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Postcards from Bangkok, Thailand

11/3/2020

2 Comments

 

A day in Bangkok

Bangkok is a dazzling city which has so much to offer both day and night. So here are some snapshots of an amazing day in Bangkok. 
Bangkok, Thailand, The Grand Palace, Monkey © www.travelblogonline.com
The Grand Palace is a must to visit! The Grand Palace complex was established in 1782 and it consists of not only royal and throne halls, but also a number of government offices as well as the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Bangkok, Thailand, The Grand Palace © www.travelblogonline.com
At the Grand Palace you can see these amazing monkey warriors. It was the King Rama who had a monkey army under his command. Imagine to meet one these bad boys in a dark alley in the middle of the night!
Bangkok, Thailand, Grand Palace and a guard © www.travelblogonline.com
Someone is busy with her phone and some other is taking a nap... on his duty!


Bangkok, Thailand, a girl in the escalator © www.travelblogonline.com
Peace to everybody... from the mysterious girl in the escalator
Bangkok, Thailand, girl buying sushi © www.travelblogonline.com
There are street markets everywhere in Bangkok. You can really find whatever you are craving for. This girl is obviously in for some delicious sushi!
Bangkok, Thailand, crocodile barbecue © www.travelblogonline.com
If you belong to the more brave, why don’t you try your taste buds with this? Here is some mouth watering barbecued croc. The taste is a little bit like chicken and surely it melts in your mouth.
Bangkok, Thailand, BTS Skytrain © www.travelblogonline.com
The BTS Skytrain is the best way to go around in Bangkok. It’s clean and efficient but can be crowded in the rush hours. But people are very disciplined and fall in line when entering the train.
Bangkok, Thailand, Siam Paragon the fountain © www.travelblogonline.com
Siam BTS station, around here is the main shopping heaven in Bangkok. Ranging from the fashionable Central Plaza and Siam Paragon to the more modest MBK.
Bangkok, Thailand, street life © www.travelblogonline.com
Around the Patpong area it’s always a busy street life day and night with lot’s of everything. The girls in the face masks look very determined on their way to something. The signage “The Lovers” hmm... I wonder what that is?
Bangkok, Thailand, a green snake © www.travelblogonline.com
What a slim Asian beauty! At the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute you can watch her doing pole dancing (around a branch though).
Bangkok, Thailand, a snake handler © www.travelblogonline.com
A snake handler in deep concentration fighting with the longest venomous snake in the world, the King Cobra. Aside from the shows at Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute they also do extraction and research of snake venom, and vaccines, especially rabies vaccine.
Bangkok, Thailand, a girl at the dam © www.travelblogonline.com
When the day turns into evening it gets quiet here in the park... in other places the evening has just begun. The eternal cycle of a city that never sleeps.
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Mambukal Resort, Bacolod, Philippines

15/1/2020

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Mambukal Resort, Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Philippines, © www.travelblogonline.com, a bat
If you are lucky you might see one of these

Mambukal Resort, a perfect daytrip for the whole family

Once upon a time, a hill station was established in the area in 1923, through a provincial administrative order, to serve as a weekend getaway for the officials of the Negros Occidental provincial government and its guests. Now many years later it has became a tourist attraction mainly known for its Sulfur pools with a public sulfur pool, the Japanese-constructed rotenburo and the Ishiwata Bath. But there are also waterfalls, picnic spots, butterfly garden which attracts the visitors. 
Mambukal is home to several rare bat species for example the endemic giant golden-crowned flying fox and the Philippine tube-nosed fruit bat can be seen in the area. These, along with other resident bat species, are estimated to number between 7,500 to 8,000.


Facts

From Bacolod, take the bus from Mambucal Bus Terminal 40 PHP person. The trip takes 45 to 60 minutes. The last stop is the Mambukal resort so no worries there. Entrance fee is 50 PHP per adult. There is a foodcourt with several restaurants. So no worries there either if you are hungry and thirsty. The food is fully recommendable. Some of the attractions cost additional, for example the sulfur pools. 50-100 PHP per person. You can hike to the waterfalls and swim and if you are really lucky you might see some of the mythical creatures of the forest as well. When you are done the bus is waiting for you. They are going every 10 minutes (or so, you are in the Philippines after all) back to Bacolod.  

Links related to Negros Occidental that might interest you >>>

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Onuk island, Balabac Archipelago, Palawan

10/1/2020

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Onuk island, the last frontier of the Philippines?

If you are like me, constantly searching for the pristine, unexploited and off the beaten track, then this can be something for you. But beware, it’s a little bit tricky to find your way out to Onuk island and there is no infrastructure for tourists whatsoever. But that’s part of the adventure right? 

And hey! Don’t miss to watch the video clip at end!
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, Onuk island

How about the safety?

The short answer is yes, it’s safe to go to Onuk island. But consider the long answer as well. Remember before you travel to Balabac it’s always good to listen around regarding the concerns below since things can change.
Malaria​
There have been Malaria outbreaks in the mountainous Mainland Balabac but for now it’s considered safe to be out in the Balabac archipelago. But bring mosquito repellants because there will be tons mosquitos hunting for your blood after sunset.
Crocodiles
A minor concern are the saltwater crocodiles but they are only present in the Mainland Balabac. Which means out in the archipelago it’s safe from crocodiles.
Weather
The weather can be unpredictable. The dry seasons of April and May are the best times to visit the Balabac archipelago since the sea is perfectly calm on most days during these months. You may also visit Balabac during the months of December to February where it is fairly good. However, these months can the waves be particularly rough on the beaches.
Bandits
But hey! Balabac islands are located in the Sulu sea. Hmm wasn’t that the place where the Philippine army battle bandits? Yes, that’s right. But that’s on the other side of the Sulu sea at Jolo. There are no bandits in the Balabac archipelago.  
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, the bus trip
On our way to Rio Tuba we passed by beautiful landscapes of Palawan
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, eating lunch
Sometimes you must eat right? The bus made one stop for lunch.
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, Pring Pension House
We arrived late after sunset in Rio Tuba. We were lucky the Pring Pension House had an available room for us. It’s just very near the terminal by the way.
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, Pring Pension House
Early morning at Pring. We paid 1200 PHP for a small Aircon rom without breakfast. Breakfast was available for 100 PHP.

Facts about how to get to Onuk island

  • Public bus from San Jose Terminal (Puerto Princesa) going to Rio Tuba. Fare 350 PHP per person with Aircon bus. The trip takes around 7 hours so better start early in the morning. Expect to stay overnight in Rio Tuba. In Rio Tuba there are a limited selection of restaurants. But Sizzling Republic is recommendable, click the link to see the review.
  • Ferry from Rio Tuba to Balabac Island. (Mainland Balabac) You need probably to take a tricycle to the port 100 PHP. Be there around 7 am to buy tickets. The trip takes 4-5 hours depending on the weather. Fare 450 PHP. At Balabac island you have to take a tricycle from the pier to Balabac town 60 PHP. Expect to stay there overnight. In Balabac town it’s even more limited when it comes to restaurants and shops. There are Sari Sari stores where you can buy the the essential and the best two eateries are located next to each other opposite of the police station.
  • Ask around and rent a boat for going on island hopping. The price would be around 2000 PHP per person for the boat with lunch included. For Onuk island there will be an additional entrance fee of 1500 PHP per person. At Onuk island there are no shops so be sure to bring everything you need.
  • For the time being it’s not possible to stay overnight at Onuk island. But things can change so ask around if you are interested to do that.
  • If you for some reason need to extend your visa you can do it in Balabac town. There happen to be an immigration field office there.


Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, the port Rio Tuba
The port in Rio Tuba. Here you must report to the coast guard that you are going with the ferry
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, the port Rio Tuba
Our ferry which will take us to Balabac island
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, on the boat
Safety first. Before departure the coast guard inspects the boat and that everyone wear a life vest.
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, sleeping
Sometimes you get sleepy of all traveling
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, on the boat
My fellow traveler had brought two hamsters with him to give to his family for Christmas
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, Bancalan island
Now it begins to look nice. A short stop at Bancalan island
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, the port Balabac island
Finally the pier at Balabac island
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, the port Balabac
Balabac port
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, the port Balabac
Balabac port and from here you take a tricycle going in to town
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, MLK lodging house
We stayed at MLK Lodging house. A basic room with fan. No breakfast available. 600 PHP night.
Picture
Yes there are saltwater crocodiles here at Balabac island (Mainland Balabac)
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, main road Balabac town
A nice sunset at the main road in Balabac town
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, the Eatery in Balabac
There are no Starbucks here. But it’s still possible to get your cake and coffee with some slight modifications though. But if you don’t want 3 in 1, which for me is too sweet, bring coffee stick and creamer with you. Here at one of the two eateries located opposite the police station.
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, in the boat
Finally on our way out to Onuk island. 1-2 hours boat trip depending on the weather. The sound from the engine was totally deafening so a friendly advice is to bring some kind of ear protection.
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, Onuk island
Before it was possible to stay overnight at Onuk island. It was just recently they changed their policy. The accommodation was very basic in those sheds. Nevertheless I was very disappointed not to be able to experience a 24 hours stay here.
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, Onuk island
The water was crystal clear and the sand white and soft. You couldn’t hear a single sound except from the waves and the sea breeze. So relaxing for a stressful mind.
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, Onuk island
The total silence together with the endless sea resulted in a magic ambience of timelessness which had a great impact on me...
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, Onuk island
The beach was very clean and surprisingly not full of plastic waste which sorry to say is common these days.
Onuk Island, Balabac Island, Palawan, Philippines © www.travelblogonline.com, Onuk island
Low tide at this moment

Snorkeling

Be sure to bring your snorkeling gears and you can enjoy the crystal clear water under the surface as well. There were some coral reef surrounding the island. Sorry to say much of the coral was already dead. But beautiful sea turtles were grazing sea grass from the sea floor but ever how hard I tried I couldn’t catch up with them. There were some amazing giant clams which were easier to spot since they didn’t swim away from me. 

The final thought

If you are too comfy this trip is nothing for you. But if you are more adventurous and don’t mind to put in a bit effort to experience the beauty of Mother Nature I can recommend to explore this part of Palawan. It’s totally worth it all days in the week! Other post which is related to Palawan click here
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Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay

19/1/2019

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Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, Sunset, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
Yes, there are sunsets here at Punta Ballo Beach
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, Main entrance, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
The main entrance to Easy Diving Resort
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, Beachfront, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
Down at the beachfront

​Come as guest leave as friend

Come as guest leave as friend, is Easy Diving's motto. And yes, I think so. I made some friends here. Easy Diving and Beach Resort is beautifully located on Punta Ballo Beach around 15 minutes from downtown Sipalay. Expect to pay around 200-250 PHP to the tricycle driver. The Resort has 20 air-conditioned bungalows plus 2 bungalows with fan. 
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, Beachfront, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
It was very quiet here
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, The restaurant, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
The restaurant comes with sea breeze and ocean view

The bungalow was very fresh

Since I don't like air-condition I booked my bungalow with fan instead, actually there were two fans. Everything was very fresh and clean. The bungalow had a nice little porch with two chairs and a table where you could sit in the evenings and enjoy the quietness and practice stargazing. A so called free WiFi was included as a pocket WiFi. As far as I remember you had 3 GB of load for free. When you had consumed that you had to pay extra to get an additional 3 GB load. I was told this was only temporary until they had fixed a more permanent WiFi solution. I hope they did.
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, My room, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
I really like the idea of bedside tables with lamps
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, My room, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
The bungalow had no AC instead it had two fans which suited me much better!
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, My room, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
It was very clean everywhere
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, Say no to plastic, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
To fight the plastic pollution you could buy an aluminum bottle for 500 PHP with free refill of service water


Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, The restaurant, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
The restaurant where you could enjoy Easy Diving's delicious food. They also accept walk in guests.
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, The restaurant, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
In the evenings they had mosquito coils so I was spared from mosquito bites

The food heaven 

In the restaurant they served excellent food, both Filipino and European style. The tuna steaks became quickly my favourites. Not to mention the delicious pancake with fresh mango and ice cream which was really addictive! In the evenings the atmosphere was really cozy in the restaurant. I was just sitting there inhaling the sea breeze and watched the sunset and contemplated about how good life was.
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, The restaurant, Tuna Steak, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
Oh my! I could die for this tuna steak with spicy wasabi sauce and garlic rice
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, The restaurant, Tuna Steak, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
My second love, tuna steak with creamy yellow curry sauce...
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, The restaurant, Pancake, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
My secret lover forever! Pancake filled with fresh mango served with ice cream and chocolate sauce
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, The restaurant, Bicol Express, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
Bicol Express, a famous spicy dish from the region of eastern Philippines, Bicol
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, The restaurant, Breakfast, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
As delicious as it looks, the crispy bangus (fish) with rice and egg. So so Philippines!
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, The restaurant, Breakfast, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
After a night of stargazing you need a real breakfast, so what can be better than hash browns with bacon and egg??
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, The restaurant, Shrimps, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
A delicasy for the most demanding taste, spicy shrimps fried with chilli and garlic

Easy Diving has lots to offer

Easy Diving offers a lot, specially for those who are divers and I was told there are some really good diving spots just near. But even snorkelling was good if you swam enough out from the shore line. All the staff, from the owner to the room service were all very friendly and helpful. My highlights were the food, the quietness and beautiful location by the sea and not to mention my stargazing moments from my porch. 
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, Stairs, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
One of the many stairs at Easy Diving
Easy Diving and Beach Resort, Sipalay, Reception, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
The friendly hotel dog taking a nap in the reception

Video clip

The video shows a bit of what to expect from the stairs and the snorkeling near the beach.

Conclusions about Easy Diving Resort

I paid 2300 PHP per night for the bungalow with fan and breakfast included. That was competitive when I compared with other resorts in the same area at Punta Ballo Beach. The location of Easy Diving is more convenient than those resorts at the famous Sugar Beach which is only accessible by boat. But be aware of the stairs, if you can't or don't like to walk in stairs then Easy Diving might not be for you. There are many stairs to walk when moving around in the resort. Aside from that, the food, the friendliness of the staff, the cleanliness in the bungalow were excellent. 
Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
5 Location
5 Sleep Quality
5 Rooms
5 Service
5 Value for the money
5 Cleanliness 
Easy Diving and Beach Resort
Punta Ballo
6113 Sipalay-City
Philippines
(0063) 91 730 003 81
2 Comments

Cebu Taoist Temple, Philippines

13/1/2019

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Cebu Taoist Temple, Prayer room, Cebu City, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
The prayer room at the highest peak of the complex.

​Cebu Taoist Temple and a date with the dragon

Cebu Taoist Temple is located in Beverly Hills Subdivision of Cebu City, Philippines. The temple is built by Cebu's substantial Chinese community in 1972.
Cebu Taoist Temple, Dragon, Cebu City, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
One of the many dragons which are protecting the area

Pray and make a wish

The Taoist temple is open to the worshipers and non-worshipers alike. A ritual among devotees is where one prays to the gods to grant one's wish. The ritual includes washing of hands, going inside the chapel barefoot and dropping two blocks of wood. If the blocks of wood are both face up then one could make a wish. If not then it is not yet the time for one's wish to be granted and one has to come to the temple some other time.
Cebu Taoist Temple, Cebu City, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
The entrance to the temple is a replica of the Great Wall of China. ( This is not the entrance though )
Cebu Taoist Temple, Cebu City, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
The temple includes a chapel, a library, a souvenir shop and a wishing well.

Amazing view from here

Cebu Taoist Temple, View, Cebu City, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
On a clear day you can spot the islands of Mactan and Bohol from here.


Unwind for a while

The Taoist temple is easy accessible from downtown Cebu. We took a taxi from Ayala center and paid around 150 PHP. The view from here is amazing and the surroundings are relaxing for a busy mind. To come here was like to unwind from the hectic and busy city life down town Cebu. I really liked the place for its quietness and beautiful view!
Cebu Taoist Temple, The stairs, Cebu City, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
There are 81 steps in the stair... (representing the 81 chapters of Taoism scriptures)
Cebu Taoist Temple, View, Cebu City, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
My friends were enjoying the visit to the Taoist temple
Cebu Taoist Temple, Fisherman in the pond, Cebu City, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
A friendly fisherman. You were not allowed to throw coins in this pond.
Cebu Taoist Temple, Selfie taking, Cebu City, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
Any place is good for taking a selfie!
Cebu Taoist Temple, View, Cebu City, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
The wishing well
Cebu Taoist Temple, View, Cebu City, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
The view is spectacular

The dragons

Chinese dragons are legendary creatures in Chinese mythology. Chinese dragons have many animal-like forms such as turtles and fish, but are most commonly depicted as snake-like with four legs. They traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, typhoons, and floods. The dragon is also a symbol of power, strength, and good luck for people who are worthy of it in East Asian culture.
Cebu Taoist Temple, View and two dragons, Cebu City, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
Chinese dragons stand on the temple’s roofs like protectors and sentinels of the site
Cebu Taoist Temple, View, Cebu City, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
The dragon is a symbol of power, strength, and good luck for people

Reminders

Even if you don’t share their faith, you must always keep in mind that it’s a sacred site for Taoist worshipers and is a place originally intended for meditation and prayer.
  • Don’t wear sleeveless or shorts if you wish to enter it’s altar
  • Don’t snap photos inside the prayers and temples (you can allowed to take photographs of every other part of the temple complex)
  • Stay in the temple for just 30 minutes to an hour
  • Observe silence
Cebu Taoist Temple, View, Cebu City, Philippines © travelblogonline.com

Going back to downtown

When time to go back downtown again there are numerous options, taxi, habal habal or jeepney. But we chose to walk. Actually it's not far from Ayala center only about 30-40 min of easy walking. And... yes it's no problem, it's perfectly safe to walk here at least in day time. 
A short video clip of our walk back downtown. My friend was also in a desperate need of a cigarette!

Related links to Cebu island >>>

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Isola de Francesco or Virgin Island, Panglao, Philippines (Updated!)

12/10/2018

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​Adventure for free, well at least almost for free!

Pungtod Island or now known as “Isola de Francesco” or Virgin Island, a seventeen thousand square meter privately owned island off the coast of Panglao. It's named after Francesco Forgione, widely known as Padre Pio. The island was conceived by the owners to serve the growing number of Padre Pio devotees in Bohol and promote devotion to the Italian Capuchin monk who is the first stigmatized priest in the history of the Church. The island is also known by the locals as the “Hidden oasis”. It's easy to come here. Just take the free yellow shuttle boat near the St. Agustin Catholic Church in Panglao.


Highlights: Sand reef, fresh sea urchins and comfort room!

One of the higlights is of course the long sand reef where you can take a swim or just enjoy the white sand and the beauty of nature. You should also challenge your taste buds with fresh sea urchins directly from the sea. Season with vinegar to taste. Then maybe it's time to visit the comfort room. Don't hesitate, it's clearly one of the nicest comfort rooms I ever been to here in the Philippines. So try it out! There are also kayaks you can borrow and explore the waters around the island. Or why not just grab a regular Filipino snack near the entrance and relax in the shadow, listen to the doves... there are for some reason many doves here. I guess they have found a quiet refuge here in this peaceful environment. And yes, everything is for free here... boat ride, sea urchins, kayaks and snacks but of course small donations are always welcomed.

Note! Click on images to see slideshow and captions!
Free shuttle boats to Virgin Island
Virgin Island is also known as the "Hidden oasis"
Francesco Forgione, widely known as Padre Pio
The beautiful sand reef
A challenge for your taste buds, sea urchins directly fresh from the sea
Scrape the meat out
Ready to enjoy
Don't forget Philippines nicest comfort room!
The mens room
Filipino snacks available
Kayaks which you can borrow
A 60 sec video clip showing the beauty of Isola de Francesco. The fruit in the video is ​Pandanus fruit.
Related links:
Pamilacan island Philippines​
​
Snorkeling at Pamilacan island
Alona Beach, Panglao​
Where to stay in Tagbilaran, Bohol​
Day trip to Isola de Francesco​
The Hills​
Where to eat in Tagbilaran?
Find a house for rent in Panglao
Review of the Food Court in Island City Mall (Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines)
Bohol and Panglao Islands, Philippines
Isola de Francesco or Virgin Island, Panglao, Philippines
Review of Swiss Zurigo Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Bojol Grill Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of A's Chicken Nuggets & Grill Haus (Bohol, Philippines)
The giant Arogo and the smallest primate, what do they have in common?
Review of Panglao Island Nature Resort & Spa  (Panglao, Philippines)
Review of Henann Resort Alona Beach (Panglao, Philippines)
Review of Shang Palace Seafood Restaurant (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Bo's Coffee (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of The Buzzz Café (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Golden Cowrie (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Staylite Park Bed and Breakfast (Bohol, Philippines)
Review of Arabelle Suites (Bohol, Philippines)
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Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Negros Oriental

14/9/2018

2 Comments

 

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park

I had my two Swedish friends visiting me here in the Philippines, so I wanted to show them how beautiful the nature can be in Negros Oriental. I decided to take them to Balinsasayao Twin Lakes not far from Dumaguete. We had our own transportation so the ride from Dumaguete went smooth as silk. Every time when I drive up that mountain slope of Mt Talinis I get stunned how beautiful it is.
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
My two friends from Sweden were also impressed of the views on our way up the mountain
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Visitors center, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
Before we arrived at Balinsasayao Twin Lakes we needed to register and pay at the visitors center. After registration we needed to drive for additional 5-10 minutes to reach the actual park.
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Landslide, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
Sometimes when going up in the mountains you can see the effects of landslides
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Habal Habal, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
If you don't have your own transportation you can ride a habal habal, a motorcycle taxi. Room for 4 passengers and a driver!


Behind the visitors center...

Behind the visitors centers we took some stunning pictures. There is this lake which I don't know the name of which is really beautiful. The surface of the lake was like a mirror. After registration and paying the entrance fee we saddle up again and drove for another 10 minutes before we came to Lake Balinsasayao. 
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
A small fishing boat
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
Fishing net
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
Picture picture time!
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
The lake was like a mirror

Walk or rent a boat

When we arrived at the Lake Balinsasayao I presented the two main options for my friends. Walk or rent a boat. We wanted to go to the watch tower between the two lakes so either we could walk the trail along the shore or rent a boat. But since we all needed a little bit exercise they decided that we would walk the trail. The trail itself is not long, only maybe around 600-700 m to the watch tower. 
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
One of the twin lakes, the Lake Balinsasayao. Depth 90 m and around 850 m above the sea level. From here you can rent small boats for roaming around in the lake.
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, The trail, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
Off we went on the trail! Not advisable to walk here when it's wet, then it will be very slippery for sure!
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, The trail, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
The winding trail made the distance felt longer than it actually was...
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
View over Lake Balinsasayao along the trail
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Ants, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
The ants were marching smoothly up the tree


The watch tower

Our walk to the watch tower went well and took about 20-30 minutes. I was amazed by the fresh air and how quiet it was. We only met a few other visitors here. We stayed for a while and just enjoyed the scenery before we started going back. If you are the sporty type of person, I recommend the trail if not go for the boat.
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
They were also admiring the view over Lake Balinsasayao, but they came by boat
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
This is the bigger lake of the two, Lake Balinsasayao
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Lake Danao, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
This is the Lake Danao, the smaller lake.
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
This little guy was very curious on me and likewise I was curious on him
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Two Fishermen, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com
When we came back after our walk we saw these two guys fishing... I didn't see them catching anything though.
The video is a compilation of our walk back and forth the watch tower

Facts:

Description
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park is a natural park  surrounding Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao in the province of Negros Oriental, 14.5 km west of Dumaguete. Lakes Balinsasayao and Danao are two small crater lakes separated by a narrow mountain ridge. They are located on the eastern slope of the Talinis mountain range which are volcanic in origin. Lake Balinsasayao has maximum depth of around 90 metres (300 ft). The smaller Lake Danao, on the other hand, has a maximum depth of around 58 metres (190 ft).
Entrance fee
The entrance fee to the park is P100 for foreigners and P50 for Filipinos.
A restaurant also
At the Lake Balinsasayao there is a restaurant that offers variety of dishes at an acceptable rate.

To get there:

Own transportation 
The far most convenient way is to have your own transportation. Beware of that the road going up the mountain is very steep at some points, means slippery when it's raining. It's possible to drive your own car all the way up there but motorcycle is preferable.
Public transportation  
With public transportation you can go by bus or jeepney to the Lalaan junction for Twin Lakes, 7.5 km from the Sibulan town or 13.5 km from Dumaguete. Around P10-15 per person. From the Lalaan junction take a habal habal up the mountain an additional 13 km until you reach the Twin Lakes. You find the drivers at the junction. Standard rate is P300 for a solo passenger and P400 for two back and forth. You will probably need to pay the entrance fee for the driver as well since after registration there is an additional distance to cover before reaching the lake. The driver will wait for you until you like to go back.

Related links to Negros Oriental >>>

If you like to see other blogposts (including this one) related to Negros Oriental click the link above!
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Hiking in Corella, Bohol

8/9/2018

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Breakfast before hiking

Before you go hiking you need to eat a real breakfast, right? So this morning Danica went out and bought the breakfast... I usually advised her not to buy so much food, but as usual it was more than we could finish. For just around P100 we got noodles, chicken livers, vegetables, some kind of pork meat, soup and of course the mandatory rice! 
Bohol, Breakfast, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
Danica prepared the breakfast, means she went out and bought it.
Bohol, Breakfast, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
Noodles, veggies, chicken liver, some pork meat, soup and all served together with rice of course
Corella, Bohol, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
Now happy with a full stomach Danica was ready to go


​Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

One of the starting points for the hike is the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. We had decided to make a combo, first visit the Tarsier Sanctuary and then do the hike since the hiking trail starts just behind the sanctuary. As usual we were assigned a guide who took us along some narrow trails around the sanctuary. Despite the dense vegetation I was able to spot several of the shy tarsiers and I regretted deeply that I had been lazy and hadn't brought my big camera with me. Grrr... 
Corella, Bohol, Tarsier sanctuary, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
We were not allowed to talk loudly or use the flash on the camera
Corella, Bohol, Tarsier sanctuary, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
Our guide showed us the way through the dense vegetation
Corella, Bohol, Tarsier sanctuary, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
The tarsier is very shy but we spotted several of them.

After tarsiers then hiking

Our main objective this day was the hiking. We easily found the beginning of the trail behind the actual sanctuary but after a couple hundred meters into the rainforest the trail wasn't that that clear to follow. We had been told it was easy to "just follow" but suddenly it didn't feel obvious. Danica was more concerned of the potential "monsters" hiding in the rainforest but I was afraid to get lost.
Corella, Bohol, Hiking, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
Hmm just follow the trail...
Corella, Bohol, Hiking, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
We were relieved when we spotted the first signage but hmm... we were heading for viewing deck one and this was viewing deck two (!)
Corella, Bohol, Hiking, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
We decided to walk in the opposite direction of viewing deck two and 10 min later we finally discovered something on the ground...
Corella, Bohol, Hiking, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
Yess we found the direction to viewing deck one! So yes... easy peasy just follow the signs!
Corella, Bohol, Hiking, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
The trail was slowly getting steeper and steeper...
Corella, Bohol, Hiking, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
When we approached the viewing deck the trail become even more steep

The rewarding view

Soaked in sweat with empty water bottles we finally came up to the viewing deck one. The view was breathtaking! We had almost a 360 degrees view over Bohol. It was worth all the blood sweat and tears to come here. A perfect spot to take photos from or having a romantic picnic or why not do both! Maybe even stay here overnight to experience the most awesome sunset and the sunrise... in that case I guess I have to convince Danica that there are no monsters hiding in the bushes beneath... 
Corella, Bohol, Hiking, Amazing view, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
Ohh the view was really rewarding!
Corella, Bohol, Hiking, Amazing view, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
Snack time! But we had ran out of water so be sure to bring some extra bottles of water
Corella, Bohol, Hiking, Amazing view, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
The mandatory picture picture time!
Corella, Bohol, Hiking, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
Finally before it got dark it was time to go back!

Facts:

How to get to Corella

It's about 13 km going to Corella from Tagbilaran City.
Via public transport: From Sikatuna Jeepney Terminal, (This is right infront of Island City Mall) get into a jeepney bound to Sikatuna via Corella. This jeepney drops you off at Philippine Tarsier Foundation. Fare is P17.00. Tell the driver of the jeepney that you are headed to Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. Upon arrival there is a huge signage and rough road, take it and walk for 300 meters to the research building. 
Going back, just take a jeepney headed to Tagbilaran. And yes it is safe to hitch hike here. Fare is P15.00 for jeepney.
If you have your own motorcycle it's very easy to go there, just follow Google maps. 

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary and the Sikatuna Tree Park

You can start your hike either at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary or at the Sikatuna Tree Park. There are two viewing decks to visit and the hiking trail connects the Tarsier Sanctuary with the Tree Park. Just follow the signs. Viewing deck one is closer to the Tree Park and the viewing deck two is more close the the Tarsier Sanctuary. Hiking from the Tarsier Sanctuary, visiting both viewing decks and end up at the Tree Park should take around 2-4 hours depending on your fitness level.

Comfortable shoes and water

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, it can be very slippery. Bring lot's of water. Plan ahead so you will be out from the rainforest before it gets dark, unless you intend to spend the night there. When it's dark it will be very hard to negotiate the trail.

​Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is worth a visit

If you begin your hike at the Tarsier Sanctuary you should take the opportunity to visit the sanctuary itself. The entrance fee to the sanctuary is P60. If you just go for the hike, it's free of charge whether you start from the Tarsier Sanctuary or the Tree Park.

Click this link to see other posts about Bohol:

Related posts to Bohol
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Bantayan road trip part 4

23/8/2018

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A real Filipino breakfast is never wrong!

What can be better than salty bangus (fish) fried to crispy perfection, scrambled eggs, rice together with spicy sawsawan sauce? Did I hear crispy bacon and eggs?? Well, I guess ​nothing excludes the other, right?
Bangus breakfast, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
Salty bangus (fish) fried to crispy perfection, scrambled eggs, rice together with spicy sawsawan sauce

Why are mangroves so important?

Fully loaded with protein, good healthy omega 3 fats, carbohydrates and caffeine we headed for Oboob Mangrove Garden. Maybe you have heard that mangroves are important...? So why are mangrove habitats so important? Basically ​Shoreline protection. Mangroves protect shorelines from damaging storm and hurricane winds, waves, and floods. Mangroves also help prevent erosion by stabilizing sediments with their tangled root systems. They maintain water quality and clarity, filtering pollutants and trapping sediments originating from land.
Oboob Mangrove Garden, The Entrance, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
Welcome to the Oboob Mangrove Eco Park
Oboob Mangrove Garden, Walkaway, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
The Eco park has a bamboo walkway through the mangroves which makes for a refreshing stroll with good photo opportunities

​​Oboob Mangrove Garden/Eco Park

It was easy peasy for us to go there with our beloved scooter. We paid the entrance and then attended a short lecture about the Eco park. In my opinion they are doing a great job preserving this sensitive habitat. We were assigned a guide who told us more about the Eco park and of course she even helped us to take some pictures according to Danica's directives.
Oboob Mangrove Garden, Lecture, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
We had a short briefing about the Eco park


Oboob Mangrove Garden, The Guide, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
Our guide who showed us around and helped us with some picture picture!
Oboob Mangrove Garden, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
Along the walkaways there were spots suitable for picnics, not visible on this pic though
Oboob Mangrove Garden, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
The Eco park is relatively big and this is the utermost tip towards the ocean
Oboob Mangrove Garden, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
Dannica is pointing a finger... hmm
Oboob Mangrove Garden, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
A walkaway back to land

Park Entry Fees:

How to get there:

Adults – 50 pesos
Students and Children – 20 pesos
Kayaking – 150 pesos
Boating – 350 pesos
From Sta Fe: travel west on Bantayan Sta Fe road. After roughly 7 km turn left on Obo-ob Road. There are a couple of signs there that mention the eco park.
After additional 2 km ​The Mangrove Eco Park will be down on your right.

Tropical storm Basyang

This morning at breakfast it had been quite windy. So later when we came back to our resort we heard about the tropical storm Basyang. There were rumors that the ferry would be cancelled for going back to Cebu Island. So of course we became a little bit worried. It was not the first time we had been stranded on an island. We had already been away for two weeks and it was time to go back to Dumaguete.​ In the evening we clearly noticed that the wind gained strength. Me: What's the problem it's romantic to be stranded on an island, right? But Danica: I am longing for my daughter huhu...
Picture
Tropical storm Basyang, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
In the afternoon we really felt the weather was changing
Tropical storm Basyang, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
Later on in the evening the wind increased in strength

Stranded

The typhoon luckily became degraded to a tropical storm but still with hard winds and lot's of rain. The result was that the ferry going back to Cebu island was cancelled. We decided to move from the somewhat remote Bantayan Nature Park and Resort in to the more central located Adelaida Pensionne. We were lucky, we got the last room! There were many other guests with the same strategy, staying near the ferry terminal and wait for the ferry to resume.
Adelaida Pensionne, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
In Bantayan Nature Park and Resort we had no tv... but here at Adelaida Pensionne we had so someone was very happy for that!
Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
After a few days the tropical storm faded in strength and the sea became calm again


The ferry was resumed

After a couple of days the ferry was resumed. That day we had a quick breakfast at the Boulangerie Francaise and off we went. We reached Cebu Island at lunch time and then we had roughly 300 km to travel from north to south to our second ferry over to Negros. We had our dinner break at McDonalds in Toledo. I was beginning to be stressed. Time was already 5 pm and in one hour it would be dark.
Boulangerie Francaise, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
It was like a meeting point at the Boulangerie Francaise for the french speaking guys on the island... I wanted to join but my french was too bad

The driving went awkward

Around Barili the the driving really went awkward. The tricky road crosses the mountains and the traffic was horrendous. Big trucks and buses speeding and overtaking each others and not to mention it was pitch black! We took a short break at a little sari sari store and I swept two Coca Colas to regain some energy. We still had roughly 60 km to Alegria where we had booked a room at Lucci Pension House for the night. Slowly I realized my mistake, 60 km is very far when driving in the Philippines specially when it's dark and you are drop dead tired. Lesson learned, be sure to plan ahead so you can avoid to drive long stretches in the dark.
Lucci Pension House, Cebu Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
After Barili we soon reached the coast again and the road got straighter with less traffic. Around 11 pm we arrived at Lucci Pension house where we spent the night.
Coffee with creamer, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
A quick coffee in the morning before saddling up on our scooter again.
Dulot Eatery, Cebu Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
We had our lunch break at Dulot, an eatery with true Filipino food. No fancy Jollibees or McDonald's in sight here... Hey we were still in the province after all!
Fish soup, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com
Nutritious and healthy fish soup, full of good Omega 3 fats!

Back to Dumaguete

From our lunch stop at Dulot we just had a couple of hours more to go before we came to the ferry over to Negros and back home. We had been away for roughly 2 weeks. We drove 600 km back and forth and maybe at least 200 km on Bantayan Island. 

Road trips are fantastic!

Making a road trip is really a fantastic way to experience the true Philippines. You see a lot and have full flexibility to go and stay wherever you want. But beware of that the traffic might be very different from what you are used to from back home. In my experience you need to adjust yourself to the Filipino way of driving otherwise it might be difficult. Always bear in mind that there are many accidents daily in the traffic so driving a scooter in the Philippines is certainly a high risk activity. Use your common sense and follow some basic guidelines and you will be less likely to get in serious trouble.

The guidelines:

1) Be sure you rent a scooter in good condition and with all paper works in order
2) Don't drink and drive and always wear helmet
3) Don't drive fast and furious, better to be safe than sorry

3) Avoid driving in the dark. You don't want to collide with a stray dog...
4) Plan ahead, out in the province it can be far between the nice places you want to stay at
5) Don't bring too much stuff, travel light and easy is part of the freedom!
 ​​

Related links

< previous
Bantayan road trip part 1
Bantayan road trip part 2
Bantayan road trip part 3
Bantayan road trip part 4
Paradise beach Bantayan
​
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A day at Dauin Marine Sanctuary (Dumaguete, Philippines)

18/8/2018

2 Comments

 
Dauin Marine Sanctuary, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

A day at the beach

Get the girls on the motor, don't forget the snorkel and the mask. Leave the bustling city and drive for 30 minutes. Once there, rent a table and buy some snacks and then enjoy the day. 


Below the surface

The beach might look a little bit dull with its brownish sand. But wait until you plunge in the sea fully equipped with a mask and snorkel.

Facts:

​Marine Sanctuary in Dauin, is about 15-30 minutes travel from Dumaguete City. For those taking the public transport, you can find jeepneys to Dauin at the bell tower in Dumaguete City or near the Robinson's Mall. Fare is PHP 13.00. Inform the driver you are getting off at the corner leading to the Marine Sanctuary. It’s a couple of blocks away or a good 4-5 minutes brisk walk. The entrance fee for the sanctuary is PHP 150 with a table included. Without table it will be less.
Related links:​
Review of Allegre Bar and Restaurant​
Red Rock Hot Spring, Valencia Dumaguete​
Going to La Verna with the girls​
Happy birthday Jas​
​Sexy mama
The Japanese Shrine​
Shopping spree​
Apo island the pearl of the Visayas​
Outing with the girls​
Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin
Road trip to Sipalay​
A day of exercise
The fine art of eating an ice cream​
Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete​
Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete
Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete​
The Christmas House in Dumaguete
Tarbush, a story of love​
The boulevard in Dumaguete​
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
2 Comments
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