Calaguas Islands of Camarines Norte [featuring Maculabo Island]

This blog entry is a part II of my Calaguas Trip. You may refer on this link - [click here] to read the first half of my Calaguas Islands trip featuring its well known and top tourist destination island, the Tinaga Island, where the "Mahabang Buhangin" beach is located. Moving on, as for this blog post, I will be featuring another Calaguas' pride, none other than, the majestic Maculabo Island.

Maculabo Island is still part of Calaguas Islands under the municipality of Paracale in Camarines Norte. It is now considered as a prime stop-over for tourists either before or after going to Tinaga Island because of its beauty and elegance. Why it is considered good for stop-over or side trip despite its beuaty and fame? Well, I guess because the island is small and can be explored in a matter of few hours compared to Tinaga Island. According to Wikipedia, Maculabo Island is just about 4 kilometers long. Plus, I didn't see any resort in the area unlike in Tinaga. But if you'll ask me which of the two islands is more beautiful? I'll say, its Maculabo Island.

How to get there?
Please refer on the direction written here -- [click here].

My visit to Maculabo Island was just a side trip and quick so I want this blog post to be short and straight to the point as well. Going to Maculabo Island is just a matter of negotiation to your boatman. As for us, we just added 500 pesos to our boat rental in order to stop-over at Maculabo. All in all, we spend 4,500 pesos on our boat rental which covers a trip to Tinaga Island and Maculabo Island. Its not a bad deal knowing that this place is divine!

The trip from Tinaga Island going to Maculabo Island is about an hour away. From afar you'll say that Maculabo is an ordinary island that you see on your tour around Calaguas but as you go near it and reach the island itself, you'll be mesmerize on its appearance and charm.

Beach shore of Maculabo Island

I'm not faking it when I said crystal clear water

Just feeling the heat of summer!

"Medyo" Candid

The sand in this island may not be as powdery as Tinaga but with its vast blue water, Maculabo Island captivated my heart. Though I consider myself a traveler, I hate staying under sun. Weird eh? I just don't want to go into waste my mother's investment on papaya soap, that's why. Haha. But during my visit at Maculabo, it is one of those moments wherein I didn't care if I turn black or "nognog" and suffer from sunburn. I just swam and dived in the crystal clear blue water of Maculabo under the scorching heat of the sun. Another thing I liked about this island is even I am just right beside the shoreline, the water can go beyond human deep. A perfect site to swim!

Well, for those who doesn't know how to swim, just don't forget to wear life vest to enjoy the water of Maculabo Island.

Nailed it on the first shot!

Photo op mode! 

Undercut mode this summer. LOL!

Maculabo Island is our final destination of this Calaguas Islands adventure. It has brought extra fun and added excitement on this trip. I strongly recommend to visit Maculabo Island when hitting Calaguas!

Breakdown of Expenses:
Please refer on the bottom part of this blog post - [click here]

Click here to read the 1sr part of my Calaguas Adventure featuring Tinaga Island

Cagayan de Oro: White Water Rafting at Cagayan River

Whenever I hear the place Mindanao and Cagayan de Oro, the first thing that pops on my mind is White Water Rafting. White Water Rafting in this province is claimed to be the main tourist attraction being promoted by the Department of Tourism. Therefore, it is really a must try activity to every tourists, backpackers and specially adventurers who'll visit Cagayan de Oro.

Cagayan River (which also referred as Cagayan de Oro River) is where the activity is being hold. This  river lies and serves as divider to the province of Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon.  So as you do water rafting to this river, the land you'll see on your left is Cagayan de Oro and the one on your right is the province of Bukidnon. So you can say that you are actually in 2 provinces at the same time since you are in between them. Cool huh?!

How to get there? (How did we got there?)
After we booked our flight to Cagayan de Oro, the group had also started to find great deals on white water rafting online. As expected, Google suggested several groups and agencies that offers rafting. So our next basis would be affordability and the packages. With that criteria, we picked 1st Rafting Adventure to booked our CDO White Water Rafting Experience.

Why our group picked 1st Rafting Adventure? Simply because of their packages. They offer packages suited for beginners, mid-level, and pro water rafters. Along side with that, they have extra freebies that is favorable with their clients. To cut the story short, we avail their Advance 1 course at 1,000 pesos per pax. It is under Class III - IV rapids and the experience will take 4-5 hours river run. Aside from that, since we're more than 6 who had availed the package, pictures of our water rafting adventures was given to us for free. The package also includes free lunch at Brewberry Cafe also located in CDO, transfer (from Mcdo Divisoria to the jump-off & from the end point back to the city), safety gears (helmets, buoyancy aid, paddle), and certified river guides.

Look how angry the river that day :)

Our White Water Rafting adventure starts with a quick lecture on:

• The different kinds of paddling,
• The right way of paddling,
• The right way of holding our paddles
• The do's and don'ts during the actual rafting
• How should we act and react on possible things that may happened during the rafting and
• The CHEER!

To sum it up, the lecture is all about the basic of water rafting. That lecture is very important so participants of this activity should listen carefully and it should be taken seriously. Part of that lecture will actually save your life in case something went wrong as you are on the river. There is one rule that they share which instilled on my mind:

Do not panic. Because when you are in panic, it blocks you from thinking clearly in situations that requires you to think.

I wanted to do a slow clap the moment I heard our instructor said the lines because it do actually makes sense and he's definitely right.

Demonstrating the parts of the paddle

The right way of paddling

Ok. Going back, after our lecture on basic water rafting, we then proceed on our rubber boats. Since we were 9 in the this tour and the maximum capacity of a rubber boat is 6 (plus  2 experienced rafters/instructors who will be in charge on navigating the boat), we had to divide our group into 2 and had to recruit some other people from other group to complete our numbers in each boat. After completing oue numbers, then our white water rafting adventure in CDO (Cagayan de Oro) started!

First half of the group (Me, Paula, Foo, Edward, and Baron)

Other half of the group (Julius, Marie, Karen, Jing, Bona, and Yap)

The first trail of the rafting activity is the "Beginner's Course". However, I forgot to state that during our water rafting adventure, there was a signal #1 advisory in CDO due to Typhoon Agaton. Having said that, the supposedly Beginner's Course seemed like to turned into an "Advance 1 Course"! I think that was in favor with us because we don't have to pay extra to experienced that. Yeah! Downside, because of non stop rain, the water turns to brown. So can I say we experienced Brown Water Rafting instead? Hehe. All in all, we had gone through 27 rapids (originally, it should only be 21 rapids). Each rapid is packed with screams and shouts.

Conquering every rapid at Cagayan River

Other group that day

Cheering in the middle of the rapids

Other half of our group is rocking those rapids

During chill time or wherein the water is calm, our boat navigators entertained us with their tricks. Note: Please be patient with their tricks. Do not let your temper take over you. Hahahaha. Book now this activity and find out for yourself the tricks I am talking here.

Chill time in the middle of Cagayan River

I also find this activity educational. Water rafting is not just about shouting on rapids and paddling. It is also about appreciating nature. Along our way to the end point, we're able to see different species of plants and trees, caves and caverns, as well as rock formations. Unfortunately, it is not only beauty that we saw in this experience but also destruction. There were landslides happening here and there. Stories from from our boatmen like, before, animals (such as monkeys) were still visible in the forest and near the river but due to illegal hunting, their population became less and chance of seeing one while rafting today into this river is very low. Seeing and hearing news like that makes as sad and put into silence... but we became more aware of what is happening in the environment and learned a lesson because of this trip.

That wall said to be being housed by snakes - we actually saw one....

So who's up for this challenge? Rafting is definitely a great bonding activity for you and your friends!!!

Breakdown of Expenses:
Water Rafting Registration - 1,000 PhP per pax (The package also includes free lunch at Brewberry Cafe also located in CDO, transfer (from Mcdo Divisoria to the jump-off & from the end point back to the city), safety gears (helmets, buoyancy aid, paddle), and certified river guides.)

We Survived CDO's White Water Rafting!

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

Mt Manabu of Sto Tomas, Batangas

I started the year 2013 by conquering Mt Timbak and almost reaching the peak of Mt Tabayoc, so I guess the best way to end my 2013 is also by exploring another mountain. I was blessed because I have been invited by my girlfriend's colleagues as they planned to conquer Mt Manabu.

Mt Manabu is located in the town of Batangas. It stands at 720 MASL and considered to be a good climb for newbies (in hiking) because of its relatively light trail. Mt Manabu derived its name from MAtaas NA BUndok which means "alp" or "high mountain". There are 8 stations in order to land on top of Mt Manabu and trekkers have 2 options to reach its peak. One of which is the normal trail wherein you'll be following the stations numerically. While the other one is you'll be taking stations 1 to 4 then take the trail straight to the grotto which is in Station 8. Please see the map below:

Mt Manabu is located at Brgy. Sta Cruz, Sto Tomas, Batangas

How to get there?
Take a Lipa or Lucena bound bus at LRT Buendia then inform the bus conductor to drop you off at Brgy. San Pedro, Sto Tomas. From Sto Tomas, ride a trike to "Sulok". Make sure to visit the Barangay Hall for registration before starting your trek. Registration fee is 20 pesos per pax. You can also ask for a guide here. Guide is around 300-500 pesos (depends on how good you are on bartering).

We reached the jump off point of Mt Manabu around 9PM. Yup, night trek is possible on Mt Manabu. Right after we registered at the barangay, we waste no time and started to trek. The first 4 stations were easy and light. However, the climb becomes more complex from Station 5 and up to the peak due to continuity of upward hike. The trail becomes steeper and challenging. Plus, the trail was muddy during our visit which we didn't expect because it was sunny that whole week. Some part of the trail have "lubid" installed. These ropes are located on sharp angled and steep trails. Trekkers swing to these ropes in order to help them continue on trekking. It was also fun because it added flavor or twist to Mt Manabu.

Shot as we descend at Mt Manabu

After almost 2 1/2 hours, we finally reached the campsite. Located between Station 5 and 6, Mt Manabu's campsite is quite big. It can accommodate large numbers of campers and the signal is pretty strong. We were 14 people in the group and we were able to pitch 7 tents along with other campers and still it is spacious.

Right after we pitched our tents, we started to prepare our late dinner. It was really cold up there so I recommend to pack up jackets and other thick clothes when planning to stay overnight at Mt Manabu. After some chit chat and socials we then took a rest.

Getting ready to descend

After packing our things, its time for some photo op

Konting pakilig lang... =]

The next day, we woke up early and took a light breakfast. Then we packed up our things as we will continue to explore Mt Manabu (particularly Station 7 & 8). In between station 6 & 7 lies a cross and marks that you already reached the peak of Mt Manabu. On the other hand, Station 8 hold a grotto. And because of these landmarks, Mt Manabu becomes a popular destination for Visita Iglesia.

Big cross found in between Station 6 and 7

Grotto at Station 8

Since we descend Mt Manabu on the morning, I appreciate the environment even more. The shades of the trail are very evident. Shades that come from its rich forest. The trail is surrounded by trees and plants. Nature is really being take care off at Mt Manabu. Kudos!

And because of those shades, it lessens the tiredness and perspiration we experienced on exploring this mountain. We were able to reach the jump off point again in 2 hours or less.

Shades. One of a few reason why I love Mt Manabu

Rich nature. Happy people.

Passing through Station 4

It was nice meeting new people. My experience with Mt Manabu was definitely a fun climb. I just hope fellow trekkers and people around the area maintain the cleanliness of this mountain for future generations.

Additional information: Comfort rooms are available in the jump off point. You may directly go here after your hike for a quick bath or to wash your shoes. You may also display there your wrecked shoes just in case you experience one during your climb. Lols.

We survived Mt Manabu! Wew!

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".