TRAVEL NOTES 2013: The Secluded beauty of Tulang Island

Every time I visit Camotes Island I am always introduce to a new interesting attraction and this time it’s an islet that really caught my wondering mind.

Tulang Island is an islet along with the four big islands situated at the Eastern part of Cebu and West of Leyte Province. Tulang or (Tuang Diot-small Island) as commonly known to many is part of barangay Esperanza in the Municipality of San Francisco. It is a fantastic and secluded island ever that offers blue clear water with powdery white sand beach and a community of hospitable people. This is a best place when you want to escape from busy schedule and feel solitude while enjoying the beauty of nature and taste the invigorating beach atmosphere.

From the mainland of San Francisco municipality it would take only 5-10 minutes boat ride before reaching the place with very least boat fare of P10.

 

TRAVEL NOTES 2013: Best Summer Deal at the Queen City of the South.

Beating the summer heat is not easy especially when you are in the island of Visayas where most part is covered with sea water. Almost always, temperature rated to not lower than 33 degrees particularly in Cebu, the Queen City of the South.

However, alternatives for hang out to those who love to go into swimming are no longer a tool to find. There are common choices that offers a variety of ambiance and comforts, be it a beach or a common resort. Among the most visited swimming venue, here are the most-inn to many which gives a relaxing mode and satisfying experiencing once you’re at the place.

  The white sand beach of Bantayan Island. Located at the Northern most part of Cebu which is about 3 hours ride from Cebu City plus an hour of ferry ride. Other common in the place is the famous "danggit" and favorite sea foods products.

      Malapascua Island: The Marine paradise of the north. Home of corral garden and the best diving site in Cebu. 

   Fairer-Bluewater of Camotes Island with amazing beaches and adventure. 

       Bukilat cave of Tudela, Cebu.

Maslog Spring at Tabogon Cebu.    

You can only find all these places of great fun and adventure at the Queen City of The South- Cebu.

TRAVEL NOTES 2013: Adventure and Discovery to the Mystic Island of Siquijor, Isla del Fuego.

I had given a chance to spend my holy week break in the mystic island of Siquijor together with some of my peers and I guess it was another wonderful experience notably. We had so much fun and did some exciting island hoping activities for the rest of our stays in the Island Province of Siquijor. The couple of years that I spent in Visayas propel me to decide of exploring the quiet and relaxing environment of one of the smallest Province in the country. This time I am lucky to be joined with some of my friends and workmates who were with me for a couple of days.

Siquijor is the third smallest province in the country next to Camiguin and Batanes provinces with only six component municipalities; Larena, Lazi, Maria, San Juan, Enrique Villanueva and Siquijor. It is belong to Central Visayas region (Region-7) situated at the western part of Negros Oriental and Southwest of Bohol and positioned at northern part of Mindanao. Siquijor, though occupied with very least number of population but so rich in natural resources that made the place its pride, from powdery white sand beaches, caves, waterfalls and other natural adventure that invites tourists in visiting the place. 

Accordingly, Siquijor is a former sub-province of Negros Oriental which was previously named by the Spaniards as “Isla del Fuego” or Island of Fire but when converted as a separate province it got its name as Siquijor. To many, this province is very famous and negatively regarded as mystical island for some believed to have full of witches and other natural phenomena. However, none of it was true when I made some inquiries over the days that I stayed thereon. Perhaps (they relate that) it was just the experience of the oldest people in the place and for being the lone province with very limited population why some believed that Siquijor is full of wonder and unexplained phenomena.

When you approach the town of Siquijor you will be surprised with the preserved ambiance of the place which is quietly relaxing mode plus the white sand with crystal clear sea water.  The very first thing that you will notice is the presence of one of the oldest church in Visayas, the Saint Francis of Asisi Parish Church fronting the port that calls the attention of all people entering the place coming out from the port.

In just 3 hours drive, you can be able to room around the entire island province of Siquijor. But with some significant referrals we decided to focus our adventure at the town of Maria being the famous host of well known attractions in the province. With much amazement we prioritize visiting the Salagdoong Beach, Mt. Bandilaa Nature Park and Cambugahay waterfalls among other things and tourist destinations that common in Siquijor.

One of the distinctive marine attractions in Siquijor particularly in the town of Maria is the Salagdoong beach. It is a unique and romantic hideaway with powdery white sand and clear-blue water that makes-up the island’s shoreline.

Mt. Bandilaan Nature Park is another thing that satisfied and fulfilled my adventure. It is said to be 557 feet tall and when you are on top you can view the entire island of Siquijor. Its position is in the highest part of the island so far that enables you to view the island circumference and the neighboring land provinces of Bohol, Cebu and Neg.Or. 

Other attractions in this park is the presence of several caves and natural springs and the ceremonial way of the cross wherein 3 big crosses are built in the top of the mountain.

For those who don’t really love beaches the island also offers its one of a kind natural waterfalls which is just 30 minutes drive away from Mt. Bandilaan. The Cambugahay waterfalls has cool and refreshing waters that really takes your stress away.

HOW TO GET THERE?

From Cebu, there are two options. First one is thru land travel via south Cebu. Ceres bus going to Liloan Port in Santander and 30 minutes fast craft ferry going to Sibulan, Dumaguete then Dumaguete port to Siquijot that can be travelled to usually an hour if regular boat and 30-45 minutes if fast craft.

Another option from Cebu is through Fast Craft Ocean Jet but this requires a very long sea travel time because the fast craft has to dock first in Tagbilaran and Dumaguete before directly going to Siquijor. It would take 5-6 hours in Fast Craft if through ocean Jet.

There is no other way than of via Dumaguete port when going to Siquijor. It might perhaps a stressful travel before you reach the place but all your tiresome travel experience will be compensated with so much amazing experience if you already get there.

This is my first documented province visit this year and im proud that I made it in visayas along with my work, interest and field of travel and relaxation. Thanks to Gerald, Joseph,Mithc, Russel, Vert, Che, Jao,and Jessan. 

ISLAND HOPPING: Enjoying the Natural Wonders of Nature.

I had a chance to explore Camotes Island for the second time around. This time was quite exciting and felt so lucky to be joined by some of my adventurous staffs. We planned that trip to explore some loop part of the Island (which I was not able to explore before) especially that we were informed of the newest Island attractions- the newly discovered cave, beaches and sea attractions and some exciting historical places in the 3 major Municipalities of Camotes. It was indeed an Island hopping experience to enjoy the natural wonders of nature in the Island of Camotes-the place of no return.

We depart from Danao City port at 5:00pm boarded at M/V Jumalia Ferry, the only means of sea travel going to Consuelo-a barangay wharf in the Municipality of San Francisco. After more than 2 hours sea travel, delicious sea foods relieve our tired bodies as it was served to us by local staffs. We ate; we took rest and spent the first night all together after planning the very first activity and destinations for the next day.

First destination as agreed is San Francisco Municipality strolling along the Baywalk, taking breath at the renowned Cota Park, sightseeing at Mangrove Forest-all are SanFran newest pride.

 

We also had a chance to room around Poro Municipality and check the humble nature of Poro being the center of the Island. The place is indeed a quite resting place, preserved as it is with very friendly and accommodating people. Here I see for the first time an amazing lodging house. Amazing because it really far of what I can imagine as a lodging house knowing also that tourist when finding place to rest they look for extravagant and comfortable one. But this time I see a different kind of lodging house to which one of my company told me that it was haunted house. However the physical structure is justified by the excellent services of lodge crews and their way of accepting guests.

Our next day activity coincide with the day of Saint John the Baptist day so everybody excitedly went for swimming and visiting the newly developed cave in Tudela Municipality, the Bukilat cave. 

As usual, we pay homage to one of the oldest church in Cebu founded by the Spaniards way back 1847. We are privileged also to taste the pride product of Tudela Municipality, an export quality Cookies made from real Cassava locally developed in the place. It was the best food that entertains tourist who are visiting the cave as part of the tourism promotion of the Municipality of Tudela.

 

For those who are looking a place of great adventure and Island hopping experience,Camotes Island is a nice place to visit.

REMAINS OF TRAVEL 2012: EXPLORING CAMOTES ISLAND. “The Island of no return”.

When I was new in Cebu I always heard about something creepy stories about an Island which is form part of Cebu positioned at the northern part of Bohol province, southwest of Leyte and Eastern part of Cebu.  Big waves, accommodation problems and inconvenient schedule of trips going back are some ironical problems that were tag to Camotes Island by many and that was inculcated in my wondering mind though never let to be carried out by these pessimistic approach of knowing the place.

Having granted an often opportunity to visit and live a life in Camotes for program monitoring, these bad impressions I proved no less than but a false impressions about the island. In fact the Camotes island is another tourist home in Cebu wherein 10% of the province tourist attraction is located thus making Camotes Island as “secret Paradise of Cebu. “

Camotes island is composed of four Municipalities; Poro, San Francisco, Tudela and Pilar which is located in another island. The place is commonly known to many because of beautiful beaches, caves and preserved nature which attracts tourists to visit while in Cebu. Here are some great facts I had documented about the place.

PORO PORT

 

PORO ANCIENT CHURCH

 

Native Town of San Francisco

 

 

 THE BAY WALK

 

 

Truly, its more fun in the Philippines!

REMAINS OF TRAVEL 2012: Experiencing Sinulog

 Accordingly, Sinulog means a graceful dance ritual accompanied by a drum which historically remembers the Cebuano and the Filipino pagan past and the acceptance of Christianity. It is already in history that once Sinulog mentioned it’s all about Cebu and when Cebu is the topic it’s a house of Sinulog.

Sinulog Festival has been considered as the grandest festival in the Philippines celebrated every third Sunday of January to honor the feast day of the Child Jesus-Sto. Niño.  The wooden Sto Niño has been presented in the Philippines as a gift of Ferdinand Magellan to the wife of Rajah Humabon, the chieftain of Zubu, now Cebu, when Magellan set foot in the Philippines particularly in Mactan Cebu. From then while the Magellan invasion spread out Christianity to the country, the devotion to Sto Niño has been faithfully practice and taking much significant religious favor for Cebuanos though their patron saint is Our Lady of Guadalupe. As time going along, celebration of Sinulog encompasses two phases as it becomes famous and venerated festival in the country. Sinulog as a religious occasion is celebrated with a Grand Procession and Maritime Procession that is joined by thousand of devotees and lay faithful. Sinulog as a civic and cultural affair is witnessed and participated by several joining festivals all over the country.

Thakhek City, Khammouane Province, Lao P.D.R: the Place, the Foods, the People

Thakhek is the Capital of Khammouane Province of Lao P.D.R. located in the mid-south of Laos which is about 370km down the Mekong River from Vientiane and 350 km from Vientiane capital by land trip. Thakhek is positioned halfway on the road to Champasak Province and the Cambodian Border. Many tourists are love to visit this lovely City because of its ideal location and being home of most preserved tourists spot and historical attraction in Lao. People who love mountain sports usually visit Thakhek because thakhek is the best place for rock climbing sports in Pha Tam Kham which is just at the backside of Xiengliab Cave-12 kilometers away from Thakhek proper.  Another reason why Thakhek has been the most visited tourist place in Lao is its distance and access to Thailand and Cambodia border.

Historically, Thakhek literally means “welcome Guests”. During the French occupation in Laos Thakhek has been the major administrative and trading outpost that is why until now Thakhek is still rich in splendid, though dilapidated, colonial building. Its physical atmosphere is indeed a preserved culture being home to many huge old tress that gives shade to broad avenues in the entire Thakhek.

People in Thakhek are very kind and hospitable. They are maintaining the old Lao tradition of showing respects and hospitality to every visitors coming in their place.  

 

With regards to foods, due to some other races that is present now in Thakhek, several choices of both Lao and foreign foods are available. There is a common street in Thakhek wherein food vendors display their stocks daily and the street happen to be an open restaurant for both Thakhek residents and tourists. This is the Singkapore Sikhotchounlamany street where mostly of the available exotic foods in the area are also exhibited.

 

The Most inn exotic foods:

 

I’ve been in Thakhek for a couple of days during my stay in Lao P.D.R extending technical assistance to partner organizations.