Please watch my video which showcased the beautiful places in Palawan.
Backpacking Palawan
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Top Things To Do in El Nido, Palawan
When you hear the province Palawan, you would definitely think about El Nido and Coron. I will write a different post on what is better among the two. Right now, I want to share the top things to do when you’re in El Nido. These are based on my personal experiences and travel styles. Anyone would have different ways on how to spend their trip in El Nido but these are the things I recommend;
- Taking a swing in 7 Commandos Beach.
7 Commandos Beach
7 Commandos Beach
It somehow gives you the feeling of freedom, forgetting everything and concentrating on the goodness of life. Your mind goes back to being a kid again, worry free, being able to appreciate simple things. It is very therapeutic, a simple thing which gives anyone a moment of bliss and peace of mind.
2. Kayaking, SUP in Small and Big Lagoon
Kayaking in Small Lagoon
Big Lagoon El Nido
Kayaking and SUP in Small Lagoon El Nido
These activities shouldn’t be missed. If you do an island hopping to Small and Big Lagoon, you should rent a kayak to go inside the lagoons. You can also swim but the shallow waters are not safe for swimming as you might step into some sharp corals and sea urchins. Kayaking also gives you the chance to explore the deepest part of the lagoons so it is very advisable. The rent is only P300.00 so I think it is fair enough considering the beauty you would see.
3. Snorkeling and Finding Nemo in Shimizu Island
Shimizu Island
Finding Nemo in Shimizu Island
Yay! So here comes snorkeling. This is one of my favorite activities, maybe I was a mermaid in my previous life. I just love looking at different kinds of marine life, I like the feeling of being one of them. Looking at the wonderful colors gives me some kind of happiness and contentment, makes me think that life is very beautiful and everything is in its right place. Makes me want to protect these things living underwater.
4. Surviving the waves and Swimming through a small hole to see the Secret Beach
Secret Beach El Nido
This is how it looks like inside. Behind this photo is a wall of big rocks, the only entrance is the hole located in the middle of those two rocks. It was dangerous to go inside without the help of the boatmen and guides. They are very good at assisting tourists to go inside. The waves here are crazy, you really need extra strength to get through this beach. But once you are inside, you would soon realize that it’s all worth it. The beach itself is beautiful, it’s serene and unique.
5. Visiting Caves and Snake Island (Tour B)
Tour B cave
Snake Island
Most of the tourists who travel to El Nido skip Tour B simply because Tour A and C are the best destinations. Well, I couldn’t argue with that. If I needed to choose I would also choose Tour A and C and drop Tour B. But I’m lucky enough to see them all. Tour B highlights the Snake Island, it looks like a long snake connecting two islands. It looks good from above. You should be here early in the morning when the tide is low or else the sandbar won’t be visible enough. The caves are also awesome but we were able to see just two of them due to schedule restriction. We combined Tour B and C in a single day since we rented a private boat.
6. Snorkeling and Freediving in Matinloc Shrine.
Matinloc Shrine El Nido
Freediving at Matinloc Shrine
amazing coral reefs of Matinloc Shrine
Freediving at Matinloc Shrine
Maybe I haven’t seen much but it’s safe to say that Matinloc Shrine has one of the best coral reefs I’ve seen so far. It’s just well preserved, full of colors. I wished I bought a dome for my gopro before coming here, I’ve seen some dome shots taken here and it’s really amazing. This site is one of the highlights of my El Nido tour, this is my favorite actually. We spent almost the whole day just playing here. Such a bliss! I want to go back to El Nido because of Matinlock Shrine.
7. Climbing Taraw Cliff
Taraw Cliff, photo courtesy of http://www.nomadicpinoy.com
Well, I don’t have any photo to show you since I didn’t have the chance to climb Taraw Cliff. I just chose a random photo from google, the owner of the photo is http://www.nomadicpinoy.com. This is one of my reasons to go back to El Nido. Climbing Taraw Cliff is one of the things that shouldn’t be missed when you visit El Nido Palawan.
So there you go folks, those are the top things to do when you are in El Nido according to me. If you plan to travel to Palawan soon and you need some advice, just hit me a comment. See you next time.
Coron, Palawan
Regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Coron in Palawan continues to attract visitors both locally and internationally. Now I know what the fuss is all about, words can’t really do any justice to its remarkable marine life and aerial beauty. I want to share some of my aerial and underwater snapshots that would make you want to book the next flight to Coron.
Green Lagoon Coron, Palawan
Green Lagoon Coron, Palawan
I was in awe the first time I set my eyes on this lagoon, it was stunningly beautiful. The water is so clear, so pure, and aquamarine. Taking a plunge from the boat into the cold water is such a bliss. I remember we were all giggles while we were swimming.
Twin Lagoon Coron, Palawan
Twin Lagoon Coron, Palawan
Twin Lagoon Coron, Palawan
If you visit Coron on a budget, I suggest Coron Backpacker Guesthouse. They offer one of the cheapest rates, you can get a room for P500.00 which is a good deal especially for solo backpackers. They offer free coffee, a kitchen to cook and eat, and a living room to socialize with other guests. It’s very homey and the staffs are friendly.
Barracuda Lake Coron, Palawan
Freediving at Barracuda Lake Coron
Freediving at Barracuda Lake Coron
You haven’t really experienced Coron if you missed Barracuda and Kayangan Lake. They are two of the most popular attractions. The thing is you need to avail Tour A and B to experience both otherwise you can also rent a private boat and choose the destinations that you prefer. Please note that the entrance fees are not included when you choose a private tour.
Skeleton Wreck Coron, Palawan
Skeleton Wreck Coron, Palawan
Coron offers a remarkable marine life, you must try scuba diving to see some WWII shipwrecks otherwise you can always do free diving. It’s fun and inexpensive, you just need to bring your freeediving fins and mask and you’re all set.
Coron, Palawan
I’m in love with this place, I mean who wouldn’t right? It’s such a beauty.
The Thin Gauze of Doubt and The Multiverse
Wonderful photos and beautiful words. This writing soothes the soul.
The scene is one I can imagine centuries ago. A young man overlooking his homeland, within his reach a promise of a career to ensure him of a great life. A “normal life” both he and his family have dreamt about since he was a kid.
His dream at his fingertips, he does not move. He sits there perplexed at the struggle within his soul. A piece of him desires something very different, something unknown. He can taste the adrenalin of this uncertainty.
Two thoughts tangle, tearing him up. A decision has to be made. A divergence of his universe, in one he will stand up, walk back to the village and accept his career to settle into a normal life, while in the other he’ll look over his land one last time and accept adventure as his new destiny.
The divergence was instantaneous.
He sits motionless, wondering which spirit…
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Hello WordPress :)
Hello WordPress! It’s been a long time. I actually managed to have my own website but I couldn’t keep up due to my schedule so I guess I would just take blogging easily and just enjoy writing without any pressure 🙂 Well I want to share about my recent addiction. Yes, I’m into Freediving now. Who would have thought that a girl who loves mountains is now a “mermaid”. I’m just a beginner but I really want to be a good freediver soon.
This photo was taken in Anilao, Batangas where I had my freediving lesson with my scuba diving instructor. You don’t need to go far if you’re from Manila, it’s just 2-3 hrs travel.
Hope to post my backlogs soon! They’re just way too many. See you 🙂
Burot Beach, Calatagan
Some of my friends went to this beautiful beach recently, so I was reminded of how much fun we had last year. Burot beach is a well-maintained resort for beach camping. The rates are pretty affordable and it’s located near Manila. A very serene place for nature lovers, just be very careful with sea urchins.
How to Get There:
Via private transportation:
We went there via private car; here’s how we made it.
From Pasay
Go to SLEX and exit Sta Rosa Laguna and take the Nasugbu Road.
Go straight once you reached Lian, Batangas. Once we reached Calatagan, we asked directions on how to go to their public market to buy some stuff. Then we asked one of the tricycle drivers to guide us to Calatagan beach, we paid him 100 pesos.
Via public transporation:
Go to Coastal Mall grand terminal, there are buses bound to Calatagan. Updated fare is P160.00, approx 3-4hrs travel time. According to some blogs, the earliest time of departure is 4 am. Alight at Calatagan market then ride a tricycle going to the beach, updated price is P200 for special trip, P50.00 per person.
Expenses and Itinerary:
Entrance fee:
daytrip = P65.00
overnight = P130.00
small table rental = P150.00
Day 1:
travel to Calatagan from Pasay
swimming, relaxing, bonfire at night
Day 2: island hopping for P100.00 each
picture-taking
bound to Manila
We’ve been here on February of 2014 so the prices might have increased as the place already gained popularity. Our total expenses including food is below 1kphp.
Masasa Beach Tingloy, Batangas
It’s a gloomy and a humdrum day. It’s a peculiar feeling in the month of March, my soul yearns for a sweet adventure out there. I was reminded of a beach in the coastline of Batangas. I want to go back and feel its summer breeze once again. Masasa beach in Tingloy, Batangas is unexploited and yet to be known by local and foreign tourists but it’s the best place for beach camping and nature intertwining.
awesome rock formations in Masasa beach
Well, as you see getting there is not easy and convenient.
Getting there: From Manila, take a bus to Batangas City Grand Terminal (2-3 hours travel, P120-P180). Take a jeepney to Anilao Port (P35) and board the passenger boat to Tingloy (P70). From the port, take a tricycle to Masasa Beach (P30). Then you need to walk for 10-15 minutes to get to the beach. 
I recommend this place for beach bums and nature enthusiasts. It is worth the long travel. More photos below 🙂
Expenses:
P120-P180 bus to Batangas City Grand Terminal
P35.00 jeepney to Anilao Port
P70.00 passenger boat to Tingloy
P30.00 tricycle to Tingloy beach
P150.00/person overnight food
There’s no entrance fee or resorts near the area, some houses offer shower for P20.00.
Things to bring:
tent
bed
headlamp
cookset
insect repellant
cooking utensils
camera
Tips:
Make sure to leave the island early in the morning, passenger boats are only available til 12pm. Unless you want to rent a boat for 1500-2k from Tingloy to Anilao Port.
Mt. Pulag; A Journey on top of the Clouds
It is the 3rd highest mountain in the Philippines. I wasn’t able to see its beauty at its finest because of the weather but I’ll surely be back sooner or later. I wanted to see the famous “sea of clouds” but unfortunately I just saw a glimpse of it. This is an amazing place and one of the reasons why I climb mountains. Inspiringly and spectacularly beautiful plus the amazing bunch of people I got to climb with.
Mt. Pulag I’ll see you again later 🙂
These are the magnificent rice terraces you can see at the beginning of the climb. It can surely ease your shortness of breath before starting the upward trail.
The summit with these two amazing people 🙂
And yes! It’s a rainbow up there, it’s like a dreamlike scenario. Quite pleasing to the eye and uplifting to a weary soul.
Climbing Mt. Pulag wouldn’t be complete without trying to ride on top of the jeepney, worth the risk. You can see amazing landscapes along the way.
on the way to Mt Pulag
I got to climb with these tough girls, how amazing 🙂
As Mt Pulag constantly gains its popularity, the number of tourists and climbers are also increasing. This is actually an alarming scenario, years from now I wonder how this place would look like if people wouldn’t start taking action to protect this lovely gem of Cordillera.
Mt Pulag
Expenses and Itinerary:
It’s advisable to go to Mt. Pulag in a group if you want to save money. I’ve been here Dec of 2013, we were a group of 20. We paid 2k inclusive of ride from Manila to Baguio and vice versa, monster jeepney from Baguio to Mt Pulag jump-off, 3 set of meals and a souvenir shirt.
Day 0:
night trip from Manila to Baguio
Day 1:
06:00 monster jeepney from Baguio to jump-off
lunch and briefing
start trek
Ambangeg-Ambangeg trail =2-3 hrs trek
campsite = dinner/socials
Day 2:
05:00 am = trek to summit 1-2 hrs
summit = sea of clouds if the weather if good
picture taking
back to summit
pack your things and leave no trace
travel to Baguio, sightseeing for 2 hrs then back to Manila
Notes:
There’s a portable toilet at the campsite but don’t expect much.
Things to bring:
The usual camping stuff
tent
headlamp
insect repellant
super thick jackets = really cold
waste bags
cookset
survival kit
first-aid kit
The Gentle Giants of Oslob, Cebu
Well, who would have thought that these enormous sea creatures are harmless to humans. Well they don’t eat human flesh, they eat planktons. And they are really achieving popularity nowadays. I was here on July of 2014.
You can also find these “butandings” in Legaspi, Albay but I think it’s only seasonal. In Oslob, you can see these whalesharks all year round.
How to Get There:
Just ride a plane bound to Cebu International Airport. You can find good deals or wait for seat sales of Airasia and Cebupacific.
From Mactan airport, ride a cab to South bus terminal (P250.-300.00). From there, ride a Ceres bus going to Oslob ( P150.00) 3 hrs. Ask the driver to drop you off at Tan-awan. Depending on your itinerary, you can opt to find a place to stay or go directly to the whaleshark watching site. Just ask directions from the locals on how to go to Brgy. hall where a seminar is conducted before the whaleshark watching.
Expenses:
airport to bus Terminal : P200 -250
Bus ride to Oslob: P150
Whaleshark watching: P500 for 30 minutes /1500 for foreigners
If you will stay in Tan-awan, I recommend Chateau de Tan-awan. We paid P850 for overnight stay, they also serve breakfast P150.00. It’s really worth it and you must try their banana cake.
Cebu whaleshark
Cebu whaleshark
Oslob Cebu whaleshark
Oslob Cebu whaleshark
You can watch my video in Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZAPaCSgDKk
Tips:
break your own snorkeling gears, be at the whaleshark watching area early in the morning. Oslob is really popular nowadays, expect a flock of tourists.
Kwebang Lampas; Pagbilao Quezon
I always want to spend time at the sea, the serenity it brings is like a medicine to the soul. I normally search for an unexploited wonder where I can unite with nature without the usual hard partying which is common among the popular tourist’s attractions.
Quezon Province has a lot of beautiful wonders to offer. I searched the internet and convinced my friends to go to Kwebang Lampas for an overnight camping. We used a private car going to Pagbilao, Quezon. It took us 5 or 6 hours to get there.
How To Go There:
By Public Transport
Ride a bus en route to Lucena (either from Buendia, Kamias or Cubao) and get off at Lucena Grand Central Terminal. From the terminal there are vans and jeepneys en route to Pagbilao. All buses en route to Bicol will also pass the town of Pagbilao.
From the Lucena Grand Central Terminal
Take a jeep ride bound for Brgy. Polo for Php 35.00.
Tell the driver that you are going to Lukang Beach (Lukang Beach is the old name of Kwebang Lampas).
Once in Brgy Polo, you can hire tricycle going to the Kwebang Lampas Registration area.
Tricycle drivers are charging around Php 200-250.00 one way, to bring you to the registration area. From the registration area, you can either walk all the way to the beach or ride a boat for P20.00 Round Trip, after the boat ride you need to hike to the beach for 15-20 mins.
At the registration, you have to pay for entrance.
Php 160.00 for an overnight stay.
Php 20.00 If you are crossing the lake via boat, two-way.
Php 300.00 Tents for overnight rent. bring your own tent to save money.
Php 700.00 Tables for rent.
By Private Transport
From Manila take SLEX to its end at Calamba and follow the signs towards Batangas. You will see a fork road on the right a short distance after passing the entrance to the STAR expressway. The right fork goes to Lipa City and the left goes to San Pablo – take the left fork towards San Pablo.
– See more at lakwatseradeprimera.com
The photos will speak for itself 🙂
Kwebang Lampas
Just make sure to bring your own foods if you go to the island. There’s a sari-sari store here but the price is really over the top.
Silhouette Wanderlust 
