Category Archives: Adventure

Soccoro: The gateway to Sohoton National Park

Posted on by
Reply

The beautiful morning that greeted us in Soccoro

It was nearly evening when we arrived at the Soccoro Port from Dapa Port in Siargao. The moody weather delayed our scheduled boat ride. It was almost an hour and a half of being swayed in the sea. After all, we’ve passed by the Pacific Ocean as Siargao and Soccoro are geographically facing the Pacific.

I heaved a sigh of relief as soon as my feet felt the solid ground of the port. It’s time to find the lodge where we will stay for the night. The directional signage of Island Vacations Country Inn was helpful. Country Inn was just a few steps away from the port. It took us less than 5 minutes and saw the inn.

Fellow Pinoy Travel Blogger member, Sir Edelito Sangco, who’s also behind the blog, IslandVacations.me, owns the place. Though he was not around during the time that we were there, he endorsed us to his sister and brother in-law.

The rooms are located on top of a bakery store. Hence, we always smell the freshly baked bread. I got the fan dorm room. The fan room rate is Php 200 per head per night. We stayed for 2 nights. But the gracious Sir Ed Sangco let us stay for free. (Thank you sir Ed!)

It was around 7:30 PM when we decided to have dinner. During this time, only one cafeteria was opened. Candles and flashlight illuminated the area due to electricity loss during that night.

The townfolks of Soccoro slept early as the roads were almost deserted. And so we dozed off to sleep as well for an early island hopping the following day.

The smell of freshly baked pandesal awakened my senses. It really smelled so good. But the downside, the heat emitted by the bakery evaporated through the room. If you’re going to stay at Islands Country Inn, get the A/C room for Php 250 per head per night. :) Read more about Island Vacations Country Inn here.

The morning breeze in the quiet town of Soccoro was refreshing. The port was not yet busy at 6:00 AM. But as I walked further, I found two kids playing by the port.

While others were still yawning, fishermen were already casting their nets into the sea. I knew it was just the beginning of an exciting day.

Up Next: The Adventures in Sohoton National Park.

Travel Notes:

  • Travel time from Dapa Port to Soccoro Port- 1.5 hours
  • Ferry fare from Dapa Port to Soccoro- Php 100.00

Read Related entries:

Top 5 things to experience in Ilocos Norte

Posted on by
Reply

If you’re in the mood for a road trip this summer, then pack your bags and head to Ilocos Norte. Located 408 kilometers northwest of Manila, the province of Ilocos Norte is a haven for outdoor adventurers.

It is where you’ll experience the cool breeze from the mountains, a lazy day on the beach, a reflective walk through a path of puddles, a climb to an ethereal formation, an adrenaline-filled slide down the sand dunes, and a mouthwatering food trip.

Here are the top five things to do when visiting Ilocos Norte:

1. Trek through the Adams Trail and take a dip in Anuplig Falls. Stretch your legs and arms and trek in the virgin forests of Adams, Ilocos Norte.  After passing by the Patapat Viaduct, you may hire a motorcycle or opt to ride on a truck at the Junction. Don’t worry. After an hour’s ride, you’ll find yourself in the small town of Adams, where only 1,790 people reside.

From the drop-off point, you can approach the friendly locals and ask for a guide to the Anuplig Falls. If you have enough time, spend the night in town and chill with some Bugnay wine, which is made from wild cherries. The whole day is not enough to see 18 waterfalls and 10 man-made hanging bridges in Adams.

2. Swim and sunbathe in Pagudpud. 

Saud Beach of Pagudpud by Joseph Dy

The azure and turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon Cove or the Maira-Ira Cove will truly invite you to swim and just spend a lazy day on the beach. Then, give your stomach a healthy treat in Kapuluan Vista Resort near the lagoon. The resort offers organic food-garden salad to homemade vanilla ice cream.

3. Climb up and take photos of the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. 

From Pagudpud, proceed to Burgos where you’ll find the mysterious Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. From the drop-off point, you’ll have to skip from one coral to another or you may opt to cool your feet on the puddles as you get closer to the magnificent creation.

Kapurpurawan, which in local dialect means “white,” was once underwater, which may explain why the rocks in the area are shaped like waves. As you climb up the rock, you’ll be amazed by the “submarine-looking formation” with the deep blue sea in the background.

4.  Ride a 4 x 4 and drive through the Ilocos Norte Sand Dunes. Known as the Desert of the North, the sand dunes of Ilocos Norte are one of the country’s national geological monuments. You can scream your heart out as you ride the 4 x4 and drive through the La Paz sand dunes, which range from 10 to 30 meters in height.  Then, surf on the sand through sandboarding and feel the adrenaline rush.

5. Eat what your heart desires.   

You have to allot a space in your stomach to accommodate the luscious Ilocano dishes like laing and pinakbet. Satisfy your cravings with the crispy bagnet at Herencia Café in Paoay. Fill your hunger with the delectable empanada in Batac.

Poque-Poque

Then, treat your taste buds to Dinuguan Pizza and Poque-poque (eggplant) pizza at Saramsam Café in Laoag City. Before you leave Ilocos Norte, don’t forget to bring home the biscocho from Pasuquin and the chichacorn from Paoay.

Pizza from Herencia Cafe

The journey to the elusive Palaui Island

Posted on by
Reply
The gloomy skies brought drizzles the morning after we arrived in Sta. Ana, Cagayan. But the mood swings of the weather did not dampen our desire to see the elusive Palaui Island. Still, our local guide from the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority told us that we could only proceed with the trip if the weather permitted us.

The free Wi-Fi at the lobby of Sun City, where we stayed during the night, kept us wired and entertained while we waited for the travel advice. After waiting for about two hours, we hopped on the bus and went to San Vicente Port, where the boats were waiting. The skies were still gray but the seas seemed tranquil. And so off we went to our first stop, the Siwangag Cove, an untouched marine sanctuary in the northwestern part of Palaui Island.

According to CEZA environmental specialist Ernesto Ablao, the Siwangag Cove used to protect naval ships from strong waves. But in 1994, the whole Palaui Island was declared as a protected area through the National Integrated Protected Area System Act. Since we had limited time, we headed to Cape Engaño after a few snapshots of the cove’s rough beach.

We had mistakenly assumed that the seas were calm. As we sailed to our next destination, the raging waves of Palaui gave us an amusement park-type thrill. Some of us screamed throughout the boat ride. As the boat approached the six to 10 feet high waves, the other boats disappeared from our sight. The ride through the restless sea was only offset by the calming view of the rustic green hills of Palaui.

After an hour and a half, the outlines of mysterious-looking hills came closer to view. The boat finally docked on a stony white sand beach, which meets the blue green waters. Alas, we found ourselves at the foot of the hill, where Cape Engaño was built.

The hike to the top of the hill was not difficult since there were concrete steps along the way. As I we went up the steps, we were treated to the grandiose sight of turquoise waters enclosed in lush greens. I hurried my way to the top to take panorama shots of the awesome scenery. I stopped on a spot which gave me the view of the rough seas facing the Pacific Ocean and the quiet cove of Palaui. It was amazing! The landscape of the island reminded me of Batanes. But of course, Palaui has a beauty of its own.

A few more steps led me to the ruins of Cape Engaño, one of the remaining Spanish-inspired lighthouses in the country. It was constructed on September 21, 1888 and was finished only after four years. I roamed around the lighthouse and noticed that had not been maintained. Nevertheless, its dilapidated look showed its character.

At the back of the lighthouse, I was astounded when I saw the majestic landscape of the Dos Hermanas Islands. Our local guide related to us the legend of the Dos Hermanas Islands. The twin islands were actually twin sisters who were waiting for their loved ones who never came.

After awhile, the rain poured leaving the Lakbay Norte participants stranded in the lighthouse. We waited for about 30 minutes before we returned to our boats.

Going to Palaui Island was an adventure in itself. Nature has its own way of protecting the wondrous seascapes and landscapes.
How to reach Palaui Island
By air: Fly to Tuguegarao City via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines. Travel time is around an hour and 20 minutes. When you reach Tuguegarao City, proceed to Don Domingo Bus Terminal, which is near the public market.
Ride a bus going to Sta. Ana, Cagayan. Fare is 185.00. Sta. Ana is 158 kilometers away from Tuguegarao.
When you reach Sta. Ana, Cagayan, proceed to San Vicente Port, where the boats going to Palaui are stationed. From San Vicente Port, take a pump or motorized boat (seating capacity for six to eight people) to Palaui Island, which is 10.5 kilometers away from Sta. Ana. The ride would take about 1.5 to two hours. Boat rental costs Php 2,500 (which includes trip to Cape Engano and to Anguib Beach).

By land: Ride a bus. Florida Bus Lines in Sampaloc, Manila will take you directly to Sta. Ana, Cagayan. Travel time is around 10 to 12 hours.

Essential contacts:
Cagayan Economic Zone Authority- Administration Complex , Centro Sta. Ana, Cagayan Philippines  Tel. No: +6378 8581017. Manila Office: Tel. Nos: +632 636(CEZA) 2392 +632 636 5774

Confessions in Batanes

Posted on by
4

It was love at first sight. No words can deeply express how my heart skipped a beat the first time I laid my eyes on such beauty of lush green hills, of dancing blue waves, of cows and goats freely grazing. Batanes blew me away.

I fell in love with Batanes. He fell in love with me.

It was a surprise, a confession I didn’t expect at that time. In the stillness of the night while most of the locals were sleeping in Basco, he held my hand. I was surprised. I felt how nervous he was. But he brought enough courage to say what his heart was keeping.

“I love you.”

I really can’t remember the exact lines. My mind was adrift in confusion and fear at that time.

It was February 2011 when the confession was made. But I was speechless back then. I didn’t say “No” or “Yes.” I just stared at the sky searching for answers. A month after, the question was answered.

Stolen Shot by Bless Manuel-Javier

Two years had passed since then. I love Batanes and I always will. It’s a dream fulfilled to experience this wonderful part of the Philippines, where everything is in harmony, where everything is in bliss. Batanes has zero crime rate. Everyone knows everyone. The Ivatans are among the few warm people that I’ve known.

Not only my dream was fulfilled, his dream was fulfilled too. Love has grown like the hedgerows surrounding the Tayid Lighthouse in Mahatao. We both love Batanes. Batanes is the place that anyone would love to go back to.

And surely, I’ll be back Batanes once I start setting up another travel fund for the airfare. Going to Batanes really needs commitment and dedication. Let’s not stop on saying, “I dream to go to Batanes!” Instead, say, “I am going to Batanes by saving Php 500 every week.” And surely, in a year, you’ll have Php 24,000 enough to buy you a ticket to Batanes.  Yes, don’t stop on dreaming. Act on your dreams.

Snorkeling in Coron: Siete Pecados vs. Twin Peaks Reef

Posted on by
1

When I first set my eyes on Coron back in 2010, I knew it was love at first sight. Since then, I vowed to return as a diver to enjoy Coron’s abundant marine life and mysterious wrecks.

This January 2013, I went back to Coron. And no, I’m not a diver yet. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed snorkeling in Coron.

SIETE PECADOS

During my first visit, my parents and I witnessed the marine life in Siete Pecados. Siete Pecados is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Coron.

It was named as such because it is composed of seven islets scattered on turquoise waters. When you snorkel at Siete Pecados, you would see colorful marine life. However, most of the corals here were dead.

Many years ago, Siete Pecados has been a victim of cyanide and dynamite fishing but now it has been a protected area. As the rehabilitation of corals began, the school of fish returned to the area.

Entrance fee at Siete Pecados is Php 100/head.

TWIN PEAKS REEF

This time around, we snorkeled not in Siete Pecados but at Twin Peaks Reef as part of our Coron Island Tour. The skies were getting darker making the visibility low as well.

Most of my companions were tired. Hence, they stayed on the boat. My thirst for seeking new adventures urged me to still jump into the water. I was the only one who went snorkeling.

As soon as I went farther away from our boat and nearer to the limestone karst formations, that’s when I saw the flourishing marine life at Twin Peaks Reef.

The corals were much more colorful at Twin Peaks Reef rather than in Siete Pecados. Sea urchins abound as well so extra caution must be taken so as not to get pricked.

Seeing an anemone and its resident clown fish made my day! Oh yes, hello there Nemo and friends!  Time was passing by and it was time to bid farewell.

SIETE PECADOS vs. TWIN PEAKS REEF

Between Siete Pecados and Twin Peaks Reef, Twin Peaks Reef has a better and colorful marine life. But I give a thumbs up to the efforts of the locals to rehabilitate the corals in Siete Pecados. Mabuhay sustainable and eco-friendly tourism!

This won’t be the last time, Coron. I’ll keep on coming back to you! :)