Wednesday, September 15, 2010

BORACAY: My Ultimate Favorite Destination


BORACAY AKLAN


 
LOCATION:  Boracay, Aklan

EPALS:

When we talk about beaches in the Philippines, sino naman ang hndi nkakaalam sa "the most famous Beach in P.I", truly a world class beach at pride na maituturing...


I could'nt forget this trip with my 2 best girl friends at work back home. Mga takas sa work, at talagang naisikreto namin dahil kung hindi, PATAY kame! hahaha!



This was my second time to visit Bora, and im telling you, i am willing to go here again and again...Its beyond compare, kasi narito na lahat.. If you want to enjoy the paradise and party at night at the same time...This is the perfect place for you!


We got to Bora via my dream airline, SEAIR! Lucky we were, feeling private talaga...we're like less than 20 passengers lang, and we're the only pinoys on the plane at that time. Very comfortable, may free shuttle pa to the arrival area...Lucky enough because they're the only airlines that time that flies directly to Caticlan. So no need for a 2 hrs commute from Kalibo airport to Caticlan.
Fly via Seair! yahoo!!

 
TIPS:

Its cheaper to visit Bora when its not peak season, para hndi rin crowded...Habagat season starts in January i think...pero the whole island is not as nice, may mga harang na fence ang bawat resto/bars along the beach kasi mahangin...its cheaper though, but as for me, summer time is still the best time khit maraming tao. I dont suggest getting tours because it will cost you double, kasi madali lang namang puntahan ang Boracay.

It doesnt matter if you stay at station 1, 2 or 3 because you'll be sharing the same beach anyway...Well.. for more private, go to a cozy but more private Station 1. But i recommend station 2, so you'll be just in the middle, malapit sa attractions.


Budget:

We got the airline ticket for P1,200 roundtrip! And the usual Seair flight is around 6thou and up... Zestair and Cebupacific always post promo flight, better check it out! I suggest you book your flight super ahead of time...All inclusive, budget is around 4thou-5thou..
Accomodation is around P800 per night for 3 people.  But if you want beach front stay, maghanda ng 2000 and up per room. Food varies, from P50 per meal to the most luxurious. Island hopping is around P1,500 to rent a boat.


Personal Rating:   * * * * *

Friday, September 10, 2010

SURVIVOR CAMSUR

 ISLANDS OF CARAMOAN



LOCATION: Caramoan, CAMARINES SUR

EPALS:

It was a dream come true to reach the tropical paradise of CARAMOAN! we been planning this trip for months, kaso laging hndi natutuloy because vacation in Bicol is weather permitted. Being the wettest part of the Philippines, it's really an adventure to go to Camsur.




Make sure, you'll plan a head of time...Oh what, the problem is pabago bago ang weather sa Camsur, kahit summer minsan bumabagyo pa, so always check the weather before going there, hmm you dont want to be stucked in there, stranded in middle of a paradise that will turned into a nightmare pag tlagang sumungit ang panahon...

Back to planning ahead of time...Camsur can be reach via Air or by land...Both will pass by Naga and from there you need a 2 hrs bus ride to Sabang and then you will embark on a quite wavy boat ride to Caramoan Island. See, its never an easy travel, so regardless of the many discomfort experience along the way, its always fun going out w/ travel buddies who always find laughter after all...


We stayed at La Playa, a satisfying place to sleep over with...at least meron silang videoke to end the night away...We could have stayed at the Famous Gota Village because i heard, there's a shorter boat travel there from the port, but it was closed because it is being use for survivor episodes.


So many islands to visit like Lahos, Matukad, Sabitang-Laya and many more. Adventures that you dont wanna missed.

TIPS:

We chose to travel by land, it's cheaper and there's relaxing view along the way. But make sure to travel at night so you'll get there sunrise. Buy your ticket at least 3 days before, konti lang ang biyahe going there, travelling hours is about 10hrs long. Many bus lines are offering comfortable seats found in Cubao and pasay terminal. I dont recommend travelling by air, 'coz it's more expensive, you need to check in hours before the filght, hassle going to the airport (mahigpit pa sa bagahe), besides it will only stops at naga and you still need a bus ride and boat rides, so it will just be the same...Mahirap maiwan ng bus, so make sure to buy a roudtrip ticket to ensure you'll get home on time.


Summer time still is the best to visit, hindi masyadong maalon, at masmalinaw ang tubig. Use your haggling skills kasi ang rate sa Camsur when it comes to island hopping, transpo, accomodations paiba iba, kaya wag agad kakagat sa first offered price.

BUDGET:

For this trip, i spent more or less P4000, all inclusive. Bus ride is 1,000 roundtrip, accomodations is P1,000 and up, boat from Sabang port to Caramoan is P120 one way, island hopping is P1,700 and up for 4 people. Basta, always look on line to find the cheapest price possible, kung magaling ka tumawad, mas OK!

Personal Rating:   * * * * *

Thursday, September 9, 2010

coron: untouched paradise

BANOL BEACH, yung nsa likod taga singil ng entrance fee, ng emote! hehe

KAYANGAN LAKE

LOCATION:  CORON, palawan (may 2009)

EPALS:  

Coron is one paradise that is almost undiscovered, a place for relaxation...a truly an escape to the hustle and bustle of manila. In fact, it is one of my favorite place to visit in the Phils. 
BANOL BEACH


I fell inlove with the people and the simplicity of the place. Feeling ko, this is the safest place to visit if you're alone. The natives dont overcharged tourists, i think the whole of palawan. There are few bars, restaurants and turo-turo all over the town.
water melon shake at Seadive


No five star facilities are to be found in the area, nung magpunta ako, ni hndi pa nagooperate ang kaisa isang ATM machine, but i heard now meron na. The whole town can be reach by foot kaya mapapansin halos walang jeepney at tricycle.
Snorkling at Baracuda lake and lagoon


Tips:


Dahil mahirap ang transportation sa Coron, it's better to book your transpo from busunga airport to coron town and vice versa. Seriously, pag naiwan ka ng van, siguradong maiiwan ka rin ng eroplano dahil wala nang susunod na biyahe. What's good thing about Coron, lahat ng Van driver, iniikot ang mga hotels/motels to make sure walang passenger na maiiwan. I remember, busuanga airport is on top of the hill, pababa ng COron town, puro bukid at sapa ang dinadaanan...after 45 mins flight, relaxing travel down the hill.. haaist...kakamiss..

SunRise at Mt. Tapias

Very limited ang options when it comes to accomodations, i recommend PATRICK'S guesthouse, they charged P300 and up. Anyways, you wont find any beach accomadations in Coron so i guess you wouldnt mind much on how nice your room would be, as long as its clean and comfortable, ayos na!


Lunch time at Banol Beach, with new found buddies Tess, Roxanne and Tita.


The best way to go around the attractions of Coron is to book the " 1 day coron loop" there are i think 8 areas to visit, banol beach,kayangan lake,CYC,baracuda lake etc.etc. They charge pretty cheap included pa ang lunch at tour guide. May mga bagong friends pa sigurado! there are a bunch of island hopping available, merong zafari, ship wrecked etc. If you have the time and budget spend a week to go around the whole island. Ako kasi, 3 days lang, and i think the most important island hopping to book ay yung coron loop.


KAyanga lake has always been awarded as the cleanest lake in PI


BUDGET:


For a 3 day/2 nights, i spent less than P5000 including airfare via Cebupacificair. (take note, i only buy promo flights, this time i got P973, round trip) Food can cost you P50 and up per meal, t-shirts are P120. Accomodations from P300-1,200. Airport transfer P200 one way. Coron loop island hopping P1,300.

Personal Rating:  * * * * *

Thursday, September 2, 2010

LOCATION: Avila Beach (March 2010)

EPALS:

My first ever attempt to surf in America! the water is as cold as the water from the fridge, lagyan mo pa ng yelo! But w/ my wet suit on, nkakaya naman ang lamig...and to think na i did it during spring time..hahaha! but in all fairness..hndi nman ako ngiisa, and they say, its good to surf during that time for beginners kasi waves is just perfect. After fun w/ the water, go around the farmer's market  to catch some goodies to fill in your stomach and feel the music of the performer/s seen outdoor as sun is going down.

TIPS:

Go on during summer! wear your sexy bikinis/boardshorts, your sunglasses and be ready for a tan line...Try the tri-tip sandwich and some cold water melon extract! yum! yum! Open only every friday afternoon.



 
BUDGET:

If you just want to chill and have some finger foods, all expenses would be $25-$40 depending on how much you could eat...hehe!
Personal Rating:  * * *

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

My Birthday Trip (Aug 2010)



Location: Magic Mountain, Valencia, CA

Epals:  My 1st birthday in America was da best! After all the shocking surprises from friends, the group went toMagic Mountain, in Valencia, CA. Rented van for $300 for the whole day...come to think of it, it would be way cheaper than bringing your own car. there's 12 of us and it was so much fun when you guys are on the same car! kulitan a kung ano anong pakulo para makaiwas sa boredom at hindi mapansin ang haba ng biyahe..



Tips: 

Dahil sobrang init sa Magic Mountain, itago muna ang mga jacket at jeans! mascomportable, mas patok! During summer time, expect the unexpected! every ride would mean, falling in line forever! 45 mins in each ride...kaya unahin n ang mga extreme rides! i recommend, tatsu, batman and goliath. awesome roller coaster rides!! if you can sneak for waters, do it! pricey ang drinks inside the park. Best time to visit, as soon as it opens..



Budget:

if u can find somebody who can avail of discount, like what i did! employee's discount is 50% off.. so i got the ticket for $23.99. With all the expenses, $100 is more than enough.
 

Personal Rating:  * * * * *