Chasing Dolphins At Manjuyod Sandbar

My second day in Dumaguete City started at 5 in the morning to catch up with the 6 AM bus going to Bais City, it would be an hour and a half before we could get there to meet our tour guide somewhere there. But where is Bais City? I haven't heard of this place yet and I have no idea what to expect,  what I only know was we were still in Negros Oriental.

Well just for a brief history, Bais City is in Negros Oriental, it was under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Tanjay during the Spanish era and later on declared as Chartered City by former President Marcos in 1968. The word "Bais" was derived from fresh water eel which abundantly inhabits the sea. The Spanish explorers gave the name to it as mistakingly referred by a fisherman who was catching eel when asked about the name of the place. At least their conversation ended with something significant even if one speaks Spanish and the latter speaks the Visayan dialect.

So we met our tour guide in the city proper and took a vehicle going to Capiñahan Wharf and met the boatman who will take us to Tañon Strait where dolphins are often seen. Tañon Strait is located between the island of Negros and Cebu and is known for whale and dolphin-watching. The place is a popular tourist destination in Negros Oriental. We were sailing in Tañon Strait for almost an hour, that we've almost reached the southern part of Cebu, we couldn't spot a single dolphin,  but we didn't lose hope and instead we patiently waited until...something leaped from underneath! A spinner dolphin came up as if showing off their skills and another one came up and another! You know that feeling when you patiently waited and it suddenly came up leaping and swirling on air in front you? It was very rewarding, a phenomenon that you wouldn't see everyday.  Pod of dolphins were emerging from everywhere and I even thought that there were just a few which were taking turns on playing tricks on us but they were swimming in schools. I had a hard time taking pictures of them so I thought of taking this video. And here they are...

After that dolphin adventure we decided to take a dip and snorkeled into the cool and clear water in Manjuyod, its magnificent powdery-white sand was glimmering under the sun and it doesn't hurt my feet. Manjuyod is an island in Tañon Stait which is popular for it sandbar that appears during low tide. We were hoping that the sandbar has already emerged at the time we were there but it is too early so instead we frolic on the beach!

These are just the few beautiful things I saw beneath, the Manjuyod Island is also one of the dive sites in Negros Oriental so be sure you don't miss it when you go there, just ask your tour guide.
Lunch time came and we were all starving, it's time to move out of the water and dry ourselves for the moment. Mr. Pancho our boatman was so gracious to accommodate us in his humble home, he lives in Olympia Island and his daughter Jan prepared and cooked the food for us.

We were all hungry that moment that nobody dared to talk while eating. Our tour in Bais City includes packed lunch while on boat tour but since it was raining that time Mr. Pancho was kind enough to accommodate us in his house and we are so thankful to his family that he even allowed us to use their comfort room and let us charge our phones and cameras. The lunch includes seafood which we chose from Jan's menu, but she has a variety of meals you can choose from for only 2,500 pesos for 6-8 people, with 3 main dishes. We took a rest for a while before our tour in Manjuyod to wait for the sandbar to emerge! It didn't take too long before we arrive in Manjuyod and yes! The sand has emerged!!

 You know this scene reminds me of the story of Moses where the he divided the sea and let the people pass. It was a different experience for me to walk in the middle of the ocean and I am kind of scared of sudden surge of water. The Manjuyod Sandbar is a 7 kilometer stretch of sand which only appears on low tide which happens late in the afternoon. Well we just stayed there for a couple of minutes because as you can see the clouds ahead was getting heavy and we should all get back to the boat.

We were almost near the port when rain came so hard and worse of all, we got stuck in the middle of the sea because the boat ceased to operate! Good thing somebody came to the rescue and safely tugged the boat to the port. Well things happen, but it is part of the experience. We spent the whole day with so many beautiful things and if you will ask me if I will go back there? Yes!

How to get to Bais City, Negros Oriental?
1. If you're in Dumaguete City, take the bus going to Manjuyod, there is a Ceres bus terminal in Dumaguete which leaves everyday.
2. It is better to have someone who knows the place and will do boat tours for you. I advise you to go the tourism office for guidance.


Summer is fast approaching don't forget your sunblock lotion!!

Sans Rival City...Dumaguete

The first thing that comes to my mind when I hear Dumaguete in Negros Oriental is Sans Rival. Sans Rival is the French word for "no rival" which is agreeable, because the Sans Rival Pastry Shop in Dumaguete serves the most delectable and melts in the mouth Silvannas which I think is unbeatable.  Unfortunately I didn't have the chance the take a photo of the said shop and the pastry itself due to my eagerness to sit and dine at the restaurant! So no photos, it already melted in my mouth.

Anyway, since we made Dumaguete City as our base for our trips in Negros Oriental, I walked around the city to get familiar with it. Dumaguete City is the largest and the capital of Negros Oriental. The place has become a prominent educational destination of students in the province and nearby provinces due the number of prestigious colleges and universities. One of them is the Silliman University which is also where Dumaguete City is known for. Founded in 1901, by Dr. Horace Silliman a retired businessman from New York. He is an active supporter of colleges and universities and on one of his missions here in the Philippines, he has the conviction that Filipinos needs a new kind of  education and the rest is history. Silliman University is the first Protestant university in the Philippines and the first American university in Asia.

 The campus reminds me of University of the Philippines, it has a similarity in appearance, the old acacia trees which surrounds the campus, the old buildings almost looks like it. These huge trees made the campus a relaxing place to study.

The campus even have a cherry blossom tree which was in full bloom during my visit, honestly I haven't see cherry blossom in real world and I never thought that it was that pretty!

In the heart of the city stands an old bellfry, which is the city's landmark. The Campanario de Dumaguete was built upon one of the four original massive watch towers that parish priest Manuel Fernandez built in 1760 to discourage Moros from predating the town.  It is situated just beside the parish church.

Just across the belfry is the city plaza, where I took a walk and watched how townsfolk spends their leisure time. And it seems like they are having a great time playing checkers, which I seldom see nowadays and which only shows that these people still prefers the traditional recreations.

And which our National Hero enjoys watching.

The St. Paul University is also one of the top university in Dumaguete City, in fact the school originated in Dumaguete to the coming of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres in France on October 29, 1904. It started with elementary education and later on high school and then college was offered. Then they were granted the university status in 2004 thus becoming one of the four universities in in the city. The statue of the Sisters stands on the beach along Rizal Boulevard where they docked their boats when they arrrived many years ago.

The promenade along Rizal Boulevard provides luxury for tourists, townsfolk and people from all walks of life, who would like to sit or just watch the blue ocean and enjoy the cold breeze, chat with friends, read something or eat something and do you know what's good about it...it's free!

I have read that Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental is one of the best places for retirement and I have no doubt about it. Dumaguete has it all, you wouldn't be homesick!

You wanna go there?
1. If you're coming from Manila book a flight going to Dumaguete City which I think has flights everyday.
2. Transportation are very accessible from the airport, just tell them where you'll go and will be happy to guide you.
3. There are numerous hotels and inns in Dumaguete so you won't have a hard time finding one.

Siquijor The Island of Fire

Summertime of 2014 was spent on island hopping in Visayas, I know it would take a lot of money, time and energy to finish this trip so I must make the most of it! The trip took a lot of planning before we came up with a detailed itinerary, and we chose Siquijor Island as our first destination. Siquijor was formerly a sub-province of Negros Oriental, and in 1971 it was declared as an island province and the third smallest island province in the Philippines.The original inhabitants of Siquijor came from Cebu and other nearby islands as farmers and fishermen. The town of Siquijor is the capital of Siquijor Island, so don't get confused.

They call Siquijor as the Island of Fire...why? It is said that the island's native name was Katugasan from the word "tugas" which refers to the Molave trees that covers the hills during the early times and swarmed by fireflies which makes the island flicker at night! People often associate Siquijor with witchcraft and sorcery, that's why it's called the mystical island. Some says the island are mostly inhabited by spiritual healers, witches and other supernatural elements. One would be filled with apprehension and curiosity upon arrival on the said island.

Upon arrival at Siquijor Port we took a tricycle going to Coco Grove Resort. It is located in San Juan, Siquijor, which is apporximately 20 minutes travel from the port. The resort is very spacious and clean, the cabanas are made from bamboo with roof made from nipa. It has a wide and long beach with white sands and coconut trees aligned along the beach. We ate big lunch before going around the island and we must not waste any minute for this!

Tricycles can be hired for a reasonable price in going around the island which can be done for a day, the driver as the tour guide can already take you to most of the interesting places in Siquijor. Our first stop was in  Capilay's Spring Park which is located in the town proper just across San Juan Municipal Hall. It is a natural spring pool which provides cool refreshing water to locals and tourists during hot summer days. The pool is surrounded by huge trees which creates a serene ambience, a place where you can relax and spend time leisurely.

Another interesting place in Siquijor is the 400 year old balite or banyan tree which stands just near the main road but you won't notice if you are not with someone familiar with the place because it is within the thick trees, plants and bushes that surrounds the area. This spooky looking tree has been one of those which earned most of the mysterious tales mostly scary stories which has been handed down from generations to generations that helped the island to be known all over the country. Dwarves, fairies, and things which we couldn't see are said to be the dwellers of the old banyan tree, but I didn't get scared instead I was fascinated by its appearance and even enjoyed the fish foot spa in the natural pool beside it.

Our next destination was the town of Lazi which is the home of the two old structures in Siquijor.  The San Isidro de Labrador Church and its convent. The church was built in 1857 until 1884. It is made from coral stones and hardwood. I was attracted by the curtains in the entrance door which looks so organic and unique and which makes the interiors of the church more intriguing and dignified.

 Across the old church is the convent which served as the recreation and resting place of friars during the old times. The ground floor was made from thick stone slabs and the second floor was made from thick wood. The flooring is still shiny even if it has been there for a long time, it squeaks as I walk slowly as if its going the fall apart, the smell of old wood and corals nestles in every corner which is probably has never changed since it was constructed. The town of Lazi remains naive, the rustic atmosphere hasn't changed as I have observed with the simplicity of their standard of living in the said town. I like Lazi it is one of the few places that I've been wanting to visit again.

We went back on the road and our guide took us to the one of the famous tourists spot in Siquijor, the Cambugahay Falls. But before we can get there we have to go down on that 135 stone stairs which leads to the falls itself. Yes you'll have to exert some effort in going down and may I remind you that it doesn't have a handrail and some steps are slippery and rough, so you have to be extra careful.

You'll see big rocks at the end of the it and the graceful sound of gushing water will welcome you. The Cambugahay falls in Lazi is not like other waterfalls which comes from a height and pours heavy volumes of water. Cambugahay falls for me looks so gracious it has several short layers of cascading waters smoothly flowing from one rock to another. The color of the water is aquamarine which looks so inviting, it is cold and rejuvenating! Isn't that awesome?

We have to be quick for it was getting dark then and we have more to places to go! Next stop is the Salagdoong Beach, a name which confuses me whenever I pronounce it. The Salagdoong beach is located in Maria, Siquijor, passing through a road with thousands of mahogany trees along the way, yes I said thousands because all I could see was the innumerable trees as if it'll never end. And at the dead end is a charming beach with white sand and blue ocean water. There are many activities for tourists in the resort and the most challenging ones is diving from a cliff with an approximate height of 20-30 feet that is surely a steep drop!

 I saw tourists daring and bragging with each other and I know it will a take a lot of guts to take a plunge before the glory which I wouldn't dare to even if all the saints promises me that it will be okay...I wont! Instead I diverted my attention to sunset and do you know what? The sight of the blue, pink and green sundown completed my day in Siquijor and that's very rewarding!

It went dark and my tour around Siquijor that day wasn't finished, but my eyes were filled with all the colorful and interesting scenery in the Island of Fire and even if Siquijor is being linked with sorcerers and witchcrafts, we cannot deny the fact that Siquijor's charm will remain and will continue to attract more tourists. My second day in Siquijor was too little and there's so much to see, time to go and move back to Dumaguete!

How to get here?
1. If you're coming from Manila, take a flight to Dumaguete.
2. Go to the port and take a ferry boat going to Siquijor. ( 1 1/2 hours)
2. There are two ports in Siquijor, the Larena Port and the Siquijor Port (town). It is up to you where to go.
3. When in Siquijor you will find tricycles (motorized bicycle) which can take you to your resort and can also take you around Siquijor for a negotiated fee.

Until my next blog, thank you for reading.

It's Wow In Mindanao 2-The Majestic Tinuy-an Falls

Third day in Mindanao was wilder, I have to prepare our things for our trip to Tinuy-an Falls! We must be early to witness the rainbow that arches the falls in the morning, but it's late and it was raining that morning! I can't complain about the weather because we must get there rain or shine or I'll miss the moment! And since this falls has been labeled as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines I must see it! Well, just for a brief information about Tinuy-an Falls, this waterfalls is located in Burboanan, Bislig City in Surigao del Sur...sounds far? It is a 3-tier large waterfalls with a height of 55 meters that plunges on the swimming ground with mists that makes the atmosphere looks cool and damp and makes pavement slightly mossy and slippery.

Careful slippery when wet!

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by a short waterfalls near the entrance gate and proceeded by a loud and strong  layers of water which comes all the way from the thick forested hills and into the mother falls and down to the swimming ground.

Prologue to the main event!

As we walked in closer to the mother falls, the sound of the bursting water and the fine mists in the atmosphere creates a relaxing effect on my tired body. The majestic Tinuy-an Falls, a masterpiece of nature, a playground for nature lovers, its picture perfect elegance is unique and indeed one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines! Unfortunately, we were late and didn't make it to the spectacular rainbow which is also one of the main attraction in the place aside from the magnificent waterfalls itself.

Mother Nature's masterpiece!

It was an unforgettable experience to face courageously the strong downpour of water by riding the raft and go to the swimming ground and braved going through the mother falls. I swear I haven't done this in my entire life, and as I went through the curtain of flowing water I was gasping for air for it was dropping on my head in great volume! It was one hell of an experience and I think I'm going to do it again!

Getting ready for some real actions!

We had the opportunity to climb onto the first and second layers of the falls, we trekked on a steel bridge along the hills, the bridge during that time was destroyed by a typhoon so there are some parts which are dilapidated but still we made it. The appearance of the walls are like stairs and the flow of water is calm and I guess purer than that of underneath. We took a lot of photos from different angles and made the most of our time for it would take a long time before we could go back and visit this enchanting place again.

Chill!

Well, it was my first trip in Mindanao, I never realized that I would see some of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the island which most of us aspires to see. Although the island has been marked with unfavorable reputation, it doesn't stop tourists from coming for we know it keeps a lot of natures treasures.

How to get there? Book a flight to Butuan (Agusan del Norte) and take a bus going to Bislig City which will take for approximately 3 hours, from Bislig you can take the habal-habal or if your with a big group you can hire a van.

Where to stay? I recommend Paper Country Inn in Bislig, Surigao del Sur. The staff  are friendly and polite, the rooms are small but clean. Contact: (086) 628-2313; (086) 853-3079

It's Wow In Mindanao 1-The Enchanted River

How could I forget our Mindanao trip?  Knowing that I was there a couple of years ago, I should have written something about it a long time ago. But it doesn't matter how long it will take, just as long as I can still recall them. I can write about it without missing anything, with a paradise as beautiful as that, I can hardly forget all the wonderful things that I saw and feel. Anyway, Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines. It is also one of the three main islands which composes the Philippines aside from Luzon and Visayas. The largest city in Mindanao is Davao City, the other provinces in Mindanao are home to a number of Muslims. I went to Samal Island in Davao as my first destination but I didn't get around much in the island and instead I chose to stay and relax in a private resort for my time to stay is too short. Villa Amparo offers a panoramic view of the nearby islands and natural scenery. It is spacious for large groups, it's peaceful and clean. They serve delectable dishes and the staff are polite. I highly recommend Villa Amparo for families who wishes to have quality time with each other.

Promenade.

My second day in Mindanao was wild! We left Samal Island early in the morning to prepare for our roadtrip. Our first destination...the ENCHANTED RIVER! Who would say that you can only see this mysterious river in pictures and television? Not me! It was a 3-hour scenic drive through country from Davao City to Enchanted River. We passed by countless coconut and banana plantations, towering trees and verdant fields. "Enchanted River" by the way, is located in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. According to the vendor that I talked to, it was once an ordinary log pond in the 1950s, and that some logs still lies submerged underneath the 20-feet deep river. The road going to the river from the main highway is rough and slippery and only "habal-habal" (motorcycle) which is only the public transport that can take you to the river unless you got your own vehicle. Well, you don't have to worry about the ride, the drivers are used to the route going to the river.

Sun proof habal habal

The vendor added that the river was just a natural spring where the locals fetched water and swam, they knew about its existence because if you are a stranger in that small village you would not notice the river due to the dense growth of trees covering the area. It is called enchanted due to the supernatural creatures which inhabits and takes care of the area which I believe. And since that so many tourists flocks often anytime of the year and inviting more nature lovers,  the said creatures were disturbed and moved out. Anyway, there is a ticket booth which collects 20 pesos per head and cottages for rent of 100 pesos, if you wish to rent a life vest that would be 100 pesos for a whole day use. There is a concrete stair leading to the river which I of course hurriedly took a view and behold, the river which looks exactly like I see in pictures! IT IS REALLY BLUE! And all the wild plants that clings and adorned around the river really makes the place enchanted, a lost kingdom of supernatural beings! It is different from the rivers that I've seen which are mostly green or rather brown in color. The water looks dense and cold even though I didn't take a dip, I felt it.

Blue Danube, Philippine version. 

The depth of the water in the bluish part of river is not advisable for those who cannot swim and restricted to children. There is a shallow part of the river where children can enjoy the blue water. Lifeguards are always on watch on their posts so as to keep the safety of the tourists. At 12 noon all swimmers are requested to move out of the river to give way to the fishes to be fed, there are really big fishes in that river and after an hour, tourists can go back and enjoy the rejuvenating body of water!

Enchanting!

The sight of the river was amazing, a picture which I couldn't just erase in my mind. Too bad, overnight stay is not allowed and the resort closes at 5 PM, well it is good that they've set some guidelines for tourists. I have to say that they should have maintained the natural atmosphere of the place, the cottages just a few meters away from the river made the place commercialized. The line of vehicles parked in front of the natural spring made the place chaotic and if only these supernatural creatures could complain, they would rather cast a spell and make the place go back to its original appearance. And I wouldn't like that, would you?

I have a lot to tell about my trip in Mindanao and I hope I can write about it as soon as I can.
If you're planning to go to Enchanted River, I would suggest that if you're coming from Manila, you can take a flight to Butuan, take a bus going to Surigao del Sur and from there you can hire public vehicles going to Hinatuan. You can stay at Paper Country Inn in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, the rates are affordable and the most decent place to stay, the staff are courteous. You can make reservations even without reservation fee just make sure that you confirm your booking a day before you arrive. You can send your inquiries in this email ad: papercountryinn.bislig@gmail.com

Thank you for reading!!

The Quest For The Seven Lakes

The Seven Lakes is located in San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines. The city is famous for them for it attracts a lot of tourists. I have heard of them a long time ago and some people say there are only five and the other two doesn't exists. So, my friends and I agreed to go for an adventurous trip in search of the seven lakes. We gathered a lot of information on how to locate these lakes before going because there are lakes which are accessible while some of them are far-off that it needs some time to be reached which made the trip more interesting!

These lakes are said to be "maars".  So what is "maars"? Maars are low-profile volcano craters and among the 200 small monogenetic volcanoes found along a rift zone between  Mt. Makiling and Mt. Banahaw. Whew!  Did you get that? That is hard to understand! Well in short they are craters of an ancient volcanoes. These lakes has legends which the locals believed to be its origin. Well, wherever and however they come to existence, I cannot deny the fact the these bodies of water has become the favorite subject of adventurers!

Sampaloc Lake

The temperature on that day was very hot, while walking along the streets of the city going to Lake Sampalok. It is the biggest among the other lakes and the most accessible, being just around the vicinity of City Hall. It has also become the prime tourist destination for its shoreline has been developed into parks where people can stay, relax and watch the splendid view of nature around the lake. There are also food stalls and restaurants selling snacks sold in affordable prices so tourists can enjoy their stay along the lake. You can also come early and catch the sunrise or stay until the end of the day to watch the sunset. Try it!

Pandin Lake

Another lake located in Barangay San Lorenzo is Pandin Lake, I consider this lake as the most charming of them all. You only need to hike for 10-15 minutes from the main road before you could reach this lake unlike with Sampalok Lake which can easily be reached. What is good with this place is that you can stay and enjoy the light breeze cooled by the lake while cruising and eating lunch in the middle of it! This place is highly recommendable for family quick weekend getaways and also for friends and relatives or even company outings. The association of women in Pandin Lake are the ones in charge of preserving the lake, they keep the area maintained for its protection.

Let's eat!!

They also serve lunch of grilled tilapia and pork belly, shrimp cooked in coconut milk, "pako" salad and rice for only 400 pesos (raft ride included) to tourists.

Yambo Lake

Lying near Pandin Lake is Yambo Lake, they say they're twin craters! The lake is accessible by a 5-minute trek on a rough trail from Pandin Lake and then you can get the view of the lake from a narrow strip of land at the end of it. The raft paddlers in Pandin usually takes tourists to the path going to Yambo Lake. Like the Pandin Lake, Yambo provides fishermen with a good catch of "tilapia" and small shrimps for their living.

Palakpakin Lake

After that enjoyable trip on the lake, off we went to Palakpakin Lake, it is located in Barangay San Buenaventura and you need to take a tricycle from the main road for it is the only transportation available if you don't have a private vehicle. Just tell the driver to take you to the lake and they will guide you to where the lake is best viewed. This photo was taken from Palakpakin bridge, a better location than the first one we had been earlier. And from there, we had a very spectacular image of the blue lake adorned with coconut trees and the overlapping backdrop of Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal. Isn't that very rewarding? Fish cages on the lakes grows "tilapia" and silver carps which is the source of livelihood of the residents of Palakpakin.

Mojicap Lake

Next lake to go to is the Mojicap Lake, I suggest not to let the tricycle leave if you hired one, ask the driver to take you to Mojicap Lake which is just a few kilometers away from Palakpakin lake. You can get this view of the lake by descending on a concrete steep stair, only you have to be very careful because some steps are already weak. The viewpoint is just a narrow path where some residents are staying. Taking turns for photo opportunity is recommended so as to avoid pile-up in the area. Locals offers raft rides on the lake for a minimal fee, they mentioned that a cave exists in the area where tourists can go spelunking, but I am not so sure what to see in that cave because I haven't gone there.

Bunot Lake

Lake Bunot can be reached by taking a jeepney from the main avenue just ask the driver to stop by Carmelite Road in Barangay Concepcion, it is just a few kilometers away from the city proper. This view was taken from the residential houses along the shore, some places with a good view of the lake has been fenced and we can't just get through it. The lake is known for cultured tilapia and its fingerlings.

Calibato Lake

The last but not the least lake to visit is the Calibato Lake.  Calibato is the farthest among the seven lakes from the city proper. It is located in Barangay Sto. Angel and it is said that Calibato is the youngest and the deepest among the seven lakes. Trekking is required before we reached the lake, but I have to remind you that the trail is rocky and slippery, I guess that is where its name was derived. "Calle" the spanish word for street and the tagalog word "bato". Anyway, there are residents within the shore of the lake, and fishing is their main source of income. There are also fish pens which grows "tilapia". From the shore a waterfalls on the other side of the lake is visible, they call it "Nagalagas Falls". Since me and my companions were so curious about it, we braved the deep lake and we were not disappointed! The fresh water which came from Mt. Tayak is not that wide but the water is cool and the current is strong. The surroundings only needs a clean up, there are some garbages scattered around like plastic bottles and wrappers. I think some people still needs more orientation on how to protect our natural resources from being fresh to maintain its wholesome quality. If you are planning to have a picnic in Calibato Lake just ask the locals and the will be glad to get you some "tilapia" from the fishpens for a reasonable price, just grill the fish, the locals are willing to assist you.

Oh well our mission is accomplished and the curiosity about the seven lakes is finished! I know these lakes just looks similar with each other, they are all bodies of water and I know some people would find it boring but the thrill of this adventurous expedition with friends is something that is highly memorable and you must go for it!

How to get there? If you are taking a public transport, take a bus going to Lucena, get off at San Pablo City. Hire a tricycle and ask the driver to take you to the lakes, there are drivers who can do lake tour for a negotiated fare. I suggest Roldan with mobile no. 09214230596, he do lake tours just advise him before going.
If you like to have lunch in Pandin Lake you can contact Mam Tina at mobile no. 09079952983 and make arrangements with her.

That's all and thank you for reading I hope this blog would help your quest for the Seven Lakes!!

This is posted for Our World Tuesday! Go and visit!

Potipot Island

Potipot Island

Where is Potipot Island? It is that cute little isle that looks like an oasis of peace in a troubled world, that you won't resist its charm once you catch a glimpse of it. So where is Potipot Island?

 Potipot is located in Uocon,  Candelaria, Zambales, a small paradise dedicated to all the island and beach lovers!

Candelaria town proper

Candelaria, Zambales can be reached by land from Manila for about 4-5 hours in a private vehicle but if you're taking a public transportation it would probably take 5-6 hours. It is 42 km away from the capital town of Iba, Zambales. Candelaria has a rustic ambiance, the ancestral houses and old structures gives an impression that this town existed from a former period of history. The narrow paved streets as well as with the old and huge acacia and pine trees alongside adds more texture to its appearance.

Will take you to paradise!

From Candelaria town you can take a public transportation going to Dawal Beach, which is the jump off point to the island. You can hire a boat from the resorts along the beach in Dawal going to the little island which would only take 5 minutes! Isn't that quick enough?

Potipot Island has a land area of  approximately 7-8 hectares, in fact you can walk around the island in less than an hour without hurting your feet because of its fine white sands. It is teeming with trees which gives shelter to tourists and clear water where one can frolic and swim with the fish!

Potipot Island is becoming popular among local and foreign tourists, it is a quick weekend getaway with your family, relatives and friends. It could also be a perfect venue for company outings and
pre-nuptial photoshoot!  On the other hand, there are no resorts in the island so you have to book an accommodation in the resorts in the mainland. If you're really that adventurous, just bring a tent and food...and you'll survive! But I have to remind you that there are no toilets available in the island so just let your inventive skills carry on with it. Just don't leave your trashes in the island, there are few caretakers who maintains cleanliness and order in the island, so please let us not be a burden to them. Thank you for reading.

HOW TO GET THERE?

1. Take a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Zambales and tell the driver to drop you in Candelaria. Take a tricycle and tell the driver to drop you at the beach resorts near Potipot Island. There are boats which takes tourists in the island which only takes for abou 5-10 minutes.

2. If you're driving a car, take NLEX exit at Dau. Drive towards SCTEX exit at Tipo going to Subic Base exit at Subic town. You'll pass by several towns in Zambales, just follow the signage going to Masinloc and Candelaria. Travel time is 4-5 hours.