kentisnowhere: Travel

Quick Get - Away From The Daily Grind

10:01 PM
0 Comments

How to get to Siquijor from Cebu

Read: Expore Isla del Fuego (Siquijor Adventure)

There are a number of ways on how to get to this enchanting island. What we did was the cheapest, I think!

From Cebu City (via the south bus)

From any point of Cebu, go to South Bus Terminal.
Ride a Ceres Bus (Recommended) that plies Bato via Lilo-an route.
You'll be in a 4 - hour ride; Fare is Php 175*
Disembark at Lilo-an port.

From Cebu City (via pier 1)

Purchase tickets from Cokaliong Shipping
Ticket price Php 320 (economy)
Travel time 7-8 hours
The vessel will dock at Dumaguete Port

From Lilo-an Port

You need to get to Sibulan port.
You'll have 3 options on how to get to Sibulan port*

1st: RORO / Cargo vessel (slow boat) - Fare is Php 70 - Travel Time: 30 mins
2nd: Fast Craft - Fare is Php 62 - Travel time: 15 - 20 mins
3rd: Motorized Outrigger / Pumpboat - Fare is Php 45 - Travel Time: 25 - 30 mins

From Sibulan Port

Tricycles are readily available on the port. They can take you to Dumaguete City for Php150 - 200. Way too costly for us.
If you're lucky enough, you can catch a passenger jeep (multicab) inside the port.
If there's none, you'll need to walk about 3 - 5 mins to get a jeepney ride.
Outside the port, there's a mini terminal for jeepneys*

To tiangge: Fare is Php 10
To Robinsons: Fare is Php 20

You can disembark on the tiangge, where you can hail a tricycle to Dumaguete port
Or you can go to Robinsons mall (which we did) to freshen up, grab something to eat, and/or get anything you need.
And from Robinsons, hail a tricycle to Dumaguete port for Php 8 / each*

From Dumaguete Port

There are several boats that can take you to Siquijor Island.
Fare varies depending on the type of vessel. Price range is Php 100 -170*
Slow boats' travel time is approximately 2 hours.
While the Fast Craft can take you to the island within 45mins to 1 hour.

From Siquijor Port

You can either take the multicab, motorcycle, or tricycle to your hotel/resort/homestay.

Tip: Try to get on the Multicab. This is the cheapest ride. For tricycle and motorcycle, they'll normally ask for Php150 - 250*

Now you're ready to take on to this mystical adventure. Have fun!

*first published on 13 May 2015

* updated on 7 March 2016

8:52 AM
0 Comments

Islas de Gigantes

Iloilo

Islas de Gigantes - situated in the humble municipality of Carles, Iloilo.

Last week of December 2014, we had an opportunity to visit these island chain. Mind you, it was not an easy breezy travel.

Booked a boat ticket from Cebu to Iloilo. Departed at 6pm on the 26th and arrived in Iloilo the next day around 7am.

Since it was our first time, we were not familiar with the place. Tried looking for a place for breakfast within the port's vicinity but wasn't able to find one.

With a growling stomach, we headed to Tagbak terminal. We rode a PUJ from the port, stopped at Plaza Jaro. Rode another PUJ going to Tagbak terminal. Total damage was Php16 each.

When we reached Tagbak terminal, we've decided to take a van over the Ceres bus. Van's route should be heading to Estancia, Iloilo. It was a 2-3 hour ride. Fare was Php 150 each.

We reached Estancia, Iloilo around 1:00pm. Passenger boat's schedule is only once per day. Boat leaves at 2pm from Estancia port. We reached the port an hour early, so we had a late lunch in one of the hole-in-the-wall food stalls nearby.

Since we are Hideaway Resort's guest, we did not pay the boat's fare. It's already part of our Php 2,000 per head package. But if you'll go there without tapping to any resort package, the fare is Php 80.

*Update*
Price as of March 2017
Php 2,745 per person for 2 nights stay, full board meals, and Island Hopping
Hideaway Resort: 0918 468 5006

The 3-hour boat ride was spine - chilling. Our outrigger boat was slicing through the waves. But bigger waves made the ride breathtaking. But due to the long trip, our body got tired and slept the thrill away.

We safely reached the island. To be honest, the beach wasn't that amazing.

We were welcomed with a cup of coffee. Surprisingly, the resort is full of tourists! Part of our package were full - board meals, overnight stay, boat transfers, tours, and island hopping. Plus we had our own assigned guide.

Hideaway's beach front is not tempting at all. You'll not see tourists swimming, but rubbish floating. The situation is depressing.

We didn't have much action on the first day. We slept and recharged for the next day.

Island Hopping Day

Started the day with a bit of spelunking/caving in a nearby cave - Bakwitan cave. The name came from the word, "evacuate". This cave served as a temporary shelter for the locals, especially when a catastrophe would hit the island.

The caving experience was ordinary but it's definitely a great addition to the tour.

After caving, we went back, had breakfast, and prepared for the main event - island hopping.

I've been to a lot of Island hopping escapades. And I was expecting for a boring one. To my surprise, it was amazing! It was not the usual. It was worth my money and time.

We visited around 4 - 5 islands during the trip. Cabugao Gamay, Cabugao Dako, Antonia Beach, Tangke Lagoon, and Bantigue Island

We enjoyed the sea breeze, the sun, the sand, the water, and everything that came in with the experience. I'll not elaborate more on my experience but definitely, it's a sure hit!

8:36 AM
0 Comments

BEWARE: a hidden beach with a hidden attitude

Cebu

Imagine you're by the beach, relaxing on a powdery white sand, listening to the soothing sound of the waves, feeling the warm sun on your cheek, & you're holding your favorite beer. Just how perfect can it get!

But what if a few greedy beings will break the tranquility just for a couple of bills? Are you willing to risk? I'd say a hard NO.

A few days ago, we went to Hidden Beach at Aloguinsan, Cebu. We've heard several comments about this place. Mostly ranging from a not-so-happy comment to a satisfied one. Nevertheless, we went there.

We brought our own food for grilling. Arrived at the place early in the afternoon. Upon arrival, we informed them that we are staying overnight and we have our own tents. They asked us to pay an entrance fee (Php 20.00 / head) and another overnight fee of Php 100.00 for each tent. It was perfectly fine.

We were alone at the beach, except for three Spanish fellas. By late afternoon, We already had a few drinks. We noticed that the three tourists started to pack their things and left. Before they ascended the stairs, we asked, "why are you leaving?" They responded, "We've been here, stayed overnight but not anymore". Those words linger on me like a cryptic symbol that awaits Robert Langdon's knowledge. "Oh well", I replied and shrugged everything off.

Night came and everyone was in a party atmosphere. We already consumed a considerable amount of alcohol, but not yet drunk. We had great music and everyone was really having a good time. In the dark, someone is descending from the stairs. It was the caretaker. He then approached us like a tiger lurking on a deer. He asked for another Php 100.00 each tent since we were staying for the night. His words came as a complete shock! We questioned him and informed him that we already paid the amount before we entered. He argued and said that it was only for a day stay. We had a debate. We insisted and talked to another caretaker. We got the same order. It was ridiculous! We told them that we are paying it tomorrow (hoping that we can sort things out with the absence of alcohol).

We woke up 6am had our breakfast and started packing. We approached the caretakers and talked about the overnight fees. They really insisted that it's Php 200 per tent. To stop the heating argument, we paid the remaining Php 200 and left.

It's not about the money, but it's the honesty that I'm concerned about. Who wants to stay in a place full of dishonest opportunists? I then remembered the words of the Spanish tourists. And I realized why they would prefer to go home than stay for the night.

Edit:

After a week, a friend of mine also went there and suffered the same fate. They were charged Php 300.00 each tent. At least for us, we only paid Php 200.00 per tent.

10:59 AM
0 Comments

Going to Camotes... Beware!!

Cebu

It was a rainy morning when we reached Danao port. We were reluctant of pursuing our unplanned Camotes trip. When we in the port, we settled down first and decided whether we should go or skip Camotes and instead, just go to San Remigio. After several minutes of discussing, checking weather reports, and observing the sea, we've finally reached a decision-- GO!

We then walked towards the mouth of the port in search for the right ticketing booth. We saw two booths. First, posted a ticket price: Php 100. I was in doubt if that is really the price. I asked a bystander, "Asa ang ticketing booth anang barko noy?" ("Where is the ticketing booth of that boat, sir?") The bystander replied, "diri ai, ali sunod nako" (It's here. Come follow me") So then I realized that the booth that has Php 100 sign was for the outrigger boat.

He directed me to another window. I then thanked him for the gesture. While we were lining up, I noticed that the bystander was still there. He was holding a piece of paper that looks like a ticket! He then whispered that he has a spare ticket and would like to sell it to us. I was confused and uncertain. I gave him a doubtful look. I guess he understood and with an assuring tone, he said, "ayaw kabalaka, ako-a mani. ganiha ko ni gipalit. di naman ko muadto, ako lang ibaligya nimo" (don't worry, this is mine. I bought this earlier. Since I'm no longer going, I'll just sell it to you") Still in doubt, he forcefully gave the ticket to my girlfriend. When it was our turn, we showed the ticket to the kind lady who was in charge of selling tickets. She said that it was a valid ticket but it was a ticket previously purchased by another person. She confiscated the ticket and recommended that we'll buy two new tickets (each for Php 180). She then asked another person inside their office to track down the person who was selling purchased tickets. I guess they are already aware of the present situation since they were not astonished and in fact, they know the person's name.

Jomalia Shipping lines ticket price (as of May 28,2013)

Php 180

11:11 AM
0 Comments

Bohol over the weekend

Bohol

I know that Bohol is one of the nearest islands in Cebu. Even with its close proximity, in my 22 years of existence, February 17, 2013, marked my first step on that beautiful island.

Started my Bohol plan a week before my travel. By the way, I traveled with my girlfriend. Since we are not familiar with this island, I did some rigorous research. I found a cheap way on how to avail cheap tickets via Oceanjet ( http://oceanjet.net/ ). I learned that if we buy tickets days before our trip, we can enjoy the "libre balik" promo of Oceanjet. In our case, we paid Php590.00 since we got our tickets from a travel agency and they charge Php50.00 for the service fee.

February 17, 2013, we were so ready to explore the island.

Tagbilaran City Sea Port, the capital's main seaport. Situated on the northern tip of the city. Travelers to and from Bohol uses the port as its main mode of entry, more so than the airfield. I noticed that there were several car rental/tour services (price range for van: Php2500 - 3500 ; car Php1800 - 2000) outside the port. Since we were on a budget, we were not tempted to avail any of these services.

First, we went to ICM (Island City Mall) and rode a public utility jeep going to Loboc. At first, I thought that the ride would be stressful. I was wrong! The Jeepney ride was okay. And the ride was only for Php27.00 each person. I think it was nearly an hour trip. We reached Loboc around 11:00 am. Just in time for our Loboc River cruise. While waiting, we noticed an old church that is so beautiful -- Loboc Church.

Loboc Church

Left part of the church

It was passed 11.00 AM when we boarded the most awaited river cruise. We spent Php350.00 for the boat ride with a buffet. The food was not remarkable. It was so-so. One tip I could share, when having lunch, don't immediately attack the buffet table. Wait until the in-charge would refill food on the table. Aside from the boat fee, there was another charge of Php100.00 for the entrance (huh?) Well anyway, the cruise was scenic and relaxing. You will forget that you spent almost Php500.00 for an ordinary buffet. The cruise is quite long and peaceful. At the end of the cruise, the boat will dock to a place where locals are singing and dancing folk songs.

Loboc River Cruise

Here's a clip of the performing locals.

After our cruise, we walked to the main road and waited for a Ceres bus. Waiting for a bus would take some time since Ceres bus liner is still new to the province. They have a limited number of buses as of now. We waited for more than 30mins for the bus. It was just okay since the fare is just Php10.00. We then reached our next stop, Tarsier Conservation Area. An entrance fee of Php60.00 is charged for every person. The area had several Tarsiers in captivity. I pity those Tarsiers for they're not comfortable with their new "home." Visitors are not controlled. Yes, there are signages saying to maintain a peaceful and silent environment. But I think it's not enough to protect the little creatures from stress.

Tarsier

We also took pictures of ourselves after the short Tarsier tour. These statues are located near the exit.

Juliet (the Cebuana) & Lorraine (the Boholana)

Kent (me)

The viewing area for these creatures was packed. So we just sat down and started to people-watch.

spot the biggest Tarsier

We headed to Simply Butterflies Conservation Center via Ceres bus for Php10.00. At first, I was reluctant to go to this spot since it only houses butterflies. Nevertheless, we still went inside this center and paid Php40.00. When we went inside we were assisted by one of their cheerful tour guides. I commend their tour guides since they added the spice to that ordinary tour. Their guides were so jolly and at the same time knowledgeable. All of us had a good laugh within the period of our tour. I can say that this spot should always be included in Bohol tours.

Pupa

playing - dead

Wings

Chocolate Hills. This is the last part of our tour for Bohol. Took another bus ride from the butterfly sanctuary to Chocolate hills for Php15.00. Before we could see these amazing hills, we rode a motorcycle for Php40.00 per trip. The entrance fee for the Chocolate Hills is Php50.00. Since we were with Lorraine, born in Carmen, Bohol, we were not asked to pay the entrance fee.

panorama view of the hills

After everything, we went back to Tagbilaran to find a place for the night.

4:46 PM
2 Comments

kentisnowhere

Quick Get - Away From The Daily Grind

How to get to Siquijor from Cebu

Islas de Gigantes

BEWARE: a hidden beach with a hidden attitude

Going to Camotes... Beware!!

Bohol over the weekend

About Me

Get in touch

Click Below

recent posts

Translate Content

Get your best deals and discounts!

Popular Posts

Shoot me an email