A week before our trip, Metro Manila was flooded because of typhoon Ondoy. Never have I seen so much water in the streets in my twenty-ish years of existence. It was really sad that a lot of people were put in danger, their houses and properties destroyed. But despite all this, I have seen a hope for our country—a people power of a different kind manifested itself.  Ordinary people suddenly became heroes, risking life and limb for complete strangers.  It’s nice to know that even if natural disasters can’t be avoided, you can always count on the spirit of bayanihan to help you get through the storm.

That week came to pass, and yet another storm was brewing… I’d fear that the country hasn’t recovered yet and here we had another typhoon coming. I was worried too that our trip to Coron would be cancelled. Darn it.  I waited a long time for this trip since we booked our flight way back March –thanks to the Cebu Pacific Promo!  I was happy to know that Ondoy is leaving the country, but alas, that happiness didn’t last long since a new typhoon was coming! Pepeng or Parma which is expected to be worse than Ondoy will be in Manila on the day of our flight. That really sucks. Luckily (not entirely) it switched into a different direction. Thus it did not hit Manila. So, we still took the flight.

I was relieved when we arrived in Busuanga, it was like summer! So sunny,  we experienced slight showers but generally the weather was perfect  for a vacation. We arranged a van to get us to Coron (Php 150.00 per pax). It took around 45 minutes to 1hour travel time from the airport to our destination.

Things to do in Coron

Actually, we haven’t set any plans on what to do when we got there. We asked our van driver on where we should go, and we just went to the places he mentioned.

Go Hiking at Mt. Tapyas

I am not sure about the history of the name of the mountain because I don’t have any reliable sources, but judging from its slight cut at the top I would assume it’s why they called it “tapyas(cut or chip)..” It’s  700 steps from the foot of the mountain up to the peak.

You would see the entirety of Coron at the top. I was slightly worried about my prior knee injury but, urgh, whatever! I’m decided to climb this hill! Haha! The effort was very well worth it!

It’s was so nice to see everything from that height. It was an astounding view of the scenery plus the scent of fresh green grass, oh it was so blissful!

Relax at Maniquit Hot Spring

After hiking, we went to the Maniquit Hot Spring (30 to 45 minutes travel time from the town proper) to relax our weary feet. Going down the steps was quite difficult for me. My knees were really shaking. Entrance fee cost us around Php 100.00. They gave discounts to students and senior citizens. It was really hot! I have been to hot springs, but with this one, you have to slowly adapt with the heat. They said that the water came from a volcano, so that may help explains the ultra hot temperature and the sulfuric smell. It was relaxing but I noticed that hot waters kind of affected our breathing. And I felt tired afterwards. After being immersed for 20 minutes, I laid my back on the edge. It felt so good!

What else?! Island Hopping!!!!

I was really really excited with this one! The guest house owner, Patrik has a boat for rent and I think he’s got the cheapest rates in town.

We went to Siete Pecados (fee: 100.00 each) for snorkeling. My bf and I tried to get near in one of the islands but when we got there, I got scared cause there might be a sea snake so we went back right away. Haha! There were lots of fish there! We took some slices of loaf bread  so that the fish will come nearer from where we were. It was really fun and I enjoyed a lot cause a lot of cute fishes came around me and just a few moments later, bigger fish (about the size of tilapia) was already swarming all over! I really got scared and went to the boat as fast as I can! Whew!

We went to the Blue Lagoon. I said to myself, “God has wonderfully created these islands!” Lime stones were beautifully hewn and the plants accessorized it plus the clear blue waters made it even more beautiful! I was stricken with awe.

Sorry for the digression. This is where you get dropped off to hike going to the Kayangan Lake ( fee: 200.00 each). There was a short briefing that explained some tribal ritual and beliefs of the Tagbanua tribe (early dwellers of Palawan). It is here that we were told of the four lakes in the Calamian group of islands. One lake was believed to have a barracuda and only professional divers were allowed there. The biggest lake  was believed to have a giant octopus living in it! And they would only allow divers to explore the lake only if they were given the blessing of the Tagbanuas.

We also went to Twin Lagoon ( fee: 100.00 each) where in you can only pass by swimming. since the tide is high, we have to swim underwater to get to the lagoon. We decided not to go because some of us can’t swim without vest.

One of the best beaches I have been to is the Banol Beach( fee: 100.00 each). The water was so clear and the sand was really fine. Plus I found the place to be quite safe cos I didn’t feel strong currents that pull you away from the shore.

Hike to Concepcion Falls

Yes, we really did a lot of island hopping and it’s really really tiring but really worth it. We were supposed to go to Banana Island but the tide is high so we decided to go somewhere else. We decided to explore around the area. the van driver Kuya Raffy, advised us to go to Concepcion falls. we hired the van for Php 2500.00. travel time is around 2 hours of rough drive.

It wasn’t a really big kind of falls and it’s not even famous among Coron travelers.  It was quaint, but I really found it really beautiful. The water was cold and clear, it relaxed our muscles. After swimming, we stopped at a view deck to have a few shots taken and, of course, soak up more the beauty of Coron. Definitely, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to.

Food and Pasalubong

Coron town is very friendly for tourists, especially the prices of necessities. Food is relatively cheap compared to other tourist destinations. You can have a meal for as low as  Php 50.00. Mang Joe’s Tapa is the best. It’s just at the corner of the town proper.

Palawan is known for

• Cashew Nuts
• Seafoods
• Yummy seaweeds

Must Haves

There were lots of mosquitoes, so it would be a good idea to bring lots of insect-repellant lotion. You should also bring umbrella (during this season)  As in the duration of our stay, we had at least 2 showers a day.

Where to stay

I’d  like to take this oppurtinity to  thank Timi for referring us to Patrik’s Guesthouse. Thank You Timi!

Try staying at Patrik’s guesthouse. It’s really reasonably priced but cozy and clean. it’s not air conditioned but it’s really cold during the night because the house is by the bay.  For more informantion visit http://swewa.net/

For van rental  contact Kuya Raffy(09085661749).  He’s very nice and he’s rate is a bit cheaper than the usual rates there.

How long has it been since I last time posted? Well I am really sorry for the overlong hiatus. I was so busy at work and short weekend trips that’s why I don’t get the chance to update lakwatsera that much.

Just this last Independence day me and bf decided to go on a picnic. We found something on the net that says Buruwisan Falls is 15-20mins trek. Oh it was a serious joke. We went to Siniloan and bought our packed lunch on a picnic bag, everything was perfect. Just until we arrived and realized that we are going to climb a mountain. We were shocked but since we were already there, we decided to go.

A mountaineer couple kindly agreed to accompany us on our hike since it’s our first time and its very likely that we might get lost inside the forest. So while walking we were talking about the place and they have told us that it will likely take us 2 hours to get to the falls. And the best of it was we are actually climbing.  I am seriously in trouble! I lack exercise and just recovered from the miniscal tear. We are just starting the hike when I started to get exhausted. I felt like I was going to collapse so we took a break and since we don’t want to bother the couple we told them to go on without us and we’ll be having a rest. I was on the midst of giving up when a man with a horse (he was supposed to harvest coconuts) came and we asked if I could ride in it. So we made a deal. For 200pesos one way he accompanied us on our destination. Oh thank God! The deal was actually cheap it was a very hard course for me. Good thing my bf was a CAT officer back in highschool and he is so used to such physical challenges.

We passed through 2 mountains and four nipa hut stop overs. Even riding a horse was not really comfy it was like I am riding a mechanical bull. plus, I could actually feel the horse sweating and that made me feel sorry for the her.  Whew! Finally, kuya freddy the horse owner said that we have arrived so we got our stuff and find a place to picnic. While checking out the perimeter we found no falls it’s just a plain river. Oh dear. So we tried to find the way to get to the falls. And there it was, we found it. It was a very narrow kinda like a stairway of roots and rocks. So again another climb, but this time it was more difficult. We felt like Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider going on adventure.

Alas we found the falls. It was so beautiful, and so relaxing. The sound of the water falling down was music to my ears. We felt a bit relieved, looked for a place to put our stuff, took a rest and ate lunch (Tuna Pesto! Yum yum!).

And enjoyed the relaxing view and dipped in the ice cold water. Thing is when you actually dip in a cold water it relaxes your muscles. It was like a spa after all the hard work. Yay!

We were able to talk to the campers there and they said that there are more adjacent falls to it. Around four. (A reason to go back and this time all set for camping!)  we were so tired that we didn’t dare to go the other falls. We promised ourselves we are going back to this place.

How to go to Buruwisan Falls

There are actually two routes that I learned.

The one we took was the one that passes to  Antipolo. We rode a bus at Raymond Transit Going to Famy. The other route is you have to ride a bus going to Sta.Cruz Laguna. From Sta.Cruz, you’ll ride a jeep going to Siniloan then go to Famy.
From Famy, you will ride a tricycle and say you are going to Buruwisan Falls, they will drop you to the start of trek. Around 15-20mins walk until you arrived at the registration area and you have to pay around 20.00. Good thing about the registration is that in case you got lost or whatever, they can track you.

Tips and tricks

It’s a camping trip so you have to travel light as much as possible.

Bring Food. There is a store there but I don’t think you’ll find everything you need in there. They sell more alcohol that water.

If you are not so particular with drinking water just bring chlorine tablets. It’s a big hassle to actually bring loads of stuff. But you can always hire a horse to carry your luggage.

Lakwatsera’s Budget

Bus fare 2ways (Raymond Transit)- 400.00
Tricycle – 20.00 – 40.00
Registration fee – 20.00
Horseback ride (2ways) – 400.00

Probably one of the easily-accessible weekend getaway from Manila is Subic. With the SCTEX available, the usual 3.5-4 hours travel time is cut to just 2.5 hours. Subic is a part of Zambales and when you hear Subic you are most likely reminded of ports, duty free shops and beach. But Subic is more that that. There are really loads of activities that you can do around the area. Thing is you should have a car.

My family decided to have a weekend vacay on Subic because my cousins’ summer vacation is about to end. Since my uncle has a membership in Subic Holiday Villas, we stayed there. The hotel is nice since it has a kitchen set where at least you can cook your food. We were left by our parents to of course enjoy the weekend together and have a nice bonding experience.

What To See:

Mangrove Trail

I recommend to those who loves strolling around the park.  Mangroves are plants or trees that grows in saline coasts (in short lives in sea water or even in the river) The park is just around 20 min walk and so full of lush greens. If you love photography, it’s a nice place to hold photoshoots.

Subic Beaches

Thing is I don’t like Subic Beaches much. But it’s still a beach and it’s always nice to walk barefoot on the shore while waiting for the sunset. Yay! And there are actually sports you can do around like kayaking, aqua cycling and jet ski.

Zoobic and Ocean Adventure

Visit the Ocean adventure to watch dolphin shows
And Zoobic Safari to see wild animals live.

What to do

Directions are available on the road and that everything is just inside the Freeport Zone

Shopping

Since Subic is where imported goods are. If you like Nike, Adidas, Samuel and Kevin, Crocs, Grendha they have a factory outlet that gives big discounts. And the chocolates! Yum yum!

Challenge yourself

Go Kart – try karting at  Php400.00 -10 laps in 30mins

Tree Top Adventure

challenge your fear of heights. I’ve been here twice and I enjoyed my stay. I tried the Superman and the Tree Drop Adventure. Superman is awesome but the Tree Drop really scared the hell out of me. I am really scared of falling.

Jungle Joe’s World

The hotel we stayed said that Joe’s world is only available from Thursday-Sunday but we were there on a Sunday but it is closed. Oh well what I heard is that they offer kiddie activities and paintball shooting

Learn how to survive on the jungle

Learn it all from JEST CAMP. The place is not really much developed. The maintenance wasn’t that good but what I liked about the place is that we learned a lot. Pay 100.00Php entrance fee and a jungle expert will demonstrate little-bits of  how you’ll be able to survive the jungle.

He even lit a fire using just bamboo. Oh darn I’ve been wanting to see it in my own eyes for a very long time. Haha. We are actually planing to go camping. You just have to be a group of 10 and each will pay Php600.00 for an overnight stay in the wild.(Sounds like so much fun!) and bring tent and food.

Good News!

I just saw somewhere around royal mall that there will be shuttle bus available that will stop on each destinations inside the Subic Freeport Zone. But I’m not sure if it’s already running.  So now you don‘t have to have a ride to see this nice places.

When we hear Pagsanjan, you would likely be reminded of the Pagsanjan Falls. But do you know that aside from the typical boat ride, you can access the beautiful falls by land? August of last year, we had a very tiring but equally memorable Pagsanjan adventure. Thanks to my friend Miss Gemma Sajise for giving us pointers and our itinerary.

Factual Tidbits:

Pagsanjan Falls is not exactly located at Pagsanjan but in Cavinti.

It’s indigenous name is Magdapio Falls which is named after a legend of two brothers that asked the gods for water.

Magnifico, the internationally acclaimed movie (a movie that made me cry, apart from The Lion King) was shot in this town.

Magdapio Falls has a staggering height of 90meters.

Lakwatsera’s Tip:

Put your stuff in a waterproof backpack.
Waterproof your phones, cameras, clothes, and everything that shouldn’t get wet.
Be prepared to get wet!
I recommend slippers or hiking shoes. There are muddy surfaces and you are definitely going to get wet.

Bring water and eat breakfast.

Suggested itinerary (from Miss Gemma)
ITINERARY
0500 Take bus to Sta. Cruz
0730 ETA Sta. Cruz, take jeep to Cavinti
0830 At Cavinti, take tricycle to Cavinti Eco Park, Brgy. Tibatib
0900 ETA Eco Park, register
0930 Start trek to Nakulo Falls and viewdecks
1000 Proceed to steel ladder rappel
1030 ETA Madgapio Falls; proceed to raft through falls
1130 Proceed to Pagsanjan by boat
1215 ETA Pagsanjan / Lunch
1330 Head back to bus terminal in Sta. Cruz
1430 ETD Green Star bus for Buendia or HM Transport for Cubao
1500 Back in Manila

We met at around 6:00 in the morning in Cubao to get a bus ride going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. It was a 2-hour travel from that point. Upon arriving at the last station, we took a jeepney going to Cavinti. What I liked most about Laguna are the people. They are very polite and kind. I can’t help but notice it. They’ll always smile at you and offer you directions very kindly.

Upon arriving at Cavinti, we had a short walk (the jeepney driver said to save money we can just walk because it’s not too far) around 5kms with around 25-degree slope. Haha. You would want to ride a tricycle if you’re not used to walking.

Finally, we arrived at the Cavinti Eco Park. We paid Php500.00 each which includes a one way- rappel going to the falls, then a balsa ride to the falls then boat ride going home. They have different charges for the local and foreign tourists, and a Cavintinian enjoys a much lower price. A boat ride back and forth costs Php800.00 each but was quite worth it. The boat was maneuvered manually by the bankeros.

The hike was a blast! Despite the fact that it was very tiring, it was still very much enjoyable. From the hike trail, you’ll be going up the mountain, then from there, you can see the Nakulo Falls (named from the word “kulo”  which means boil. It‘s not boiling hot but it looks like it‘s boiling big time). Plus the view, OMG, again I was embraced by nature with the animals freely moving around (don’t worry they won’t harm you).  Then, when you are ready, you’ll go down by ladder rappel. It’s very safe so you don’t have to worry.  You’ll be rappeling twice then go down on a 75-degree slope ladder (just an estimate)  and it has 672 steel ladder steps, it’s kind of a long way down!

After going down, whew! Your  efforts are very well paid off. The Magdapio Falls is very beautiful. My fatigue vanished the moment I saw the falls. We had a balsa ride that is pulled going inside the falls. there is a mini cave inside where you can swim.   I just want to say again, that the people there are very kind and trustworthy. They even held the gadgets and money of the tourists while they explored a bit. Plus all of them were slash photographers. They could operate any kind of cameras that the tourists brought! Haha! Of all the places that I’ve been too, I could say that I love the Pagsanjeños the most.

We were asked to lay our stomach at the balsa while passing through the falls, it was an instant massage, it stinged a bit but it was relaxing.

We went back by the traditional banca ride to complete our Pagsanjan experience. The rapids is very quiet, surrounded by mountains and some mini falls.

The funny thing is that when we got to the drop off point, there was no water at the bathrooms so we bathed at the river! Haha.. While some were doing their laundry, we were there washing ourselves. Haha! And a horse was bathing around too! Good thing we were farther upstream from where the horse was! Hahaha!

Our lunch was recommended by the tricycle driver. It was at a restaurant that served the authentic Laguna Binalot meal.

Overall, it was very good way to spend a weekend and a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of life in the metro..

If you want to escape your busy life for a while,  go to Anawangin- an undeveloped paradise where you can relax and pretend that you are part of the LOST drama series (without the dharma initiative). haha!

Not so far away from San Antonio Zambales, is the Anawangin Cove.  The island grows a lot of pine trees and is covered with white sand which is part debris from Mt. Pinatubo. The beach is not really that safe because of the high current on the island.

I have seen the island for the first time last year May3-4 2008 together with several friends of mine. I was actually amazed by what I saw.  The pine trees grew perfectly well and that it was surrounded by mountains, which made it look as if you are being embraced by Mother Nature. Anawangin is one of God’s most beautiful creations and needs to be taken care of.  Apparently, the island wasn’t safe from the garbage not just from the campers staying on the island but also from the garbage that drifted from other seaside’s as well. Some areas there were covered with wastes. It made me sad and when the boatmen saw me taking pictures of it they said to me that it will be soon cleaned (hopefully) and that it came from other beaches as well, since the current is very high in that area the wastes ended up there.

I am promoting the beauty of the island so much because it is God’s gift for everybody to see. But it is also our responsibility to take care of that gift.

How to get to Anawangin:

From a Victory Liner Station (Sampaloc or Caloocan Terminal) ride a bus going to Sta Cruz or Iba. Fair is around Php250.00

Go down to San Antonio Town Proper. From there you can ride a tricycle that can get you to Anawangin. Php30.00

There are 2 ways to get to Anawangin: By boat or by hiking. You can ask the tricycle to bring you on the place where you can ride the boat or start the hike.

As for our case, we rode a boat going to Anawangin and the back and forth together with trip to Capones and Camara Island cost 800.00Php – Php900.00 each. Maximum of four on one boat.

Upon arriving at the island, you have to pay Php50.00 to the island caretaker. Which gives you privilege to use the water pump and the comfort rooms.

To go back, just ride a bus going to Olongapo from where you rode the tricycle. Then ride a bus going to Manila at Victory Liner terminal in front of Chowking.

What to Bring:

Tent or Hammock. – be sure that you bring something where you can sleep. it is an undeveloped island. No electricity. Very very low to no signal, no internet (haha).

Flashlight

Fire starter – unless of course you are well skilled to produce fire from sticks and rocks!

Food and Water – Yes. You have to bring your food. There are no markets there on the island. But the care taker provides some necessities that you might want to buy:

• 1.5L Softdrinks – 70.00
• 8×12x4in ice – 80.00
• Purified Water (1 jug)- 200.00
• Charcoal – 40.00
• Firewood – 200.00

Cooking Set and Pocket knife

Lakwatsera Essentials – click

Your own glass plate and cutlery set – so that we can minimize out waste contribution. The glass as much as possible is well-suited with hot or cold liquids.

Trash bag – so that you can bring your waste and properly dispose it on the main island.

Lock for your tents. Always keep your things secured.

Mosquito repellent.

TIPS and Must-dos:

Travel Light. Bring the necessities. As much as possible put everything in one back pack.

If you are to bring meat (poultry or pork or beef), Boil it first in water and salt or spice it up (whatever you want) and then put it on the freezer. This naturally preserves the meat.

Reserve tickets as early as possible and arrive at the station at least an hour before the departure. Sometimes those people who have brought their tickets end up standing because there are some undisciplined chance passengers that may took your seat. Even if you have a ticket (how crap could they be).

Bring a bandana. Bandana is one a useful tool in case of bone and muscle accidents. Plus if in case it gets cold. 80% heat loss of the body comes out from the head. It will help you from getting cold.

Keep your areas clean to avoid insect swarm your areas.

Swim near the shore. sometimes the current is very high and the water is very deep.

Tour around the island. there are lots of places you can find very interesting.

After camping make sure that you fire is gone and put a marker so that people won’t accidentally step on it.

Make sure you leave no waste on your camp area.

Lakwatsera Estimate Budget:  Php2,000.00