Kawasan Falls, Badian, Cebu: ..of road trips, nature walks and chasing waterfalls.

In my effort to expose my son, Aqui, to the great outdoors, I always see to it that he goes with me on any of my spontaneous nature trips, as long as it's safe of course. I'm doing this because I don't want him to spend majority of his childhood in front of the computer playing video games, or by the television watching cartoons all day. I want him to grow up with a memory of how beautiful the great outdoors is and how amazing Cebu is, if only people would take better care of it.

Whacky Photo: Cebu's highest peak - Osmeña Peak, Mantalongon, Dalaguete

...view on top.

Osmeña Peak, located between Patong, Badian and Mantalongon, Dalaguete, is considered the highest peak of the island of Cebu at 1,013 MASL. The panoramic view up top showcases Badian's Zaragosa Island to the west, the Province of Bohol to the east, and rolling hills and ridges along the boundaries of Dalaguete and Badian. It was named, perhaps, after one of the most influential political families in Cebu - the Osmeña's.

Mt. Manaphag a.k.a Pan de Azucar and the islands of Concepcion, Iloilo

Mt. Manaphag a.k.a Pan de Azucar

The Iloilo-Guimaras trip was about to reach a big finish but we couldn't let it pass without getting a good look of Pan de Azucar. Plus, I still have an unfinished business with Sandbar Island Beach Resort as I have not gotten any peak of the bed of corals. We were still hopeful though, hoping that there's something good in store for us before we head home to Cebu. So, off we go to location # 2.1 before we finally give this trip a close.

Sandbar Island Beach Resort, Concepcion, Iloilo Sidetrip: ..in search for the bed of corals

After a roller coaster of emotions at Guimaras, we we're still hopeful that there's something good in store for us before we head home. Off we go to location # 2.1 before we finally close this chapter of our trip and head on back to Cebu.

We passed by a plaza on our way to Jordan Port. We were so amazed by this unique Rizal Monument. We couldn't help but stop for a quick group picture. The difference? Let the picture speak for itself.

With the oh-so tanned Rizal.

It was about 10:00 AM when we reached Iloilo Proper. I read somewhere that Iloilo's known for their batchoy. We couldn't pass that chance to pig out and try the famous Ted's Batchoy. (Only to find out weeks after that Ted's has a branch in Cebu. lol)

Kabang Falls, Cebu: River trekking and building memories with the kiddo

As a dad, I see myself growing up as a person filled with memories with his kid wandering off together on adventures. Likewise, I want Aqui to grow up having fond memories of the outdoors together with me (during my prime, that is). That is why, as much as possible, I bring the kiddo to places which I thought he would appreciate when he grows up.  I don't want him to grow as a naive technology-dependent kid but rather, a wide-minded nature lover. So, with a bag full of trail goodies and loads of researched stock knowledge on flora and fauna, we set off on guided adventures to build memories. Lesgo! To river trekking we go!

Camotes Island: Must-knows, FYIs, etc

Camotes Island is a group of islands located east of mainland (Cebu). It's composed of 4 islands - Poro, Pacijan, Ponson and Tulang. Ironically, Camotes doesn't have kamote or sweet potato as its abundant delicacy, instead, it boasts of to-die-for beach fronts, rich marine ecosystem and fresh cool air.

These islands, though a bit far from the mainland, is not as backward as you think. Many are the international awards they have received because of local's active community involvement. As a Cebuano and Filipino, that's something to be proud of.  

Guimaras: the good, the bad and the ugly side of Alubihod

Parang sea turtle lang, ang laki ng shell. lol

We finally finished our island tour. Though we had so much more spots in mind, it seems like time was not on our side. It was almost dusk. Looking back, we had such a great time contemplating at  Trappist Monastery and Balaan Bukid, munching on oh-so-sweet mangoes, and getting amazed by the history and vista view at Guisi Lighthouse.

Alubihod Beach. Sunset.

It was almost dark when we arrived at Alubihon Cove Resort. We decided to take a quick dip before the sun finally went on a slumber. It was not as impressive as I expected it to be because the sunset was not advantageous to our location. Nonetheless, the sky looked like a play of colors vibrant enough for us to be amazed.

Guimaras: of sweet mangoes and good laughs at Guisi Lighthouse.

All roads lead to...

After a few 'Me' time at Trappist Monastery and Balaan Bukid, our tummies were starting to mumble and rumble like a concert symphony. It sounded more like there was some entity about to start a revolution. So before we could get to the next tourist attraction, we needed to get some quick stop overs to tame down the beasts within.

Guimaras: Balaan Bukid Shrine

PitStop 2: Balaan Bukid Shrine

After feasting on the delicacies made by the Trappist monks and getting a short me-time with Daddy Jess, we proceeded with our next destination - Balaan Bukid Shrine.

Guimaras: Our Lady of the Philippines Trappist Abbey

Source: Mr Wiki

Guimaras is located in Panay Gulf, between the islands of Panay and Negros, Western Visayas region. To the northwest is the province of Iloilo and to the southeast is Negros Occidental. It is well-known for its agricultural crops, particularly mangoes, where some 50,000 of these trees are planted. The island is famous for producing the sweetest mangoes in the world, after Pakistan.




It has been our personal mission to look for the sweetest mango the moment we set foot on Guimaras. I've read so much about Guimaras; about the people, the cool ambiance and it's unspoiled wonders. And oh, for the love of food, did I forget to mention about the mangoes? 

Iloilo-Guimaras: the bitter-sweet escape

Disclaimer:

The contents of this entry are solely based on the author's personal account during this trip. This entry does not represent the thoughts and experiences of the group.

Day 1: Horrid Beasts
It was almost 7:00PM when our plane landed at the Iloilo International Airport. Discussing the activities for the night, we trolled out of the airport while attempting to contact our first who arrived in the province way ahead of us.

Cebu-CamSur-Albay-Cebu: A quick look-back on that 6-day Bicol Trip

Source: Google

The easiest way to get to Camarines Sur is through plane via Naga. But if you're from down South and up for an adventure then this may help.

Destination: Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Time	Location	Activity
Day 1
5:00 PM	PIER 5 [Cebu City]	Destination: Masbate City
		Transasia Shipping  Lines
		Approximately 11 hours
Day 2
5:00 AM	Masbate City	Destination: Pilar Port, Sorsogon
		Outtrigger Boat
		Approximately 4 hours
10:00 AM	Pilar, Sorsogon	Destination: Daraga Terminal, Albay
		Van
		Approximately 1 hour
11:30 AM	Daraga Terminal, Albay	Destination: Naga Terminal, Camarines Sur
		Van
		Approximately 2 hours
1:00 PM	Naga Terminal, Camarines Sur	Destination: CamSur Watersports Complex [CWC]
		Van/Taxi
		30 minutes
2:00 PM	CamSur Watersports Complex	Check-in: CamSur Watersports Complex [CWC]
		Wakeboarding
		Lago Del Rey Waterpark
Day 3
4:00 AM	CamSur Watersports Complex	Destination: Sabang Port, San Jose
		Bus: D70JC Liner [orange] / Florencio [green]
		Approximately 2 hours
7:00 AM	Sabang Port, San Jose	Destination: Guijalo Port, Caramoan
		Outtrigger Boat
		Approximately 2 hours
10:00 AM	Guijalo Port, Caramoan	Destination: Centro, Caramoan | West Peninsula Villas
		Pedicab
		30 minutes
10:30 AM	Centro, Caramoan	Destination: West Peninsula Villas
		Check-in. Chill.
12:00 NN		Lunch at Lutong Bahay / West Penn Villas
		Visit Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel
		Souvenir Shopping at Island Wonders
		Walk along Centro
		Swimming at West Penn Pool
Day 4
7:00 AM	Centro, Caramoan	Breakfast: West Penn Villas / Lutong Bahay
8:30 AM		Destination: Paniman Beach Drop-off
		Pedicab
		30 minutes
9:00 AM	Paniman Beach Drop-off	CARAMOAN ISLAND HOPPING
		Outtrigger Boat
		Options: Short Trip / Long Trip
8:00 PM	West Penn Villas	Dinner
		Socials
Day 5
8:00 AM	West Penn Villas	Breakfast: West Penn Villas
		Check-out
9:00 AM	Guijalo Port, Caramoan	Option 1 | Destination: Nato Port, Sagnay
		Shuttle Ferry
		Approximately 4 hours
		Option 2 | Destination: Guijalo Port, San Jose
		Outtrigger Boat
		Approximately 4 hours
1:30 PM	Nato Port, Sagnay Guijalo Port, San Jose	Destination: Naga Terminal, Camarines Sur
		Bus: D70JC Liner [orange] / Florencio [green]
		Approximately 2 hours
3:30 PM	Naga Terminal, Camarines Sur	Destination: Legazpi Central Terminal
		Van
		Approximately 2-3 hours
6:00 PM	Legazpi Central Terminal	Destination: Inn / Hotel
		Pedicab
		Socials at Plaza Rizal
Day 6
6:00 AM	Inn / Hotel	Destination: Lignon Hill
		Pedicab
		Nature trek, hiking, zipline
		View of Mayon Volcano
9:00 AM	Lignon Hill	Destination: Cagsawa Ruins
		Jeepney
		View of Mayon Volcano
		Museum visit, ATV to Mayon
1:00 PM		HOMEWARD BOUND - CEBU

Budget Breakdown
Expenses good for 3 people, 6 days, one way plane ticket from Legazpi to Cebu

Breakdown	Expenses
	Total	Individual
Day 1
Food
Fastfood		200.00
Transportation
Going to Pier 5 Cab Ride		200.00
Cebu-Masbate Boat Fare		860.00
Terminal Fee		25.00
Day 2
Food
Breakfast [coffee, biscuits, junk]	90.00	30.00
Lunch [Local Resto]	200.00	67.00
Dinner [fastfood]	200.00	67.00
Transportation
Masbate-Sorsogon Boat Fare		200.00
Pilar, Sorsogon-Daraga Terminal, Albay		70.00
Daraga Terminal, Albay-Naga Terminal, Camarines Sur		170.00
SM Naga-CamSur Watersports Complex	300.00	100.00
Accomodation
CamSur Watersports Complex [billiards table]	FREE	FREE
Miscellaneous
Supplies [Toiletries]	250.00	83.00
Wakeboarding [Night Rate]	525.00	175.00
Lifevest and helmet rental	270.00	90.00
Socials [booze]		150.00
Day 3
Food
Breakfast	80.00	27.00
Lunch [Lutong Bahay]	150.00	50.00
Dinner [fastfood]	195.00	65.00
Snacks [GotoHut]		50.00
Transportation
CamSur Watersports Complex-San Jose Church Bus Fare	186.00	62.00
San Jose Church-Sabang Port, San Jose Pedicab Fare	150.00	50.00
Sabang Port, San Jose-Guijalo Port, Caramoan Boat Fare	360.00	120.00
Guijalo Port, Caramoan-Centro, Caramoan Pedicab Fare	75.00	25.00
Accomodation
West Penninsula Villa [2 nights]	2589.00	863.00
Day 4
Food
Breakfast	100.00	34.00
Packed Lunch [Lutong Bahay]	240.00	80.00
Dinner [fastfood]	200.00	67.00
Transportation
Centro, Caramoan to Paniman Drop-off roundtrip pedicab	300.00	100.00
Miscellaneous
Caramoan Island Hopping Short Trip	1300.00	434.00
Snorkeling gear rental		150.00
Socials [booze]	100.00	100.00
Day 5
Food
Breakfast	162.00	54.00
Lunch	453.00	151.00
Dinner	130.00	43.00
Snacks		50.00
Transportation
West Penn Villas-Guijalo Port, Caramoan Pedicab Fare		50.00
Guijalo Port, Caramoan-Nato Port, Sagnay Boat Fare	600.00	200.00
Nato Port, Sagnay-Naga Van Terminal Bus Fare		69.00
Naga Van Terminal-Legazpi Central Terminal		180.00
Legazpi Central Terminal-Sampaguita Inn	Free	Free
Accomodation
Sampaguita Inn	900.00	300.00
Miscellaneous
Guijalo Port Terminal		5.00
Day 6
Food
Brunch	180.00	60.00
Transportation
Sampaguita Inn-Lignon Hill Pedicab Fare	70.00	23.00
Lignon Hill-Binitayan Elem School Jeepney Fare	24.00	8.00
Binitayan Elem School-Cagsawa Ruins drop-off Jeepney	24.00	8.00
Cagsawa Ruins drop-off-Cagsawa Ruins proper Pedicab	24.00	8.00
Cagsawa Ruins proper-Cagsawa Ruins drop-off Pedicab	24.00	8.00
Cagsawa Ruins drop-off-Sampaguita Inn Jeepney	27.00	9.00
Sampaguita Inn-Legazpi Airport Pedicab	300.00	100.00
Miscellaneous
Cagsawa Ruins Entrance Fee		10.00
Lignon Hill Entrance	FREE	FREE
TOTAL		6100.00

Whacky Adventures* recommends:

Camsur Watersports Complex
Landline: (054) 477 3344 / (054) 477 3349
Mobile: +(63) 917 8954156 or +(63) 999 8893697
http://www.camsurwatersportscomplex.com

West Peninsula Villas
0921.264.2538
westpenvillas@yahoo.com
http://westpenvillas.multiply.com/  

Lutong Bahay
Centro, Caramoan
*Pedicab drivers know where the place is


Island Wonders
Centro, Caramoan
*Best and affordable souvenirs

CARAMOAN HOME STAY / ISLAND HOPPING CONTACT

Kuya Ramil 

0907.435.1962

Room Rates: Php300 per head

Island Hopping: 1500.00 [Short Trip] / 3,000 [Long Trip]

www.facebook.com/caramoantourpackage

Your Brother Travel & Tours [ATV Tour]
(052) 820.3629
0922.898.7071 | 0905.455.7594 | 0915.938.6451
cyrelfrancis.chan@ymail.com

Bicol Department of Tourism(052) 482.7012 | (052) 481.5593
mariaravanilla@yahoo.com
www.bicol.com


BEST TIME TO GO: 
Before the rainy season and before the summer vacation.



Whacky Thoughts:
Bicolanos are warm people who wouldn't hesitate to answer a question or two if you feel lost around the region. Their man-made and natural treasures are as valuable as their values. I had a great time during this trip and I intend to go back when given the opportunity. Dios Mabalos Bicol!



Bicol Express Series:

Roadtrip up north [teaser]

Day 1: Vamoose! to Camarines Sur, we go!

Day 2: Arya! Dolphin sightings on the way to Sorsogon
Day 2: Larga! Multi-stop over Sorsogon to CamSur

Day 2: Sun-less wakeboarding at CamSur Watersports Complex

Day 3: Caramoan bound: Getting to Caramoan in 1 piece.

Day 3:  Caramoan West Peninsula Villas

Day 3: Spending one lazy afternoon in Caramoan
Day 4: Caramoan Islets 1: Long wait finally over!
Day 4: Caramoan Islets 2: Long wait finally over!

Day 5: Sea to Summit: Caramoan Island  to Mayon Volcano
Day 5: Mayon Volcano from Cagsawa Ruins