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.

Camiguin Tour: Spots to See in the Island

Sunset at the Sunken Cemetery

Although the second smallest province in the Philippines in terms of land area, the island province of Camiguin is not to be belittled in terms of the natural wonders it possesses.  With its line up of relaxing springs, towering waterfalls, fine beaches, crystal clear waters, and many other breathtaking sights, Camiguin is considered by Filipinos as one of their top local dream destinations.

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.

Tarlaqueño Traveler's Suroy-Suroy Series /01 Photobook

Photobook cover featuring San Juanico Bridge (Leyte/Samar/Region VIII)

Ako na ang feelingero! Haha. Tarlaqueño Traveler has come up with a Photobook featuring some of the places he has visited from 2010 to 2012. Although it was really my dream to be able to publish a coffee table book about travel or photography, the initial idea of the photobook came up when I stumbled upon a group buying site offering a discounted photobook. I thought this was the perfect time to gather my travel memoirs and have them printed in one organized book that I can share with everyone. The photobook is entitled "Suroy-Suroy Series /01," featuring attractions from 26 provinces in the Philippines.

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.

Exploring Bucas Grande Islands 2: Jellyfish Sanctuary

Jellyfish sans the sting

Our short tour at the jellyfish sanctuary was my favorite part of our Bucas Grande tour. You might ask what’s so special about the jellyfish swimming there. Well, just when everybody believes that every jellyfish stings, what is found here in Bucas Grande are thousands of stingless little organisms. It is a rare opportunity to encounter such creatures that are said to be found only here and in two other places in the world: Indonesia and Palau. 

Exploring Bucas Grande Islands 1: Sohoton Cove

 

Mirror Image

 
It was a clear morning when we left Revlun Pensionne to start our Bucas Grande tour. The sun was just about to shine as we rode a trike going to Hayanggabon Port, the jumpoff point to Bucas Grande Islands. Along the way, the sun was slowly peeking out from the mountains, a good indication that we’d enjoy a bright and sunny Sunday in Bucas Grande.

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.

Mooon Cafe Made My Day

Appetizing Chicken Mozzarella Melt

It was almost 2 pm when my friend and I arrived in Surigao City after our visit to Lake Mainit. We were so hungry so we hurried to the newly opened Gaisano Capital Mall just beside the transport terminal to get some late lunch. The first restaurant that I saw was Mooon Café and without second thought, we got inside. I knew it would ruin our budget since we were trying to cut costs on food, but I was too hungry to find another cheap resto or eatery. And besides, I think we deserved some good food and good ambiance after a tiring journey from Surigao del Sur. 

Visiting Lake Mainit and Transit to Surigao City

Lake Mainit

It was day 4 of our Eastern Mindanao trip and we were headed to Surigao del Norte for our much awaited Bucas Grande tour. We started our day early, waking up at around 3 AM to catch the 4 AM bus bound for Butuan City.

 

Aboard a non-airconditioned Bachelor Express bus, we left Bislig City at around 4:15 AM. I paid 244 pesos for my fare. I had no more idea what went through in the next two hours as I fell asleep and woke up to find that we were already in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. Though we didn’t have anything to visit in Agusan del Sur, I felt happy to have set foot on the province even for just a short while. San Francisco is quite a progressive town which made me feel I am missing the ‘city’ life. Well, my home city Tarlac is not really a bustling city, but it is way livelier than the towns and city we’ve visited in the past 3 days.

Bislig City Side Trip: Ocean View Park



View of the Pscific and Bislig City



As I was saying in my previous post, one good way to end your vacation in Bislig City is by visiting Ocean View Park (OVP) in Brgy. Cumawas. The same couple who owns the International Doll House (see related post here), the Willimanns had the place built so that guests coming to Bislig can enjoy good views of the Pacific Ocean and several portions of the city while dining in their simple restaurant. 



Bislig City Side Trip: International Doll House

Kimmy dolls from Japan

By the time we left Hinatuan, my friend and I had decided to visit the International Doll House in Bislig City before heading back to our accommodation in Casa de Babano. This is actually not a part of our original itinerary. I just happened to read the doll house’s signage when we were heading back to our inn the day we visited Tinuy-an Falls, and it looked intriguing.

The Hidden Beauty of Tinago Revealed

One of the first few islands you'll encounter

I’ve been to and have heard of several spots in the Philippines named Tinago, most of which were called such because of their undiscovered beauty. Filipinos are well aware that the word tinago came from the root word tago which could mean hide (as in tágo) or hidden (as in tagó). 

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.

A Stunning View of the Pacific in Margarett Peak

Pacific Ocean

Almost anywhere in the Philippines you’ll be able to get a view of the Pacific Ocean. The rivers and seas surrounding the archipelago discharge into the world’s largest body of water. But among the places that I’ve visited that offered great views of the Pacific, I think the view in Margarett Island Peak Resort is yet the most spectacular.

Margarett Island Peak Resort is an attraction located in Pangasinan Island, off the coast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, reachable in 15 minutes by a small pump boat. It is one of the few tourist spots that can be visited in the arranged tours offered in Enchanted River. For a glimpse of other attractions in the area, please click here.

Beyond Enchanted: Paradise at the End of the River

This boat can be found at the end of the river

If you are visiting Enchanted River in Hinatuan, the enchantment doesn’t stop at enjoying the cold, blue waters. There are actually a lot of other amazing places to visit in the small town.

If you are keen enough to explore Enchanted River, you will find a number of boats further downstream. For a fee, these boats will take you to several places that Hinatuan is also proud of. Among the places you can visit are Sibadan Fish Cages and Resort, Margarett Island Peak Resort, Tinago River and Islands, Pangasinan Pacific Shore Resort, and Vanishing Island.