12 Things To Do in Sagada, Mountain Province

Sagada is one of the places in the Philippines that many people want to visit because it has various sites and tourist spots. The activities such as trekking, climbing a mountain and spelunking in the cave are consumed a lot of energy. So, make sure you have the strength and energy when traveling to Sagada.

Here’s my list of 12 things to do in Sagada, Mountain Province.

Cave Connection: If you want challenging activities during your stay in Sagada. Then, indulge yourself to a very exciting and yet worth trying experience. The Cave connection is to entry at Lumiang Cave and exit at Sumaguing Cave. It takes four hours of spelunking and you will enjoy the rock formations inside the cave. Don’t forget to hire a guide, it’s required indeed. They will help you make the journey easy. This interesting and superb activity will surely make your Sagada adventure a memorable one!

Trek to Marlboro Country and Blue Soil Hills: You will see a grazing wild horse and I saw one during my visit when you reached the summit of the Marlboro Country. The view at the peak is fascinating where you can see the sea of clouds. The changing color of the skies is amazing. The heat of the sun will warm up your body as the sun rises. The pine trees, wild strawberries, and flowers will greet you along the trail going to Blue Soil Hills. It’s indeed a beautiful terrain!

Pongas Falls: If you are having fun and wanting to explore more in your Sagada adventure. Then, include Pongas Falls to your bucket list.  Getting to the falls will require you to pass by the small village in the valley. Every local you meet will greet you and smile back to you. And, you will see many rice terraces along the way. Perfect experience!

The Hanging Coffins and the Echo Valley: This is one of the famous attractions in Sagada and it is an easy trek to viewing the area. Some tourist will take down to get close to the hanging coffins. The guide will explain to you about the history of the hanging coffins and the culture itself. The place is quite crowded where every person taking selfies with the coffin. Some people enjoyed shouting with all their heart out in the echo valley. It is because when you shout the voice bounces off in the limestone walls and you hear it repeated.

Bomod-ok Falls: If still have the energy to walk, and then go ahead to the most visited falls in Sagada. The waterfalls stand at 200 feet tall that splashes down to the cold and freezing pool. It takes about one hour to get to the falls. The trail is up and down, up and down. It also passes through the villages and rice fields. It’s a long walk to the beautiful Bomod-ok Falls! 

Kiltepan: Your Sagada adventure will not be completed without witnessing the sunrise over in Kiltepan. This is one of the reasons why tourist flocked in Sagada. The sea of clouds while seeing the enchanting sunrises. When I have time to go back in there again, I will definitely include this place as I was not able to get here.

Mt. Ampacao: After visiting all tourist attractions in Sagada. If you have spare time and still have the strength you can hike to Mt. Ampacao. It’s 1889 MASL. The mountain offers a beautiful view of Sagada. There are two landmarks of this mount; 1) the ranch –some hikers mistakenly call it as the summit, 2) the peak of the mountain.

Lake Danum: On the other side of Sagada, you can visit this lake where you can catch for a good photography with a reflection of the water. You can also take a picture of a sunset at the close by a hill.

The Episcopal Church in Sagada: All activities that you have done on your Sagada trip. You will not forget to visit and thank Him for all the strength and guidance during your stay. The Saint Mary Virgin is the main Episcopalian church in Sagada. 

Sagada's Native Dishes: The native dishes of Sagada that you should try are the Pinikpikan and Etag. Pinikpikan is just like a Tinola (the tagalong of chicken soup), but the taste of it is definitely unique from the Tinola because of the presence of Etag (a smoked and preserved pork).

These are my unforgettable memories in my Sagada escapade. Have you been in Sagada?

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

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!

Affordable Restaurants in Binondo

It is known as the oldest Chinatown in the world, which established in 1594. There are many must-visits in the area like; Binondo Church, Ongpin Street, Chinese Temple, and the Buddhist Temple. Binondo is a community in Manila that populated by ethnic Chinese who are living in the Philippines.

But, today, the group is looking for a place to eat around the vicinity. So, I am documenting on what and where we ate in Binondo.

So, here’s the list of restaurant that we have visited:

NEW PO HENG LUMPIA HOUSE

Fresh Lumpia

The fresh lumpia is served dry, packed and have nuts in it. But, the taste is great! I never eat that kind of lumpia before. I love it and I am going to try it over and over again. The price is very affordable!

Location:

Uy Su Bin Bldg. 531 Quintin Paredes St., Binondo, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines 

DONG BEI DUMPLING

Steamed Dumplings

Walking the main street looking for a spot to eat and in a small room a few blocks off the street of Binondo, the group found Dong Bei. In the room is the Chinese owner of the restaurant and the helpers rolling ground meat in their hands. 

So, we ordered and tried their steamed and fried dumplings. Our mouth watered when it arrives. It was my first time to eat dumplings and it was the best dumplings I’ve ever had!

Location:

642 Yuchengco corner V. Tytana Sts., Binondo, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

BIG BOWL NOODLES

Beef Wanton Noodles

The group is craving for noodles. We roamed around the area and found big Bowl Noodles in Masangkay Street. So, we’ve checked in and look for the menu (is photocopied) and tried their want wanton noodles. The serving is big and it taste good as well. The ambiance in the restaurant is not so good.

Location:

951 G. Masangkay Street, Binondo, Manila, Philippines

WAI YING

Soy Chicken

This is the favourite hang out of the group, if I am not mistaken, it is already our third time here in the restaurant. It is a traditional authentic Chinese Cuisine and they provide affordable price. We ordered fried dumplings, soy chicken, and yang chow. The group have happy tummy! :)

Location:

832 Benavides St., Sta Cruz, Manila, Binondo, Philippines

More photos here...

Happy exploring!

-Marco

Mt. Damas and the Ubod Falls

Three months of not indulging in any activities is kind a boring. I was burn-out! So, I decided to join my friend’s mountain climbing. And, this time we are heading to North Luzon. Our goal is to reach the peak of Mt. Damas.

So, let’s see what this mountain can offers…

Mt. Damas is 685 MASL, located in San Clemente, Tarlac. Sitio Dueg is the major jump-off, while the alternate jump-off is in Brgy. Papaac, Camiling, Tarlac. And, have difficulty of 6/9. As a matter of fact, this is very challenging especially when having a flash flood. This mountain is small, but more challenging because it requires you to river crossing, river trekking and rock climbing in order to reach the foot of Mt. Damas.

At the peak, the landscape is superb; one can experience a panoramic view of the Tarlac and neighbouring mountains.

view of Mt. Damas from Brgy. Papaac

At exactly six o’clock in the morning, our trek started. The trail is undoubtedly not so difficult, but when we finally get to the river the challenge has begun. It was a long river trek. According to our guide, it will take two hours before we reach to the foot of the mountain. This part of the trail was rocky. And, you have to climb the rock to descend on the falls going to the base. From the river, you can see the mountain already and yet it still requires more hours to reach the peak.

almost on the top...

The group just enjoys the trail, rock climbing, and river crossing. If I can still remember, we did a rock climbing five times. Then, we arrived at the foot of the mountain after two hours and just have a quick brunch.

Now, we enter the thick vegetation and thorny vines going up to the summit. From the foot of Mt. Damas, the trail is becoming steeper and steeper. I just trying to assist myself not to get cramps because it’s really an unending assault! It takes two hours to reach the summit. Another challenging part is to descend here.

From the base, trekking again going to the Si-El Falls and we will get jumped to the water, but the guide recommended the Ubod Falls because it’s bigger. So, we trekked our way to the Ubod Falls. And, again we need to climb mini falls to get to the Ubod Falls.

the highest point

We took photos first and then, getting ourselves ready to jump to the water to feel fresh and relax from very tiring descent! But, when the rain is heavily pouring we immediately pack up our things and leave the area to avoid the flash flood. We have difficulty in descending and climbing because the rock is slipper. However, we arrived safely!

Ubod Falls

It is another great experience in the north!

Itinerary

11:00 PM – meet up at Bus Terminal in Cubao

12:00 AM – ETD Cubao Terminal

03:00 AM – ETA Camiling, Tarlac

04:00 AM - early breakfast, the guide pick-up time (tricycle)

05:00 AM – arrived at Brgy. Papaac, preparation

06:00 AM – start trek

06:30 AM – river trek/crossing and rock climbing

08: 00 AM – arrived at the foot of the mountain

08:30 AM – start climb, assault

10:30 AM – summit

11:00 AM – descent

01:00 PM – arrived foot of the mountain, lunch

01:30 PM – explore water falls, Si-el Falls and Ubod Falls

02:30 PM – back to trail, river crossing, rock climbing

04:30 PM – Brgy. Papaac, clean up

05:00 PM – back to Camiling Tarlac, snacks

06:00 PM – ETD Manila

Important Notes

• Wear gloves to protect your hands because you hold on to thorny plants as the steep going to the river.
•  Bring skin protection because the sun protection from jump off to grassland may hit your skin.
• There are lots of water source, so one to two liters of water is safe.
•  There’s a flashflood when it rain; so bring a rope with you.
•  And the most important is ENJOY! 

   How to go to Mount Damas

      From Cubao, ride a bus (Solid North bus) bound to Camiling, Tarlac

      Ride a jeep/tricycle from Camiling going to Brgy. Papaac, meet the guide

  Contact Person:

     Emman – 0908 942 3592

  Expenses:

    Cubao to Camiling – 265 php

    Trike – 100 php each

    Guide Fee – 500 php

Mt. Ampacao Traverse to Lake Danum

On the third day of our Sagada Escapade, after quick lunch we immediately change our clothes and meet Joey, our guide. We are all tired from our activities earlier, but we still pursue our mission for that day.  We began to walk heading to the jump-off site of Mt. Ampacao. It’s in Ambasing Elementary School.

It is one of the must-visit tourist spots in Mountain, Province. It offers a superb view of Sagada and surrounding villages.

Background

The mountain is located in Sagada, Mountain Province; it is 1889 MASL, two hours to reach to the summit which offers a beautiful scene of Sagada. The jump-off is at Brgy. Ambasing.  There are two important landmarks of the mountain; the first one is ranch which some hikers mistakenly call it as the summit, and the second is the peak of mountain.

The first summit is the ranch where you can pitch tent here if you stay overnight. However, additional thirty minutes going up to the peak of Mt. Ampacao. It’s a concrete trail and there’s a part also that are rocky. Pine trees are everywhere throughout the trails which give common shade that helps hiker not feel the heat of the sun. The weather, obviously, is still cold which I truly like during the climb.

It’s around one to two hours trek depending on the pace and another twenty to thirty minutes from the ranch to the summit. It has a Smart Cell site at the peak of Mt. Ampacao, which is denoted that it is the highest point. You will see the panoramic view of the mountain at the summit. It is truly wonderful! It features the Mt. Sipsipitan, Mt. Polis, Bessang, and Mt. Tirad.

Then, we back to ranch and take the trail to Lake Danum to catch the sunset, but unfortunately we didn’t the catch sunset. Traversing to Lake Danum is another two hour trekking. Then, returning to town proper by foot.

Getting there

Ambasing Elementary School is the jump-off point of the mountain. It is easy to follow the trail that hiring a guide is an optional. But, if still need a guide, and then visit Saggas office near junction of Sagada in the two main roads of Sagada. For us, we hired a guide because we traverse from the summit to Lake danum.

First thirty minutes is on a concrete road and another thirty minutes of walk across the rough and rocky roads. Reaching to the summit is very easy though there are some part of the trail became steeper and steeper.

My heart is beating and I felt that I can't make it any longer on the grounds that the trail got to be steeper and steeper. Obviously, I can make it to achieve the summit! The views are really refreshing.

More photos here...

Itinerary

02:00 PM – Meet the guide

02:30 PM – start walk to the jump-off, Ambasing Elementary School

03:30 PM – arrived at the Ranch, taking photos

04:00 PM – arrived at the peak, take snacks

04:30 PM – back to Ranch, and then trail to Lake Danum

05:45 PM – arrived at Lake Danum

06:15 PM – back to town proper

Guide Fee: 600php

And this is my 13th conquered mountain! Hooray!

Happy climbing!

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 

Things to do in Legazpi City, Albay

I thought I can only see the majestic Mt. Mayon in the postcard, photos online taken by some bloggers who visited Albay, or in the news. The time has come that I visit Albay and I was amazed when I saw the Mt. Mayon through my eyes. It was really magnificent! It is a very rare situation that you can do your solo trip, especially for me, to see one of the most beautiful active volcanos. I was like “Wow! Beautiful!”

Right after my work, I immediately went to bus terminal and rode a bus bound to Legazpi City. It was eight o’clock in the evening when my solo trip begins. From Manila to Legazpi City is about ten to eleven hours’ drive. It’s really a long drive, but I can tell you that it was really worth it.

I arrived in the Grand Terminal on the following day, and met my tour guide for that day. He will accompany me for my day 1. However, before heading to our itinerary I check in first in the Inn where I stay and have a rest for minutes. Then, we’re heading for first stop.

First stop is Kawa-kawa Hill – this is a 236 meter land that is located in California Village, Brgy. Tuburan, Ligao City. It was named Kawa-kawa because of its shape which resembling a “kawa” or cauldron and it is also called the hill without a hilltop. From afar, it’s like an ordinary hill, but when you arrived from the summit, you can see its unique feature in its fully glory.  It is one of Albay’s tourist destinations.

from the top of Kawa-kawa hills

Second stop is Cagsawa Church - was built in 1724 and was destroyed during the eruption of Mayon Volcano in 1814. It is located in Brgy. Busay, Cagsawa, Daraga. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area and the ruins of the Cagsawa Church are now the site of the Cagsawa Ruins Park. There are locals selling souvenir items in the area.

Cagsawa Ruins

Our next stop is Daraga Church – also called as the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate), is an example of religious architecture in the province of Albay, it is located in the hill above the lively town. And, I went back in the church early in the morning in the following day because I want to see the Mayon Volcano without the clouds around it. And, it looks good without the clouds. Perfect view!

Daraga Church plus clear view of Mt. Mayon

And our final destination is Legazpi Port – I went back in the port early in the morning for the following day and heading to the seawall section where you can jog and you can see the stunning beauty of the Mayon Volcano, where also Embarcadero de Legazpi located. It was the first site of the pre-Hispanic settlement called Sawangan and it is now the city’s main business district.

My time is not enough that’s why I haven’t been in Lignon Hill and the waterfalls. Maybe, next time I will visit the other tourist destination in Albay. My solo trip is a challenging activity because I lost in Penaranda Street, but well, it a part of the journey. I enjoyed it!