Island Hopping and Snorkeling in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

If you're at White Beach, Puerto Galera and you find the beach shore to be too crowded to relax and enjoy the water then you have another choice. All you have to do is go out there and wait 'till a man approach you and offer you an island hopping tour plus a snorkeling experience. Do not worry because they were boat agents of the islands and that is just a normal scene in the beach front of White Beach.

How to get there (to Puerto Galera)?
From Cubao, ride an ALPS bus going to Batangas (Batangas Port). Their bus terminal is located near the Ali Mall and fare is 175 pesos per pax. It took us 2 1/2 hours to reach Batangas Port. Alight at Batangas Port, you'll be mobbed by people who worked on different ferry companies that will persuade you to get their service and to take you to Puerto Galera. My tip is ti entertain them. Compare their prices and bargain with them. In the end, we get the Father and Son line to get us to Puerto Galera. Why? Because they give us a 7 + 1 promo. Since we're 8 in the group. 7 of us will pay 500 pesos and the other one is free. That 500 pesos is a two-way ride (Batangas Port - White Beach, Puerto Galera and vise-versa). Regular ferry ride is 270 pesos per pax (one way).

You'll know they're boat agents because they have these laminated boards on their hands that is printed with photos of islands near White Beach and activities like snorkeling and caving. I've talked to some of these agents and they have standard price for each and every activities on their list. Well, of course there are also some sneaky boat agents which offer a bit higher price than the others so be very careful. As for island hopping, it only cost 1,500 pesos and good up to 8 pax (approximately 188 pesos/head). I tried to haggle the price and somewhat make it to 1,300 pesos but no one bite my bait. They're really strict to their standards. Oh well, atleast we tried.

Early morning ride!

The package includes: trip to Sandbar Island, Bayanan Beach, Haligi Beach and to the an island where small boats await that can bring visitors to the snorkeling area (separate payment). Unfortunately, like what I said on my previous post of this trip, we only stayed here over the weekend and had a limited time. Having said that, we didn't had the chance to visit all of the spots included on the package. Nevertheless, we never regret getting this tour.

Our first stop is the island wherein small bangka (boats) await. These small bangka will take you to the under water cave (additional 200 pesos/pax), giant clam shell snorkeling area (additional 200 pesos/pax) and to the corals snorkeling area (additional 200 pesos/pax). We were hesitant at first because it was too pricey. Imagine, additional 600 pesos for 3 more activities? But who cares... we're there and who knows when can we ever go back again here. So again again, i tried to haggle the price and thank God because we got the 3 activities for 500 pesos/pax.

Food trip + Selfie inside our bangka

I'm just enjoying the view

Underwater Cave

Located on one of the small island in Oriental Mindoro lies an underwater cave which became very known to tourists who visit the province. The cave is too small that it can be explored by a few minutes. Though the entrance and exit of this cave are small, underneath it is a bit bigger that can be fit up to no more than 20 persons. Get ready to get wet as you tried this activity. The water inside the cave can get shoulder deep/high.

The island is jam packed with other tourists

What to expect inside...

Me at the exit point

Giant Clam Shells and the Corals - Snorkeling Area

Our next stops are the 2 snorkeling areas of this trip. We first visited the area where giant clam shells are being cultivated and protected. It was so nice to see that these things are being protected in the area. I didn't know that Mindoro Oriental's water is a treasure as its water is so rich.

Off to the snorkeling sites

Just when I thought I already saw how beautiful the water of Oriental Mindoro by diving into the giant clam shells area, well, I was wrong. As we reach the 2nd snorkeling area and started diving into it... I was stunned on what I saw. Different kinds of fishes (which are colorful), corals, sea urchins, water plants... all! I also saw sword fishes, Nemo (clown fishes), and humongous-sized fishes! I was speechless of the life I saw underneath it. If only I have go pro, I could have documented it... Arrrrrggghhh! Tip: Before going here, bring/buy a slice of bread. Then as you dive, bring that bread with you. Lots of fish will surely go to your side.

Donna, Claire and Dingdong Dantes their boatman

If there is one activity that I couldn't forget on this trip is the time wherein we were in the 2nd snorkeling area and the boatman told us to hold on the rope placed on the side of the boat. The boat will run slowly and all we have to do is to hold tight on the rope and place our heads on the water and watch what's underneath it as the boat roams around the area. Weeeee! The experience was really priceless!

By the way, life vests and snorkeling masks are included in the package.

That's me exploring the 2nd site :)

Snorkeling while I am being dragged by our boat

The water is so clear that you can clearly see the fishes underneath it

This Other Beach...

Lol me. Yup, I didn't get the name of this island/beach. The water is also pristine and clear but I was disappointed when I saw a ketchup bottle floating on the water. Aw. I hope people become more responsible on their waste. Let's trained ourselves to protect the earth. Aw. 

Anyway, please feel free to leave a comment if it happens you knew the name of this beach. TIA!

I wish this area will preserve its beauty

Self timer mode again!

We missed to visit other beaches and islands because of lack of time but we surely had fun with this tour. The place and activities are very recommendable. I must say it is a must try but please... please be responsible enough of your waste. Lets have fun and protect our surroundings at the same time. Thank you.

Breakdown of Expenses:

Island Hopping tour - 1,500 Pesos / 8 pax = 187.5 Pesos per pax

Tricycle ride (White Beach to Boat pier, one way) - 50 Pesos / 4 pax = 12.5 Pesos per pax

Mini Bangka Tour (Caving, Giant Clam Shell, Coral) = 500 Pesos per Pax

Mimbalot Falls of Brgy. Buru-un, Iligan City

Iligan City is well-known for its falls as this city homes to no less than 30 waterfalls. Some of the famous waterfalls of Iligan are Tinago Falls and Maria Christina Falls (which I always came across on my elementary and high school textbooks). Moreover, this blog post will feature Mimbalot Falls. Another waterfall in Iligan with undeniably beautiful cascading water.

Our visit to Mimbalot Falls was actually unexpected and unplanned. Our group should be visiting Maria Christina Falls and Tinago Falls but due to landslide because of Typhoon Agaton, we were unable to visit those iconic falls. So we ask our driver of that tour an alternative as we do not want to leave the city of Iligan without visiting any of its falls. Then he mentioned Mimbalot Falls. Though we don't have an idea what Mimbalot Falls looks like, we all agreed to his suggestion.

How to get there?
From the city proper, you can ride a jeep with a "Buru-un" signboard. If you are near the NPC Park, the area of Mimbalot Falls is just 15 minutes away and the fare is 10 pesos per pax. Inform the driver to drop you off at Miguel Canohoy Memorial School. Then from the school you can just walk going to Mimbalot Falls. There are locals living along the way to Mimbalot Falls. Locals here are very approachable so you can ask for directions going to the falls. When you reach the welcoming sign of "Iligan City School of Fisheries", just continue walking on the left. After 10 minutes of another walk, you'll be able to hear the strong sound of falling and running water. Yes! You're now in Mimbalot Falls!

Shot at one of the viewing deck of Mimbalot Falls

After being stopped by landslide with our supposedly trip to Maria Christina and Tinago Falls, seeing Mimbalot Falls that day brought us happiness and charge our spirit up! Mimbalot Falls is covered with trees and plants from its foot until on its top. It stands at 90 feet and cascades into a series of drops because of its water path has lots of large rock that divides the water in rivulets. How I wish it was a fair day during our visit because I found Mimbalot Falls photogenic. Unfortunately, it was raining had that day and its too risky exposing my camera out in there. But I did tried taking photos to have something to post in here.

Aside from taking photographs and dipping into the water, visitors can also enjoy zip lining and trekking as Mimbalot Falls is part of a Paradise Resort and Eco Park. The Eco park is located on top of Mimbalot Falls so you have to trek up to be able to reach it. Take an extra caution when trekking up as the steps are quite slippery. Don't worry as it will only take10-15 minutes of trekking to reach the Eco park.

Way going to the Eco Park

Upon reaching the Eco park, the environment has changed. It is already developed as I saw cottages and different rides above Mimbalot Falls. Some of the rides were zip lines, cable cart, hanging bridge walk, trampoline (on the edge of a cliff) and a swing (swings its passenger to the cliff back to the edge). I also heard they also offer horse back riding, ATVs and dirt biking.

Cable Cart trip that will cross along Mimbalot Falls

This activity will swing you back and forth to an edge of a cliff

Try walking across this hanging bridge

Right away, our group did tried their zip line. The unique thing of zip lining at the Eco park is you've got to see the full view of Mimbalot Falls as this line will cross you from it. Yes, we were on top of Mimbalot Falls. I couldn't hold myself to be amazed on its beauty and all that surrounds it. It is really a must try guys! It costs us 150 pesos per pax for the zip line. If you want to do it in a superman way, you'll have to pay 200 pesos. Aside from that, you also have a choice if you want to do it alone or with a partner. If there is something I regret that day, it was the thought that I should have brought my camera with me during my turn on the zip line. Zip lining here will gives you the perfect angle and view of the waterfalls. Ugh! I should have find a plastic to cover my camera from that rain!

Yap and Baron enjoying the ride

Note: If you have lots of spare time, you can also do river trekking at from Tinago Falls going to Mimbalot Falls. Yes, this two falls are connected to one another. Just make sure you have dry bags or any waterproof bags as you'll be expected to get wet during this trek.

Though the rain didn't stop that day, we still did enjoy our trip to Iligan... to Mimbalot Falls. This unexpected trip really brought us unexpected happiness!!!

Breakdown of Expenses:
Jeepney ride - 10 PhP per pax
Zip line (two-way) - 150 PhP per pax
Zip line Superman way (two-way) - 200 PhP per pax
Trampoline - 120 PhP per pax
Cable Cart - 120 PhP per pax
Hanging Bridge - 50 PhP per pax

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort of Mambajao, Camiguin

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort is one of the known site in Camiguin for both local and foreign tourists. I believe it is because of its calming effect it can give to an individual.  A visit to ardent is a great way to release stress after a day or week of work.  While backpackers and adventurers will surely love soaking in this hot spring after their long travel, island exploration and adventure in the Island of Camiguin.

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort is a natural hot spring heated by Mt Hibok Hibok, an active volcano in the country. It is located at the foot of Mt Hibok-Hibok, Mambajao, Camiguin and this natural hot spring can reach up to 40 °C in terms of water temperature.

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort offers...

40 °C may sound pretty intense to others but not all pools here have the same temperature. There are 6 pools in Ardent with different water temperature so I am sure you'll find a pool that will suit on your standards. All 6 pools are connected to one another however they are layered or in a form of a falls so one can still identify each of the 6 pools. I find the top most layer as the hottest and the lower layer the moderate one (I couldn't say it is cold).

Mini fall that connects one pool to another

[Relaxation + bonding time] Edward, Yap and Baron

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort is operating 24 by 7 therefore people can visit the place anytime they want. How cool is that? Aside from that, Ardent is a smoke free vicinity so please refrain from lighting your cigarettes during your stay here. The only smoke I saw during my visit in Ardent were the smokes emitted by the water due to its water temperature. As I am talking with Ardent's vicinity, let me take this chance to commend the caretakers of this place. Aside from the fallen leaves that is just natural because the place is covered with tall trees and plants, I didn't noticed any trash or waste in the place. Kudos!

Lower pools of Ardent (Photo from Thea Isabel Velasco)

Upper pools of Ardent (Photo from Thea Isabel Velasco)

If you're looking for accommodation in Camiguin, Ardent also offers affordable rooms and cottages. Since we just stayed there for a couple of hours, we only availed a nipa hut for our shed. A regular size hut with table costs us 70 pesos which is good for 3 hours. But if you'll be in a larger group, they also have a family size hut for 150 pesos for the first 3 hours as well. 10 pesos per hour will be added for the excess of 3 hours. They also have grill station at 20 pesos.

I haven't checked their rooms personally but here are the ratings of their rooms:
Single Rooms w/ AC (good for 2 pax) - 1,200 pesos/day
Family Rooms w/ AC (good for 5 pax) - 2,750 pesos/day
Dormitory Type  Rooms w/ AC (good for 7 pax) - 3,080 pesos/day
** Additional bed for single, family and dorm rooms - 175 pesos/day

I believe these are some of the accommodations at Ardent

I really recommend visiting this place. Especially after a long drive, travel or adventure in the island of Camiguin. A nice way to relax those muscles and also your mind.

Breakdown of Expenses:
Entrance Fee - 30 PhP (adult rate)
Regular size hut - 170 PhP / 9 persons (our group number) = 19 PhP per pax

A Day at Pico de Loro Cove - Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu, Batangas

Batangas homed some of the most beautiful beaches and resorts in Luzon specially the Nasugbu part of it. Though it may not possess the whitest sand, the relaxation that visitors may experience due to nature that surrounds this place fairly makes it up. Therefore, it is not surprising that this place has always been on the list of Manilenos whenever they are, or should I say, whenever we are ask on where to go for an out of town trip. Having said that, we chose the town of Batangas to hold our team building/team outing!

It was pretty tough to decide where we should go. There are lots of potential resorts in Batangas and we have bosses coming from different sides of the world so we need to consider high class place but also not to risk our own pockets. Haha.

Then we came across Pico de Loro Cove of Hamilo Coast, Nasugbu, Batangas. It is a private beach club owned by SM investment group. It is so private that the only way for an individual to access this place are 1) to own an apartment unit, 2) know someone that owns a unit and have an endorsement from them 3) or book a room at Pico Sands Hotel. Being tagged as private, staying at Pico de Loro is accompanied as a luxurious trip. Thank Goodness, we know someone who owns a unit and have us endorsed. That lessen our expense BIG TIME!

How to get there?

1. Take SLEX (Southbound) headed toward Laguna.
2. Take the STA. ROSA EXIT and turn right after the toll booth. Follow the road all the way to Tagaytay City. (Alternatively, you may choose to take the ETON EXIT (after STA. ROSA EXIT))
3. Once you're along Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay City, you will pass: Josephine’s Restaurant, Taal Vista Hotel
4. When you reach the Junction of Balayan (Caltex Station at the Right), turn right again to go to Nasugbu (You will pass Central Azucarera de Don Pedro on your left side)
5. When you reach the Shell Gas Station (Left side), turn right to go to the Nasugbu Town Proper.
6. Go straight until you reach the road that will take you uphill. You will pass by the “Brgy Wawa” arch and the following developments: Canyon Cove, Kawayan Cove, Terazzas de Punta Fuego, Tali Beach Club, Peninsula de Punta Fuego
7. Go further uphill until you reach Pico de Loro by following the yellow signage of “Hamilo Coast”

Disclaimer: Please don't ask me or clarify anything about the given direction above. I just got it from their website. All I knew was during our trip, it was like a never-ending roadtrip. Haha. Well, kidding aside, it was 3-4 hours of long drive from Manila to Pico de Loro with the suggested direction.

Its Christmas at Pico de Loro lobby!

Pico de Loro Cove is a 37.5 hectare of coastal community with lots... i mean tons of activities/amenities to offer which includes both outdoor and indoor activities. They even have a tagline that says it will take 40 hours for an individual to experience all sports and recreational activities of Pico de Loro. And I strongly believe on that. However, he or she should also prepare his/her wallet to cover all the acts.

They also have an infinity pool here

The management cares for their visitors. External shuttles roams around the vicinity and take every visitors to their desired place. It is free of charge and there's a frequent rotations. This eliminates long wait to go from one place to another and also saves time.

Team CertPoint!!! Yeah!

I can say that this beach club is suitable for all types of vacationers. Why? Because the activities they offer here doesn't focus on a single type of customer.

Sports oriented type of guests may use/rent their badminton facilities, basketball court (indoor), beach volleyball and table tennis. For Family bonding, enjoy some bowling session and karaoke at their KTV hubs. Extreme seekers and adventurers will definitely enjoy banana boat, scuba diving, jet skiing and hiking. While nature trippers should avail the cove tour and water taxi. Also, health conscious can do biking and jogging around the vicinity.

Sun bathing. Anyone?

Perfect for brisk walking, jogging and even biking

Lastly, food enthusiasts. Bars, restaurants and cafes are available and offers wide varieties of food in terms of selection. One will definitely satisfy his or her taste buds.

Ate Mars enjoying the variety of food

Three fourths of our stay were spent at the beach part of the club. Summer season is still far to come so we really missed being on the beach. The shore is quite big. It has lots of umbrellas and beds which are perfect for sunbathing. Beach volleyball and soccer area are also located at the beach shore.

The girls are now ready for some water action

Team QAs and Developer :P

Sorry guys I will not lay on that one

We were only there for a day trip and it is definitely not enough to experience all of what Pico de Loro can offer. But it was definitely a great experience. Luxurious trip on its finest actually. I don't know if I could be here again yet I still hope someday.

Chill time!

Hamilo Coast, Pico de Loro - Nasugbu, Batangas
For reservation, contact Pico Sands Hotel at (02) 214-7888 or (0917) 809-1289
For membership inquiries, ontact Pico de Loro at +632.902.8053
For amenities ratings and other information, you may visit their official website. Click here.

Mt Romelo - Buruwisan Falls, Batya Batya Falls and Sampaloc Falls

Mt. Romelo is a popular destination for newbie mountaineers. Situated in Siniloan, Laguna and stands at 300 MASL, Mt. Romelo is considered to be a minor climb. It is also rated 2/9 in terms of its difficulty by Pinoy Mountaineer. But despite the given specs, Mt. Romelo is known for having muddy trails on both sunny and specially during rainy seasons. Therefore, extreme precautions must always be observed upon hiking. Some also mistaken called this as Mt. "Famy". A name of a town adjacent to Siniloan.

This mountain is not just about trekking and reaching the summit as it also houses beautiful and hidden falls. Waterfalls like Batya-Batya Falls, Sampaloc Falls, Buruwisan Falls, and Lanzones Falls are found in the forest of Mt. Romelo and most of them are located near the campsite. Having said that, Mt Romelo are hiked all year-round. Trekking on summer is ideal because the trails are less muddy but to be able to see the full water size of the falls, trekking on rainy season is advised.

How to get there?
You may take a bus at Raymond Bus Line bound to Infanta, Quezon. This is the only bus line that passes right thru the jump-off of Mt. Romelo from Manila. Just tell the bus conductor that you'll be heading at Mt. Romelo and to drop you off at Trois Restaurant in Siniloan. Near Trois Restaurant is the jump off point to Mt. Romelo. By the way, Raymond Bus Line terminal is situated at Sampaloc, Manila. Fare going to Siniloan is about 130 pesos.

After we registered and logged our names which costs us 50 pesos per head, our adventure to Mt. Romelo starts! Trail going to the peak starts with crossing a stream of river. From that moment, I knew that our trek will be slippery and muddy at the same time.

Start of our trek

I found the trail going to the peak of Mt Romelo as beginners-friendly. 1) There were resting site scattered evenly along the way with long log that serves as chairs for trekkers, 2) vendors [of buko juice and sodas] are visible until almost half of the trek, 3) shades are also available for most of the part and 4) lastly, it has lesser steep trails compared to other mountains I've been through.

Shady part of the trail

Smile guys!

One of the store you'll encounter at Mt. Romelo

The view is also superb. There is a spot at Mt. Romelo wherein we stopped for a couple of minutes to enjoy a 360 view while fresh air touches our skins and blowing our hair. During the stop, we also have some group shots and not to forget, "selfies".

Though we only stopped for about 5 or 10 minutes, it was really refreshing and energizing. We went back again on trekking and rushed because we want to be in campsite before the sun goes down.

Group photo op

Random citizen in Mt Romelo

After 2 hours of walking/trekking, we finally reached the campsite. I must say that the site is pretty big and can accommodate several groups. There are available nipa huts that can be rented which is ideal for night campers (but I don't know how much they cost). But for us, we have our tents. We miss sleeping in tents despite the uneven floor from stones and roots. So after pitching our tents, we prepared and eat our dinner, had some socials, swim a bit in the river, then we all took a rest.

Rest and chat time...

Batya Batya Falls, Sampaloc Falls, and Buruwisan Falls

We started our second day having a goal of exploring all the waterfalls in Mt. Romelo. However we failed to accomplish that goal. There are seven waterfalls known and have been explored in the area, namely: Buruwisan Falls, Lansones Falls, Sampaloc Falls, Batya-Batya Falls, Old Buruwisan Falls, Twin Falls, and Sapang Labo Falls. Among the stated waterfalls we were able to visit only three. Aw.

Just experimenting...

First off is Batya Batya Falls. Batya Batya Falls which means "small tub" or "basin" is located in the northern part of the campsite and approximately a kilometer away. Reaching Batya Batya Falls is quiet hard especially when you have gadgets with you. I suggest you put them on a dry bag or waterproof case before visiting Batya Batya Falls. Why? Because in order to reach the falls, you'll be wading along shoulder-deep to neck-dip water. I even had to carry my camera and tripod high up as I swim across to reach land again.

Reaching the site of Batya Batya Falls

Batya Batya Falls is a two-level waterfall. You'll be swimming at 18 ft. deep water in order to reach the other side and see its second level. This time I didn't brought my camera. Leaving my camera was a mistake because Sampaloc Falls is just right above Batya Batya Falls. Shame. Having said that, I didn't have any photo of Sampaloc Falls. Sampaloc Falls has its own cascading beauty and a decent-sized catch-basin.

Last is Buruwisan Falls. Buruwisan Falls is just located below the campsite. This is the biggest and tallest waterfall in Mt Romelo. It is approximately 180 ft tall and characterized with large catch-basin. Rappelling is one of the many things that can be done in Buruwisan Falls. Don't resist yourself from diving into the water because you'll just going to fail. With clear and wide catch-basin, it is really hard not to go for a swim in Buruwisan Falls.

Presenting... Buruwisan Falls

We wanted to visit the other falls unfortunately, we don't have enough time. We enjoyed and stayed too much  in the 3 waterfalls stated above. We miscalculated our time and we need to leave in order to reach Manila before nightfall. I guess this is not the last time I'll be seeing Mt. Romelo...

... So I guess this is just the first part of my write up on Mt. Romelo and it is decent to say, "Till we meet again".