Off to the Mountains and Sagada

Me, my 2 previous workmates, his partner and sister went to Sagada last March 13, 2015.

From what I've researched, there are two routes going to Sagada:

1. Via Baguio Route

2. Via Banaue Route

So, we decided to try both.

We rode the Ohayami Bus routed to Banaue at 9:00 P.M. The bus station is located at Fajardo St. Sampaloc, Manila and the fare is 450.00 PHP. 

We arrived at Banaue on the next day at almost 6:00 A.M. There was a free shuttle ride courtesy of Ohayami from the bus station to the town proper.

Upon reaching Banaue town proper, we decided to get some breakfast before heading out to Sagada (sorry I forgot the name of the cafe where we had our breakfast but it's near Heaven's cafe if I'm not mistaken and the meal cost around 100.00 PHP and up). 

Breakfast at Banaue Mt. Province

Our original plan was to ride on the top of the jeepney going to Bontoc and then ride another jeep going to Sagada. Sadly, we were not able to do so (but I'm looking forward to do it the next time I'll go to Sagada). We opted to ride on a L300 van for 300.00 PHP that will bring us directly to Sagada.

After 3 hours drive, we reached Sagada. We had a reserved room at Residential Lodge. It is for 250.00 PHP/pax/night and the room is with toilet and bath.

*You may contact Residential Lodge with these numbers: 09296257419 or 09196728744

After settling in, we talked about the first activity that we would do after having lunch. Based on some of the blogs that I've read, most of the people who visited Sagada spent their first day spelunking but we were thinking of going to Bomod-Ok falls first. However, the lodge receptionist told us that it is safer to do the caving/spelunking that day because it was kind of gloomy and it'll be hard to reach the falls if it starts to rain. So, we took her advice. She also helped us to contact a guide for our spelunking. The fee for spelunking is 400.00 PHP and you also have to go to the Municipal hall to register as a tourist and pay 35.00 PHP.

*You can choose whether you want to do a normal caving or a cave connection spelunking:

- For normal caving, it will only be in Sumaging Cave.

- For cave connection, it will be from Lumiang Cave (entrance) to Sumaging Cave (exit).

We took our lunch at Yoghurt House. The meals were a little pricey 100.00 PHP and up but the food was great. After eating we went back to the lodge and met our spelunking guide, Pasig -- this is his name. We're really not that prepare for spelunking but we just trust our guide that we'll be able to survive this activity. :D

Lunch at Yoghurt House

Cave Connection Spelunking

So we took a 30 minutes (I think) walk to Lumiang Cave. On the entrance of Lumiang Cave, you'll be able to see the old traditional coffins of Ifugaos. Then, we head on inside the cave and experienced the obstacles of passing through small holes and cliff edges just to get to Sumaging Cave to see the rock formations. This activity is really exhausting and scary. We only have 2 lamps as a source of light and we also have to use some ropes just to get to the other side. It took us more than 4 hours to finish the whole activity. We got out of Sumaging Cave by 9:00 P.M. And since we were all exhausted we decided to rent a van for 200.00 PHP to pick us up and drive us back to the lodge. When we got back to the lodge we just bought cooked rice (for 20.00 PHP), instant noodles (for 25.00) and grilled hotdogs (10.00 PHP) for our dinner.

*You can barrow plates, utensils and drinking glass from the lodge but you have to be the one to wash it before returning.

Surviving Spelunking!!!

Bomod-Ok Falls, Echo Valley, Sagada Cemetery, Hanging Coffins and Sagada Church

We woke up the next day at around 6:00 A.M and decided to have our breakfast at Lemon Pie House to try their famous lemon pie. The meals also cost around 100.00 PHP. A slice of pie cost 25.00 PHP and its best together with their warm lemon tea for 20.00 PHP. After breakfast, we head back to the lodge at around 8:00 A.M. and we were picked up by a van to go to Bomod-Ok falls (the van cost 650.00 PHP).

To get to the falls, there will be a 45 minutes to 1 hour hike. So, you'll have another guide getting there and you need to pay 500.00 PHP and 10.00 PHP fee. While hiking, you'll get to pass some cliffs, see some rice terraces, a hanging bridge and pass through the local community of Ifugaos. There were a lot of people enjoying the icy cold waterfalls. We also took a dip but I wasn't able to stay longer than the others because the cold water is a little too much for me.

We were heading back to the lodge by noon. We decided to cook for our lunch (you can pay for 100.00 PHP to use the stove at the lodge) so we stopped by the market to buy meat or chicken. Unfortunately, we ended up just buying canned corned beef and dried milk fish (this cost around 200.00+ PHP). Then we bought cooked rice again from the nearest eatery from our lodge.

After eating our lunch, we just took shower and prepared to head on to the other spots in Sagada. So, we asked for our guide Pasig again to show us around Sagada (this cost us another 400.00 PHP). We walked to the cemetery where we saw the tomb of one of the fallen soldiers of SAF 44 from the tragic incident last January 25,2015. We saw really old tombs there. Then, we had a little hike again going to the Echo Valley were you can shout out whatever you feel like shouting. Then, we went down the hill to the hanging coffins. After seeing the hanging coffins, we went to see the church in Sagada. Our guide told us that Sagada has an Anglican practice (priest are allowed to marry and have a family).

Bomod-Ok Falls, Hanging Coffins and Echo Valley

We didn't eat dinner that night because we were all too tired from the whole day hike that we forgot to feel hunger :D. However, three of us manage to drink some rhum and coke while eating buttered corn kernels and playing cards.

Waiting for Sunrise at Mt. Kiltepan

On our last day in Sagada, we woke up at 5:00 A.M. to head to Mt. Kiltepan and wait for the sunrise.

This spot in Sagada got famous because of the movie "That Thing Called Tadhana". 

We rent a van for 500.00 PHP to drive us there. When we arrived, there were already a lot of people gathered on the spot to wait for the sunrise. Some even camped there. 

The sun showed up at around 6:30 A.M.

Where do broken hearts go? Here at Mt. Kiltepan :)

After watching the sunrise, we went back to the lodge to prepare for our trip going back to Manila. The lodge receptionist offered us to ride with them for 250.00 PHP since they will also be going to Baguio and that is where we will ride the bus routed to Manila. But the vehicle overheats along the way and we have to transfer to a different van (we pay 170.00 PHP fare). We didn't pay the 250.00 PHP since we didn't even reach half way from Sagada to Baguio.

I have never been to Baguio so, this was the first time I set foot on this place but we didn't have enough time to roam around. We went straight to the bus station to get tickets to go back to Manila.

The bus left Baguio at 9:00 P.M. and arrived at Manila at 3:00 A.M.

Camiguin

As for my first post, I would like to share my very first solo travel experience.

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It started with the 0.15 PHP airfare promo of Cebu Pacific Airlines last January 1, 2015 (I get this restless feeling whenever there is an airline promo). After checking the flights, I decided to book a ticket bound to Cagayan de Oro and then go to Camiguin.

But something unfortunate happened in March that made me quit my job. I tried to look for a new one so that I'll still be able to earn money and add it to what I've already saved for my up coming trips, but it's hard breaking this kind of things to companies who are looking forward to slave you (Yes! slave you!) for the next six months when you get hired. So, I stopped and decided to just take the trips first before starting to work again.

Months passed (April and May), and here comes June. I'm left with five days to tell my Dad that I'll be going to Camiguin. Two days before my trip, I told him I'll be going to Camiguin with my friends (Which was a lie, but I have to, or else he won't let me! Sorry Daddy!).

And on June 6, 2015, with a limited travel funds, I went to the airport and hop on that plane. The plane left Manila at 8:00 A.M. and landed on Laguindingan airport in Cagayan De Oro around past 9:30 A.M.

Got my boarding pass! Landed on Laguindingan airport.

Day 1 Begins!

From Laguindingan I rode a van for 199.00 PHP going to Agora (This is where the terminal for buses going to Butuan are located, but there are vans too, routed directly to Balingoan Port). It took almost an hour from the airport to Agora terminal. Then, rather than taking the bus routed for Butuan, I opted to take another van that will drop me off directly to Balingoan Port for 100.00 PHP (This was 2-hours drive).

Upon arriving at Balingoan Port, I bought a ferry ticket going to Benoni Port for 170.00 PHP and paid 15.00 PHP terminal fee. The ferry ride took an hour. The trip from CDO to Camiguin was a bit exhausting and fun at the same time.

At past 2:00 P.M. (I think it was almost 3:00 P.M.) when I finally landed on Benoni Port and set foot on Camiguin Island. But I don't have my accommodation yet. I just have a list of a couple of cheap places to stay at while in Camiguin and what I know is that most of them are in Mambajao. So I just took another van going to Mambajao (My butt is starting to hurt now!).

Ferry ride from Balingoan to Benoni Port

The van fare from Benoni Port to Mambajao town proper is 30.00 PHP. The driver will drop you off at the market, then, you can ride a tricycle (which are color coded) - Orange for places on West Route and Green for places on East Route (as far as I can remember :D). However, since I don't have any accommodation yet and I was too scared to ride the tricycle or "motorella" as they call it, I asked the driver if he can drop me off to some of the cheap accommodations I've listed and it became a special trip for 100.00 PHP (Sorry! I was an amateur. :( - learn from this). I was supposed to get a room at GV Hotel but this would mean that I have to stay at the town proper. I wanted a sea side location, so, I ended up at Medano Resort at Yumbing, Mambajao. I decided to get the dorm type room for 350.00 PHP/night and shared it with 2 British backpackers (Nose Bleed!). The place was new and decent. The dorm type room is good for 10 people. They also provide lockers for your things (if you are not comfortable leaving them in the room). The place also has a rooftop bar (this is where the free wi-fi is at) in case, you are too lazy to roam around. The owner Sir Rolly was very accommodating and was like a Dad to me.

I felt exhausted after settling in so I was not able to roam around and look for a place where I can buy a cheap meal. So, I decided to check out the bar on the rooftop and just hang out there. Unfortunately, the meals are too pricey for me, but I have no choice because I was already hungry. I ordered Potato Salad for 95.00 PHP (this served as my breakfast, lunch and dinner) and just watched the Sunset. At around 8:00 P.M. I took a shower and then, went back to the rooftop by 9:00 P.M. to check out the acoustic set from a local singer. Finally, slept around 11:00 P.M.

Pamphlet of Medano Resort ( Sorry, I wasn't able to take a picture of the room and the actual place)

Selfie! Potato Salad and Views from the rooftop.

Day 2. Around Camiguin.

I woke up by 6:00 A.M. and started to prepare for my Camiguin tour. Roaming around in Camiguin is usually done via motorcycle. If you'll be the one to drive around, you can rent it for 400.00 PHP for the whole day. But since I was an amateur, (I'll admit I'm scared to get lost) I asked for a driver which cost me additional 350.00 PHP. After eating breakfast (for 150.00 PHP because I was too shy to say no to Sir Rolly when he asked me to have it first before starting the tour), I was off to see what Camiguin has to offer. My first stop was at the Walkway to the old Volcan and Stations of the Cross. You have to pay 5.00 PHP for a 30-minutes hike to the top to see that rewarding view (you'll be able to see the Sunken Cemetery Cross from the top). I had a funny and a scary moment when I did the hike! First, I almost climb the slope because I didn't look left and I thought that was the only way to go to the top. Then, while on the way down, a snake passed before me. 

Going around in Camiguin.

Next stop was the Sunken Cemetery. I paid 250.00 PHP (includes 100.00 PHP environmental fee, 150.00 PHP guide fee and 50.00 PHP snorkeling set)  for a swim here.

*Tip: This can be cheaper if you'll be able to join a group that will do the same activity.

Current and Original Cross of Sunken Cemetery, Old Volcan and Mt. Hibok Hibok background and some underwater shots.

I also checked out the old church ruins which was also destroyed when the old volcan erupted and Tuasan falls but I skipped the soda water park and Sto. Nino cold spring. I decided to grab a lunch from a small eatery (paid 90.00 PHP for 2 meals - mine and for the driver), then head out to Mantigue Island.

Old church ruins (altar, bell tower and convent) and Tuasan Falls

The boat station to Mantigue Island is in Barangay San Roque which is near Benoni Port. The fee for the boat is 550.00 PHP and it is good for 6 persons. And because I was alone, this is too much for me to pay. Luckily, I was able to join a group of 4 people from Cebu who are going to the island on that exact time. I ended up paying 110.00 PHP for the boat fare and 20.00 PHP environmental fee (this will be collected once you hit the island). The boat ride is around 20-30 minutes. 

*Pros and Cons of joining a group: You have to follow their time. I suggest you ask the group how long they plan to stay on the place.

Panoramic shot of Mantigue Island

I guess I was really lucky because the group I met stayed on the island for 3 hours. So, we get to roam around, take pictures and swim. They even invited me to have dinner with them for free! The place where they are staying was just a 2-minutes walk away from where I'm staying. We even found out that one of my British roommates also joined them on their 1st day in Camiguin :D. I went back to my accommodation at around 10:00 P.M. and the group went back to Cebu the next day.

Met Carl, Dale, Rio and Hai Dy of Cebu :)

Before having dinner with them I also went to Katibawasan Falls (there is a 30.00 PHP entrance fee). I was the only one on the place when I got in. It felt like the falls was mine! :D

Then, my last stop was at Hibok-Hibok Hot Spring (also has 30.00 PHP entrance fee). Unlike in Katibawasan falls, the place was full (I think the place was ideal for family picnics). I still took a dip since I already pay to get in and stayed for 10 minutes. Before heading back to Medano Resort and prepare for the dinner invite, me and my driver ate "Isaw" (roasted chicken intestine) first.

Katibawasan Falls and Isaw

Day 3. Last Day!

This is the day I planned to visit the White Island Sandbar. I was up at around 6:00 A.M. even though, they strongly suggest that you visit the island as early as 5:00 A.M., but this is my last day, and I'm not in a hurry. The boat station for White Island is just 5-minutes walk away from where I'm staying. I went there before 7:00 A.M. The boat fare is 450.00 PHP which is good for 6 persons. You also have to pay 20.00 PHP entrance fee. And again, since I was alone, I asked the boatmen if I can join any group going to the island. They let me join a family, so, I just paid 100.00 PHP.

When we arrived at the island, the family and I went separate ways (I still have to join them when they get back to Yumbing). and started to experience the sandbar on our own. I rented an umbrella (for 150.00 PHP) and bought a beer (for 50.00 PHP). Found a perfect spot to chill and started taking pictures. Then, I laid on the sand and started listening to my playlist (And everything was SO PERFECT!!!). However, by 9:00 A.M., the family told me that we will be heading back to Yumbing. This was the sad part of being a plus 1, because I was planning to stay there until noon but I have no choice :(.

White Island Sandbar, Camiguin

I went back to Medano Resort first and upload some of the photos before heading out to look for an eatery to have lunch. I found a small eatery near the school and I had a pancit (stir fry noodles) and rice (for 20.00 PHP). Then I rode the motorella going to Vjandep bakery in Mambajao town proper to buy the famous pastel for my family in Manila. The fare was 10.00 PHP and the driver was so nice that he just wait for me, so, that I don't have to ride another motorella going back to Yumbing. 

After getting into town and back, I went for a walk on the shore took some pictures during the golden hour and waited for the sunset. Then, I went to the rooftop and drink the last bottle of beer I bought while in Camiguin. 

Rode the motorella! Sorry for the puffy eyes I took a nap before heading to the shore during the golden hour. Stayed there until sunset. :D

Day 4. Going back to Manila.

I left the resort at 5:00 A.M. I rode a motorella going to Mambajao market where the van was dropping me off on my first day. Unfortunately, there was no van at that time so I was forced to just ride the jeepney (the fare is 23.00 PHP from Mambajao market to Benoni Port) because I don't want to pay for 150.00 PHP motorcycle fare just going to Benoni Port. But we didn't leave until it was 6:45 A.M. and now I'm starting to get worried because I still have to take 5 hours of travel to get to Laguindingan airport and I might have to hustle to catch my flight to Manila.

When we arrived in Benoni Port the ferry was already leaving and I don't have any choice again but to wait for the next one which will leave after another hour. I felt like crying at this moment. I started to pray that I'll be able to arrive at the airport before boarding time, and God has a way of answering prayers. I met Sir Manu, a local in Camiguin but he also has a house in Cagayan De Oro. He was also traveling to CDO that time and he assisted me by talking to the boatmen in the ferry and try to convince them to leave earlier. When we arrived at Balingoan, he immediately talk to a van driver and told them that I'm in a rush to get to the airport and request to assist me. He also asked for my contact number so that he can check on me.

I arrived at the airport at 12:55 P.M., 5 minutes before the boarding time. I can't describe the relief I felt that time. While getting on the plane, I received a call from Sir Manu and thanked him once again for looking after me. He also told me to contact him in case I'll be travelling back to Camiguin. 

1:30 P.M. the plane left from CDO and arrived safely in Manila at 3:30 P.M. There was a 45 minutes delay due to the queue of landing planes on NAIA.

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I was able to survive the whole trip for 4,500.00 PHP which could have been lesser if I wasn't too amateur. :D