Corangon Island (Tiwi, Albay)

Posted on 30 April, 2015 by Benjie Layug — 11 Comments ↓

Corangon Island

From the brown sand beach at Brgy. Baybay in Tiwi, our media group boarded 2 motorized outrigger boats to the tiny coral island of Corangon (from the local word meaning “coral”). Babes, Boyet, Leony, Star, Oliver, Ms. Norma Caayao (our Tiwi lady guide and photographer) and I boarded one boat while Rommel, Nestor and Mr. Andrew Zuniga (DOT Region 5) boarded the other.

Brown sand beach at Brgy. Baybay

As it was low tide, the islet was somehow visible from the shore. Our less than a kilometer boat ride to Corangon took just 15 mins. and we made landfall by 11 AM. Rommel and Nestor, not wanting to get their camera equipment and feet wet, just photographed the island from the relative safety of their boat.

Making landfall on the island

This unassuming, half-hectare islet lacks features that typically make a seascape picturesque as it is devoid of any vegetation or rock formations, being mainly composed of crushed corals and beige-colored sand. The swirling and pounding action of waves and sea currents have caused the coral rubble to surface above the sea line and evolve into this island.

The author with postcard-pretty Mt. Mayon in the background

However, Corangon is not as boring as it seems as it is probably the only islet in Albay province where the stratovolcanic Magayon trio, the province’s three most beautiful mountains — the 2,463 m. high Mt. Mayon, the 1,450 m. high Mt. Malinao and the 1,328 m. high Mt. Marasaga — are fully visible. Its quiet charm reminded me of White Island in Camiguin where the postcard-pretty, 1,332 m. high Mt. Hibok-Hibok and the 580 m, high Mt. Vulcan Daan, both also stratovolcanoes, can be seen.

Cloud-sheathed Mt. Malinao

Corangon Island is also a haven for tourists who want to see a different, picture-perfect view of the famous and stunning Mayon Volcano – from the sea. The island is also accessible from Malinao via a 30-minute boat ride. Fishermen also offer chartered rides to the islet at an affordable price. A dive site, Corangon Island is one of the top 5 dive sites in the Bicol Region.

Our media group with Mt. Masaraga and Mt. Malinao in the background

Corangon Island, home to different marine species and beautiful corals, is a declared municipal marine sanctuary (the 4.4 sq. km. Corangon Shoal Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve) and, as such, anyone who wants to visit it needs to first ask permission from the Municipality’s Agriculture Office (MAO).

Shadow over Corangon

The office administrator will ask about the purpose of the visit, then ask visitors to log in. A good idea would be to bring a letter of request, addressed to Ms. Leonila V. Coralde, the head of the MAO, indicating the purpose of your trip.

The crushed coral of Corangon Island

Municipal Agriculturist Office (MAO): 4513 Tiwi, Albay. Tel (052) 435-0432.

Mayor’s Office: Municipal Hall, Poblacion, 4513 Tiwi, Albay. Tel.: (052) 435-4866.

Munting Buhangin Beach Camp (Nasugbu, Batangas)

Posted on 3 April, 2015 by Benjie Layug — 4 Comments ↓

Munting Buhangin Beach

From the very crowded Interlink Beach, we again continued on our quest to find a suitable beach resort for overnight camping. Canyon Cove was out of the question (PhP800/pax just for a day tour) so we moved on. Then I saw the sign for Munting Buhangin Beach Camp and, remembering my past overnight stay there, decided to check it out.

Munting Buhangin in the evening

Just past the members only Terrazas de Punta Fuego, we turned left into the gate of the resort and inquired about the rates from the security guards. From here, it’s a 1-km. and very steep downhill drive. As it was the peak season, we had to park our car some distance from the resort. We decided to leave the heavy camping gear inside the car and walk the rest of the way down. Then we had to go down a very long flight of stairs, with some 100 steps, to get to the reception area.

The long flight of stairs

Reception and information area

Our total bill for our overnight camping, which we promptly paid, came up to PhP3,400 which included entrance fees, camping fee and breakfast the next day for the 5 of us. I regretted not bringing our gear with us. Oh well.

Melissa and Almira inside our Coleman tent

Melissa and daughter Almira inside the Coleman tent

My son Jandy and Albert

Anyway, my son Jandy and Melissa’s children Almira and Albert volunteered to return with all our stuff, making the arduous climb up the stairs and the steep driveway to get to the car and then return, this time heavily laden, with all the heavy camping gear, backpacks and provisions. Thank God for children.

Kainan sa Beach Camp

The convenience store

The 24-hectare Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is backpacker and camper-friendly and just perfect as I brought along my 5-pax Coleman tent. This we pitched under a shady tree and beside a convenient long table with benches, all monobloc. Kainan sa Beach Camp, its restaurant, as well as the information and reception area (with its all-important convenience store where we bought our bottled water, ice cream and snacks) and a common grilling area were nearby.

Airconditioned concrete cottages

Airconditioned bamboo cottages

A treehouse

The resort also has a variety of accommodation choices, from airconditioned cottages, 2 and 4-pax family rooms, the always popular 10-pax treehouses to tents for rent. They also have conference rooms for seminars and team building activities. Their comfort rooms and shower areas, quite a long walk away, were not well-maintained, with sand all over the floor.

Comfort room and shower area

We didn’t sleep much inside our tents as our noisy neighbors were up all night and into the wee hours of the morning. With no sea breeze, it was also uncomfortably hot that night. Our packed breakfast the next day, ordered the night before, wasn’t much – scrambled egg and a cup of steamed rice with a choice of either tocino, beef tapa or longanisa.

Bamboo and nipa picnic huts

Monobloc picnic table and benches

A plus for the resort is their clean and wide beach front, on a captivating cove, which has clear and shallow water (not so during the rainy season though) with fine, light brown sand (no shells or sharp rocks) and not much waves, just right for giving lessons to a city dweller like Melissa on how to float. In spite of it being Holy Week and summer, the beach wasn’t overflowing with bodies. They also offer beach volleyball, tug-of-war, high rope, watersports (kayaking, banana boats, jetskis, aqua glide, speedboats, etc.).

Beach volleyball action

Melissa (third from right) joining the tug-of-war

The High Rope

There is nothing super special about this resort. However, if you’re just a backpacker, camper or simply a typical traveler just looking for some relaxation, a nice beach and a family picnic (you can bring your own food) under some shady trees while watching a beautiful sunset, then this is a good choice.

Dusk at Munting Buhangin

The author with Almira

Munting Buhangin Beach Camp: Brgy. Natiunan, Nasugbu, Batangas. Metro Manila booking office: 7/F Makati Executive Center. 114 L.P. Leviste cor. V.A. Rufino Sts., Salcedo Village, Makati City. Tel: 818-1975, 818-4798, 812-5448 and 818-2083 local 122. Fax: (632) 892-3649. Mobile number: (0922) 887-4131. E-mail: muntingbuhangin@gmail.com and muntingbuhangin@yahoo.com. Website: www.muntingbuhangin.ph.

Interlink Beach (Nasugbu, Batangas)

Posted on 3 April, 2015 by Benjie Layug — 3 Comments ↓

When I was still a young man, a lot of our Holy Week family vacations were held at Interlink Resort where my father bought some shares (Check out a past Interlink Resort promotional video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD3mf7LkrJw). The resort was located on a hilltop within a private peninsula which could only be accessed by boat from Wawa Port.

Interlink Beach with Fortune Island seen from afar

The suicide cliff with a sea-sculpted cave below

Back then, the resort had non-airconditioned duplex cottages with airy verandas, a restaurant, small swimming pool, tennis court and a putting green. From the resort, a regular shuttle would transport guests down to the brown sand beach. The nearby cliff was said to have been the site where desperate Japanese soldiers jumped to their death during World War II. I remember that a shrine was installed to mark the event.

Posing beside one of Interlink Resort’s duplex cottages

Posing with my Mom and siblingswith the cliff in the background

Posing with my Mom and siblings with the peninsula and cliff in the background. On the far left is Wawa Port

Author (right) with sisters Tellie and Salve. In the background is Payong-Payong Point

The beach, though nothing like Boracay, with more coral reef than sand, was still a sight to behold as, a short distance from the beach, one could behold the well known Payong-Payong Point, a towering, offshore rock formation carved by wind, rain and the smashing waves.

Camping at Interlink Beach

Sunset at the beach

This place is also very familiar to some landscape photographers who love taking photographs of the beautiful sunset with Payong-Payong Point as backdrop. This scenery was also featured in the 2000 movie Pedrong Palad (Starring Joonee Gamboa, Chin Chin Gutierrez and Jaclyn Jose) and the January to May 2011 fantateleserye Mutya.

Wawa Port

The beach was somehow created when the developer bulldozed some of the coral away during low tide. During low tide, one could even walk, among the coral, all the way up to the rock formation, climb it and watch the fiery sunset from there. Here, the coral reef drops dramatically into the dark depths. From afar, you can also make out Fortune Island, 14 kms. away. My last visit to the still operating resort was sometime in 1982 or 1983. Some years later, the resort closed down.

Waiting for our banca at Wawa Port

I next visited the place on March 29-30, 2002, another long Holy Week end, camping on the hilltop with my son Jandy, daughter Cheska and Jandy’s Jesu-Mariae School teachers Erwin Vizcarra, Joel Fatlaunag and Vener Trillo. The resort back then was already abandoned and in ruins. The evening was very cold and, during the night, we woke up to cows grazing around us. Thoughts of Japanese ghosts in our midst were always in my mind. Some evening it turned out to be.

Crossing over to Interlink Beach

Holy Week of 2015 again brought me and Jandy there, with friend Melissa Tinonas and her children Almira and Albert. After a 1.5-hour trip via SLEX from Shell Magallanes, we arrived at Wawa Port by 11 AM. There were many cars parked at the port and, from the looks of it, there were many beachcombers also coming for a visit. We all boarded a banca to take us to the other side (PhP10 per person). From the breakwater, you could already see the great number of people who went there for a free swim.

Payong-Payong Point seen from Interlink Beach

Part of the beach now had some nipa picnic cottages said to be owned by a certain Nanay Precy Morales whose family lives near the Payong-Payong Point. Half of the beach was now cordoned off, off limits to beachcombers as it was now private property. Going up the hill, I talked to the security guard on duty. The hill was now cleared of the ruins of the now defunct Interlink Resort as well as the resident coconut trees and new villas were being built in their place. Well, so much for camping here in the future.

The new villas being built

Whatever becomes of the place, memories of Holy Weeks past in the former Interlink Resort will forever live in my mind.

Isla Rita (Puerto Princesa City, Palawan)

Posted on 24 March, 2015 by Benjie Layug — 2 Comments ↓

Isla Rita

Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa Media Tour

The next day, after breakfast at South Sea Restaurant, Charmie, Joy, Lester, PJ and I, with Mr. Pete Dacucuy, boarded Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa’s Toyota Grandia van for the 25-min. drive to a beach at Ulugan Bay, a 7,200 hectare bay located on the central, western coast of Palawan which is opened to the northern end of the West Philippine Sea. Situated 47 kms. from Puerto Princesa City, the very deep (no less than 14 fathoms) bay is known for its distinct coastal mangrove forest that is associated with tidal flats. It has 790 hectares of coral reefs and seagrass beds, and smaller bays.

The coral reef and the island’s elongated coastline

It also has two islands and three islets. The tiny Tarakawayan Islet, at the head of the bay, lies nearly half a mile offshore, between the Kayulo and Bahile Rivers. South of Tarakawayan is White Rock Islet (or Puting Bato). Reef Islet, locally named Manyokos, lies on the eastern portion of the bay, near Marabay Point. The 140 ft. high Camungyan Island, more popularly known as Tres Marias Island, is a 3-peaked rock formation and dive site about 2 hrs. by boat from Brgy. Baheli.

The plastic pontoon dock

Our destination was to be the elongated, 25-hectare Isla Rita where we were to have a picnic as guests of former city mayor Edward S. Hagedorn. From the beach, we had to walk some distance to board our big, motorized outrigger boat as it was low tide and the water very shallow. The boat trip took about 20 mins. and we docked alongside a plastic pontoon dock in front of the resthouse. The 2-storey, native-style resthouse, elevated on concrete stilts, had a spacious wooded porch overlooking the sea at the lower level and a balcony at the second level. Nearby was a wood and bamboo gazebo, toilet and shower rooms and quarters for the caretakers.

The resthouse

Measuring 1.5 miles in length from north to south, and about 200 yards in breadth, it has white sand beaches on its southwest side. The island also has a detached rock at its northern extremity, the 45 ft. high Observatory Rock which extends in a northerly direction for about 400 yards.

The island is also a popular dive site. On the northwest side, the seabed slopes to 9 m. then drops off to 20 m.. Both shelf and wall have lots of hard and soft coral. Big garoupa and snappers, small reef fish and giant clams are plentiful. Diving season is November to June. There was to be no scuba diving for us but we availed of the next best thing – snorkeling. PJ and I donned snorkels, fins and goggles provided for us and walked towards the dock where, just underneath, were two colorful giant clams (Tridacna gigas). Though we didn’t encounter the big garoupa and snappers as I was snorkeling along a staghorn coral forest just near the shore, I still saw a lot of small, colorful reef fish including a pair of Moorish Idols.

The author at Isla Rita

Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa: Sabang Beach, Sitio Sabang, Brgy. Cabayugan. Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Palawan Sales Office: Jeco Bldg., Rizal Ave. Extn., Puerto Princesa City. Tel (+63 48) 434 1448 to 49 and 723 7278. Mobile Numbers (+63 917) 308-3245 and (+ 63 917) 308-3245. Cebu Sales Office: Sheridan Bldg., Ouano Ave., NRA, Mandaue City. Tel: (+63 32) 236-1001. Fax: (+63 32) 345-1000. Mobile number: (+63 917) 306-6984. Manila Sales Office: tel: (+63 2) 939-8888. Mobile number: (+63 917) 726-5224. E-mail: reservations@sheridanbeachresort.com. Website:www.sheridanbeachresort.com.
Instagram: @sheridanresorts
Instagram official tag: #SheridanPalawan
Twitter: @sheridanresorts
Facebook: facebook.com/sheridanbeachresortandspa

Exploring Sumilon Island (Oslob, Cebu)

Posted on 8 November, 2014 by Benjie Layug — 1 Comment ↓

The Sumilon Island hiking trail

After our lunch at the Island Pavilion Restaurant, Lara, Joy, Jimbo, Rachelle, Risa, Leica (Pete’s daughter) and I decided to burn some calories by doing a hike, with a resort guide, around the 24-hectare island. Liana and Kaycee opted to stay behind to rest.

View of the natural lagoon from the cliffside trail

The nicely laid out hiking trail (open from 6 AM – 4 PM) started as we descended the steps down from the restaurant and traversed the cliffside pathway, strewn with coral rock, overlooking the natural lagoon where we could see a number of guests kayaking. Soon enough, we entered the lush forest. Along the trail are colored pennants tied to trees that indicate the difficulty of the trail – yellow for beginners, blue for moderate and red for advanced.

Hiking along the coral rock-strewn trail

Soon we reached a fork in the trail. The trail on the left traverses the northern point of the island where panoramic views of white sand beaches along the northwestern and eastern shores of the island can be seen. The trail on the right cuts through the spine of the island and leads up to the island’s highest point, 28 m. above sea level, where a lighthouse and a Spanish-era baluarte (watchtower) is located. We chose to explore this route.

The concrete lighthouse

The concrete lighthouse on the top wasn’t much. It didn’t have a hollow core with a spiral stairway leading to the top, a feature found in many lighthouses. Instead, steel, U-shaped ladder rungs imbedded in the concrete exterior was used.

The Spanish-era baluarte (watchtower)

The quadrilateral, heavily overgrown but still relatively intact baluarte was more interesting. It was part of a network of watchtower and fortlets, extending from Santander to Sibonga, built by Augustinian Fr. Julian Bermejo (pastor of Boljo-on from 1804-1836) to warn the townspeople of the approach of pirates. Lara and Joy entered the watchtower through a small, square hole in one of its sides.

The marine sanctuary

The abandoned marine station of Silliman University

From this vantage point, we now made our way down the trail to the pristine blue waters of the western side of the island where part of Sumilon Island Marine Park is located. Situated off Cebu’s southeastern coast, 5.5 kms. east northeast of Tanon Point, this marine sanctuary was formerly administered by Siliman University in Dumaguete City (Negros Oriental) as evidenced by a now abandoned hut of the marine station along this part of the trail. Today, the sanctuary is managed by the resort. Motorized water sports such as jetskiing and water skiing are not allowed to ensure that the sanctuary is not disturbed.

Aquamania Dive Shop

However, fine snorkeling, over coral gardens, can be done along the western, northern and eastern sides of the island. For scuba divers, it offers waters two to 5 m. deep and 200 m. wide and a drop-off about 100 m. off the southwest coast with spectacular underwater life including the big garoupa. Large schools of jacks, manta rays, sharks, barracudas, sea snakes, turtles and even an occasional whale shark can be seen off the northern and southern tip. Dive sites here include Coral Landscape, Garden Eel Plaza, Julie’s Rock and Nikki’s Wall. Diving season is all year round. Visibility reaches 30 m. and average depth is 20 m. with a maximum of 35 m.. Waters here are usually calm with strong currents to sometimes very rough, fierce and physically demanding currents. The resort has a dive shop (Aquamania) with certified dive instructors and extensive diving facilities.

Flower-bedecked table set-up for two at the sandbar

A marriage proposal etched on the sand

Further down the trail, we soon reached the island’s white sandbar, the only part of the island that is open to the public. It shifts and changes its shape with the tides and the current. Here, we can swim, snorkel or sunbathe. It was also the setting for last night’s al fresco dinner. When we passed by, it was already set up for a marriage proposal, with a table for two, surrounded by flower petals shaped into a heart, set up along the beach. Nearby, along the sand, were the words “Will you marry me?” etched with pieces of tree branches.

Grotto of Our Lady of Fatima

On our way back to our cottages, we passed by a grotto with a statue of Our Lady of Fatima and, just past it, the short and seemingly man-made Yamashita’s Cave. We entered the latter and were surprised by a Halloween set-up, meant to scare visitors, at its very end. We were totally drained and drenched with sweat by the time we returned to our rooms.

Entrance to Yamashita Cave

Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort: Brgy. Bancogon, Sumilon Island, Oslob, 6025 Cebu. Tel: (032) 382-0008 and (032) 318-9098. Mobile numbers: (0917) 631-7514 and (0917) 631-7512. Email: info.sumilon@bluewater.com.ph.

Cebu City booking office: CRM Bldg., Escario cor. Molave Sts., Lahug, 6000 Cebu City. Tel: (032) 412-2436. Mobile numbers (0917) 631-7508 and (0998) 962-8263. E-mail: sales.sumilon@bluewater.co.ph.

Manila Office: Rm. 1120, Cityland/Herrera Towers, 98 Herrera cor. Valero St. Salcedo Village, Makati City. Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348. Fax: (632) 893-5391. E-mail: sumilon@bluewater.com.ph. Website: www.bluewatersumilon.com.ph.

Pamilacan Island (Baclayon, Bohol)

Posted on 2 October, 2014 by Benjie Layug — 2 Comments ↓

Pamilacan Island

It was now Day 2 of our 3-day media familiarization tour of Bohol. After a very early breakfast at Panglao Bluewater Resort, we were slated to do some dolphin watching off Pamilacan Island, followed by lunch at Balicasag Island. The tide was still low and our large motorized outrigger boat was anchored some distance off. To get on board her, we took turns riding a tandem kayak until all were on board. The sun was already up in the sky when we got underway.

On our way

The island’s name was derived from the word meaning “nesting place of manta rays.” However, it has also been interpreted to to have been derived from the word pamilac, a harpoon (large hooked implement) used to capture manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks and Bryde’s whales. Under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Baclayon, it is situated 14 kms. (8.7 mi) south of the Bohol mainland.

Our spotter scanning the horizon for dolphins or whales

The waters around the island are home to at least 11 species of dolphins and whales, including the playful Spinner Dolphins, Bryde’s whales and the gigantic Sperm Whale. Blue Whales are sometimes seen in the early months of the year. The whale watching season begins in March until the onset of the rainy season in June or July.

Soon to make landfall

The 15 to 20 m. long boat we rode on was possibly a former canter, a boat formerly used for whale hunting. These have been refitted with seats and roofing for a comfortable ride for 7 to 10 passengers who want to go whale or dolphin watching. A skilled, elderly spotter, who is also an excellent guide, soon took his place at our boat’s bow, scanning the horizon for any whales or dolphins. Resident dolphins and small whales can be found all year round but sightings are dependent on weather and sea conditions. Just like my first try in 2003, we were unlucky to find any of them.

Footprints along the island’s immaculately white sand beach

We made landfall at the island’s beautiful white sand beach located on its northwest side. Upon landing, we were welcomed by members of the island’s small and closely knit fishing community which has around 200 families living in 3 sitios – one facing Baclayon, another amid an island and a third on the southern coast. Their main livelihoods now concentrate on dolphin and whale watching tours and subsistence fishing. In the past, it also included whale, dolphin and manta ray hunting. However, with the strict enforcement of marine life preservation laws in the country, this practice was stopped. Their houses, though, are still adorned with jaws and bones of these marine mammals.

The island’s barangay

When we arrived, a table (with red tablecloth) and chairs were set up under a shady palm tree, beside some picnic sheds. A merienda of sliced camote (sweet potatoes), either steamed, caramelized or fried, plus rice cakes and corn coffee were prepared for us. The latter looked and tasted like your good old caffeinated coffee but is said to be healthier.

A merienda of camote, rice cake and corn coffee

After this filling repast, I together with Czarina, Euden, Joy, Kathleen and Lara went on a snorkeling tour on 3 small boats, each with a local boatman who paddled for us. Czarina joined me on one boat. The island’s wide flat reef, now a marine sanctuary, offers good snorkelling and diving (it has some great dive sites such as Dakit-Dakit).

Dining al fresco along the beach

After some great snorkeling over coral gardens, we returned to shore early as Czarina wasn’t feeling good. Back on dry land, I explored the nearby Spanish-era fort which, in the past, served as a watch station for pirates, intruders and other enemies. Triangular in shape and probably constructed in the 19th century, it was made with rubble while cut coral blocks lined its portal and windows. The three corners of the structure were supported by round buttresses.

The triangular, Spanish-era fort

Another view of the fort

Inside are embedded trusses and a triangular pillar in the middle, indication that the fort may have had a second floor, probably made of wood. A large hardwood cross, with an 18oos date carved on it, once stood near the fort but is now housed in a nearby modern chapel. The fort was said to have formed a network with the towns of Baclayon, Loay and Tagbilaran.

View of the fort from another angle

The ladies were already back from their snorkeling trip when I returned. Soon enough, we were back on board our boat for the second half of our island hopping expedition – Balicasag Island. The waters were already choppy when we left and our boat had to travel slowly as the waves kept pounding the boat. Soon a number of us (including me), especially the already ill Czarina, were already feeling seasick and, since our destination was still a long way off and it was already way past noontime, it was decided to just return to our resort. Anyway, I have been to Balicasag Island 11 years ago, going around it on foot and snorkeling its coral gardens. However, I felt sorry for those who haven’t been there. Oh well, you can’t win them all.

The triangular pillar in the middle of the fort

How to Get There: Pamilacan Island is located about 20 kms. southeast of Tagbilaran City, 23 kms. east of Balicasag Island and 11 kms. (a 45-min. pumpboat ride) offshore from the town. Pumpboats can be hired at Baclayon port.

Beach Camping at Dampalitan Island (Padre Burgos, Quezon)

Posted on 24 August, 2014 by Benjie Layug — 2 Comments ↓

From Borawan in Lipata Island, Jandy, Maricar, Violet, Lanny and I returned to our hired boat which was going to bring us to our camping destination – the rocky and undeveloped Dampalitan Beach on Dampalitan Island.

Western end of Dampalitan Beach

It was just a short 10-15 minute boat ride to the island and we made landfall just before noontime. The island had a long, wide and lovely stretch of tree-lined white sand beach – the perfect beach camping ground.

Eastern end of Dampalitan Beach with exposed rock formations

As I was first off the boat, I proceeded to scout around for a suitable spot to set up our tent. I found a spot somewhat shaded by some worn out and tattered coconut and pine-like agoho (Casuarina equisetifolia) trees.

Setting up the 5-pax Coleman tent

Beside it is a bamboo picnic table and the remains of one of 10 nipa cottages which were damaged or destroyed by the recent typhoon Glenda (international name: Rammasun). Strung at the trunks of the trees are 4 threadbare but still sturdy hammocks.

Maricar, the author, Violet, Jandy and Lanny at our picnic table

Still, the spot suited us just fine. The owner of the nearby house, which had a convenience store and a storage tank for fresh water (sold at PhP50 per container), informed us on the fees to be paid – an entrance fee of PhP60 per person (total: PhP300) plus a camping fee of PhP200. We also rented the nearby picnic table (for PhP150) where we temporarily laid down our just unloaded camping gear and provisions.

Lazing around in our hammocks

First up on our agenda was the setting up of our 5-pax, 3 m. x 3 m. Coleman dome tent with peaked rainfly. That done, we rested awhile, with Violet, Maricar, Jandy and Lanny doing so on the hammocks while I did so in our tent. Come late afternoon, the sun was now low on the horizon and low tide was setting in so we decided to do some swimming and explore the now exposed rock formations. Cloudy skies prevented us from viewing the sunset.

Exploring the exposed rock formations

When we returned to our campsite, another group of young overnight campers have already set up their tents beside us and were already preparing their barbecue grills for dinner. We also followed their lead, borrowing a grille from the caretaker and buying a pack of charcoal as we also brought along some juicy, marinated pork belly (liempo) for grilling. While Violet and Lanny were tending to the grilling, Maricar was busy preparing her signature yang chow fried rice.

Dusk at Dampalitan Island

After enjoying this wonderful al fresco repast, we next washed away the sea salt from our bodies, Jandy and I sharing a container of fresh water. We all whiled the time away by playing a card game of pekwa (the Philippine name for the game fan tan or card dominoes) and later chatted about our life experiences. Retiring early, Violet, Maricar, Jandy and I occupying the tent while Lanny slept in one of the hammocks outside. The night was initially warm but it slowly cooled, via an incoming sea breeze, in the wee hours of the morning.

Dinner preparation courtesy of Maricar, Violet and Lanny

Come morning, breakfast was another al fresco affair, with pork luncheon meat, freshly cooked steamed rice and cups of coffee. We then dismantled our tent and packed our belongings. As we still had time before the 10 AM arrival of our boat, the others went swimming while I decided to explore the island beyond the cliffs confining the cove.

Our grilled pork belly (liempo)

Past the cliffs was another cove with a long, beautiful but deserted stretch of white sand beach lined, not by trees, but by mangroves. I didn’t go very far as the sun was high up in the sky and I forgot to bring a hat. When I returned to our campsite, our boat had already arrived and our gear loaded. After paying our bill, we boarded our boat for the short return trip back to our cottage at Brgy. Basiao where, after washing up, we loaded our stuff and left for Lucban (Quezon).

The magrove-lined, white sand cove beyond the cliff

Dampalitan Beach may not be outstandingly beautiful but it is still nice and somewhat laid-back, offering a quiet beach retreat quite unlike crowded and overdeveloped beaches such as Boracay. Similar to Anawangin or Nagsasa Cove in Zambales, it is really more for camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, watching the sunset or just lazing around in a hammock.

Borawan Beach (Padre Burgos, Quezon)

Posted on 24 August, 2014 by Benjie Layug — Leave a reply

After an early breakfast of corned beef and rice at Basiao Resort, Jandy, Maricar, Violet, Lanny and I double checked all the stuff we were to bring for our island hopping and beach camping (at Dampalitan Island) trip – tent, portable stove, rechargeable lamp, provisions, extra clothes, etc. Our boatman arrived by 8 AM and he started to load all our stuff.

Borawan Beach

Limestone cliffs

Soon we were off to our first destination – Lipata Island. We arrived there after a short 15-min. boat trip. The island is the site of Borawan Beach, situated within lush mountains and rocky cliffs overlooking the Tayabas Bay in the Sibuyan Sea. Day trippers here are required to pay an admission fee of PhP80 per person (plus another fee if you will stay overnight).

When we arrived, the island was somehow pack with a number of overnight guests who stayed in tents (for those without one, these can be rented for PhP500). The island also has communal showers (PhP20) and toilets (PhP10) with fresh water. There are also a few nipa picnic huts for rent and a small store selling overpriced food and snacks.

The island’s name is said to be a portmanteau (blend) of the world-famous islands of Boracay and Palawan. Indeed, the beach has its own spectacular (though not as grand) rock formations like the limestone cliffs of Palawan but, sorry to say, not the crystal-clear waters and the fine, white sand of Boracay. The coarse sand beach is actually beige and it certainly isn’t a long stretch dotted with coconut trees. Instead, the shoreline of this short stretch of beach is dotted with huge rock boulders with a backdrop of high limestone walls.

A small store selling food and drinks and renting out tents

The shower room and picnic huts

Still, its towering, Palawan-like karst formations and limestone cliffs are perfect for rock climbing, bouldering and rappelling. It’s also a good venue for photo ops. Swimming here is done cautiously as there are a lot of sea urchins and jellyfish. The overnighters also told us that they saw 3 sea snakes near the huge boulder. Anyway, we didn’t plan to stay overnight on the island. After partaking of our packed lunch of adobo and rice, we left the island by 11 AM.

Lanny, Violet, Maricar, the author and Jandy

How To Get There: Go to Brgy. Marao in Padre Burgos and, from there, you can rent a boat bound for Borawan.

Return to Puting Buhangin Beach (Pagbilao, Quezon)

Posted on 23 August, 2014 by Benjie Layug — 1 Comment ↓

Jandy, Maricar, Violet, Lanny and I have barely caught our breath upon arriving at Basiao Resort but, as it was still early in the afternoon, we decided to avail of a island hoping tour. Normally, it cost PhP1,800 for a day tour but, as we were doing it over 2 days, we were to pay PhP2,000. We had a choice of 3 islands – Dampalitan Island, Lipata Island and Pagbilao Grande Island.

On our way to Pagbilao Grande Island

The first two, part of Padre Burgos town, were just nearby so we chose the latter which was part of Pagbilao town. This wouldn’t be my first visit to the island, having done so during a media tour at Pagbilao a little over 4 months ago. However, this would be the first time I would leave for the island from Padre Burgos which is, distance-wise, nearer to the island than Pagbilao town.

The Bagosina island with a house on top

For this island tour, we just donned our swimming attire. The boat trip took just 45 mins. Along the way, we passed the nearest of the Bagosina Islands, which had an unsightly roofless house (damaged by typhoon Glenda) on top.

Lipata Island

We also passed the white sand beaches and towering rock formations of Lipata Island (site of Borawan Beach), one of our 2 island destinations scheduled for tomorrow (the other is Dampalitan Island).

A hill being graded at the TEAM Power Plant in Pagbilao Grande Island

At Pagbilao Grande Island, only the tall chimney of 735-MW Team (Tokyo Electrification and Marubeni) Energy coal-fired thermal power plant could be seen during our boat trip. We also saw the damage being done on the nearby hill, possibly to create a new road for the power plant. It wasn’t a nice sight.

Puting Buhangin Beach

We soon made landfall at the beautiful cove of the 70 m. long and 10 m. wide Puting Buhangin (which literally means “white sand”) Beach with its white sand, clear emerald waters and coconut trees. Unlike my first visit, the beach (also called Lukang Beach after the Lukang family) wasn’t as packed with picnickers and beachcombers.

Violet, Maricar and Jandy near the Kuwebang Lambas’ beachside entrance

However, we were more interested at the small, unique and tunnel-like Kwebang Lampas, located at one end of the beach, than with the beach itself. During my first visit, the waters inside the cave were waist deep and we didn’t venture to go out its seaside entrance. This time around, it was low tide and the cave floor was exposed. What’s more, we were able to venture out its seaside exit, below beautiful rock limestone formations, and enjoy the warm waters.

Back at our boat, we paid the mandatory PhP80 entrance fee per person (PhP400 for all five of us). It was now late in the afternoon when we returned to the mainland and our boat had to dock some distance from the shore as it was now low tide.

Jandy, Maricar, the author at Lanny at Kwebang Lampas

Puting Buhangin Beach: Pagbilao Grande Island, Brgy. Ibabang Polo, Pagbilao, Quezon.

The Coral Garden and Underwater Cave of Puerto Galera (Mindoro Oriental)

Posted on 18 May, 2014 by Benjie Layug — Leave a reply

A number of us availed of a package tour to San Antonio Island consisting of a visit to an underwater cave and snorkeling the spots around the Coral Garden, the premier snorkeling area of Puerto Galera, looking for a meter long giant clam underneath —all for PhP300. Our outrigger boat was small carrying, aside from the boatman, just me and Sheena as big boats cannot go near the shallow area of the Coral Garden. Though I dabbed lots of sunblock on my skin, I forgot to bring a hat and my sunglasses, sorely needed as the sun was way up in the sky..

On our way to the Coral Garden

Our boat made landfall at another resort to pick up our snorkels then proceeded to the Coral Gardens. Here, we donned our snorkels, dropped into the water and clung on to a nylon cord, between the boat and the outrigger, as the boat slowly dragged us along as we snorkeled. At some parts, the water was so shallow the corals almost touched my belly. Tourists here are encouraged to bring bread to feed the fishes.

Snorkelling alongside the moving boat

The underwater cave, our next destination, was just a 10-min. boat ride from Coral Garden. It was located on one corner of a small coral rock formation beside a small white sand beach called Munting Buhangin. There were a lot of boats parked along the beach and we could also see a long queue of tourists lining up to enter the cave. As such there were stalls, manned by locals, selling refreshing halo-halo (PhP25). Not waiting to see our boat parked, Sheena and I alighted from the boat and made our way to the rock formation.

The narrow white sand Munting Buhangin Beach

Getting up the rock formation was difficult as we had to carefully find our footing as the rocks were quite sharp and jagged. Its a good thing I brought along thick slippers. The top of the formation has a panoramic view of the beach, the emerald green water of the sea and various rock formations nearby.The entrance of the cave had a bamboo stairs where we could climb down.

The queue up the rock formation

The underwater cave was not totally drenched in darkness, thanks to some rays of the sun beaming through a natural skylight. The water inside was now deep, it being high tide when we arrived, but it wasn’t so cold. High tide also prevented us from seeing the cave’s opening to the sea. Sheena and I alternately took each other’s picture inside the cave and through the skylight as we weren’t able to bring our boatman with us to take our pictures.

The author inside the underwater cave

Back at our boat, we continued on towards the Coral Garden where we could find the giant clam. The place was almost in the middle of the bay. We again donned our snorkels and dove in. The Coral Garden obviously was littered with colorful corals plus different variety of fishes. However, even if I kept my eyes opened and peeled I still couldn’t find the giant clam.

Sheena underneath the cave’s skylight

Automobile Association Philippines (AAP): 28 EDSA, Greenhills, San Juan City. Tel: (632) 655-5889. Fax: (632) 655-1878. E-mail: info@aap.org.ph. Website: www.aap.org.ph.

AAP Travel: G/F, Sea Tower Bldg., 2332 Roxas Blvd. cor. Arnaiz Ave., Pasay City. Tel: (632) 551-0025. Fax: (632) 551-0014. E-mail: info@aaptravel.com. Website:www.aaptravel.com.ph.

Provincial Tourism Office: Provincial Capitol, Calapan City, Mindoro Oriental. Tel: (043) 286-7046 and (043) 441-0306.

This travel blog, a diary of the author’s local and international travels, aims to provide the reader with news and information on people, places and events that would interest the avid traveler and tourist. But, it also aims to be much more, providing insights on the wonders of this beautiful country, as well as the world, beyond the strict confines of the city. Have a BLAST seeing old churches, exotic temples, educational museums as well as palm-fringed islands; white sand beaches; thundering waterfalls; placid lakes; fiery sunsets; turquoise seas; cathedral-like caves; swirling rivers; majestic mountains; stupendous, amphitheater-like rice terraces; awesome volcanoes and the like. Get to know the movers and shakers in the tourism industry; find out where to titillate the palate; rejuvenate your body; feed your adrenalin, unwind and relax; satisfy your craving for history and culture; and find out what's being celebrated and where.

BENJAMIN “BENJIE” LAYUG, an architect by profession (he finished his B. S. Architecture degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1982), is an avid reader, traveler and free-lance travel writer in his spare time, contributing articles to Travel Update, Philippine Daily Inquirer, COLORS, TODAY, 7107 Islands Magazine, Business Day, Bluprint and the Business Mirror.

He is also the author of the following travel books:

A Philippine Odyssey (New Day Publishers, 2005)
Pathfinder’s Travel Guide: Boracay (Great Books Trading, 2006)
A Tourist Guide to Notable Philippine Churches (New Day Publishers, 2007)
A Tourist to Notable Philippine Historical Landmarks, Monuments and Shrines (New Day Publishers, 2010)
A Tourist Guide to Notable Philippine Museums (New Day Publishers, 2012)

Some of his books now appear in the local library shelves of the National Library of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, University of Sto. Tomas, U.P. Diliman, Centro Escolar University, San Sebastian College, Miriam College, Silliman University, to name a few, as well as internationally at the National Library of Australia and the University of California Berkeley Library.

Now a senior citizen, he is probably one of the oldest, if not the oldest, active travel blogger in the country today. He also has a lifestyle blog called F.Y.I.:Firing Your Imagination (www.firingyourimagination.blogspot.com). Benjie has traveled to two-thirds (53) of the country’s 81 provinces and over 20 countries in 4 continents.