Pagudpud Itinerary

11 hours drive away from Manila, Pagudpud is located at the northernmost tip of the Philippines. Despite its location, tourists sought this small coastal town of Ilocos Norte as a number one destination when one is seeking a one of a kind adventure and perfect unwinding spot. Pagudpud’s peaceful rural communities, rich, unspoiled natural resources and the absence of mass tourism make the place even more visit worthy.

Below is a 3 days and 2 nights Tourist Itinerary Guide if ever you want to experience an exhilarating quest to the “Haven of the North,” Pagudpud.

Photos courtesy of: Liz Reyes 

(except for the Cape Bojeador)

Getting There

By air: There’s no direct flight to Pagudpud so one needs to take the flight to Laoag then take the mini bus going to Pagudpud for about 2 hours.

By land: There are various bus companies that travel to Ilocos but most of them are up to Ilocos Sur only. If you want a bus that will travel from Manila all the way to Pagudpud, go for Florida bus. Don’t fret, the bus has its own rest room so going to the CR is not going to be a problem anymore.

Contact number: 731-4473

Things You Need To Know

Accommodation: There are lots of resorts and rest houses in Pagudpud so if you want to see the place first before booking, you can do so. However, during peak seasons like December, April, May and June, almost every resort in the area is fully booked. Resorts or Inns usually start at 1,500. If you are on a tight budget, you can also stay in transient houses.

• Saud Beach Resort-

Tel. No: 63-77-7641005

• Terra Rika Beach and Dive Resort

Mobile: 0918-9371752; 0920-2558377

Tele/fax: (077) 7721845

Email: terrarikadiveresort@yahoo.com

• Polaris Beach Resort

Tel. No: 63 919 3078803/09202396138

• Villa del Mar

Mobile: +63 920 553-4161

• Apo Idon

Tel. No: 077 676 0438

Mobile: 0917 5100671/0918 9334464

Email : apoidon@hotmail.com

• Arinaya White Beach Resort

Mobile: +63920 220-5089

• Pannzian Beach and Mountain Resort

Mobile: 632 646-9020

• Kapuluan Vista Resort

Tel. No: (+6372) 888-2809

Mobile: (+63920) 952-2528

Meal: The usual cost of meal in Pagudpud, or Saud Beach to be specific, is like that of any restaurants. One order of Sinigang na Baboy that’s already good for 2-3 persons has a rough estimate of Php 220.00 already. If you want to save, you can bring noodles or canned goods with you because there’s nothing really extra ordinary on their menu.

Tour: Resorts usually offers or has their own recommended tour guides so better ask the resort staff about their touring. If you want, you can check websites and forums and ask their recommended tour guides like the ones below.

• Kuya Lenzer: 09068185735
• Mang Joseph: 09217615459

Important Things You Need

• Cash- There’s no ATM machine in Pagudpud. The nearest one is in Laoag, which is two hours away from Pagudpud. You wouldn’t want to travel back to Laoag and waste time would you? So, remember to always stash extra cash with you.

• Chips and lots of water- The trip to the north is approximately 11 hours so it is expected that you will get hungry and thirsty. Though there will be at least 2-3 stop overs, it is still safe to pack lots of food and H20. Chips and finger foods are recommended because they’re not messy and easy to dispose.

• Medicine- For people who have motion sickness, don’t forget to take a medicine one hour before travel. Bring some paracetamol and analgesic with you as well.

Budget

* Good for one person only

• Fare - Php 1,600
• Accommodation- Php 3,000
• Food- Php 1,500
• Touring- Php 1,000 (depends on where you want to go or visit)
• Entrance Fees- Php 200 (includes payment for the tour guide in the Kaibigan Falls)
• Pasalubong- Php 500

You need to have: Php 8,000/person is the safest budget one can allot for this trip because there might be other places you want to visit that may require additional payment for the touring. Also, this usually depends on the number of pasalubongs you want to bring home. Again, it is always advisable to travel in groups to save more.

Daily Itinerary

First Day

If you leave Manila at 12:00 midnight or 1:00 a.m., it is expected that you will arrive in Pagudpud before lunch. Unpack your things first, check the water supply and beddings then when you are all settled, find a place where you can have lunch. If you will stay along Saud Beach, Polaris Beach Resort can cook food for you for a price of Php50.00 only. However, raw foods should be bought by you unless you ask them before hand to do the marketing for you.

After a hearty lunch, you and your friends can while away the hour by staying in your room, watch television if provided, or ask the resort administrator about their touring. If a tour guide was referred by a friend, better let him know about your plans for the next day’s touring.

Granting you stay in a resort along Saud Beach, 5: 00 p.m. is the perfect time to stroll along the beach to watch the sunset. Facing the west, the south portion is where you can see the Bangui Windmills. You can actually see all the 15 windmills and take a picture of them all if you have an ever trusted DSLR with a zoom lens of at least 70-300mm, then it is already enough to capture the mill's beauty.

Second Day

Wake up early to catch the sunrise and breakfast before leaving for the tour. Start the tour at 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. Always keep your camera handy because you’ll never know what you will see along the way. Some things, places or sceneries might capture your interest so always keep those video cameras and DSLR ready. Be sure they are fully charged as well.

Touring in Pagudpud is usually Php 800.00 though you can still haggle. FYI: Bangui Windmills and Cape Bojeador are already outside Pagudpud so the tour guide will charge an extra amount if you want to visit the places, it usually ranges from 100-200 pesos. Also, don’t expect a van or car for a service since all the touring in Pagudpud always have a tricycle for a service. Anyway, you will be able to take good pictures and enjoy the view more when riding the trike. On the other hand, if you will be traveling in a big group, ask your tour guide if he knows someone where you can rent a van even just for a day.

1st stop: Cape Bojeador is located in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, 45-1 hour away from the town of Pagudpud. It is known for being the highest lighthouse in the Philippines that is still functioning since its completion on March 30, 1892. To date, the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse still gives signals to passing ships along the Cape. The place is perfect for viewing the sunset but since this is your first stop, you would definitely miss it, not unless you have decided to make it your last stop.

2nd stop: Bangui Windmills is also outside Pagudpud, as the name implies, it is situated in the town of Bangui, Ilocos Norte, 30 minutes away from Pagudpud. Seeing the windmills for the first time will definitely leave you speechless, not to mention giant windmills that look like white robots or aliens. These giant electric fans are used to generate electricity in the province and at the same time, serve as a major tourist spot in Ilocos Norte.

3rd stop: Trek for almost 30 minutes to get to Kaibigan Falls. Not so steep falls in the middle of a forest but still worth the trek. Water is freezing cold. Entrance fee is Php 10.00 and there’s a hired tour guide for the trek. Any amount for the guide, as long as it’s reasonable, would do. Php 50 is enough but if you are feeling a little bit generous, Php 100.00 is much better.

4th stop: After taking a short dip in the falls, you can ask your guide to take you for lunch at Bing bong’s eatery. It was said that it’s the only canteen at Pagudpud.The food is just the usual karinderya or turo-turo. Nothing special at all and just enough to fill your empty stomachs so don’t expect a lot.

5th stop: After lunch, journey to Patapat Viaduct and marvel at the view of the South China Sea. This is the only road you have to pass through in order for you to reach Cagayan from Pagudpud. This elevated concrete highway constructed along winding/rocky headlands is constructed to solve the problem of landslides in the area that have caused many vehicular accidents in the past.

6th stop: You can opt not to enter or enter Aqua Grande because there’s really nothing special about the place. Just a freezing cold river full of big rocks that meets the sea. Entrance is Php15.

7th stop: Near Aqua Grande is the Paraiso ni Anton. Don’t ask who Anton is because no one knows who he really is. Like Aqua Grande, nothing’s very special about this place so this might just bore you. It is just a mini fall with steps to the grotto where one can drink from the water coming from the falls. Travelers who pass by to go to Cagayan usually get water here. There are also mini stalls there where you can buy some pasalubongs.

8th stop: Bantay Abot Cave is a must see tourist attraction in Pagudpud. Bantay Abot is a natural sculptured cave which has a hole in the center. The place is very nice for picture takings and offers a great view of the sea as well.

9th and last stop: The last stop for the day and the tour’s highlight is at Blue Lagoon, which is commonly known as the "Boracay of the North." The water is crystal blue as the name implies. The powdery, white sand is very fine like that of Boracay and to top it off, the place is not overcrowded. But if you are someone who loves parties, rubbing elbows with strangers and seashore orgies, then this place is not for you. Read this, Pagudpud has NO NIGHT LIFE. Waves are really big so if you’re not a good swimmer, better shun away from the idea of swimming far from the shore.

Optional: Since Blue Lagoon is facing west and if ever you are not staying in Saud Beach but still want to see a perfect sunset, you can ask your friendly tour guide to drop by at Saud Beach just in time before the sun bids farewell.

Third and Last Day

Rest, eat, stroll and bask under the sun all you want while waiting for lunch time. The usual check out time is 12:00 noon but you can ask the resort administration if you can leave your things in their hotel while you shop for souvenirs and pasalubongs. You can also drop by Florida station, located at Pagudpud’s town proper, to buy or reserve a ticket for the 6:00 p.m. trip.

Manila Bound: Approximately, when there’s no hustle during your travel, you’re expected to arrive in Manila by 5:00- 5:30 a.m. the next day. Take a rest and pray you won’t have any jet lags.

* Also posted in WikiPilipinas Travel Guide

Batanes Itinerary

Batanes, the smallest province of the Philippines, lies at the northernmost tip of the country about 190 kilometers south of Taiwan. Out of the 10 islands included in the Batanes
 group of islands, only 3 are inhabited, Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat respectively. The smaller islets are Dequey, Siayan, Mabudis, Ibuhos, Diogo, North Island, and Y'ami. Because of its cool and windy weather, Batanes is also referred to as the Home of the Winds. It is also the place where the Pacific Ocean meets the South China Sea so the water current is usually rough.

Below is a 3 days and 2 nights stay Tourist Itinerary Guide to the island of Batanes, the closest place you can get to whisper to God.

Photos courtesy of: Liz Reyes

Getting There

By air: Asian Spirit is the only airline in Manila that flies to Batanes.

Note: to see schedules of flights and Promos, see Asian Spirit website or call their hotline number

• Tel no: (02) 855-3333
• Website: http://www.asianspirit.com

By land and air: If you are on

 a tight budget, you may consider taking the bus to Laoag or Tuguegarao then take the Chemtrad, a 10 seater aircraft, to Basco. For schedules of flight, you may call their office.

• Tel no: (02) 833-0229

Things You Need To Know

Accommodation: Before heading to Batanes, be sure you have booked your reservations first to avoid hassles, especially during peak seasons. Lodgings, hotels and resorts are only a few in Basco so it’s better to spend the day touring or resting instead of looking for a place to stay during your vacation. However, if you are a backpacker and is in for some adventure, you can always ask the locals in the place where to stay and they would gladly assist you.

• Batanes Resort- 09275829078
• Batanes Seaside Lodge- 09178825609
• Shanedels Inn and Café- 09204470737
• Pension Ivatan
• Ivatan Lodge- ivatanlodge@ yahoo.com

Meal: Food being served in Lodgings and resorts usually costs a max of 200/head. If you want a quick meal and to save, there is a canteen at the town proper called SDC canteen. It is in front of the Police station and beside the provincial capitol. Meal per head only costs less than a hundred.

Tour: It is best to travel Batan by foot or through bikes and motorcycles. However, if you are pressed for time, it is better to hire a vehicle and guide to tour you around Basco. Before going to Batanes, you can always book in advance your touring with the resort or lodge you are checked in but you can opt to arrange for that once you arrive in your resort too. However, when touring Sabtang, one really needs a tour guide so make an arrangement with your hotel once you arrive in Batanes. You can try the tour guides below.

• Kuya Nards- 09153827136 (Batan)
• Kuya Jack- 09212416455 (Batan and Sabtang)
• Kuya Peter- 09264259631 (Sabtang)

Important Things You Need

• Insect repellent lotions (you’ll never know)
• Sunblock
• Shades
• Camera (leave everything but your money and this one)

Budget

Bring more than enough cash because there are no ATM machines in Batanes, especially credit cards.

* Good for one person only

• Airfare – Php 11,600 (roundtrip/without promo)
• Accommodation – Php 1,800 (2 nights)
• Food – Php 1000
• Touring – Php 4,250
• Miscellaneous – 385 (bike rental, terminal fee, tourist fee, other fees)
• Pasalubong – Php 1,000

You need to have: Php 20,000/person is the safest budget if one will follow the itinerary below. Please note that prices computed above is based on the maximum price already and is subject to change if you travel in big group and if there’s an airline promo. You can also haggle with the touring in Sabtang to get it at a cheaper price.

Daily Itinerary

First Day

Asian Spirit flies Manila to Basco during Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only. Flight is usually 5:30 a.m. so you should be at the airport 2 hours before the scheduled flight. Travel time is 1 hour and 15 minutes so the ETA in Basco is before 7:00 a.m.

After arriving in your hotel, eat your breakfast and fix your things for the 9:30 a.m. touring. Make sure you have arranged your touring with the hotel’s receptionist few hours before the actual tour. Bring snacks (you will have a very long trip), lots of H2o, extra money and of course, your camera. Touring Batan Island will be like circling the whole island so steal the chance to take a picture of the view that amazes you because you will not pass again on that same spot on your way back.

1st stop: Mahatao View Deck

Mahatao View Deck is a perfect site for picture taking as it offers a great view of the sea. It has many stone benches suitable for resting and picture taking.

2nd stop: San Carlos Borromeo Church

San Carlos Borromeo Church is the first church in Mahatao that was built during the 19th century. Near the church is the oldest and smallest light house in Basco. Lamp was being used then to light the said light house which served as a guide for offshore fishermen on their way home. The church is considered as one of the National Cultural Treasures by NCCA because of its cultural significance and architecture.

3rd Stop: House of Dakay

The oldest house in Batanes is located at Ivana. The stone house was built in 1887 out of limestones and corals and it was said that this is the only house that survived the strong earthquake that hit the island a few years it was built. The current owner of the ancestral house is Lola Florestida Estrella, an Ivatan woman in her early 80’s.

4th stop: San Jose de Ivana Church

Like the San Carlos Borromeo Church, San Jose de Ivana Church is made of limestone construction with original baroque architecture. The church was built during the 19th century by Dominican priests.

5th stop: Honesty Café

Few steps from the San Jose de Ivana Church is the Honesty Cofee Shop. The honesty of the Ivatans and the people going there are tested because no one mans the store. If you want to buy something, you just have to get it and list down the item/s you bought and drop the payment to a drop box provided by the store owner. Every item has a corresponding tag price so you would know how much each costs. The shop also has coffee cups and hot water thermos for those who wish to buy coffees.

On the way to your next spot, you will be able to pass by several sites that might be of interest to you like the Ghost town or the Ruins of Songsong and the abandoned US Coast Guard Station. The town of Songsong was hit by a tsunami in 1953, the houses were destroyed and the people abandoned this seaside community, thus earning the nickname Ghost Town though there are no casualties on the said disaster. The residents of Songsong were evacuated to the province of Mindanao. If you have watched the movie Batanes (film), you will be able to pass by the house, where Iza Calzado lives, on the said movie. Just ask your guide and he will gladly point to you the house and even take a picture in front of it.

6th stop: Marlboro Country

The Payaman, also known as Marlboro Country, offers a breathtaking view of farm fields and the Pacific Ocean. The Mahatao Lighthouse and Mt. Iraya can also be seen from Marlboro Country. The hills got its name because it looks so much like the setting of the commercial of the Marlboro Cigarette.

7th stop: Mahatao Lighthouse

The Mahatao Lighthouse is not that popular as compared to the lighthouse of Basco but it has its own beauty that attracts the tourist. This octagonal lighthouse is located in the town of Mahatao, near the Marlboro Country.

8th stop: Lunch Time

You can take your late lunch at SDC canteen at the town of Basco. Food at SDC canteen are the usual carinderia food but they have lost of breads and cakes for dessert. One meal per person will cost less than a hundred. As an option, you can also head back to your hotel and take your lunch there and have rest before resuming your tour.

3:30 p.m: Resume Tour

3:30 is a perfect time to resume your tour because the sun is not at its hottest already.

9th stop: Tukon Church

The Tukon Church, a project of the Fundacion Pacita Abad, is a new church being constructed in the hills of Tukon. It has life-size paintings of saints in its ceilings, all made by Ivatan artists.

10th stop: Radar Tukon

Radar Tukon is a weather station on a hill. Tukon is an |Ivatan word for hill. It gives you a 360 degrees view of Batan Island. If you are into photography, doing a panoramic shot of the landscape is a perfect idea. Pacific Ocean in the East, South China Sea in the West Mt. Iraya on the North and rolling hills leading up to Mt. Matarem in the South. Beside Radar Tukon is the island's PAGASA station.

11th stop: Fundacion de Pacita Abad

The Fundacion de Pacita Abad is the house of the former Education Secretary’s sister Pacita Abad, an international painter known for her modern and colorful work of arts. A true blooded |Ivatan, Pacita studied in the United States and was able to hone her craft by traveling and working in different countries. Right after she passed away, her house on the hill of Tukon now serves as a gallery where her works are displayed.

12th stop: Valugan Bay

Valugan or east in the local language of the Ivatan, is where the bay got its name because it is located on the east side of Batanes. Valugan Bay is a boulder beach perfect for picture taking and resting while watching the waves touch the big rocks. You can even try closing your eyes and hear what the winds has got to say to you.

13th stop: Rolling Hills

The Rolling Hills in Batan is also an alternative spot for taking a picture of the sunset. The lush green hills are comparable to the Windows wallpaper except that it doesn't need some photoshop anymore. If you have a scooter, motorcycle or bike, you can actually consider driving them in the hills.

14th stop: Basco Lighthouse

Located in the Naidi Hills, the Basco Lighthouse is a favorite spot in taking the sunset. One can actually go up the lighthouse for a more scenic view.

After the sunset, you can ask your guide for a stop over if you want to look for souvenirs along Abad St. But since there are only few stores there that sell souvenirs, it is still better to hunt for them in Sabtang or at the Basco Airport. Take your dinner at your hotel and make sure that your pre-arranged tour to Sabtang Island the next day is confirmed, including the service vehicle and the person who will be your tour guide. Get the number of the important people whom you need to be in regular contact during your stay in Batanes. You can tell your tour guide in Sabtang ahead of time that you want your lunch to be in Nakabuang Arch (this actually where all tourists go for lunch).

Second day

Wake up real early to catch the Falowa ride to Sabtang Island. Make sure you ask your service to pick you up before 6:00 a.m to catch the 6:30 trip to Sabtang Island and that there is a ready guide and service for you once you reached the place.

The 30 minute Falowa ride to Sabtang is quite extreme so be ready to secure your personal belongings, especially your cameras and videocams for they might get wet as the water is rough because you will be sailing in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea.

Upon arrival at Sabtang, you might want to have a breakfast first at the mini eatery in the port then pay the Php 100.00 per head tourism fee at the Municipality of Sabtang, few steps from the port. The first site that will welcome you to Sabtang is their very famous lighthouse. It's like a giant marker and host that welcome each and every tourist that visits the island.

1st stop: Savidug Stone Houses

95% of the houses in Sabtang Island are still made out of coral and lime stones. The first town in Sabtang that you will visit is Savidug. It has a long row of stone houses situated in a very quiet and friendly community. Your service will drop you off the very first house in Savidug and will wait for you at the end of the street so you will have plenty of time to check out the houses and take some pictures for souvenirs. If you have watched the movie Kadin, you will notice a very familiar house along the street where sugarcanes are extracted. It is the house of Angel Aquino from the said movie and you can also take a picture in the wooden sugarcane extractor.

2nd stop: Savidug Church

Savidug Church is the only church in the town of Savidug. Like the ones in Basco, it is also a Dominican church. After paying a visit to the church, before your next stop, you will pass by a beach where limestones are being cooked for building an Ivatan house. From the beach you will notice a mountain resembling a woman in slumber, thus earning it the name “Sleeping Beauty” for the |Ivatans.

3rd stop: Chamantad-Tinyan Sitio Views

This is probably one of the best places in Sabtang to take pictures. The stunning view of the Pacific Ocean is a perfect backdrop for every picture. To fully enjoy the view, you need to go down the not so steep mountain and discover the secret paradise hiding behind it.

4th stop: Town of Chavayan

One of the highlights of the tour is your visit to the town of Chavayan where you will see the community of Ivatans and actually see them making Vakuls. Vakuls are Ivatan women’s headgear that are used to protect them from rain, wind and sun, it’s counterpart for men are called Talugong. 

Vakuls are made out of Palm dates’ leaves. Vakul usually costs 400 plus but cheaper depending on its size while Talugong ranges from 500-800. They also sell a very unique Ivatan slippers used in fishing which costs Php 150.00 and Kanayi or vest also made out of Date’s leaves. If you want to take a picture of the elderly Ivatans and the kids, they are very willing to pose for you so grab the chance to take a souvenir photo with them.

Again, if you have watched Kadin, the house where Peping lives in the movie, might interest you. Just ask the townsfolk if where’s the house where the movie Kadin was shot and they will give you direction. However, since the town of Chavayan is just small, you will surely spot the house if you roam around the town, including the old church of Chavayan. Rico Cardona, the one who played Peping, is not from Sabtang but from Batan but the girl who played as her little sister is the one who lives in Sabtang.

5th stop: Nakabuang Arch

As was mentioned, one needs to have a pre-arranged lunch at Nakabuang arch for you to enjoy the beach, the sceneries and the food at the breathtaking sceneries of Nakabuang beach. Just ask your friendly tour guide as to where you need to arrange your lunch. The famous Nakabuang Arch is a natural sculptured rock along Nakabuang Beach, the place is perfect for lunch and swimming because of its great view and white sand.

Below is a sneak preview of the usual meal in Nakabuang Arch that’s worth Php 200-250.

• Yellow Rice
• Lobster
• Pinakbet
• Bangus
• Coconut Crab (by request)
• Bukayo
• Buko Juice

2:00 pm: Leave Sabtang Island for Batan. The one who drops you off Sabtang Island will also be the one to take you back to Batan Island. The Php80.00 fare back and forth will be given to the Falowa pilot once the boat docked in Batan.

Rest of the day: Upon arrival in the resort, you can rest for about an hour or so and and arrange a bike to hire for you to tour the town of Basco in the afternoon. That is if you still have enough energy. Start your bicycling at 5:00 p.m. and be sure to bring with you your camera and money if you feel like buying anything. Bike around the town of Basco and wait for the sunset at Batanes port. After watching the sunset, scout for a place to dine in like Shanedel's Inn, Batanes Seaside Lodge and the like.

* Kuya Balong (09152991871) - Bike rental

Note: If you still have an extra day, you can go to Itbayat Island where the Falowa ride takes 3 hours. Chemtrad also flies from Basco to Itbayat but flight schedule is not regular so you may need several days to wait for Chemtrad’s next flight if you don’t want to brave the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea for 3 long hours.

Third and Last Day

Wake up 5:00 a.m. (depending on how long it would take you to prepare) because your service will most likely pick you up at 6:00 a.m. for your 7:30 a.m. flight back to Manila. Check in your baggages, pay the Protected Area fee of Php 15.00 then take one last look at the souvenir shop located at the Basco Airport before you go inside the terminal.

Manila Bound: If the flight is not delayed, you will reach Manila before 9:00 a.m. You'd definitely miss Batanes once the plane has landed at MIA but there's always next time so be sure you save lots of money before you plan on returning to Batanes, the place where East meets West.

* Also posted in WikiPinas Travel Guide

Bohol Itinerary

*** Please click on pictures to see the original sources. Thanks! ^_^***

Bohol is the tenth largest island in the Philippines. The province is located in the middle of Visayas and is surrounded by other islands like Cebu and Siquijor, thus protecting it from typhoons and heavy rains that often hit the region. Because of Bohol’s perfect weather topped with rich natural resources and hospitable people, it’s no wonder why it has become one of the most sought after destinations in the Philippines. Below is an Itinerary guide for 4 days and 3 nights if ever you plan on a trip to Bohol.

Getting There

By air: You can go to Bohol via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific.

Note: To see schedule of flights, please check the airline’s official websites.

By sea: Another option to visit Bohol when your starting point is not in Manila is through a fast ferry. You can ride the ferry at Cebu, Dumaguete or Siquijor.

Things You Need To Know

Accommodation: It’s more practical to do your reservations before going to Bohol if you only have limited time, especially during peak season. However, if you feel like being adventurous and do some resort hopping, there are plenty of resorts in Panglao where you could definitely stay at a cheap price. Panglao Island is the best bet when looking for a perfect place to stay in Bohol. Price ranges from 880/night depending if it's peak season or not. Peak season is usually on December,January, April, May and October.

• Alona Tropical
• Bohol Beach Club
• Balicasag Island Dive Resort
• Alona Kew White Beach Resort
• Alona Palm Beach Resort
• Panglao Island Nature Resort
• Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa

Trivia: Did you know that the Alona Beach in Panglao Island is named after the sexy actress Alona Alegre because she was the first one who wore a swimsuit on the said beach?

Meal: Food being served in resorts are way expensive. It costs 250-300 per person for a full meal. Majority of food served is Western cuisine because almost all guests are foreigners. So, if you are on a tight budget, better pack enough food or buy at Tagbilaran City, which, by the way, is 25-30 minutes away from Panglao.

Tour: Upon arrival in Tagbilaran airport, there are lots of services and guides that are very willing to drop you off at your hotel or resort in Panglao. Rate varies on what kind of transportation you want. Tricycle is Php200.00 while an air conditioned car is Php400.00. With regard to the country tour, your hired vehicle can also serve as your tour guide in Bohol.If you want to book a tour guide before you arrive in Bohol, there are many websites that give away numbers of their recommended tour guides or you may try the following tour guides below.

• Kuya Rod: 09185914969/Rodboholtours@yahoo.com
• Kuya Jun Malisa: 09287342073
• Mang Jun: 09176905627

Important Things You Need

• Moisturizing soap and lotion (some tap water in the area is salty so you need this one)
• Sunblock (Protect your skin)
• Shades (protect your eyes)
• Insect repellent lotions

Budget

Always bring extra dough. It is better to bring more money especially on a trip where scouting the area for ATM machines is such a big hassle. Below is a rough estimate of the budget one needs to have an escapade in Bohol that's truly worth remembering.

Note: Prices are subject to change so it's still advisable to contact hotels, tour guides and airlines.

* Good for one person only

• Airfare- Php3,500 (two way)
• Accommodation- Php 900.00/night
• Food- Php 1,500 (depends on the type of food you will eat)
• Touring- Php2,800 (includes the day tour and service fee to and fro Tagbilaran airport. You can haggle though)
• Entrance Fees- Php 400.00 (lunch and tour in Loboc River included)
• Boat- P2,000 (Island tour, but you can also haggle on the price)
• Pasalubong- Php 500.00

You need to have: Php 11,000/person is the safest budget if one will follow the itinerary below. But traveling in big group will definitely save you lots of money so it's highly suggested that you go with friends.

Daily Itinerary

First Day

If you fly via Cebu Pacific, you’ll probably arrive in Bohol after lunch. If via PAL, it depends if what flight you’ll be booked. Either way, your first day in Bohol should be a time for relaxation and just strolling along the beach. If Boracay has a problem with green algae, Alona shoreline has lots of sea weeds especially after high tide or late afternoon. Unpack your things, check the water service, electricity, mattress and towels. If you have valuables

you can’t bring along with you whenever going out, keep it in a safe place because housekeeping is usually at 12:00 noon. Before heading outside, always lock your rooms and be sure you have the key with you.

Scout for a perfect place to dine in and just enjoy the view together with your welcome drink. (Resorts usually offer a welcome drink to their guests) Before the day ends, contact your tour guide to remind him of your touring the next day.

Second Day

Wake up real early and contact (again) your tour guide. It’s better to start early for the touring while the sun is not at its hottest and for you to have enough time to go to different places you wish to. Perfect time to start is 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM after having a sumptuous breakfast.

1st stop: Blood Compact site The site commemorates Rajah Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi’s friendship and peace offering when they drank from a common cup a drink

with drops of their blood. This historical event took place on March 16, 1565.

But did you know that the site where the monument now stands is not the original location of the blood compact? Few steps from the memorial, is the exact place of Legazpi and Sikatuna’s amity. On the right is the original site of the Blood Compact. A small monument was built together with a brief background of that historical event.

2nd Stop: Baclayon Church

Baclayon Church is considered to be one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. Beside the church is the Baclayon Museum where the old garments, stuff, chairs and images of the church and religious people were stored and preserved. The place was even more eerie than the church itself. By the way, entrance is Php15.00 per head and camera or even camera phones are not allowed.

3rd Stop: Tarsier at Loboc

On the way to Carmen, you will get to pass the Tarsiers, one of the world’s smallest primates, in Loboc, where you can actually touch them. However, these primates don’t want to be touched and when they’re unhappy they commit suicide by banging their heads so better shun away from touching these small little creatures. To protect them, it’s much better to visit them in Corella where the Tarsier Sanctuary is located. This is also the only place holding the Tarsiers legally.

4th Stop: Man-made Forest

The Man-made Forest comprises thousands of mahogany trees that were planted by Boholanos to prevent soil erosion. Soon enough, this lush green passageway from Loboc to Carmen became one of Bohol’s most sought after destinations.

5th Stop: Chocolate Hills (Carmen)

These green and sometimes brown hills are located in Sagbayan and Carmen. However, it’s more suitable to go to Carmen because there’s one hill with steps where tourists can actually experience going up the hill sans walking plus it also have several souvenir shops up there . Approximately, there are more than a hundred steps before you reach the topmost portion of the hill and once you do, you will learn about the origin of the hills. Based on the bronze plaque, the chocolate hills were a formation of the limestones and clay.

6th Stop: Hanging Bridge

Before heading to Loboc River for a lunch, consider stopping by the Hanging Bridge first. There are lots of souvenirs and “pasalubongs” being sold in the area as well. It isn’t supposed to be a tourist attraction at first, rather just a bridge connecting two towns, but since its unique and fascinating feature attracts many people, it soon became one of the major tourist attractions in Loboc, Bohol.

7th stop: Loboc River

A trip to Bohol is not complete unless he has lunch at the famed Loboc River. The cost of the buffet meal per pax is Php260.00 and it’s worth every penny. The food, the cruise along the river plus the entertainment (their singers are very good) is an experience that should not be missed. The whole trip lasts for about 1 hour and at the end of the river is the Busay Falls where all the floating restaurants will make a stop over before heading back. The songs are very well chosen and songs like “Pinoy Ako” by Orange and Lemons and “Magellan” by Yoyoy Villame will surely lift up the Filipino pride in you.

8th stop: Prony the Python

Prony the python is considered the largest reticulated python in captivity in the Philippines. Owners of Prony claim that they caught the snake near their house way back 1996 and from then on treated the snake as part of their family. Prony takes a bath four times a day and eats a whole 60-kilo of live pig once a month.

9th and last stop: Hinagdanan Cave

If you still have plenty of time after your pasalubong hunting at "Aproniana" (famous souvenirs shop in Bohol), you might want to check out Hinagdanan Cave in Dauis. It has a man-made spiral ladder that leads to an underground pond where both ends are open. There are lots of stalactites and stalagmites in the cavern and dipping into the pool is not encouraged as the waters there are not clean. Hinagdanan means “laddered” in the Visayan tounge.

Before the sun sets, it is expected that you’ll be back again at the resort, not unless you want to check out the city, which, by the way, has really no night life at all.

Third Day

If you feel a little change of environment, you can have the option of having a day tour at Cebu. However, it’s highly suggested that you make the most out of your Bohol escapade by going on an island hopping. Wake up early in the morning to catch some boats for dolphin watching, say 6:00 AM. Afterwards, you can go to Balicasag Island for some snorkeling and diving then head to the tiny uninhabited island, called Virgin Island, for photo shoots and nice deep in the shallow, white sand shores. One can actually walk hundred meters away from the island with waters just above knee.

Since this tour is only half day, you can go back to the resort just in time for lunch and bask under the sun for a good tan. Cap the night off by visiting bars and restaurants along the shoreline of Alona. Mind you, bars in Alona beach is not like in Boracay so don't expect a crowded bar with lots of people dancing and bands. But if you want pure drinking, few dancing and some intimate moments, this is the perfect spot.

Fourth and Last Day

If you are not yet stoned due to partying last night, you can opt to wake up early and take a long walk along the shore while waiting for the sunrise. Have a hearty breakfast, and last minute sunbathing before fixing your things. Via Cebu Pacific, flight is usually at 1:00 PM so you can first take your lunch at the resort by 11:30 AM and ask your friendly driver cum tour guide to fetch you one hour before the flight schedule.

Manila Bound: Expect to be in Manila 2:30 or 3:00 in the afternoon if flight is not delayed, which is very rare to happen. Unpack your things, take a rest while reviewing your photos and reliving your one of a kind adventure at Bohol.

* Also posted in WikiPinas Travel Guide

Marinduque Itinerary

*** Please click on pictures to see the original sources. Thanks! ^_^***


Marinduque is a small heart-shaped island which, coincidentally, is also in the center of the Philippines. Rich in culture and wide range of unspoiled beaches, caves and forest, this tiny island in Southern Tagalog offers interesting areas still waiting to be explored and discovered. Below is a special Holy Week Itinerary to the “Lent Capital of the Philippines,” Marinduque.

Getting There

By land-sea travel: Coming from Manila, take the bus going to Dalahican, Lucena port. Different bus companies travel from Manila to Dalahican so you have various options.

• Jam Transit- (2)541-4409/(2)925-1758
• JAC Liner- (2)682-5750

Direct bus or car travel: If you feel not going on and off a bus and ferry. You have the option of riding a bus or a door to door van that will take you all the way from Manila to Marinduque. The bus or van will ride the Roll-On, Roll-Off (RO-RO) and will take you to the city capital of the province or right directly at your doorstep if you choose the door to door. This also goes if you have a car and wants to bring it with you on your trip.

Reminders: JAC Liner plies a direct Manila-Marinduque route. The bus usually leaves at 8:00 p.m. daily. You may call (02) 404-2073 for more inquiries and reservation.

Licensed door to door van can pick you up directly at your house and drop you off at your point of destination in Marinduque. Below are the numbers to be contacted for inquiries and reservation.

• 09178369900
• 09172014852
• 09194537219
• 09174665777
• 09183700775
• (02)6464717

Things You Need To Know

Accommodation: There are no posh hotels or big resorts in Marinduque unlike major provinces like Cebu, Davao and Palawan. Below is a list of Inns, hotels and resorts you might want to try, though it’s highly suggested to check in at the capital city Boac, or near it, so watching the Senakulo and going to Boac Cathedral is easy.

• Club Marinduque
• 3E's Love Bay Beach- (42) 3321440
• A and A Beach Resort- (42) 3322817
• East Point Hotel
• Blue Sea Beach Resort- (42) 3321334
• Boac Hotel- (42) 3321121/3111096
• Pyramid Beach Resort- (42) 3321328
• Seaview Hotel- (42) 3322840
• Tahanan Sa Isok- (42) 3321231
• Casa de Azul Hotel and Resort(42) 3337173
• Villa Carlos- (42) 3321882
• El Mannuel Beach Resort- (42) 3321305
• Cely's Lodging House- (42) 3321519
• Katala Becah Resort

Meal: There’s no fast food chain in any town of Marinduque even in its capital city Boac. However, one can have variation of choices among the restaurants and eateries at the town

proper of Boac, Sta. Cruz or Gasan.

Touring: You don’t need a pre-arranged tour to visit the different places in Marinduque. As long as you know how to ask for their direction from the locals there, then you will be perfectly okay. However, sites like Mt.

Malindig and Bathala Caves would really require you a tour guide so better ask hotel and resort administration if they know a person who can tour you. If you want a tried and tested guide, you can also inquire at the Marinduque Provincial Capital, Tourism Department, to ask for their recommended tour guides.

Budget

There are several ATM machines in the town of Marinduque so withdrawing cash is not a problem but still bring extra cash with you always because banks are limited there. Only PNB and Allied Bank.

• Good for one person only (the costing below is just a rough estimate)

• Fare: Php 1,500
• Accommodation: Php 3,000
• Food: Php 1,500
• Tour: Php1,000
• Pasalubong: Php 500

You need to have: Php 7,000/person is the safest budget one can have in order for him/her to travel the towns of Marinduque. If you want to save up, you can opt not to visit Mt. Malindig and Bathala Caves or better yet, travel in big groups.

Holy Week Itinerary

Holy Thursday:

Catch the last day of trip to Marinduque on Holy Thursday. Earliest trip to Lucena is 12:30 a.m. so it is expected that you will arrive at the town of Lucena by 3:30-4:00 am. Ride a jeepney or tricycle to Dalahican port.

Secure your tickets right away and wait for the ferry or the RO-RO. The two crafts usually let the passengers in by 6:00-7:00 a.m. It is highly recommended to be at the port very early during peak seasons like Holy Week so you won’t be stranded and forced to celebrate the Lenten season at the port. While waiting to board, you can take your breakfast first at a nearby canteen or restaurant that’s already open during that wee hour of the morning.

You will arrive in the island of Marinduque at around 10:00-10:30 am.

Take an FX taxi or jeepney to the place of your destination. There are lots of barkers there so you won’t go wrong when riding the right jeepney is the issue. Just be sure to ask so you won’t end up in Sta.Cruz instead of Boac. During holy weeks, tourists are welcomed at the port by the Morions or the masked Roman Soldiers, to give an instant feel of the Moriones Festival of the province.

Upon arrival to you resort or hotel, unpack your things, take your lunch and have along rest because Holy Thursday is going to be a busy night.

Night of Holy Thursday

Leave your hotel or resort at around 6:00 pm to go to the town of Boac through a jeepney or tricycle. While waiting for the 2nd day of the Senakulo, (first day is Holy Wednesday) take your dinner first at a small canteen or restaurant around the area. Take a walk in the park and visit some bazaars in the town plaza. The Senakulo presentation during Holy Thursday is one of the most awaited ones since it’ll be the night where Judas Iscariote will hang himself. This usually starts at 8:00 p.m.

Good Friday

Wake up early on Good Fr iday to take your breakfast and rev yourself for a rather long walk around the town of Boac, this time, you will go with or watch the “Via Crucis” or the way of the cross. You have the option to go along with Christs and the other penitents and morions or just watch, though it is highly suggested th at you go with the "Way of the Cross" so you can also internalize Christ's suffering, and just consider it as another form of penitent. The penitent usually starts at 7:00-8:00 in the morning and ends up before lunch.

After viewing the crucifixion, head to the bazaar, usually near the
place where the Senakulo and crucifixion is being held. If there’s one, you may opt to join the “Paint a Morion Mask” that’s usually being held in the town plaza.

In the afternoon, after taking a rest in your hotels or resort, prepare again your feet for a long walk for the Good Friday procession at 5:00 pm. This time, you will be able to visit Boac Cathedral and actually attend t he mass there. Boac Cathedral was built in the late 18th century in honor of the province patroness Blesssed Virgin of Biglang-awa. This church also served as a fortress and refuge from pirate attacks during the Spanish colonization years. To catch the mass, be at the church as early as 3:00 p.m. There’s no Senakulo during Good Fridays so you can buy more pasalubongs and head home early for a rest.

Black Saturday

There’s no happening at the town plaza during Black Saturday so it’s the perfect time to explore the other towns of the province. Start as early as 8:00 a.m. to be able to visit more places.

1st stop: Jumpstart the tour by visiting the Bathala Caves in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque, 1.5-2hrs. away from the town of Boac. Bathala Caves is a complex network of seven caves, however only four of which have so far been explored. One of the biggest is called "Simbahan." "Kay Coke" cave, on the other hand, is occasionally guarded by pythons. The third cave has an underground river and the fourth one houses human bones believed to be the remains of World War II soldiers.

2nd stop: Before trekking, you should have eaten your lunch already and of course, rested. Your hired tour guide for the day can also take you up to the summit of Buenavista’s Mt. Malindig. From Boac, the town of Buenavista will approximately eat up 30 minutes to 1 hour of your travel time. Make sure your tour guide have made advance arrangements and secured a permit to climb the mountain. Trek usually takes 1.5- 2 hours only depending on your speed and pace and if the weather is okay.

At the summit, you can actually see the nearby provinces and islands of Tres Reyes Island, named after Melchor, Gaspar and Balthazar, Elephant Island, Mindoro, Verde Island,Southern Luzon all the way to Bicol, Romblon, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon and Burias Island. It was said that on a clear day, Mt. Mayon is also visible from Mt. Malindig’s summit although this claim has yet to be verified.

3rd stop: After the trek, you can pass by at the therapeutic Malbog Sulfuric Springs where it is believed that the water from the spring can cure, skin diseases like acne. The relaxing effect of the spring is a must visit in the town of old Buenavista.

4th stop: Head to Gasan to see the “Butterfly Capital of the Philippines.” The town contributes 85% of the country’s butterfly and pupa exports. Aside from preserved butterfly souvenirs, shirts and live butterflies for sale, WHS Butterfly Farm also offers a farm tour where you can learn more about butterflies and its habitat. If you want to experience releasing butterflies in the wild, you can fulfill that fantasy at the Butterfly farm while contributing to their preservation at the same time.

5th and last stop: Head back to Boac and take your early dinner because you wouldn’t want to miss the last day of the Senakulo, would you? The last day is the highlight of the reenactment since it’s the night where the crucifixion, death, resurrection of Christ and beheading of Longinus will be staged.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday is the day where almost all the town folks and tourist of Marinduque flee to the beach for a swim since it’s a belief that it’s also a form of celebration that Christ has finally resurrected. Also, the repeat reenactment of the beheading of Longinus or the “pugutan” is being held early morning of Sunday. Several Morions will be seen roaming around looking for the centurion Longinus. Longinus, on the other hand, is seen running, acting as if he’s hiding from someone. The chasing will be held in the city proper of Boac.

You can opt to watch the pugutan or just buy some food at the town market instead for the swimming. Before going at Torrijos for a swim, stop by first at the Battle of Pulang Lupa,

also located at the said town. The Battle of Pulang Lupa shrine is the place where the battle of the Filipinos against the well-armed Americans was won in 1901. The memorial marker stands on top of the hill.

After visiting the shrine, head at the 1-km long, fine white sand White Beach of Poctoy, probably one of the best and frequented beaches in Marinduque. It has a magnificent view of Mt. Malindig and the coral reefs and clear water makes it an ideal spot for snorkeling. Bask under the sun all day and wait for the sunset which is definitely a sight to behold at the said beach.

Monday

Wake up early, take your breakfast and ride the jeepney or tricycle to take you to the terminal of the jeepneys that will go to the Balanacan port. Tickets can be secured at the port itself so it’s better to leave the town of Boac as early as 6:30-7:00 a.m so you will be at the port at around 8:00 a.m.

It is expected that you will arrive at the city of Manila before or after lunch depending on the traffic. Before heading home, you might want to eat first and reminisce again your spiritual, cultural and historical tour at "The Heart."

* Also posted in WikiPinas Travel Guide