Tag Archives: philippines

Oslob: Whaleshark Watching and Sumilon Island

June 8, 2016 couplemeetsworld Leave a comment

May 27, 2016

We started our Cebu trip by going to the Cebu South Bus Terminal at around 4A.M. to take an Oslob-bound bus. Fare costs P160 per person.

We asked the conductor to drop us off at Brgy. Tan-awan. There, we were greeted by May-Ann, our contact in Oslob, who took care of tickets for our Whale shark Watching Activity, and our day trip to the Sumilon Island sandbar.

The whale shark is the largest living fish, and swimming with them was a different kind of experience for us. From what we saw, the whale sharks are well taken care of. The municipal officers are strict with rules, and they have marine biologists overseeing everything. However, we can only wish that every visitor interacting with the whale sharks would be as responsible.

After a 30-minute encounter with the whale sharks, we had lunch and prepared for our trip to the Sumilon Island sandbar, which was just a 15-minute boat ride away from Brgy. Tan-awan. We waited until late afternoon for the sandbar to emerge but we had to leave when it was already getting dark. We were able to enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Sumilon Island anyway.

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Cebu: Oslob, Alegria, Moalboal, Osmena Peak, Cebu City

Video June 4, 2016 couplemeetsworld Leave a comment

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Osmeña Peak

June 2, 2016 couplemeetsworld Leave a comment

We’re back from our 3-day Cebu adventure. We got to cover more than what we expected that’s why it’s going to be tough to share everything right away. Maybe, we’ll just do it in installments and then summarize everything in one post later on.

This part is about Osmeña Peak, the highest point in the island of Cebu. Situated in Dalaguete, Cebu, the peak is at 1,072.6 meters above sea level. However, it was a very short hike because the jump-off point is already near the peak. Since we were pressed for time, we didn’t get the chance to hike all the way up, and instead cheated with the help of a motorcycle, or habal-habal to get to the hiker’s registration area. (Note: We chartered two motorcycles for two days to get to different parts of South Cebu to cover as much as possible, and we’ll write about this in the coming days). From there, it took us around 15 minutes to get to the peak.

The entrance fee is just at P20 per person, while there are no fixed fees set for tour guides.

At the summit, you will see some extraordinary “hilly” formations, the shore of Moalboal, and the islands of Badian, Siquijor, Bohol, and Negros. Definitely a must-do when visiting Cebu!

adventure, featured, nature, Philippines, Rizal, tourism, travel

Mt. Hapunang Banoi

May 18, 2016 couplemeetsworld Leave a comment

May 14, 2016

Whenever we want to go on a hiking trip but don’t want to travel as far, the province of Rizal is our go-to place. The town of Montalban , which is just an hour away from Cubao, Quezon City, offers different trails going up different mountains, which form part of the Sierra Madre range.

Last Saturday, we hiked Mt. Hapunang Banoi. Just like Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan, the jump-off point is at Brgy. Wawa. Entrance fee is at P25/head, while the services of tour guides are at P500/group. The trail is very challenging and would require climbing sharp rocks. It took us probably three hours to reach the summit (which was definitely worth it) and an hour to get down.

travel, Uncategorized

Palm Beach, Sariaya, Quezon

May 12, 2016 couplemeetsworld Leave a comment

May 7, 2016

If you’re looking for a private beach for that barkada/family outing, you may want to check out Palm Beach in Brgy. San Roque, Sariaya, Quezon, which is approximately 2.5 hours away from Manila (via Maharlika Highway or the newly-opened Quezon Eco-Tourism Road). In this beach, one can enjoy the calm waters of the Tayabas Bay, brown powdery sand, and a view of the Mount Banahaw.

For more information, you may contact Mr. Al Gutierrez at 09088639148.

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Bukal Falls

April 11, 2016 couplemeetsworld Leave a comment

March 26, 2016

Hidden in the town of Majayjay, Laguna is an enchanted pond surrounding the Bukal Falls. We say it’s enchanted because its crystal clear, frigid blue waters reminds us of photos of the more popular Enchanted River in Surigao.

To get to the jump-off point, one has to go to the barangay hall of Brgy. Bukal. Entrance fees are just at P25/person, while the services of a tour guide cost P300/group of 5. We got to the jump-off point at around 3pm, and trekked for an hour to reach Bukal Falls. The trail was quite challenging but was manageable even for older people. In fact, Mommy Evette (Janna’s 58-year old mother) had a great time with us. By 6pm, just before sunset, we were already back at where we started.

If you’re also looking for a place to eat, there’s this new restaurant/resort in Lucban, Quezon called Sam Kara, which is just five minutes away from Majayjay, Laguna. We had a Filipino lunch just before going to Brgy. Bukal.

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Mt. Mamara, Tinipak River, Tinipak Cave

Video April 7, 2016 couplemeetsworld Leave a comment

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Mt. Mamara, Tinapak River, and Tinapak Cave

April 6, 2016 couplemeetsworld Leave a comment

March 19, 2016

This trip was planned only around six hours before. After going home from movie night, we decided to meet each other early the next day for another hiking trip.

We were supposed to climb Mt. Daraitan but since we woke up late that morning, we got to Brgy. Daraitan at noon, and the tourism office said we couldn’t anymore. Hence, they offered us an alternative, Mt. Mamara.

The Tinipak River and Mts. Daraitan and Mamara are subject of an ongoing boundary dispute between the municipalities of General Nakar, Quezon, and Tanay, Rizal. For now, the municipalities are sharing profit by require separate environmental fees of a minimal amount.

The trail to Mt. Mamara would require crossing the Tinipak River, which is a scene in itself as it has limestone formations reminiscent of those in Minalungao National Park, Nueva Ecija. When we reached the summit after two hours from Tinipak River, it didn’t feel like Mt. Mamara was just an alternative because of the amazing view it offers, including that of Mt. Daraitan.

After our descent, we passed by the Tinipak Cave, and swam inside. The water was very cold and clear.

If there’s one tip we want to share to others about our trips, it would be to always expect the unexpected and just make the most out of the trip. If by some chance the place you plan to go to is closed, there will always be an alternative; you can just ask around or google.

Watch our video here:

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Barasoain Church

March 7, 2016 couplemeetsworld Leave a comment

January 23, 2016.

One fine Saturday, we decided to go to the Barasoain Church, without knowing that it was also the 117th anniversary of Emilio Aguinaldo’s inauguration as the President of the First Philippine Republic, which happened inside the same church.

We witnessed a wedding taking place inside the historical church, which was a staple in grade school field trips.

https://flic.kr/p/EQEYhx

travel, Uncategorized

National Museum: Angono Petroglyphs

February 4, 2016 couplemeetsworld Leave a comment

January 16, 2016

The Angono Petroglyphs is the oldest known artwork in the Philippines, dating back to 3,000 B.C.. It was discovered by National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco in 1965, and was declared by the National Museum of the Philippines as a National Cultural Treasure in 1973.

When we went to the site early last year, we didn’t get to see the actual petroglyphs as the area was under renovation. It was last month when we finally got to see the engravings of human and animal figures.