Ilocos Norte Travel Guide: Activities, Itinerary, Expenses

Bangui Windmills

After having learned about the cancellation of my Kalibo flight, I didn’t quite consider rebooking. Well, the slight thought of getting a new ticket crossed my mind from time to time, but I ended up deciding to go somewhere else after booking cheap Kalibo flights for August 2013. 

Dapitan City's Dakak Park and Beach Resort

View of Dakak cove from the Repeater

This question goes to the people of my age: did you ever dream of going to Dakak when you were younger? As far as I can remember, there was an ad before about Dakak Resort running over and over during commercial breaks of a popular noontime show. Mom would tell me it’s Mindanao’s version of Boracay. I told myself that I would visit the place when I get older.

Cagayan de Oro Accommodation: Travelers Pod

Besides its amazing attractions, Cagayan de Oro City is frequently flocked by tourists as it is the gateway to a lot of other must-see places in the nearby provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, and Lanao del Norte. As such, many stay overnight in the City of Golden Friendship, as CDO is fondly called, either to prepare for their itineraries the next day or to catch their flights home the next morning. These people often look for cheap accommodations especially that they intend to stay for only several hours in CDO. In most cases, they end up staying in cheap motels around the city that are actually just fine but are not that reputable. Good thing there's Travelers Pod, a relatively new accommodation that caters primarily to backpackers and overnight travelers. This so-called traveler's lounge offers a luxurious experience without breaking the bank.  

Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin: Living Up to its Name

The pool and Bohol sea

Whenever I travel, I see to it that I don’t spend too much on accommodations to divert my funds on my actual itineraries. 300-500 pesos is my usual expense for an overnight stay in an inn, but I also stay in boutique hotels that cost me 600-800 a night (the other half of the rate is shouldered by my companion). Rarely do I stay in expensive hotels and resorts, unless the overnight stay comes with buffet meals and other complimentary activities. But whenever I travel with my Ate, I’m sure to spend beyond my limit. Haha. She is choosy and very particular when it comes to accommodations, and being a gentleman (ehem), I am the one who adjusts to her preferences.

So when our Camiguin escapade came, I had no choice but to give way to her choice of accommodation – Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin (BBC). And since it was her who actually took time to arrange the trip (which rarely happens. Haha. Thank you ate. lol), I just had to agree with the plans. The question now is, did I regret spending so much for our accommodation? Surprisingly, not at all. I was more than satisfied with my stay in BBC. Continue reading to know why.

Overnight Camiguin Island Tour

View of Camiguin and Mt. Hibok-hibok from White Island

Do you ever feel like there’s no chance for you to spend your usual 2 days off in a distant, relaxing place? A lot of employees depend on their leave credits in order to make time for a short vacation somewhere that’s a bit away from where they live. If you are planning to visit Camiguin, forget about filing a leave! An overnight Camiguin island tour is possible. All you need to do is free your 2 nonworking days of any activities to make way for a short yet grand vacation in the so-called Island Born of Fire.

Spending Two Hours in Talima Beach Villas and Dive Resort

With a little more than 2 hours to spare, my friend and I decided to spend our remaining time on a day trip. Our choices were Shalala Beach, Abalone Resort, and Talima Beach Resort. Shalala Beach is a public beach with no restaurant. And since my friend had already visited the place, we scrapped it out of our options. Abalone Resort, on the other hand, is a resort which looked good outside (we passed by it on the way to Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary). But since it is an inland resort, meaning there is no beach, we also eliminated it. So we were down to Talima Beach Resort. I’ve already seen the resort in the internet and it appealed to me. So Talima it was. From OIWS, a tricycle picked us up and drove us all the way to the resort for 120 pesos. There were some exaggeratedly bumpy parts going to the resort.

Exploring Bucas Grande Islands 4: Hidden Island Resort

Last on our list of places to visit in Bucas Grande was Hidden Island Resort. We did a quick stopover here after our boatman Kuya Kenny offered to drop us off while he fetched some fuel for his boat. 

Hidden Island Resort is a charming resort that is tucked in a cove somewhere in Brgy. Doña Helen. It caters to large middle to high income groups. They offer more rooms than Club Tara and their rates are much cheaper. The resort design is very simple yet stylish. The resort has a restaurant, meters and meters of foot bridges, aquariums, and offers transfers via boat and sea plane. 

Exploring Bucas Grande Islands 3: Club Tara Resort

In case you want to spend a night or two in Bucas Grande, there are actually a lot of accommodations you can choose from, ranging from budget rooms to high-end suites. If you feel like splurging on your trip, then head over to Club Tara Resort.

Tons of Adventure in Bucas Grande Islands

If you think surfing is the only thing you can do in Siargao, think again. Or better yet, continue reading this article. Hehe

Politically speaking, Siargao Island, or more simply known as Siargao, is a group of islands east of Surigao City. Siargao belongs to the province of Surigao del Norte, and 9 of the 20 municipalities of the province can be found in the island.  When someone hears the name of the island, the first thing that comes to mind is surfing. Siargao is dubbed as the surfing capital of the Philippines because of the giant waves crashing into its shores especially during the months of August to November, making it a perfect destination for pro-surfers.

Transit to the Mining Town of Claver: Gateway to Bucas Grande

Sunday sunrise in Hayanggabon Port

We were approaching Day 5 of our Eastern Mindanao trip – our much awaited Bucas Grande day! Originally, we planned to travel towards Bucas Grande on the morning of day 5. After much thought, we realized it would be best to travel as early as the afternoon of day 4 so that we can start the tour early the following day and be able to travel back to Butuan early.

Snorkeling at Sibadan Fish Cages

Sibadan Fish Cages and Sand Bars Restaurant

It was Day 3 of our Eastern Mindanao Trip and I haven’t used my snorkeling gear yet. So it was a pleasant surprise that I’d get to use my snorkel in one of the attractions in Hinatuan—the Sibadan Fish Cages and Sand Bars Resort. Well, I could’ve also used my snorkeling gear in Enchanted River, but there aren’t so many fishes in there.

Cateel Accommodation: Oar Inn

Oar Inn

If you are headed to what is said to be the highest waterfalls in the Philippines, and you happen to arrive late in Cateel, don’t be too worried about where you’re gonna spend the night. There are quite a few accommodations in Cateel since it is already gaining popularity thanks to Aliwagwag Falls and the few stunning beaches in the town.

One of the most accessible accommodations is OAR INN. Located right in front of the town’s bus terminal, this inn may be your best option.