Travel Blogger of the Month: Going Places

Hello guys! Today’s blog post is our next travel blogger of the month. He has been traveling since he was 7 years old.  Yes! You read it right! His mother brought him in her various trips abroad and many places. And since then, he became a travel addict.

I am glad to introduce our blogger of the month is, drum roll please… Ian, the author of Going Places.

Below are the travel tips and travel experiences from Ian.

The Great Wall of China - Mutyaniu Section, Beijing, China

Q and A with Pinoy Travel Freak

1. What is your purpose of travelling?

My purpose is mainly to live out my life motto of “travel is an experience of a lifetime”. Travel is an opportunity not just to go places but also a good way to experience the best of life can offer. Travelling is a better way for me to learn the realities of life, discover the cultures surrounding us and how beautiful our country is - which by the way; it is indeed more fun in the Philippines!

2. Do you travel solo? Couple? Or in a group?

I always travel in group because it is always fun with others and travel moments are best shared when you traveled with friends and loved ones. I haven’t experience travelling solo yet. 

3. How often do you travel? 

In a year, at least 5 to 8 times but the concentration of my travels is during Summer since the weather in the country is good for local travel. Summertime coincides not just the start of my travelling season but also my birthday trips as my birth month falls on the first month Summer which is March.

4. What would be the best destinations for a solo traveler, for a couple, for a group or with family and friends?

I haven’t experience solo travelling but I can recommend 5 best destinations for a couple, for a group or with family and friends which I have been to.

a) Thailand – It is best for both first –timers and groups because Thailand is cheap and affordable yet a country very rich in places to see, food to taste and culture to experience.

b) Camiguin – You will fall in love with this island province because it’s gorgeous sceneries and quiet atmosphere are romantic and at the same time fun and exciting.

White Island, Camiguin

c) Vietnam – There so many things to see and to experience in Vietnam especially when you go out of its capital city. It is also very cheap to travel around Vietnam. No need to be a big spender because if you have enough money you can entirely travel and explore the whole country in 2 weeks!

d) Zambales – The beautiful coves of Zambales which mainly caters to campers is a great way to bond with family, friends and loved ones as bonfire by night let’s you share activities that don’t need so much gadgets to be entertain. Plus sceneries of mountain ranges and beaches are superb backdrops!

e) Albay – Adventurous at heart will surely love all the outdoor activities of the province. But if you prefer a relaxing and calming activity, simply admiring the beauty of Mayon Volcano will surely do satisfy you. 

5. Give at least 5 travel tips to our readers. 

a) Research the place that you are going to visit by reading travel blogs and asking queries to the person who actually travelled on the place you want to visit. Research will help you a lot in budgeting, accommodation, itineraries, timetables and sites that are must-see in the place.

b) Take a time off from social media and connection to your urban life. You wouldn’t be able to savor to the fullest the new place and the new experience that is being expose to you if you keep on tweeting and posting a shout and check-in just to be keep everyone updated and be on the hashtag ATM mode.

c) Stay safe in anything you do in travel. Be aware of accident prone areas and activities that might cause injuries. And don’t touch any marine animal or corals when snorkeling. Be aware of poisonous marine animals that seemed harmless like jellyfish, sea urchin, lionfish and stone fish.

d) Be aware of the time! Always keep in mind that time is very essential in every aspect of travel. From flights, bus schedules, days of stay, frequency of transportations, weather changes up to distances of one place to another, time always play a vital role in travel.

e) Always check the weather to the place that you are visiting on your target date of travel because bad weather definitely spoils your once in a lifetime trip.

6. What are your 3 memorable travel destinations and why? (please do share your best photos)

a) Bohol – Aside from being my first time in Bohol and experiencing its haven of natural beauty, this destination was my first ever birthday trip in which I actually travelled on my birth date.  I have never been so happy than doing my one great passion in life on your special day!  It was an experience I will never forget! My birthday trip to Bohol also started my yearly tradition of having a yearly birthday trip on my birthday day.

Chocolate Hills of Bohol

b) Beijing, China – It was a dream destination to me ever since it was announced as the host of 2008 Summer Olympics. It is not just a historical trip but it also let me appreciate China, the Chinese people and its rich culture. It is also a trip wherein I carefully planned a very hands-on and do-it-yourself style of travel which I successfully pull-off. I was able to do DIY trip to the Great Wall of China with only the help of printed guides and travel blogs sans language barrier. But what also makes it memorable is that my trip to China was one of my travels that I really work hard for it to happen. Imagine, I spend two years saving money to fund my trip to China!

c) Anilao, Mabini, Batangas – This is one of the destinations that I truly enjoyed group travel with friends. When my friends at work happened to have a schedule of same day-off, we didn’t let pass the chance to have a great bonding time by having a “best day-off ever” in Anilao! It was fun and memorable because on this trip we get a chance to know things about each other and about ourselves as well. What makes this destination memorable the most is we get a chance to establish a long lasting friendship in our circle. This is one of my trips that I truly experienced, the travel thought – “As with any journey, who you travel with can be more important than your destination”

7. Who is your ideal traveler? Why?

My mom, Gloria C. Poral. Why? Because she is the true viajera at heart in our family. Since, I was 7 years-old, she already brought me on her various trips abroad and she has been to many places before I get into travel world. She introduce to me to the travel world at a young age! I think this was the reason why I grow up as a travel addict! But I admire her most for having always a thirst for adventure and for discovering the world around her.

I also looked up to Chyng Reyes of No spam, no virus, no kiddin!. Her travel photos are superb and travel tips are helpful. But I also love the way she tells her travel stories which were fun, adventurous and entertaining. 

To the owner of Going Places, it is my privilege to feature a travel blogger like you. And, for that, I'd like to thank you for giving me a chance to let me share your tips and experiences through this site.

Connect with Ian - Going Places through social media sites.

Twitter: @ianlovesplaces
Instagram: @ianskyianized
FB page: facebook.com/goingplaces

Travel Guide: Fortune Island

Summer would not be exciting if you don’t experience to stay the whole night on the island without lodges and electricity. Sounds interesting, right? Yes! You can feel like you are a survival in a secluded island like Fortune Island.

Fortune Island is a Greek-inspired structure in Nasugbu, Batangas. The island resort was once a private resort owned by the former governor of Batangas Province, Jose Antonio Leviste. The island is 27-hectare land lying about 14 kilometers from the shores of Nasugbu. The beach resort is about 20 meters wide of pristine white sand and has an acropolis with Grecian Pillars and statues on the edge of the island.

The resort is ideally for a day tour, but if you’re an adventurous it would also worth for an overnight camping. Its main features are the Greek inspired structure of Acropolis in Athens.  What were left today are the ruins and the old statues that is one of the highlights on the island.

photo credits: Ron

There are no cottages or rooms on the island that you can secure your things. All you have to do is to find a spot among the ruined buildings or camp under the trees. There’s no store, comfort rooms and water source here as well. So, don’t forget to bring your toiletries, food, drinks and five liters of water as much as possible.

Approaching on the island, you can already see the unique-looking structures on the top of the rocky island which I’m sure it’s an eye catcher.

Fortune Island has a cream to white sand shore and from the top of the rocky terrain you can see the fascinating deep blue to turquoise water that inviting you to take a dive. One can conduct a photo shoot on the edge of the island overlooking the sea. You can pose like Adonis and Athena beside the Grecian pillars and statues.

However, you can also visit the lighthouse of the island. It takes fifteen to thirty minutes trek to reach there. In the evening, you can have your dinner under the starry nights and having a bonfire while sipping your wine. How cool is that?

And, most importantly is to enjoy and embrace the moments while you’re on the island.

photo credits: Ron

Things to do

Explore the island

Dress up and conduct a photo shoot

Take a dive in the deep blue sea

Snorkeling and meet the fish and corals

Bonfire while making friends

Itinerary

Day 1

03:00 AM – assembly at KFC Coastal

04:00 AM – departure

05:37 AM – arrival at Nasugbu (Jollibee), buy food for overnight stay

06:00 AM – arrival at Brgy. Bucana, waited for the boatman

07:30 AM – departure to island

08:30 AM – arrival at Fortune Island

09:00 AM – tent pitching

10:00 AM – brunch, rest, hop

12:00 NN – lunch break

03:00 PM – swim, explore, diving, snorkeling, picture taking

06:00 PM – dinner, bonfire, social

10:00 PM – sleeping time

Day 2

06:00 AM – breakfast

08:00 AM – exploring ruins, light house, photograph

10:00 AM – swim, cliff diving

12:00 NN – lunch

01:00 PM – fixing tent

02:00 PM – back to Nasugbu

03:30 PM – freshin’ up

04:00 PM – sidetrip to Tagaytay

05:35 PM – early dinner at Mer-Ben Tapsilogan

07:30 PM – back to Manila

Expenses

***we joined a group of 30 people and the organizer will be the one who arranges the van and boat transfer, and the food we consume for 2D1N.

1, 800 php each

Inclusions:

Van transfer (Manila-Nasugbu-Manila)

Boat transfer (Nasugbu-Fortune Island-Nasugbu)

Lunch (day 1)

Breakfast and lunch (Day 2)

What to bring

Swim wear

Camera

Costume (if you want to have a photograph at the ruins)

Snacks

Water

Flashlight

Sun block

Snorkeling gear

First Aid kit

Insect repellent lotion

Tent

Blanket

And wear your best SMILE!

How to go to Fortune Island

***Since we joined in a big group, the organizer rented a van and the meeting place was at KFC Coastal.

Public Transportation: Take a bus in Pasay or Cubao bound to Nasugbu, Batangas. Fare is around 200 php – 250 php. Get off at Nasugbu town (Jollibee), hire a trike and tell the driver that you are going to Fortune Island.

Private Transportation: Two routes going to Nasugbu; 1) via Tagaytay in which you can reach through SLEX or Aguinaldo Highway. 2) via Cavitex then Anterio Soriano Highway.

Boat rental is ranging around 3000 php to 4000 php depends on the number of members.

Notes: it takes about forty five to one hour to get to the island resort. In the afternoon, expect strong waves.

Contact Person:

Mang Dante – (63) 939 489 5292

Mang Chris – (63) 908 722 5658

Mt. Maculot – Rockies – Grotto Traverse

We already climbed the famous Rockies in Mount Maculot. We’ve done it by twin day hike; Rockies and Manabu Peak. Maculot has three destinations: 1) the Rockies, 2) Summit, and 3) Grotto. Most hikers are just stop at the Rockies only and few people will pursue the traverse. But, that’s my group is going to do. We will explore the forested side of the mountain.

The mountain is about 930 meters above sea level. The trail to the summit is easy and mostly forested. From the Rockies, it takes only an hour to reach the summit. And, at the summit, one can see the Rockies surrounded by waters of Taal Lake and Taal volcano is also visible here. However, there are some part of the trail that is overgrown, but don’t worry because it is not difficult to follow.

From the summit, we go down and follow the trail that leads to Grotto. This part is quite steep and there are some parts that one used rope on the descent. The forest ends where the Grotto appears and just follows the station of the cross to downward until reach the end of the trail. 

Overall, climbing Mt. Maculot traverse is a very easy and wonderful experience to share to your friends and co-hikers. The view is stunning especially if the cloud is so clear! It can be combined for a twin day hike with Manabu Peak. 

Itinerary

04:00AM – Meet up

05:30AM – Ride a bus bound to Cuenca, Batangas (signboard Lemery)

07:30AM – Arrived at Cuenca, ride a tricycle to jump-off, registration 

08:00AM – Start trek

09:45AM – Campsite

10:00AM – Rockies

11:00AM – Trek from Rockies to Summit

12:00NN – Summit

12:15PM – Trek to Grotto

02:00PM – Arrived Grotto (Our Lady of Lourdes)

02:30PM – Jump-off, rest, freshen up

03:00PM – Back to Lipa City

05:30PM – Manila bound

Expense:

147Php each – Bus

20Php each – Tricycle

334Php each – Guide Fee ( 1000Php for Traverse)

How to get there?

Take a bus (Cubao/Pasay) bound to Lemery, Batangas and drop off Cuenca. Then, ride a tricycle going to Registration booth and get a guide (required).

More photos, click >>> Here!

Happy Hiking!

Marco

Calereuga: A place for renewal and soul searching

The Lenten season is the season for reflection on Jesus Christ for his sacrifice and suffering, his life, death, burial, and resurrection. For Catholics, it is a way to remind them of the value of repentance. It begun during the Ash Wednesday and it is a 40 days period of preparation for Easter Sunday.

Transfiguration Chapel

Some of you are now planning where to go and spend the Holy Week. Then, why not visit Calereuga in Batulao, Batangas?

Calereuga is the perfect place to visit and explore during holy week. This is a place for Nature lover and for those who want to spend time with our Creator. It is surrounded with many trees and flowers, an ideal place for self-renewal and soul searching.

Panoramic View at the top of the hill

Roaming around the compound will show to butterflies, birds, various flowers and big trees, koi fish in the ponds under an elevated steel pathway. There’s a hanging bridge which led you to the other part of the compound wherein exposes with a vast field of green grass, trees with tables and benches. And, I think, they allow you to camping here. A chapel on the top of the hummock that you can take time to pray.

Calereuga is a location for family bonding, retreats, recollections, team building, prayers, and renewal. This is a venue for wedding. Great places to take a sit on the green grass, relax, and feel the cool breeze.

How to get there:

•  Ride a bus going to Nasugbu or Balayan in any bus terminal (Pasay or Cubao)
• Get off at Evercrest
•   From there, take a tricycle and tell the driver you’re going to Calereuga. Please take note: there no tricycle in the area so better get the contact number of the driver and advise him to fetch you on agreed time. 

For more information:

Calereuga’s Transfiguration Chapel

Brgy. Kaylaway, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas

Email: caleruega_philippines@yahoo.com

Contact Numbers: 043-706-0348

Malarayat Mountain Range Traverse (Mt. Malipunyo - Manabu Peak)

Holiday gives us the chance to discover places, mountains and travel around. A year ago, we hiked two mountains in just for one day and now, before 2013 ends we challenged ourselves to do a traverse. This is a challenging and exciting adventure and we felt nervous because we don’t know what will happen during the hike. But, the eagerness is there and we are fully energized that day.  

The Story
Our first traverse is Mt. Malipunyo to Mt. Manabu via Mt. Malarayat mountain range -  it is one of the major features of the Southern Tagalog scenery (also includes; Mt. Makiling, Mt. Banahaw, and Mt. Maculot). 

Mt. Malipunyo is located between the provinces of Batangas and Laguna. It has three peaks with the summit of 1005 MASL, it is sometimes spelled as Malipuño. This mountain is a forested and grassy, even in the summit. Mt. Malipunyo, Mt. Susong Dalaga, and the Manabu Peak are the interconnected destinations. Some part of the trails would be steep, but there are many trees to hold on to, but be careful of the harmful plants.

Mt. Manabu is typically cloudy that gives you an almost wistful air. It is one of the three major peaks of the Malarayat range, the named itself is the abbreviated from the word “Mataas na Bundok”. The trail is easy and is the most accessible mountain from Manila. The very beautiful surroundings and add the spectacular view of the Malipunyo mountain range. You can see the perfect scene!

After our early breakfast, our group rode a bus going to Batangas City and from the bus terminal; we headed to the Fiesta Mall and rode a trike to the jump-off. We meet Mang Mario, our guide for the day. Then, start trekking around six thirty in the morning.

struggling the slippery trail

reached the Peak 1

There are noxious plants and pruritogenic lipa trees which can cause itching. Thorns bushes are also visible in the mountain so be careful to avoid getting injury. It is important to wear clothes that can protect your skin. You can get out of the forest after hour later then passing by the grassland or also called “Talahiban”. The trail, after passing by the grassland, is not less of dangers anymore, but it’s going on a sharp edge. It's very tiring, but after all, you will realized how beautiful the world is.

Mt. Susong-Dalaga

dirty but happy feet

encountered various wild plants

reaching the Manabu Peak

Note: If you are not familiar in the trail, it is important to hire a guide to avoid getting lost here.

ITINERARY:

03:30AM - Assembly Jollibee-Buendia

04:30AM - ETD Jam Terminal (going to Batangas City) 

06:00AM - ETA Fiesta Mall (take trike to Jump off)

06:30AM - Arrival at jumpoff - Start Trek

07:30AM - Arrive at the river, first water source.

08:15AM - 2nd water source 

09:00AM - Arrive at Peak 1

09:30AM – Arrive at Peak 2

10:00AM – Arrive at Peak 3, Mt. Malipunyo Summit, take lunch

11:00AM - Start descent

11:30AM - Arrived at Balete park

12:00NN -  Start descent

12:30PM - River. Water source

01:00PM – Tri-House, rest, take coffee, snacks

02:00PM - Arrived at Biak na bundok

02:30PM - Start descend

03:30PM - Arrived at Mt Maraduhan. Rest

04:30PM - Arrived at Manabu Campsite. Rest

05:00PM - Set foot on Mt Manabu Peak

05:30PM - Start descent

05:45PM - Coffee Break at Manong Pirying

06:30PM - Arrived at Mt Manabu Jump off. Rest. Tidy up

07:30PM - Take tricycle to lipa Bus stop, Dinner

08:00PM - Arrived at Lipa Bus Stop

08:30PM - Take bus to Manila

09:30PM - ETA Manila

Expenses

Bus – 157php 

Trike – 20php

Registration Fee – 20php

Guide Fee – 200php each (we give 100php each as tip for Manong Mario for being nice and kind to us)

Food/Water - 250

Guide contact number: Mang Mario, +63-9994106990

More photos here...

Malipunyo makes my 11th conquered mountain a successful one and it was my second time to climbed Mt. Manabu! Hooray!

Happy climbing,

-Marco

Mt. Gulugod Baboy (525+) Adventure

What’s the best thing to do in holiday season? As for adventurer, the best thing to do in a holiday season is to travel or to complete what’s in the bucket list before the year 2013 ends. For us, we had our Christmas mountain climbing before we celebrate Christmas day.  This is not definitely the last mountain for this year because we also plan to do our year-end hike. There are options where to climb, but fortunately, we all agreed to climb a mountain in Anilao.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy, is officially my 10^th conquered mountain, is located in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas, Philippines. It is a minor climb that requires half-day and one to two hours to summit. There are three peaks in the range; the first one is about 470 MASL, the second peak is about 485 MASL, and the highest peak is about 525 MASL.

From Southeast to Northwest are Gulugod Baboy (Peak 1), Gitna (Peak 2), and Pinagbanderahan (Peak 3). At the peak, from east to west; you can see the Janao Bay, Maricaban Island and Sombrero Islands are visible. The east side, you can see the city and the port of Batangas. The mountains of Lobo, Mt. Maculot, Mt. Batulao, and the Tagaytay highlands are also noticeable too!

My group decided to meet at the Bus Terminal in Buendia and we rode a bus bound to Batangas City. From Batangas Grand Terminal, we hired a jeep going to Mabini then drop-off at Philpan Diving Resort, and register. We start trek around ten thirty in the morning, it was already hot. And, we reached at the summit by twelve noon and had lunch then, took some pictures.

We’ve met Mr. Herman from Belguim and we are amazed by his energy. He was biking from the jump off up to the summit. And, we totally admire him as he discussed the place you can see around the mountain and everything. He knows what you can see from Southeast to Northwest and from East to West. We just like, Wow! Amazing man!

the famous tree

Pastoral view

Do you remember teletubbies land?  Yes, the mountain is looked like a teletubbies land.  At the peak, the clouds are not totally clear during that day, but we still amazed the beauty of the nature. However, we just witness the romantic view of the sunset when we descent. What I like this adventure is that the trail is very easy because you are just going straightforward until you have reached the peak of the mountain. Locals are very helpful, you can ask them.

the romantic sunset 

ITINERARY:

07:30AM – Meet up, Buendia Bus Terminal

08:00AM – Ride a bus bound to Batangas City, 157php

10:30AM – Batangas Grand Terminal, rent a jeep going to Mabini,

11:30AM - jump-off Philpan Diving Resort, register

11:35AM – start trek

12:35PM – Gulugod baboy (Peak 1)

01:00PM – Gitna (Peak 2)

01:30PM – Pinagbanderahan (Peak 3), Lunch

03:00PM – descent

04:30PM – clean up and refresh

05:00PM - back to Batangas Terminal

06:30PM – back to Manila

EXPENSES:

Bus – 157php

Rent a Jeepney – 130php (14pax)

And this is my official 10th conquered mountain! Hooray!

Until next climb,

Marco

Conquered Mt. Banoi

The last mountain I climbed was Mt. Kalisungan with 760 MASL. It was my 8^th official mountaineering together with my friends. I stop climbing a mountain for almost three months because I am busy for my commitments. But, one day my friend Jeff invited me to join him to climb along with Ian, our mountaineer friend. Since I missed mountain climbing, without any hesitation I accepted the invitation.

Mt. Banoi, my 9th conquered mountain, is 850 MASL for the Two Towers Peak and about 960 MASL for the Main Peak, is located in the town of Lobo, Batangas, and is part of the mountain range that surrounds in the town. This is a minor climb and it’s about two to five hours of reaching the summit.

The first time we attempted to climb Mt. Banoi is failed because we are not able to reach the summit. From Sitio Malabnig, according to the local, is one to two hour trekking before you can reach the summit depending on how fast your pace is. And, take note, we arrived at Sitio Malabnig at two o’clock in the afternoon. Very late! So, we’re not able to make it. We just stay there for a while and we go back to the town because we need to catch up for the last trip going to Batangas that is five o’clock in the afternoon.

On our second attempt, we need to accomplish our mission, to reach the summit. Only Jeff and Ian are available on this day. This time, we arrived early in the town of Lobo. We rode a tricycle and asked the driver to drop-off at the Chapel.

You will begin your trek at the end of the road of Brgy. Balatbat, landmark is the Chapel. And, from there, about one and half an hour you will reach the major jump-off at Sitio Malabnig –is a community with dozen of houses and I salute to people living on the top of 400 MASL. 

The trail, actually, is not really confusing because it is mostly straightforward and you can ask the locals along the way, they are very helpful! You can also ask the people in the Sitio Malabnig the right way going to the Mt. Banoi. You can reach the first peak in 1.5 hours to two hours; it is easily identified because of the communication tower. The mountain features the scene of animal farm, villages, and the whole town of Lobo. Mt. Lobo, Mt. Daguldol, and Mt. Naguiling can be seen in the east.

We arrived at the first peak of the mountain during lunchtime and we decided not to pursue on the Main Peak instead of having a good lunch on the first peak. However, the views from the mountain are the same all the way through the peaks. It’s really up to you to visit the Main Peak. But, for us, we didn’t pursue to the Main Peak and we just stay and took our lunch. Then, descent.

Mt. Banoi Itinerary:

04:30 AM – meet up in Buendia, Pasay

05:00 AM – board bus bound to Batangas Grand Terminal, 157php

06:40 AM – arrive at Grand Terminal, ride jeepney going to Balagtas, 12php

07:15 AM – from Balagtas, ride a jeepney to Lobo Terminal, 8php

07:30 AM – board jeepney going to Lobo Town

08:50 AM – arrive at Lobo Town, register at police station, and ride a tricycle to jump-off (chapel)

09:00 AM – start trekking

10:00 AM – arrive at Sitio Malabnig

12:00 NN – first peak, Two Towers Peak, lunch

01:00 PM – descent

02:00 PM – Sitio Malabnig

03:30 PM – back to the Chapel, ride trike back to Lobo town (NOTE: get the contact number of the tricycle driver so he can pick you back to the town)

04:00 PM – clean up, ride a jeepney back to Batangas City

05:30 PM – Grand Terminal, back to Manila

Expenses:

Transportation: 500php
Food: 200php

And this is my 9th conquered mountain. Hooray!

Happy climbing! :)
Marco

The Adventure | Mt. Batulao (811 MASL)

With my co-soul explorer at the peak of Mt. Batulao

Batangas is a first class province of the Philippines, located on the southwestern part of Luzon. It has a combination of plains and mountains. One of these mountains is Mt. Batulao with 811 MASL, the name “Batulao” is from the tagalog word of “Bato sa Ilaw” (light in a rock).