kentisnowhere: Visayas

The Beach Park Hadsan: Affordable Beach in Lapu Lapu City

3:36 PM
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Weekend Travel: Quick Trip To Bacolod City

Friday 9 PM - We queued for the 2 AM slot for the direct bus trip to Bacolod City at the Cebu North Bus Terminal. We weren't able to secure a slot for the 11:30 PM departure because it was full when we arrived. The travel time took about 7-8 hours. Bus Fare is Php 550 (includes boat fare)

Bacolod also has an airport which is not far from the city proper.

Weekend Travel: Quick Trip To Bacolod City

It was around 7 AM when we reached San Carlos City port. We had to meet someone in the city but we were just so late. So, we needed to tweak our itinerary immediately. We realised that the bus will pass by the road to Mambukal Mountain Resort. Hence, at around 9:30 AM, we got off at the junction for Mambukal Resort.

Mambukal Resort

How to get there

This famous mountain resort is 35-45 minutes drive from the Bacolod city. It's located in the sleepy town of Murcia. Jeepneys and buses that ply this route are located at Libertad Public Market. The fare is about Php 35 per person.

Mambukal Mountain Resort is known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and great scenery. They also offer a number of activities;

Lagoon kayaking/boating for Php 30 per person per 30 minutes.
Trekking to the 7 Falls
Spa
Zipline

Mambukal is operated by the LGU. Hence, the fees are of affordable rates. The entrance fee is Php 50 each. There is also a minimal charge for those who wish to enjoy their swimming pools.

They also offer overnight accommodation for those who wish to stay for the night. Check out the rates below:

There is no corkage fee at the resort. It's highly advisable to bring your own food and drinks. There is also a dedicated grill area available for guests. But, you can also dine at the available hole in the wall places outside the resort. The resort also operates their own restaurant.

But if you want to stay in Bacolod City, check out the cheapest offers from Agoda!

Campuestohan Highland Resort

We were fairly behind our itinerary. We left Mambukal at around 2 PM. And clearly, the good gods of travel weren't on our side. We unluckily boarded a PUJ that ran on half-clutch for a good 45 minutes! Believe it or not, the driver drove a paved, traffic-free, 6-7km road for more than an hour. It was slower than your current internet plan! The PUJ was in good running condition but he wanted to distance himself from the first few PUJs before him. Thus, explains the stupid act.

Anyway, instead of getting off at Bacolod city to take the hourly shuttle to Campuestohan which is located at Caltex iMart across McDonald's east. We opened our Google maps and looked for an alternate route.

After a short "i-am-not-sure-should-we do-it?" moment, we've decided to get off at an unfamiliar corner in Murcia. The map showed a faint line that connects Murcia to Campuestohan and this convinced us to take the leap.

Unsure of our new route, we started the search for our next ride. We stood there for about 15 minutes whilst trying to hail a tricycle that may take us to Campuestohan. Finally, a tricycle driver offered his services; our knight in a sweat-soaked cotton tee on his rusty but trusty metal horse. He was the only brave soul that accepted our made-up, dubious, and untested route. And, it was priced at Php 600.

The driver was uncertain of his way to the resort. Fortunately, locals were kind enough to help. We arrived at Campuestohan after a bumpy 45-minute ride over a badly rutted road.

The life-like dino, Zipline - induced screams, and the murderous UV rays of the sun greeted us upon arrival. We paid Php 150 to see the colourful tipi huts, hobbit-like houses, roaring dinosaurs, and a sea of curious people. It was actually a summer weekend which explains the high volume of guests.

There are several things to do at Campuestohan.

Take lots of Instagram worthy photos.
Swim in their wave pool; enjoy the foam bath for Php 150 per person
Do outdoor activities such as Sky Bicycle (Php 100), zip line (Php 200), rope course (Php 200), Cable Hamster Wheel (Php 100)
Picnic and camping

If you want to spend the night, please contact Campuestohan directly at http://www.campuestohanhighlandresort.com/

A group of 6 may book their rooms for as low as Php 5,000 per night.

We only stayed for under two hours because it was crippling hot. Plus, we needed to be at our next destination before sunset.

The Ruins

This could be the most iconic landmark of Bacolod to date. You simply don't miss the chance to see the historical ruins of the Lacson mansion. According to Roger, an ex-TV reality show winner and The Ruins official tour guide, this mansion was the prized possession of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, a wealthy sugar baron of Bacolod.

This tourist attraction is now known as the Taj Mahal of Bacolod or even in the Philippines. It is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM for a minimal fee of Php 100 per person.

We arrived at The Ruins around 6:30 PM. Clearly, we missed the sunset. It would've have been great to take photos with the soft hues of the sun.

How to get there

Since the drop-off area of the Campuestohan shuttle is at a gas station across McDonald's East, we hailed a tricycle and paid Php 150 for a one way trip to The Ruins. Alternatively, you can use Grab, a ride-hailing app, to get to the tourist spot. Also, there are vans that are ready to take you back to the city for Php 50 per person.

Manokan Country

Hands down to the best Manok Inasal (chicken barbecue) that I have ever tasted in my whole existence. Manokan Country is a strip of hole-in-the-wall chicken barbecue stands. This famous food place is located right across SM Bacolod.

There are a lot of BBQ places in Manokan Country. Since we did our research, we had to choose between Nena's and Aida's. These two are the most recommended places to eat in Bacolod. Aida's occupies a bigger space in Manokan Country. Hence, we chose this place so we can be seated immediately.

Unlike Mang Inasal, they don't offer set meals or even unlimited rice. They sell their chickens per piece. Aside from the famous chicken barbecue, you may also order pork barbecue, chorizo, and various chicken innards that will be grilled to perfection. They also offer fresh oysters for Php 50 per serving.

You may be thinking that people are just over exaggerating about how good Bacolod Inasal is. Well, honestly, they're not good, they're super, goddamn, fuck-other-chickens-great! I'll be raving about this inasal for the rest of my life. What sets Bacolod Inasal apart from other BBQ places is their chicken oil. It's that yellow, sometimes orange, condiment that sits on our table. Diners would usually drizzle the chicken oil on their rice. It makes your rice really sinful but extra delectable.

Where to stay in Bacolod City?

This isn't really a problem because the city offers diverse accommodation that ranges from hostels to luxurious hotels. It really depends on your preference. Below are some of the most recommended hotels

Go Hotels Bacolod

Click here for Go Hotel's Agoda Rates

Click here for Go Hotel's Travelbook Rates

White Hotel Bacolod

Click here for White Hotel's Agoda Rates

GT Hotel Bacolod

Click here for GT Hotel's Agoda Rates

Hometown Hotel Bacolod

Click here for Hometown Hotel's Agoda Rates

For other discounted Hotel options, please click below:

Agoda's Recommendation

Side Trip To Lakawon Island

On our second day, we woke up at 7AM and went to Ceres North Terminal (from the city center, ride a PUJ that plies the Bata - Libertad route). Upon arrival at the terminal, look for the bus that will take you to Cadiz City. Inform the driver to drop you off at Martesan Terminal or simply the terminal for Lakawon Island. We paid Php 105 for a 1 1/2 hour airconditioned bus ride.

Take a tricycle ride for Php 120 per trip for 5-6 people. Inform the driver to take you to Brgy Cadiz Viejo port.

Once there, go directly to the registration area. You'll have to input your names on their website. You'll have to choose between sight-seeing (day trip) or overnight stay. Entrance fee to Lakawon Island is Php 320 each. This includes 2-way boat transfers. If you want to rent a cottage, it starts at Php 600.

If you want to enter Tawhai Floating Bar, there's a separate fee of Php 250 each. The bar provides food and drinks at affordable prices. Also, they've skipped on cash transactions. They'll provide you with a reloadable card to purchase drinks and food.

The island looks okay. It's not bad, but not the best either. The sand is really nice and clean, though. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectation considering that we paid Php 550 for the entrance fee. But, the island is still beautiful and relaxing.

We left the island around 3 PM since we needed to be in Cebu before Monday.

Alternative Route from Lakawon Island to Cebu

We waited for a Ceres Bus across Martisan Terminal that'll take us to Escalante City. Inform the bus attendant to drop you off at BDO, before the rotunda, in Escalante City. We paid Php 59 for the bus ticket. Once you arrived, a group of tricycle drivers will swarm the bus once it stops. They'll offer to take you to Escalante port for a fee. Inform the tricycle driver to take you to Barcelona Port. The fare ranges from Php 120 - Php 240 per trip.

We arrived at the port 30 minutes before departure. The slow boat departed at 5PM. we paid Php 130 for the boat fare. We reached Tabuelan, Cebu around 7PM.

5:59 PM
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What to expect on your Carnaza Island Trip

Cebu

Another summer weekend means another beach trip. We went to the Carnaza Island this time. This island is located a few kilometres off the coast of Daanbantayan, Cebu. It is said that Lito Osmeña owns Carnaza Eco Park, the island's go-to-campsite. Well, they offer rooms for those who hate setting up tents.

Currently, this has been Cebu's fast-rising tourist destination. Many are intrigued; only a few have conquered.

What to expect on your Carnaza Island Trip

Getting there

From Cebu North Bus Terminal, catch the earliest bus that plies the Maya - Bagay route. Don't get confused with the buses bound for Bantayan Island, this is certainly a different one. The travel time is about 4 hours. The fare is around PHP 217 for the air-conditioned buses and PHP 150 for the economy buses. Again, catch the earliest bus if you want to spend more time in Carnaza.

Inform the bus attendant that you're getting off at Tapilon Port or simply inform them to drop you off at the port for Carnaza Island. Locals are familiar with this newest tourist destination and surely, you won't get lost unless you're a full moron.

Anyway, upon arrival at Tapilon Port, don't expect a grand or even a proper port. You'll have to ask around for boats that may take you to the island. Hate to say this but it's better to visit the island on a weekend as the boat trips depend on the influx of the passengers. The more passengers they have, the more boat trips they make. But, if you're one of those employees with a sad rest day schedule, there's a boat that leaves at 8 AM everyday.

The boat fare varies; solely depends on the captain or boat owner's c̶o̶r̶r̶u̶p̶t̶i̶o̶n̶ discretion. The fare ranges from PHP 100 - PHP 200 per person. But, according to Diana, one of Carnaza Eco Park's caretaker, it should only be PHP 100. Aside from this monetary damage, you'll also need to prepare yourself for the hellish 2-3 hours boat ride.

What to expect on your Carnaza Island Trip

Prepare to battle those big ass waves - Waves in between Carnaza and Daan Bantayan are fierce all-year round. These are not those typical baby waves that you experience on most island hopping activities. They're huge, strong, and powerful. They could capsize a 30-40 capacity outrigger if not handled skillfully. Definitely, pop those strongest anti dizzy pills for a smoother ride.

Also, wear clothes that are light and the comfortable. Ensure that these clothes are okay to get soaked in as waves may splash anytime within the course of the trip. Technically, your life depends on the boat captain's navigational and maneuvering skills.

Prices of goods on the island are fairly reasonable - Contrary to most beliefs, the island has ample supply of basic goods. In Carnaza Eco Park alone, they barbecue skewered pork and chorizo for PHP 10 pesos per stick. They also conveniently sell water for PHP 60 per 5 gallons. For the a̶l̶c̶o̶h̶o̶l̶i̶c̶s̶ occasional drinkers, they also sell brandy and beer. But like other island getaways, it still better to bring your own food or cook on your own.

For our stay at Carnaza Eco Park, we paid the following:

Motorcycle ride from the port to the Eco Park - PHP 20 each
Entrance fee per person - PHP 200
Tent Space - PHP 50

If you want to avail of their rooms, please directly contact Carnaza Eco Park at 09998609761 or 09367316495. Their iconic, triangular, tipi-like huts are priced at PHP 200 per room.

There is a limited supply of electricity on the island - Though the island has several inhabitants, electricity is still scarce. Electricity is only available from 6 PM til sunrise. Hence, ensure that you juice up all your gadgets and bring your most powerful portable power storage.

Also, mobile signal is not that strong in the area. It's good for sending SMS or calls but not adequate for streaming your favourite Spotify playlist.

Clean water and toilets are available - Though we all love those Survivor - like escapades and island life immersions, but let's admit it, we secretly pray that our next island to visit has ample water supply and clean toilets. As for Carnaza Eco Park, they partly fulfilled those wishes. They have an overflowing supply of tap water, I'm guessing it was brackish, and they have toilets to service everyone. They aren't as clean but they're not as bad as you think. Personally, I think they should add more toilets and shower rooms. Currently, they only have 2 toilets and 2 shower rooms.

There are other fun activities at Carnaza Island - Aside from swimming, which we all enjoy, they also offer "tours". Motorcycle tours may be availed for only PHP 100 per person. They'll bring you to known sites such as Skull Cave. There are also boats available to take you to the nearby La Manok Island for only PHP 1,500 roundtrip. Unfortunately, we didn't avail of these services since we were dead tired and just want to chill by the beach.

Watch out for the lurking Money - Hungry Boat Operators - Carnaza has so much tourism potential. It could easily become the next Malapascua or Bantayan Island. But with these opportunistic monsters around, Carnaza may lose its charm in no time.

As discussed earlier, boat trips depend on the tourist traffic. Since the trips are not monitored nor controlled by the coastguard or any governing entity, chances are boat operators tend to dictate their own fare and safety policies. The route to Carnaza is no joke. You'll need to have a well- built boat that is sturdy enough to hurdle those strong waves. Plus, a skillfull shipman to navigate its way to the island.

In Carnaza's case, we foresee an underlying issue that needs immediate government intervention. Boat operators increase their fares in an instant. They could double the standard PHP 100 fare evertime they feel like doubling it. What is even worse is that they sacrifice the safety in exchange for more money.

In our experience, we boarded the PJ MAE boat that left Carnaza Island at 11 AM. Since it was a Sunday, it was expected that everyone will storm the port. The PJ MAE boat operator/ crew accepted more passengers than the usual. Crowds filled every inch of the boat. Some were standing, others occupied the small emergency boat whilst others squeezed into the tightest and weirdest spaces. And the worst of all, we were not provided with any life jackets. With all the passengers on board, clearly, the boat was overloaded.

We left the island thinking that the fare was PHP 100 each. But when we reached the mainland, the fat guy in black iconic Sinulog shirt told everyone that the fare is PHP 200. Everyone silently protested. But the greedy guy in black shut down everyone's murmurs of disapproval.

There is no problem with striking the iron whilst it's hot but I wish the government of Daan Bantayan would regulate the boat trips to help the thriving tourism of Carnaza. Furthermore, boat trips must be monitored and registered by the coast guard.

Also, both locals and tourists should dispose of all their rubbish in proper trash bins. I have personally observed plastic packs, shampoo sachets, plastic bottles, and even soiled diapers lying around the island. Again, we should protect our environment.

Overall, Carnaza has its own beauty and uniqueness but after everything that we've experienced, from the highs and lows, I'm convinced that the island is not yet ready for the tourism limelight. Hence, unlike the others spots that I've been to, I can firmly say that I will not go back until everything is regulated and protected.

P.S.

We have raised our concerns to the proper channels. We have received an assurance from the Central Visayas Coast Guard that they'll look into this issue ASAP.

5:41 PM
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kentisnowhere

The Beach Park Hadsan: Affordable Beach in Lapu Lapu City

Weekend Travel: Quick Trip To Bacolod City

What to expect on your Carnaza Island Trip

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