places

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!

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.

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!

Venice Grand Canal in Taguig

Posted on by shellan

If you are looking for a shopping mall that offers an out of the country experience, such as Venice (obviously), then this Venice Grand Canal in Taguig is the mall for you. Located at Taguig, it will only take you an hour or so to get here if you are coming from Manila or Cavite.

This is actually our firs time here, so I do not know if the volume of people were the same on other seasons. I was hoping to get a quality photoshoot here, given the fact that the place is instagrammable, but due to the volume of people, that you can see here on the link: https://youtu.be/KyvQfxYPs2w , we (me and my husband) failed to get one. But here are some photos we took that somehow capture the beauty of the place:

Thanks to my husband who captures these photos and is so patient with me because really I’m having a mood swing during this time. Perhaps because of the crowd or hunger.

Meanwhile, here is my favorIte photo among all:

Anyway, if you don’t like crowded places, don’t go here during holidays. You will also have to wait on a long line to experience Gandola ride worth P400 each, and that my friend I think is not worth your time and energy. Because the ride will only take you around 15mins. Anyway, the choice is still yours, as long as you enjoy the moment, it’s worth it. Have a safe and wonderful Christmas, Shalom!

Overnight at Mt. Sembrano (A Guideline)

Posted on by shellan

This was my first hike this year, and since we were planning to climb Mt. Pulag, we decided to climb this mountain first to prepare ourselves for it. Thus, an overnight.

First of all, you must consider the weather before climbing this mountain, wheather it’s a day hike or an overnight. It will become much difficult to climb the summit during rainy season but if you are looking for a challenging hike, then go for it. Just be very careful.

Mt. Sembrano is 700+ MASL, and is 4 to 5 hours to summit, if you’re planning a dayhike. What’s good about this mountain is that there were less backpackers hiking here. The mountain isn’t crowded.

We were close with the nature for more than 24 hours. Yes, it was very relaxing and refreshing. I don’t know about my team but I wasn’t bored at all.

Here are the trail you will face in case you plan a trek here:

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The trail after passing Manggahan Camp Site becomes very steep. But the summit is as always, very rewarding. Here the photos at the summit:

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To further visualize Mt. Sembrano, you may watch our hike on this link: Overnight at Mt. Sembrano with Manggahan Falls

Meanwhile, here are additional guidelines for your hike:

MGA DAPAT DALHIN

Lente.

Emergency light.

Pagkain.

Extra damit.

Pang laban sa lamig.

Hygine kit.
First aid kit

Medicine para sa may sakit
Extra pera
Pang sipol (incase of emergency, naligaw, nawala ganon)
Power bank

Tent (Walang rentahan ng tent but our tour guide helped us find someone who has tent for rent)

Energy bar .

Dalhin ang magagamit dun wag magdala ng sobra na d nmn kailngan para magaan ang dalahin

Garbage bag wag mag kalat.

“Leave nothing but footprints take nothing but pictures”

 

Itinerary:

1:30 Call time, Tejero Gas Station

2:00 Departure

6:00 ETA Pililia, Breakfast,

6:30 Registration

7:00 Start of Hike (including Manggahan bathes)

1:00 Summit, Lunch

-Free Time-

6:00 Cook Dinner

7:00 Dinner

9:00 Sleeping Time

5:00 Cook Breakfast, Sunrise viewing, Cofee Time

6:00 Breakfast

7:00 Pack Up, Clean as we go

7:30 Descend

10:00 Jump Off Point

10:30 Departure to Cavite

(Lunch along the way)

2:30 Tejero Gas Station

Budget for overnight hike: P1050/Pax (Registration P50, Tour guide P1000/5pax, Van Transfer) Under Kulay Nature Travel N’ Tours. I highly recommend this Travel Agency for your future tour. They were very accommodating.

Here are additional wonderful photos captured by our team, highlighting the wonderful creation of God:

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P.S. When you take a hike here, don’t forget to share some water with Everest, the tour guide doggo. She’s the doggy on one of the  pictures.

The Historical Casa Hacienda

Posted on by shellan

Cavite is one of the most historical places in the Philippines. And there are must-go-to places if you would like to tour its historical places. Top on the list is Aguinaldo Shrine. I have already made two blogs about it, another is this: Hidden Instagrammable Spot at Aguinaldo Shrine. But have you heard the Historical Casa Haciend?

Again, I am not here to google-feed you the information about this place but I can give you a brief overview about it. Primarily, this place, Casa Hacienda, was the first venue of Philippine Election. It wasn’t a domocratic election. Officers from KKK and some other organizations joined together to form an official government, hence that election was held. As you can see in the picture above, commotion had happened.

If you would like to know more details about that history, you can personally visit Casa Hacienda and take a tour. Pamphlets are available containing the full history of it. Yep, I am not going to share it online because I’d like people to experience it first-hand.

Also, there’s this tunnel in Casa Hacienda connecting to Aguinaldo Shrine. Here’s the photo:

Here are other instagrammable photos we’ve taken at the place:

If you want a virtual (vlog) tour of this place, here is the link: Casa Hacienda Virtual Tour

The best time to go here are during Monday mornings. Security Guards are dressed up like Guardia Sibil:

P.S. There is no Registration Fee but you need to ask permission and get a pass from the local government to do your activity.

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!

New Things You Need to Know Before Hiking Tungtong Falls and Nagpatong Rock Formation

Posted on by shellan

I’ve been in this place last year (Nagpatong Rock Formation and Tungtong Falls) and was reconsidering to return here. And so last week, we scheduled a trip here; them for the first time, me for the second.

Since we were only a group of 5, we decided to commute all the way here because it will cost us much if we’ll rent a van. I will breakdown our expenses at the end of this blog for your reference.

So, what’s new?

During our hike at Nagpatong Rock Formation, I noticed some new signage aside from that it’s pretty well the same.

We reached the summit of Nagpatong in less than 3 hours. Unlike last year, we spent almost 5 hours climbing up and down because of the muddy trail.

At the top, we were amazed by the creation of God. Sierra Madre Mountain range is as beautiful as always. I didn’t took its photo this time (the mountain range) because I don’t want to exploit its beauty. I don’t know, but I felt like not everybody deserves to see the beauty at the top. Besides, to be able to appreciate its beauty even more, one must be in the process or experience the climb if they can. They will worship God even more through that beauty.

Here are some of the photos during our climb:

After having lunch near the registration area, where we walked our way for around 20 mins. We rode a tricycle and a habal-habal to the jump off of Tungtong Falls.

Now, here’s what you need to take note before trekking Tungtong Falls: the other entry/exit point of the trail here (that is privately owned) is not allowed for tourists anymore. So you will be rapelling down and up on your way in and out there. Yup, twice the exhaustion and difficulty. We weren’t aware of that until Mang Pablo, our tour guide, clarify to us, while we were rapelling, that we’ll be doing this again (back trail). I never knew we could do it twice, I was actually pleading to Mang Pablo to take us to the other trail on our way back instead because we can’t do it anymore, but he kept saying that it is prohibited now. So yeah, we were left with no choice, armed with prayers, we marched our way back to rapel up after taking some rest at Tungtong Falls. Thank goodness I was with my fiance, he insisted on helping me carry my stuff.

We didn’t get amazing photos at the falls but that doesn’t mean it was less awesome and amazing. It was even more memorable than before. Still, here’s some of the few:

Check out the footage of our adventure here for further detail: Nagpatong Rock Formation and Tungtong Falls 2019

As promised, the budget breakdown for DIY commute from Cubao and vice versa:
80 – Van fare to Tanay
150 – (750/5) Tricycle from Tanay to Brgy. Cayumbay and to the jump off
100 – Registration fee
160 – (800/5) Tour Guide Fee including tip
20 – Habal-habal to Tungtong Falls Jump off
100 – Tricycle from Cayumbay to Jeep Terminal
24 – Jeep to Tanay
52 – Jeep from Tanay to Crossing

Itinerary:
6:15 – Crossing
8:00 – Registration Area
8:15 – Start of Trek to Nagpatong
11:20 – Summit
1:00 – Jump off
1:30 – lunch
2:00 – Trail to Tungtong Falls
3:30 – Tungtong Falls
6:00 – Brgy. Hall
7:00 – Uwian
9:00 – Dinner at Starmall

There you go! Have a safe trip and enjoy! By the way, Mang Pablo is a recommendable tour guide. And say hi to this buddy:

Road Trip to Kaybiang Tunnel

Posted on by shellan

If you are a motorbike rider, then most probably you get to set an scheduled road trips to awesome scenery in the country once in a while. And here in the Philippines, Kaybiang Tunnel is one of those attractions a rider (even tourists) must see.

Kaybiang Tunnel made an easy way access from Maragondon to Nasugbu and vice versa. It connects two wonderful provinces: Cavite and Batangas. Travel time from Manila will take 3 hours or more via Motorbike. If you want to know more about Kaybiang Tunnel, Google is just a click away.

Witness our road trip here: Kaybiang Road Trip

And here are some of the photos we had on our trip:

Plus the bonus scenery few meters away after passing through the tunnel from Maragondon:

Enjoy and God bless on your trip! Wear proper safety attire, riders! And be armed with prayer.

You can also check some of the previous photos we had at Kaybiang Tunnel few years ago: Pico de Loro (Mt. Palay-Palay) and Expectation VS. Reality: Carabao Island (Maragondon, Cavite) When Summer’s Over

Cavite Beach During Pre-Christmas Holiday

Posted on by shellan

If there’s someone among my followers here in this blog who misses my hiking adventure, don’t worry, I miss it too. And I was hoping to climb another soon, together with my fiance, just like these road trips with him.

But anyway, being connected with nature is not limited with climbing mountains. Where we went on this trip can relieve stress too. Peace and serenity were found too (only during this season, I guess). Wonderful nature can be seen too. Instagrammable spots are just bonuses. Besides, we travel to enjoy and savor the moment; to refresh us from within and not to get many likes nor countless post shares. Otherwise, you’ll end up draining yourself even more.

Obviously, if you’re in Cavite and you wanted to reconnect with nature, beaches are the ones you can easily go to since it is a coastal place. Hence, we went to one.

There were only few people in this resort, and we even went there weekend. So if you’re the kind of person who hates crowded places but loves being on a beach and has no money to rent one just for yourself and your family then go there during this season.

Here’s my vlog to see exactly what I’m describing: Beach Vlog and Roadtrip

Meanwhile, here are the instagrmmable photos we got on this place:

And if these photos urge you to visit a beach now, please do yourself a favor by going. But remember that instagrammable shots are just bonuses, it must never be your reason why you travel.

Thank you and shalom!