Buktot: Boracay's Alter-Ego

The moment I set my footprints on the white sand of Buktot, all I could express was "Pu....-na-gala!" The place is awesome. I could not even think of the right words to describe its charm. And yes, this place is yet to be included in everyone's list. And I am telling you, this place is 100% better than Puerto Galera. Yes! This is Boracay's alter-ego!

The powdery white sand of Buktot. Go away, Boracay!

Cottage rental is 100pesos. There is an additional cost of 10pesos per head.

 

How to get to Buktot?

1. From Alabang, you can take a bus to Batangas Pier via the Star Tollway to avoid the heavy traffic jams in Tanauan and Lipa City. Fare is 137pesos. Travel time is 2-3 hours.

2. There are lots of option for boat to Calapan City. We arrived a bit over 2100H at Batangas Pier, so we opted for the 2200H boat (Montenegro Lines). There are also boats to Pinamalayan and Roxas (municipalities of Oriental Mindoro). Fare is 192pesos. Travel time is 2hours, but since there was a storm at the edge of the Philippine Area of Responsibility when we went there, the boat took 3hours.

3. From the Port of Calapan, you can ride a van up to Roxas. Fare is 140pesos. We bought Yellow Van tickets at the Batangas Pier. It is not advisable to do this especially if you are travelling in a small group because the vans wait to be filled-up. If the group is composed of 14pax, then it is good to do this, because you are assured to have a van when you reach Calapan. It is also good to do this during peak seasons or holidays.

4. If the van is only up to Roxas, then you can ask the locals on how to get to Mansalay. There are no jeepneys or buses in Oriental Mindoro. Mode of transportation is either tricycle or van. For us, we hired a vehicle for 1,700pesos from Bansud to Buktot (63-km distance).

A Wonderful Occidental Mindoro Vacation

From sleeping in the pier and 12-hour agony to the sunny daytime hike and cool nighttime camping, my first adventure in the island of Mindoro was truly spectacular!

Waiting for our boat to dock.

Arriving at the Port Abra de Ilog 15 hours after.

Waking up to the sound of the waves and the gritty feeling courtesy of the white sand of Paluan.

 

It's hot, baby!

The Hunter's Hut, which is usually occupied by Very Important Persons on their breaks from hunting games, as per our Mangyan guides.

Sunset or sunrise?

Good morning, Calavite!

The beautiful sunrise!

Human-infested Batong Agila! Yes, the rock resembles a nesting bird (eagle) at a distance.

Enjoying Tarak-feeling at the Calavite Ridge.

Good night, Arabe Cove!

Crossing the sea to buy some really cheap marine creatures.

Albert, the anchorman! Oy, tama ba 'yang paghagis mo?

Waiting for the banca to arrive.

First fish! Parang first baby lang.

It's more fun in Arabe Cove! Beer + seafoods = fun to the nth level!

Preparing for the kilawin, courtesy of Master Chef Albert.

Lechon - the true star! Pasensya na, 'yan lang ang nakayanan namin..... itira!

 Photo credits: Jayson Lizardo, Edu Odovelas, Lupotz Mountaineers

The Pebbly Beaches of Lobo

When Lobo was mentioned to me by Jerry, the first thing that crossed my mind was Tectona philippinensis (commonly known as the Philippine teak). I searched for additional information and found the Submarine Garden, Ulupong Falls, Mt Banoi and the pebbly beach.

The smooth pebbles at the Malabrigo shore in Lobo, Batangas.

People might tag pebbles, though smooth ones, as deprecatory; others might see white sand as overvalued.

Early Saturday morning, we embarked on a fun and comedic travel to Lobo, Batangas. We left Manila at 0430H and reached our destination around 0730H. We followed the instruction prescribed at WaypointDotPH. One of the basic problems when considering a vacation in Lobo is transportation. If you go there by commuting, you need to be extra watchful of the time because travel schedules to Lobo from Batangas City and vice-versa are limited.

I love seeing sunrise while on the road.

This is a cement factory near the Bacao-Dagatan Junction. This actually served as a landmark for us.

What a beautiful ricefield!

Jerry mentioned Punta Fuego de Malabrigo at the end of the road. It is the nearest resort to the Malabrigo Lighthouse. The staff of Punta Fuego are nice. The surroundings are clean, no plastics dancing over the pebbles. But for me, it is not really a good place to unwind because of the videoke in the middle of the cottages. VERY DISTURBING! The time when we were there, oh my hellish, the voices were awful (Note: I do not sing also well.)

If you go to the lighthouse via the beach, then you will find good places to lie under the big, big sedimentary rocks. 

Yes, I really enjoyed my naps under the rocks with the sound of the waves.

You can actually set-up tents, which is far better than renting rooms at nearby resorts.

Those are real snails on the rocks.

The Malabrigo Lighthouse.

The Wonders of Ilocos Norte

In the Philippines, provinces are grouped into regions with the National Capital Region comprising the focal point. Region I, or more commonly known as the Ilocandia, is composed of four provinces in Northern Luzon: Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. However, Ilocos is only commonly referred to Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, with the UNESCO Heritage City of Vigan as the frontliner. Ilocos is a major tourism hub for its centuries-old churches (prime examples are those that can be found in Sta Maria, Vigan, Paoay and Bacarra), old Spanish houses in Vigan and even contemporary structures like the windmills of Bangui and Malacanang Ti Amianan in Paoay. Other tourist sites include the homes of patriotic heroes like Juan Luna in Badoc, Diego Silang, Leona Florentino and Father Burgos (one of the three martyr priests) in Vigan, Artemio Ricarte in Batac. Even the houses of former presidents of the country have attracted massive number of visitors like that of Elpidio Quirino (or the Syquia Mansion) in Vigan and Ferdinand Marcos in Batac. Natural wonders include the beaches of Pagudpud and Cabugao (which is good for surfing), sand dunes and the magnificent lake of Paoay and Tirad Pass in Cervantes. Delicious foods are also popular like the pinakbet, bagnet, longganisa, sinanglao, chichacorn, soft biscocho, balicutia, bibingka, empanada and okoy.

How to enjoy Ilocos Norte with a tight budget?

1. Buses are cheaper modes of transportation from Manila than planes. But you have to spend 10-12 hours travelling. Planes can only consume 1.5 hours. For those who cannot afford to buy plane tickets, they can take the bus. The most expensive bus fare is 962pesos with Partas (deluxe type). Partas terminals are in Pasay and Cubao. Other options include the Farinas Trans (green buses), Autobus (orange) and Florida Liner (pink).

Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Pacific (CebuPac) fly from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 2 and 3, respectively. PAL flies to Laoag at 1745hours, while CebuPac is either 1240 or 1800 (both airlines fly only once everyday to Laoag International Airport). From the airport, one can take shuttles or trikes to the city proper. You can ask your hotel to pick you up at the airport. Just a caution though, not all hotels offer free airport transport. Better ask the hotel before making a reservation to save money.

2. For local accommodation, it is best to plan very wisely. There are hotels within the city and in nearby towns (which can be 30 minutes away from the airport at most). If you are planning to roam the city at night, it is best to stay in one of the hotels in the city proper. But there are also good finds at the outskirts of the city, such as the 5-star Fort Ilocandia in Paoay and Gertes Hotel in Laoag (via San Nicolas). You can also opt to stay in Playa Tropical in Currimao or Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud.

3. For tour packages, you can ask your hotel for tour packages or contact James through mobile number 09083088131. Rate ranges from 3500 - 4000pesos. Some offers 2500pesos, but customers shoulder the expenses for fuel. Driver and van is, of course, included. You can go to any part of the province or even Vigan. Some drivers even suggest good itineraries to maximise your visit to the place.

4. Take the early evening CebuPac flight (1800hours) from Manila and arrive in Laoag at 1920hours. If you are planning to include a one-day swimming in Pagudpud, you can go directly to this town. This will give you the time to rest for the night and wake up to the scent of the ocean breeze. Homestay is popular in this town wherein you can avail really low rates. Cottages in the municipal beach cost 300pesos for overnight stay (plus 20pesos entrance fee). There are buses that ply from Laoag to Pagudpud (I do not know though the time schedules for buses, so for you to be assured of the bus, better take the early afternoon CebuPac flight). Fare should be minimal as there are only four towns in between. Pagudpud is two hours away from Laoag by private vehicle.

5. After a day of swimming in Pagudpud, you can visit the other tourist spots. It is better to rent a vehicle to visit as many places as possible. From Pagudpud, the first stop-over is Bangui Windmills. A windmill ref-magnet costs 25pesos. The sand in the area is fine but black.

6. The lighthouse of Cape Bojeador in the town of Burgos can accompany you in viewing the entirety of the place. This is on the left side of the road. You can buy gamet seaweed (nori) in this town for 400pesos per bundle (ganta).

7. Kapurpurawan White Rocks Formation is one of the natural wonders in this part of the country. As the name suggests, there are white rocks in magnificent formations.

8. You can buy soft biscocho in the Pasuquin Bakery (the name of the town is Pasuquin) for 70pesos. The toasted biscocho is 75pesos.

Pasuquin Bakery is the lone maker of the soft biscocho.

9. One of the popular churches in the country is the Bacarra Church and Bell Tower Ruins. The domeless belfry has attracted a lot of tourists.

The domeless belfry of the Bacarra Church has attracted a lot of tourists. (Photo credit: http://worldtourist.us/ilocosnorte/laoag.html)

10. In Laoag, you can visit the Sinking Bell Tower, Tobacco Monopoly Monument and the museum where you can buy loom woven clothings.

11. In Batac, you can visit the Marcos Mausoleum and Mariano Marcos State University. Ask the locals where you can buy bagnet, longganisa, and empanada. A kilo of bagnet costs 350pesos. A kilo of pure meat longganisa costs around 220pesos, with taba is 190pesos. A piece of empanada (wrapping material made from rice, with cabbage, longganisa and egg as fillings) is 40pesos.

12. In Paoay, you can visit the Paoay Church, eat pinakbet pizza in Herencia Cafe (in front of the church) for 330pesos, sand dunes, Malacanang Ti Amianan near Paoay Lake. Chichacorn factory is in this town. Loom woven clothing factory is also located in this town.

The massive structure of Paoay Church makes it not susceptible to earthquakes.

Herencia Café in front of the Paoay Church is home to the popular pinakbet pizza.

13. From here, you can go directly to the airport for your flight back home. You do not need to go back to the city proper.

Suggested duration of visit: 2 days and 1 night (excluding the first night of travel from Manila and the last night of travel back to Manila). If you are planning to include Vigan in your itinerary, just add 1 day.

Suggested month / time to visit: February to coincide with the Pamulinawen Festival of Laoag, July for the Empanada Festival of Batac, or summer months to enjoy swimming in Pagudpud.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

According to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with an underground river. One of the river's distinguishing features is that it emerges directly into the sea, and its lower portion is subject to tidal influences. The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full 'mountain-to-sea' ecosystem and has some of the most important forests in Asia.

1. From the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, take any plane to Puerto Princesa Airport (Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, Airphil Express, ZestAir).

2. Rent a van to take you at the jump-off point to the underground river. Rental ranges from 2500-3000pesos. But before proceeding to the jump-off point, register at the city tourism office. [I forgot the fee]

3. At barangay Sabang, give the permit to the office. You will then pay for a banca to the river (cost is 750pesos).

Considering the fact that you go there only for the underground river, the cost is expensive, especially for small-time backpackers. Other interesting activities include Honda Bay beach-hopping, city tour and hunting for affordable souvenir items at Tiangge! You can also eat at restaurants like Badjao and check for yourself their delectable seafoods.