Meghy Was Here

Siquijor Travel Guide: How To Go + Places To Visit

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:51:39 +0000

Have you heard about the mystical island of Siquijor? If you’re still among those who are hesitant to visit the island because of being known for witchcraft and sorcery, this is the right time to think twice and don’t miss the chance of exploring an island full of magic and beautiful sceneries. We visited Siquijor during my last birthday week and it truly made my day even more special. The island’s mystique will captivate you – not because of black magic, but because of the spell cast to you of its mesmerizing places, warm people and experiences you’ll get once stepping your foot on the island. Scroll down, learn more about this island, and see yourself how magical this island is.

Knowing Siquijor

Siquijor is an island located in the Central Visayas region and the 3^rd smallest province in the country. It was once called “Islas Del Fuego” or Island of Fire because, during the Spanish colonial period, the island seemed to be lit from afar due to the fireflies that inhabited the Molave trees on the island. It is just less than an hour boat ride from Dumaguete, the capital city of Negros Oriental, and becoming popular now among tourists slowly moving away from the stigma of eerie voodoo and black magic the island previously established.

How to Get to the Island?

The island has no airport and direct flights, so the gateway to reach Siquijor is through Dumaguete City. There are daily flights going to Dumaguete City from Manila or you may ride a bus if you’ll be just coming from the Negros Island.

We ride a morning flight from Manila to Dumaguete. Outside the Dumaguete airport, we chartered a tricycle that would take us directly to the Dumaguete port. From the Dumaguete port, you may either take a ferry ride, Oceanjet or RoRo. Fare and ride schedule varies so better check online to avoid mishaps and miss your ride. In our case, we took the 11:00 AM Oceanjet ride which cost us Php 385 each (booked online). The ferry ride only took about 40 minutes and upon reaching the Siquijor port, you can take another tricycle or rent a motorcycle (if you know how to ride one) to take you to your booked accommodation.

The island’s primary mode of transportation is a tricycle but it might get expensive over time due to its fare so if you know how to drive a motorcycle and want a cheaper transportation option, I suggest you rent one. We rented a fazzio for Php 450/day to easily go around. If you wish to rent one, I recommend to try renting through Pls Motor Bike Rental Siquijor. The owner and staff are accommodating, and kind and offer a lot of ride options at a very affordable price.

Where to Stay in Siquijor

I must say that the best area to stay on the island is in San Juan where a lot of beachfront resorts can be found depending on your budget. There are also a lot of famous restaurants to choose from, ATMs for your cash withdrawals and a vibrant weekend nightlife.

Places to Visit in Siquijor

Old Balete Tree

This enchanted old balete tree, located in Lazi, Siquijor is estimated to be more than 400 years old and considered to be the oldest and the biggest on the island. Its enchanting look draws tourists making it one of the must-visit spots in Lazi. Below the old tree lies a pond with fishes where you can dip your feet for a fish foot spa experience. Small (and big lol) fishes take gentle bites of your dead skins and treat your precious feet for a relaxing (or maybe ticklish?) foot experience.

Entrance fee: Php 20

Hapitanan

Since the island has been known to be a land of witchcraft and sorcery for many years now, this attraction stands by that reputation and allows visitors to experience a taste of it. Ride a broomstick, jump, and take those perfect shots. There are in-house photographers that will direct you on what to do and how to pose to make sure you’ve got to experience how to become a witch (even just for the photo).

Entrance fee: None (only donations if you wish to take photos)

Lazi Church and Convent

The Philippines has a rich religious heritage because of Spanish colonization, and many of its provinces have beautiful old churches. Lazi Church is definitely the most highlighted church on the island because of its stunning architecture and history. The church was made of coral stones and hardwood, and declared by the National Museum of the Philippines as a National Cultural Treasure.

Across the church, you can find its convent which is said to be one of the largest convents built during the Spanish colonial times. Today, it houses the Siquijor Heritage Museum, where religious artifacts and historic relics of the province are kept.

Entrance fee: None (Lazi Church) Php 30 (Lazi Convent)

Cambugahay Falls

This must be the most famous attraction on the island that probably no one dares to skip. It is a multi-leveled waterfall with pristine turquoise to blue waters. One of the most fascinating waterfalls I’ve seen so far. Since it is multi-leveled, you may choose where to swim and do all of that Tarzan swings. There are a lot of things you can do here aside from swimming. You can do unlimited jumps on Tarzan swings and you can also ride a balsa and have photos taken by the resident guides of Cambugahay. These guides, dubbed to be “human drones”, are doing an amazing job of taking video and photo shots to another level! They’ll ride the Tarzan swings with your phone to take those beautiful shots, a donation/tip is enough to keep them going. Prevent the crowd by going here early to enjoy as much as you can. Just before the entrance going down the Cambugahay Falls, don’t forget to try their famous charcoal ice cream for only Php 30.

Entrance fee: Php 50

Bolo-Bolo Cold Spring

If you want to visit a non-touristy spring, Bolo-Bolo would be the best place to go! It’s not touristy that even our hired tricycle driver is not even sure where it is lol It’s just about 1 km away from Cambugahay Falls so if you’re already in the area, you might want to just drop by. It’s just a small spring but the water is crystal clear blue, cold, and perfect for a dip. There were no tourists when we went there but we had the locals with us enjoying the cold spring.

Entrance fee: Free

Salagdoong Beach

Salagdoong Beach is a beach located in the municipality of Maria in the eastern part of the island. Aside from having pristine blue water, this privately owned resort is also famous for its cliff-diving spots. The resort houses concrete platforms where one can jump down to the sea. Just be mindful as there are times that jumping is not allowed depending on the height of the waters below. If jumping is not permitted, you may just take photos with the perfect view of its cliff. There are lifeguards all around the place making sure no one will jump unless allowed to do so. Aside from its cliff-diving spots, there are a lot of cottages and rooms here perfect for family outings and team-building activities.

Entrance fee: Php 50

Uela’s Three Mangrove Trees

I don’t think this has been part of a typical Siquijor trip. This is a group of three mangrove trees located on a public shore just along the Siquijor Circumferential Road in the northern east of the island just less than 300 meters from the famous Lilibeth’s Pan De Bisaya. A little attraction but it is just stunning as you stare at the three standing mangrove trees surrounded by fine sands when low tide or blue water when high tide. If you are making a trip around the island and you happen to pass by this road, a few minutes of stopping by is enough to appreciate this beauty.

Entrance fee: Free

Paliton Beach

Paliton Beach is located in San Juan, Siquijor famous for its beautiful sunset. You can feel the tropical vibe on this beach because, unlike other beaches on the island, it showcases palm trees along its shore with fine sands and bluish seawater. This is also where you can have the famous drone shot videos while riding a swing. In our case, we went here during the morning and just took photos. Since we were just staying in San Juan, we didn’t feel the need to watch the sunset from here since anywhere beachside in San Juan is a perfect spot to watch a sunset.

Entrance fee: Php 20

Pitogo Cliff

The most breathtaking cliff view I’ve ever seen on this trip and so far in my life! Just seeing how high the cliff is might make your knees shake but the stunning view you’ll get and see will completely wash away all those shaking. It was once considered as a hidden paradise on the island as it was only discovered or opened as a tourist attraction just a few years ago. The place was full of pointed rocks that I could compare the area to a huge seabed of corals. Just be mindful of your steps when taking photos as its view decks are kind of dangerous for me. Famous areas here for photos that people usually lined up to are the stairs going down the cliff and the cliff above where another “human drone” would take photos and videos of you. I am personally scared for these human drones in Pitogo since the area where they take drone photos and videos is too steep and dangerous that one single step could lead to an accident. Taking photos on the cliff would cost you Php 50 each but I think that wouldn’t be enough if any accident happens. I just hope that they could be provided safety measures to prevent anything bad to happen in the future.

Entrance fee: Php 30

Monkey Beach

If you want to visit a secluded beach, literally away from the crowd, Monkey Beach is the beach to go. Located also in Maria, Siquijor, this secluded beach remains unknown to many. The journey to get here is a bit of an adventure but if you’re looking for serenity, then it would definitely be worth the effort. Simply search the beach in Google Maps to locate it, as even Google Maps tagged the address as an “unnamed road.” If you’re traveling by tricycle or 4-wheel vehicle, unfortunately, you have to leave it at the roadside and do a few minutes of walking to reach the beach. However, if you’re on a motorbike, you can ride down the dirt road before reaching the main beach but mind you, the road is bumpy so better be careful. There’s a bit of trekking that you have to do as you descend going to the main beach. We were the only visitors when we went there but few fishermen were doing their daily catch. Overall, the beach is not the best but the peaceful atmosphere it gave was an added highlight of our trip.

Entrance fee: Free

Bucafe

Siquijor is also now known for cafés with breathtaking views, and one of these is Bucafe. Located along the roadside, this café/restaurant offers an overlooking view of Siquijor’s mountainside. It is a small traditional 2-storey bamboo cabin that offers a variety of snacks, meals and drinks. You have to take off your shoes upon entering giving you a homey feeling.

Entrance fee: Free (just order from their menu to dine in)

LA Canopee Bar and Restaurant

Just about 1.3 km away from Bucafe, you’ll find this hidden gem called LA Canopee Bar and Restaurant. This place is much bigger than Bucafe and I would say that it’s an upgraded version of the smaller Bucafe. I love the vibe here more – it gives you an even better overlooking view of the mountain’s lush greeneries and distant sea. I love how their cottages highlight deck hammocks where you could lie down and take photos with the stunning view at the back. While the menu prices are more expensive, staffs are friendly and accommodating. The place is ideal for relaxation, I can lie down here all day while enjoying the view that lies in front of me.

Entrance fee: Php 200 (consumable of food and drinks from their menu)

Runik Beach Club and Resort

My personal favorite part of our Siquijor trip was visiting Runik Beach Club and Resort, where I celebrated my birthday. This is a luxury beach club that offers a stunning sunset view, an infinity pool, a jacuzzi, a bar, and great music. To enjoy the experience, you have to avail their beach club access or premium seatings, depending on your preference. We opted to avail of the Ocean Cabana for Php 2,800 which Php 2,000 was consumable of their foods and drinks. Since the place has limited guests, it gives us the relaxation we ever needed. Probably, it was also a good thing that we went here during weekdays so there was no live band or DJ, we enjoyed the ambiance it gives with no loud band and parties. While it’s on the pricier side, I’d say you’re getting what you paid for; beach club access, stunning views, and appetizing food and drinks.

Entrance fee: For complete beach club access fees, check out their official Facebook page here.

Visiting Siquijor Island would truly make someone bewitched, not by sorcery and black magic, but because of the stunning attractions the island has to offer. Siquijor, you are mystical and you are loved by many now. Until we meet again!

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Hong Kong Travel Guide 2024: 10 Things To Do When Visiting Hong Kong

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 02:08:29 +0000

Hong Kong has been one of the most popular travel destinations among Filipinos for years now. I remember when I was young, I often heard about Hong Kong being the first out of the country destination among relatives, peers and acquaintances. Aside from being 2 hours away from the Philippines by air and being visa free for Filipinos, this small region is also famous for its cheap finds before Bangkok came to the limelight for cheaper shopping options. As the years passed by, many of us noticed how traveling to Hong Kong became somehow expensive. From hotel accommodation, food and transportation expenses, it is no longer considered as cheap as it was years ago. But is it still worth it to visit Hong Kong as a Filipino traveler? I would still say yes! Its captivating charm, culture that still shines between its concrete jungle, vibrant night markets, and mouthwatering gastronomies will still leave you in awe and fill you with joy. Don’t miss the fact, that it houses every child and child in heart’s dream destination, Disneyland. You can fly to the happiest place on earth without worrying about getting a visa.

Continue to scroll down to this blog to discover exciting things to do and visit in Hong Kong, and make your next travel itinerary jam-packed with fun and amusing adventures.

Ride the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car

Ngong Ping 360 cable car experience is an approximately 25-minute gondola ride along Lantau Island. It might be a nerve-shaking experience for those afraid of heights but the view you’ll see from the top is top-notch. You can either choose to ride the regular cable car or a crystal cabin for an added thrill and excitement! This ride connects Tung Chung and the Ngong Ping Village, where you can stroll around to see the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.

Climb to the Tian Tan Buddha

Tian Tan Buddha, also known as The Big Buddha, is one of the iconic landmarks on Lantau Island. This huge statue of Buddha in a sitting position made of bronze took 12 years of planning and completion. I am simply amazed at how big it is and how it beautifully stands even from afar. You have to take a total of 268 steps to reach the top. Tiring? Yes, but good thing the place is located in a mountainous area so the weather there is cooler compared to the other parts of Hong Kong.

Stroll along Avenue of Stars

Avenue of Stars is a walkway along the Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui that honors celebrities who put Hong Kong’s entertainment industry in the limelight. It showcases statues and handprints of big celebrities such as Bruce Lee, Jet Li, and Jackie Chan. The best time to go here is during the early morning to avoid the crowd, late afternoon to watch the sunset and during the night at 8:00 PM to watch the Symphony of Lights. The walkway stretches along the Victoria Harbour, so this is also a good spot for boat sightseeing and to see the Victoria Harbour skyline.

Shop until you drop at Mongkok

Looking for the cheapest finds to shop in Hong Kong? Mongkok got you covered! From cheap items from the famous Ladies’ Market, to street foods, and up to the pile of shoe store along the Sneaker Street, you’ll go crazy about where to go and buy first. If you’re looking for things to bring home, you might find many options in the Ladies’ Market such as bags, Hong Kong t-shirts, accessories, ref magnets, key chains and many more. You just have to bring out your haggling skills to get the best price possible. And for shoe lovers, Sneaker Street would be a heaven on earth for you. There are a lot more choices of shoes here, a lot of colorways compared to what we had in the Philippines, and of course, at a cheaper price. Mongkok is a vibrant district and definitely a vibe for shoppers.

Be the happiest at Disneyland

What’s a Hong Kong trip without visiting the happiest place on earth? Of course, you have to visit Disneyland at least once in your lifetime! Most of us probably once dreamed of visiting Disneyland when we were kids, so we didn’t miss the chance to fulfill it. Aside from riding Hong Kong’s Disneyland prime attractions such as Frozen Ever After, Ironman Experience, Grizzly Mountain Mine Cars and many more, you have to witness the much-anticipated show at night filled with magic and lights, Momentous. Tagged to be the most magical show, it highlights a fireworks display and a projection mapping show while playing Disney’s iconic songs. My favorite part of this trip, my kid in me is so happy.

Trek at Braemar Hill

If you want to do a less touristy activity in Hong Kong, trekking is always a good option. We visited Braemar Hill in our last Hong Kong trip and this is one of my favorite activities on the island next to Disneyland. There are few summits here, but we visited this majestic viewpoint that we just saw in a video online. Unfortunately, there’s no name pinned in this location so we can’t confirm the exact name of this summit. We started our trek at 55 Braemar Hill Road just beside the St. Joan of Arc Secondary School and it took us about 25 minutes to reach this summit. The trail is well established but still be careful, especially climbing the last ascent to reach this vantage point. The view from here is amazing and you’ll be blessed by the mesmerizing scene of the Hong Kong skyline. We were fortunate that we were the only group at this time, so we were able to take all our time to get those perfect shots.

Indulge yourself with Hong Kong’s best cuisines

A good trip will be completed by trying the best cuisines the place could offer. Hong Kong is known to have the best dim sum and noodle dishes that you should try when visiting. There are also a lot of establishments awarded by the famous Michelin star and bib gourmand that you could choose from. Some may have long queues but definitely worth the wait. Here are some of the local restaurants and bakeries we tried on our last visit: Yat Lok, Dim Dim Sum, Kam Wah Café, Café De Coral, Australian Dairy Co., Mak’s Noodles, Bakehouse, Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai

If you’re the kind of tourist who likes to try fast foods in different countries and compare their differences, you can also visit McDonald’s, Jollibee and KFC. For my personal favorites, I love the angus beef burger from McDonald’s, roast goose from Yat Lok, pan fried buns from Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai and the sourdough egg tart from Bakehouse. Yum!

Ride the Peak Tram and see the Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak is considered to be the highest hill on Hong Kong Island, so for sure it will give you another good vantage point to see the skyline of Central and Victoria Harbour. To get the full experience, ride the famous Peak Tram which is one of the world’s oldest and famous funicular railway. The railway is so steep, that the ride made me dizzy on our both ascent and descent. Once arrived at The Peak, head to Sky Terrace considered to be the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong located at the top of The Peak Tower to see Hong Kong’s panoramic view.

Recommendation: For the best view and experience, sit on the right side of the tram when going up and sit on the left side when going down.

Go get that instagram photo at the Monster Building

Monster Building probably once appeared on your feed because it is a popular location for photography and has been used as an inspired location in films such as Transformer and Ghost in the Shell. The building’s actual name is Yick Cheong Building which is a complex composed of five linked buildings located at King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong. Being here made me realize how densely populated the city is and the reality of how normal residential areas actually looks like for a local Hong Kongese. I’ll describe the place as “delightfully chaotic” because regardless of how crowded and dense the place is, it gives a distinct charm that is reflected in its photos. Tourists are allowed to take photos in the area but please be mindful of your actions. Make sure that you won’t cause any interruptions and still protects resident’s privacy in the complex.

Ride the longest Multiple Level Escalator at Central

Central Mid-Level escalator is the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator and walkway system. It initially opened in 1993 which is about 800 m long and runs over 135m in elevation. It stretches from Queen’s Road Central up to Conduit Road which gives locals convenience in their everyday lives. Not only it transports the locals but it has become a popular destination now among tourists. It is a good way to roam around central which houses famous restaurants and the famous Hollywood Road, which links to several streets best for photo ops.

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Bantayan Island Travel Guide: How to Go + Places to Visit

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 21:39:02 +0000

“A piece of heaven on Earth” that’s how I would describe Bantayan Island. Just right stepping on Santa Fe port, you would notice its crystal-clear waters and would have a glimpse of all the beautiful things this island could offer. I visited Bantayan Island last May for a girl’s summer getaway and it gave me one summer to remember. Though it was the summer season in the Philippines and our visit fell on a holiday week, we were surprised that the island was not loaded with tourists so we were able to relax and enjoy the scenery without the crowd. The island was added to my travel bucket list after being featured in the famous local film “Camp Sawi”. The said movie made the place known and opened tourism opportunities to its locals.

Knowing Bantayan Island

Bantayan Island is an island located in the northwest part of Cebu Island. The island is about 5 hours away from Cebu City and a popular vacation spot among Cebuanos. If you are living outside Cebu and you want to enjoy your vacation with a lesser crowd, compared to Boracay or Palawan, you might opt to visit this majestic island. The island is divided into 3 municipalities namely Santa Fe, Bantayan and Madridejos. Santa Fe is the heart of tourism where beautiful white beaches can be seen, Bantayan is the largest covering the central part and Madridejos is located on the northern portion known to be the best spot on the island to watch the famous Bantayan sunset.

How to go to Bantayan Island?

From Cebu City, make your way to the North Bus Terminal and ride a Ceres bus or van bound to Hagnaya Port. From Hagnaya Port, ride the Island Shipping or Super Shuttle that will take you directly to Santa Fe Port. Upon arrival at the port, you may take a tricycle that will take you directly to your accommodation.

In our case, from Cebu-Mactan International Airport, we opted to rent a private car that will take us directly to Hagnaya Port. It costs us Php 3,500 for a 6-seater SUV, we took this option for a more comfortable and less hassle trip. We had an early flight to Cebu so we didn’t have enough sleep that day, the private ride allowed us to rest and get us to our destination at an earlier time. We were able to take the 11:30 AM trip to Santa Fe of Island Shipping which costs us Php 325 (regular fare of 300 + terminal fee of 25). Upon arrival at Santa Fe port, we were picked up by the shuttle provided by our accommodation.

Where to stay in Bantayan Island?

We’ve seen a lot of beautiful accommodations around Santa Fe but what stands out to us was Santa Fe Beach Club and it didn’t disappoint! With its proximity to the port, I would definitely recommend this premier resort. Upon your entrance, you’ll be accommodated by their friendly staff and welcomed with a welcome drink. The villas and overall interior are aesthetically designed, perfect for those pretty snaps, and the beachfront is clean and well-maintained by the caretakers. I love the beach chairs and open cabanas you could use to lie down and relax while watching the pristine beach right in front of you. The resort is simply amazing, cozy and such a picture-perfect drop every corner. It exceeded my expectations and would definitely book here again next time I visit.

Here are their room rates as of May 2024: (Rates may change without prior notice)

Beach Villa for 4pax @6,700/night with free breakfast
Standard Family Room for 4pax @4,300/night
Standard Room for 3pax @3,600/night
Standard Room for 2pax @2,900/night

Note: This already includes pick up and drop off in Santa Fe port (7:00AM-7:30PM) + Free entrance to the iconic Ogtong Cave Resort and Sandira Beach.

For more information, you may contact Santa Fe Beach Club through their official Facebook page here.

Places to Visit on Bantayan Island

Omagieca Obo-ob Mangrove Garden

This is a mangrove eco-park located in Brgy. Obo-ob, Bantayan Island. Managed by OMAGIECA stands for Obo-ob Mangrove Garden Integrated Eco-Tourism & Conservation Association not only promotes the place as an attraction but also raises awareness of the importance of mangroves on our coastal ecosystem.

You have to wander around by walking on their bamboo boardwalk passing through mangroves. Since Bantayan Island is the home of the movie “Camp Sawi”, the famous signage can also be found in this mangrove garden.

Entrance Fee:

Adult – Php 75
Senior Citizen/PWD – Php 60
Children (4-12 years old) – Php 20

Sandira Beach

Also known as “Paradise Beach” is probably my personal favorite place I visited during our land tour. The beach is somehow secluded and not as developed compared to other beaches on the island but its natural and bare beauty makes it more special than the rest. Fewer tourists are visiting here so if you are looking for a place to chill and relax, then this would be the perfect spot. It was called paradise for no reason, the beach has fine white sands, crystal blue waters and rock formations. Less crowd, quieter with a great view, we really enjoyed our stay here and will recommend it to your Bantayan bucket list.

Entrance Fee:

Adult – Php 70
Children – Php 30

Note: If you are staying in Santa Fe Beach Club Resort, you are free of charge.

The Ruins Bantayan

It’s literally just ruins of an abandoned house but people started to make craze of this place that it started to be part of their travel itineraries. As per locals, the house was once owned by a German who left the property after some time. The ruins or walls are now covered by graffiti making the place perfect for picture taking. Just get that angle, and you will be loaded with those instagrammable photos! Just below the ruins are famous spots now for cliff diving and swimming.

Entrance Fee: Free

Kota Beach

Kota Beach is one of the famous and developed beachfront resorts in Bantayan Island. The resort made fame as this is the actual beach where the “Camp Sawi” movie was filmed. The place also highlights a beautiful sand bar and a good place to catch the sunrise.

Entrance Fee: Free

Little Siargao

Are you familiar with the famous coconut palm tree road in Siargao? Bantayan Island also has a smaller version of it. Take those photos with the coconut trees but be mindful of the vehicles passing by the road.

Entrance Fee: Free

Ogtong Cave Pool

This enchanting cave pool is located inside the Ogtong Cave Resort. Don’t miss out on taking a dip in this natural pool, the clear blue cool water is a heavenly reward after all the tours you do under the sun.

Entrance Fee:

Adult – Php 225
Children – Php 120

Note: If you are staying in Santa Fe Beach Club Resort, you are free of charge.

Kota Park and Ruins

You haven’t gone to Bantayan if you haven’t witnessed yourself the famous Bantayan sunset! Since we are staying in Santa Fe (where most of the resorts are located) which is located on the right side of the island, sunset watching is not possible. We badly wanted to watch the sunset, so as suggested by our tour guide, we visited Kota Park in the town of Madridejos.

Here you can see a historical fort built in the 1790s that served as a lookout for Muslim and Moro invaders. Just a few walks from the park is a coastal shore and a boardwalk where you can take a stroll and watch the sunset.

Entrance Fee: Free

Balidbid/Baigad Lagoon Beach

This lagoon/beach is also one of the scenic places I visited on this trip. This specific beach is located at the end of a lagoon, so one side of it faces the lagoon while the other side faces the open sea. While the scenes here are another level of paradise, there are lots of resting chairs, tables and hammocks that can be seen here making the place the go-to spot for a relaxing time. Waves coming from the open sea might be strong at times, so most visitors take a dip instead on the lagoon on the other side. There’s an in-house restaurant on this resort but if you opt for a cheaper menu item, just go to the smaller stores located at the side of the resort. Food options there are affordable yet delicious and have big servings! Don’t miss out also their yummy fruit shakes, one of the best I had in my life!

Entrance Fee:

Adult – Php 200
PWD/Senior/Locals of Bantayan – Php 100
Children (under 6 years old) – Free of charge

Virgin Island

A must-destination in Bantayan Island if you are doing an island-hopping trip. It is a majestic private-owned small island located east of the main Bantayan Island. Virgin Island offers white beach shores, pristine waters, and a lot more activities such as snorkeling and cliff diving. This resort island is much bigger compared to Baigad Lagoon Beach with more activities and facilities to see. It is also not crowded so we really enjoyed our stay here and took all the time to relax and swim. Unlike the other known Virgin Island of Bohol, this island is not bare, it has a lot of trees, tables, cabanas, accommodations and even a cactus garden.

Entrance Fee: Php 200

For a hassle free Bantayan land tour, please contact our recommended tour guide, Kuya Lito, at 09365451858. If you’re looking for an accommodating, good photographer and the best tour guide, Kuya Lito is the man to call.

We traveled by air, by land, and by sea just to arrive on Bantayan Island, but the exhaustion we had after the long trip completely faded away after getting all the love and allure this island blown to us the moment we stepped on its land. We found Bantayan Island but the island kept a piece of us, our hearts.

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Gaomei Wetlands Travel Guide: Eco Sanctuary of Taichung

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 05:48:33 +0000

Aside from Taipei, we also visited Taichung in Taiwan which is about an hour HSR train ride from Taipei Main Station. We visited few beautiful places in Taichung but my personal favorite is Gaomei Wetlands. I consider it the highlight of our Taichung trip as it showcases one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve seen in my life. The place tends to be touristy but it is not that famous among Filipino travelers. We were supposed to rent a car on the day of our visit to Taichung but got cancelled last minute. Good thing, Taiwan’s transport system is so efficient and we were able to pull up a DIY trip to Gaomei Wetlands at the last minute. Here’s a guide that you can follow if you wish to add Gaomei Wetlands to your next Taiwan bucket list.

Knowing the Wetland

Gaomei Wetlands is a flat land that lies in the coastal area of Qingshui District. Coming from its name, it is a wetland or an area where a mixture of soil and sands is covered by water forming a diverse ecosystem that serves as home to diverse wildlife such as crabs and mudskippers. The area spans over 300 hectares which is a good spot to watch the sunset and the picturesque windmills across its dock during the late afternoon. It is just about an hour drive from Taichung center and will absolutely turn up your Taichung experience.

How to Get There?

From Taichung Main Station or Xinwuri Station (if you will be coming from Taipei through HSR train, just transfer station from HSR to Xinwuri Station), ride the local train (TRA) that will take you to Qingshui Station. Please check the train schedule online to make sure that you’ll get to the train on time. The ride may take around 45 minutes, outside Qinshui Station you may take a taxi going to Gaomei Wetlands (about a 15-minute ride). In our case, the taxi ride to Gaomei costs us 300 NTD for a group of 4 pax.

If you prefer a less hassle trip, you can book a private or joiners tour through tour agencies or klook.

Gaomei Wetlands

We arrived at Gaomei Wetlands at about 5:00 pm just in time before the sunset. Their main viewing point is their 800-meter dock that lies from the main street and will take you directly to its wetland and the shallow sea. There are flocks of people but the spectacular views are worth steering the crowds. Despite the crowd you may catch in a late afternoon, it is still a good place to relax, take a breath of fresh air and reconnect with nature.

The Gaomei Wetlands is represented by a mudskipper mascot that will welcome you at the start of the dock. While taking a stroll on the wood dock, we saw a lot of mudskippers and a few huge groups of small crabs. Aside from the sunset, it is also a perfect spot for bird watching as you can see a lot of migratory birds here during fall and winter. Upon reaching the end of the wood dock, you can take off your shoes and take a step on its waters to capture more scenic photos with the windmills and sunset at your back.

You can also visit the Gaomei Lighthouse, the Gaomei Pedestrian Bridge and the Gaomei Wind Turbine Avenue near the area. I suggest renting a bike to get into the bridge and windmill area as for me, it’s a bit far and will consume a lot of time and effort if you just walk.

There are also food places in the area if you wish to get a meal after getting tired on all the walks and wandering. We decided to have chicken and fries for an early dinner while waiting for the same taxi driver who took us from Qingshui Station. Just tell the driver to pick you up again as finding a vacant ride in the area might be difficult, especially during the night.

Going Back to Taipei

From Gaomei Wetlands, the taxi driver took us back to Qingshui Station. From Qingshui Station, we ride the local train (TRA) going to Xinwuri Station, transfer to Taichung HSR Station and finally catch our ride back to Taipei.

Gaomei Wetlands is such a dreamy place that I’ll forever cherish on my Taiwan’s core memory. Visit the place and be mesmerized as well of the beauty it has to offer.

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Wulai DIY Travel Guide: Wulai Falls + Wulai Old Street + Yun Hsien Resort

Thu, 23 May 2024 22:49:32 +0000

Want to experience a nature trip near Taipei City? Wulai got you covered! Wulai is a district nestled in the lush mountains south of New Taipei City that offers natural exquisiteness of its hot springs, river flowing on its valleys, waterfalls, old street and even a scenic gondola ride to a mountain resort settled on top of a waterfall! Another catch, you can experience all these in just one day. A day trip to Wulai district is possible as it is just an hour away from Taipei City. Here are the things that we did during our last DIY trip to Wulai.

How to get there?

From Taipei, make your way to MRT station and ride a train that will take you to Xindian Station (Green Line). Outside Xindian station, wait for Bus 849 that will take you directly to Wulai (last stop).

Wulai Old Street

Upon drop off at the last bus stop in Wulai, we made our way to Wulai Old Street and just like any other old streets in Taiwan, it is full of food stalls and souvenir shops. A trip wouldn’t be complete without a food trip so it is a perfect place to grab some bite before starting your nature journey to Wulai. At the end of the street, you have to pass through Lansheng Bridge. It is a bridge with glass flooring on the side that spans across Nanshi River. Water flowing in the river beneath is already music in one’s ears.

Wulai Log Cart

At the end of the bridge, just follow the sign that will take you to the Wulai Log Cart terminal also known to many as the Wulai Scenic Train. This is probably what I am excited most about on this trip as I’ve seen these colorful trains many times online and I badly wanted to ride one. This rail cart was originally designed by the Japanese government to transport logs until it was rebuilt to transport passengers or tourists. Fare is 50 NTD per way that will take you from the Wulai stop to the Waterfall stop and vice versa.

Wulai Falls

Upon reaching the Waterfall stop, you have to walk for a few meters to see the majestic Wulai Falls. This is perhaps the main and most iconic attraction of Wulai district. This waterfall is about 80 meters high and such a breath of fresh air that you can’t stop yourself from mesmerizing it. There’s a platform in the view deck area where you can take photos with the falls for no fee. There are also a lot of café in the area where you could sit back, relax and enjoy the view of the falls as your backdrop.

Gondola

The most thrilling part of this trip is riding the Gondola to get into Yun Hsien Resort which is a nature resort located above the Wulai Falls. Yes, you read it right! It is located on top of the waterfall and only accessible by gondola. Actually, I am a bit scared riding this since I have a fear of heights but who would miss the chance to have a scenic trip on top of a waterfall in her lifetime? The Gondola ride costs us 300 NTD each, which already includes a 2-way cable car ride and the entrance to the resort. The ride would only take about less than 5 minutes but my heart pounds out of scare and amusement as I can see how high we are through its glass flooring but at the same time, how fascinating it is to see the beauty of Wulai Falls above it.

Cable Car Operating Hours:

Weekdays – 09:00 to 17:00

Weekends – 09:00 to 17:30

Yun Hsien Resort

Yun Hsien Resort went beyond my expectations. Not only it is located on top of the Wulai Falls but the fact that it is situated in a cloud forest with diverse flora and fauna make it even more fascinating. The resort is quite huge that it requires a lot of walking to get around its facilities. There are a lot of activities you can do inside the resort such as boating, archery, ecological tours and even firefly watching every summer. The resort’s cooler ambiance and nature’s natural sounds are a perfect source of one’s calmness and enjoyment. Visiting Yun Hsien Resort is one of my memorable trips, calm yet magical.

Going back to Taipei

Basically, you just have to go through the same means when going back. Ride the same cable car going down and make your way again back to the Wulai Log cart terminal. Upon reaching the Wulai log station, walk again back to the Wulai Old Street until you reach the bus stop (Bus 849) to go back to Xindian Station.

Conclusion

We enjoyed our day trip in Wulai district and will definitely recommend this trip to you guys! There are more things to do in Wulai that we would try next time we visit such as visiting a hot spring and seeing cherry blossoms in full bloom during its season. It is also recommended to have a DIY trip to enjoy the place at your own pace. The commute trip is easy as we all know how convenient Taiwan’s transportation system is. Visit Wulai in your next Taiwan trip!

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Huian Park + Takemura Izakaya Alley: Getting the Perfect Shot of Taipei 101

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 13:59:14 +0000

Taiwan is our first international travel destination this year and I would like to start this Taiwan blog series with a travel guide that will let you see Taipei’s number one stunner and icon, the Taipei 101. Taipei 101 is the highest building in Taiwan and used to be the highest in the world way back 2004 until it was surpassed by Burj Khalifa last 2010. This skyscraper will indeed give you a majestic view from its observatory deck at the top but the structure of this stunner will give you a different level of allure when staring at it from afar. You just have to get the perfect place to appreciate its beauty, and you’re ready to take those dreamy photos as you want!

Tourists would usually go to the Elephant Mountain for an elevated view deck and get a photo with Taipei 101 but little did they know, there’s another place they could check to get that perfect shot just located in the same area. On our last Taiwan trip, we opted to visit Huian Park for that Taipei 101 shot that we are aiming. After all the long walks we had on this trip, we were quite tired to get into a trek up to the Elephant trail and would like to simply enjoy the view away from the crowd so we ended up deciding to go to Huian Park.

Huian Park is located at No. 10, Alley 9, Lane 284, Wuxing St, Xinyi District, Taipei City about 1 km away from Taipei 101. To get there, we ride an MRT going to Taipei 101 station and from there, we book an Uber for our convenience. The driver was confused about why we wanted to go to the park, as he insists that tourists usually go to the Elephant Mountain for photo ops. He even said that there is no good photo spot in the park lol

Upon arrival, we understood the driver’s concern since the area was actually a residential area. But upon taking few steps of stairs up to the viewpoint of the park, we saw the beauty that we came for and it didn’t disappoint. The Taipei 101 stands beautifully amid the chaotic yet charming neighborhood. We arrived at about 8 in the morning and the park and the view was all by ourselves! We got a chance to relish the scene without the messy crowd with the birds chirping in the background and took as much photos from as much angle as we could.

After getting enough photos we headed to our second photo location, the famous alley beside the Takemura Izakaya restaurant. The exact location would be Alley 1, Lane 253, Songren Rd, Xinyi District or just pin Takemura Izakaya restaurant in Google Maps. We walked for about 800 meters but upon reaching the street, there was a flock of tourists doing photoshoots so we decided to take breakfast first in a nearby 7-11. Luckily, after finishing our meals, there were no tourists anymore in the alley and took our time to pose and get our desired snaps. Just be mindful of the vehicles since this is also a residential area with a lot of vehicles passing by.

Overall, Huian Park is a great place to get a perfect shot of Taipei 101 if you are not into trekking steep staircases and want to avoid the crowd. The famous alley along the Takemura Izakaya restaurant is also a good photo spot that you should not miss out on if you are already in the area.

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Immuki Island Travel Guide: Hidden Paradise of the North

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 02:31:16 +0000

La Union is not just about those big waves and party scenes. If you want to see something different on your next visit to this province, don’t forget to add Immuki Island to your list. Immuki Island is one of the newest attractions developed by the government and locals to attract more visitors. It is now dubbed as “The hidden paradise of the north” and I couldn’t agree more! It is located in the Brgy. Paraoir, Balaoan, La Union just about a 30-minute ride from San Juan, La Union.

Knowing Immuki Island

Immuki Island was once known as “Kaparingitan” to the locals. The name “Immuki” came from a sea creature that can only thrive on the “Paringit” (dead corals) called sea slugs or babao or bao which is a Pangasinense word translated in Ilocano as “Uki” or female genital. The word Immuki has been associated with the island because the shape of its main lagoon also resembles that of the female genital.

Basically, Immuki Island is a dead coral island with three main lagoons surrounded by mangroves. The main lagoon being called Immuki as explained earlier, the other two lagoons were named out of the wide imagination of the locals. The other lagoons were called “Bimmuto” (male genital) and “Immubet” (anus) because their shape resemble that of the penis and anus.

How to go to Immuki Island?

As per locals, there are Darigayos bound jeepneys that passes by Brgy. Paraoir from San Fernando and San Juan. Based on experience, we had a hard time waiting for the said jeepney during our last stay in San Juan so if you don’t have a private ride going to Immuki Island, you can go there by these options:

Ride a tricycle that will take you directly to Brgy. Paraoir where Immuki Island is located which will costs around Php 600-800 depends on how you negotiate with your driver.
Ride a Bacnotan bound jeepney and drop off at Bacnotan Public Market (fare: Php 20 from San Juan). From there, look for a tricycle that will take you to Brgy. Paraoir that should cost you Php 200 per ride (good for 4 pax).

What to expect?

Upon reaching the barangay hall of Paraoir, you have to register your visit first and pay the following fees:

Students/Senior citizens/PWD rate – Php 30
Regular rate – Php 50

*Fees may change without prior notice

Once you are done with the registration, you may now proceed to the island. You may rent a bamboo raft that will take you directly to the island for Php 250 (good for 6 pax) or you may simply walk going to the island as the water level is just below the knee. We opted to just walk so we could take photos along the way and explore more on the other sides of the island.

Upon reaching the main island, you’ll understand why it is being called a hidden paradise. You have to walk through maze of mangroves that will lead you to its stunning lagoons. You will enjoy its crystal-clear waters and every corner is definitely a picture worthy spot. During our visit, the whole island is not that crowded knowing that it was weekend, since there are 3 lagoons you can choose and will surely love.

Other things to know before going:

Visiting hours in the island is from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Camping, bringing of foods and drinks, fishing and bringing of pets is not allowed in the island
Comfort Rooms are available after the registration area
There are also foods and souvenirs for sale available after the registration area

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Mt. Pinatubo: A Travel Guide To The Beautiful Disaster

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 02:59:17 +0000

A Beautiful Disaster – that’s how they describe Mt. Pinatubo. From its disastrous eruption on June 15, 1991 which considered to be the world’s second largest eruption of the 20^th century, until how it stands beautifully in the Municipality of Botolan in the Province of Zambales today. It even became more famous after being featured in the blockbuster movie of our country’s most famous loveteam Kathniel, Crazy Beautiful You.

This active stratovolcano has been a dormant volcano for the past 400 years before its 1991 eruption that affects not only our country, but also our nearby Asian countries forming the now most visited site on the area, the stunning turquoise to emerald colored Mt. Pinatubo crater lake. The place is so dreamy that you would never know how many lives it took and how many families it left homeless.

How To Get There?

You can either jumped off on Capas, Tarlac or on Botolan, Zambales in order to get to the actual crater lake. In our case, we opted to choose the Capas trail.

DIY

You may ride a bus from Cubao or Pasay going to Capas, Tarlac (these are buses bound to Baguio, Urdaneta or Dagupan). From Capas (Mcdonalds Capas Junction), ride a tricycle that will take you directly to Capas Tourist Information in Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas. You may register your visit there and they’ll help you out arranging a 4×4 ride for your group.

Book a Tour

For your convenience, you may also want to book a joiner/exclusive tour with a travel and tour agencies. We booked our tour from LFC Travel and Tours for Php 2,800 per pax. Please take note that prices may change without prior notice and may vary depending on your pick-up location (they offer pick-ups across Metro Manila and Pampanga). This package already includes your van transportation, 4×4 ride (ratio 1:4), entrance fee, conservation fee, tour guide/coordinator fee and a bag tag. Definitely worth the convenience you can get.

Start of our Journey

We were picked-up from our pick-up location at around 1:00 AM and reached Brgy. Sta. Juliana in Capas at around 4:00 AM. We had some breakfast first and logged our registration at around 5:00 AM. After a short briefing from the coordinator and settling everything from the registration, we started our 4×4 adventure at around 5:45 AM.

The 1.5 hour 4×4 ride is already an exciting experience everyone should look forward on this trip. It is such an experience passing through jarring dirt roads full of volcanic debris, beautiful landscapes and rivers while seeing the sun slowly rising along the way. The ride may be bumpy but my heart is so full with the scenes right in front of me and excited with the stunner waiting for me on the top. You’ll pass through what they call “Toblerone Hills” and may have the chance to take photos with it.

After a 1.5-hour ride, you’ll be reaching the jump point where trekking starts. Please note that the distance of the trek may vary depending on the season/weather. For some cases, you may only trek for about 5 km but there are cases that you have to trek for about 7 km when 4×4 rides can’t pass through rough river trails.

Trekking to the Crater Lake

We started our trek at around 7:30 in the morning. The trek consists of a lot of river crossing, walking through volcanic debris and rocky terrains. Mt. Pinatubo is a minor climb with 2/9 difficulty making it a perfect mountain for any beginner. The trail is mostly flat and easy, the easiest trek I’ve ever had (so far). The only challenge you may take is the last ascent going to the actual crater but they already established stairs going up there so nothing to really worry about.

There are few stores along the way owned by the Aeta settlers in the area where you can buy your refreshments. Also, don’t forget to greet and talk with the Aeta kids you’ll meet along the way. There are a lot of them on the trail, who shares big smiles on their faces while greeting every tourist passing by with enthusiasm. You can really feel their excitement to meet people, so if you have extra goodies why not share it to the kids. For sure, they’ll be the happiest!

We reached the crater lake marker after 1 hour and 20 minutes, and we were stunned by the beauty the crater lake holds. The scene was so picturesque that a photo I seen online can’t justify how stunning it is compared on seeing it with my bare eyes, real time. The charming panorama is so relaxing to look at, completely different on how it enraged and released volcanic plums few decades back. The lake itself is fascinating on its blue to emerald color with the caldera’s walls full of lushes as its contrast.

You can get down with their established stairs to get near on the actual crater lake. It is another 5 to 10-minute trek depending on your pace. I suggest to don’t miss the chance of getting near the actual lake for the experience. You already made you way to this stunner, why not make the most of it right? You may touch the water on the lake but swimming is strictly prohibited.

They renewed the view deck area into a park where tourists can take a rest and eat while appreciating the majestic scenery. There are few food stalls available that sell snacks but be mindful that prices are way higher than usual. It’s understandable in the other hand, as locals invest so much effort and money just to bring these goods up there. We decided to reward ourselves with a cup of pancit canton and cold soda. A 100-peso pancit canton and a 100-peso coke tastes more delicious after a worthy climb with a worthy view!

It took us another 1 hour and 20 minutes to go down to the jump point where our 4×4 parked. Overall, it’s is an experience worth every penny, sweat and tread.

Things to know before going:

Bring masks or anything that can cover your nose since the trail is so dusty especially on the 4×4 ride.
Make sure to apply sunblock or bring a hat to protect you from the scorching heat of the sun. The trail might be too hot when you go down.
The time allocated by Capas Tourism Office and Philippine Air Force for tourists is between 5AM to 10AM. So, make sure to be early on the tourism office to avoid the cut off time.
Cut off time may change without prior notice so better to visit and contact Capas Tourism Office Facebook page for more updated details.

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Seollem Cafe: A Korean-Inspired Cafe to Visit in Baguio City

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 04:18:40 +0000

Hello K-drama addicts! We found this hidden café in the City of Pines perfect on flattering your K-drama hearts. Cafés are definitely now a thing in the Philippines as we can see a lot of cafes being established in every corner. And for every one who loves visiting these cafes, not only their coffees or the food they serve matters but of course, the aesthetics of this coffee shops must be put into consideration.

Seollem Café is a Korean-themed café located at 74 Del Nacia Apts, Camp 7, Baguio City (Landmark: Kmart Camp 7). You can reach it by riding a Camp 7 bound jeepneys from the Baguio City proper or by taking a taxi. In our case, we ride a taxi from our hotel since taxis in Baguio are pretty cheap and convenient. Upon dropping by at Kmart from the jeepney or taxi, you’ll see the Seollem Café signage and you have to walk by the alley beside the Kmart to get into your location.

The cafe is open daily from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm (updated store hours according to their official FB page as of October 2023).

What to Expect?

Seollem Café is probably one of the prettiest cafés I’ve ever been to. It is not the biggest or the most visited but the vibe and warmth it gives you is so keen that you would like to stay longer and come back for more. It is a 2-storey café with interiors said to be inspired from the Korean dramas Itaewon Class and Crash Landing On You. Aside from its actual building, they also have an alfresco dining suitable for those who wants to still enjoy the Baguio’s fresh air while indulging their Korean staple foods and drinks.

You can order from their counter located in its ground floor but you are free to choose where to be seated. Their menu includes their signature blends, korean milks, coffee-based and non coffee-based for the drinks while their korean food favorites includes tteok-bokki, korean pasta, korean fried chicken and korean toasts (and a lot more!).

We decided to be seated on their second floor to have a better view from the window seats. I love how both floors were differently designed based on the owner’s inspirations but equally aesthetically beautiful. Every corner shouts a fancy Korean culture and ambiance. Famous K-drama OSTs are also being played in the background, my K-drama heart couldn’t ask and scream for more.

After staying for about 2 hours, we decided to head back to the Baguio City proper. Luckily, taxis on this area are practically available so you don’t have to worry about how to get back to your accommodations. If you also want to buy some Korean snacks, don’t forget to drop by in Kmart located just along the highway.

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Discover Bataan: Sinagtala Farm Resort and Adventure Park Travel Guide

Sat, 21 Oct 2023 16:45:12 +0000

The Province of Bataan is a land that attracts tourists with their rich heritage, beautiful landscapes and splendid beaches. It’s a one stop province where you could enjoy each of these attractions without spending too much time traveling as you can reach it by land from Manila for about 2-3 hours or through ferry from Manila for about an hour. The first time I’ve been to Bataan was few years back when I attended the graduation of my brother in Mariveles, Bataan but unfortunately, I was not able to go around and check attractions. So for my second visit, I decided to finally discover what Bataan has to offer and visited Sinagtala Farm and Adventure Park for a weekend of fun, relaxation and adventure.

Knowing Sinagtala

Sinagtala Farm Resort and Adventure Park is a mountain resort found within the Bataan National Park and probably, the most scenic resort you could find in the province. Aside from the scenic views of nature, the resort also has a lot of good vantage points where you could get a nice view of Mt. Arayat and Pampanga down below. Located at Tala Rd., Orani, Bataan and can be reached after a 2-hour drive from Manila, it is a good place for family gatherings, team buildings or simply taking a break from the chaotic jungled city.

How to get there?

From Manila, ride a bus bound to Mariveles (fare is Php 259) and drop off at Orani Town (tell the driver that you’ll be dropping off at Orani across Petron Gas Station). From there, ride a tricycle that will take you directly to Sinagtala Farm Resort (Fare is Php 250/tricycle).

Entrance Fees and Accommodations in Sinagtala

Day tour rates in Sinagtala varies depending on the day you are visiting. It’s Php 400/pax from Monday to Thursday and Php 550/pax for Fridays to Sunday and holidays. Picnic huts, tables and decks are also available for rent. Here’s the updates rates of the following as of October 2023: (Photos are from official Facebook page of Sinagtala Adventure Park)

Accommodations in Sinagtala for overnight stays are privately owned and operated. You have to contact respective properties for availability of their rooms and accommodations. If you book an overnight stay, there’s no need for you to pay for an entrance fee anymore. Here is the list of the accommodations you may choose from depending on your preference or what will work for you and your group:

The Beacon House and Cabanas

Email: beaconsinagtala@gmail.com

Mobile: 0935.774.6007

Facebook: Beacon House and Cabanas at Sinagtala Farm

Bituin Sa Tala

Email: bituinsatala@gmail.com

Facebook: Bituin Sa Tala

The Duyan House and Villas

Email: duyanhouse@gmail.com

Mobile: 0917.739.6241 0998.863.4963 0995.411.3615

Facebook: The Duyan House at Sinagtala Farm & Adventure Park

The Labuyo Villas

Email Bookings: labuyo.villas@gmail.com

Facebook: Labuyo Villas at Sinagtala Farm Resort & Adventure Park

Murakami Sinagtala

Email: murakamisinagtala@yahoo.com

Mobile: 0915.201.6689 / 0949.801.7471

Facebook: Murakami Sinagtala – Murakami Smart House

Tanawin BNB

Mobile: 0927.133.7984 or 0950.484.4968

Email: tanawinbnb@gmail.com

Facebook: Tanawin BNB

Tampay sa Sinagtala

Email: reservations@tampaysinagtala.com

Mobile: 0925.707.1715 0917.549.6686

Facebook: Tampay sa Sinagtala

Campo Tala

Facebook: Campo Tala

Infinity Pools

My favorites on this resort are their majestic infinity pools! You can definitely see yourself enjoying all day dipping in their huge pools with a breathtaking view of nature and Mt. Arayat as your backdrop. Currently, they have two infinity pools and one lagoon pool. Take a look above on the snaps we took and see yourself how it is therapeutic to just even dip on these pools.

Adventure Park

It is not just a resort but also an adventure park, so you will definitely have a lot of extreme activities you can try during your visit. If you are looking for adrenaline rush and always up to challenges, these activities below are for you to grab.

Sky Bridge – Php 100
Sky Bike – Php 200
Sky Swing – Php 200
Sky Zipline – Php 350
Kart Track – Php 30 for 10 minutes

Here is the list of the combo package for the activities:

Café and Restaurants

You don’t have to worry about food sources here in the resort as there are couple of restaurants/café that you could visit. There’s even a sari-sari store inside for even cheaper options and where you can also buy toiletries if you forget to bring some. For our two-night stay, we’ve been to Sinagtala Café for couple of times to just order and savor their taro ice cream that eventually became our personal favorite.

I decided to visit Sinagtala in Bataan to relax and breathe away from all the stress and I can definitely say that it helped me a lot to recover. Just being close to the nature and the serenity that this place can offer, it will really help someone to cope up and embrace the goodness life has to offer. It is a therapeutic trip that you could also experience once you decided to go. I also suggest to book for at least 2 night stay so you could savor the moment and enjoy all the activities served right in front of you.

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