The Blue Rider’s Sulit Package in El Nido

Palawan is an archipelago of 1,780 islands on the western part of the Philippines. It has the most concentration of islands but is the most sparsely populated region in the country. Because of its scenic landscapes and high bio-diversity, Palawan is known as “The Last Ecological Frontier of the Philippines”.

The northern part of Palawan province is blessed with crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and a wealth of flora and fauna. El Nido is really a magical place. From its ageless towering marble cliffs to its white sandy beaches with  clear waters, it is a truly exotic destination.  Known for its breath taking beaches and viewing spots for the most amazing sunsets and recently hailed as the world’s top beach destination, El Nido falls on the list of “I-wish-I-could-afford-that” vacation plans

What if I told you that you can get a glimpse and enjoy this paradise for 5days and 4 nights for less than 10,000 pesos? Sounds too good to be true? Check out my itinerary for your very own slice of heaven on earth.

Day 1
10:00 AM  - Arrival at Puerto Princesa Airport
12:00 NN – Lunch at Badjao Seafront Restaurant <-- Click Here for Details
01:00 PM – Depart for El Nido (Van Transfer)
07:00 PM – Arrival in El Nido Town Proper – Check Inn and Dinner
08:00 PM – Lights Out

Day 2
07:00 AM – Wake up, Freshen Up and Breakfast
09:00 AM – Start Island Hopping Tour C  <-- Click Here for Details
04:00 PM – Head Back to El Nido Poblacion
05:00 PM – Freshen up Free Time
07:00 PM – Dinner (ArtCafe)
08:00 PM – Lights Out

Day 3
04:00 AM – Wake up, Freshen Up
05:00 AM – Start Climbing Taraw Peak  <-- Click Here for Details
06:30 AM – Taraw Peak Photo Op
07:00 AM – Descend Taraw Peak
08:00 AM - Breakfast
09:00 AM – Start Island Hopping Tour B  <-- Click Here for Details
04:00 PM – Head Back to El Nido Poblacion
05:00 PM – Freshen up Free Time
07:00 PM – Dinner (Skyline Grill and Restaurant)
08:00 PM – Lights Out

Day 4
07:00 AM - Wake up, Freshen Up and Breakfast
09:00 AM – Start Island Hopping Tour A  <-- Click Here for Details
04:00 PM – Head Back to El Nido Poblacion
05:00 PM – Freshen up Free Time
07:00 PM – Dinner (Seafood bought from Local Market)
08:00 PM – Lights Out

Day 5
07:00 AM - Wake up, Freshen Up and Breakfast
08:00 AM – Depart for Nacpan and Calitang Twin Beaches
09:00 AM – Arrival at Nacpan and Calitang Twin Beaches (Photo Op and Climb the hill for a great view of the Twin Beach)  <-- Click Here for Details
12:00 NN – Lunch at the Beach
03:00 PM – Depart for Maremegmeg, Corong Corong and Las Cabanas Beach  <-- Click Here for Details
05:00 PM – Snacks, Photo Ops, Chillaxin’ while waiting for the Sunset
07:00 PM – Dinner, prep to depart for Puerto Princesa
08:00 PM – Depart for Puerto Princesa

Php 7,815.00 --- Total Expenses

Php 1,000.00	Accommodation in El Nido for 4 Nights (Standard Fan Room w/ Private Bathroom)
Php 1,000.00	Island Hopping Tour C
Php 1,000.00	Island Hopping Tour B
Php 1,000.00	Island Hopping Tour A
Php   300.00	Taraw Peak Guide
Php   850.00	Van Transfer (Puerto Princesa to El Nido vv)
Php   500.00	Nacpan/Calitang Twin Beaches, Maremegmeg, Corong Corong and Las Cavanas Sunset Tour
Php   250.00	Transportation going around El Nido and Puerto Princesa
Php   350.00	Art Cafe Pizza and Pesto w/ Iced Tea for Dinner
Php   235.00	Skyline Grill and Restaurant El Nido Soup, Adobo and Soda for Dinner

Php   450.00	Lunch and Snacks at Nacpan Beach Restaurant/Las Cavanas
Php   230.00	Badjao Seafront Restaurant meal of the day

Php   300.00	Accommodation in Puerto Princesa (Standarad Fan Room w/ Private Bathroom)
Php   350.00	Breakfast, snacks and Seafood Dinner in El Nido

All prices are in a per-person basis. I did not include our expenses for air fare (my RT fare is Php 1,600.00), souvenirs, tips, and other fees in this rate sheet as you may have different needs and preferences.  Note that all figures are subject to change without prior notice.

Tips

1. We booked all these tours through Northern Hope Tours through Ma’am Neriza (very generous and accommodating owner). She gave us discounts for all Tours and even waived the Php 200.00 Environmental Fee ^_^  Get in touch with her in advance to arrange your tours at 0927-7353221 or if you want a personal guide/boatman/driver all in one, I highly recommend Kuya Nelson Fernandez 0907-327-1050 (very kind, patient, informative and Ilonggo by blood)

2. For the room accommodation, enjoy an affordable and homey experience at Northern Hope Inn. Their personalized service is truly exceptional.  Get in touch with them using the following details:

• Ma’am Neriza: 0927-7353221
• Ate Minda (very funny and accommodating caretaker): 0946-4260357
• E-mail: northernhopetours@gmail.com
• Facebook Page: Northern Hope Tours

3. Good news to all, El Nido got 24/7 power activated so you will truly enjoy your stay. According to Ate Minda, this has been implemented last Oct 16, 2014.

4. There are no Banks and ATM machines in El Nido. Make sure to bring CASH, CASH and more CASH. There are establishments and shops that accepts credit cards but it would cost you more than expected, so better bring in cash.

5. Internet is accessible in cafes, restaurants, bars, and other establishments. Some also have free WiFi. In addition, Smart, Globe, and Sun phone networks are adequate here.

6. El Nido is a small, resort town. You can actually go around El Nido on foot. However, if you wish, you can rent a bike to go around town and other places in the municipality. Rental can range from P 700 and up.

7. As a world-renown tourist/resort town, everyday things (e.g. carenderia food, drinks, supplies, etc.) and services offered in El Nido can be quite expensive. Be sure to bring extra money. Also, not all stores are open 24/7

8. If you have the time and money, we strongly recommend that you devote one day for each tour. You have the option to do combo tours (e.g. Tours A&C, B&D or however you prefer it)

So, who says El Nido is just for foreigners and ‘can-afford’ travelers? Come on, pack those bags, book your tickets and fly to Palawan and get the grandest vacation you deserve in the beautiful Island of El Nido.

Cheers!

Technorati Tags: Northern Hope Tours,Art Cafe,Skyline Grill and Restaurant

Appreciating Another World Class Wonders in Apo Reef

The Apo Reef Natural Park lies approximately 33 kilometers off the coast of Sablayan in the province of Occidental Mindoro. The coral reefs cover a total of 34 sq kilometers, making it the second largest contiguous coral reef in the world, next to Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

Also considered as the second largest atoll-like reef in the country, Apo Reef consists of two separate coral reefs that are separated by a 30-meter deep channel with a fine white sand both numerous mounds and patches of branching corals under the deep blue water.
The Apo Reef was proclaimed as a protected area under the category of Natural Park. DENR's Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) submitted the reef for consideration as a World Heritage Site of UNESCO. (DENR)

One has to endure 6-7 hours bus ride or an hour plane ride and 3 hours boat ride (one way) to get to this paradise, nevertheless, experiencing amazing and world class wonders will always be priceless

 

 

Technorati Tags: Apo Reef Marine Park

It’s Still More Fun in Leyte

It was a fine Saturday morning when we flew to Tacloban, Leyte, our gateway to another off beat paradise. From the city center, a 3 hour roadtrip to get to the jump off port in Palompon, Leyte. I got lucky enough that day to take an earlier flight as scheduled. I was able to join the group exploring two beautiful islands.

FIRST TIMER IN LEYTE

When we landed in Tacloban Airport, you will not only see how devastated the place was, but you can also feel their struggles in mending what has been destroyed.  We all know, I mean the whole world knows what tragedy happened to this City when Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) hit them.  They did not just experience physical turmoil but mentally and emotionally battered. I know in God’s time, they will be able to recover and will shout to the whole world that we , Filipinos, are stronger than the strongest typhoon ever recorded so far.

Just landed in Daniel Z Romualdez Airport, Tacloban City

Excitement is what I felt the moment we hop into the jeepney (big and colorful) to take us to our main destination: Kalanggaman Island. From the airport, it took us roughly 30 minutes to get to the terminal where we can take a van going to Palompon.  We pass by some areas turned into evacuation sites where families and small communities just live in a tent. I got teary eyed; these people doesn't have a comfortable place to stay. I can’t imagine how hard life must be if I am in there shoe. I should be grateful for what I have right now. I may not have the biggest house and living a very luxurious life, but at least, I get to stay in a sturdy home and I don’t fear about what tomorrow may bring.

 

EN ROUTE KALANGGAMAN ISLAND

After 3 hours of wandering around Leyte’s mountainous roads, we finally reached the Municipality of Palompon We headed to the tourism office to settle our things, grab something to eat and bought the stuff we need to take to island to survive an overnight stay.

The view is just stunning from the jump off port. Who can resist smiling when eating if you are facing the crystal blue water? This just added to my lunchie appetite.

Having Lunch at Palompon’s Tourism Office

 

While roaming around the place, we passed by a church. I wasn’t able to check the name but the fact that it has the statue of The Sacred Heart of Jesus, I would assume that it was named after it, but I can also be wrong.

 

It’s past noontime when we started hopping into the boat to take us to our island destination. Said to take another 45 mins – 1 hour trip. Glad to see from afar that the water is calm, this will be a easy breezy smooth cruise. Before we left, we were given a short orientation on some of the limitations on the island. We were given 2 trash bags for our wastes; so we are obliged to segregate them ^_^

Ready to Rock the Boat

Wohoo! I can see it, we’re almost there! A typical island paradise, dotted with coconut trees is what I see from afar. Excitement level increasing. The sun is high, the sky is clear and the water is too tempting to resist. Welcome to Palompon’s Naturally Captivating Island. Approaching the shore, the sandbar is already visible, this place is amazing and it’s just worth the long ride. Another playground for free spirited people on earth. Hailed as Leyte’s Crown Jewel is absolutely a heaven on earth.

Approaching Kalanggaman Island

Moments with Kalanggaman’s SandBar

Kalanggaman Island is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Province. It offers postcard-perfect virgin island boasting white sand, clear water and cool breeze.  By the looks of it, I think I am going to have a great time here. Less people means more fun!

WELCOME TO PARADISE

The place is inhabited and maintained. There are only few structures such as native huts and big cottages. Upon reaching the shore, we went towards one of the native huts and settled in. I saw a wooden watchtower few meters from our cottage. I had a small chitchat with the lifeguard on duty (can be a boatman, whatever) and asked him if I can use the place to sleep for the night. Gladly he agreed, I am so happy.

A little something I knew about Kalanggaman. The Island got its name from a Cebuano term “langgam” which means bird. The island is unique from others because of it’s long sandbar stretching on both tips resembling the wings of the bird. Probably the reason why it got the name Kalanggaman.

Walking in the sands of Kalanggaman Island, it may not be as powdery and fine as Boracay or Calaguas or Bantayan but it’s not that bad or rough after all. The broken corals and stones taken to the shore is quite tolerable but the water is just so clear and inviting.

Few hours passed, we started exploring the island. Early in the afternoon we went to the sandbar, it's not yet 100% visible but the water level is just enough for us to play around. We did some acrobatic shots, jump shots, fighting shots  since we really have a very good backdrop for this dramatic scenes. We had a great time taking splash in the crystal clear water. Facing the island, the left side served turbulent waves and a bit fierce so it’s not really ideal for swimming but on the other side of the , its calm and clear, or just say a perfect spot for floating.

 

Some went back to the main island while the four of us was left in the sandbar and we continued our craziness. We did more jumpshots, lifting stunts and the like.  I know that the spot where we are right now will provide a perfect view of sunset. Reason why we waited for it. As the sun start to set on the horizon, i can only smile and enjoy the beautiful scene starting to unfold.

The sun was slowly going down the horizon. As it went down, the burning light of the sun got dull and it looked like a huge disc of orange and yellow. The sun’s orange was mingling with the light blue color of the sky and it produced a vast contrast of different hues. It was like watching a screen slowly changing colors. The scene was truly beautiful. The dull light of the sun somehow illuminated everything in a way I had never seen them before. Everything was almost still and the effect of the light made the scene look like one in a painting. The waves of the sea also seemed to have changed to a dull mixture of yellow and orange. The water was sparkling like diamonds in the light. The sun was gradually going down and by the time it almost disappeared, the sky had patterns of colors, from light purple to a dull blue. The scene looked mesmerizing. The pleasant breeze, the sweet smell of salty water mixed in sand and the sound of waves crashing against each other completed the scene of a perfect sunset. This is life at it's finest.

 

 

 

  

Flat limestone covered most of the shore on the other side. This goes all the way to the shorter and narrower second sandbar on the other tip of the islet. The other side is less frequented by tourist. If you intent to be by yourself, this is probably where you wanted to stay and watch the sun made the sand shine like pearls when the hit by its rays.

Tired and drained from long travel straight from an 8 hour night shift, i took an early rest,my body surrendered and called it a night as early as 9. The rest of the group are still having a great time and enjoying the night. Few hours passed by, I was awaken by the strong winds and crashing waves. Lord, what's happening? The wind was really strong that it can afford to shake the lifeguard station. I paused and prayed that this will calm sooner. Several minutes, and the rain started to pour. Splashes of water get into the station and i just have to move to the other side to get comfortable. The sleeping bag is getting wet and I started to feel really cold. I continued praying that this will be over soon. From that moment where everything is fierce, I can hear the whistling wind and the strong current from the crashing waves, I realized how difficult would it could be for people living near the shore and for those who really don't have shelters. I admit felt certain amount of fear and I continued clasping my hands wishing for a calmer night. I don't know what time is it when i eventually fell into a deep slumber.

I woke up earlier in the morning to catch the sunrise. I walked towards the edge of the island where i can see some fishing boats starting to do their thing. The sea is calm as if nothing has happened last night. This applies to life as well, when another phase of sun is rising, this symbolizes new day, new life and as the saying goes, life goes on. This time, you’re getting wiser and stronger.

 

This is the reason why I like to wake up early and take a morning stroll; if I am in an Island, it makes me appreciate its serenity and exotic beauty. While everyone is sleeping and getting a good rest, I am having a grand time savoring paradise at it’s finest state.

 

  

HOW TO GET THERE:

Palompon Leyte is the jump off to Kalanggaman Island. Just register and pay the fees at the Tourism Office. They will assist you with your boat.  Rates and Fees

WHAT TO EXPECT:

1. The island is bare. There are cottages available for rent with table and chairs.
2. Bring your camping equipment and tents if you want to spend overnight in the island as there are no rooms for accommodation.
3. There is a public restroom with saltwater. Make sure to bring your own potable water of you can request one from the tourism office.
4. Buy all food and drinking supplies from the mainland’s market before leaving.
5. There is no electricity in the island. Conserve your batteries or bring a power bank. Bring cooksets and burners if you wanted to cook your food. There are areas in the islet to grill your food.
6. Mobile phone signal is pretty decent.
7. The coast guard does not allow boats to leave the mainland late in the afternoon, so make sure to be in Palompon in the morning.
8. Security is not a problem in the island, there is a tourist police assigned here 24/7
9. Tourism office will give you two trash bags, one for biodegradable and another non-biodegradable. Make sure to bring them both when you get to the mainland, the staff will ask it from you.
10. Since there’s no freshwater for bathing in the island, you can freshen up in the Tourism office once you get back.
11. The last trip of the van going back to Tacloban is 12 noon, so be sure to back to the mainland before that. Alternatively, you can ride a van going to Ormoc, last trip is 3 in the afternoon and from there ask around for van going to Tacloban

Indeed Kalanggaman Island makes it a worthwhile experience, not just because of it’s unique, unspoiled and captivating charm but because of the realization I have as well during my overnight stay.  For those who are near the Province of Leyte, Kalanggaman Island is definitely a place to go.  Whether you wanted to forget your troubles for a day or a quick get away with your loved ones or just needed a break for yourself from the stress and noise of the city. You can read a good book here without many people kicking sand on your face, be a camera freak for a day and get amazing photographs or simply give your eyes something to feast on: your choice!

Technorati Tags: Kalanggaman Island,Palompon Leyte