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.

Lukas

Hi. This is Lukas, my friend Alan's pet. He found a new baby and he's sending Lukas off :( would you like to have him? He's very cute right? Just send me a message. Thanks :)

My Favorite Destinations In My Country Philippines

Of all the things I love doing, traveling is my number one favorite. And I have quite visited a lot of places in my country. Each of them gave me a distinct experience and learning. I loved my every travels and I’ve collected wonderful memories and a bunch of photos. I want to share with you the places in my country which I think is the best :) Here are my top 10 but excluding my own place Davao, it will always be my number 1 ;)

Baguio

I love Baguio! I love its cold weather. It’s the only cold city in the Philippines where the climate is tropical. I love Baguio because of its picturesque and manicured setting making it different from any other places I’ve visited in the Philippines. In fact, I’ve visited it twice last year, one during the summer and one on December :) where the weather in the Philippines is hottest and coldest respectively.

Bohol

Bohol is an island with lots of activities to do and really beautiful beaches. You’ll fall in love with the beauty of Panglao and its wonderful diving sites. Not only resorts but places to visit like Chocolate Hills and cruising and dining along Loboc River. Meet the small creatures Tarsier that can only be found in Bohol.

Laoag, Ilocos Norte

Laoag feels different also. I always have a different feeling when I visit places and it’s the most homey and tranquil place I have ever visited. It was like a soul connection no kidding! Hehe I fell in love with Fort Ilocandia and San Agustin Church. I love the winds in Bagui where you can find the only windmills in Southeast Asia. There’s also the somewhat old and eery lighthouse in North Ilocos.

Vigan, Ilocos Sur

This place gives you the feel of being in Spanish time. The whole Crisologo Street was preserved up to this day you will truly drift to the old days :)

Cebu

The Queen City of the South shines more than ever with its chic metropolis. Love the lively beat of its everyday rhythm.

Island Garden City of Samal

Of course our neighbor city Samal won’t be left out. There’s so much to explore and do in this place that I can’t get enough that’s why I go back for more.

Bukidnon

I love the manificent landscape of this province. The weather is very cool too. Lots of mountain springs.

Tagaytay

Meet the beautiful Taal Volcano which can be viewed above in the main attractions in Tagaytay. Perfect for a nice vacation.

Leyte

This is a silent place where it hasn’t really bud into its fullest. But it has a unique beauty too and great history. You’ll meet Daddy Douglas Mc Arthur in Palo, Leyte. Went there very early in the morning and dipped my feet in the water around the American Army statues which is 150% the real size of daddy Doug and his army. I was also able to cross the longest bridge in the Philippines which connected Samar and Leyte, the San Juanico Bridge.

Albay

Albay is a silent and quite sad place but what I like about it is the majestic and perfectly shaped Mayon Volcano standing magnificently in vast fields.

Loventure

Tired of the usual flowers and chocolates? Stuffed toys and perfumes? Why try something out of the ordinary? Why not combine love and adventure? If you're thinking of a really great activity in this season of love then you can try our "Loventure". This would be something your beloved will truly remember as this would give him/her a different experience on the day of hearts. As February 14 exactly falls on a Saturday, this is very timely for a weekend love adventure :) Our loventure includes an exhilirating zip line gliding over samal waters and an exciting rappeling on the cliff above sea water. The package also includes witnessing the circadian bats at monfort cave and you will be amazed at their number at about 1.8 million and at how they looked in the evening with just your headlight. It's truly one amazing sight! You can also choose to stay at Maxima, the floating resort and chill the night out at a very romantic moon-canopied setting and say your vows again as you promise each other forever. How romantic! :) You can also request for a setting of dinner for two and a relaxing massage if you would wish so for the total Valentine experience. Visit our website now and make a reservation www.samaladventuretour.com :)