Cavite Philippines

Budget Friendly Beach Resort in Cavite

Posted on by shellan

It’s rare to find budget friendly beach resorts with promising environment and ambiance. Good thing we found one just around the corner.

With these instagrammable photos, who would have thought that we only spent P320? Not to mention that we got to enjoy swimming without too much crowd. Perfect serenity, indeed. Here’s the video documation of our trip there https://youtu.be/1QsBXKTFmjU

Food is also available just around the corner.

You can also bring your own food and use the grilling area. Comfort rooms are available with minimal fee that ranges from P5 – P20, depending on how much water you are going to use. Karaoke or KTV is also available for rent. So, if you’re looking for a budget friendly family get-away, this is one of the best choices, presumably you are from NCR or Cavite.

Just search Coastline Beach Resort on google to know how to get there via private vehicle but if you are going to commute, here’s how to get there:

– From PITX, ride a bus going to Naic;

– Tell the conductor to drop you on Sto. Niño Beac Resort or Coastline Beach Resort;

– Ride a tricycle to Coastline Beach Resort. 

You might spend, around two hundred for the fare going to and back to PITX. 

 

Anyway, here’s the budget breakdown of our trip there:

Cottage – 300 / good for 2 pax

Parking Fee – 20

There is no entrance fee. 

 

Please be a responsible tourist when you get here. Leave no garbage and avoid littering. Enjoy God’s amazing creations and savor the moment!

What to Expect at Paraiso De June Quixote Ecofarm Resort

Posted on by shellan

Paraiso De June Quixote Ecofarm Resort is one of the newly ecofarm resorts in Maragondon, Cavite. They offer so may outdoor activities that would most probably be enjoyed by the adrenaline junkie. But as early as now, before you even see the budget breakdown, I must say that the fees for these activities are not cheap. But is it worth it? Find out below or you may click on this link for a virtual tour: Paraiso de June Quixote Ecofarm Resort in Maragondon, Cavite

We only happened to experience two adrenaline activities because: (1) we went there on a weekend and the place is once again crowded just like our previous tour at torres farm;  (2) we didn’t brought enough cash because we didn’t expect that the activities would be that expensive.

But did we enjoy it? Yes we did. But personally speaking, they are too pricey compared to other tours we have experienced. This getaway is far from Dito Kay Shellan’s travel mission, which is to give tips on how to travel budgetarian (on a little budget or budget-friendly).

The ATV ride is enjoyable but it will cost you P750 per head and P500 for a backride for just a simple man made trail. We experienced ATV at Mt. Mayon and it only amounted us P850 for two including tip for the guide. 

The sky walk, not really much of an adrenaline adventure will cost you P120, where it actually serves as an entrance fee to access the other part of the resort.

The hanging bicycle is fun and can be enjoyed for P200 each for a back and fort experience.

We didn’t get to take lots of photos because the place is so crowded and you would not enjoy a picture with a lot of photobombers. But, here are some decent photos we have taken at the place:

The good things about Paraiso de June Quixote Ecofarm Resort are (1) they offer delicious and affordable meal, (2) the service is very accommodating and all their employees are courteous, helpful, and approachable, (3) they have live bands at the al fresco dining which you can jam with if you like, (4) No parking fee, and (5) most amenities are pretty much free for children like the go karts and the activities at the park.

To sum it up, here’s the budget breakdown you should prepare if you opt to go here disregarding our warning that this is not a budgetarian getaway:

Sky walk: P120 / per head

Hanging bicycle: P200 / per head

ATV ride: P750 / per head

ATV back ride: P500 / per head

Food: we had full stomachs with less than P1000 including drinks, for three. Which is why it is also perfect for a family getaway. Plus, they serve free water.

Other activities:

Rappelling

Swimming

Zipline (soon to operate)

Crystal Kayaking

See this photos for more:

How to get there:

Just pin Paraiso de June Quixote Ecofarm Resort on Google Map or Waize. Once you are around 10 mins. Away, be vigilant to look for the small signage of the place but you will know you have arrived at the entrance when you see a decorated vehicle pathways that leads to the parking space.

I suggest that if you are going as a group, book grab, it will be much cheaper if you divide the fee, because the place is not really accessible by public transportation.

Enjoy and God bless.

Around the World in 2 Hours via Motorcycle Ride

Posted on by shellan

What would be the best way to kick start off this new year than by spending it on nice a road trip with the love of your life not to mention that you’d be able see the most iconic places around the world.

You read it right. We have traveled around the world within 2 hours via motorcycle ride. But before you labeled us ‘click-bait’ here’s the narrative on how that activity became possible.

First, let me drop the photos to give you ideas of what I’m about to share with you:


Yes, dear readers, these photos were taken in a single place that offered around the world travel experience in the mini world they created where some iconic places were imitated. Welcome to TORRES FARM.

Torres Farm, or also known as Torres Farm Hotel and Resort, is located in Naic, Cavite. Around 3 hours away from Manila. Primarily, this is a resort, where you can enjoy swimming activity, but due to the increasing popularity of the instagrammable imitation of iconic places around the world, people started going there just for photo ops.

There are other activities you can enjoy, like picnic and many more, watch this link: Torres Farm, to know other activities you can enjoy at the so called happiest place in Cavite.

Here are additional instagrammable spots we found:

Meanwhile, here’s the budget breakdown in case you are planning to spend a day tour there:

230 – Entrance Fee for adult

160 – Entrance Fee for kids

20 – Motorcycle Parking fee

30 – Additional for swimming and you wish to have someone to take photos of you

Another cool thing about the place is that it really tried hard to simulate a travel get-away by having its own airport and immigration building. These can be seen on the link I provided above but here are some photos of the airport:

Do not go there on a weekend or holiday if you hate crowded place. We were actually surprised by the multitude of people but what do you expect when it’s January first, ayt? Perhaps the very reason why we only stayed for 2 hours after completing photo ops in each iconic place.

Have a safe travel. Follow this site for future travel tips and updates. I believe my I and my husband will spend more time travelling because we started the year by doing so. Hope you are too. See you around.

Pico De Loro is now Accepting Tourists; Find out the New Things you Need to know Before Climbing

Posted on by shellan

Finally! A climb after more than 3 years has happened. We have been planning to climb a long time even during pandemic, but due to various circumstances, we always end up rescheduling our hike. But not this year, the wait is way too long already. Hence, we booked a climb to Pico De Loro.

If you are planning to hike Pico De Loro too, here’s their website where you can schedule: https://mppmngnp.com/

There are many changes on the site, one of those is the entrance fee, that now costs P200 each. I remember around 2015, it was only P30 and tour guide was not required, not unlike now, it is mandatory. Well, perhaps now, all of the mountains open for hiking require tour guides.

It was my third time on Pico de Loro, but it kind of felt like the experience is something new. There are new spots and new trail at the site. Here are the photos:

Aside from that there are more restrictions than before. Overnight camping is still not permitted, as well as traversing. Monolith is now close and will never open again due to the evaluation made by the DENR; cracks were found which made it unsafe for climbing.

But although they offer less activity now, I admire the management’s determination to protect and put first the nature than the adventurers’ demand. It was also a best decision that they closed Pico de Loro for several years to regenerate and heal itself from the constant human footprints it gotten over the years. Now you will see on our video (video documentation of our adventure) that the forest has been regenerated, indeed.

Before the climb, you will be watching an 8-minute avp about Pico de Loro, here you will know that you are actually going to climb two mountains: Mt. Palay-Palay and Mataas na Gulod. Both declared as DENR’s protected areas. But since people know the site as Pico de Loro, let’s call it that way.

At the summit, you now have stairs to help you reach it. Unlike before, you will only rely on the bushes to help you with the grip ascending and descending.

I will leave behind some information regarding the modified Pico de Loro for you to get insights on your own and first hand ask the employees or the tour guide assigned to you. But just in case, you are so eager to know now, okay, then ask away below the comment section.

Meanwhile, here are the beautiful photos at the top:

I know you are looking for the budget breakdown:
Entrance/Eco Fee – 200!pax
Parking fee – 30
Tour Guide Fee – 500/maximum of 5 pax

If you are planning to commute, well, be thankful, because it is easier now. Just hop on a bus going to Nasugbo, Batangas via Kaybiang tunnel. The earliest leaves around 5AM at PITXT.

Enjoy and be a responsible hiker! God bless.

Utod River and Falls in Magallanes, Cavite Perfect for a Solitude Get-Away

Posted on by shellan

​One of the things I like about traveling is that it surprises you with more. I never thought that there are still plenty of places here in Cavite that are not known to the majority, which is I think is good. I am actually against nature exploitation, and sometimes I wonder if posting information about a certain place in exchange will only harm the place. Because, most of the time, tourism sucks. Not all tourist is a responsible tourist. And sometimes, this will attract greedy businessmen that take advantage of the place and the locals. So I sometimes battle with myself if I really should make a blog about unknown nature get-aways.

But if you read the about section of this website, it is mentioned that this serves as my online travel journal which contains my personal insights. Besides, nature should be enjoyed by the people. I just plead, really-really plead, that my readers will be responsible tourists and/or humane businessmen.

Anyway, if you are looking for a solitude place this summer and ypu are on a budget, Utod River and Falls is one of the perfect places for you.

You can find it here (zoom in for the address):

To be able to get there, you will need to ride a private vehicle because public transportation is very seldom going there but yes, it’s available.

Upon reaching this signage. You will be trekking for around 10 minutes, depending on your pacing. (By the way, parking area is available at side street).

The trail is easy and some of it is concrete staircase with hand rails so it is okay for our parents and titos and titas to experience. This will only get hard back to the parking lot because then, the trail will be mostly ascending.

There is a small community at the riverfront. They are the ones you need to speak or contact for the cottages but it is not required although maybe you’ll need it if it’s a group outing. There is no entrance fee and parking fee. Public CR are available. Overnight is also allowed.

Here are the photos at Utod Falls. We went there on weekend and the place is not that crowded, The very reason why I mentioned it’s perfect for a solitude moment.

To further visualize the place, because not all spots were photographed, here is the link : Utod River and Falls in Magallanes, Cavite

By the way, you will come across these pathways, choose the right side, that’s the one leading to the falls:

God bless on your trip and please be a responsible tourist. Do not disrespect the nature.

by the way here’s a contact number just in case you need a reservation for the cottage: 09350595639 Ruel Rivera

buhay forest top

Buhay Forest: Underrated Nature Get-away (and some update on Pico De Loro, Pantihan Falls, and Mt. Buntis)

Posted on by shellan

Before we head on the details about Buhay Forest let us talk about first Pico De Loro. Yes, dearest bundokeros and bundokeras! Pico De Loro is now open. The bad news is, you are reading this along the way, all prepped and ready going to Pico De Loro. Because here you will know, as you keep on reading, that they are only accepting advance booking and walk-ins are strictly prohibited. But since you have already planned this day for an unwinding get-away, allow me to introduce you to Magallane’s Buhay Forest. Don’t worry it is only 30 minutes away from Pico De Loro.

Buhay Forest is located at Magallanes, Cavite and can found on google map. If you are following our blog, you knew that we already went there but it was close. They are close every Monday and Tuesday. Actually, prior going here, we tried Mt. Buntis, but it was close so we headed on to Buhay Forest for our last resort. You can see our trip here for a motion documentation of what I’m talking about: Buhay Forest in Magallanes (and update on Pico de Loro + other tour in Cavite), rest assured, contacts and the link for Pico De Loro’s booking are also posted below.

So, what should you expect at Buhay Forest?

First, there is a trek that almost all ages can partake and reach the top. Actually, it has Stations of the Cross, to which elders are mostly the ones participating. So I believe, even seniors can do this trek.

We trekked unto the top for around 10 minutes, I guess, with casual rest once we need and also to savor the beauty of the scenery as we head on to the top.

Actually, the place isn’t that crowded, which is very okay, but that made me realize that this is an underrated nature get-away. Maybe because the trail is so easy for the hikers or because there is not much post online about Buhay Forest. But really, if you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the nature, this is a perfect place for you. Especially, if you are on a budget.

The views at the top will show you a set of mountain range from the nearest places: Mt. Marami (Wet and Mildly Wild Adventure at Mt. Marami), and Pico De Loro (Pico de Loro (Mt. Palay-Palay, Pico De Loro, Second Time Around).

You can istambay and enjoy the nature, take a pose to whichever spot you like, eat your own baon, enjoy seesaw and swing, with no time limit or until they close for the day, for only P30. They open at 6AM and closes at 5PM. They do not accept overnight camping.

There is no parking fee, or perhaps it is already included on the amount you paid for ecological fee/entrance fee.

Here are the additional photos, which were taken at the bottom part of the forest:

Meanwhile, here are some photos we took at Pantihan Falls, also in Magallanes, and which is also already closed for tourist but some part is still open for public viewing:

Please be good to the nature and leave no garbage. Enjoy!

Here are the details for Pico De Loro and Mt. Buntis:

Island Tour at Patungan Beach in Maragondon, Cavite

Posted on by shellan

We’ve been planning to hike a mountain before the year ends. But because we also want to spend quality time with our furr babies, we decided to spend the holiday on a beach instead. Thus, we booked at Patungan Beach in Maragondon, primarily because they offer island hopping too.

But let me clarify this early that we have not experienced island hopping due to heavy waves. That’s what your get when you scheduled a beach adventure during Ber months. Instead, it was replaced with an island tour (watch our adventure here: Maragondon Island Tour), which happened to be the wildest ride we had on an ocean so far. Well, as what I’ve said, that’s what you get when you scheduled a beach adventure during ber months.

The main highlight of our stay here at Patungan Beach is the Island tour and the swimming on the fish sanctuary. The island tour takes more than 2 hour-boat ride (back and forth). We stay at fish sanctuary less than an hour and head back to Patungan Beach. It costs us 2,500 but it’s so worth it, especially when the boat driver masters the art of riding big waves. We were terrified by the waves and thought that the boat would flip. And thank God it didn’t. I think we also passed by the island which we stayed during a trip where we own an island for a day, it was our trip to Carabao Island, but I couldn’t distinguish the island anymore.

 

The stay at the beach cottage is also a first hand nature experience. If being close to the nature is what you are looking for, then Patungan Cottages is right for you. Toilets are available too. We spend a night at the cottage and went home before lunchtime the next day. To proper guide you with the itinerary, here’s ours:

Itinerary:
5AM – departure
6:30AM – Arrived at Patungan Beach
7:00AM – settled at the cottage
8:00AM – finished Breakfast
9:00AM – cooking lunch
10:00AM – Lunch time
10:45AM – board the boat for island tour
10:45AM – 12NN – island tour
12NN – arrived at fish sactuary
12:50PM – board the boat back to the beach
12:50PM – 1:50PM – boat ride back to Patungan Beach
2:00PM – 5:00PM – Siesta
5:00PM – 5:30PM – Preparing Dinner
7:00PM – Dinner
8:00PM onward – free time until sleep time
6:00AM – Preparing breakfast
7:00AM – Breakfast
8:00AM – Pack Up
9:00AM – 10:00AM – Free time
10:30AM – Board tricycle back to pick up point back home

Things to bring:
Uling
Flash light
Mineral Water
Toiletries
Under water cam
Power bank
Garbage bag

Note: The community doesn’t have electricity yet, they only rely on solar panel that provides them energy so there will be times that all the can provide you is light at the cottage. However, some locals offer generator for rent if you badly need electricity.

Budget:
2,500 – island hopping / island tour
2,000 – overnight cottage with 1 room
50/pax – tricycle going to the beach

We recommend Sir Allan Agustine for island hopping / island tour boat ride. Simply look for him. I can also give you our contact for the cottage accommodations, they will provide things for you that you forgot to bring, (e.g kawali). If you are wondering if there are stores at the community, there are. But I suggest, that you bring your own things because we do not guarantee that all items you need are available at the stores.

Here are the instagrammable photos we took at the beach:

Enjoy your stay and escapade!

Hidden Instagrammable Spot at Aguinaldo Shrine

Posted on by shellan

If you are planning to tour in the Province of Cavite, then Aguinaldo Shrine should be on your top list.

Whatis Aguinaldo Shrine? Historically, it is the first Malacañang of the Philippines. It is where our first official President, Emilio Aguinaldo, resided together with his family. I am not here to google-feed you, so the rest information is up to you to search or research.

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During “Ber Months” it becomes more attractive and becomes 200% tourist attraction due to its dancing lights. But what do we expect here during the first 3 quarters of the year? Aside from the annual celebration of the birth of Aguinaldo, this place could also be perfect for tourist/vloggers/bloggers who are looking for instagrammable place.

This  place is already well known to many Caviteños, but I don’t think that they already know this hidden spot somewhere the parameter. So here I am, sharing these tips.

First of all, photoshoot is prohibited inside the palace (maybe unles you ask permit from the municipality office), so you can only do it outside. But you can take photos inside like this one, Reminiscing Independence Day at Aguinaldo Shrine

Alright, let’s cut the blah, blah, blah… Here are the photos and portraits we have taken at the hidden spot I’m talking about:

Now, maybe you’re thinking where’s this hidden spot. It’s not as hidden as you thought it could be. Just go around the corners and you’ll discover it too.

Meanwhile, here’s the footage of our trip here: Roadtrip at Cavite, Aguinaldo Shrine

Have a safe tour. Hope you had learned something. Shalom!

Reminiscing Independence Day at Aguinaldo Shrine

Posted on by shellan

This post will tackle a different kind of adventure. The one that many of us find boring but pretty much informative. But actually, I will not go into details or write historical facts or whatsoever you think connected to it. Instead, what you’ll read hopefully makes you appreciate, if not love, your country more.

Three days from now, Philippines will celebrate its Independence Day — the day when our country was declared truly independent and free from the leadership of other country. So, my boyfriend and I decided to celebrate it ahead of time. ? We went to the place where the Philippine Flag was first waved, held by President Emilio Aguinaldo, to the public. A symbolism of our country’s independence.

Yes, I was talking about Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, which also served as the mansion of the President during his time.

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This was actually just the second time I’ve been inside the mansion. The first time was during a field trip back in elementary / gradeschool. I was kinda feeling guilty about it since I live in a town of Cavite and is just a ride away from it. I know that was quite an ignore but I think that’s just it. We often take for granted the best that we have. Be it human or things; we, most of the time take it for granted simply because we have it. And I am guilty of it.

I was once again reminded that I should be proud of my province when my boyfriend excitedly told me that we should visit Aguinaldo Shrine because he hasn’t been there and he was curious of the history it holds inside. And so we went.

I will not show everything we saw and captured inside the historical mansion because I don’t want to spoil your visit there just in case you have decided to.

Below are the glimpse of what will you find on the first floor:

 

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The mansion’s second floor is where you can find the rooms and the antiques:

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Another thing you might love about this place is that it’s perfect for a discreet  photoshoot. And we grabbed that opportunity, of course:

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Only the first and the second floor are open for viewing. But they are already filled with historical facts and trivia that I’m sure you’ll be glad to know and hopefully would make you proud also if you’re a Filipino.

Before I end this blog, let me share one of the things I learned during our visit:

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Aguinaldo’s tomb can be found at the mansion’s backyard.

 

P.s. There’s no entrance fee but I highly recommend to drop any amount of money on their donation box.

P.p.s. Aguinaldo Shrine becomes tourist attraction especially during “Ber Months” due to its amazing dancing lights.

Expectation VS. Reality: Carabao Island (Maragondon, Cavite) When Summer’s Over

Posted on by shellan

The first time I heard about Carabao Island, the one located in Maragondon, Cavite, was when it was featured in a news and lifestyle magazine TV program (Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho), summer of this year. I was actually amazed by these hidden beauties that can also be found in our Province. Who would have thought that white sand beaches, cliff diving and haven islands can be experienced somewhere in Cavite. That made me feel so proud (I should be; I’m a legit Cavitenya). I mean, make way Palawan, Bicol and other provinces down and up the Philippine map, Cavite has something better to offer. 😛

But since I’m not into island hopping, I never really made a concrete plan to go there. Until, my brother, eagerly pushed us to make a schedule and itinerary for a day tour in Carabao Island. So, we did. But sadly, he couldn’t go with us because of his work. 🙁

Okaaaay, enough with the background story. 😛

We left Rosario, Cavite around 4:00AM and headed our way to Kaybiang Tunnel to pick-

kaybiang

Photo credit: Maynhard Crizaldo (Kaybiang Tunnel @5:20AM)

up the mother of our contact person that will lead the way for us from there to reach the port/shore going to Carabao Island.

Comment down or message me to get the contact number of our guide. I highly recommend you our guide. HIGHLY. 😀

Around 5:40AM, we were ready to board the boat.

Photo by: Maynhard Crizaldo

Photo by: Maynhard Crizaldo

Photo by: Angiemel Asarez

Photo by: Angiemel Asarez

boarding the boat

Photo by: Mel Asarez

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Photo by: Mel Asarez

port2

Photo by: Mel Asarez

The boats of the locals can only accommodate 7 backpackers each. Boat rentals ranges from P1500 to P2000. In our case, our contact gave us a discount and allowed us to rent their boat for P1500. We were a total of 8 pax, including a 5-year old child, so maybe that was why we were still considered as 7.

The boat ride lasted for almost an hour. And the views/scenery were so breathtaking and worth risking for (risking for your gadgets to get wet) 😛 I was amazed by the 3 most beautiful places/scenery in one sight. In. One. Sight. (Sea, Mountain, Sky)

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We scheduled our tour just days after Typhoon Pablo, so the waves were still dancing a bit wild and splashes of water were all around us, including on our backpacks. So, it is very important to bring a waterproof bag or pouch for your gadgets. I’m very thankful to God that though my backpack was wet, the water didn’t enter and so, my DSLR was safe. Actually, I was really praying hard for it. 😀 But I suggest, secure your equipment/gadgets if you’re planning to go on this trip. 😛

And then, we were approaching Carabao island:

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Photo by: Jham Cadelina (Carabao Island)

Yes, the above photo is the historical Carabao Island. Historical because this place served as a “kuta” of the army (I just don’t know whether Philippine Army or the enemy’s army) here in Cavite. Well, if you want clarifications regarding its historical background, Google is just a type away. 😛

But that wasn’t the island our boat docked at. Because obviously, you cannot dock the boat there. It has no shore. Plus the waves during this season might wreck the boat on its rocky supposedly “docking area”. You have to swim in order to reach that island. And we cannot do that. Some of us don’t have that kind of skills yet and our backpacks aren’t waterproof. So, our guide decided to tour us around the parameter of Carabao Island instead (video footage/clip of a close-up look around Carabao Island can be seen here: Carabao Island Closer Look), and brought us to a nearer amazing island. Yes, the one featured on the TV show I’ve mentioned above.

Our contact person made us sure that the island we’ll be staying at is like a paradise and has white sand. She mentioned that there will be no cottages, so I was quite ready and visualizing the place in my mind. The perfect picture I saw in my mind was a ‘Survivor-like-island’. It turned out I was right.

It turned I was right but with a twist. 😛

We were so disappointed. DISAPPOINTED to the highest level! We were actually planning to stay in the island until 5:00PM but then upon arriving the island we suddenly told the boat man to pick us up at 2:00PM instead.

This was not what I saw on the TV Program. Those yellow things floating on the sea were not included when I visualized the island in my mind.

But as the old saying goes “fist impression never last”, we found ways how to see the island beyond its imperfection, and get along with its natural wonders.

White Sand is for real. 😀

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Cliff Diving, “JUMPING” rather, is possible too. 😀

 

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Photo by: Gelo Sto. Domingo

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cliffjump

Photo by: Maynhard Crizaldo

 

And we found spots where we can still swim and enjoy the blue or green ocean without those floating yellow things. 😀

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Photo by: Maynhard Crizaldo

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Photo by: Maynhard Crizaldo

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Photo by: Maynhard Crizaldo

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Photo by: Maynhard Crizaldo

The waves look calm on the pictures but really they weren’t. Life vest is a must-wear because the waves might bring you somewhere far. And wear slippers/sandals when swimming; you will not be stepping on the sand down there. 😀 But if you’re a masochist, you are free not to heed my advice. 😛

I can say, that for a day we have owned an entire island. So yes, it was a survivor-like-island experience. 😛 Aside from the things we brought, we were left with nothing. 😛

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Photo by: Maynhard Crizaldo

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Photo by: Angiemel Asarez

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Photo by: Maynhard Crizaldo

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Photo by: Maynhard Crizaldo

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Photo by: Angiemel Asarez

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Photo by: Angiemel Asarez

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Photo by: Angiemel Asarez

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Photo by: Mel Asarez

 

And what would you do if you own an entire island for a day (aside from swimming)? 😀

Food Trip it is!

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Photo by: Angiemel Asarez

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Camp building!

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Photo by: Angiemel Asarez

 

Sand Castle Making 😛

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Rock Tower Making! 😛

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Photo by: Angiemel Asarez

 

Or just plain relax 😀

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And if everything else fails, go to sleep. 😛

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Photo by: Angiemel Asarez

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We were picked up by the boat we rented around 2:30PM and brought us to another island. We were not expecting this one. Angel, our contact person, told us that this island is for those who want to stay overnight. This time, cottages and toilets and stores are available in the place. It is also residential.

The beauty of the views going to that island were much visible. Maybe because it was nearing the golden hour. So, the color and contrast compliment each other. 😀

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Photo by: jham Cadelina

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Photo by: jham Cadelina

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Photo by: jham Cadelina

Here in our second island, we enjoyed swimming by the shore without slippers/sandals and life vest. 😀 We savored and rode on the waves this time, which we couldn’t do on that survivor-like-island. 😛

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Photo by: Angiemael Asarez

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Photo by: Angiemael Asarez

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Photo by: Maynhard Crizaldo

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Photo by: Angiemael Asarez

We managed to have a talk with Angel, our contact person, whom we have rented a boat. And I was surprised to know some funny details regarding the situation of the locals in that place. And I was triggered to throw rotten eggs on the face of Henry Sy.

Angel told us that some of the islands that we have seen during our boat ride were already bought by business men. One of the islands (and it is a beautiful island) is owned by Henry Sy. That was quite okay but to hear that this greedy business man is actually trying to demolish the locals on their island, by offering them to sell their lot, is something inhumane. I mean, back off! You already owned a big business industry out in the city, for freakiiing sake, don’t touch these natural wonders! And don’t you dare snatch away the simple and peaceful life of these locals. Don’t take away their source of income and living. Back off! Just back off, please!

But I guess, if the government can’t or wont (is the perfect term) do anything to stop you, Henry Sy, from your wicked schemes, who would? And who would listen to the rants of the locals? Who would listen to these things I say? It breaks my heart to think that these locals were peacefully living a life in this place and then suddenly someone will try to snatch it away from them. That is so inhumane! But the rich people control the world — that’s a fact. And I don’t know how these locals would fight for their rights. Yet still, my hope is in the Lord. He is just. And justice will be served. Maybe not now, but sooner or later it will be.  Deuteronomy 32:4 says, “He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.”

Anyway, I know that you’re looking for budget breakdown, itinerary and so on, so here it goes:

Expenses:
Van – 500 (3,500/7)
Bangka – 215 (1500/7)
Total: P715 each

Itinerary:
4am – Tejero, Cavite (you can eat breakfast at home or buy something at 7/11, may rice meal naman dun)
5:20am – Kaybiang Tunnel (ili-lead tayo ni Angel papunta sa sakayan nila ng bangka)
5:40am – boarding the boat
6:00am to 7:10am – boat ride (ikot-ikot lang, ikot-ikot)
7:10am to 2:30pm – savour the island
2:30pm to 3:00pm – boat ride going to the next island
3:00pm to 4:00pm – swim-swim again dun sa 2nd island
4:00pm to 5:00pm – Banlaw time! Pack-up!
6:00pm to 6:15pm – boat ride back to the port
8pm – Tejero

Things to bring:
Extra clothes
Swimming clothes
Wear sandals/slippers
Toiletries
Water (for the whole day)
Packed Lunch
Snacks
Bread
Waterproof bag/pouch for your gadgets
Plastic bag for wet clothes
Sumblero/shades (for eye protection kung mainit)
Panlatag sa buhangin
Charcoal and Match (if your planning to cook your food at the island)

By the way, those yellow things (lilies) floating on the first island we stayed at were from Manila Bay and it was because of the Typhoon. I mentioned above that we scheduled our trip here just days after Typhoon Pablo. So, if you’re planning to spend a day on this haven island without those yellow things, schedule your trip during summer. 😀

Anyway, if you’d like to watch our adventure vlog in Carabao Island, click this link: Carabao Island (Maragondon, Cavite) When Summer’s Over

P.S. Clean as you go! I repeat, CLEAN AS YOU GO!