My Top 10 Habal-Habal (single motorcycle) Adventures in the Philippines

It is inevitable in exploring Philippines 

that one must ride either the habal-habal, skylab or pabahay!

All these means of transportation involve riding a single motorcycle (usually a Honda TMX motorcycle for its strength, endurance, and power to carry numerous passengers).  In Mindanao, the habal- habal and skylab are common sight and mode of transportation. It is a-must to experience the ride as an adventurer/explorer!

In my nearly ten years of travel around the Philippines, here are my ten most unforgettable and best rides using the habal-habal!    

1. Monkayo, Compostela Valley

The skylab ride towards the Awao Falls is the best ride ever in my entire life! Imagine, 11 passengers on board the skylab and cruising around 50-60 kilometers in a rugged, muddy, uphill, downhill, and zigzaging road! We even had to cross a river which was then three feet high!

In case you are not convince, what about using the single motorcycle to carry logs!

2. Baganga, Davao Oriental

Number two is my ride to Campawasan Curtain Falls and Cateel, Davao Oriental. Imagine, going to Campawasan Curtain Falls from the town of Baganga (30 plus kilometers back and forth) under the siege of Typhoon Seniang and crossing the river four times.

But that is not the end of the story, after going to the falls, I hired him again as my ride to Cateel Davao Oriental (45 kilometers from Baganga) and then reaching Cateel, going to Aliwagwag Falls (24 kilometers) and then going back to the town of Cateel (24 kilometers again) for my overnight accommodation. I was wet, tired, and cold after the adventure!!!  

3. Maragusan, Compostela Valley

Third in the list is the 5-hour adventure in the banana plantation of Maragusan, Compostela Valley. Nothing beats the  the terrain, slippery and rocky roads and the sight of the plantation. Getting lost in the plantation was part of the adventure! According to my driver Rahim, he was awarded as one of the best drivers in town. I learned it the hard way! =)

4. Calbiga, Samar

There were three of us on board the habal-habal and we were descending from the mountain at the speed of 40-50 kilometers. The road was muddy and rugged. And topping the scene was the Signal No. 2 in Samar! 

5. Sabtang, Batanes

The Sabtang ride is memorable in the sense that we had to board the motorcycle to the boat going to Sabtang Island and then journeying the entire island (all the barangays!) using the motorcycle and it took us nearly 5 hours to do the feat.

6. Camiguin

It took me two days of habal-habal ride before I was able to finish going to all the major tourist spots in Camiguin. 

  

7. Bislig, Surigao Del Sur

How about getting lost? The driver did not know the way towards Tinuy-an Falls! Normal travel time is only 20 minutes but it took us 1 hour and 45 minutes before reaching the falls.

8. Kanlaon, Negros Oriental

Searching and seeing three falls, getting bewildered by the biggest tree, and climbing the mountain using the habal-habal was really an adventure!

9. Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

Using the extended habal-habal, we went to the 7 falls, 3 lakes and mingled with the tribe!

10. Samal Island, Davao 

This one is the most expensive. Imagine, P300/hour! And we had to go to the major tourism spots in Samal Island. We finished the tour in four hours of fast-paced tour!

Worthy of mention is my long ride in Biri Island, Northern Samar!

Riding Motorcycles

More Fun In the Philippines!

Top 10 Ruins in the Philippines for Tourists

A RUIN is defined as the physical destruction or disintegration of something or the state of disintegrating or being destroyed.

Ruins are the remains of human-made architecture: structures that were once complete, as time went by, have fallen into a state of partial or complete disrepair, due to lack of maintenance or deliberate acts of destruction. Natural disaster, war and depopupation are the most common root causes, with many structures becoming progressively derelict over time due to long-term weathering and scavenging (from Wikepedia).

There are numerous famous ruins in the world such as ancient sites in Greece, Rome, Egypt, China and South America.

In the Philippines, we also have our own "ruins" for tourists and these are the ruins that I have visited.   

1. Ruins, Talisay City, Negros Occidental (destroyed by intentional arson with the consent of the owner during World War II so that the house will not be used as a Japanese garrison.) 

Related link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-ruins-negros-occidental.html

2. Corregidor, Manila Bay (destroyed by the Japanese bombardment during World War II) 

Related link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/01/independence-day-tour-corregidor-and.html

3. Cagsawa Ruins, Albay, Bicol (destroyed by Mt. Mayon's eruption in 1814)

Related link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/01/bicol-adventure.html

4. Fortune Island, Nasugbu, Batangas (not properly maintained by the owner)

www.pinterest.com

5. Song-Song Ruins, Batanes (destroyed by a tidal wave/tsunami in the 1950s)

from ww.biyahero.net

Related link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-captivating-and-stunning-beauty-of.html

6. Old Guiob Church Ruins, Camiguin (destroyed by Mt. Vulcan's eruption from 1871-1875)

Related link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/mesmerized-in-camiguin.html


7. Pindangan Ruins, San Fernando City, La Union (destroyed by an earthquake in 1892)

from pinoy-horror-stories-blogspot

8. Old Taal Church, San Pascual, Batangas (destroyed by Taal Volcano's eruption in 1754)

9. Banza Chruch Ruins, Butuan City (The oldest church ruin in the island of Mindanao. Built in 1625 and destroyed by the Moro pirates in 1753)

from www.geckogo.com

10. Old Tanauan Municipal Hall, Batangas (destroyed during World War II)

from filipinoscribbles.wordpress.com

Top Beaches in Mindanao (A Review)

It's Summer! And as always, a trip to the beach is simply inevitable! Well, these are the best beaches in Mindanao only. This is a simple review of the beaches that I have visited. I hope this will help you pick the right beach for your vacation.. =)

My personal rating 
1 - highest/best
5 - worst


Camiguin (White Island)
best choice!

Travel Time from Manila - By plane only, 1 hour and 20 minutes (either you start from Bohol, Butuan or Cagayan De Oro)
Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - plane to Bohol or Cagayan De Oro, ferry to Camiguin, tricycle to the resort, pumpboat to the island 
Proximity from Manila - #1 (nearest to Manila)
Accommodation - plenty of resorts (best choice is Paras Beach Resort)
Expenses - #3
Food - #3
White Sand - YES
Nightlife  - none
Drinking spree - resort only
Multitude of People - #4
Adventure - #1 (best reason) trekking, snorkeling, hiking, island hopping, nature photography 
Serenity/Paradise - #1 (best reason)

Primary Reason - plenty of tourist spots to choose from ranging from falls, beach, islands, cave, etc.. peace and order is excellent

Related link -
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/mesmerized-in-camiguin.html


Dakak, Zamboanga Del Norte

Travel Time from Manila - By plane only, 1 hour and 25 minutes (either you land in Dipolog or Ozamis)
Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - plane to Dipolog, van or tricycle to Dapitan City
Proximity from Manila - #3
Accommodation - #1 (best reason)
Expenses - #2
Food - #1 (best reason) it has 2 restaurants inside the resort
White Sand - YES
Nightlife  - YES (it has its own bar)
Drinking spree - resort has its own
Multitude of People - #1 (best reason) only a few
Adventure - #1 (best reason) it has its own facilities for water sports/activities
Serenity/Paradise - #2

Primary Reason - water sports and activities, food

Related link -
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/03/experience-dakak.html


Island Garden City of Samal (Paradise Resort), Davao

Travel Time from Manila - by plane, 1 hour and 43 minutes (Davao International Airport)
Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - plane to Davao City, taxi to the port, pumpboat to the island
Proximity from Manila - #4
Accommodation - #1 (best reason)
Expenses - #4
Food - #1 (best reason)
White Sand - YES
Nightlife  - none
Drinking spree - minimal
Multitude of People - #4
Adventure - snorkeling, spelunking in the outskirts, island hopping
Serenity/Paradise - #3

Primary Reason - peace and order is excellent, you are safe here

Related link -
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/island-garden-city-of-samal.html


Pearl Farm, Samal Island, Davao

www.etravelpilipinas.com

Travel Time from Manila - by plane, 1 hour and 43 minutes (Davao International Airport)
Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - plane to Davao, van or car ride provided by the resort, pumpboat to the island provided by the resort
Proximity from Manila - #4
Accommodation - #1 (best reason)
Expenses - #5
Food - #2
White Sand - YES
Nightlife  - none
Drinking spree - resort only
Multitude of People - #2
Adventure - only in the island
Serenity/Paradise - #2

Primary Reason - You can enjoy your privacy in this island

Related link -
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/island-garden-city-of-samal.html


Gumasa White Beach, Sarangani

Travel Time from Manila - by plane, 1 hour and 45 minutes (General Santos Airport)
Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - plane to Gensan, van to Sarangani, tricycle or habal-habal to the resort
Proximity from Manila - # 5 (farthest)
Accommodation - #3
Expenses - #4
Food - #2
White Sand - YES 
Nightlife  - none
Drinking spree - resort only
Multitude of People - #1 (only a few)
Adventure - minimal #5
Serenity/Paradise - #2

Primary Reason - it's the farthest white beach in the Philippines from Manila

Related link -

http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/01/gumasa-white-beach-in-sarangani.html


Siargao (Cloud Nine, General Luna)

Travel Time from Manila - by plane either to Surigao City or direct to Siargao, 1 hour and 40 minutes
Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - Plane to Siargao, habal-habal to the beach / If you landed in Surigao - plane to Surigao, multi-cab ride to the pier, pumpboat to the island, habal-habal to the resort

Proximity from Manila - #2 
Accommodation - #1 (best reason)
Expenses - #3
Food - #1 
White Sand - minimal
Nightlife  - YES
Drinking spree - YES
Multitude of People - #3
Adventure - Surfing, kite surfing (anything that involves waves!)
Serenity/Paradise - #1

Primary Reason - Surfing capital in the Philippines, the boardwalk is very romantic

Related link -
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/siargao-surfing-capital-of-philippines.html


Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City

Travel Time from Manila - by plane Zamboanga City, 1 hour and 45 minutes
Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - Plane to Zamboanga City, tricycle to the port, pumpboat to the island
Proximity from Manila - #5 
Accommodation - none (you have to go back to the city)
Expenses - #3
Food - #5 (bring your own) 
White Sand - PINK SAND!
Nightlife  - none
Drinking spree - none
Multitude of People - #1 (only a handful)
Adventure - It's near Basilan (get the adventure?)
Serenity/Paradise - #1

Primary Reason - it is the only pink sand beach in the Philippines due to the presence of the pipe corral

Related link -
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-great-sta-cruz-island-zamboanga-city.html


Dahican Beach, Mati. Davao Oriental

Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2015/01/mati-davao-oriental.html

Top Ten Favorite Tourist Spots in the Philippines (My choice)

I have traveled in almost all the provinces and tourist spots in the Philippines for 6 years.

There are only three provinces left for me to visit.  The provinces are Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. But by next year (2014), I plan to finish all the provinces.

It's about time that I make my top ten tourist spots in the Philippines. The top ten are ranked (one being the highest) and arranged. And my top ten tourist spots are -

1. BATANES

No. 1 in terms of landscapes and seascapes.

Peace and serenity (zero-crime rate)

The people (Ivatan) and the vernacular houses

Three major islands (Basco, Sabtang, and Itbayat)

White beach in Sabtang

Best sunset

Bicycle transportation 

Three lighthouses in the islands

Dinner at the lighthouse

Valugan Boulder Beach

Related Article - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-captivating-and-stunning-beauty-of.html


2. EL NIDO, PALAWAN

Number one in terms of marine sanctuary

Ranked by CNN as the number one beach in the Philippines for 2012

Numerous and breathtaking limestone formations

Best island hopping experience in the Philippines beating Coron

Big lagoon and small lagoon

Island hopping

Snorkeling

Experience island hopping, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, spelunking and enjoy your lunch in one of the white sand islands.

Heaven on earth!


Related Article - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/el-nido-adventure-of-lifetime.html

3. LAKE SEBU, SOUTH COTABATO

Falls No. 1

Seven Falls

3 Lakes

1 Tribe

Falls Nos. 3, 4, and 5

Lake Sebu

Lake Lahit

The Adventures

- Highest zipline in Southeast Asia

- Zorb ball

- Trampoline jump

- Trek to the Seven Falls

Related Article - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/12/lake-sebu-7-falls-3-lakes-1-tribe.html

4. BORACAY, AKLAN

No. 1 in terms of pristine white sand beach

No. 1 in terms of night life

Number in terms of resorts and amenities

5. SAGADA, MOUNTAIN PROVINCE

Spelunking at the Sumaging and Lumiang Caves

Hanging Coffins

Echo Valley

Underground River

Bomod-Ok Falls

Spelunking, trekking, and climbing

Sumaging Cave

Hanging Coffins













Related Article - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-adventures-in-sagada-plus-itinerary.html



6. CORON, PALAWAN

2 Lakes (Barracuda and Kayangan)

White sand beaches

No. 1 in terms of wreck diving

Island hopping

Limestone formations

snorkeling and kayaking

Kayangan Lake

Twin Lagoons

Scuba diving

Related Articles - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/enchanting-coron.html

                           http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/tourist-spots-in-palawan-which-is.html

7. ENCHANTED RIVER,HINATUAN, AGUSAN DEL SUR

Pristine crystal clear and blue waters

The only one in the Philippines

Island hopping

Related Article -http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/12/enchanted-river.html


8. CANLAON, NEGROS ORIENTAL

Padusdusan Falls

Numerous falls

Mt. Canlaon

Cold weather

Good accommodations

400-year old Balete tree

                                                  The road

The rice terraces












Related Article -http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/12/exploring-negros-oriental-and-negros.html
9. CAMIGUIN

Sunken Cemetery

White sand beaches

Three islands (Main island, Mantigue and White Sand Beach)

Ruins

Hot and Cold Springs 

The habal-habal tour

Related article - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/mesmerized-in-camiguin.html


10. ISLANDS OF CEBU 

 Bantayan Island

Camotes Island

Malapascua Island

Other islands include Oslob, Mactan, Olango










These islands will be my summer 2013 escapade! =)


Related links -
Adventure

Trekking - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-neophyte-trekker.html

Spelunking - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/caves-in-philippines-spelunkers-dream.html

Skywalk/Edge Coaster - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/adventures-in-cebu-city.html

Trekking - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/two-mountains-in-one-day-mt-maculot-and.html

Mt. Pinatubo - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/mt-pinatubo-trek-capas-tarlac-trail.html

Top Ten adventures - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/12-of-my-best-adventures-in-philippines.html

River Rafting - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/white-river-rafting-in-davao.html

Sagada - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-adventures-in-sagada-plus-itinerary.html

Mt. Makiling - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/mt-makiling-trek-and-itinerary.html

Pagsanjan - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-thrill-of-rapids-in-pagsanjan-and.html

Beach

Boracay - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/boracay.html

Coron - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/enchanting-coron.html

El Nido - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/el-nido-adventure-of-lifetime.html

Others –

Batanes - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-captivating-and-stunning-beauty-of.html

Bukidnon - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/exploring-bukidnon-twice.html

Bohol - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/experience-bohol.html

Top Ten Places - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/top-ten-places-in-philippines-i-visited.html

32 Ecotourism spots - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/32-ecotourism-spots-in-philippines.html

Top 10 summer pics 2011 - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/top-10-of-my-pictures-for-summer-2011.html