kentisnowhere: Visayas

Explore Olango Island, Cebu for only 10 pesos per hour

Are you sick and tired of the concrete jungle? Do you want to relax and see foliage of all types? Or bask in the sun with a good view of the sea? But, is your wallet hindering you from all these graces? If you're in Cebu, I got you fam!

A few minutes away from the resort island of Mactan, there is an underrated island that boasts both marine resources and diverse migratory birds. Luckily, you don't need to spend hours of travel. It would only take you 15 to 20 minutes to reach this destination.

How to Get to Olango Island?

From Cebu City

Ride a jeepney or taxi that would take you to SM City Cebu.
Head straight to SM City Cebu's V-hire/ Van Terminal and look for the van that will take you to Mactan New Town. The fare is Php 35
Alternatively, take a van to Gaisano Mactan. The fare is Php 25. Then, ride a jeepney to Mactan New Town.
From Mactan New Town, walk towards the tricycle area. Inform the driver to take you to Angasil Port. The fare is Php 10
A passenger outrigger boat is available all day to take you to Olango Island for only Php 15.

Upon reaching Sta Rosa Port in Olango, there are a lot of tricyles that will take you to your destination. But since, we are only staying for a day. We will have to rent bicycles.

Olango MyBike

You may opt for another bicycle rental shop. If not, you can go straight to Olango MyBike. Their bike shop is located in Sitio Tapon, Sta. Rosa, Olango Island. Simply inform the tricycle driver to bring you to Olango MyBike. The fare is Php 10 - 15

Personally, I prefer to rent at Olango MyBike because their bikes look polished and new. Plus, all their units come in the same vibrant colors.

The rental fee is just Php 10 per hour. You'll have to deposit a valid ID and a Php 10 payment for the first hour.

You may contact Olango Mybike through the following numbers:

(Smart) 0998.853.6294
(Sun) 0943.707.6555

(Globe) 0917.583.0449

Olango Itinerary

Now that you have your bikes ready, it's time to start the tour.

Tungasan Board Walk

Approximately, 2.7 kilometers away from Olango MyBike HQ. Tungasan Board Walk is perfect for picture taking. The long path makes every photo beautiful. Free entrance fee.

Sagastrand Beach Resort

From Tungasan Board Walk, pedal your way to Sagastrand Beach Resort. A private resort. that offers day use for Php 250. See Reviews here

For discounted room rates, book here

Casa Blanca by the Sea

This is just a few meters away from Sagastrand. This another private resort. Entrance fee is Php 300. You decide whether you'll visit Sagastrand or Casa Blanca. See Reviews here.

San Vicente Marine Sanctuary

This is Olango's marine sanctuary. You'll have to pay 70 if you want to swim and another 100 for snorkeling mask rental. They provide free life jackets as well.

They also offer a variety of food choices.

Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Center

This may be the highlight of the trip. Best time to visit here is 2 hours before the scheduled high tide. Migratory birds usually visit the place from the months of September to April.

Optional

Payag sa Asinan Eco-tourism Park

Read: IS PAYAG SA ASINAN ECO-TOURISM IN OLANGO ISLAND A YAY OR NAY?

This is approx. 3.7 kilometers away from Tungasan Board Walk and 3.9 kilometers away from Olango MyBike. This is a campsite covered with mostly bermuda grass. Php 15 entrance fee

After Payag sa Asinan, you'll have to travel back to Sta Rosa. This is quite far. So, ready your legs for an intense cardio.

That's it! Cardio/ Adventure day. This is the real definition of working out while having fun. Enjoy!

Discounted Cebu accommodations, Click here!

6:00 PM
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Is Payag sa Asinan Eco-tourism in Olango Island a yay or nay?

Cebu

More often than not, when we speak of Cebu, we reminisce our unforgettable experiences on this beautiful island. But aside from these unique adventures, what else does Cebu have to offer?

Cebu is composed of several islands and islets. And part of this big group is the Olango group of Islands. This comprises of Olango Island (mainland) and 6 islets namely: Caohagan, Gilutongan, Nalusuan, Pangan-an, Camungi, and Sulpa.

Olango Island, situated off Mactan Island in Cebu is home to various marine species. This island also serves as a hub for migratory birds.

How to Get to Olango Island?

From Cebu City

Ride a jeepney or taxi that would take you to SM City Cebu.
Head straight to SM City Cebu's V-hire/ Van Terminal and look for the van that will take you to Mactan New Town. The fare is Php 35
Alternatively, take a van to Gaisano Mactan. The fare is Php 25. Then, ride a jeepney to Mactan New Town.
From Mactan New Town, walk towards the tricycle area. Inform the driver to take you to Angasil Port. The fare is Php 10
A passenger outrigger boat is available all day to take you to Olango Island for only Php 15.

Payag sa Asinan Eco - Tourism Park

We stayed in a modest camping site at Payag sa Asinan Eco-Tourism Park. The entrance fee is Php 15 per person. The contrast of colors of the tents and the lush greens of the bermuda made the area appealing. The bermuda also served as a perfect cushion for our tents.

We brought our own tents thinking that we'll pay a lesser fee. We only paid Php 100 per tent. It was a good deal until we realized that if we rented the campsite's tents, the fee will still be at a Php 100. So, even if we brought our own tents, we'll still be paying the same as those who just rented their already pitched tents. We were all perplexed and cleary, I just didn't see the logic. Anyway, scammed or not, we brushed it off and continued the fun times.

Honestly, we didn't expect that the s̶c̶a̶m̶ ̶s̶i̶t̶e̶ campsite was full of mangroves. I'm not against mangroves. In fact, I sure do support mangrove - planting 100%. I was just expecting something else, maybe. I'm not sure how to describe the place. It's like a beach with a mangrove swamp.

Anyway, I appreciate the wife of the owner of the place. She was so accommodating and helpful. When we arrived, she offered us tables for our bags and chairs for our tired bodies. Since, we didn't bring any cooking set, the good lady offered to buy and cook our food. Food is inaccessible in the area. So, you either bring your own food or have someone buy it for you. Also, I think it's not advisable to use open fire because the area is mostly covered with grass and it could easily catch fire. Unless they'll have an area dedicated to cooking.

After dinner, there were still several campers coming in. Tents sprouted like mushrooms. People started socializing. Giggles and laughs filled the area. It felt like a legit campsite.

Unfortunately, fun was shut down by boisterous ignorant folks who rented a freaking karaoke machine and delivered their ear - shattering performance. It was a major let down. We complained to the owner but there's nothing much they can do. They couldn't just drive the loud folks away. We then felt that we should've stayed somewhere else.

Tips!

Bring your own water for drinking. Bottled water is not readily available at the campsite.
Bring food that doesn't need cooking
Freshwater is sold by the bucket.
Ready your power banks and portable lights.

I know that the Lapu Lapu government is promoting the area for tourism. And I'm hoping that they can work on a set of rules that will protect the area and the campers.

Will I ever go back and visit the place? Maybe not soon but I surely will visit again.

For more Cebu Accommodations, Check out this link

12:13 PM
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Backpacking the Panay Island: Quick tour in Guimaras

Guimaras

Panay is incredibly famous with the the local and foreign tourists. This island serves as the gateway to the party island, Boracay. Amid such popularity, Panay island has so much to offer.

We embarked into a few days of real Panay adventure. We started in Guimaras - Iloilo city - Antique. It was an exhilarating experience. From the bustling city to the relaxing scent of the sea breeze. It was an adventure worth sharing.

First Stop!

Guimaras

The island is fairly small. The locals recommend to visit the island every May for their Mango Festival wherein you get to eat unlimited mangoes for only Php 100. What a time to be alive!

Places to see

There are a few places to see in Guimaras. We definitely got to see them via a short tricycle tour. We paid Php 1,200 as a group for the whole tour. Most tour operators offer Php 1,000 - Php 1,500 per tour. The tricycle can carry up to 5 - 6 passengers comfortably.

Smallest Plaza

Including this in the tour is pretty hilarious. It's basically a small, cramped park that has nothing to offer. Yes, you can skip this or just take a quick peek inside.

Trappist Monastery

A peaceful monastery that sells goodies. Most people say that they have the finest scarves in the island and good - quality mango jams. The area is lush in vegetation with a nice breeze blowing through. It's a perfect place to reflect and pray.

Guimaras Provincial Monument

There's an open space in front of the Museum. There are also street food available in the area. This is where you see the iconic "Guimaras" name.

The Pitstop

This is a restaurant in Guimaras. They serve mango - flavored pizzas. Well, the resto already has branches outside Guimaras. But, it won't really hurt if your try their mango pizza.

Alubihod beach

The beach is pretty much occupied by resorts. So, you pretty much need to get in one of the resorts to see the beach.

Other Places in Guimaras

Guisi beach
Guisi lighthouse
Taklong Island
Ave Maria Islet
Sad - Sad falls

How to get to Guimaras

There is no direct flight to Guimaras. It's best to be in Iloilo to access Guimaras.

From Iloilo, take a jeepney or taxi going to Ortiz Wharf. Ask the locals and they'll direct you to that place.

Outrigger boats with regular trips are available to take you to Jordan Wharf in Guimaras. Travel time is about 15 - 20 minutes. Fare is Php 20.

Where to stay in Guimaras

If you opt to stay in Guimaras for a night, it's best to stay in a resort situated near the beach. below are some recommended resorts.

Raymen Beach Resort

Kenyama Beach Resort

Nature Eye's Resort

For discounted Guimaras accommodations, please check this link

See the next part of the adventure: Iloilo City

8:35 AM
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Backpacking the Panay Island: The Best of Iloilo City

Iloilo

You're now reading the second installment of our Backpacking the Panay Island: 3 - part series. If you haven't read the first part yet, see this: Quick Tour in Guimaras

Iloilo City

Iloilo is a highly urbanized area. This city serves as a transportation hub for tourists and locals alike. The city offers a lot of variety; from restaurants, shopping districts, to nightlife. We can also see Spanish - colonial churches, old buildings, and ancestral houses.

What to do in Iloilo City

Visit their heritage sites

Walk around Iloilo City proper to find old buildings. You can see the sites around Calle Real, Plaza Libertad, Jaro, and Molo.
Some of the must - visit sites are as follows:

Jaro Cathedral
Nelly's Garden
Old Capitol Building; Kilometer Zero
Molo Mansion
Molo Plaza
Downtown Area

Walk along their Esplanade

If Manila has their infamous boardwalk, Iloilo has their own esplanade. Catch the sunset while leisurely walking. They also have a few food hubs around the area.

Savor the original La Paz batchoy

Locals recommend Netong's Original Special La Paz batchoy as their batchoys never disappoint.The original Netong's is located inside La Paz Public Market.

Taste Iloilo's newest eats

Other than sumptuous La Paz Batchoy, Iloilo has something else to offer. Try Lars Buko Batchoy. It's a fusion of the traditional batchoy and buko. It's an interesting twist on the classic batchoy.

Where to stay in Iloilo City

There are a lot of places that offer accommodation. They have everything that fits within your budget.

Some of the recommended places are:

GT Hotel Iloilo
Injap Tower Hotel
NorthView Inn

For more Iloilo Hotels, please check this link

After a quick tour in Iloilo, we went straight to Molo terminal paid Php 8 for a short Jeepney ride. Then, looked for a van that plies the Iloilo - Tibiao route. Van fare is Php 180. We left Molo terminal around 8 PM and reached the sleepy town of Tibiao, Antique at exactly midnight. Yes, at the freaking stroke of midnight.

Find out what happened next: Antique Adventure

8:35 AM
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Backpacking the Panay Island: Antique at the wee hours of the night

Antique

We disembarked from the Van at exactly midnight. Carrying our huge bags, we silently walked towards an empty waiting shed. I hurriedly scrambled for my phone. Blasting messages to our host in Kayak Inn, which is 4 - 5 kilometers off the highway. No one was really responding to my messages. But, I kept my cool and wore my "everything-is-fine" fake smile. The silence was really deafening. No one even dared to mention how creepy the area was. The cold midnight breeze added an extra chill to our uneasy souls. Until someone was eerily walking towards us.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw the old man's silhouette. His unkempt hair made everything more terrifying. It was like a scene straight out of a horror movie. I was so ready to fight for my life.

Luckily, the old man was a motorcycle driver. He's no supernatural, but a life - saver. Since, no one from Kayak Inn returned our calls, we've decided to take the old man's services. He summoned 2 other motorcycle drivers. They all took us to Kayak Inn and paid Php 70 per person, which is the standard rate.

We safely arrived at Kayak Inn and called it a day.

Antique

Located in the region of Western Visayas. It's just a couple of hours away from Caticlan. It is magnificently bounded by the rugged central mountains of Panay.

Tibiao and Culasi are well - known towns of Antique. Tibiao is famous for the Kawa Hot Bath and white water kayaking. While Culasi is known for Mararison Island.

How to get to Antique?

From Iloilo City,

Ride a van or bus that will take you to the province of Antique. As for us, we took a van from Molo Terminal and paid Php 180.

From Caticlan

There are buses that will take you to Antique. Might want to start in Culasi then head towards the south.

Where to Stay in Tibiao, Antique?

Go for something that is less likely modern. I recommend Kayak Inn. They offer such breezy rooms for only Php 500 a night.

Kayak Inn - 0905 906 2380/ 0919 553 1104

Or simply secure your rooms here

For more Antique accommodations, check out this link

What to do in Tibiao, Antique?

Bath in a Kawa
This might be the most common activity in Tibiao. For most tourists, the town is synonymous to Kawa Hot Bath. Most of the inns in the area offer this glorifying bath. The price ranges from Php 200 - 250 per person. I suggest you rent the biggest kawa for better experience.

Trek Bugtong Bato Falls

Walk through fields of various crops and vegetables. Trek for almost 30 minutes and be rewarded with an awesome sight of Bugtong Bato Falls.

Registration Fee: Php 50

Guide Fee: Php 150

Kayak Tibiao River

Like any other river activities, kayaking the Tibiao river is perfect to do during the rainy season. The rain brings life to the rapids. Thus, it makes your experience more amazing. Sadly, we had to skip this and just be back some other time.

We left Kayak Inn around noon. The fastest way to get to Culasi is via a motorcycle. Unfortunately, they don't come cheap in the Philippines. Their rates are way higher than most public transportation. The drivers in Tibiao asked Php 250 each for a one way ride to Culasi. We haggled over the price. Finally, they gave in to our Php 180 each request.

We reached the town of Culasi around 1 PM. Just inform the drivers to drop you off the port for Mararison Island. We paid Php 30 each for the registration fee. The boat fee was at Php 750 roundtrip which could accommodate up to 5 passengers.

Mararison Island

The final leg of our Tri - province adventure. This small island is a barangay in Culasi. Over 750 people are residing here but there's not a single health center. Residents will have to brave the seas to reach the next health center or hospital. I hope the government can look into this and provide them with better health services.

Apart from Mararison island's powdery white beach, this island offers a vast headland that brings drama to your every shot. Its picturesque landscapes will surely drain the battery out of your cameras.

How to get to Mararison Island?

From Iloilo City

Take a bus or van from Molo Terminal bound for Culasi.

From Tibiao, Antique

Ride a van bound to Culasi or hail a motorcyle to easily take you to Culasi for a higher fee (Php 180 - 250 each)

What to do in Mararison Island?

Trekking - Php 200 per guide good for 5 visitors.
Swiimming
Snorkelling

Where to stay in Mararison Island?

Tents are highly discouraged by the baranggay. But, they do offer cheap accommodations ranging from Php 250 - 400 per person. If you really prefer tents, you may pitch your tents at Blue Lagoon Resort for a fee.

We stayed in a rustic beach hut with fan. We paid 600 pesos or Php 200 each for an overnight stay. The beach hut's name was Villa Victoriano. Its located by the beach; right side if you're facing the Mararison Island sign. Don't worry, tourism officers will happily assist you upon arrival.

That sums up our Backpacking the Panay Island series. You and your friends should experience this enchanting island.

Read: Part I of our Backpacking the Panay Island: Quick Tour in Guimaras

Read: Part II of our Backpacking the Panay Island: The Best of Iloilo City

8:34 AM
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Aguinid Falls: A Mini Upstream Canyoning Experience

Cebu

Cebu, particularly the south, is relatively known for Canyoneering / Canyoning. Tourists swarm the area like Metallica is playing a 2 - hour special in Kawasan Falls.

Anyway, if you're too much of a chicken for canyoneering or just wants to try another exciting activity that involves water, Aguinid Falls will complete your Cebu getaway.

Samboan is 150 kilometers away from Cebu City. If you're taking a bus to get there, Aguinid Falls is conveniently located near the Highway. You won't get lost as they have conspicuously placed a liquor - sponsored signage on the entrance. So, if you'll fail to notice the bold "This way to Aguinid Falls" phrase, I'm pretty sure you won't miss the beer advert.

How to Get to Aguinid Falls

Via Car

Drive approximately 150 kilometers from the city to Samboan via the Santander - Barili -Toledo road. It's the road on the right when you reach the Carcar rotunda.

Via Bus

From Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride a bus that plies the Cebu - Samboan Route. Inform the driver to drop you off the corner of Aguinid Falls.

Upon reaching Aguinid Falls, go straight to the registration table. You'll need to pay a minimal registration fee and they'll assign you a tour guide.

Foreigners: Php 60 per person

Local: Php 40 per person

It's your duty to give a decent amount to the guide for his services. Mind you, they don't get any salary for being a guide. They usually assign two guides per group during off - peak seasons and 1 during high peak seasons.

Also, if you plan on bringing your Lamborghini Aventador, Aguinid Falls has ample parking space priced at Php 20.

Aguinid Falls has this multi - tiered waterfall system that allows you to hike, climb, scramble, and even jump into the bluish water. The LGU of Samboan has only promoted levels 0 - 5 to the public. Fortunately, only if you're willing, the guides may take you as high as level 8!

Levels 0 - 5 are for beginners. They might be categorized as easy to trek and climb but the beauty is still stunning.

After level 5, you may inform your guide that you are ready to conquer the remaining advance levels. This time, you'll need to pay extra for your guides as the trail is not easy. We gave our guide Php 300 for the first five levels and an extra Php 300 for levels 6 - 8. But it really depends on your generosity. We gave him extra as he is really good and proactive in taking shots.

Before deciding to climb the advance levels, be sure that you can endure climbing without safety gears or even ropes.

What to Bring

Cash
Extra dry clothes
Non - slippery shoes/ sandals
Waterproof bags
Action Camera or anything that would document your adventure.

Aguinid Falls consumed a good two hours of our day and should really be on your bucket list for Cebu.

For cheap Cebu accommodation, please check here

2:43 PM
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kentisnowhere

Explore Olango Island, Cebu for only 10 pesos per hour

Is Payag sa Asinan Eco-tourism in Olango Island a yay or nay?

Backpacking the Panay Island: Quick tour in Guimaras

Backpacking the Panay Island: The Best of Iloilo City

Backpacking the Panay Island: Antique at the wee hours of the night

Aguinid Falls: A Mini Upstream Canyoning Experience

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