Author Archives: Adventurous AdventuRoj

Laoag City Walking Tour: Places, Food, and Fun Treats

Getting out of Laoag Airport

The Province of Ilocos, particularly Laoag City has no better way of welcoming tourists than providing a free shuttle from the airport.

Yes! A free shuttle in getting out of Laoag Airport direct to the city, door to door delivery to your preferred accommodation!

Laoag Free Shuttle

Free shuttle in getting out of Laoag Airport

No more overpriced tricycles, pedicabs, motorcycles, etc.

First agenda for tonight is to deposit our luggage to our budget hotel – Texicano.

Where to Stay Cheap in Laoag?

Texicano Hotel, Laoag City
Address: J. P. Rizal Street, Laoag Ilocos Norte
Room Rate: Starts at 310 pesos for a single fan room
Contact Details: (6377) 7705776

Affordable Accommodation in Laoag - Texicano Hotel

Affordable Accommodation in Laoag – Texicano Hotel

After leaving our baggage behind, we’ve decided to head out for a night time view of the city.

What I like most about Texicano apart from the affordable rates, friendly staff, is it is well located in the heart of the city.

Few blocks not too far away we’ve taken a walk and found ourselves at the city tourist spots.

The following images are taken from various times of the day, during day and night time.

Start your walking tour in the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol. Near it you could also find the Museo de Ilocos.

Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol

Ilocos Norte Capitol during the Night

Ilocos Norte Capitol during the Night

Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol

Aurora Park

Located in front of the Capitol building, the Aurora Park is where the statue of the maiden Pamulinawen – where the Tobacco Monopoly Monument was erected in 1882 – left of the park is the Laoag City Hall.

Aurora Park

St. William’s Cathedral

Walking towards the street on the right side of the park will bring you to the St. William’s Cathedral – Built in 1612 by the Augustinian friars, it is well known for its Italian Renaissance architecture.

St. William's Cathedral & Sinking Bell Tower

St. William’s Cathedral & Sinking Bell Tower

Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag City

A few meters away from the cathedral, it is considered as one of the tallest bell towers in the Philippines at 45 meters high – Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag City – It is said to be sinking because the tower is so heavy and was built on a sandy ground which makes it sink considerably unto the ground at a rate of 1-inch every year.

Stories mention that a person on horseback could enter the tower with ease back when it was built. Now, a person of normal height has to bend down just to enter the vaulted entrance.

Sinking bell tower

City Fun Treats

Not far from the Aurora Park lies a night market. Probably it’s Christmas Season that’s why it’s here. We did not hesitate to wander through it, even found ourselves eating street foods, particularly their sumptuous empanada.

If in Davao you’ll find Kwek-kwek as their main staple street food, here they have their empanada.

Ilocos Empanada

Ilocos Empanada

Kalesa in Ilocos

And to complete a city tour in Laoag, you shouldn’t miss riding their calesa. Fare is only 11php, just the same with the trikes, and lesser gas = healthier environment!

Kalesa in Ilocos

Kalesa in Ilocos

So what are you waiting for? Hop on!

The above blog post is part of my Ilokandia Ultimate Adventure – Laoag – Pagudpud – Vigan tour series of posts in the Ilocos Region, Philippines that happened last November 28 – December 2, 2012. | Ilocos Adventure: Laoag Vigan Pagudpud Budget Itinerary | Laoag City Walking Tour: Places, Food, and Fun Treats | Ilocandia Sand Boarding and 4×4 Ride in La Paz Sand Dunes | Paoay Tour: Paoay Church, Malacanang of the North and the Paoay Lake

Ilocos Adventure: Laoag Vigan Pagudpud Budget Itinerary

Know your limits, but never stop trying to exceed them.

After resting for almost a month, these itchy feet will now be on the go again. This time Adventuroj will be heading way up north. Guess where?

Clue: Have you watched the kilig movie of Erich Gonzales & Mario Maurer Suddenly It’s Magic?

Yep! That’s where we’ll be heading. Not in Bangkok (but I’ll be there soon as well. hehe) but this time it will be in Ilocos!

My chance to trace back my roots and see where my ancestors came from. Yes, I’m an ilocana by blood. *I just wished I knew how to speak the language fluently.

So enough with my ratting, here’s a pre planned budget friendly itinerary of the Laoag Vigan Pagudpud tour catered to fit backpackers like me. Feel free to use it and share the adventure with me!

The Ultimate Ilocandia Adventure Itinerary!

Day & Time Activity Est. Expenses
Wed Nov 28    
2:30pm Dvo-MNL 200
7pm MNL-Laoag 200
  Get out of Laoag Airport to the City proper – There is a jeepney that brings passengers from the airport terminal to the city proper, Fare is 60 pesos. 60
  Texicano Hotel, Laoag City
Address: J. P. Rizal Street, Laoag Ilocos Norte
Room Rate: Starts at 310 pesos for a single fan room
Contact Details: (6377) 7705776
Notes: Do not expect too much as this is a budget hotel		 300
Thurs Nov 29    
6am Sand Boarding and 4×4 Ride in La Paz Sand Dunes 1000
  Rate: 2,500 pesos per group of four
Contact Details: 09088853669 look for Glenn Guererro
Notes: Package is for 1-hour sand boarding lessons, good for four persons. It also includes the 4×4 jeepney transportation to and from the sand dunes. Make an arrangement if you will be doing it solo.		  
  How to get to Paoay from Laoag – rent a tricycle for 250 pesos at Loaog City proper. It is more economical since some destinations in Paoay is not on the national road  
  Rent a tricycle in the city proper for 250 pesos, going to and from Paoay to visit the Church and Malacañang of the North, which are both located in the town of Paoay. Travel time is around 30 minutes. 130
  Another alternative is to take a Batac-Paoay jeepney. Fare is around 30 pesos.  
  Arrive at Paoay Church  
8am Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site  
  The St. Augustine Church or popularly known as Paoay Church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines.
10am Malacañang of the North and Paoay Lake  
  Entrance Malacañang of the North 40
  Depart for Laoag  
12nn Arrive at Laoag, have lunch 80
  Lunch at Dap-ayan Ti Ilocos. It is like a food court / fast food where there are stalls offering a variety of food choices. Here, you’ll find the famous Laoag empanada and inihaw na longanisa.  
1pm A Walking Tour Around the City of Laoag  
  Laoag City tour – Ilocos Norte provincial capitol – Located in front of the Capitol building, the Aurora Park is where the statue of the maiden Pamulinawen – where the Tobacco Monopoly Monument was erected in 1882 – left of the park is the Laoag City Hall  
2pm St William’s Cathedral & the Sinking bell tower  
  Walking towards the street on the right side of the park will bring you to the St. William’s Cathedral –
  A few steps away to the left of the Capitol Building is the Museo Ilocos Norte.  
  Entrance to Museo Ilocos Norte 30
  Back to the hotel and check-out  
4pm Trip to Pagudpud Beach, “The Boracay of the North”  
  Tricycle to Van Terminal 10
  Arrive at van/bus terminal for Pagudpud 2.5-3 hrs travel to Pagudpud  
  Fare, Laoag-Pagudpud (van) 70
  How to get to Pagudpud from Laoag – Take a bus or van bound for Claveria Cagayan, it will pass by the town of Pagudpud, which is the last town before reaching Claveria Cagayan. Travel time is 1.5 hours.  
  Homestay in Pagudpud (for 1 night) 800
  Arrive at Pagudpud, check-in at Cathy’s Home Stay  
  Cathy’s Home Stay, Pagudpud
Address: Brgy. Saud, Pagudpud Ilocos Norte
Room Rate: 800 pesos, good for 4 persons for an air conditioned room.
Contact Details: 09195716680
Notes: One of the cheapest accommodations in Saud Beach, Pagudpud.		  
  Explore the beach  
  Dinner by the beach 65
Fri Nov 30    
  Here is the list of the activities you can do to appreciate Pagudpud.
Swim and surf in the breathtaking Saud Beach
Traysi tour of Pagudpud for P600.00
Thirty minutes trek to majestic Kabigan Falls
Stopover at Patapat Viaduct with blue skies and blue sea waters as backdraft
See Bantay Abot cave, where waves hit the cliffs
Drop by Agua Paraiso, where waves hit the rocks
Enjoy huge wave and white sand in pristine Blue Lagoon (Maira-ira beach)
Witness Pagudpud sunset
Visit Bangui Wind Mills, Bojeador (Burgos) Lighthouse, Curimao, Laoag, Paoay and Vigan		  
  Wake up and early morning walk by the beach 100
  Breakfast  
  Swimming  
  Tricycle to and from Pagudpud town proper  
  Brunch 80
  Check out of the home stay  
8am The Windmills, Rock Formation, Lighthouse and the Church  
  South and North Pagudpud Tour (Tricycle)
Rate: 600 pesos per tour
Contact Details: 09208532047 look for Kuya Rene		  
  South Tour includes Bangui windmills, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation and the Cape Bojeador Light House.
North Tour usually includes Kabigan Falls, Bantay Abot Cave, Blue Lagoon Beach, Patapat Viaduct, Paraiso ni Anton and Aqua Grande. The town of Adams is also worth a visit if you have more time.		  
  South Pagudpud tour (tricycle) 300
9am Arrive at Bangui Windmills  
  Officially referred to as the North Wind Bangui Bay Project, it is a major source of renewable energy amounting to 40% of the power requirement of the province. Boasts to be the first wind farm in the Philippines and biggest in Southeast Asia, it is consisted of 20 wind turbines on-shore facing the South China Sea.
  Off to Burgos  
10am Arrive at Kapurpurawan  
  In Ilocano, “Kapurpurawan” means “white” – which describes the radiant and sparkling shade of this rock formation. It is a hill of white limestone rock created by forces of the wind, water and waves coming from the ocean – truly, an amazing work of nature. Adjacent to the rock formation is the ocean, which added to the breathtaking sight.
  The Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in Burgos Ilocos Norte really really Rocks!!!  
  Arrive at Cape Bojeador  
11am Cape Bojeador or the Burgos Lighthouse  
  A cultural heritage structure built during the Spanish Colonial period. Octagonal in shape, it is set high on Vigi de Nagparitan hill overlooking the picturesque Cape Bojeador.
  Fare Burgos-Bacarra (bus) 40
  Fare to Bacarra Church (tricycle) 15
  Arrive at Bacarra Church  
  Fare to Bacarra Hi-way (tricycle) 15
  Fare Bacarra to Laoag (jeepney) 10
  Lunch 50
1pm Off to Vigan  
  Check in at Casa Teofilo Loge  
  Casa Teofile Lodge
Contact Numbers :
Mobile – 09326740438
Landline – (077) 7226482 / (077) 7222547
Aircon Rooms with private cr, cable tv and free wi-fi.		  
  Night Strolling at Crisologo Street  
  Start strolling at Crisologo Street. This major attraction of Vigan is its mestizo district which is filled with Spanish-style houses that evoke a bygone era when its people lived prosperously because of the Manila-Acapulco maritime trade.
  Though a trip to Calle Crisologo is enjoyable during the day especially because of the opportunity to shop for Vigan’s best products (antiques, abel woven products, bags, basi wine, burnay and dimili products, chicharon, jewelry, sweets, Vigan vinegar and woodcrafts) in the inobtrusive shops located in the ground floor of some of the grand houses, a walk through it is magical at night.
  try some of the local food like bagnet mixed with pinakbet and their famous longganisa  
  Café Leona Dinner  
Sat Dec 1    
6am Café Uno Bfast  
  see Crisologo Street,Hidden Garden and Baluarte plus the Vigan old church.  
  Crisologo Street – Crisologo Museum – Syquia Mansion – Plaza Salcedo – Burgos Museum – Pagburnayan Jar – Hidden Garden – Baluarte ni Chavit – Bantay Tower – Casa Teofila Lodge  
  Hidden Garden  
7am ViganBaluarte ni Chavit  
  It’s an 80 hectares of terrains, hills and mountain sides that serves as natural habitat for Gov Chavit Singson’s personal collection of wild animals
8am Vigan River Cruise  
  So, I headed out to my second destination via one of these tricycles. I left Baluarte at 10:28 am and arrived at the site of “Vigan River Cruise” 10:39 am. Fare from Baluarte to Mestizo River, the site of the river cruise, is Php 60. Ticket in the boat ride of Vigan River Cruise costs Php 100. Boats used in the cruise are like those small wooden fishing vessels used by many ordinary Filipino fishermen called “bangka” in Tagalog. Each boat has outriggers for stability and safety of riders, which is good for rough river. But don’t worry, the Mestizo River is calm all the way.  
9am Vigan Heritage Village  
  After enjoying the cruise which finished at 11:23 am, it’s time to get to the “Vigan Heritage Village”, the only colonial town in the Philippines and for which Vigan is known. I had made an arrangement with the tricycle I’d ridden from Baluarte to wait for me. Actually, he offered the service to the Heritage Village. I just accepted it for the reason of time management.
  At around 1:30 pm, I thought it’s time to go to bus terminal to be in Laoag before dusk. So, I just took a tricycle for Php 15 to reach terminal of Partas Bus. You just plug down a motorized tricycle and ask the driver to take you to Partas which is near. Wait for bus with “Laoag” sign.  
10am Vigan to Laoag 1.5hrs  
2pm Laoag-MNL  
     
    3595

You could also download the file here. Laoag Itinerary

Happy Adventures!

The above blog post is part of my Ilokandia Ultimate Adventure – Laoag – Pagudpud – Vigan tour series of posts in the Ilocos Region, Philippines that happened last November 28 – December 2, 2012. | Ilocos Adventure: Laoag Vigan Pagudpud Budget Itinerary | Laoag City Walking Tour: Places, Food, and Fun Treats | Ilocandia Sand Boarding and 4×4 Ride in La Paz Sand Dunes | Paoay Tour: Paoay Church, Malacanang of the North and the Paoay Lake
 

Reliving the Legends: Air Supply Live in Davao 2012

Finally! No words could explain how happy I am to witness the duo that made my heart sing and serenaded my childhood years performed live in front of me.

Yes, it’s Air Supply Live in Davao City. Indeed a once in a lifetime chance to see & hear them live! Surely not an opportunity I’ll simply pass on.

It’s been 4 years since the last time the duo singers performed here in the City. And now they’re back.

Air Supply is an Australian soft rock duo, consisting of Graham Russell as guitarist and singer-songwriter and Russell Hitchcock as lead vocalist. They had a succession of hits worldwide, including eight Top Ten hits in the United States, in the early 1980s. They formed in Mebourne,Australia in 1975 and have included various accompanying musicians and singers.

With their heavily orchestrated, sweet ballads, the Australian soft rock group Air Supply became a staple of early-’80s radio, scoring a string of seven straight Top Five singles. Air Supply, for most intents and purposes, was the duo of vocalists Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell; other members came through the group over the years, yet they only functioned as backing musicians and added little to the group’s sound. Hitchcock and Russell met while performing in a Sydney, Australia, production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1976. The two singers formed a partnership and with the addition of four supporting musicians – keyboardist Frank Esler-Smith, guitarist David Moyse, bassist David Green, and drummer Ralph Cooper – Air Supply was born.

Below are some of my snapshots taken during the memorable night, held last November 20, 2012 at USEP Gym, Obrero, Davao City.

Until we meet again Air Supply!

Palawan Honda Bay Family Trip

For our third day at Palawan, it’s time to head to the beach. Another travel tour from an agency, we were picked up by the van at around 8am. And off we went to the Honda Bay port after stopping over to a swimming equipment rental gear shop. Equipment rental cost 150php, however if you want to get it cheaper, just rent your equipments at the honda bay port. They cost only 100php. Better off just bring your own! A pair of swimming shoes, and googles is already good to go! After the registration process (long lines again) taken cared of by the tour guide, we rode the boat that will take us to the following islands:

Honda Bay Island Hopping

  • Pambatu Reef (Mini Tubbattaha Reef as they call it) *not so interesting, the waters are murky, you can’t see that much

  • Starfish Island (because of the many ‘Starfish’ found in the island). We took our lunch here, prepared by the tour agency also

  • Pandan Island (named for its abundance of ‘Pandan plants) preferred snorkeling area, you could swim almost anywhere some at even knee deep water for those non swimmers and you’ll already lots and lots of fish. Just recently they stopped the fish feeding here.

Other islands in the area not included in the tour:

  • Snake island (named after the shape of the island NOT it’s inhabitants!)
  • Cowrie Island.
  • Cannon Island
  • Bat Island. Around 6pm thousands of flying bats in the area
  • Lu-li Island (which is visible only with low tide). came from two words – lulubog at lilitaw

Budget way to Tour the Honda Bay:

Here’s how: *Take note you have to leave early around 6 or 7am, so you’ll not need to rush together with the tour agencies who’ll be arriving at around 8 or 9am. They always gets prioritized.

Board a Jeepney bound to Sta Lourdes Honda Bay (signage) Fare is around 10 pesos only
Upon arrival, head to the registration area, where you’ll have to pay for certain fees.
*Better to find another group not on a tour agency (max. of 6 people) to share the rent of one small boat that costs 1,200php Boat rental : small boat for 1,200php divided by how many are you.
If all goes well, wait for your boat number to be called and you’re all set!
Other fees to be paid are the minimal entrance fees at the islands, And of course, as a back packer, always bring your own baon! haha.
After the island hopping, hire a trike to get you at the intersection where you could already hail a jeepney going back to the ‘Bayan. Fare to tricycle is 8php. Jeepney fare going to bayan is 10php.

**You could also try strolling, and just a few meters away from the Honda Bay port you could visit the Chinese temple along the way. I’m sure you’ll have bragging rights of having pictures of this to your friends, as this is not usually included in the Honda Bay Tour that agencies offer. haha. But if you still wanna avail of the tour, go ahead and pay your 1,300php per head. I don’t think it’s worth it though.

The above blog post is part of my Family Trip to Palawan Adventure series of posts that happened last October 25-28, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: Palawan Family Trip: Arrival and City Tour | Palawan Underground River Tour (PPUR Tour)  | Palawan Honda Bay Family Trip

Palawan Underground River Tour (PPUR Tour)

Day 2 itinerary – yes! the ever most awaited highlight of going to Palawan (they say you haven’t been to Palawan if you haven’t seen the underground River).

Since the declaration of Palawan Underground River as one of the 7 Wonders of the World, tourist (both locals and foreign) have been pouring to visit the historic site.

How to Book Underground River Tour?

And if there’s one ‘tour’ that I’d like to recommend you to avail (yes even you budget packers like me) is this.

Trust me, I learned this the hard way. Last time me and my buddy went to Palawan we didn’t got the chance to see the UR since the permit slots are fully booked.

You see the Palawan Department of Tourism provides these permits, you need to obtain them from the city prior to going to Sabang (where the UR is located). Permit registration is a very very veeeerrrry looooong process if you’re a walk in. I’ve tried this before. People shouting, long lines, favoritism, the usual you see in a Philippine government system scene. You don’t wanna go through this.

And so the ‘tour’ agencies are born. They make life a whole lot easier. All you have to do is text them (yes, no need to go to the tourism office, even at the comfort of your own homes you could already book a permit). Just send them your complete name (be very careful not to misspell it or you’ll never be going to see the Underground River), with your birthday, and poof! You’re already booked, Magic eh?!

Well I guess that’s just how the system works in the Philippines!

Anyway, to make the long story short. We did avail this, and at around 7am we were picked up by the van that took us to Sabang. From there, our tour guide took care of all the queuing and long lines, we just have to wait until it’s our time.

And I would like to commend our guide, Peter (St Peter as we called him. haha) from Top Star Travel Agency, he made it a breeeze! Nauna pa kami kesa dun sa mga nauna pang dumating sa amin!

I know if’s unfair, but well you know if you’re the one traded more fairly it just becomes fair. haha.

So here are some pics of our tour.

Buffet After the Tour

After the unwinding journey inside the cave, we took our buffet lunch courtesy of the tour agency.

And yes I don’t wanna miss visiting Palawan without having a taste of one of their delicacies, another exotic food – the TAMILOK!

Tamilok at Palawan

Taken from the inside of the trees, these ‘tree’ eating semi wormlike squishy creatures from the family of sea urchins, shells, and clams, is a delicious treat found in this province, even featured in Fear Factor, Usually paired with a vinegar, Tamilok are best eaten raw. Yummy! *It has just a little after taste. But I recommend you adventurers to try it! One serving in a bowl cost 100php. They say capturing and finding these ‘tamilok’ is a difficult process, hence its expensiveness.

Palawan Underground River Tips and Tricks

Tip: If you wanna hold the light going inside the cave, stay in FRONT of the boat. You just have to be a good listener and must know what ‘LEFT’ and ‘RIGHT’ means, since the guide will be asking you to point the light from his directions.

And if you wanna hear a detail and closer tour explanation, stay at the back portion of the boat near the guide. Recommended to those who have hearing difficulties.

Underground River Tour Travel Agency

  • Top Star Travel Agency: 09088995002
  • Cost: 1,500php per person with free buffet lunch, travel, etc.

And an AdventuRoj shirt to end the day!

The above blog post is part of my Family Trip to Palawan Adventure series of posts that happened last October 25-28, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: Palawan Family Trip: Arrival and City Tour | Palawan Underground River Tour (PPUR Tour)  | Palawan Honda Bay Family Trip

Palawan Family Trip: Arrival and City Tour

It’s my mom’s birthday! And yes another reason for Adventuroj to celebrate!

And to share my adventurous feet to my family, I planned to take them to Palawan (since the last for my dad was at Boracay). And since I’ve been already here before, I’ll be their tour guide. But for convenience sake (it’s always a priority when you’re with mine believe me. haha!) I’ve just booked a tour package.

First day itinerary:

  • Arrival at Palawan – 10am

  • Travel to Jamp Pension House with free transfer (sundo)

  • Preparation for the City Tour ++ Freshen up
  • Lunch at DAMPA Seafood Restaurant

  • City Tour (free pick up by Travelwise Tour Agency) – 1pm

Palawan City Tour

The city tour included a visit to the following places:

  • Running tour at Palawan Baywalk (best visited at night time to unwind as the place is located near the beach)
  • Puerto Princesa City Cathedral
  • Plaza Cuartel
  • Pasalubong Center
  • Irawan Crocodile Park
  • Mitra’s Ranch
  • Baker’s Hill (with free merienda from the tour package)

How Much is Palawan City Tour?

  • Regular tour packages cost 600php (transportation is via van)

Palawan City Tour Contact

  • Travel wise Tour Agency – 09284204271

Budget Palawan City Tour

  • However if you’re on a tight budget, like me when I’m travelling alone or I’m in on my adventures, you could rent a tricycle (which could fit up to 4 persons) for only 300php.
  • Way off better since you could control your time, no need to rush unlike when you’re with a tour group as you ‘own’ the tricycle. haha
  • Or if you really are on a tightest tight budget – then you may follow this.
Take a multicab going to Sta Monica, tell driver to stop at the Butterfly Garden 20
After visiting Butterfly garden, take another trike to let you bring to Baker’s Hill (2km) 15
Take another tricke or have a walk to Mitra’s Ranch (1km) 15
Try to have a walk back again to Baker’s hill or take a trike, tell the driver to bring you to Nat’l Highway and there wait until another Multicab going to Irawan, and tell the driver to stop at the Crocodile Farm. 7
Stop over to Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm
At night Firefly Watching @Iwahig River, PPS City
Ride Multicab back to City
OR
Rode “Bayan – City Hall” jeep to City Hall (P7) 7
Puerto Princesa City Hall
Puerto Princesa Sports Complex
Rode “Irawan Jeep” to intersection going to Baker’s Mill / Mitra’s Ranch
Rode Tricycle to Mitra’s Ranch (P15) 15
Walked to Baker’s Hill. BUY HOPIA. 43/BOX
Rode Tricycle back to highway intersection (P15) 15
Rode “Irawan” jeep to Rizal Ave (P7) 7

Stay tuned for the remaining Palawan adventure!

The above blog post is part of my Family Trip to Palawan Adventure series of posts that happened last October 25-28, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: Palawan Family Trip: Arrival and City Tour | Palawan Underground River Tour (PPUR Tour)  | Palawan Honda Bay Family Trip

10 Days, 3 Countries: Vietnam – Cambodia – Thailand Trip Planner

Yes! An adventure cooking soon, only here at Adventuroj! Courtesy of yet another Cebu Pacific Air Seat Sale, I and my travel bud are able to book a budget flight to these 3 destinations.

No need to get excited yet, but here I am blabbering about it like a kid wanting that piece of lollipop.

The trip’s not set until next year, on Independence Day: June 12- June 21 [Best way to celebrate freedom!], we will be embarking on a 10 day – 3 country tour in Southeast Asia. The start of my dreams in fulfillment.

10 Days Across 3 Countries: An adventure cooking soon at Adventuroj.com! Watch out!

For this trip, we’ll be Visiting Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Specifically, we’ll be visiting Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Phen, Siem Reap and Bangkok. Below is the suggested itinerary:

SUGGESTED ITINERARY: VIETNAM – CAMBODIA – THAILAND

Day 1

We’ll leave Philippines for Vietnam, via Cebu Pacific. The flight will leave around 10:50 PM and will take about 2 1/2 hours.

Day 2

We’ll arrive in Ho Chi Minh at around 00:20, local time, with enough time to sleep at the airport? haha. Talk about saving!

Then, at 7AM we’ll go on a tour. We’re still choosing between a City Tour, Cu Chi Tunnel Tour or the Mekong Delta Tour. For Cu Chi Tunnel and Mekong Delta, lunch will be included in the tour. If it’s the city tour, the best place for lunch is inside Ben Than Market.

For dinner, we’ll head to Tricolore Restaurant along Pam Ngu Lao, where they serve both Vietnamese and Italian food.

Day 3

We’ll take the first bus to Cambodia on the third day. We’ll leave HCMC at around 6AM for a 6-hour bus ride to Phnom Phen. Brunch will be along way, on one of the stops.

We’ll arrive in Phnom Phen around lunch time, check in at the hotel and head for lunch.

Then, we’ll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Dinner will be in one of the local restaurants.

Get Cambodia VISA here.

Day 4

We’ll have breakfast at the hotel, then take the first bus to Siem Reap. We’ll leave around 7AM and the trip would take about 5 hours.

We’ll arrive in Siem Reap around noon, check in at the hotel then head off for lunch. After lunch, we’ll visit the Angkor Wat Museum.

We’ll take a stroll along the river, then maybe have some fish spa/massage. Just before sunset, we’ll head off to Angkor Wat.

Then end the day with a dinner in one of the nice restaurants in Pub Street.

Day 5

We’ll have an early breakfast and spend the entire day visiting Angkor and all the other temples.

We’ll go on a city tour and then have a relaxing day.

We’ll have dinner in one of the local restaurants near the old market, or maybe in the open market stalls.

Day 6

Start the day early to head off to Bangkok for a 7 hour bus ride.

We’ll arrive in Bangkok at around 4PM, and check in at a budget hostel.

Tour the city until dinner time.

Day 7

We’ll go on a floating market tour in the morning, in Damnoen Saduak.

In the afternoon, we’ll go on a some sites in the city tour.

Day 8

We’ll go on a tour to Kanchanaburi for the Death Railway and Elephant Sanctuary.

We’ll finish the day with a Thai massage in Thailand. LOL

Day 9

We’ll spend our last day in Bangkok doing the city tour, and eating as much as we can 🙂

Day 10

We’ll catch our flight back to the Philippines.

So are you excited? Got any additional travel tips? Suggestions? Feel free to do so!

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – Saint Augustine

Adventuroj Guimaras Island Tour

Guimaras is synonymous to the sweetest fruit that the island produce, Mangoes. (Mangoes has its season and may not be available at all times). Definitely there are a few who have known the beauty and charm of this island, a place of solitude to escape the fast pace of life; a retreat from the “concrete jungles” that surround many of us; serene environment where you can lose your worries and indulge in true rest and relaxation.

So why would one dare miss a visit to this enchanting place if the opportunity is already at hand? Adventuroj surely won’t.

Iloilo to Guimaras Trip

After departing Ong Bun Pension house in Iloilo city (just checked in there fresh from Kalibo, left our baggage, and freshen up a bit), my family and I immediately headed to Parola port for the boats that will take us to Guimaras. (There is actually another port [Ortiz Wharf] which also plies the Iloilo-Guimaras route but since it’s September and it’s habagat season the waves will be bigger than the usual, taking boats from Ortiz Wharf boats are discouraged.)

Guimaras Island can only be reached by a boat (Php 14 per person).

Guimaras Tour

After arriving at the island, we went straight ahead to the tourist information located at the waiting shed outside the arrival area of the Jordan Wharf. Then register. They also provided options for your transportation and provide you with a map around the island. There’s a set rate for vehicle rentals regulated by the Guimaras Provincial Government.  We end up with a rented multicab for 1,800php for the whole day tour.

Tour includes the following:

  • Smallest Plaza
  • Trappist Monastery
  • Camp Alfredo
  • Alubihod beach
  • Raymen Beach
  • Macopo Falls
  • 17th Century Old Guisi Light house
  • Pasalubong Center and the Provincial Capitol
  • Museo de Guimaras

Smallest Plaza

Have your photo taken at the once smallest plaza in the world! Guimaras once held the word record for this tiny plaza. I am not sure if they have been dethroned or what for now but the plaza is really cool.

Trappist Monastery

If you’re looking for some peaceful ambiance, then you could opt to stay here. It is very quiet and the place has this totally spiritual feel to it. Also do not forget to hit the Trappist Abbey gift shop for some very cool mango-infused pasalubong to bring home to your family and friends.

Raymen Beach

We took our lunch here at Raymen Beach Resort at Alubihod, Nueva Valencia.

The scenic view of the beach is also a beauty not worth missing when you’re here. If Zamboanga boasts of its Pink Sand beaches, Boracay of its white, then Guimaras surely won’t be behind with its yellow shoreline.

Raymen also offers an island hopping tour that includes Ave Maria Beach, Lawi Marine Turtle Rescue Center, Buho Ramirez Cave, Natago Beach, Sol y Luna and Baras Beach Resort/Cave but since it’s running out of time and we’ve already had enough of our Boracay Island Hopping, we just decline the adventure for now. (I’ll be sure to come back here next time but no longer w/ my family, it’s real hard to travel with the unequally adventurous ones. hehe)

17th Century Old Guisi Light house

Here we’ve had most of our photo ops. You’ll surely be amazed with the ruins of this 17th Century Old Lighthouse, the 2nd oldest in the country according to the tour guide. Imagine that!

After a trekking the Light house, you could freshen up with a Buko at the crossroads nearby.

You could also visit other beach resorts near Guisi Lighthouse. When I come back here, I’ll make sure to spend a night here. 🙂

Other Sights and Scenes

*Tip: Try to come to Guimaras during mango season. Obviously I was not able to taste the sweetest mangoes in the country because the season is far out but really don’t feel bad for me because I was able to buy a green one, brought it home in Davao and just waited for it to ripen up. Hehe. It’s also funny to know that in Iloilo we were able to find ripe mangoes from Guimaras (we tried some when we’ve had our Dinner @Tatoy’s) but in Guimaras we found no ripe ones. How ironic!

The above blog post is part of my Iloilo – Guimaras – Kalibo – Boracay Adventure series of posts that happened last September 27-30, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: | Boracay Family Trip via Iloilo | Iloilo – Boracay Roadtrip  |  | Descent and the Night Life in Boracay, Philippines | Exploring the Mystique Crystal Cove Cave | Snorkeling and Fish Feeding at Boracay  | Boracay Helmet Diving Underwater Exploration! | Beach Bumming at Boracay | City Strolling and Malling at Kalibo | Exploring the White Islands of Boracay | Adventuroj Guimaras Island Tour

Exploring the White Islands of Boracay

“Home is where the heart is, and my heart is wherever I am at the moment.” — Lily Leung

We started early for our day. After a refreshing early morning coffee, we texted our contact for the island hopping, Kuya Nelson (09103546758). We just bought some ‘pandesal'(bread) at a nearby bakeshop to be used for the fish feeding later. We then hopped in a trike to be transported to where the boats are docked.

Boracay Island Hopping!

Today’s Itinerary

Off and away!

Pasalubong Buying at D’Mall

**Click on each link to read the rest of the adventure.

Boracay Boatman Contact

Boating at Boracay

  • Kuya Nelson (09103546758)
  • Rate: 1,500-1,800php.
The above blog post is part of my Iloilo – Guimaras – Kalibo – Boracay Adventure series of posts that happened last September 27-30, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: | Boracay Family Trip via Iloilo | Iloilo – Boracay Roadtrip  |  | Descent and the Night Life in Boracay, Philippines | Exploring the Mystique Crystal Cove Cave | Snorkeling and Fish Feeding at Boracay  | Boracay Helmet Diving Underwater Exploration! | Beach Bumming at Boracay | City Strolling and Malling at Kalibo | Exploring the White Islands of Boracay | Adventuroj Guimaras Island Tour

City Strolling and Malling at Kalibo

At around 3pm, we are now ready to say goodbye to this wonderful island. We will be heading back to Kalibo to spend the night there with my mother’s relatives.

The travel from Caticlan to Kalibo is just a short one. Upon your arrival at the port of Caticlan there are public vans that you could hop on to bring you directly to Kalibo. Fare is 100php. (We were even mistaken as heading to the Kalibo airport by the dispatcher, and we paid 175php). Luckily we were refunded upon or arrival at Kalibo.

The entire day was spend strolling along Aklan’s Capital.

The above blog post is part of my Iloilo – Guimaras – Kalibo – Boracay Adventure series of posts that happened last September 27-30, 2012.  To read more the rest of the series, click on the following links: | Boracay Family Trip via Iloilo | Iloilo – Boracay Roadtrip  |  | Descent and the Night Life in Boracay, Philippines | Exploring the Mystique Crystal Cove Cave | Snorkeling and Fish Feeding at Boracay  | Boracay Helmet Diving Underwater Exploration! | Beach Bumming at Boracay | City Strolling and Malling at Kalibo | Exploring the White Islands of Boracay | Adventuroj Guimaras Island Tour