a 4-hour ride.

You may not be appreciated of such a commercial tourism program setup, but you must be impressed with such an interaction with the Whale Sharks, regardless of how you feel of such humane feeding activity. I will highly recommended anyone to go.

02.01.2016

Snorkeling with Green Sea Turtles in Apo Island &
Happy New Year 2016

I had seen a few Green Sea Turtles before, but to see them up close with several of them altogether is by far the most memorable snorkeling experience I have ever has; so close it is hard not to want to touch them by accident by waves and so shallow it is simply easy to snorkeling with them. Furthermore, it is definitely the most rewarding experience to swim with the sea turtles side by side and above, all pretty fantastic and breathtaking. How graceful the Green Sea Turtles are! Furthermore, Apo Island Marine Reserve & Fish Sanctuary is one of the most successful marine reserves in the Philippines. At times of our snorkeling, the visibility was super clear and the sea was calm, sunny everyday.




Apo Island is in fact a volcanic island with a tiny village based, without any motors. It has walk-able trails to the lighthouse on the highest point of island (500m + 50m on the top of the lighthouse ) as well as to the west end of the island, where it has the best view for the sunset. We were lucky to spend our last sunsets of the year in Apo Island and the beginning of the year yelling from the top of the windy lighthouse beam, the experience are both shaking and uplifted in the same time.



We were luck to find a homestay highly recommended by a friend Leonel; it costs US$10/single room, breakfast included and unlimited coffee and tea drinking, plus a balcony with partial view of the ocean and sunset angle. Lunch and dinner can be pre-order with the choices of Fish or Pork. Mary’s homestay is only a merely one minute walk to the beachfront where the turtle feeding ground is, thus I can simply walk out with my swim wear and snorkeling equipment ready in hands, completely trouble free. When done, I walked back for a shower and break in the balcony with coffee and tea. Simply lovely and friendly homestay to stay. The village people are also super friendly; everyone greets me with smile and very helpful too.

29.12.2015 - 01.01.2016

Dumaguete Costal Fun Run, Negros Island

Dumaguete is such a pleasant city to stay, for it is an university town with nice touch of youth spirits, plus four thousands expatriates live here, providing the easy access to various bar, restaurants and shops. It is an ideal base for day trips to near by attractions, such as Apo Island and Oslob Whale Watching Center, as well as good jumping point to Siquijor Island or exploring the nearby wilds of Twin Lakes National Park and Mt. Talinis.

Enable to have a bit fun run while traveling is always healthily cheerful, especially the run involved miles of coastal pedestrian and coolly ocean breeze, making the entire run even more enjoyable and delightful.

28.12.2015

Best Money Exchanger &
Worst Visa Extension

Nearly a month gone by, I would like to share with you my currency exchange experience. This trip, I am traveling with USD cash only, with a debit/credit card as a backup. Upon my arrival, I checked the exchange rate at the airport with fair rate of 1:46.5, so I waited until Manila downtown. I went to the Metro Department Store, where they often has currency exchange counter by their supermarkets, with excellent rate of 1:47.1. I exchanged a couple of times through out my trips and received the rate around 1:47 in different cities, which is brilliant exchange rate. Most tourist beaches or attractions, the private money exchange booths gave rate around 1:44 to 1:46, so try to go to Mega malls throughout Philippines for better cash currency exchange rate. Some banks do exchanges, but some don’t. I also exchanged once in the Bank for 1:46.9, which is quite acceptable. If you are traveling a longer period of time; it is wise to do some comparisons.

Speaking of Visa extensions, it is my fault not to check the visa status before reserving my air ticket, that cause me to change flight and dates twice; luckily no penalty involved. First time, two months before my departure, I reserved the flight for staying 62 days with China Airlines, so I could flight in and out with my travel companion Oliver from Germany, but when I received the quotation, I immediately switched to Philippines Airlines, with triple less of airfare. One month before my departure, I visited the Philippines visa office in Taipei, where I learned that only 59 days of tourist visa can be issued from the office and if I wish to stay longer, visa extension can be done in Philippines a month prior my visa expiration, without further explanation, the official in the visa office strongly advice me to change my returning date 3 days earlier, so 59 days tourist visa is well apply to me without visa extension. With their urgently recommendation, I changed the returning date, thus no visa extension is needed.

If I did not take the advice from visa office in Taipei, I would have to pay two-third of my airfare for my visa extension, for those extra three days I stayed, cause that was how much my travel companion Oliver paid for it, just about US$150.

27.12.2015

Deadly Dangerous Ferry Crossing

With some seven thousands islands in the Philippines, ferry traveling is by far an easy and pleasant way to hopping between the islands, despite the hidden danger in the local overcrowding Bangkas. Statistically, ferry accidents are known in the Philippines, some even make the international news, due to the large number of casualties, still you simply cannot go around the islands without taking means of water transportation.

Until taking this Bangkas ride, from Cabano (Guimaras Island) to Pulupandan (Negros Island), the Ferry Safety came to my attention. There is no ticket office, no such as a docking platform and not to mention the huge crowds already await by the boat for 10 am ride. We arrived at 8:30, but were already place to 3 pm ride. Since we were in no good spirit to wait another 6 hours, I personally had a talk with the captain and an ferry official, thus two more passengers boarding the overcrowding Bangkas. Excuse us, no good example, don’t follow...

With a bit of rough sea, I was actually more than worry for the first time. Moreover, the Bangkas was leaking from the side gaps by some wave slapping. For an hour ride, it was merely a life and death experience, if just one thing goes wrong, since I was only told this route had an accident 2 months ago and a hundred of lives were lost.



On the other hand, I remember my very short 10-min ride from Caticlan to Boracay, every boat equipped with brand shinny new lifejackets and it is compulsory to wear them, making this very calm, shadow and shortest ferry crossing the most safest ride.

26.12.2015

Merry Christmas from the Philippines

I never know that Christmas Trees can come into so many different sizes and colors, particularly in materials. More than 80% of Filipinos are Roman Catholic, making the Christmas holiday the biggest holiday of the year. Thus a simple Christmas tree represents a symbolic landmark of the church, community, home, village, plaza, hotel, restaurant, shopping center etc¡K

I arrived on Dec. 1st, just in time to witness the madness of Christmas Trees in Philippines. Even in a small mountain village, tress is basic, but cannot be missed.

My favorite Christmas tree is made of glass bottles outside of recycle plant in Boracay. What is yours?

25.12.2015

Signature Mango Pizza

Dried Mango is one of the all-time favorite snacks of Filipinos and one of the Philippines¡¦ most famous export products. Mango Juice and shake also widely serve in the restaurant. Fresh yellow mango or green mango can also be purchased easily in the market. If you are a mango lover, you are in the treat; indeed mango are juicy and delicious if you choose rightly. However, my all time favorite is the green mango juice, a bit sour, but with rich mango flavor.

In San Miguel, Guimaras Island, we visited this famous restaurant serving Mango Pizza; highly recommended by guidebook, we already could not hardy wait to give a try. The result was rather disappointing. It tasted jus like a Mango Pie than a Pizza. Not at all cheesy and over-ripe tasteless mango melting into the crust, an unlike is my experience.

24.12.2015

Kingdom of Rice and Queen of Eggs

Roundly, Filipinos food is poor cousin comparing to internationally renowned Asian cuisines such as Thai and Vietnamese. Luckily, with its unique colonial history and background, regionally, some culinary does mix nicely with Spanish, American and Indigenous cooking.

Start from breakfast, Filipinos eat rice, meaning three meals a day, all with rice. Despite the rich rice cultivation through out the country, Philippines is ranked one of the world¡¦s largest rice importers. Especially in the public market, where most average poorer Filipinos eat, a tiny order of single main dish, always come with double or triple amount of rice. Moreover, Filipino meals are popular with eggs, fried eggs or boiled eggs. Typical Filipino breakfast comes with an over-easy fried egg topped with rice or a boiled egg in the soup.



In general, Filipino diet is greasy with less vegetables, plenty of meats, but you can always have choices of healthy and excellent meals on the road.

Without causally having western food, a bucket of rice can be eaten in a day and without paying attention to your ordering, more than three eggs of a day can easily be add up, carefully watch your diet traveling, especially lack on fruit and vegetable as well. Do stay fit and stay healthy on the road¡K

23.12.2015

Room with Air-con vs. Fan & Window vs. Windowless

Philippines climate equals to tropical climate, rain all year round on the east coast, other regions divided into dry and wet season; nevertheless to say, the humidity is always high, feeling warm and sticky most of time, yet on the sea shores, ocean breeze never feel better. Make sure keep hydrated at all time.

When come to finding a hotel, a room with air-con or without, with a window or without can be tricky anywhere in Philippines. Of course, cheaper with fan, plus open window, how nice, but can turn the evening sleep a nightmare of sorts in the end. Several time, I pay extra for the air-con room, but the turbulent noisy from the aged-old machine can be irritated. Not to mention, if I have a roommate cannot agree with me in air-con temperature, then never better leave the air-con room behind, which is either too cold without the sheet or too warm with the sheet

Then a room with fan, without window, less noisy, guaranteed a sweaty sleep plus a morning bath. A room with window, certainly would kept awake from all sort of uncomfortable sounds from near by ¡V traffics, dogs, chicken, loud music, videok, etc¡K If you are a light sleeper, a pair of ear plugs is essential. Moreover, mainly everywhere in the country, a window without screen and mosquito net, prepare to wake up cursing all impossible sounds.

It is forever a bless to ever get a good soundless mosquito-free sweet-dream sleep.

22.12.2015

Stroll the Famous Boracay White Beach Path

Boracay was once voted the second best island destination in the world, after Palawan and its White Beach was once voted the best beach in the world. Despite its crowd, White Beach Path is in fact a stretch of couple of kilometers of perfect white sandy beach with hotels and restaurants lineup along the beach. It is also the center of all activities and shopping are. However, it is also one of the most expensive island in the Philippines, with massive of tourists each day from all over the world, ready to spend and to eat.

But before dislike the crowds like many others, give some time to absorb the crowds, then you will gradually come to enjoy the beach, the international tourists and its famous sunset shortly. A dip in the water is best during the sunset hours. Further north of White Beach is the Diniwid Beach, where most up scale hotels are. Diniwid beach offers much more privacy and ample relaxation. If the budget is not permitted, simply order a drink and sit at Nami Resort and Restaurant on the top of the hill, then sat back enjoying the view of postcard perfect beach. It doesn¡¦t hurt to spend some extra dollars to dine out or have a drink in the beach front bar, cause after all it is a perfect vacationing spot all different variety and budget. Kick back and enjoy!

20.12.-21.12.2015

Bangkas Toilet with the Endless Hole

Bangkas is like the jeepneys of the sea, schedule flexible and price affordable. It is a quick and enjoyable way to hopping the islands. Despite the loud noisy from the engine, in a good day, if not too crowded, the ride itself is pleasant with sea breeze plus a 360-degree view.

The only creepy part is the toilet. A toilet aim into the wild open sea and I mean wild and open, so I suggest before going to toilet, leave all your belongings with your travel companion, definitely hands free and all pockets empty. Good luck with that!

19.12.2015

Lodging house in Mandaon, Masbate Island

First light, we left Masbate City, to catch a two- hour van ride to Mandaon, where we continued the ferry to Panay Island. Luckily we were able to leave the city by 6 am, hopping to catch whatever on the side of the island in Mandaon. Surprisingly, the ride through the mountain and countryside is worthily pretty.

Unfortunately, we arrived to be told NO boat on this day, tomorrow 8 or 9 or 10 am. Learning no boat to go is bad; learning staying overnight in this shitty fish port is worse, but the worst is to learn where we had to stay.

Mandaon is a fish port without an attraction, an eatable eatery, or a laid-back cafe, nothing presentable at all. By 9 am, we were directly to the nearby lodging house. When I say we had no choice, meaning we really had no choice, cause later we walked the entire village, indeed no other lodging available. There are a couple of farm houses appear open, but not open whatsoever.



The lodging house is by far the cheapest rate (US$1/head) I had never paid before, and by far, the scariest room I had ever slept in. The host was fetching the water underground for me to take a shower, then I suddenly was in the mood for a shower. The view of the wall, the smell of the fishing port, the noisy from the traffic and the uncomfortable of all uncomforting, making it the longest indecent 24-hour stop over.

18.12.2015

Very Inaccurate and Poor Boat Information

And I think bus without a proper terminal or a completely up-to-date schedule is already frustrated, finding a boat schedule is even worse. Honestly nobody can tell you exactly departure time or on the day, if ever, ever a boat leaving.

Mastabe Island, our first island hopping island to start with, gone bad somehow, when an hour boat ride turning into three hours long. Seeking further for connecting ferry, it is again, ridiculously not helpful from the locals. Every one tells different departure time and no one can tell exactly departure date and time. The best way of getting on, with or without boat, is to remain calm and pleasant, reading a book or staring into empty sea space, no matter what you do, remember you are on a backpacking vacation. Time wasted is the key as a backpacker.

17.12.2015

Donsol Whale Shark Spotting

Again, the whale shark spotting was an disappointment from unwelcome typhoon Nona. The climate was fair, but the sea still a bit rough and visibility poor. Yet, we only passed here once, so we decided to give a try and headed out the sea in searching for Whale Shark.

With three spotters on board, we sailed an hour in vain, no sign of Whale Shark and to sail another hour, not at all promising. It is said that spotting a Whale Shark in Donsol has be declined in the recent years due to the climate change, warmer water in the region, or the primary source of the food, the plankton, from the mangrove forests were wildly damaged. Although we did not spot a Whale Shark, but the sailing out for a few hours was nice for the first time in two weeks when we started our trip in Manila; that was entirely two weeks in mainly Luzon Island, so being by the sea is always delightful.

16.12.2015

The very Active Volcano Mayon

Arrived at night, plus 2 days affected by Typhoon Nona, I had not yet glimpsed the perfect cone shape of Mt. Mayon (2462 m), which frustrated even more already without a climb attempt. The third day, I finally spot the magnificent Mt. Mayon, the most active volcano in Philippines; last eruption took place in September 2014. The terrain base is enormous and its perfect cone shape cloud with whipped-white clouds giving Mt. Mayon a stunning view to appreciate the mother nature of the climate and Volcano

15.12.2015

Hit Right On by Typhoon Nona

Majority of Pacific Typhoons originate from miles away near Guam ocean and most of them either hit right on Philippines or nearly pass by. Philippines is a country stretches 1810 km from north to south; making every typhoon heading west is hard to miss the country. With the climate changes, the typhoon occurs possible any time of the year in impossible location occasions. However, Filipinos are warriors, they quickly adapt and move on, for a such natural disaster (typhoons, earthquakes, etc¡K) is merely surviving kit of daily life.

We arrived late evening in Legazpi, hoping to climb Mt. Mayon the next day; instead we woke up with unpleasant weather with heavy clouds; rain started in the afternoon, then winds picked up gradually in the late afternoon. By evening, according to the local news, we were in the middle of the typhoon, with furious winds and pouring rains, then electricity went off. The room in our homestay started to flooded a bit and we were told to move everything off the ground and packed ready, in case of emergency, we had to move to a higher ground. All evening long, all guests sat in the semi-open living room accompanied with gusty winds bringing in some rains in the house, all trying to remain cheers, as just-another-evening hanging out in the guesthouse with other travelers; occasionally we all gave a scream or wow and hold our breath to wait out the thrust of the wind. Quite an experience to encounter a typhoon on the road. Downside is that not much we can do and see in the next few days, only debris of trees and some huts down.

14.12.2015

Finding a Bus Terminal for A Marathon Bus Ride

Coming back to Manila is never my favorite, as many other capitals of the world, it always bear a very good and a very bad reason for visiting the capital. For better or worse, I am afraid that I have to go through this traffic nightmare once again. Luckily, we arrived before 5 am, but the city center seemed horribly noisy and busy already, filled with vendors and commuters on this boulevard line up with bus companies. For I think it is straight and forward and easy, but not exactly, it took me just another 2 hours walking east and west and crossing the road to go another east and west, finally to find the right bus to go to our next destination Lagazpi.

I am surprised by the chaos of the bus terminal in Manila, mainly run by the bus companies themselves, happened to be in the same street, double or triple worsen the traffic all around. What a waste of manpower, time and many possible resources occurred!

Yet compare to the jeepney rides in the Mountain Province, I somehow should feel grateful that I have a comfortable and safe seat to sit in.

Thus, we took a 9-hour overnight bus from Banaue in northern Luzon to Manila, in connecting further to Legazpi in southern Luzon, which took another 14 hours, adding total 23 hours in the bus. So here I went again, leaving Manila again at 7 am, at last¡K

13.12.2015

An Amphitheatre Trek through Ifugao Rice Terraces

In the local Banaue tourist office, when I booked the so-called three-day heritage tour, covering about 80km trek and crossing a few indigenous villages, I certainly did not expect to see such a spectacular view of gigantic fields of vest brown and green rice terraces, plus two quite rewarding stays in the remote villages of Cambulo and Batad.



First day was always difficult to start with a few minor ascends and descends in the woods, granting no view but miles of trails leading to the deeper woods. By midnight the heat made it even harder to keep walking and enjoying the walk and a liter of water drank. Not until we reached the tiny village of Pula, we came to appreciate the view of layers of mountains, with Mt. Amuyao (2702m) top the region¡¦s highest peak. We were lucky to observe a Pula home, introducing by our tour guide. A Pula home was build on a higher ground with dried-hay roof top, you climb up and find yourself in a dark open spacious room, in sight with blacken stove and all things hanging on the wall and the wardrobe outside right beneath the roof. Since it was midday, all adult out working, we met a group of kids taking care of smaller kids playing around freely. They are all smiling to see us and say yes to every photo shooting. Lovely little village children!

The rest of the afternoon walks between Pula and Cambulo, we hiked further into the Mountain Province and after several short and steep sections on most trails, we reached our first overnight village Cambulo, a collection of a dozen of houses, plus a guesthouse and restaurant. After cold shower and dinner, night came, no electricity, we went straight to sleep. It was about 25km hike or less. We are not sure because of all these ups and downs, but we were sure walking nearly 8 hours none stop.

We left early morning shortly after breakfast, hiking somewhat a series of steep ascending and descending trails then soon reach a point of ridge overlooking a great view of Bata Village and its immense rice terraces surrounded. WOW! is all I can comment for Bata Village, as the stage of the village is all dramatically panoramic, which also title the UNESCO World Heritage list. Walking down and standing in Bata village in the center of rice terraces is simply a bless.

After a lunch break in our guesthouse of second night, we rested till mid-afternoon when heat slowly dropping, then we set off the famous Tappia Waterfall, an hour walk in the rice terraces and then a steep decent to the 21m-high waterfall. Tappia Waterfall is absolutely refreshing after walking in the heat. Though we did not take a dip, we sure took a good hour enjoy the water falling sound and cool misty in the air, as well as some fellows who dare to swim in.

Walking among the rice terraces and paddies, every distance seems close, yet rather far due to the steep ascending and descending trekking in the rice terraces, that can lead to mis-judge of the distance and time. So be aware of time, at times of December, sun down by 5:30pm and this is a no-electricity zone. Either you carry a torch, or falling only a step of rice terrace, meaning falling from second floor, which is quite dangerous; moreover, the walks in the trails of rice terraces is very narrow and very winding.

In the end of the day, we want to crossing a hanging bridge, instead we were lead to more and more up and downs through rice paddies, It was about 600m descending till we found the almost ridiculous foot bridge, still crossing this iron hole-puncture bridge is an adventure already. From there, around 5pm, we almost ran back to the guest house.

Among the villages we walked through, both Batad and Bangaan are on the UNESCO World Heritage list, yet my favorite is Ducligan with magnificent views from different angles, from paved road above or the trails inside the matrix of rice paddies. This is the only GREEN rice terraces that we are surprisingly happy to encounter with. And a solid YES for Ifugao Rice Terraces that totally deserve to claim the Eighth Wonder of the World.

10.12.2015 - 12.12.2015

Into the Wild in Philippines

Sagada has lots to offer other than sightseeing Hanging Coffins and Cave Connection, which top the most popular attractions in town. As matter of fact, Sagada is an excellent region for various an-hour or a-day hikes if you are into hiking. The most challenge one is hiking the highest mountain Mt. Sipitan (2200m), yet a leisure one is Mt. Kiltepan, overlooking a superb panoramic view of the rice terraces, a small coffee shop on the top providing a comfortable break after the walk.

There are paved roads with less traffic leading to remote villages, all offer tranquil walks and friendly villagers. Once I encounter an abandon wheeless bus sitting in the open field. I went inside and had a look, quite trashed and rustic. On the walk back, I kept thinking perhaps there is also a fantastic story behind it, such as Christopher McCandless in his last days in Into the Wild in Alaska. That kept me thinking for days and I often wonder if there is a story behind?

09.12.2015

Echo Valley Hanging Coffins

One of the highlights coming to Sagada, no doubt, is the Hanging Coffins of Echo Valley, high up along limestone cliffs, so the spirit of the deads, traditionally speaking, can be up close to the sky ¡V that will be heaven of course.

Before I reached the Hanging Coffins, the landscape is just I am told stunning among mountains and sheer rocks; a lookout can see the village of Sagada clearly and nicely. When reaching the Echo valley, seeing the coffins hanging afar is just mysteriously surreal. I gave a couple of good shouts to confirming the echoes do echo back and forth in the Echo Valley. Check.

Within a short walk, crossing the creek, I am directly facing the hanging coffins and the sight is just unspeakable and breath-taking. I stood for a long while to admire the setting and wondering how such a traditions exits centuries ago, still remain, a few performed recently, as I am myself in the discover channel to learn such a discovery for the first time, all very impressive.

08.12.2015

Stay Connected with Globe Prepaid SIM

Ever since the telecommunication technology of smart phone, nowadays, I don¡¦t go around and around looking for an Internet Cafe. Yes, there are fewer times I spend more and more time in the internet cafe than doing more sightseeing, but hey, I love to get in connect at all time with my friends even I am on the road. When I stay on line, I got some critics. I don¡¦t care; I like to stay in touch. On the other hand, when I stay on line, I got more support and positive comments from friends for sharing my stories on the road and the interaction bring more fun and joy during my journey.

Upon my arrival, I bought a prepaid SIM card, with a local number to contact with. General speaking, it is easily done deal in Philippines. A prepaid SIM card with local number cost merely 40 Pesos and reload can be done just about everywhere in the nation. I reload 100P for emergent phone calls and another 1000P for unlimited monthly data mobile. Of course there are options for limited data mobile with less cost. Choose you preference according to your needs and budget.

The cheapest way, of course, is to connect with the free WIFI anywhere possible, in the restaurant, public free zone, hotels, or even with a friend¡¦s hotspot, that you only need to carry along your smart phone, if you ever have one.

Moreover, one very useful thing about smart phone is the GPS and Google map. Before I go out for a walk for the first time in town or from one destination to another, Google map becomes rather essential during my entire trip; it provides me a total orientation before I step out.

I encounter one of the neatest thing in the restaurant ¡V a cell phone charging station, categorize by brand. How very thoughtful¡K

07.12.2015

Vigan - A Truly Touch of Spanish-Colonial Township

After an overnight bus, I am so relieved to arriving in Vigan, one of the oldest towns well maintained and traffic free in Philippines. It was surprisingly refreshing strolling the old town of Vigan, where remains several good looking dark wood mansions, colonial complexes; to walking on ancient cobble stone roads already feel like hundred years time zone.



Kalesa (a horse-drawn carriage) is widely run in the old town for tourist enjoyment, only US$3/hour, but in fact can pretty be done in half an hour. I didn¡¦t take one, but instead I check in a room with Calesa bedding, an awesome sleeping experience. I must step on the stirrup to climb up to bed about 100cm high; meaning I don¡¦t want to fall during the sleep, which can serious injure me.



Due to the 400 years of Spanish colonization, Spanish words, phrases and billboards can be spotted around. With such an impression, I woke up the next day greeting Buenos Dias (good morning) to the staff. Don¡¦t miss Vigan, even it is out of the way.

06.12.2015

Jolibee, A Taste of Filipino MacDonald

Jolibee is a popular mega fast food chained restaurants all over the country in Philippines, if you enjoy a quick and cheap cheese burger and fried chicken, Jolibee is the place to dine in. It could be crowded and noisy at all time, but a primary place to observe how Filipino fast food.

I had to check in Jolibee at 4:30am upon dropped off by a main road intersection one kilometer away from down center Vigan. It was dark and empty, so Jolibee, opening 24 hours with lights and air-con, became my shelter for an hour, where I, half-awake, ate my first Jolibee pancake sausage cheese burger and tasteless brewed coffee; Yes, instead of muffins, they use pancakes. Welcome to Philippines! Filipino loves sweet.

05.12.2015

Traffic JAM in Manila and Super Deluxe COLD Night Sleeper Express Bus

It is never my kind of travel taking overnight buses no longer, but times, it is best way to leave the town, particularly when it comes to leave Manila. It doesn¡¦t matter the cab driver ride the highway or express way, or he turns to alleys, then he changes from corner to next corner, right lane or left lane, no matter where he drives to; he simply cannot escape the traffic of cars, trucks, jeepney, tricycles, motorcycles, bicycles and seas of pedestrians. It is all jammed altogether.

I was scheduled to take 9:30pm night bus and was told firmly by my homestay family to take the cab and leave by 7pm, give me about 2 hours to cover 10-km of distance to arrive at the bus terminal by 9pm. 2 hours for 10-km, I can run faster than that. Why night bus? Said it will take me a half day to leave Manila, then arriving my destination double of traveling time, so I risk to take night bus.

I read many pieces of news, articles, blogs and travel information bulletins all warning the horror traffic in Manila; I am told by many foreigners who traveled in Manila, then again by my Filipinos friends in Manila. I now believe it does really takes 2 hours to cover 10 kilometers in anytime of the day in Manila.

Again and over again, I am warn by many known and unknown sources, air-con buses are cold, so never get on without jacket or something warm to cover. Night bus runs with too cold of air-con can turn the entire night a nightmare. Of course, to make sure a somehow descent comfort sleep, I bring my ear plugs, eye blinds, hat, scarf, sweater and Sleeping bag. With or without sleep, I vowed not to catch a cold.

04.12.2015

A true Filipino HOMESTAY

We arrived the first two evenings in Manila staying with a former client of mine, a dentist Dr. Marzo, attending implant course in Taiwan and I was her chaperone assigned by the Institution. Eventually we became friends and has been in touch since 2008. At first, I only to inform her of my arriving, perhaps catching up over a cup of coffee, but she insisted I stayed. I didn¡¦t want to cause any inconvenience of sort, but my worries flew away instantly. I was greeted by her identical-look mother; Mrs. Marzo speaks fluent English, we clicked at once. Before the dinner started, she is like mother already.

Three days staying at the family Marzo; we were fed twice a day, breakfast and dinner, We never had lunch in Manila, not we were away for lunch, simply Mrs. Marzo prepared a full hot breakfast, combing Filipinos and American style, plus all you can drink juice and coffee, left us still full at midday. Mrs. Marzo is not only an outstanding cook, a terrific mother as well. She took care of us beyond our expectation. She is simply a wonderful and warm-hearted person. We will always remember her homemade traditional Filipino dishes.

I thank the family Marzo for their kindness and hospitality, giving our first impression of the country a good go¡K

03.12.2015

Pinky Panther Jeepney Ride

Upon arrival, I have my eyes fixed in Jeepney and vows to ride it no matter how sweaty and ugly is going to turn me into. In the busy and noisy Manila metropolitan, Jeepney considers the best, easiest and cheapest way to be getting around, yet not fast, cause nothing can go faster with the hectic traffic in Manila.

Jeepneys are modified army jeeps left behind by the Americans after WWII. Their shinny colors and comic patterns are all eye catching; running in the modern city make them even more fascinating to want to jump in. I grab the picture perfect seat up front and close to the driver, there all the passengers can be seen in sight. Many times, passengers are squeeze into crisscross position, then we breath shadow and sit still.

Eight Pesos is the going rate per ride. How about that!!!

02.12.2015

What I PACK

With experience, combining several versions over the years, I list my own ultimate checklist. Two weeks before departure, I throw everything-I-need into a bucket, then three days before departure, I display out everything with my backpack aside and know at once that I only can pack cannot-live-without, then gradually, hours before departure, I fit all things in. Packing, considering done. A pair of fins still on debate, upon leaving the house, only then I will know whether I have my fins with me or not. Only once the mask and fins paid off, where there are free, safe and clean beaches and seashores in Mexico, the rest of many times, not necessary to pack when scuba diving, all gears included; walk-in snorkeling sites are limited. To fins or not to fins?!?!

1 day until departure

Hello Hola Guten Tag 你好

Since the host is Oliver the German, I should give his reader a brief introduction of myself and a bit background check of how we met and how we are going to accomplish in Philippines.

My name is LIN the Taiwanese. I traveled just about fifty countries. This is my very first time to write traveling articles. I am more excited than nervous, excited about being on the road again and nervous about being out there again. I met Oliver in Nicaragua (1999) and together we backpacked in Burma (2000), Vietnam and Laos (2004). This time we have two months and we aim to bike an island for a week, to swim with all possible encountered sea creatures, to hike up a volcano, to run a Cebu half marathon, to visit a few isolated settlements, to sample local Philipino cuisine etc?

With 7000 tropic islands in Philippines, we are wondering how many we can hop? Here we go and wish us luck! Your support keeps us writing and going?

2 days until departure