Category Archives: Recreational Outdoor Activities

Camp Vizcarra Ecology Park (Ramon, Isabela)

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Camp Vizcarra Ecology Park

A short, 10-min. drive from Magat Dam, in Ramon town, is the sprawling 30-hectare, peaceful Camp Vizcarra Ecology Camp, a leisure resort and tourist spot, named after the late Angelito F. Vizcarra (the town’s first mayor), connected through the Magat River.

Check out “Magat Dam”

The raging waters, released by the power plant flow from the Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant

Here, you can observed the lush landscape and raging waters of the Magat River, released by the power plant flow from the Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant, from its enchanting, 4-ft. wide steel-wire suspension footbridge, its deck hung below suspension cables on two vertical concrete pylons. Also crossing the river is a nearby concrete bridge.

The 4-ft. wide steel-wire suspension footbridge

Azrael, Ann, Lei, Leony, Jeremae and the author at the footbridge

After crossing the footbridge , a 1,000-step concrete stairway leads up to Mary Hill.

Picnic huts along the riverbank

The two-storey Ecology Hall

Along the way is a gazebo, where you’ll have a birds-eye view of the lush surroundings and the river and, further up, a grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, where one can pray.

The author (wearing green shirt) crossing the bridge with the others

The park also has cottages, an administration building, a children’s playground, picnic huts (Riverside Hall), the two-storey Ecology Hall and a campsite for Boy and Girl Scout jamborees.

Anne, Patrick, Leony, Lei and Jeremae at the he 1,000-step concrete stairway

View of the river and the Ecology Hall from the gazebo

In the future, a zipline will be built connecting Camp Vizcarra to Magat Dam.

Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

Camp Vizcarra Ecology Camp: Brgy. Gen. Aguinaldo, 3319 Ramon, Isabela.  Admission: Php5.  Coordinates: 16°49’7″N 121°28’11″E.

Isabela Provincial Tourism Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Tel: (078) 323-3146.  Mobile number: (0917) 317-3820.  E-mail: isabelatourismoffice@gmail.com.

Isabela Provincial Information Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Tel: (078) 323-0248.  Mobile number: (0927) 395-7555.  E-mail: letters_info@yahoo.com.

How to Get There: Ramon is located 362.5 kms. (a 7.5-hour drive) from Manila, 64.8 kms. (a one hour and 25-min. drive) from the City of Ilagan and 39.9 kms. (a one-hour drive) from Cauayan City.

Meraki Garden (Reina Mercedes, Isabela)

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Meraki Garden

After a 10-hour trip all the way from Manila, we arrived at the beautiful and colorful Meraki Garden, one of the Isabela province’s newest attractions, where we were to have dinner.

This 4.2-hectare botanical garden, in the town of Reina Mercedes, is home to over 3,000 beautiful and colorful varieties of bougainvilleas (some enormous) from all over the country.

Bougainvilleas are a genus of thorny ornamental vines, bushes, and trees belonging to the four o’ clock family, Nyctaginaceae

Ms. Lyn Marcaida

Owned by Ms. Lyn Marcaida, it was opened last September 28, 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.  During the lockdown, Ms. Lyn, who was stricken with the virus herself, got into planting and grafting bougainvilleas to while the time.

The author at Meraki Garden

Soon, her collection of well-groomed bougainvilleas, in colors of white, pink, orange violet and red, grew and she decided to open up her garden to the public.

She chose to name the Greek-inspired place as Meraki, from the Greek word that literally means “to do tasks with soul, creativity and love.” Its signature color is blue and white which gives a Santorini-like feel. Going around the grounds, we found everything in the place to be Instagram-worthy.

The Events Place

Aside from picture-taking, you can also enjoy the local bands that perform every weekday from 6 to 8 PM and magicians every weekend. Kids can enjoy the children’s playground, kiddie trampoline and train rides Meraki Garden offers, and once they go hungry, they can grab a bite (pizza, coffee, etc.) at the Taverna Café near the garden.

Taverna Cafe

Train Ride

Meraki also has an events center (seating up to 150 guests, banquet style) and a swimming pool is planned in the future.  The garden also has a wide range of products for both households and gardens.  Truly, this pandemic hobby-turned botanical paradise, dedicated to bougainvilleas, is a piece of heaven on earth.

Children’s Playground

Kiddie Trampoline

Meraki Garden: Brgy. Napaaccu Pequeno, Reina Mercedes 3305, Isabela.  Open daily, 6:30 AM to 10 PM.  Mobile numbers: (0917) 512-7355 (Ms. Lyn Marcaida) and (0927) 708-3571 (Mr. Dimple Barcarse Aquino). Admission: Php50.

Isabela Provincial Tourism Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Tel: (078) 323-3146.  Mobile number: (0917) 317-3820.  E-mail: isabelatourismoffice@gmail.com.

Isabela Provincial Information Office: Provincial Capitol Complex, City of Ilagan, Isabela. Tel: (078) 323-0248.  Mobile number: (0927) 395-7555.  E-mail: letters_info@yahoo.com.

How to Get There: Reina Mercedes is located 407 kms. (a 9-hour drive) from Manila, 14.8 kms. (a 30-min. drive) from Cauayan City and 23.9 kms. (a 35-min. drive) from the City of Ilagan.  Meraki Garden is located along the highway.

Seoraksan Cable Car (Sokcho City, South Korea)

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Seoraksan Cable Car

Part of Cebu Blue Ocean Academy-sponsored South Korea tour

After our visit to Sinheungsa Temple, we proceeded to the Small Park in Seoraksan National Park (a UNESCO Biosphere Protection Site) where the Seorak Cable Car Boarding Station is located. The park has one of the best topographical landscapes in the country, with awesome autumn foliage.

The Lower Cable Car Station

The Seorak Cable Car, which fits 50 people, is a quick and easy way to comfortably appreciate the magnificent landscape of Seoraksan Mountain.  We were all scheduled to board at 1 PM.

Check out  “Seoraksan National Park” and “Sinheungsa Temple”

The author (left with Mamel, Kim, James and Oca

As it was a weekend and the autumn foliage season, many tourists visit the mountain so we scheduled our trip by considering the waiting time too.

Queuing for our 1 PM ride

Also called Kwon Jinseong Cable Car, it was built in 1971 by Lee Ki-sub, a mountaineering enthusiast.  The cable car, ascending at a relatively high speed, runs even when it is raining or snowing but its operation may be suspended under windy conditions.

Waiting for our cable car to arrive

Finally. It arrived ….

By cable car, it took us about 6 mins. to get to the Upper Cable Car Station constructed at the edge of the mountain which is located 700m. (2,297 ft.) above sea level.

All aboard…..

To get the best view, we all chose a spot closest to the door. From the glass window in the cable car, we enjoyed an open view of various famous attractions such as Ulsan Peak and Manmulsang Rocks.

View from our cable car

Rock formations

From the outdoor observation deck (with dining tables at the two-storey Upper Cable Car Station, we had a panoramic view of the valley, fascinating rock formations of the Gwongeumseong Fortress (also called Seoraksan Castle) Region and the Sogongwon Area, Seoraksan Mountain’s majestic scenery, downtown Sokcho to the northeast all the way to the East Sea.

View from the outdoor observation deck

Another view from the outdoor observation deck

The famous Ulsanbawi Rock, with its six granite peaks, is to the north.  Legend has it that two generals Gwon and Kim built the fortress in one day to protect their families and villages from a Mongol invasion during the Goryeo period in the 13th century. Today, the site of the fortress only remains.

L-R: James, Kim, Oca, Mamel, Engr. Loy Ganzon, Grace, the author and Imjun.

The Upper Cable Car Station has souvenir shops and a small café serving coffee, honey pancakes with peanuts and Japanese and Korean cuisine inside.  After getting off at the cable car, you can hike 300 m. to the higher part of Gwongeumseong (a 15-min. hike) where you can get a birds-eye view of Oe-Serok.  There are observation platforms such as Panshi, Lost Terrace, Bell Ringing Terrace, etc.

The Upper Cable Car Station

Despite its rough course, many hikers come up to the summit of the fortress to appreciate magnificent and mysterious scenery of strange rocks and bizarre stones at Seoraksan Mountain. When you are at the summit, you can see the landscape of not only the Outer Seorak but also the Inner Seorak. Below the Gwongeumseong Fortress are Allagam Hermitage (built during the Silla period and muhaksong (Korean red pine) existed for hundreds of years.

Cafe at the Upper Cable Car Station

Seorak Cable Car: 1085, Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do. Tel: +82-33-636-4300. Open daily, 9 AM – 6 PM.  Admission: 10,000 won (adults, 14 years old and above) and 6,000 won (children, 3 to 13 years old).  Children under 3 years old are free of charge.  Buying tickets in advance online is not available. A one-way ticket is also not available, so visitors need to buy a round-trip ticket.

How to Get There: the cable car station is just a 3-min. walk from the Sogonwon entrance.

Cebu Blue Ocean Academy: Building 5, EGI Hotel and Resort, M.L. Quezon National Highway, Looc, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu 6015, Philippines.  Tel: (032) 888-9868.  E-mail: pinesbaguio@gmail.com.  Website: www.cebublueocean.com.  Baguio City (Benguet) Sister School: Pines International Academy, Romel Mansion, 3 Ignacio Villamor St., Brgy. Lualhati, Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines. Tel: 1 754-255-9818. E-mail: pinesbaguio@gmail.com. Website: www.pinesacademy.com.

 

Seoraksan National Park (Sokcho City, South Korea

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Seoraksan National Park

Part of Cebu Blue Ocean Academy-sponsored South Korea tour

After our Korean breakfast at Natural Soul Kitchen Restaurant at Lotte Resort Sokcho, we had a whole day to explore the 398.22 sq. km. (153.75 sq. mi.) Seoraksan National Park (seoraksan-gungnipgong-won), located 3 hours northeast of Seoul.  A national park in South Korea, it is listed by the South Korean government with UNESCO as a tentative World Heritage Site.

In 1965, the government designated the area as a 163.6 sq. km. (63.2 sq. mi.) nature reserve  and, in 1982, UNESCO designated it as a biosphere reserve, the first in the country. On March 24, 1970, it became the first Korean national park to be named under the National Park Law. On August 9–16, 1991, the 17th World Jamboree (the biggest event for boy/girl scouts and held every 4 years) was held in Mount Sorak.

It was a straightforward 12 km. drive from Sokcho to Seoraksan (translated as “Seorak Mountain”) National Park.  Highlights of our visit was our exploration of Sinheungsa Temple, one of two Buddhist temples and cultural landmarks within the bounds of the national park (the other is Baekdamsa), and a cable car ride, to the Upper Cable Car Station located 700 m. (2,297 ft.) above sea level, where we enjoyed an open view of various famous attractions such as Ulsan Peak (ranked as the most popular hikes at Seoraksan National Park due to the unique rock formation and the fabulous views from the Rock and Manmulsang Rocks. 

Check out “Singheungsa Temple” and “Seoraksan Cable Car”

The long queue for a bus ride …..

Located on the east-central Korean peninsula, it is divided into the eastern section or outer section (Oeseorak), western section or inner section (Naeseorak) and the southern section (Namseorak).  Te reserve includes the Dinosaur Ridge, Injegun, Yanyanggun, and Sokchosi and some 28 mountain peaks (all part of the Taebaek mountain range measuring over 1,200 m. above sea level, the tallest being the 1,708 m. (5,604 ft.) high Daecheongbong (also called Seorak meaning “snowy peak”), the third highest peak in South Korea.

The ranges are composed largely of dissected granite and gneiss. The annual precipitation is about 1,000 mm. (39 in.) in Inner Soraksan and 1,300 mm. (51 in.) in Outer Soraksan. Popular with tourists and nature enthusiasts, it is home to many rare taxa of flora (the park is valued for its floral diversity) and fauna (1,562 animal species have been classified so far).

Sogongwon

The park is home to about 1,013 species of known plants, with 822 vascular plant species. On the southern slope, pine trees such as the Siberian pine are abundant while the northern slopes of the mountain range are characterized by oaks and other deciduous trees. Thuja grow in the deep valleys while dwarf pines and yews grow on low and high slopes. Juniper, hawthorn, and Manchurian fir can also be found.

Shops near Sogongwon

Other plants include forsythias, saw-worts and rare Hanabusaya asiatica.  Local fauna include otters, Siberian flying squirrel, kestrel, Chinese sparrowhawk, lenok, Chinese minnow, spotted barbel and endangered Tristram’s woodpecker, Korean goral, and the increasingly rare Korean musk deer.

Statue of an Asian Black Bear

As our visit was during a weekend, the park was packed with local and foreign tourists.  Luckily, we were able to park the car just across the bus waiting station where Frank, James, Kim and I joined a long queue of visitors waiting for the bus (which leaves every ten minutes) bound for Seoraksan National Park.

L-R: James, Kim, the author and Frank

L-R: Mamel, Injun, Engr. Ganzon and Grace

Once on board, the bus ride took around 20 to 25 minutes and we were all dropped at the bust stop across Kensington Stars Hotel (the most convenient place to stay in the park.  We then had to walk, for about 10 mins., to get to Sogongwon (translated as “small park”), the entrance of the park with the most attractions and visitors.

The entrance of the park has gift shops, shops selling hiking gear, food and refreshment shops and small restaurants places (mostly Korean but very few Western). After we walked past the entrance, there is statue of an Asian Black Bear (the icon of the park’s residents) on top of a square structure bearing “Seoraksan National Park.”

The red, yellow and orange hues of autumn…..

Koreans love hiking and this is very evident in Seoraksan National Park. On a nearby huge board, you can find a number of amazing and different hiking and walking trails to the attractions in the park waiting to be explored, ranging from short 1-hour walks to full 2-day treks into the wilderness, each varying in length and difficulty.  In fact, past the entrance are signposts showing directions to two beautiful waterfalls – Towangseong Falls Observatory (2.9 kms.) and Biryongpokpo Falls (2.4 kms.).

Sinheungsa Temple

The 30-min., easy,1.5-km. Gwongeumseong Hike can be done after riding up the cable car. The 1.5 to 2-hour, easy Biseondae Hike features relatively flat out-and-back style trail walking alongside the water.  The 2 to 3-hour, moderate 3 Waterfalls Hike takes you past Yukdam Falls, Biryong Waterfall and to the aforementioned observatory of Towangseong Waterfall. The final section is tough as it is a series of steep stairs for 500 m.  The fairly difficult, 3 to 4-hour Ulsanbawi Rock Hike features lots of lots of stairs but the views at the top are absolutely incredible. The relatively short (3 to 4 hours) but difficult, 3.6-km. Geumganggul Cave Hike is quite the challenge, with a lot of elevation.

Seoraksan Cable Car

However, aside from the Sinheunsa Temple visit and Seorak Cable Car ride, we came to the national park for another reason. Every autumn, Seoraksan National Park, offering some of the most beautiful scenery in South Korea, is one of the first and most impressive places to see and enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage hues of red, yellow and orange which peaks in mid-October, the time of our arrival.

Unification Stupa

Seoraksan National Park: Seoraksan-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea.  Tel:  +82-33-801-0900.  Fax: +82-33-801-0969.  Open daily, 6 AM to 8 PM. The cable cars operate from 9 AM to 6 PM. Admission: ₩4500 (adult, age 20 to 65), ₩2000 (youth, age 14 to 19) and ₩1000 (children, age 8 to 13). Cable car tickets cost ₩ 11000 for adult (middle school students or older) and ₩7000 for children (37 months to elementary school).  Children under 36 months can ride the cable car for free.  Coordinates:  38°07′30″N 128°24′58″E.

How to Get There: In Sokcho, take bus 7-1 or 7, which run on 30-minute intervals, at the bus stop opposite the Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, to Outer Seorak (Oeseorak).  The whole bus journey takes about 30 minutes.

Cebu Blue Ocean Academy: Building 5, EGI Hotel and Resort, M.L. Quezon National Highway, Looc, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu 6015, Philippines.  Tel: (032) 888-9868.  E-mail: pinesbaguio@gmail.com.  Website: www.cebublueocean.com.  Baguio City (Benguet) Sister School: Pines International Academy, Romel Mansion, 3 Ignacio Villamor St., Brgy. Lualhati, Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines. Tel: 1 754-255-9818. E-mail: pinesbaguio@gmail.com. Website: www.pinesacademy.com.

Bowen Island (British Columbia, Canada)

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Bowen Island

On our 18th day in Vancouver, we again went on a day tour to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this time to a unique, peaceful and alluring island escape called Bowen Island, an island municipality that is still part of Metro Vancouver and within the jurisdiction of the Islands Trust.

Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal

A first for Grace, Jandy and I, Bryan, Cheska and Kyle have been here before, staying two nights and exploring the island on foot.  The island offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, relaxing beaches and a picturesque coastline where you can do family-friendly outdoor activities such land-based fishing, sea kayaking or stand up paddleboarding. You can also bike or scooter your way around the island.

On our way on board the Queen of Capilano

Located in the middle of beautiful Howe Sound, the 50.12 sq. kms. (19.35 sq. mi.)Bowen Island is approximately 6 kms. (3.7 mi.) wide by 12 kms. (7.5 mi.) long and, at its closest point, is about 3 kms. (1.9 mi.) west of the mainland. In Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (the Squamish language) of the Squamish people, the name for Bowen Island isy Nex̱wlélex̱m meaning “fast drumming ground”).

The lovely scenery along the way….

Bowen Island was formerly called Isla de Apodaca (after the Mexican town of Apodaca, in northeast Nuevo León state) by the Spanish Captain José María Narváez in July, 1791. In 1860, the  island was renamed the after Rear Admiral James Bowen, master of HMS Queen Charlotte. Currently, the local economy is largely dependent on commuters who work on the mainland in Greater Vancouver. As it was summer, the population of 4,256 is supplemented by about 1,500 visitors.

Our destination – Bowen Island

The 30.3-km. drive to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal in West Vancouver, via the Trans-Canada Highway/BC-1W, took us just over 30  mins. Upon arrival, we joined the queue (it was a Sunday weekend) of cars waiting to board the Queen of Capilano, a regular car and passenger ferry service from provided by BC Ferries, leaving the port by 1:55 PM. The relaxing and easy crossing to Snug Cove Ferry Terminal on the east coast of the island took just a short 20 mins. but included picturesque views.

Snug Cove Ferry Terminal

Upon arrival at Snug Cove, we drove for about 10 mins., along the island’s only road that bisects the heavily forested and hilly terrain, to Tunstall Bay Community Beach, one of the island’s 48 mostly rocky and pebbly beaches and coastal access points (some of them neighborhood beaches) and one of four popular community beaches (the others are Bowen Bay Beach, Roger Custis Beach and Sandy Beach, the closest to Snug Cove).

Tunstall Bay Community Beach

The popular beach, originally a retirement community in the 1950s, is arguably the best beach for swimming, sunbathing, kayak launching and sunset watching on Bowen Island.  It also has an incredible view of the Pasley Islands as well as the mountains.  At a grassy area across the parking area, we set up our picnic spread where we had a very late lunch.  Aside from a parking area, this popular beach had toilets and garbage bins.

Roger Custis Beach

After our picnic at the beach, we next drove to Roger Custis Beach, another community beach in Lighthouse Cove at the west end of the island. We parked our car at the small parking lot which can accommodate six cars.

Cape Roger Curtis Lighthouse

From there, a short trail lead us down to the water’s edge.  We spent almost an hour there, with Cheska and Kyle climbing the jagged rocks to get to the base of the small but charming Cape Roger Curtis Lighthouse.

Bryan, Kyle and Cheska (holding Luffy)

Here, we had beautiful views of Georgia Strait (with Vancouver Island across the way) and the Keats and Pasley island group on the right. About 600 yds. (a 10-min. walk) from the lighthouse is Pebbly Beach, a stretch of sand amongst low cliffs and tall arbulus trees.

Jandy and Grace

From Lighthouse Cove, we drove to the beautiful and serene, marshy Killarney Lake, the largest lake on the island and a local favorite in sprawling Crippen Regional Park.  A perfect reason to make a day trip to the island, we parked along the southern shore which has a picnic area and toilet facilities.

Killarney Lake

Nearby is a dam built in the 1920s to create a catch basin for drinking water which increased the lake’s size.  At its far end are ghostly trees.  The lake, much of its foreshore blanketed with lily pads,  is surrounded by century-old second growth forest (the island was logged in the late 1890s).

Fauna sighted here include eagles, belted kingfisher, blue herons, wood ducks and red-breasted sapsuckers.  Swimming is not recommended here due to the presence of leeches.

Killarney Lake Dam

Its easy, well-maintained and marked, 7.9-mile lollipop hiking trail that first wraps around the marshy shoreline of the lake is generally considered as a moderately challenging route ( 1.5 to 2 hours at a moderate pace with minimal elevation gain).

Most of it is through the Pacific temperate forest, hiking along wooden boardwalks surrounded by ferns, with some undulating stretches around the northern side and brief breathtaking views across the waters of the tranquil lake.

the long queue of cars waiting to board the ferry

Finally, from Killarney Lake, we drove along the main road where we came from to return to the ferry.  Cheska parked the car directly along Bowen Trunk Road, joining a long queue leading to the ferry, and waited.  The return trip was free (the ticket we purchased in Vancouver was good for a round-trip fare).

Snug Cove

The Pub

Barcelona Tapas and Wine Bar

Since we still had time before the ferry departs, Jandy and I alighted to do some sightseeing, walking towards Snug Cove, the main population center,  a lovely place with a genuine small town feel that you can wander if you’ve got nothing but time.

Bowen Island Public Library

Bowen Island Historians’ Museum and Archives

It is home to an astonishing number of craft shops, art galleries and delightful boutiques (selling flowers, stylish clothes, eco-friendly soaps, etc.) at Artisan Square,  2 museums, a post office, a library and restaurants.

Snug Cove Marina

Doc Morgan’s

Just off the ferry terminals is the Snug Cove Marina.  The mock Tudor-style Union Steamship Company Store, dating from 1924, houses government offices.

Union Steamship Company Marina

The author

It was once the centerpiece of a private resort boasting campgrounds, 180 cottages and a 800-pax dance pavilion.  We departed on the 6:50 PM ferry, again on board the the Queen of Capilano, back to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal.

Passengers boarding the Queen of Capilano

Cars were next….

Bowen Island: British Columbia V0N 1G1. E-mail: info@tourismbowenisland.com. Website: www.tourismbowenisland.com.

Century Gardens (Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada)

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Century Gardens

Century Gardens, within the northern border of Deer Lake Park, near the neighborhoods of Buckingham Heights and Middlegate, was a originally a Mixed Style Victorian garden made for the mock Tudor-style Fairacres Mansion (now Burnaby Art Gallery).

Check out “Burnaby Art Gallery,” “Fairacres Mansion” and “Deer Lake Park”

 

The single best place in the city to admire and celebrate Burnaby’s official flower (adopted as the official emblem in August 1966), this circular garden, with a path system, has over 2,000 rhododendrons that burst into bloom in spring (March to July).

One of two developed rhododendron gardens (the other are plantings on Burnaby Mountain along Centennial Way) dedicated on June 18, 1967, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation, it features the developments of some of the Pacific Northwest’s accomplished rhododendron growers.

A garden within displays each of the winning plants, as well as samples of all the competition entries, of the May 1992 Burnaby Rhododendron Festival  (the festival was first held in 1989).  The winner was John Lofthouse (his plant developments are extremely well known) and honorable mention went to Gene Round (an accomplished grower).

Water feature

The winning entry was the R. Burnaby Centennial, a “Leona” x “Etta Burrows” cross.  The compact truss consists of 14 to 16, five-lobed flowers which are raspberry red in color centered with a lighter red stamen, style and black anthers.  Foliage is pointed, medium in size and shiny, dark green in color.

Camperdown Elm (Ulmus glabra camperdownii)

A new entrance to the garden features Hak Chu/Pak Chu, supersized concrete replicas of white Pak Chu and black Hak Chu, public art created by Vancouver born and raised Nathan Lee in 2000.  It is based on fan-tan (translated as “repeated spreading out”), a game, long played in China, based on pure luck and randomness.

Fairacres Mansion (now Burnaby Art Gallery) in the background

It involves using hak-chu and pak-chu as counters (where white pieces are worth one-fifth the value of the black pieces).  In the 1990s, a single white pak chu was discovered under the Fairacres Cottage, indicating an early Chinese community on this site.

Hak Chu/Pak Chu (Nathan Lee, 2000)

Century Gardens is also lined with numerous varieties of colorful flowers, including an extensive rose garden.  This flower paradise can be viewed from the wooden boardwalk that encircles Deer Lake Park. The annual Burnably Rhododendron Festival includes guided rhododendron and perennial walks in Century Gardens.

Century Gardens: 6344 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby V5G 213, British Columbia, Canada.

How to Get There: Bus 144 Metrotown runs from the Burnaby Lake SkyTrain Station to the gardens.  By car, take Sprott St. Exit, drive straight through Canada Way, past Burnaby City Hall and Central High School, turn left into Deer Lake Ave.  The Fairacres Mansion is at the top of the hill on your right.  Beside it is the garden.

Deer Lake Park (Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada)

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Deer Lake Park

On the late afternoon of our 12th day in Vancouver, my daughter Cheska brought my wife Grace, my son Jandy, grandson Kyle and I to tranquil,  207-hectare Deer Lake Park, a 5.5-km. (12-min.) drive away, where we were to have a picnic dinner with  some U.S. friends.  From Sperling Ave., we parked at a lot closer to Deer Lake beach area.  Right across were two tables with benches where we had our picnic. An accessible washroom is located on the east side of the lake, near the parking area.

Parking lot along Sperling Ave.

Nearby, on the east end of Deer Lake, is a sandy public beach for play, along with swings for children. Plus, there’s a dock where you can launch small boats, like kayaks and canoes during the spring through the fall season. Those arriving with a kayak or canoe on their car top carrier, can launch it from the dock. From the dock, (on the western edge of the park), at 5435 Sperling Ave., there’s also Deer Lake Rental, a rental service for non-motorized watercraft such as rowboats and pedal boats as well as canoes and kayaks.

Deer Lake Park Map

Europeans who came here, not having seen caribou before, called the caribou “deer,” Caribou, in great numbers, could be seen crossing the lake from north to south, hence the name Deer Lake (the park’s namesake).

Boat Launch Dock

Situated in the central heart of the city, Deer Lake, along with Burnaby Lake, is home to resident populations of wildlife like many species of ducks, song birds (flitting through the meadows), otters and, just maybe, beavers (hard at work building dams in the marshy areas to the west of the lake) which one might glimpse them as one walks or runs along the trails that circle the lake’s 2.4-km. perimeter.

Deer Lake Rentals

You can also climb the wildlife viewing tower, near the southwest corner of the lake, to watch for endangered Western painted turtles sunning themselves on logs or basking on rocks in the ponds.

Deer Lake Rentals

Year-round resident birds in the park include red-tail hawks (circling the sky for prey below), black capped chickadee, spotted towhee, majestic great blue herons (fishing in the shallows), Anna’s hummingbird, Bewick’s Wren and Stellar’s Jay.  Summer breeding birds include Northern Harrier, March Wren, Cedar Waxwing, Swainson’s Thrush, Common Yellowthroat and American Goldfinch.  Winter & Migratory birds at Deer Lake Park include Dark Eyes Junco, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Mountain Bluebird.

Kayaks for rent

The temperate rainforest, the vegetation natural to the area, is dominated by trees considered particularly tall for the Lower Mainland, with conifers such as Western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata). Deer Lake and the surrounding park is a highly altered habitat and while cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, stickleback, sculpin and crayfish were likely native to Deer Lake, most of the aquatic animals are introduced species and invasive species include bullfrog, ictalurid catfish and carp.

Deer Lake Beach House

Beaver Creek, flowing under the wooden boardwalk, is used by fish for feeding and as a refuge from predators such as larger fish, mink, otters, herons, and kingfishers. Young Coho salmon use this stream as they grow before their journey to the ocean. Most of the wetlands along Beaver Creek are wet meadows and open water pond area, and a remnant bog area on the Western lakeshore. Trees that can tolerate these wet conditions are Sitka Spruce, Birch, Willow hardhack, Sweet gale, Black twinberry, Dwarf dogwood, Labrador tea, Salmonberry, Sedges and Bulrushes.

Deer Lake Beach House plaque

To the north of Deer Lake, you’ll find Burnaby’s cultural centre for art and culture – Burnaby Art Gallery (located Fairacres Mansion at 6344 Deer Lake Ave.),  Shadbolt Centre for the Arts (just a short ways further down the road at 6450 Deer Lake Ave.), Burnaby Village Museum (an excellent outdoor museum at the northeast corner of the park at 6501 Deer Lake Ave.) and more. It’s a hub of activity during the busy summer season, hosting concerts and festivals on the Festival Lawn.  The park is also home to Burnaby Village and Hart House (a historic building and present-day restaurant at 6664 Deer Lake Ave.).

Check out  “Fairacres Mansion,” “Burnaby Art Gallery,” “Burnaby Village Museum” and “Shadbolt Centre for the Arts“

Located in Central Burnaby, not far from Burnaby City Hall and halfway between Burnaby Lake and Metrotown, it is one of Metro Vancouver’s largest and most popular city parks, with walking trails and wide open spaces, and is a very popular area for birding and running (you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring).

Even if the skyscrapers of Metrotown rise above the lake, Deer Lake Park still provides a unique nature escape in the middle of Burnaby. It’s a great place for hiking, boating, spotting wildlife, and learning about history and culture.  Just below the Burnaby Art Gallery, the Deer Lake Park Festival Lawn is an ideal spot for a picnic on the grass or at the picnic tables near the wide paved path leading to Deer Lake.

The lake itself, in the middle of the park, has a lovely, mostly finely crushed gravel and hard packed dirt (in some parts it’s a wooden boardwalk) main walking trail along the water’s edge and through the forest (this map shows all the trails and their surfaces). Some of the paths may be too steep for some users and tree roots crossing the trail also pose a tripping hazard.  Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

The park offers a variety of many connecting trails (open year-round and beautiful to visit anytime and routes (more of an outdoor urban walk than a hike) that surround the lake:

  • Deer Lake Loop Route
  • Hart House Mini Route
  • Oakland Flats
  • Royal Oak Meadow Route

Wooden Boardwalk

You can do a small loop which runs around the edge of the lake for most of the way and takes about 35 mins., depending on how fast you walk.  You can go past the end of the lake though and continue on the larger loop (which takes about 45 mins.) which then makes its way back to the lake and the last part of the smaller loop. Doing both loops, considered an easy route, in a figure eight (where you walk along the middle section twice on your way round), is about 4.5 to 5 kms. long and takes 55 mins to an hour or so, from start to finish. Bikes are not permitted on wooden boardwalks.

Dirt and crushed gravel trail

A number of annual events take place at Deer Lake Park.  They include the following:

Canada goose

The park was a nice place for families with small kids, folks looking for a nice nature trip, or a good loop outside (if you are short on time). To enjoy the gardens in bloom, visit Deer Lake Park in spring. To enjoy many different flowers (including rhododendron, Burnaby’s official flower), visit Century Garden, next to the Burnaby Art Gallery, or the city-owned Eagles Estate Heritage Garden, on the southeastern shore of the lake, which dates back to 1929 and includes Japanese maples, rhododendrons, and magnolias.

Check out “Century Gardens“

Sunset over Deer Lake

Deer Lake Park: 5435 Sperling Ave., Burnaby, British Columbia V5E 2L8.  Tel: (604) 294-7450.

How to Get There: From Vancouver, take Highway 1 east. Use exit 33 to Kensington Avenue. Turn left on Canada Way. then right on Sperling. There are several options for parking. Continue on Sperling for another block to a large parking area. Or turn right onto Deer Lake Avenue. This road runs through the east side of the park and leads to parking areas on the southeast shore of Deer Lake next to the Burnaby Village Museum, the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, and the Burnaby Art Gallery.  This map shows the parking areas noted below. The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby Art Gallery and Burnaby Village Museum parking lots are accessible from Deer Lake Ave. There is a parking lot on the west side of the park off Royal Oak Ave.  Parking isn’t permitted in the residential areas around Deer Lake Park.  Parking lots close at 10 PM every night.  Get directions or visit TransLink Trip Planner.

Deer Lake Rentals: Website: www.deerlakeboatrentals.com. Tel:  604-839-3949.

  • Kayak Charges: 1-person kayak ($16.07 plus taxes per hour, maximum total weight should be 350 lbs. or 160 kgs.), 2-person kayak ($19.64 plus taxes per hour, maximum total weight should be 450 lbs. or 205 kgs.)
  • Rowboat & Canoe Charges: 2-person rowboat ($19.64 plus taxes per hour, maximum total weight should be 400 lbs. or 180 kgs.), 2-3-person canoe ($19.64 plus taxes per hour, maximum total weight should be 500 lbs. or 230 kgs.), 4-person canoe ($31.25 plus taxes per hour, maximum total weight should be 850 lbs. or 390 kgs.)
  • Pedal Boat Charges: 2-person pedal boat ($19.64 plus taxes per hour, maximum total weight should be 600 lbs. or 270 kgs.), 4-person pedal boat $31.25 plus taxes per hour, maximum total weight should be 850 lbs. or 390 kgs.)

Dry bag rental is $1 per hour.  Last rental is 1 hour before sunset. The last 1.2 hr rental is 1/2 hour before sunset.

Barnet Marine Park (Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada)

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Barnet Marine Park

On our fourth day in Vancouver, we drove 6.6 kms. to Barnet Marine Park, a small but beautiful and popular waterfront park, where we were to enjoy an afternoon outdoor picnic with family while sitting back taking and watching the action on the south shore of the spectacular, tanker-dotted Burrard Inlet (here’s a map of the picnic area).

A tanker at Burrard Inlet

As it was a sunny weekend, the main parking lot was already filled so we parked at the overflow parking above the highway right next to the Air Mountain Bike Park.

Located right along the north end base of Burnaby Mountain and across Burrard Inlet from Cates Park and Vancouver’s North Shore, on an important harvesting, gathering and processing site for the Coast Salish peoples, as well as the site of a century-old logging mill camp, this spectacular foreshore park, Burnaby’s only official saltwater beach, is perfect for a stroll and has ocean and mountain views. Although small in size, the park feels large as it is long and narrow, stretching for about 1.5 kms. along the waterfront.

 

Barnet was formerly a thriving logging community of the North Pacific Lumber Company (later the Barnet Lumber Company), one of the largest sawmills in the British Empire.  Established in 1889 (at the site of a new C.P.R. station), David MacLaren (the owner) named it “Barnet” after his wife’s family.

Foundation of Mill Wood Scrap Burner

Due to the Great Depression, the mill closed in 1931 and reopened in 1939 as the Kapoor Sawmills.  Destroyed by fire in 1946, plans to rebuild the mill to its former scale never materialized.  The community started to fade when the small replacement mill was finally dismantled in 1958.

Mill Wood Scrap Burner

Here, you can still see traces of the once prosperous mill such as the mill’s scrap burner as well as the concrete and brick foundations nearby.

Remains of Old Wharf

On the water are the remains of the old wharf (where processed timber bound for American and Asian ports was loaded), its pylons now nesting sites for birds.

Aside from the picnic (some in the shade) site, it has a designated dog off-leash area  allowing our dog Luffy to get some exercise. We had to keep your dog leashed everywhere else in the park (you also have to pick up after your dog and drop our waste bag in the designated bins). For sanitary reasons, they aren’t allowed on the beach. The sandier beach areas of the off-leash dog area are at the far west end of the park.

Sandy Beach

Rocky Beach

Along the shore are both rocky and nice sandy (at the far western end) beaches. The most popular beach is at the far eastern end as it’s closer to the parking lots and has both grassy and sandy areas.  Wildlife to be found here includes seals, crabs, geese and herons.

Geese

To enjoy a relaxing meal or a quick bite, there’s Park Cafe. Propane barbeques and charcoal and open-flame barbeques are also allowed at this park (you have to use the on-site ash pits to safely dispose of hot ashes).

Park Cafe

Accessible washrooms and changing rooms are located in the concession building, open year-round.  There are also outdoor showers for swimmers.

Concesson Building

Barnet Marine Park is an excellent spot to enjoy fishing from shore (just make sure you have a license). To explore the sheltered waters of Indian Arm or the Burrard Inlet, you can launch canoes, kayaks and sailing craft on the rocky or sandy beach.

Motorboat at Burrard Inlet

On the rocky beach, Cheska, Bryan and Kyle went paddleboarding but they had to carry everything down to the beach.

Bryan (with Kyle) and Cheska paddleboarding off the rocky beach

Trails here are either paved or crushed limestone, with benches available throughout. I traversed the length of Drummond’s Walk, a peaceful foreshore and upland walk named after former Mayor Douglas P. Drummond (1996-2002) in April 2006.

Start of Drummond’s Walk

Plaque

It was his favorite place to exercise. This flat and easy trail, suitable for all ages and fitness levels, runs 1,5 kms. from one end of the park to the other.

Drummond’s Walk

Along the path, I encountered grassy lawns and a large and impressive off-leash dog zone that includes multiple waterfront beaches. Here’s a map showing all the paths in the park.

Watching tankers go by at Drummond’s Walk

Barnet Marine Park: 8181 Barnet Rd, Burnaby, BC V5A 3G8, British Columbia. General inquiries: 604-294-7450. E-mail: parksrecandculture@burnaby.ca. Website: www.burnaby.ca/explore-outdoors/parks/barnet-marine-park. Open from 7 am and closes at dusk between April and October. During May to September, the closing time changes with the increase in daylight hours. Park Café is open Friday to Sunday on ‘good weather’ days in the summer, 11:30 AM -6:30 PM.  If the weather looks wet and cold, call 604-297-4888 to confirm if the café is open. Since January 1, 2022, smoking has been banned in all City parks and multi-use paths.

Parking: the main parking lot (download map) is located on the south side of the rail line. The north (beach) side of the rail line is pedestrian only. Don’t park on the rail line. There are 6 accessible parking stalls located east of the park entrance, closest to the beach. Additional accessible parking stalls and surface parking are available to the east and west of park entrance on a first come, first served basis.

Additional parking is available farther to the west of the park entrance and on the other side of Barnet Rd where the Mountain Air Bike Skills Course (an incredible bike skills park located just across the Barnet Highway, it features an outdoor wood pump track for beginners to advanced mountain bikers that’s free to the public) is located. Accessible parking stalls at beach levelare available Monday to Friday, 9 AM-7 PM until September 1, 2023 (excluding statutory holidays). To check availability and obtain access, call park staff at 604-319-7083. Due to safety and operational concerns when the park is very busy, all beach-level parking (including accessible parking) are not available on weekends and statutory holidays.

How to Get There: The park is about 10 kms. (a 30-min. drive) from downtown Vancouver, and a 10-min. drive from Port Moody. Travel east on Hastings Street. Keep left on Inlet Dr/Barnet Rd and turn left onto the park at Takeda Drive. Get directions.

Zoe’s Resort & Eco-Adventure Park (Bulusan, Sorsogon)

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Zoe’s Resort & Eco-Adventure Park

Part of Sorsogon Countryside Tour

After lunch at Balay Buhay sa Uma Farm, we proceeded to the nearby Zoe’s Resort & Eco-Adventure Park driving across a long rough road before getting to the resort.  This eco-tourism site, a 10-min. drive from Lake Bulusan, offers outdoor activities for adventure-seekers and laid-back facilities for visiting families and children.

Check out “Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm”

Here, we were to trek two (Kambal Busay and Hidden Falls) of their three waterfalls (the other is Hulugan Falls). A tour guide was assigned to us as we can get lost in the vast space inside Zoe’s Resort and the waterfalls are quite far from each other.

Getting to the jump-off point via tractor

At the main entrance, we were given the option to get to the jump-off point for the trek to Kambal Busay via tractor.  Most of the ladies chose this option while the rest (including me) just walked for about 5 mins..

SCAD Kapehan

Fresh buko being prepared for us at SCAD Kapehan

We soon reached Scad Kapehan, the resort’s al fresco cafeteria, where we were treated to fresh buko (coconut) juice. From the cafeteria, we could already hear the sound of and see, from up the stairs, Kambal Busay Falls.

View of Kambal Busay Falls from SCAD Kapehan

After this refreshing treat, I proceeded down the 119-step stairway (this would be Calvary on my return) that lead to Kambal Busay Falls.

My guide Ms. Rachel Romano at the 119-step stairway leading down to the falls

At the base of the stairway, I espied the beautiful, 30-ft. high Kambal Busay Falls in all its glory.  Its basin was quite safe to swim and some of us did so.  There was a rope that you can hold onto so you can stand directly under the falls.

Kambal Busay Falls.  The boulder in the middle cuts the falls into two, hence the name

The author at Kambal Busay Falls

To get to Hidden Falls, I had to hike much further (about 10-15 mins.), traversing cascades of water and slippery rocks and boulders.

Downstream from Kambal Busay Falls

Cascades of water along the trail to Hidden Falls

Literally hidden inside a cave-like entrance, the fall’s current is strong and pools into what looks like a deep basin.

Improvised walkways and handrails such as these made trekking to Hidden Falls much easier

A short set of wooden stairs and walkways with bamboo handrails led up to a huge boulder where I can take a peek of the waterfall.

The author resting along the way (photo: Ms. Joan April Chang)

The 23-ft. high Hulugan Falls, the last one and the farthest, is 1 km. (a 30-45-min. hike) away from the main entrance. In Irosin (where the falls is located), it called Naglahaw Falls (from the word naglalahao meaning “to fall down”) and its entry point is coming from Danao Irosin lake, a 10-15 min. hike. It is fed by several rivers and tributaries from nearby localities and even water from the crevices of Bulusan Volcano.

The author at Hidden Falls

For those who want to stay longer in the resort, Zoe’s Resort has different varieties of cottages: umbrella (Php250), casa (Php500) and hall. The halls are two casas combined cost between Php1, 500 – Php2, 000.  The resort also has two swimming pools (the Cold Spring and the Bloody Pool).  The one for the adults has a depth of 7 ft. and one for the kids has a depth of 3 ft.

Idyllic scenes such as these make you want to linger longer

Aside from the tractor ride (Php50 per pax), you can also try ATV (Php150 per 15 mins.) to the 3 waterfalls and bamboo rafting in their manmade lake (Php20 per pax).

One of the resort’s two swimming pools

Zoe’s Resort & Eco-Adventure Park: Brgy. San Roque, Bulusan 4704, Sorsogon.  E-mail: zoesresort@gmail.com.  Mobile number: (0948) 620-7196 and (0919) 578- 4079. Open daily, 6 AM – 6 PM. Entrance fee: Php150/pax.  Tour guide fee: Php150 (for 2 pax) and Php350 (up to 10 pax).

How to Get There: Bulusan is located 557.3 kms. (a 13-hr. drive  via Pan Philippine Highway/AH26) from Manila and 44.5 kms. (a 55-min. drive) via the Junction Abuyog-Gubat-Ariman Rd., from Sorsogon City.

Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office: Ground Floor, Capitol Building, 4700 Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0968) 624-6279. E-mail: tourism@sorsogon.gov.ph.  Facebook: www.facebook.com/sorsogonprovincialtourismoffice.

Bulusan Municipal Tourism Office: www.facebook.com/ExploreBulusan.

Ur Place Travel & Tours: OLV Pangpang, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.  Mobile number (Viber): (0927) 950-3927 (Ms. Annie Gueb).  Facebook: www.facebook.com/urplacetravel.

Rompeolas Bay Walk (Sorsogon City, Sorsogon)

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Rompeolas Bay Walk.  In the foreground is the standee while in the background is the partially cloud-shrouded Mt. Bulusan

Part of Sorsogon Countryside Tour

After our tour of the Sorsogon Cultural Center for the Arts, we were driven 4 kms. to Rompeolas Bay Walk.  Also known as the Sorsogon City Bay Walk, it is located along Sorsogon Bay.

Check out “Sorsogon Cultural Center for the Arts”

Splendido de Rompeolas

Our creamy halo-halo

Here, we had a merienda of creamy halo-halo at Splendido de Rompeolas Restobar & Grill, one of a number of restaurants at the Rompeolas Food Court that serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and merenda meals. It is being developed by the provincial government as a tourist zone.

Rompeolas Food Court

Sports Bar 83, Boardroom Snacks & Games Cafe

Its name was derived from the Spanish word romper meaning “where the waves cavort.” At Rompeolas, Pinaculan Island, the “Rompeolas Sorsogon City” standee as well as picturesque views of Sorsogon Bay and, on a clear day, Mount Bulusan can be seen from afar.

Sorsogon Pier

It also has a fairyland view of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, with its colorful, dome and pointed steeples.

View of the dome and spires of the Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral

The site of the old Sorsogon Pier (which juts into Sorsogon Bay), this pleasant, arrowhead-shaped promenade, with fresh sea air (especially in the morning), gets really crowded with students out on date, kids out on a day of fun (there is a playground), and those who just can’t get enough of the glorious and spectacular, reddish-orange  Sorsogon sunset over Pinaculan Island. It is also crowded during sunrise, with people exercising or jogging to start their day.

View of the sunset over Pinaculan Island from the causeway

The adjacent quiet, 3-hectare, tadpole-shaped Pinaculan Island, site of a lighthouse, was once only connected to the mainland, at Brgy. Bitan-o-Dalipay, during low tide.

Pinaculan Island

Today, it is now connected to the mainland via a causeway (built around 2012) and an aesthetically pleasing hanging bridge crossing over to Brgy. Bitan-o-Dalipay. 

The hanging bridge

On October 31, 2019, during Sorsogon’s Kasanggayahan Festival, a total of 7,127 Sorsogon residents, including Gov. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero and his wife actress Heart Evangelista, performed the Pantomina sa Tinampo (the Bicolano courtship dance mimicking the movement of doves in  courtship) from Fatima Church to Bulwagan and Rompeolas Baywalk. In doing so, Sorsogon now holds a Guinness World Record for the largest Philippine folk dance. Swapnil Dangarikar of India, official adjudicator from Guinness World Records, witnessed the historic performance.

Pinaculan Lighthouse

The 4-lane, 5.52-km. long Sorsogon City Coastal Rd., opened last August 30, 2020, connects Rompeolas Bay Walk with Brgy. Balogo.  It bypasses Sorsogon City’s main thoroughfare along Maharlika Highway. Providing a pleasant view of Sorsogon’s coastline, it also doubles as a protection against storm surges.

 

Rompeolas Bay Walk: Brgy. Talisay, Sorsogon City 4700, Sorsogon. Coordinates 12.96481,124.0041.

Splendido de Rompeolas Restobar & Grill: Pier Site, Rompeolas, Brgy. Talisay, Sorsogon City 4700, Sorsogon. Mobile number: (0912) 105-9950.

How to Get There: Sorsogon City is located 517.5 kms. (a 12–hr. drive) from Manila via the Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26. 

Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office: Ground Floor, Capitol Building, 4700 Sorsogon City. Mobile number: (0968) 624-6279. E-mail: tourism@sorsogon.gov.ph

Ur Place Travel & Tours: OLV Pangpang, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.  Mobile number (Viber): (0927) 950-3927 (Ms. Annie Gueb).  Facebook: www.facebook.com/urplacetravel