Smart Backpacker

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Ten Most Romantic Places in the Philippines

from DiscoveringPinas

The Spirit of Valentine's Day

is in the air.

It's February 1, 2013 and I am wondering where to do my next travel in the Philippines.

After seven years of travel in the Philippines, I still love traveling in my own country. In a way, I know I am contributing to our economy. I love the Philippines! But that is not the reason why I am writing today. Again, the Valentine spirit is in the air! And that is the precise reason why I am writing!

I am sharing my ten most romantic places in the Philippines. The places best suitable for a honeymoon, romantic walk, star gazing, sunset viewing, candlelight dinner or simply holding hands while walking.

Anyway, on with the show.. Here are my ten most romantic places in the Philippines in no particular order...

Batanes

from www.dateline.ph

Batanes is best known for its stunning landscapes and rugged seascapes. All the islands have intermittent stretches of sandy beaches and rocky shorelines. Perfect place for your honeymoon or simply being with nature and enjoy its splendor and grandeur.

Popularly called the “Land of the Insulars,” Batanes is made up of three major islands, Batang, Sabtang, and Itbayat, and seven islets.

Batanes has white sand beaches particularly in Sabtang Island. The place is a perfect getaway to have your own privacy and simply frolic in the shoreline.

Couples can bike around the island and enjoy nature.

The warmth of Ivatans (people), their unique culture and their mouthwatering seafood are just some of the reasons why Batanes is one of the romantic spots in the Philippines.

And after a very relaxing day enjoying the landscapes and seascapes, couples can take their dinner at the Basco Lighthouse and witness the magnificent and breathtaking sunset..

See - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-captivating-and-stunning-beauty-of.html

Amanpulo in Palawan

from Philippinehospitality.blogspot.com

Amanpulo or "peace island" is an exclusive, tranquil island-resort in the Pamilacan Island in Palawan, Philippines. The resort is one of the most expensive destination exclusively for the elite travelers, celebrities, businessmen, and politicians who want total privacy on their vacations.

Amanpulo is a serene retreat offering pure white sands, pristine waters and endless blue skies.

Lovers can simply enjoy and relax at the beach without even knowing that time passes by...

Dinner at the beach is one of the best things offered by the resort itself.

Love is truly in the air!

In case you are wondering how much is the cheapest room in the resort, it's USS 900 and the most expensive is USS 4,725.

See - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/el-nido-adventure-of-lifetime.html

Bella Rocca in Marinduque

from gladestravel.weebly.com

Marinduque is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region in Luzon. It is a heart-shaped island situated about eleven miles (18 km) from the main island of Luzon. And the number one tourist destination is Bella Rocca!

from illegalcargo.blogspot.com

With its white Santorini-inspired architecture on rolling terrain in an island with the blue sky above and the pristine water below, Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa offers a fantastic experience unlike any other place in the Philippines and across South-East Asia.

An integrated resort, spa and lifestyle island destination, Bella Rocca is the perfect place for a honeymoon.

from illustradolife.com

The lowest room rate is USS 680 and the highest is USS 2,200.

Paras Beach Resort in Camiguin

from www.flicker.com

from tengturista.blogspot.com

Situated at the edge of the Camiguin island, Paras Beach Resort offers the best view of the White Island in Camiguin.

It has the panoramic view of the ocean, pristine blue waters and the treasured white island bar.

from www.flicker.com

Compared to Bella Rocca and Amanpulo, the cheapest package is P803/pax for 2 days and one night.

You will simply love the view of the ocean, the serene life and the romantic night life.

See - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/mesmerized-in-camiguin.html

Cloud Nine in Gen. Luna, Siargao

from www.siargaodivers.com

Siargao Island is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine sea situated 800 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao del Norte. It has a land area of approximately 437 square kilometers. The east coast is relatively straight with one deep inlet, Port Pilar. The coastline is marked by a succession of reefs, small points and white, sandy beaches (Wikepedia).

It is the surfing capital of the Philippines.

The number one spot in Siargao is called "Cloud Nine."

I was here last summer and I fell in love with the place.

The place offers fascinating landscapes and a romantic boardwalk.

from adventuroj.com

Couples can enjoy watching the sunset while holding hands and walking in the Boardwalk and then later, take their dinner in the Boardwalk amidst the romantic, captivating and serene place in Siargao.

See - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/siargao-surfing-capital-of-philippines.html

Antulang Beach in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental

Paradise..rediscovered!

Antulang Beach Resort is situated in Siaton. This 4-star hotel commands offers impeccable service and all the essential amenities to invigorate travelers.

It has a complete list of recreational facilities that is available at the hotel, including an outdoor pool.

Cheapest room rate is USS 55.00 and the highest is USS 345.00.

It is very affordable!

A lot of local celebrities and foreigners have proposed marriage and/or spent their honeymoon in this resort.

See - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/12/exploring-negros-oriental-and-negros.html

Discovery Shores, Station 1, Boracay

from www. etravelpilipinas.com

from www.mayennesworld.com

Initially, I did not include Boracay as part of my list. But since it was included in the Yahoo! Travel World's Romantic Islands for 2013, then I had to oblige.

The number one resort is Discovery Shores!

from thelegalcommune.com

Let Discovery Shores set the stage for a dreamy escape, designed just for couples.

This Boracay Island resort is located by the ocean and set on its own private white sand beach, a short distance from Willy's Rock, Boat Station 1, and Balinghai Beach.

Rate starts at US 365.00.

See - http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2012/11/boracay.html

Baguio

from somethingaboutnews.blogspot.com

Originally, I was thinking of Sagada. But Sagada is for backpackers, travelers, spelunkers, hikers and adventurers. The travel time (from Manila to Sagada is 11-12 hours by land) might affect the intimacy of the moment that you've planned and wanted.

With its cool weather, Baguio offers the best accommodations in the Philippines. Popularly called - "The Summer Capital of the Philippines," Baguio will surely be a spot for your honeymoon and leisure.

Manila Bay Sunset Cruise

from www.philippinelisting.com

from www.juanderfulpinoy.com

Have a sumptuous set dinner, over an hour of bay cruise and romantic serenade. Watch the sunset as it goes down and have an enchanting experience.

Sun Cruises delivers this extraordinary experience.

Get on board Sun Cruises and spend only Php550 per person for a one-of-a-kind experience.

from www.metrodeal.com

Find your romantic dinner while onboard the boat and enjoy the sightseeing in the Manila Bay.

Nurture Spa in Tagaytay

from wedding.intelron.com

from Nurture Spa

Personally, I love going to the Spa. And I think couples/lovers should take a time-off from their busy and hectic schedules and simply enjoy being pampered by Nurture Spa.

Located in Tagaytay City, Nurture Spa is the nearest place from Manila to have a cozy, romantic and serene place for couples.

from Nurture Spa

Be awed, relax and simply enjoy each others presence. Celebrate love and Wellness at the same time..

Love is in the air! =)

Monday, January 28, 2013

Bus Ride

LRT just stopped at Gil Puyat
Buses passing in Buendia-Taft
Pedestrians marching with might
While I wait for my bus to alight

While I rest my aching back thinking
Wondering now where you're traveling
Are you safe at home and resting?
Or caught in the traffic jam staring

Moments ago we were there eating
Sharing the light of the day's happening
We were there giggling and enjoying
Unmindful of who might be looking

The bus suddenly sounded its horn
Conveying to passengers all aboard!
Yet my mind was still wandering
Thinking of you, can't help smiling

The bus forwarded and then halted
Kept its distance in the pavement
My face now buried at the window
Reminiscing every minute with you

Now the bus move forward hissing
Yet your thought was still longing
The night that day was colored blue
But I remained unaffected coz of you

Listening to the radio and waiting
Yet another day was slowly ending
Closing my eyes, was about to sleep
Another day for my memory to keep

Tomorrow, another day of travel
Excited to see you, I always marvel
Another bus ride, another day
Love will keep us come what may

1/23/13 / 9:10 pm at the bus station in Buendia

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Bicol Adventure

October 24, 2011.
I arrived from Seoul, South Korea around 8 pm. My co-teachers and I spent four days in Seoul.

From the airport, I boarded a bus in Buendia-Taft en route to Tanauan City, Batangas (my residence) to get my stuff. This Bicol Tour was scheduled way ahead of the Korea Tour. And because of the Korea Tour, I had to cancel my Hong Kong-Macau Tour.

I arrived in Batangas past 11 pm and slept for almost three hours. Woke up around 2 am and boarded a bus back to Manila.

My flight to Legaspi was scheduled 6:30 am and I had to be at the airport 2 hours before the flight.

I was not able to sleep at the airport, fearing that I might be left behind.

It was past 7 am when the plane landed in Legazpi City.

And the view from the plane of the airport is simply one of a kind!! I remember the same feeling when the plane landed in Batanes.

After disembarking from the plane, I was still mesmerized by the sight of Mt. Mayon!

The first thing I did was to find the nearest lodging, and there was a hotel beside the airport.

I needed to get some sleep!

I paid P600 for a 2-hour sleep.

The hotel offers the best view of Mt. Mayon.

After sleeping for 2 hours, I immediately went to my first spot.

Day 1

First in the list that day was the Cagsawa Ruins.

I took two separate jeepney rides just to reach the site.

First was to the city and the next ride was to Cagsawa. Combined, both rides were more or less 40 minutes.

From the highway, one still has to walk for five minutes before you can reach the site.

There were plenty of tour guides available at the spot.

The marker of the Cagsawa Ruins

I stared and marveled at the sight of Mt. Mayon!

After 2 hours, I decided to go to another spot.

My guide told me I could hire an ATV ride to the base of Mt. Mayon. I was so excited! This idea was not part of my itinerary!

I hired a habal-habal ride to the jump-off point. The ride to the spot was good only for fifteen minutes.

The second stop for the day - ATV Tour.

Contact Numbers -
Landline - (052) 742-9871
Mobile nos - 0905-455-7594 / 0915-938-6451

http://mayonatvtour.com/

Weather was cloudy that day. And there were only a handfull of tourists. In fact, I was the only one renting the ATV that day.

This is the start of the ride!

The actual trail of the all terrain vehicle going to the lava front crossing thru small rivers and rocky areas of the galley trail is about 9 kilometers and I drove for about more or less 40 minutes from the starting point until to the lava front.

The sight of Mt. Mayon is simply breathtaking!!

After 30 minutes, we arrived at the Mayon Adventure Land.

One can also enjoy the zipline adventure here.

No zipline today! Trekking was my choice!

My guide and I trekked to the top of the lava base.

There is a helipad at the top of the Lava base/wall.

After one hour, I decided to descend and go back to the jump-off point.

I had a tight schedule that day.

The third stop -

Daraga Church

An 18th century Baroque church built on top of a hill (overlooking the magnificent Mayon Volcano). This church was supposedly built by the women (thus the name "Daraga" which means Lady/Single Woman) when the men fled from forced labor during the Spanish era.

I decided to go on to my next spot.

That afternoon, I went to Sorsogon.

It was already past 2 pm when I reached Sorsogon.

Originally, I wanted to go to Donsol. But the townspeople told me that whale watching was not available during December, and so I went to Bulusan instead.

I took a bus from Legaspi to Sorsogon, then a jeepney ride to Bulusan, and finally a motorcycle ride to Bulusan Lake.

Bulusan Volcano Natural Park

Bulusan Lake

One of the 32 renowned ecotourism spots in the Philippines.

Unfortunately, it was cloudy that day and I was not able to see the volcano.

Going back to town, I passed by the famous-

Masacrot Spring

From Sorsogon, I went to CamSur. I arrived around past six in the evening.
The following day, I decided to experience wakeboarding!

Day 2

Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC)

I paid P225.00 for one hour of wakeboarding.

My initial attempt at knee boarding was successful.. Although, I dislocated my shoulder twice.

Around 1 pm, I decided to go another spot.

Deer Breeding Farm, Ocampo, CamSur

It took us almost 2 hours before reaching the site. I hired another habal-habal for this adventure and paid P600.00

Afterwards, I decided to go to Naga City. I checked in at Camsur Tourist Inn.

I paid P600.

Day 3

The following day, I decided to have a city tour and I went to the different churches of Naga City.

First stop -
Our Lady of Penafrancia Church