Days travelled - 14 days (2 weeks)
Distance travelled - Approx. 906 km (563 miles)
Hours travelled - 41 hours (1 day, 17 hours)
Destinations - 7
Top 3
3 - Bohol - after Boracay, I would say this is the 2nd biggest tourist destination in the Philippines. Plenty to see plenty to do.
2 - Puerto Galera - the northmost island of the visayas. Clouded by Boracays reputation, this beachside resort is fantastic for chilling, snorkelling and having some fun nights out too.
1 - Siquijor - I wasn't even going to go here when I first planned my itinarary, but I'm so glad I did. Even though I spent only 1 day here this really small island has everything. Beaches, jungles to explore, caves, waterfalls and some lovely people to top it off. Watch out for witches though.
Final Advice
At first I was a little dubious of the Philippines, since everyone was saying 'be very carefull' and 'its very danegerous'. I managed to survive the fortnight without any problems and I had an awesome time there. Asia is bad for people pointing, staring and laughing at you, but the Philippines took the piss a little. It was constant, wherever I went. Maybe moreso since I was alone. That was my biggest downfall with the country, so not a biggie.
I loved the food, many pork dishes, but also beef and chicken to go round. The countries transportation services were excellent in my opinion, and even if you do miss the final boat or bus, they let you hang in the terminals over night.
The big cities of manila and cebu are whack compared to the rural islands between them. Don't waste your time there.
Showing posts with label Philippines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philippines. Show all posts
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Cebu to Manila to Clark to KL to Phuket to Patong
I only spent a day in Cebu down to the earlier confusion with my flights. I was flying back to Manila for my outbound flight back to Kuala Lumpur, but I had earlier realised that there are 2 airports in Manila. The only problem being is that the other airport is located 3 hours away from Manila, and it would be a very close call to make the flight. I rescheduled my flight for a day earlier back to Manila.
It wasnt that much of a problem since Cebu had little to see, and it was the most expensive place I had visited in the Phillipines so far. I did visit the Magellans cross monument which was planted by Portugese and Spanish explorers 491 years ago, by orders of Ferdinand Magellan and I took a little peek at the Fort San Pedro....... both were fairly uninteresting.
Back in Manila, I arrived at around 11pm, and I was to soon find out that I had missed the final bus of the day to Clark International airport. Which meant that I had to spend the night in the bus station, it was lovely as you can imagine. The following day was spent in transit, first a three hour ride to Clark, then a 3 hour flight to KL, followed by a 4 hour wait in the airport for a 1 hour flight up to Phuket. From the Phuket airport I decided to continue down to Patong, which is the typical tourist destination for many brits making there way over to Thailand.
Friday, 23 July 2010
Witchcraft and Sacrifices in Spooky Siquijor
I only wanted to stay one day in Siquijor so that I would have more time in the bigger island of Bohol. I was shocked to find out from the lady at my guesthouse that boats only go to Bohol twice a week and she didn't know the times! Had to get this confirmed before I did anything. On my way to the port I passed a guy on a motorbike who offered to hire me his bike for the day for 400 pesos, I got it for 300. Then he took me to the port and just by complete chance a boat left later in the day around 7pm, so that would work out perfect for me. I got straight off on the motorbike to find the tourist office and claim my free map, woohoo.
From there I headed to the Cantabon cave. Some woman tried charging me the 'mandatory' fee for a guide, 500 pesos, I declined and went off to spelunk on my ones. The cave was sealed with an iron gate, but was easily lifted up. I headed into the darkness for ten meters or so with my camera as my light but realised it wouldn't be good enough this time. I went back to the village and managed to hire a torch for 50 pesos. Back at the cave I made my way through the narrow tunnel which led out to a big opening with a pool that had formed at the base of the cave. I turned off the torch for kicks and it was complete darkness, just the sound of dripping water from the stalactites. Then I thought of the rumors of witches on the island and got scared and had to leave immediately. Got absolutely covered in sludge and mud in the process and looked a picture when I made it out.
My next stop was the Cambuhagay falls on the opposite side of the island. I would have to drive over the highest point of the island in order to get there. On the ride, out of nowhere, a storm broke out and I was far from any shelter. On the climb up the hill my bike completely cut out and refused to start again, I guess from the incline, the petrol couldn't make its way into the engine. It was pretty hilarious being stuck there, trying to kick start the damn thing, too bad not one person witnessed my misfortune. After I got going again I stuck out the rain, and by the time it passed I was saturated. A drowned rat was understatement. It didn't take long for the clouds to clear and the sun to get things dry once more.
On the way down the hill I had to stop to see what a crowd of people wearing McDonalds hats were doing to a cow laid out in the middle of a garden. They were shaving all the hair off of the cow and had 2 giant pots bubbling away next to it. The machetes were out and things were going to get pretty messy soon enough. I would have loved to kick around and got some beef stew but I had limited time to spare, poor cow. The waterfalls were nothing special in comparison to what Ive witnessed on the trip but they were worth the peek.
My final stop took me to Salagdoong Beach. Here they had some slides and platforms to jump into the sea from. I was going to give them a miss, but with more time than I thought I had, I couldn't resist getting wet again. A few jumps from the high platform was enough for me. I couldn't believe how shallow the water was. My feet hit the ground on each jump, good job the seaweed made it a soft landing. Took a casual cruise back to Larena, arriving back just in time to set off yet again for the ferry to end the day.
Siquijor Photo Link:
http://www3.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=6288460011/a=2264773011_2264773011/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
From there I headed to the Cantabon cave. Some woman tried charging me the 'mandatory' fee for a guide, 500 pesos, I declined and went off to spelunk on my ones. The cave was sealed with an iron gate, but was easily lifted up. I headed into the darkness for ten meters or so with my camera as my light but realised it wouldn't be good enough this time. I went back to the village and managed to hire a torch for 50 pesos. Back at the cave I made my way through the narrow tunnel which led out to a big opening with a pool that had formed at the base of the cave. I turned off the torch for kicks and it was complete darkness, just the sound of dripping water from the stalactites. Then I thought of the rumors of witches on the island and got scared and had to leave immediately. Got absolutely covered in sludge and mud in the process and looked a picture when I made it out.
My next stop was the Cambuhagay falls on the opposite side of the island. I would have to drive over the highest point of the island in order to get there. On the ride, out of nowhere, a storm broke out and I was far from any shelter. On the climb up the hill my bike completely cut out and refused to start again, I guess from the incline, the petrol couldn't make its way into the engine. It was pretty hilarious being stuck there, trying to kick start the damn thing, too bad not one person witnessed my misfortune. After I got going again I stuck out the rain, and by the time it passed I was saturated. A drowned rat was understatement. It didn't take long for the clouds to clear and the sun to get things dry once more.
On the way down the hill I had to stop to see what a crowd of people wearing McDonalds hats were doing to a cow laid out in the middle of a garden. They were shaving all the hair off of the cow and had 2 giant pots bubbling away next to it. The machetes were out and things were going to get pretty messy soon enough. I would have loved to kick around and got some beef stew but I had limited time to spare, poor cow. The waterfalls were nothing special in comparison to what Ive witnessed on the trip but they were worth the peek.
My final stop took me to Salagdoong Beach. Here they had some slides and platforms to jump into the sea from. I was going to give them a miss, but with more time than I thought I had, I couldn't resist getting wet again. A few jumps from the high platform was enough for me. I couldn't believe how shallow the water was. My feet hit the ground on each jump, good job the seaweed made it a soft landing. Took a casual cruise back to Larena, arriving back just in time to set off yet again for the ferry to end the day.
Siquijor Photo Link:
http://www3.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=6288460011/a=2264773011_2264773011/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
Sunday, 18 July 2010
Boracay and the Negros
From Puerto Galera to Boracay things went pretty smooth. Had an early start to fit all the travel in, in one day. The ferry over the islands was too sweet for me. There were bunk beds all over the boat to sleep on, and it was so relaxing. Really needed that extra few hours kip.
At Boracay, the hard job of finding suitable accommodation for a good price for the next few days was my 1st task. I walked to the main beach from the port and straight away found a lady offering a nice place with kitchen, fridge, tv and private bathroom for 400 php. As great as it was, I was looking for cheaper, so I thought to check my options before committing. On my way down to the beach I bumped into Bert, a local businessman who owned a hotel. I told him I was willing to pay about 300php a night and he said he could sort me out. Turns out, he takes me all the way back to the first place I went to, and gave me 300 php a night, a great great bargain. Thanks Bert. Since were on the subject of Bert, whats with the Philipinos and all these old school names? I have met a Harold, Arnold, Bernard and my favorite, Gilbert.
I made the most of my television set that day, doing nothing, except a quick run of the island, its only spans about 10km, so it was easy to get to know. I kind of did the same amount of sod all the following day, getting my feast on at an all you can eat buffet was the highlight. I once again ate more than I could eat, but refused to waste since they charged extra, had to squeeze it all down. It was the best buffet of my life, with multiple stews and curries and sushi and desserts, and of course rice (fried or standard).
As my previous time in Boracay was spent lounging around I convinced myself to make the effort to go to Ariels point on Panay island, around 30/40km from Boracay. I had seen a poster advertising that they have cliff jumping there so I was eager to test it out. Since the daily tour had departed without me (costing 1200php) I forced myself to make my own way there. That turned out to be one helluva mission. First I had to cross over to Panay by boat (saying I was Boracay resident in order to skip the terminal fees), then hop on a taxi bike over to the far coast, where we had to go over some of the most disgraceful excuses for roads I have ever seen. The taxi bike thought Ariels point was where he dropped me off, but unfortunately, it wasn't. I walked for about a kilometer down the coast, still not finding the place. Here I got another local boat the rest of the way finally reaching my goal. I had to pay 400php for the entrance fee, but sweet taled the owner into giving me a complimentary lift back with the group, score. Ariels point was built on the cliffside with a bar and restaurant at the top, and with loads of staircases winding their way around the cliffs leading to different jump points at different heights.
I wasted no time getting involved with the free falling, and it was so worth the effort made to get there. I had a great time. On the way back to Boracay, I was given some free drinks and got to know the group, turns out they had planned a night out and asked me to join them. It turned out to be great fun, especially since we met Carlo and his friend, who looked after us all night. Boracay was full of Korean and Japanese tourists whilst I was there, and so was the bar we were in. Whilst dancing, a man asked if I would dance with what seemed to be his girlfriend, I agreed, then noticed that a line had formed and Japanese couples were queing up to get in on the dance, I felt like an amusement ride? Very strange people them Japs.
So yes, success in Boracay. Next stop for me was Bacolod, another 6 hour bus journey, followed by 2 hours on a boat. Again no problems with the boat schedule, no sleeping in the terminal or anything at least. I got to Bacolod pretty late so went direct to sleeps. My plan in the Negros Island was to visit and possibly climb Mt. Kanlaon, another active volcano. I went to a tourist office to research the trip and it ended up being another complete rip-off to go hiking, so I gave it miss. Instead, my backup plan was to visit Siquijor Island (pronounced Siquihor) where there is supposedly witchcraft and magic healers living there. Sounded fun. So yet another 7 hour bus journey and an hours boat ride got me there. Beautiful journey though. Except for our quick search down of the bus from some army guys, I think they were looking for the Negros.
Boracay and Negros Photo Link:
http://www3.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=6258564011/a=2264773011_2264773011/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
At Boracay, the hard job of finding suitable accommodation for a good price for the next few days was my 1st task. I walked to the main beach from the port and straight away found a lady offering a nice place with kitchen, fridge, tv and private bathroom for 400 php. As great as it was, I was looking for cheaper, so I thought to check my options before committing. On my way down to the beach I bumped into Bert, a local businessman who owned a hotel. I told him I was willing to pay about 300php a night and he said he could sort me out. Turns out, he takes me all the way back to the first place I went to, and gave me 300 php a night, a great great bargain. Thanks Bert. Since were on the subject of Bert, whats with the Philipinos and all these old school names? I have met a Harold, Arnold, Bernard and my favorite, Gilbert.
I made the most of my television set that day, doing nothing, except a quick run of the island, its only spans about 10km, so it was easy to get to know. I kind of did the same amount of sod all the following day, getting my feast on at an all you can eat buffet was the highlight. I once again ate more than I could eat, but refused to waste since they charged extra, had to squeeze it all down. It was the best buffet of my life, with multiple stews and curries and sushi and desserts, and of course rice (fried or standard).
As my previous time in Boracay was spent lounging around I convinced myself to make the effort to go to Ariels point on Panay island, around 30/40km from Boracay. I had seen a poster advertising that they have cliff jumping there so I was eager to test it out. Since the daily tour had departed without me (costing 1200php) I forced myself to make my own way there. That turned out to be one helluva mission. First I had to cross over to Panay by boat (saying I was Boracay resident in order to skip the terminal fees), then hop on a taxi bike over to the far coast, where we had to go over some of the most disgraceful excuses for roads I have ever seen. The taxi bike thought Ariels point was where he dropped me off, but unfortunately, it wasn't. I walked for about a kilometer down the coast, still not finding the place. Here I got another local boat the rest of the way finally reaching my goal. I had to pay 400php for the entrance fee, but sweet taled the owner into giving me a complimentary lift back with the group, score. Ariels point was built on the cliffside with a bar and restaurant at the top, and with loads of staircases winding their way around the cliffs leading to different jump points at different heights.
I wasted no time getting involved with the free falling, and it was so worth the effort made to get there. I had a great time. On the way back to Boracay, I was given some free drinks and got to know the group, turns out they had planned a night out and asked me to join them. It turned out to be great fun, especially since we met Carlo and his friend, who looked after us all night. Boracay was full of Korean and Japanese tourists whilst I was there, and so was the bar we were in. Whilst dancing, a man asked if I would dance with what seemed to be his girlfriend, I agreed, then noticed that a line had formed and Japanese couples were queing up to get in on the dance, I felt like an amusement ride? Very strange people them Japs.
So yes, success in Boracay. Next stop for me was Bacolod, another 6 hour bus journey, followed by 2 hours on a boat. Again no problems with the boat schedule, no sleeping in the terminal or anything at least. I got to Bacolod pretty late so went direct to sleeps. My plan in the Negros Island was to visit and possibly climb Mt. Kanlaon, another active volcano. I went to a tourist office to research the trip and it ended up being another complete rip-off to go hiking, so I gave it miss. Instead, my backup plan was to visit Siquijor Island (pronounced Siquihor) where there is supposedly witchcraft and magic healers living there. Sounded fun. So yet another 7 hour bus journey and an hours boat ride got me there. Beautiful journey though. Except for our quick search down of the bus from some army guys, I think they were looking for the Negros.
Boracay and Negros Photo Link:
http://www3.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=6258564011/a=2264773011_2264773011/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/
Friday, 16 July 2010
Well Needed Rest in Puerto Galera
So I woke up in the ferry terminal at around 5.45 with a crooked back and felt disgusting (still wearing the same clothes I left Malaysia in, plus I climbed a volcano, and now slept on the floor of a ferry terminal, still smelled pretty good though). I grabbed a coffee from the 7-11 downstairs and headed for my boat across to Puerto Galera.
I got taken back to Sabang beach, watched some little kids do backflips off of a boat, then got my daily mango milkshake intake, yummy. I had a long day ahead and virtually no plans. I freestyled a route over to a lighthouse about 2km from Sabang, where I found an awesome secluded beach, completely deserted. I took this opportunity to tan the booty (no lie) and get a bit of reading done. The bathing came to an abrupt end when a boat full of divers pulled into the bay. I dont think I have ever moved so fast in my life, tore my bloody sarong aswell. Ughh!
I slept on the hour and a half trip across the water and felt a lot better on the other side on the island of Mindoro. I got a jeepney (the cheaper travel option in the Philippines) 3km to Sabang beach (tourist beach) which cost 20 pesos, or 35p.......bloody brilliant. Sabang beach had all your typical beach tourist attractions, loads of bars and restaurants, a hand full of dive shops and a range of hotels. Only one thing was missing, the tourists. With it being the low season in the Philippines at this time there were hardly any westerners about anywhere. It was great for me, since everywhere offered discounted accomodation, food and diving rates. Too perfect. I randomly met a lady who's niece owned the hostel I was searching for and she took me to the door. I got a brilliant rate for a lovely ensuite room with a TV, double bed, and a great balcony view over the sea. About 5 quid a night. It was still really early but I resisted going to bed, I didnt want to mess up my sleep pattern anymore. So I grabbed some of the local speciality of pork abodo (too good) and a mango shake! Since there in season here, another high point of my day!
For the rest of the day I basically lounged around at Small Laguna beach, tanning, reading and sleeping. After updating all of the blog, I headed back for an early night, sneaking a bit of television in before going to sleep. It felt good.
The following day whilst eating breakfast I met a bloke called Manny who wanted me to come on a fishing trip with him. After much negotiation I managed to settle at 500 pesos for two hours fishing. Good to say he started at 1500. We planned to meet early the following day. I hired a mountain bike (pretty decent GT at that) for 50 pesos an hour, and did a long days cycling. I first off went to Tamaraw falls about 20km from town, where I had some sweet banana with some sweet old ladies. I had a quick dip (in the falls) then moved on to find white beach, which was about 10km from Sabang. The cycling was made really difficult because of the intense heat so I had to play some Prodigy on my i-pod for motivational purposes. It did the trick. White beach was a beautiful beach with perfect sand and sea. I took another dive into the water here to cool off before heading back to town. When I arrived back I was c ompletely drenched in sweat, and after taking the bike back and only paying 200 pesos for 5 hours (shuffle) I walked the streets topless and got some very confused looks. Why is this boy so wet? I know the post title says that I rested, but come on, its me.
Got up at 5 before 6 the next day for my fishing trip with Manny. At first I thought the bastard had stood me up, but he showed up about twenty-past with some lame excuse . Anyways, from there we took his boat over to a calm quayside area where a few other fishing boats were doing their thing. Manny ditched me and left me in the hands of his brother, who could speak reasonably good English I guess. This was not the typical fishing trip your thinking of by the way, this was Philipino/South East-Asia style fishing.......no floats, no nets and not even a god damn rod! We used some little bamboo pieces with fishing wire wrapped around them, a metal screw tied to the end for use of a sinker, and what looked like a broken paperclip for the hook, it was so funny to witness. It was a great experience to be fair too. We used some chopped up fish for bait and went at it. The were hundreds of fish down below, I know this since the water was clear enough to see them. After several failed attempts at hooking one of em, and them making away with my bait, we switched areas to try again. I was just as pathetic in this new location but my teacher (I forget his name?) was a PRO! He kept pulling out fish after fish and I just felt bad for wasting the bait, it was really hard work and takes great skills, I was very impressed. Dad, I think you should use this style of fishing in future on your Sundays, maybe I can teach you when I get home :)
Teacher kept asking me to go snorkeling after fishing to see some gigantic clams in the water, I wasnt too fussed at first, but gave in to his consistency. It was worth it. The water was beautiful and clear and it helped wake my ass up a little too, dont forget it was still about 8am at this point. You know, me and mornings, its like John Burrell and Marmite, they don't go.
After snorkeling, we headed over to Manny's crib where his darling wife grilled the fish we caught (well, teacher caught). Served with rice of course, and it was delicious. I dont know if it was the greatest breakfast option, but made a good early lunch.
I got taken back to Sabang beach, watched some little kids do backflips off of a boat, then got my daily mango milkshake intake, yummy. I had a long day ahead and virtually no plans. I freestyled a route over to a lighthouse about 2km from Sabang, where I found an awesome secluded beach, completely deserted. I took this opportunity to tan the booty (no lie) and get a bit of reading done. The bathing came to an abrupt end when a boat full of divers pulled into the bay. I dont think I have ever moved so fast in my life, tore my bloody sarong aswell. Ughh!
On my way home whilst grabbing a cheap bite to eat, I was approached by a semi drunk dude (who was really nice by the way) who wanted me to join him and his cousins for some day time Philipino Tequila drinking, who could resist an offer like that? Not me. I went round to his cousins place and had a few shots of the vile liquor, whilst getting the usual 221 questions about my life and my travels. I was molly coddled by the first guy to take a motorbike taxi back to Sabang, since he said 'I' was drunk and it could be dangerous. It was 4 in the afternoon and the only people I passed were school kids on their ways home. I had my slingshot ready. Just in case.
Puerto Galera Photo Link:
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Luzon Typhoon & Volcano
It was very unusual heading out for the airport without Maj in my company. He has made his way back to Thailand to improve on his Thai boxing training as he wants to begin fighting when we get home. We have arranged to meet in Ko Phi Phi in Thailand at the beginning of August. So until then your stuck with ME!
I made the decision to continue traveling alone to the Philippines. I had no problems with my flight to Manila and met a lovely woman on the plane who insisted I call her 'Atay', which means older sister in Philipino. Starting a little family already. The bus to Manila took an extra 2 hours than normal (4 total) because of the horrible traffic in the center. After finding the local youth hostel I went for a bite and a quick blast on the net. My trip to the 7-11 showed me that security in this country is serious as the guard had a gun on his belt. At banks and other establishments some guards are at the doors with double barreled shotguns! Another intimidating thing about the Philippines are the unlimited number of 'Jeepneys' you see patrolling the streets. They are public transportation vehichles but look like something a gang would roll around in. My internet session was cut short by a full scale power cut, and it wasn't until my walk back to the hostel that I felt how windy it was. When I got back the receptionist told me that a typhoon was making its way through the capital! I have never witnessed wind strengths like that in my life. I found it funny the next morning when I went downstairs to find that a huge tree had been blown straight into the hostel, and I slept through it!
I could tell straight away that there was limited stuff to do in Manila so I didn't plan on hanging around. I went to see the José Rizal memorial statue (Philipinos answer to Ghandi) and the Intramuros area. Spain used to rule the Philippines from 1519 through 1898, and there is a lot of Spanish history remaining, including wide usage of the language. The Intramuros area in particular has a very European edge to it, with loads of churches and colonial style buildings dotted around.
I planned to meet Alejandro the gwizzly Argentine in the Palawan islands but becuase of the Typhoon all flights were pushed back and in turn, sold out. Instead I followed my original plan of heading to the Taal volcano. The journey there showed me how badly the storm had hit, with a number of broken trees and sign posts. The Taal volcano is located on its own small island known as a caldera. It is only a little thing compared to most, but it has taken many lives throughout the years, obliterating the local town of Tagaytay. After getting skanked on a return boat price across the lake (1300 pesos, nearly 20 pound!) I made my way up to the view point. I was getting harrassed for a guide, but then saw 3 tourists on horseback obviously heading for the same destination, so I followed them. Keeping up with horses is tough by the way. The view was incredible from the top, looking down into the crater. The crater here was full of water, which could be seen bubbling away in parts, and smoke was being released in certain areas too. It was a great view of the surrounding lake, which at that moment in time was being hit with a thunderstorm in the distance.
After getting the required pictures I made my way to the town of Talisay to jeepney it to Tanauan to bus it to Batangas to get the boat over to Mindoro island for Puerto Galera. Only problem was that I had missed the final boat - by three hours. I had the tough decision of either heading back to town and paying for an expensive hotel or stay in the ferry terminal overnight. I am confident you can guess on my final choice.
Only 9 hours till next boat.
Luzon Photo Link:
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