Angkor Wat (Cambodia)

Angkor Wat is well known tourist destination at Cambodia, in which Angkor means “City”, and Wat is the Khmer word for “temple ground”. The modern name for this is “Temple City”.  It is about 5.5 kilometers north of Siem Reap and it’s near from south and was centered at Baphuon. It is the largest religious monument in the world and was originally found as a Hindu Temple for the Khmer Empire. And, it was transformed into a Buddhist temple to the end of the 12th century. 

If planning to travel to Cambodia, don’t forget to visit Angkor Wat as this is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. It’s a beautiful and historical destination in Cambodia. A tour where you can see the remains of the great Asian Empires and you will learn the history of Angkor Wat. Aside from the history, it is also stunning scene especially during sun rise and sunset. Stay outside the main gates to get the best views. Amazing!

Includes Angkor Wat on your bucket list if you visit Cambodia and enjoy learning of its history and most importantly the picturesque scene of the place!

Have you been here? Do you have memorable moments at this place? Please share at comment box. Thank you.

Photo credit: RC

A Long Walk to Beautiful Bomod-ok Falls in Sagada

Our next destination in exploring Sagada is Bomod-ok Falls -is called the big falls; however, it is the most visited tourist place for both locals and travellers as this is breathtaking view. The waterfalls are about 200 feet tall that splash down to the cold pool.

We registered right away when we arrived and pay five hundred pesos (we are three in the group). A woman in her trekking outfit is our guide will lead us going to the falls. The sun is already up by this time and we started trekking by then. The trail is going up and down and passes in the rice fields. It takes about forty five minutes to one hour walked. It was already jumped-pack with different tourists from different places and countries.

The trail will across through the rice terraces, the houses and barns. Though, it’s hot already and walking on an open field is worth it because the view is spectacular and you can enjoy the scene while trekking. Our guide is very friendly and talkative. She could tell you about their culture and willing to answer some questions.

So, visiting Bomod-ok falls is a must-see and to enjoy the scene and the cold water. Don’t let your Sagada escapade done without seeing this beautiful big falls!

Calle Crisologo: Back in the Past

Did you know that Filipinos were influenced by the people of Spain or Spaniards?  Do you want to experience a Spanish time? Well, Calle Crisologo is the best place to see the Spanish colonial architectures and the major attraction in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. 

Calle Crisologo is a street lined with Spanish Era ancestral houses and cobblestone Street, which preserved by locals for more than a hundred years. This led to Vigan’s inscription in the list of UNESCO World heritage sites.

It is the only town that was saved from destruction during Wordl War II because of a love story of a Japanese General who married a Filipina in Vigan. He promised the parish priest that he would save the town from destruction.

Ready your camera when visiting in this street because the houses are modest and very lovely subjects for picture-perfect shots. The tourist can even stay in a heritage house because as some have been converted into inns. And, some houses have been turned into stores which you can buy souvenir items and Vigan’s best product like antiques, abel woven products, bags, basi wine, burnay, chicharon, jewelry, sweets, Vigan’s vinegar, and woodcraft.

Walking on the streets of Calle Crisologo is a must because you will appreciate the history and understand the heritage. You can also ride a Calesa during your visit which used in the past. 

For my visit, I would say that it was enjoyable and unforgettable experience. I’d love to visit there again and experience the night tour because according to the others, you will feel as if you are in the past.

Vigan City in Ilocos Sur, Philippines was choosen as one of the New 7 Wonders Cities.

Happy travelling!
-Marco

Punta Malimono Beach

During Holy Week, I visited my hometown to spend my holiday vacation. It was two years ago not seeing my mother, friends, relatives, and high school friend. That was unplanned because I was running out of time, but someone pushes me to grab the opportunity.


Since, the group does not have a plan for summer getaway so I’ve decided to visit my hometown.

Before the Easter Sunday, my childhood friends gathered and planned to have our get-together outing. We went to Malimono Beach –this is a well-known beach in our province.

Background

The beach is about thirty minutes away from our place. It has lodge which cost 150-200 pesos for the whole day. It has river which makes the sea water cold. There are also rocks on the other side of the beach. You can bring your snorkelling gear for you to explorer the undersea. The sand is black and some part of the beach is pebbles. The beach is located at Malimono, Surigao Del Norte.

You can play volleyball or any activities you want.

You can bring your food because there are no establishment around the area.  

We stayed at the beach until six in the evening and I am glad that I was able to capture the stunningly beautiful sunset.

Getting there

From Surigao City terminal, take a jeep going to Malimono and about one and half an hour drive from the city. Ask the driver or the conductor that you are going to Malimono Beach. The fare is 50 pesos.

More photos here...

Happy travelling!
Marco

Crystal Cove Island - Boracay Island

The island was formerly known as Tiguatian Island and located about ten to fifteen minutes away from the White Beach on Boracay Island. Crystal Cove Island is the main stop of the Island Hopping tours from Boracay. The two hectares island offers various picnic areas, a museum of the local seashells and artwork, sea cove and an aviary of some local birds.

Background

Crystal Cove also features white beaches, a stunning view, and a peaceful place. It allows you to experience the breathtaking scenery while walking to the caves. You can explore the natural beauty of the rock formations.

In the picnic area, there are numbers of cottage that are made up of nepa hut and some are buildings created using the rock. You can have private gatherings here with your friends and loved ones.

Crystal Cove Island

There are two coves in here; the first cove is located near the main picnic area. Entering this cove is you need to descend down the skinny spiral staircase so that you can view the waves splashing against its wall. Inside the coves are the rock formation and the crystal clear water. On the other side of the island is where you can find the second cove, it provides a great picture with a background of the water crashing.

Be carefully upon entering in the coves because of the slippery rocks!

Crystal cove is also a great place to chill and enjoy beautiful view. Whether you want to walk around and explore all the features that the island has to offer.

chill!

Picture taking at the Cave

Getting there

Reaching Crystal cove is via motorboat that takes about ten to fifteen minutes from Boracay Island. This is the main stop of the Island Hopping tour. There are locals in the Boracay Island that offer Island hopping, ranging from 800pesos to 1000 pesos and various water activities.

More photos here...

Happy travelling!

Marco

Tranquility Puka Beach Boracay

This is another beach on Boracay Island, which is located along the island’s northern end. Puka Beach is a picture of what most individuals expect on a tropical island: white sand, purplish blue water, and uncrowded beach.  It was called Puka beach because the place where resident meet to collect Puka Shells.

Background

This is very different from the other beaches of Boracay. This is the longest beach on the island’s northern tip. The sand is not as fine and white as those in the white beach. But, the tranquillity of the surroundings can make your stay in the beach a memorable one. It became famous because the beach has many Puka shells.

The beach is uncrowded compared to the white beach. The location of the beach gives you a feeling that you are in a remote place. Allow yourself at least two hours of spending in the beach. Relax and enjoy!

footprints

Adventurers can hike or ride a rented bicycle or motorbike going to the beach.

It is advisable to bring food and cold drinks because the beach has no resorts and establishments in the beach. It is separated from the white beach in Boracay. But, there’s a restaurant at the eastern end of the beach.

Puka beach is a great spot for a picnic; however make sure to bring your trash home with you.

shells

Getting There

*You can take a tricycle going to Puka beach. The tricycle can be found at the D’Mall. Fare is around 100php.

*If you are adventurous then, you can rent a bicycle or motorbike to reach the beach.

*Going to Puka beach takes about thirty to forty-five minutes.

*No entrance fee

*There’s a tricycle terminal in front of the entrance.

Your Boracay Island escapade is not complete without visiting Puka beach. Include Puka beach on your itinerary if you are on a vacation on Boracay Island. 

souvenir items 

More photos here...

Enjoy your travel! Be safe always!

Marco

My Four Days Adventure in Sagada

It is the 5^th Class municipality in the Mountain Province, Philippines. The population is around 11, 244 people according in the 2010 census.  Sagada is famous for its hanging coffins and other tourist destination like; mountains, spelunking in the cave, waterfalls, rappelling, rock climbing, and visiting historical sites.

Sagada is located 275 km North of Manila and 140 km away from the city of Pines, Baguio City. It is bordering to Bontoc, the provincial Capital.

I’ve been in Mountain Province four years ago and I still want to visit and explore the place. When my travel buddy informs me that they will have an adventure in the province, I immediately filed vacation leave and join them.

Day 1

Wednesday night of February 26, 2014; I met them at the Victory Bus Terminal – Cubao, bound to Baguio City. It’s a six hours’ drive from Manila.

We arrived at five in the morning and ride a taxi going to Dangwa Terminal right away. The first trip bound to Sagada is exactly six in the morning. It takes another six hours.

Lumiang Cave to Sumaguing Cave

We were in Sagada at around twelve in the afternoon. We checked in at the George Guest House and we ate our lunch before we start our tour. Afterwards, we contacted our guide for the day then; proceed to our first activity which is the cave connection, Lumiang to Sumaguing Cave.

It was my first time to do the cave connection and I’m having fun doing it.  Caving is really more fun in the Philippines! That’s our first day end.

Day 2

We started our second day with Pinoy breakfast. Then, we’re excited and ready for our tour. We met James, our tour guide. Our activity for today is trekking. We started to trek at exactly seven o’clock in the morning heading to Marlboro Country, and reached the summit around nine. We then took some beautiful picturesque landscape and mountains. After minutes, we’re bound to blue Soil. There are many pine trees, wild strawberries, and flowers along the trail. It’s truly awesome! However, we arrived at our next stop at around lunchtime.

Trekking from Marlboro Country to Blue Soil to Pongas Falls

We agreed to continue our hike after our lunch.  We traverse mountains going to Pongas Falls. It’s another hour to be counted before we can reach the falls.  We are so fortunate because we are the only tourist in the falls –it was so nice! We stayed there for a couple of hours. However, you can get to the falls you just need to pass to the village, hanging bridge, and the rice fields. It was a very tiring day, but the hardships are worthwhile.

Day 3

Its freezing cold in the morning and it’s hard to get up from the bed, but we have to because there are many activities that we need to do today. Another day to explore and to enjoy!

We maximize our time on the 3^rd day of our adventure here in Mountain Province. We went to jeepney terminal after our breakfast. The first trip bound to Aguid is nine in the morning. So, before that, we decided to visit the Eco Valley and Hanging Coffins. And, we visited the church as well!

Bomod-ok Falls

Next stop is Bomod-ok Falls, upon arrival we registered right away and pay five hundred pesos. A guide approaches us and she will lead us going to the falls. The sun is already up by this time and we started trekking by then. The trail is going up and down and passes in the rice fields. It takes about thirty to forty five minutes walked when you get to the falls. It was already jumped-pack with different tourists from different places and countries.

We go back to the town after an hour.

wild strawberries and flower

We had a quick lunch at House of Pinikpikan and then, met Joey afterwards, our guide for today. It’s already two o’clock in the afternoon when we start our hike to Mt. Ampacao. Well, another heart-pounding activity! We passed by the village, across mountains, and encounter wild flowers. The trail is easy from the start, but then again, when moving up to the peak. My heart is pounding and I felt that I can’t make it anymore. Of course, I can make it to reach the summit!

Reaching Mt. Ampacao

We’re struggling because it became steeper and steeper until we meet the summit around four in the afternoon. From the summit, we back to the trail to traverse going to Lake Danum. We are all in a hurry to catch the sunset at the lake. But, sad to say, it was already six in the evening by the time we’re in the Lake Danum.

Day 4

It was very tiring in the 3^rd day of our adventure that’s why; we fail to catch the sunrise in the morning at the Kiltepan. Sigh! Better luck next time guys!

Catching the sunset

Lake Danum

It’s our last day and for today, we are just roaming around the town. Buy pasalubong and souvenir items! And, went back to Baguio City by five in the afternoon!

It was super fun and exhausting adventure, but the memories will always treasure! And, looking forward to see you again, Sagada!

More photos here...

So, how about you? Did you have any adventure for today? How was it?

Thanks for dropping,

Marco

Boracay Island: Things To Do

Everyone is dreaming to spend their vacation in the best beach in the world, Boracay Island.  It is known for white sand beaches and leisure activities like; scuba diving, helmet diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, parasailing, and water sport rides. It is among the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. In fact, Boracay Island was awarded as the best island in the world in 2012.

This small island is located at the Northwest of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. 

It was developed among the best travel destination for relaxation and nightlife. It is also one competitive venue for the Asian Windsurfing Tour. The white beach is well known beach on the island –it is about four kilometres long. There are various establishment likes resorts, hotels, lodging houses, and restaurant.

Beforehand, this island is included in the to-do list of a traveller like me. I am glad that I was able to visit here. The original plan, actually, was to join the Ati-atihan Festival in Aklan and sidetrip on Boracay Island.  The plan was changed because when I make some inquiries for reservation all Inn and hotels are fully booked. I was so frustrated!

So, hello Boracay Island…

It was my first time on Boracay Island and so with my travel buddy, both of us have no idea on what to do. Since, I was appointed to make our itinerary. I stumble upon on a different blogs to have learned interesting activities.  

Things to do:

Fire Dance: The evenings on Boracay beach offer shows and entertained tourist like cultural dancing, live band or acoustic singer, and the most interesting is the Fire Dance.

Island Hopping: The Island is home of undeveloped beaches, crystal and turquoise waters, and colourful coral reefs. So, your adventure will not be completed if you did not do this!

Explore White Beach:  Boracay is known for famous white beach with crystal clear water and fine white sand. So, discover the beauty of four kilometres white beach. You can jog/run in the morning or in the afternoon. Walking with your bare foot, sun bathing and then, watch sunset!

Puka Beach: If you want to escape from the busy and crowded Boracay station from 1, 2, and 3. Then, Puka Beach is good for you! It is a peaceful stretch of white sand in the northern tip of the island. The sand is not as fine as white beach. You can hire a tricycle to take you there.

Snorkeling: Take a glance of the thriving sea life. But, sad to say, we can’t see the beauty under the sea because the weather is not so good due to the low pressure that hits Visayas and Mindanao. The water is not so clear!

Pig-Out: There are several restaurants establishments around the beach. We tried to consume in the street foods, which is very interesting, Smoke Restaurant, and finally, I tried the Jonah’s Fruit Shake.

Other leisure activities are mentioned above and other interesting pastimes are FlyFish, Banana Boat, ATV car ride and buggy cart, Parasailing, Jetski, skim boarding and more.

Since, our flight was re-scheduled and so we decided to join the last part of Ati-Atihan Festival. I am so glad that we can still witness the festival. Next time, we will try the other activities Boracay Island can offers. Lastly, we enjoyed the trip because of the amazing scenery. Happy travelling!

More photos here...

Keep safe guys,

Marco