Daraga and Legazpi, Albay

My third time to tour in Bicol, and I simply cannot get enough of it!

Last time I was in Bicol, I did the ATV ride adventure in Daraga and the wakeboarding in CWC. But this time it was different, I started in Masbate and then went to Ticao Island. Island hopped to Bulan, Sorsogon and then to Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon. Watched the whale sharks (butanding) in Donsol and finally stayed for 3 days in Albay. There are plenty of things to do in Albay such as ATV ride (P600 - 1 hour / P1,500 - 2.5 hours / P1,800 - 3.5 hours), hiking or biking.

Arriving in Daraga, Albay from Donsol, Sorsogon, the initial problem was accommodation.

The accommodations are the following:

Goldcrest Inn
Aircon - P490.00
Non-Aircon - P260.00

Avia Inn
Aircon - P500.00
Non-aircon - P280

Rosewood Inn
Aircon - P500.00
Non-aircon-P280


I stayed in Rosewood. But the best accommodation is offered by Avia Inn. 







The following morning, I did what I had to do in Daraga, Albay - Spelunking! But before going to the cave. I dropped by anew to the Cagsawa Ruins and stayed there for 30 minutes only. I took some pictures and left thereafter.

There are two ways to go to Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave.
Option # 1 - Hire a tricycle for P600-700 and see the Hoyop-hoyopan and the Bat Cave.
Option # 2 - Ride a jeep to Camalig (P20.00) and then rent a tricycle to the cave (P250.00) 

I hired a tricycle for the sake of convenience. I paid only P600.00. The driver/guide was named Jo (0906-711-2841). 

dance floor

  There are 3 floors in the cave and 4 entrances. The first floor entrance is very narrow, has  water and is full of snakes. The second floor is only one accessible to the public. And the third floor is also small and has plenty of snakes.

I entered at the main entrance. You have to pay P300.00 for the electrcity inside to lighten the interior of the cave. But I opted not to pay since I brought my own flashlight. Second entrance is what they call as the "Sukatan ng mga Sexy!" The third entrance is the cemetery and the last entrance (which is also the exit) is facing Mt. Mayon.

But the best spot is on the dance floor inside the cave! They used the area during Martial law days for their disco spot!

After spending 2.5 hours in the Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave, I transferred to another cave. It entailed a 12 minute ride using the tricycle or 30-40 minute hike from Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave.

The Bat Cave has plenty of bats inside. It is 2 kilometers long and a 1.5 - 2 hours trek inside the cave.

After seeing the caves, I went to the town of Daraga and saw anew the 

Daraga Church.

The next day, I went to Legazpi. From Daraga, the travel time to Legazpi is only 15 minutes. I stayed at the Legazpi Aiport Hotel. It is both a hotel and a restaurant. Lodging is P1,000.00 and P1,200 only good for 2 pax. The best thing about the hotel is that they serve the best buffet in town. 

Breakfast buffet - P145.00 (free if you are staying in the hotel)
Lunch Buffet - P200.00
Dinner Buffet - P250.00 (with option to drink all-you-can for beer lovers)

I went to Legazpi City for only one reason. My connecting flight to Tuguegarao is in Legazpi City and so I had to spend the day in Legazpi City. There are two spots you should not miss in Legazpi City, the Boulevard and Lignon Hill. I went to Lignon Hill and paid P60.00 from the hotel to the hill.

Arriving at the foot of the hill, I ascended and trekked it for 30 minutes. The view once you are at the top is refreshing. I waited for the sunset and took pictures of the sunset.

At the top of the hill, you can see the entire Legazpi City including the airport.

The next day, I woke up early and walked (2-3 minutes only) to the airport.

My flight was slated 9:20 am but I checked in as early as 8:00 am. I did not want to miss my flight!

Onboard the Cebu Pacific flight to Tuguegarao, I was able to see and shoot the top/aerial view of Mt. Mayon.

I stayed in Albay for 3 days and it was worth it!

It's Really More Fun in Albay!

Youtube links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGstDGy1Vcw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_XHKQrooB8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_paHU_RMQc

Uacon Cove, Potipot Island and Dawal

Uacon, Candelaria may not have a white sand beach but it has the best resorts in Zambales and a renowned white sand beach island called Potipot Island.

I just came from Bolinao, Pangasinan to see the famous Cape Bolinao Lighthouse. Part of my May 2013 itinerary was to see the Uacon cove and Potipot Island.

From Alaminos, Pangasinan, I boarded a bus en route to Sta. Cruz, Zambales. I was asking my co-passengers and the conductor of the bus about Uacon, Candelaria and their usual answer is  - "go to Dawal."

I alighted in Sta. Cruz and flagged down another bus en route to Olangapo. I was so tired that day (earlier that day I came from Dagupan, and then Bolinao, and now Candelaria). Along the way, I was whispering to myself the name "Dawal." By stroke of luck, the passenger seated beside me named Karen  is working in Dawal. Imagine, what are the odds of having your seatmate working in the place that you will be going. Anyway, she told me  that I had to hire a boat in Dawal to Potipot Island. And so I alighted in Dawal, but the thought of Karen stayed.

I hurriedly went to Dawal and asked for a boat to the island at the front desk office of the resort. I paid P400.00 for the boat ride.

Dawal Beach Resort contact numbers - 0919-8730-952 / 0920-6651-577 / 0916-723-1108

While waiting for the boatman, I strolled inside the resort and noticed the facilities. Dawal indeed is the best resort in Candelaria. I have not seen the other resorts but from the facilities and amenities offered by the resort that I have seen and from the comments of my co-passengers, Dawal is the best!

After 15 minutes, the boatman arrived and we went to Potipot Island. The name of my boatman/guide is Vincent (0946-536-0866 / 0906-341-3968).The boat ride to the island is more or less 5-8 minutes only. You can see the island at the beach of the resort. After 6 minutes, we reached the island.

Day tour entrance - P100.00

Overnight stay - P300.00

I roamed around the island. In fact, you can cover the island in 15-20 minutes only.  I noticed how serene, beautiful and majestic the island is. It has white sand beach and there are plenty of trees planted in the island.

  

 The island has no electricity but it has the signal of the 3 networks (Sun, Smart and Globe). You have to bring your own food and snorkeling gear. Camping is allowed in the island. You can bring your own tent or rent it from Uacon for P500.00 for 2-5 pax. For 10-15 pax, the rent of tent is P1,500.00. 

You can also rent cottages for P1,500 (10-20 pax) or P500 (4-5 pax).

I fell in love with the island. My friends in Batangas (The Packers) need to see and visit this island. I know they will also love the island!

I had no plans of watching the sunset that day. I had to go to Iba, Zambales and spend the night in Iba. But my guide/boatman told me how beautiful the sunset is in Potipot Island. And so we waited for an hour for the sunset. And it was a good thing, we waited. My friend/student Ching commented after seeing the picture of the sunset that it was - "Dramatic!"  After taking several shots, we left the island.

Going back to Dawal, I looked back and left my heart in the island. I had to go back to the island someday with my friends. My guide told me  that I have to visit also the Pantar Paradise Mangrove area (rent of boat P1,000.00). Uacon also has a floating restaurant.

I hurriedly went to the highway to catch the bus. Unfortunately, it was past 7 pm and I was having difficulty with the ride to Iba and so I decided to spend the night instead in Dawal. It was a good decision! 

The lowest room rates are P1,600 and P2,000 godd for 2 pax. For 5-10 pax -P6,500.00.

And before I forget it, let me tell you how delicious and mouthwatering is the food in Dawal restauarant. I ordered Grilled squid medium and Sinigang na Lapu-Lapu. And it was really great! They have good accommodations and facilities. And they serve the best food in Zambales!

It's Really More Fun in 

Uacon and Potipot Island!

Youtube link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjQMiHYVH-8

Let's Explore Ticao Island, Masbate!

The last province left to visit in Luzon was Masbate and it was good thing I passed by Ticao Island.

Come and let us explore Ticao Island!

at the top of the boat ride from Masbate, Masbate to Ticao Island

From Masbate, the boat ride to Ticao Island is good for 1.5 - 2 hours 

and the fare is P120.00 

Once you reach the port of San  Jacinto, the next problem is accommodation.

But that is not actually a problem there are 4-5 lodging inns in Ticao Island at affordable prices.

After going to Gabbi's Lodging Inn, I decided to spend the night at Ticao Lodging Inn for P800.00 only.

They also have another room worth P750.00.

But the best spot is the Gabbi's (Ruel - 0907-1110-0660!

There was a wedding reception at Gabbi's and there was no room available. And that was the only reason why I did not choose Ticao Lodging Inn.

The following morning, I hired Mr. Roland (0919-977-7642) to be my habal-habal ride for P350.00 in Ticao Island for 4 destinations.

It was a bright and pleasant morning. But unfortunately the road to Catandayagan falls was rugged, slippery, muddy and treacherous.

But over-all, I enjoyed the trip!

Habal-habal ride (single motorcycle) being my favorite ride.

We had to cross 4 bridges that day.

And the right side picture is an example of their bridge. The bridge was built using bamboos and wood.

It was shaking and dilapidated when we were crossing it.

Another piece of adventure in Ticao Island!

After 1 and half hours, we reached the Sto. Nino Port. And we immediately hired a boat ride to our first tourist destination for P500.00 only. 

Catandayagan Falls

How to get there

via Sto. Nino - 1 hour and 30 minutes motorcycle ride and 30 minutes boat ride - P500.00

via Monreal - 30 minutes motorcycle ride, boat ride for 2 hours - P700- P1,500

via Talisay - 6 hours

Best route - Sto Nino - shortest and cheapest


Ticao island has several falls but the Catandayagan Falls is the number one spot!

After the falls, we went to Matangtubig (Monreal). 

Then, the famous Ticao island Beach Resort. It is known for offering the best diving adventure for Manta Rays found in Ticao Island.

Contact person - Vicky (0917-558-2293 / 0921-251-1152

And the last destination for the day - Altamar Beach Resort!

It has the best white sand beach in the island.

Other tourist spots

Mababoy

San Miguel

Tacdugan

Burobangkaso Beach

Dalakip Lagoon, San Jacinto

It's Really More Fun in Ticao Island!

Related link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/05/ride-with-me-in-masbate-masbate.html

San Antonio, Zambales

One Municipality

One Lighthouse

Two Lakes

Four Islands

Five Coves

One of the best spots to spend your summer or your vacation in the Philippines is in San Antonio, Zambales. It has 5 coves namely, Anawangin Cove, Nagsasa Cove, Talisayin Cove, Agnaem Cove and Silangan Cove. It has several islands for island hopping such as the Camara island and Capones Island. But the number one tourist spot is the Cape Capones Lighthouse!

I've always wanted to visit Zambales. And there are three best spots in Zambales that you should not miss, namely: Candelaria, San Antonio and Subic.

But the best spot is in San Antonio!

How to get there

Either from Sta. Cruz, Zambales (3 hours) or Pangasinan
or from Olongapo (36 kms or 45 mins)

From Manila, take a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Zambales and alight at San Antonio or bus ride to Olongapo and then another bus to Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Once you are in the town of San Antonio, hire or ride a tricycle to Barangay Pundaquit, San Antonio (30 mins) P50.00 only.

Boat Rentals for 4-5 pax
Anawangin Cove - P1,500
Nagsasa Cove - P1,800
Boat Rentals for 10 or more
P450/pax

1 pax tour of the 3 coves Nagsasa, Anawangin, and Talisayin) and 2 islands (Camara and Capones) - P2,300 (I availed this tour) Boatman - Rommel 0910-306-7698 / Bangkeros or Boatman - 0939-413-9000/ 0932-869-5408 / 0907-814-5375 / 0918-559-5597 / 0936-939-8456 / 0935-811-8095 / 0922-375-3555

  

First stop for the day - Camara Island (5 minutes only from Pundaquit)

Capones Island

Boat ride from Pundaquit is 25-30 minutes and 

the trek to the lighthouse is 10-15 minutes. 

Cape Capones Lighthouse

Capones Island Beach

The best spot to swim in its crystal clear waters, enjoy the white sand and snorkel!

Anawangin Cove (30 minutes from Pundaquit)

View of the beach and the pine trees (notice the fence)

Anawangin Lake

Talisayin Cove (5-8 minutes from Anawangin)

Nagsasa Cove (45 minutes from Pundaquit or 15 minutes from Anawangin)

Nagsasa Lake

Agnaem Cove (5 minutes from Pundaquit)

Note: Day tour fee is P50 in all coves. Overnight fee is P200. Camping tent rent is P400 good for 4 pax only. It is a must that you should bring your own water and food. it is every expensive at the coves.

  

It's Really More Fun in Zambales!

Youtube Links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsLyU-j_k3Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFbfJk6AWcQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zZs48lZXQA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JouAs9ZNNCg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8tKL6YzrwM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Yw1J4iYGFg