Showing posts with label Bataan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bataan. Show all posts

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Camaya Sands and Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Bataan

The historical place of Bataan has many tourist spots to offer
and here are two of the best spots.


May 2015


After so many attempts to go to these two spots, finally I was given the chance to visit them in just one day.

From Tanauan City, Batangas, I boarded the bus going to Buendia-Taft, Pasay and alighted at the LRT station. I boarded the LRT going to Monumento and alighted at Doroteo Jose. In Doroteo Jose, there are two bus companies to choose from namely: Bataan Transit and Genesis. I chose the latter.There are also bus companies in Cubao. I boarded the bus going to Mariveles. It took me 3 hours before reaching the town of Mariveles. From Manila, it is 171 kilometers and the fare was P280 (same in Cubao)

Reaching Mariveles, the problem started when I was told that there are no public transport going to Camaya Coast or Camaya Sands and the only option was to hire a tricycle for the amount of P450. I asked for a discount and fair enough, I was able to hire the trike for P400. The ride going to Camaya Sands is 16 kilometers from the town or 50 minute ride from the town. So, it's a lot better to bring your own car for this trip. The ferry ride from Manila was no longer available.



After an hour, I was able to reach the entrance and I was told by the security guards that there slated rides to the resort. I arrived 12 noon and the next ride was 1:30. I told them that I cannot wait that long. Luck was on my side, they called a guy who was working inside and the guy gave me ride to the resort. I asked the trike driver to wait for me at the gate. And told him, I will give him a total of P600 if he would wait and he will be my ride back to town. The driver agreed for P650. 





I was happy even though my rides were a bit high. I've been dreaming of this resort for months and finally, I'm here! The motorcycle ride was smooth and relaxing. The terrain and the landscapes of the resort were amazing. From the entrance to the registration area, it is 3 kilometers.





From the top of the highway going to the resort, you can have a bird's eye-view of Camaya Sands. I was already excited!




After 15 minutes, I was already at the registration area. I paid P550 for the entrance and it includes the use of the beach, swimming pools and a free lunch.






Camaya Sands

I roamed around the beach area and took souvenir pictures. There were minimal tourists that day. Good thing it was a Thursday.





I have not seen the other beaches in Bataan. But this one is white sand.




What I love about this resort is the view and the ambience. It's cozy and relaxing!





Even the huts and cottages are world-class.





And they even have an infinity pool.





After staying for more than an hour and taking my free lunch, I decided to go to my other destination. Two-thumbs up for this resort!




I boarded the trike back to the town of Mariveles and alighted at Genesis bus station. I boarded the bus going back to Manila. I told the conductor that I was going to Las Cas Filipinas De Acuzar. I was told that I have to alight at Pilar crossing in Barangay Alaule. I paid P75 for the 42-kilometer ride. I alighted at crossing and had two choices, namely: a mini-bus for P30 or a jeepney ride. The jeepney ride was better but I took the mini-bus going to Acuzar.




I alighted at the trike station and paid P20 for the ride going to Acuzar. 





Las Islas Filipinas De Acuzar

I went to the registration area and paid P685 for the entrance fee with tour. But I did not join the tour due to lack of time. I have to go back to Batangas that day. And so I roamed around the area on foot and without a guide.





The place reminded me of the heritage houses of Vigan, Taal, Marinduque, Intramuros and Sariaya. By the way, the P685 payment includes a free towel and a welcome drink. There is P800 plus payment for the food. I chose the P685.





They also have an infinity pool.





The view was simply awesome and spectacular as if I was not in the Philippines!





Good thing I have my action camera and I was able to take pictures.




The houses are well-preserved. According to what I have seen in TV, these houses are from the different parts of the country and they were bought, transferred piece-by-piece and assembled here in Bataan.





I love this place! 





The designs and facade of the heritage houses are way beyond comparison.




My only regret was I was not able to join the tour. One of the amenities of joining the actual tour is that you can enter the heritage houses.





But the best part of the area is the hotel and I was not able to enter the hotel!





After staying for nearly 2 hours, I decided to go back to Batangas. 

I boarded another tricycle to the jeepney station going to Balanga. The fare was P30 and the ride was good for 45 minutes.  In Balanga, again, I boarded the Genesis bus going to Avenida. The bus ride was good for almost 3 hours and the fare was P200 (118 kilometers). Then, I boarded the bus going to Batangas.

Bataan is simply Amazing!

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Ambon-Ambon Falls and Ulan-Ulan Falls

In my travels around the Philippines, I have seen various falls in the country and one of things that interests me is the name of the falls. The name "Ambon-Ambon" and "Ulan-Ulan" caught my attention. The name Ambon-Ambon means mild or little shower of rain in Filipino. And being a nature lover, I have explored and seen these falls named "Ambon-Ambon."   

Here are the various Ambon-Ambon Falls in the Philippines.

Ambon-Ambon Falls in Laurel, Batangas


60 meters high

link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2014/03/ambon-ambon-falls-and-malagaslas-falls.html


Ambon-Ambon Falls in Panguil, Laguna



link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2014/02/ambon-ambon-falls-natividad-pangil.html


Ambon-Ambon Falls in Bagac, Bataan


60 meters high

link - http://www.waypoints.ph/detail_gen.php?wpt=ambon


Naambon Falls (also means Ambon-Ambon) in  San Juan, Batangas


link - http://lakbayinpilipinas.wordpress.com/2010/10/21/naambon-falls/


Ulan-Ulan (also Ambon-Ambon) Falls in Biliran


link - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/04/top-10-falls-in-philippines-for-tourists.html


Only the Ambon-Ambon Falls in Bagac, Bataan remains to be explored and in the near future it will surely be included in my itinerary.

See the water falls in the Philippines!   


Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Independence Day Tour: Corregidor and Bataan (June 12, 1012)

Last June 12, 2012, I went to two of the most important places in World War II history in the Philippines - Corregidor and Bataan.

From Manila, I boarded a Bataan Transit bus to Balanga, Bataan. The travel time is approximately 4 hours.

I reached the municipality of Mariveles and alighted at Brgy. Cabcaban.










I boarded a tricycle and went to the Port of Cabcaban.

The daily boat trip to Corregidor Island is available at this port.

Contact Nos. - 0908-144-6984 / 0905-489-7056



Boat Rates
Day Tour - 3,000.00
Overnight - 5,000.00
Maximum capacity - 8 persons



Originally, my plan was to reach Corregidor via Sunrise Cruise in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. But since I have not toured in Bataan, I decided to see both Corregidor and Bataan at the same day. And I ended up using the Cabcaban port to reach Corregidor.






I chartered the entire trip for P2,500 only (P3,000). I asked for a discount and after a series of counter-offers, the owner of the boat agreed to my initial offer.


The trip that day was very windy and the waves were so strong, I ended up praying during the trip. 


Past one hour, we reached our destination, the Corregidor Port (North Dock).






The Corregidor Tour is offered by -

Sun Cruises, Inc. 


Contact nos.-(02)-527-5555 loc. 4511, 4512, 4515

http://www.corregidorphilippines.com/

Day Tour Package (Adult) - P2,200
Day Tour Package (Child 3-11 yrs old) - P1,250

Overnight Room rate - P2,000
Outdoor activities - P250
Check in time - 7:00 am

Boarding time 7:30 am
Cut-off time - 7:45 am
ETD Manila - 8:00 am
ETA Corregidor - 9:15 am
ETD Corregidor - 2:30 pm
ETA Manila - 3:45 pm

After arriving at the port, I went to the registration area and paid the minimal fee for the tour.

I left my backpack at the registration area. Initially, the staff told me to rent a jeepney for the tour amounting to P2,500. After hearing this, I decided to hike instead.






From the registration area, it took me only seven minutes to reach the only church in Corregidor.











Whenever I conduct my tour, part of my itinerary is to go and to pray in a church.












Afterwards, I went to my next stop. It took me 12 minutes ascending to reach the - Malinta Tunnel.




























The interior of the Malinta Tunnel




Then, I went to the other side of the tunnel.


The trek to the beach is good for almost an hour.








This is the top view of the beach.














Then, after reaching the beach, I went back to the rear of the tunnel.












And I proceeded to the batter hearns and grubbs.

Along the way, I passed the Gen. Wainwright Memorial. 
The distance from Topside to Bottomside is three kilometers long. Its width is five kilometers at its widest point. Corregidor island has an elevation of 628 feet above sea level at Topside and 50 feet above sea level at Bottomside.



After walking for ten minutes from the Memorial, I reached the War Memorial Zone.













Then, the Mile Long Barracks



Honestly, it took me almost three hours of trekking but I did not mind it. Thanks to the beautiful scenery in Corregidor, I lost track of time.












Crockett, Geary and Grubbs














Battery Hearn






After the trek, I went back to the North Dock. 

There are other spots that one can visit, such as:

MacArthurs Cafe and Souvenir Shop (02) 456-7333; (02)362-6518


Prime Square Enterprises
(02) 833-4679; (02) 831-9514

Sea Calm Inn - 0949-725-1621
0926-757-9440


I boarded the boat and went back to Cabcaban.










My next destination that day was to go to Mt. Samat.

I boarded a bus and went to the spot.

It took me 45 minutes to reach the jump-off point to Mt. Samat.

I hired a tricycle for P300.00 for my transportation.



After 30 minuted of uphill ascent, I reached the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor).

Touring is from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.








I went inside the museum located inside the Shrine.














I saw the names of the soldiers inscribed at the wall who fought to defend Bataan during World War II.












And marveled at the huge cross at the top of Mt. Samat.















After one hour at Mt. Samat, I decided to go back to Manila. From this point, after the Fall of Bataan and Corregidor, the Death March took place and thousands of soldiers died. 


I enjoyed my Independence Day Tour!

Thanks to Corregidor and Mt. Samat.




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