Weekend Getaway | Majayjay Falls

under the trees

It is the fourth class municipality in the province of Laguna, located at the foot of Mt. Banahaw.  In 1578, the Spanish colonial government made it a town and it is one of the most populated towns in the newly founded province.   

Locals use to call it Malay Barangay.

It became Majayjay because of a tired travellers sighed, HAY! After climbing a hill, after scaling a cliff, and after crossing a raging river. 

Therefore, guests referred to the place “Mahayhay” which means many sighs and Spaniard spelled it “Majayjay”. That’s how Malay Barangay got its name Majayjay. 

Majayjay Falls

Majayjay is a home to the Taytay Falls but it is also known as Majayjay Falls, is a two-storey high falls which located in isolated scenery where the forestry is plentiful. In order to go to Taytay Falls, one has to go down the pebble steps leading to a kilometre-long trail.

The group has various suggestions where to go before summer ends. From beach, mountain hiking, water rafting, surfing, road trip to food trip – these are the options of the group. But after a long day of arguments and suggesting a new nice place to go, we settled to explore Majayjay and what they can offer for a weekend traveller like us.

We left Taft Avenue at exactly 7 o’clock in the morning and the trip is about 2-3 hours’ drive.  We board in a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna and from there we rode a jeep going to Majayjay Town. We arrived at Majayjay around 2:30PM and we go ahead to registered at the Brgy. Hall and we rented a tent for our overnight stay. 

We are all excited because it is our first time to visit the Majayjay Falls and stay there over the weekend. It’s a walking distance from Brgy. Hall to Majayjay falls. And from the entrance we already heard the drift of the water falls and it was cold.  It's freezing cold!

our tent

We look up a place where to build our tent and then, Manong assist us to fix our tent. Our location is nearby the river and a bit far from the crowd. During that time, there are many tourist stay there overnight. It’s really a long drive from the metro to Majayjay that is why we ate dinner after fixing our tent. We’re all thanks to our guide for helping us to build up our tent. 

Expenses:

Fare: 500php

Tent: 350php (good for 4-6 people, 70php per person)

Registration: 20php

Food: 250php

Total Cost: 840php

Safe budget: 1100php

Itinerary
Day 1
0630 Meet up in Buendia LRT
0700 Board bus to Sta. Cruz, Laguna
1000 ETA Sta Cruz, Laguna; Board jeepney to Majayjay Town
1100 ETA Majayjay, Ride jeepney to Taytay Falls
1130 ETA Brgy. Hall
1200 Lunch (at Brgy. Hall)

1330 fixing tent

1400 Rest

1500 Early dinner

1600 swimming time

Day 2
1400 Tidy up
1530 Ride Jeepney back to Majayjay
1630 Ride jeepney to Sta. Cruz, Laguna
1800 Ride bus back to Manila
2100 ETA Manila

More photos here...

Mt. Kalisungan, 760+ (Dayhike)

After the unforgettable island adventure (see previous post), the group planned for another weekend getaway and settled to climb a mountain. Where we heading? 

There are lots of choices but the group agreed to climb Mt. Kalisungan – is the one of the smaller mountains in the Southern Tagalog region however, it is also one of the mountains that border the Banahaw Trilogy. It is located in Calauan, Laguna.

There are fruit trees all the way to Mt. Kalisungan – from rambutan, kaimito to sunkest, and buko which offer trail food but of course, don’t forget to ask permission before picking up the fruits. 

Also, there are coconut trees, banana plantations, and huge grasslands going to the peak of the mountain.

The view to the North side of the mountain is the Talim Island which Mt. Tagapo has been seen. To the east, the view of the highlands of Caliraya appears. Of course, the seven lakes of San Pablo verge by the two mountains Mt. Cristobal and Mt. Banahaw. To the west of the mountain, Mt. Makiling has been seen.

I met Jepoy and Badong at the HM Transport bus Cubao station and board a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. We dropped at the Duck Junction but guys make sure that you told Manong Conductor to drop you at the Victoria, Laguna (Duck Junction) so you don’t get lost. From there, we met Roy (our friend) and took a jeep bound to San Pablo and dropped at Brgy. Lamot 2 then, registered at Brgy. Hall and look for Mang Bino or his wife. This time, his wife is our guide (Ate Mercy, I am not sure of the name. I really forgot her name. Sorry!)

There are two locals offered to us a fresh buko while we’re on the trail and yes, we didn’t refuse the offer because we are also craving to it. Then, after few minutes we start trekking again. It’s sunny day during our hike and the heat of the sun burn your skin. We, also, brought plenty of water because as per review there are no water sources along the way and the heat makes you dehydrated.

We’re on the summit of Mt. Kalisungan at exactly 12 o’clock in the afternoon and feeling blessed because the clouds are so clear. We took pictures and make chitchat with the guide. Then, we go back to the downward slope. After the hike, we ate our late lunch at the nearest market.

ITINERARY

5:30AM – Assembly at HM Transport Bus Station, Cubao.

6:00AM – Board HM Transport bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (117.25php).

8:00AM – Get off at Victoria, Laguna (at the Duck Junction to be exact). You can take breakfast or buy food here. Take a jeep going to San Pablo and get off to Brgy. Lamot 2 (12-15php).

8:30AM – Register at Brgy. Hall, and look for a guide (10php-registration fee and 400php for the guide).

9:00AM – start trekking

12:00NN – SUMMIT

12:30PM – Lunch, Rest, Take photos….

1:30PM – descent

3:00PM – back to Manila

EXPENSES: 700php
How to get there:

•   Take HM Transport bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna, EDSA-Cubao. Ask the Manong Conductor to drop you off at Duck Junction in Victoria, Laguna.
• From Duck Junction, take a jeep bound to San Pablo and drop off at Brgy. Lamot 2. Then, register at the Brgy. Hall and look for a guide. Contact number of Mang Bino is (+63-909-297-1437.

gAnd I officially declared that Mt. Kalisungan is my 8th conquered mountain. Hooray!

HHappy climbing,

Marco

g

Summer Getaway | Cagbalete Island

Villa Cleofas Resort

Summer vacation is a way to relax and to unwind after the stressed out from work. This is also the time for you to have a simple get together with your friends and family members or even officemates. But certainly, plan it ahead of time to avoid the conflict of your schedule especially when each of you might have different work schedule.

During summer, most people are pre-occupied organizing and planning where to go or where to spend their summer getaway.

However, Elite Team (that’s what we call to our group) planned a summer getaway. We have many options where to go and finally, after the arguments and suggestions we all settled to have our getaway to Cagbalete Island. I am pretty sure that everyone is very excited because it is our first summer getaway together.

Travel Time

The group met at EDSA Kamuning and board on JAC Liner bus bound to Lucena, its 3 hours’ drive from EDSA Kamuning. All of us took a sleep during the ride because we left Cubao at 12:30 in the morning.

From Lucena Grand Terminal, we rode an ordinary bus bound to Mauban but we had our early breakfast first before we headed to Mauban. The first trip going to Mauban will leave at 5:00 o'clock in the morning.

Upon arrival at Mauban, we dropped by at Mauban Market to buy foods for our overnight stay at Cagbalete Island and then, we headed to Mauban Port and board on public boat going to Cagbalete Island, scheduled trip is 10:00 o'clock  in the morning.

Mauban Port

We arrived at the port early from the said schedule so, while waiting for our trip we had to try their special delicacy, the Pancit Habhab.

Going to Sabang Beach, Cagbalete Island is an hour ride from Mauban Port board on a public boat or you can rent a private boat going there, it’s up to you which one you prefer. Upon arrival at the Sabang Beach, we board on a small boat going to the seashore. Then, the local guide us going to Villas Cleofas its 30 minutes trekking.

Villa Cleofas lodge

It was already 12 o’clock in the afternoon when we arrived at Villa Cleofas and we are already hungry. We prepare our lunch and dinner after checking in at the resort. We had fish, vegetable, meat and fruits. We ate our lunch very late but its okay we still enjoy eating the food and the place.

Background

The resort is not crowded unlike the other beach. There are 6 lodges and they also offer a tent if you’d like to stay at the tent. It’s low tide in the afternoon and high tide early in the morning. The sunrise is perfect and very romantic. I cannot see the sunset because it is in the other side of the island.

On the other day, after eating our breakfast we hired a private boat and Manong brought us to the other side of the resort which we can swim. The water is clear and the sand is powdery. We had enjoyed and we wanted to stay longer there but Manong told us we need to get back to the resort because they will have a hard time to dock on the shore due to the low tide.

low tide in the afternoon

high tide in the morning

the group

We checked out at the Villa Cleofas around 2 o’clock in the afternoon but while waiting the private boat to pick up us. We had a little game and we had a lot fun and enjoyed the game.

3 o’clock in the afternoon back to Lucena Grand Terminal.

Expenses:

Getting there

• Board on a bus bound to Lucena Grand Terminal.
• From Lucena Grand Terminal, ride a bus bound to Mauban, Quezon and jump-off to Mauban Market.
• From Mauban Market, ask the tricycle driver to drop you off to Mauban Port.
• Then, ride a public boat going to Sabang Beach, Cagbalete Island.

Reaching the Peak of Mt. Sembrano (745+)

Mt. Sembrano is 745 MASL and the trail is a bit challenging because there will be a rough road that leads to a rocky path. You might encounter locals that would offer to get  a fresh coconut juice for only 10 pesos. There are many Mango trees at the beginning of the trail. At the summit, the view is scenic, the view of Laguna Lake, Talim Island, Mt. Makiling are also seen while you are in the summit. 

Hiking, yes, is a challenge to yourself but  it is also a fulfillment to your life because  when you get into the peak of the mountain. It will make you say, SUCCESS! I DID IT! One of my hobby is mountaineering. I climb together
with my co-mountaineers yet I never tried major hiking but hoping that this year we will be having our major hike, crossed-fingers.

The last mountains we climbed was Mt. Talamitam and Mt. Batulao, on December 2012. We did a twin hike as we say goodbye 2012 and I climbed six mountain already for that year, not enough! After three months, finally, my first hike for this year happened and this is my official seventh mountaineering. 

On March 31, 2013 my group headed to the town of Rizal to conquer Mt. Sembrano. Of course, I am with my mountaineer friends Jeff and Ian. We also welcomed Art and Shan, and the three girls in our group; Kristel, Jane and Vienne.

The meeting place was at Starmall – Mandaluyong City, we supposed to met up at exactly five in the morning but the others are not on time. So, we left at six thirty in the morning bound to Tanay Market. It was two hours ride going to Tanay, Rizal. I have time to take a nap because I only have three hours of sleep that day. Arrived at Tanay Market around eight thirty in the morning, we immediately rode a jeep bound to Pililia, Rizal. We dropped off at Brgy. Hall of Malaya, Pililia, Rizal and registered our name and pay for 20 pesos for the registration fee.

South Peak, SUMMIT

We start trekking around ten in the morning and its already late. Our estimated time to start the trek was eight in the morning but since our trip is a bit long drive we just have to be patient and just enjoy while in the ride. We arrived at the campsite around ten-thirty in the morning. We rested in the campsite and a local young boy offered us a fresh coconut juice. Then, we begun to wander again going up to the North Peak or the so-called Low Peak – is the first high point. Thirty minutes away from North Peak, is the South Peak or the so-called Summit. 

Laguna Lake, from the summit of Mt. Sembrano

ITINERARY

6:00AM - Assembly, Starmall - Crossing

6:30AM – Take a jeep/van going to Tanay, Rizal

8:30AM – ETA Tanay Market (take a jeep bound to Malaya, Pililia)

9:30AM – ETA Brgy. Malaya, Pililia, Rizal (jump-off)

10:00AM – start trek

10:30AM – ETA Campsite

11:30AM – ETA North Peak (Low Peak)

12:00NN – SUMMIT, lunch

12:30PM – Start descent

02:00PM – Campsite, rest

03:30PM – back to jump-off, clean-up, then take a jeep back to Tanay/Manila

07:30PM – ETA Manila

And that made my official 7th conquered mountain! Hooray!

Happy climbing,
Marco

The Three Island You Should Not Missed in Siargao Island

Siargao Island is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines. If your intention is only to surf then Gen. Luna, Siargao Island is the best place to be. However, if you are planning for an island to hop then Siargao Island are not just a surfing capital but offer you to go exploring the island just nearby Gen. Luna.

The three islands in Siargao is just approximately 30 minutes pump boat ride. So, you should not missed  this island during your summer getaway.  

Here are the three magnificent islands: 

Guyam Island

*Guyam Island is just few minutes ride from Naked Island. This is also a small island which covered by trees and coconut trees.

Dacu Island

*the island which you enjoy not just the bright emerald colors of water the powdery sand but as well as the enchanting sunset viewing. Dacu Island offers a wonderful ambiance.

Naked Island

*the island is named Naked Island because its uncovered island; the trees and shrubs are not really existing in the island. Only fine white sand and you can walk around in just a few minutes.

Thanks for visiting! :)

More photos here...

Marco

Double Hike 2: Mt. Talamitam and Mt. Batulao

Last day of 2012 was really an adventure, we planned it before Christmas. My friends and I were having a last twin hike for 2012. We invited some friends and officemates to join our trip. Unfortunately, some are not available because they’re going to spend their Christmas in their hometown. And some are joining us.

December 30, 2012, we met at Pasay Rotonda. We rode a bus bound to Nasugbu, Batangas. We’re going to meet up Jin's officemates at Sitio Bayabasan. It takes 2 hours going to Nasugbu so I have time to take some nap.

We arrived at Sitio Bayabasan around 8:50am and we met the others then proceed to the registration, we paid for 20pesos each. Then, start trek.

Mt. Talamitam, 630+ meters above sea level, is a bald mountain and it was named after the Talamitam trees that used to raise on its hills. It was an easy trail going up to the peak of Mt. Talamitam. But, I would tell you that it can be a exhausting hike especially when the sun is already up. There are few trees cover.

It takes 1-2 hours to complete the trek up to the peak of the mountain. The trail is easy it starts at the end of a uneven road fall to Talamitam river and pass by a short woodland trek that connect to a grassland hills. The summit assault is about 30 minutes. At the summit, there are beautiful views especially if the sky is clear. Going back will take less than an hour.

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conquering Mt. Talamitam in a sunny day

The second mountain is Mt. Batulao, the two officemates of my friend will not joining us anymore to Mt. Batulao. But, our friend Roy will join us. We met him at Evercrest, Nasugbu. From there, we ate our lunch and took some rest. Then, proceed to the trek at exactly 2:00pm. We rode a tricycle going to the jump-off. We paid 10pesos each to the driver.

We didn’t hire a guide because this is our second time hike with Jin excluding Roy and Jey. We took the old trail to new trail. You can read my first hike in Mt. Batulao.

Mt. Batulao, the second time around

at the peak of Mt. Batulao

Itinerary of twin hike: Mt. Talamitam and Mt. Batulao

6:00am - assembly at Pasay Rotonda

6:30am - ride a bus bound to Nasugbu, Batangas. Just tell the driver/condutor to drop you at Sitio Bayabas.

8:50am - arrived at Sitio Bayabasan

9:00am - registration 20pesos each, then proceed to the jump-off and start trek

11:00am - Summit

11:30am - back to trail

12:00nn - Lunch and rest

1:45pm - from evercrest, ride a tricycle going to the jump-off

2:00pm - start trek (old trail), at campsite 1, register your name/group, pay 20pesos each

4:00pm - Summit

4:30pm - descent (new trail)

6:30pm - back to Manila

Sunset from Mt. Batulao

Cost

Bus fare - 124pesos/pax

Mt. Talamitam:

Registration Fee - 20pesos/pax

Tour Guide - 400pesos (we paid 400pesos to the guide)

Mt. Batulao:

Tricycle (evercrest to jumpoff) - 10pesos/pax

Registration Fee (Old Trail, campsite 1) - 20pesos/pax

Registration Fee (New Trail) - 20pesos/pax

**we didn't ride a jeep from Sitio Bayabasan to Evercrest because Jin's officemate offer us  to give us a drive. So, I guess, its minimum fare.

Estimated cost: 700pesos

Mt. Talamitam is my official 6th conquered mountain and second time to climbed Mt. Batulao. Hooray!

Happy climbing,
Marco

Double Hike 1: Mt. Maculot and Mt. Manabu

As I mentioned in my previous post that me and my friends will be mountaineering at Mt. Cristobal. But unfortunately, it was postponed and we proceed to our Plan B which is double hike at Mt. Maculot and Mt. Manabu. Yes! We climbed two mountains in just one day.

We’re all excited and nervous at the same time because it was our first twin hike and we are also nervous because we have no idea how critical it was but I am very proud to say that; “Yes! We did it!”

Day Hike at Mt. Manalmon plus Spelunking at the Bayukbok Cave

Four days of no work is such an opportunity to travel. First day, I jogged in the morning and whole day at home and the second day same as the first day. In the afternoon, I was supposed to meet friends. But unfortunately, I got allergy from eating Fried Shrimp. I ate a lot of it and then after a while, my skin started itching. I took my medicine and rest the whole afternoon. I cancelled the meeting of my two friends. After 3 hours, my condition is back to normal again. Thanks God!

In the evening, I received a text message from my friend inviting me to join him on his trip the next day. I accepted the invitation quickly since I am now ok.

Boys Night Out at Sun City, Laguna

Hello there! What’s up? Weekend (Saturday and Sunday), for me, is the best day of the week because you can do whatever you want to do and you can go wherever you want to go.

Its nice feeling that once in awhile you and your friends gather together and escaped outside the City. Yes, me and my friends escaping Metro Manila and went to South. It’s a weekend getaway. The places is just an hour away from Manila to South Luzon.  We were heading to Sun City Resort, a place that you can enjoy the amenities. Its affordable, too! 

Day Hike: Reaching the Highest Point of Mt. Tagapo (438 MASL)

My  friends and I are planning to climb a mountain nearby Metro Manila. But this past few weeks are so disappointing because the weather did not permit us to do so. Bad weather hits in the Metro that caused flood in some areas and some provinces close to Metro Manila. So, we have no choice but to cancelled the plan.

But it happened this week, we climbed to hit the highest point of Mt. Tagapo.

Scrumptious Donuts and Yogurt of J.Co

According to their website, J.CO was first opened in Indonesia on the 26^th day of June, 2005. They offer numerous flavours of their donuts and beverages to the customers just like they’ve never tasted before. They only uses the best ingredients such as; Belgian Chocolates, Californian Almonds, Japanese Matcha Green Tea and Italian Roasted Coffee, from all over the world. 

 Anyway, I got new friends here in blogosphere. Two weeks ago, they invited me to a meet-up. I am excited because after a year I will meet a fellow bloggers again and I think they’re fun to be with.

During the meet-up, I am shy because I didn’t know how to make a conversation to them and it was our first meeting. I know how they look because I saw their photos online but they’re great in person. Or I must say, pretty? Hehehe!

We went to J.Co Donuts and Coffee; they ordered Frozen Yogurt and mini unique flavour donuts.  We chatted and took pictures. We stayed  for an hour.

Unique name of their donuts; why nut, choco nuttzy, oreology, monapizza, forest glam, snow white, and berry spears (please refer to the photos below.)

photo credit from Zaizi

The yogurt with fruit is good and healthy. The mouthwatering donuts is tasty. It was fun meeting fellow bloggers especially if they became my friends. Nice meeting you, guys!

Location:

• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Shanghai

Branches:

• SM Megamall
• SM Mall of Asia

Soon to open:

• Green Belt 3
• Trinoma
• Alabang Town Center
• SM Fairview
• Eastwood Mall

The Places that I want to go...

Image from Mt. Pulag Climb

In my previous post, I mentioned about planning to have my own Solo Backpacking. I gathered some information and tips on what to wear, to bring on a backpacking. It is necessary to learn tips from the expert and I need that.

If I am with somebody traveling then that would be fine. Also, my friends are planning for a trip so maybe I can suggest the place which I mention later. I am a dreamer. When I was a kid I dream to travel around the world but when I grew up I’ve realized that why not travelling first in my own country before going to other country.

Surigao City Beaches and Resorts

Image from flickr

Surigao City owns beautiful beaches and resort that tourist visitors would love. Tourist can enjoy and relax.

Mabua Pebble Beach is a beach that forms the northern end of a closest shoreline that includes the Ipil Beach. The smooth white pebbles and gray rock formations are its main features. There are many resorts and cottages for rent around the area.

Ipil Beach is a white pebble beach located at the south of Mabua beach nearby Ipil village.

Baguio City Tourist Attractions

Baguio City is located at the northern part of Luzon and it is a very much urbanized city. It was established by Americans in 1900 at the site of an Ibaloi village, also known as Kafagway. It is also known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

Some of the tourist attractions in Baguio City:

Food Trip: Mang Larry's Isawan

photo from spreadsomeawesome

If you are in Quezon City, I am pretty much sure you heard about Mang Larry’s Isawan, the house specialty is Isaw manok or the chicken intestines.

Are you a fan of street food? Well, I guess you should not miss out on Mang Larry’s Isawan.  The price is so cheap, the serving is fairly small but you won’t regret because small servings means easier and faster cooking. Your name being called just around 5 minutes right after you paid for your order.