Escape to Bislig, Surigao del Sur

I went to Bislig City on the weekend for work. It was my 1^st time to visit that place. It’s the city where PICOP was once running as the largest paper company in Asia. It’s a quiet city amidst beautiful nature setting. You will surely enjoy going on a nature trip. The famous place to go to Bislig is the Tinuy-an Falls the so called Niagara Falls of the Philippines. It’s the best falls I have ever seen so far. You will truly love its beauty. Caves for exploring are also in abundance in this place. If you want the beach you can just cross to neighboring islands where the beach is alluring. Marine foods are also in abundance. I enjoyed eating crabs, shrimps and 1^st class fish. Since they are in abundance, their prices are also low and we brought back enough when we went home. It was great to be in Bislig. It’s quiet and untouched and the people are warm.

Things You Can Do In An Island

I just came back from an island get away. And that island was none other than Island Garden City of Samal. I didn't want to spend much for that activity. Infact, I was only willing to spend P500 for that (lol). And so 500 pesos it is :) And what did P500 gave me? Well, it brought me so much fun!

To have fun on a budget is really very easy especially if you know what to do and where you want to go. As in my case, I did it for fun and a sort of ocular inspection for something we're planning to do ;) But anyway, this post is written for the fun part :D And there can be a lot of activities in an island like Samal. Adventure and leisure is king and queen :D So here we go...

First destination

On Saturday at around 5:30 pm here in Davao, we went to Babak, Samal to meet the circadian bats at Monfort Bat Cave. We want to meet them when they're awake ;) Cost: P13 boat ride, P15 tricycle from wharf to Monfort Bat Cave and a P40 entrance fee P20 if morning to afternoon. Total P68. And what did we get? Awesome experience! :) The bats were so amazing to look at at night with your headlamp of course. They look like stars in the cave with their sparkling eyes! Starry starry night... paint your palette...

Second destination

After meeting our million bat friends, we headed to Caliclic Beach Resort. I didn't know about this resort and the sound of its name is funny (lol) ssshhh... But I went with the group nevertheless. Cost: P25 entrance fee and P185 for food and cottage (cost shared by about 20 people) And what did we get? Fun-filled night and we're able to relax too. There are no closed cottages though so it's best to bring a tent with you and maybe build a bonfire and your night adventure is set :)

Third destination

Those things weren't enough yet though. We woke very early the next morning, made a little walk to the bus terminal and went off to Peñaplata to visit Hagimit Falls, this time with only me, my sis and Bong. Cost: P15 bus fare to Peñaplata, P15 fare for single motorcycle ride to Hagimit Falls. What did we get? A very relaxing water massage and a morning bath hehe for only P30 :D

Fourth destination

This one's the part I partly hate hehe Why? Because it made me realized I have less exercise hahaha We went up a very steep hill and did it for almost an hour. My legs were aching and I think my heart will burst from catching my breath and suddenly my backpack went so heavy. But it was good to have Bong with us, he carried our bags as we went up. Thanks Bong :) And thankfully, I was able to surpass the challenge. And so we went to Bito Depression. There's not much to see in there but we have something in mind to make use of that wonderful place. We we're going to make rappelling a common activity for that place :) The brgy. captain told us, it's about 500 meters high going down and about a hectare in width. That's very cool to try rappelling to isn't it? ;) It was believed that such hole was created due to crashing of a meteor here on earth particularly barangay Guilon where Bito Depression is. That's a cool legend :) Cost: Sweat, tired legs and a bottle of mineral water. What did we get? a good exercise and a business vision ;)

Fifth destination

We booked a single motorcycle to bring us to Canibad. An untouched part of the island where the beach is enchanting. There's my favorite part there - the wet and wild Canibad where you go up, jump, make a large splash and dive thru the clear water. The water is very clear you can see someone under. The setting is perfect for relaxation. It is soooo nature you can't get enough of it. Cost: P20 entrance fee, P10 if you want to swim and dive at the wet and wild Canibad. What did we get? Beautiful and untouched beach, super relaxation and watching the fish sanctuary. Cool ;)

Those things were not enough actually and we're planning to go to Maxima to at least take pictures but the rain poured and it would be hard to travel on a single motorcycle. So, we decided to make our day and go back to Davao. Cost: P50 single motor from Canibad to the bus terminal then P30 I think from Peñaplata to Davao. I didn't know coz I was sleeping the whole time I was in the bus hahaha Poor Bong he has to pay for us but we paid him though ;)

All in all I totaled P418 here. And we truly had a lot of fun and adventure. Now, who says leisure and adventure is expensive? ;)

Island Garden City of Samal

Trekking

The wet and wild Canibad :)

Canibad

Hagimit Falls

Starry starry night... errr... circadian bats with their sparkling eyes at Monfort Bat Cave, Samal

Travel 101 : Students

I know it’s very frustrating to be young and full of excitement but have no money to spend for a vacation. I’ve gone through that myself having to depend on my allowance alone and at the mercy of my parents. Really frustrating.

But you can do something about it. Our time today is full of opportunities waiting to be seen. What can you do then?

Save for your airfare, bus fare, boat fare, etc.

During school season, you can start saving for your fare from your allowance or from part-time work maybe online work or any work you can think of to earn extra money. There’s a lot of cheap airfare right now. Just be sure to book in advance coz that’s when airfare is very cheap. If you can’t afford a plane, there’s a lot of land transportation available that is safe and cheap.

Apply and pass for a scholarship

A free schooling is heavenly for both of you and your parents especially when they pay everything you need in school. All you have to do is to study. This will give you opportunity to save everything you earn extra.


Make lots of friends with lots of friends too and be nice to your relatives ;)

With online networking, it’s not that difficult to find friends in places you intend to go. This is the cheapest way to visit a place because they can offer you free accommodation and a free tour guide :D If you don’t have any, you can find a lot of cheap hostels, backpacker’s inn and student hostels perfect for travelers on a budget.

Plan your trip

List the things you want to do in your vacation and places you want to visit. Make a detailed itinerary with cost in each activity so you will know how much you need. Make columns for date, time, activity, transportation cost, meals and activity cost for a detailed itinerary.

Be prepared to do any kind of jobs

While on vacation earn money for your food and travel expenses. Finding a job in fast food chains is very easy just be sure you stay at urban zones ;) But it is best to have a decent online freelance job income where you can bring anywhere even if you go abroad. Call it your portable income :)

Learn from your experience

Every experience is a journey to learning. Don’t underestimate the kind of growth your summer or semestral break vacation gives you. This will offer you a different perspective and a different feel on how people in other places live. You can learn from them and apply useful things in your own life. Traveling is really learning and growing while having fun.