Dumaguete - Oslob - Siquijor Day 2

5:30 AM - Alarm beeping

Yes yes... we woke up early! We're going to swim with the Whalesharks and visit Tumalog falls today.

Oslob New Village Lodge offers a car to bring you to the whalesharks and Tumalog falls at 500 per person. Not bad for us since we want to relax and forget about all the stress.

We met a fun couple staying in Oslob New Village Lodge - Mark & Mimi. They're such a fun couple! Adventurous & friendly. We clicked right then and there, and we went on a tour together that day.

Got to the whaleshark briefing area in about 20 mins. We had to listen to the short orientation where they mentioned the rules & regulations while you're swimming with the whalesharks.

Rules:
Don't go to near the whalesharks, no touching.
No flash photography
No jumping from the  boat
Don't apply sunblock - yes that's why we wore rash guards

Here's Mark & Mimi!

 All groups are given 30mins to swim and take pictures of the whalesharks. It was a really an enjoyable experience.

After the whalesharks, we drove to Tumalog falls. The car can only get you to the top and then you'll have to walk down the path - It's a cemented path so don't worry, trekking level: easy.

We took pictures and swam in the super cold water, but it was manageable, good thing the sun was up.

After an hour, we went back to our place. We had to since we're suppose to catch the boat going back to Dumaguete since we'll still go to Siquijor. We decided not to stay another night in Oslob since there was nothing else to do after visiting the Heritage park, Tumalog Falls and Whalesharks.

We packed our stuff and waited for a bus along the main road. Arrived at Liloan Port, bought a ticket and headed back to Dumaguete.

When we arrived, Kuya Hanz & Ate Jen were waiting for us. (Ate Jen and I were together in the Ateneo Children's Theater 16 years ago. Yup! That's how long we haven't seen each other!) They treated us to lunch before our boat ride to Siquijor. Food in Sansrival Bistro is yummy!

I ordered Lengua. So yummy!

Carlo liked the Bbq Ribs he ordered. 

There are several boat rides to Siquijor but most people prefer the Ocean Jet since it's air conditioned and only takes 40mins. Others take an hour and 20, others - 2hrs. We missed the once a day Ocean Jet trip (12:50PM) so we took the GL Express (1hr 20m) It wasn't air- conditioned, but it wasn't that bad.

Finally we arrive Siquijor. I was so shocked to see a long stretch of white sand. "Is this really a port??"

Here, we booked a room in Cocogrove Beach Resort Siquijor. It's not a budget resort, but I tell you it's really worth it!

We decided to relax today since we'll be staying here for 3 days more anyway.

We just ate dinner and slept the whole night.


Expenses (for 2):
Van c/o Oslob New Village Lodge - 500
Whaleshark watching - 1000 (500 each for locals)
Tumalog Falls entrance - 40
Bus to Liloan Port - 64
Boat to Sibulan Port, Dumaguete - 124
Trike to Dumaguete Port - 150
Boat to Siquijor (GL Express) - 260
TOTAL - P2,138

Dumaguete - Oslob - Siquijor Day 1

Our 2nd anniversary. That's what we were celebrating.

We were able to get a super cheap plane ticket (P2,332 for the both of us) since Cebu Pacific had a promo.

Here's how it went:

Arrived Dumaguete at around 1:30 PM. So hungry we asked the tricycle driver to bring us to Rizal Blvd where most of the restaurants are. There are no taxis in Dumaguete so tricycle trips are the most common mode of transportation. They have regular and "pakyaw" trips at P150. Regular is the shared ride. They usually offer "pakyaw" to tourists so they have the trike all to themselves.

Our trike driver Kuya Ben, offered to drive for us the whole time and said it's up to us how much we'll pay him. People usually don;t agree to this, but since I was in favor of the convenience, I obliged. (Plus, kuya Ben looked really nice and decent anyway)

We ate lunch at Kamalig Restaurant. Carinderia Type. They have a wide variety of viands, just like any carinderia in our country. Carlo ordered Sisig, I ordered Tanigue. After lunch, we passed by Silliman University (This is a 'must visit' to others), we decided not to go down since we were catching a boat to Oslob at Sibulan Port.

There are several boat trips to Oslob every hour, fast craft or pump boat . We took the fast craft that will depart at 3:00 PM. It was a hot day and we felt sweaty and uncomfortable since the boat wasn't air conditioned. then finally after around 45 mins, we arrive Liloan Port, Cebu. Ceres Liner buses are waiting there ready to go northbound to Cebu City. We rode a bus and arrived Oslob in 30 mins.

We stayed at Oslob New Village Lodge since we're friends with the owner, Kuya Hanz Villanueva. It was a nice place. Very peaceful and quiet at night. it's also near the main road so you won't have any problem looking for a pharmacy, a convenience store or a restaurant.

After settling in, we went to Oslob Heritage Park where we saw the old church, towers, gates and headquarters built during the Spanish era. It was a beautiful sight and we really felt we traveled back in time.

It was dawn and felt a little tired already so we went back to the main road and looked for restaurants. Them we saw these tables all lined up in one side of the street. They were all selling bbq and fried chicken. Tables and chairs are set up so you can eat there too. Unfortunately, unlike other street food, this was NOT good. It was okay, but hindi ganon ka-sarap.

We bought a few beers on the way back to our place so we can drink a bit and sleep soundly.

Expenses:
Lunch at Kamalig - 400
Tricycle Ride - 350
Fast Craft to Liloan Port - 124
Bus from Liloan to Oslob - 64
Dinner - 235
DAY 1 TOTAL: P1,173

Tattoos by Whang Od, The Last Mambabatok

My bestfriend, Kriska and I have been talking about going to Kalinga to meet Whang Od, she's the last original mambabatek. 

We planned the trip just a day before since we were busy with work and since we've both read a few blogs over and over and over like:

When in Manila's The Buscalan, Kalinga Experience: In Search of Whang-Od
Pinay Traveller
Wanderful Together's Things to know before going to Buscalan to meet Fang Od

We were able to plan it in a span of just an hour. 

Thank you so much by the way! it helped a lot!

I booked bus tickets to Tabuk in Victory Liner, Kamias. Regular tickets cost 614 per ticket. You can also choose the deluxe bus which is more expensive, around 800. We got the last trip which was at 8:45 PM. There are earlier trips - 7:30, 7:45 but we had to get he last since our friends were coming from work. Bought for tickets for Kriska, RV, Carlo and me.

Off to Tabuk!

The trip had 3 stops - it was okay since we all had to use the bathroom or eat snacks. 

We arrived Tabuk at 9:30 am. We ate brunch at a nearby restaurant. Waited for the van/jeep that would bring us to Tinglayan, where we'll meet Kuya Francis Pa-in. He's a recommended tourist guide. 

The jeep finally arrived, and we got to Tinglayan at 1:30pm. It took us another hour or so to get to Buscalan riding the same jeep. The whole trip was 150 per person. 

Time for the hike! 

While reading some blogs, we didn't actually realize how tiring the hike would be. But Travel lessons from Tripadora were super useful. Especially this: When the road seems long and your body is weary, never give up. Go on. Continue what you've started. There's no turning back. 

Kriska and me

It took us about 1 and a half hours to reach Buscalan and when we saw the elementary school, whew! it was a relief we were just steps aways from the village. As we walked a few steps more, there she was, Whang-Od sitting outside her house with a kid. Kriska and I were super starstruck!! 

Since it was almost sunset, the tattooing will push through early morning the next day. They want perfect lighting when tattooing. We went to our rooms which was fairly new. It was Grace's (Whang Od's grand niece) room. 

We brought canned goods as baon and we had the hosts cook the food for sharing. We had dinner and chatted with the locals, we also made friends with the other tourists. :) Apparently some of them were affiliated with Barefoot Travels. 

Sleeping time!

It was still early but since we were tired, we slept just before 10pm. Woke up really early the next day so we can get our tattoos done already.

Tattooing started at around 6:30 am. :)

I got the tattoo meaning The Traveler

Kriska getting her tattoo

RV getting her tattoo

Carlo got Ilat, meaning lighting like

As soon as all of us were finished, we packed our stuff, prepared ourselves for the hike back. We started the hike at 9:30am and we got to the end of the trail 40 mins after. There we rode the van to Tabuk. Arrived there at around 3pm. Bought bus tickets in Victory Liner, Tabuk. Tickets were at P605 each. Trips back to Manila start at 4 PM, last trip is at 5 PM.

The four of us were really tired with tattoos aching. So when we were able to board the bus. We just relaxed and slept. We ate along the way during one of the stopovers, but we really couldn't wait to go home to sleep on our beds.

We arrived Manila at 5:30 AM. It was really a memorable trip. We had so much fun and the leg and back aches were all worth it. :)

El Nido - I Believe in Paradise

For our 1st Anniversary we decided to go to El Nido. It's one of my dream places. Seeing images of El Nido made me stop and think if it was really that beautiful...

We were able to book a flight via Cebu Pacific Air for around 3,000 pesos roundtrip for the both of us. Not bad right?

Sharing with you our itinerary for the whole trip.

DAY 1
We arrived Puerto Princesa at around 10:30 am and was able to get a van (Lexxus shuttle) outside the airport going to El Nido. (650.00/person) The trip was scheduled to leave at 11:30 and took us aroundd 5-6 hours to get to El Nido. (including stopovers)

After checking in at Rovic's Pension (1,700/night) We walked around and realized that El Nido is a very small town. You can actually visit all the places in one day.

We decided to eat dinner at Squido's (Buffet at the mountain) Food was fairly okay for 250 per person, don't expect much though, it's not like Buffet 101, Vikings or the like. It's kind of a buffet for a house party. :)

After that we went out for a few drinks. Then went to sleep.

DAY 2
Our 1st island hopping tour - TOUR A. Met new friends and had so much fun!
Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Simizu Island, and 7 Commandos Beach
P1200/person. Lunch, mask & snorkel, life vest and tour guide are included.

Small Lagoon

Big Lagoon

7 Commandos

7 Commandos

Tour started at around 8am and ended at 5pm. After the tour we passed by a few food stalls and saw the famous Belle Ile Crepes!! Of course we had to try it out! I got the Nutella! It was to die for!
We ate dinner by the beach at Bacuit Grill. Food and drinks were awesome! :)

Day 3
Our 2nd island hopping tour - TOUR C.
Hidden Beach, Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine. P1,400/person. Lunch, mask & snorkel, life vest and tour guide are included.
**we weren't able to go to the Secret Beach since the waves were too strong.

Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach

Helicopter island

Matinloc Shrine

Tour started at around 8am and ended at 5pm.
We ate dinner at the Art Cafe. Really yummy pizza!

Day 4
Our trip back to Puerto Princesa. Grabe! We already knew there was a storm coming. Super great timing, it rained so hard this day. Good thing we were done with our tours, but I feel unfortunate for those whose tours got cancelled. Anyway, we left in the morning hoping to go around Puerto Princesa. But we were so tired and we thought of just buying passalubongs so we won't have to the following day. We ate at Kinabuch - this is not to miss!

Day 5
Is it really over?! That's it 5 days. #sepanx but oh well. We'll definitely go baaaaaack!!!

El Nido is a the most beautiful place I've ever been to. Now I do believe in Paradise.

Nasugbu Batangas - A Simple Birthday Celebration

Since my birthday, June 18, was on a week day this year, I decided to celebrate it the weekend before that. I treated my friends on a vacation trip to a beach that is within driving range from Manila -- Nasugbu, Batangas.

Well, honestly Nasugbu wasn't the first choice, Laiya was. But since most of my friends like hanging out super late at night along the shore while drinking beer and grilling our pulutan, I opted for Nasugbu. 

I brought our own van and driver since Nasugbu was only about 3-4 hours away from Manila. There were 7 of us. We met at Carlo's place along Commonwealth Ave. at around 6 am. After making sure everything was packed, we drove straight to Batangas.

We arrived at Marlou's Beach Resort at 11 am. That was a 5-hour travel time including stop overs for bathroom and snack breaks.

Marlou Beach Resort is a very simple place to stay in. They have very affordable rooms too. It has a beachfront with a beach volleyball court. Its shoreline has dark sand though. but nonetheless the rooms where nice and the beds were comfy. Plus, they offer a boat ride to the what they call the white sand beach. Unfortunately for us, we weren't able to go since the waves were so strong during that time. 

We cooked our own lunch, brought our own food. No corkage fees, so yehey! We were charged a small fee for borrowing their cookware and gas stove though. 

There wasn't much to do on our first day, so we decided to just chill and drink. :p (alcoholic?!)

The following day, we swam on the beach and played volleyball. We met fishermen selling their catch for that day. I bought 2 kilos of Tanigue and paid only P400 for everything. Not bad right?! It's Tanigue! 

We had 3 fishes - we fried one, the other grilled, the other kinilaw. Yummy! 

After dinner, the drinking began (again). Of course an inuman session would not be complete without Videoke! they charged 5 pesos per song. It was an honesty basis system. Just tell them how many songs you sang. :) 

It was so much fun. 

Carlo surprised me with fireworks, he knows how much I loooooove fireworks. That was the time he told me he loved me.. Yup before my birthday! (Nagtitipid yata, gusto isa nalang gift for birthday and anniversary. LOL)

It was a super exciting trip with my close friends, unforgettable to be exact. We'll surely go back there soon! 

Notes:

Expenses for 3D/2N stay

Marlou Beach Resort 

email: dondonchuaii@yahoo.com.ph

mobile: 09155761566 or 043-740-0459

Look for Tita Lourdes Chua, she's really very nice and approachable. 

Room Rates: 

Cookingware/Gas Stove: P400

Boat ride going to white beach: P1000 per boat

(room rates to follow)

Food and Drinks (brought our own), but grocery costs P5,000

All in all we spent  P13,000 for 7 people for # days and 2 nights. That's like 1,800 per person for 3 days and 2 nights! Not bad at all! 

Global Dining Etiquette

I came across this post by The Restaurant Choice .

Here's an infographic on how to behave in different restaurants around the world. :)