"Tinuy-an Falls" the Niagara Falls of the Philippines

Approximately 60 kilometers from Enchanted river is another tourist destination of Surigao del Sur. The Tinuy-an waterfall is about 1 hour and 30 min road travel from the municipality of Hinutayan to Bislig City.

This waterfall is the main tourist attraction of Bislig City, also known as the Booming City by the Bay. This majestic waterfall is 95 meter wide and 55 meters (180 feet) high, and is touted as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines. Tinuy-an is considered a white water curtain that flows in three levels and is said to be the widest waterfall in the Philippines. It is interestingly noted that every morning, the area shows a rainbow within its skyline between 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, although you may also see one during the late afternoon as it sun perfectly hits the water mists.

The International Travel Magazine critically acclaimed the waterfall majestic and unique natural formation. A standard entrance fee of Php 50 is collected. Cottage fee ranges from Php 100-500 depending on the number of occupants. They also have life jacket for rentals worth Php 30 per hour of use.

Tour guide will cost you Php 100 but its worth-it as they will suggest good photo sites of the falls. Taking a "balsa," a bamboo floating raft will cost you Php 160. You can also avail their unlimited picture-taking within the waterfall, you'll need to provide SD memory card to be used in their stylus digital water-proof camera. 

Exploring the Province of Surigao del Sur: Series 3

Keep posted on my next blog on “Ocean View Park and International Doll House”

- AMDG -

The Enchanted River

Our travel time started early dawn at exactly 1:00 AM as we depart from Cagayan de Oro City in a private van that we commissioned for our trip. After almost 6 hours road travel, we arrived at Hinatuan around 7:00 AM. It is 328 kilometer distance from Cagayan de Oro to the Municipality of Hinatuan where our first stop is located; the Enchanted Hinatuan River.

A little background of the place, history would tell us that this was privately owned and was later sold to the local government for eco-tourism development. The river flows directly into the Pacific Ocean. And yes indeed, the enchanted river is fascinating as it will surely captivate your mood with its mesmerizing blue waters that will enchant you all the way. This is perfect description of the river that captures the true essence to its name. Photographers and enthusiast marveled over the blue river as their focal subject of picture-perfect affection.

More than just its physical wonders as nature’s masterpiece of creation… the river also has interesting urban legend and folklore. Locals would fondly tell tourists stories that amidst the school of fish that is abundantly found in the river, no one has ever caught one. No divers ever reach the bottom of the river as they try to explore its depth. A more intriguing story is that the river was created by fairies and pixies that once live or is still living in abundance and is protecting this natural wonder. Whatever the story may be, time will determine if these mystery and folklore were true.

What is known about this place is that because of its close proximity to the sea, some marine researcher believes that it was created when the seawater flowed through long tunnels and caverns deep below the ground, finally resurfacing at the spring, which is approximately 50 feet deep. The rivers water is composed of salt sea water and fresh spring water that gives a unique experience to its patrons. Many tourist and travel bloggers considered “Enchanted River” as one of the most beautiful tourism attraction site in the Philippines!

Aside from exploring the river, you can also do other things here. One of their amenities here is a boat package that will lead you to 3-4 boating destinations along the way. The fee is minimal, Php 160 for every hour per boat. The small boat can accommodate 4-5 people. The entire boat ride roughly consumes 2 hours, so in total your group will spend Php 320 that can be divided within your group (KKB, kanya-kanyang bayad). Additional charges (entrance-environmental fee) are collected as you enter the areas. But these minimal also Php 5-10 only.

First Stop: Sibadan Fish Cage (Php 10 Entrance Fee). You can feed the fish here, swim with them, catch, cook and eat them if you want. You can also buy souvenirs here.

Second Stop: Sarsoza’s Grotto (Php 10 Entrance Fee). You can explore the cave where the grotto is located. Crawl and discover a Japanese shine inside the cave (additional payment is required for the guide and protective gears). Souvenirs are also available here.

Third Stop: (Php 5 Entrance Fee) C-Sand Bar and Pangasinan White Island. If the tide is right, you’ll be avail to stop at C-Sand Bar…which our group unfortunately came at the wrong tide. Although, we were greeted in awe at Pangasinan White Island. A pebble walkway made of nipa huts welcomes you to the island. As you walk around 200 meters you’ll see mangroves and coconut trees that accentuate this beautiful island. Fresh fishermen catch can be bought here as well as few souvenirs.

Travel Tips:

Be early at the Enchanted River so as to assure cottage accommodation. Reserve cottages ahead of time since during peak season, it can be crowded with tourist. If your guide has good local connections, they can arrange your breakfast ahead of time (ordered a day before your arrival). You can eat your breakfast here, local serve your orders when you arrive. After taking you breakfast, I suggest taking the boat tour to near-by islets, it is fun and beautiful. The boatmen are friendly and honest too, but don’t forget to order your lunch before you leave so that after the tiring island hoping, your lunch food is just waiting for you.

The Hinatuan Enchanted River Management established a general entrance fee of Php 30. Cottage fee ranges from 100-500 pesos. Life jackets for rentals are worth Php 20 per piece, they require ID upon renting. It opens daily from 6:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. only

 

Exploring the Province of Surigao del Sur: Series 2

Keep posted on my next blog on “Hinuy-an Falls” the Niagara Falls of the Philippines.

- AMDG -

Exploring the Province of Surigao del Sur

In the next few weeks, I will be detailing my travel to the enchanted province of Surigao del Sur… a home to mesmerizing sights to visit! It is located in the CARAGA region in Mindanao. Its capital is Tandag City, 383 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro City. It is around 6-7 hour drive depending on road conditions. Located at the eastern coast of Mindanao and faces both the Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

There are 17 municipalities and two cities that comprise the province. It’s economy is mostly coming from agriculture, fishing, and mining… their eco-tourism on the other hand is progressively catching-up the pace.

The local dialect here is called “Surigaonon” and is spoken in most part of Surigao del Sur. Although some areas they spoke “Tandaganon,” areas like the City of Bislig, Municipalities of Barobo, Hinatuan, Lingig and Tagbina. Aside from the native aborigines of the area, most of the inhabitants here are descendants of Cebuanos who migrated from Visayas who speak Cebuano. Good thing is that Tagalog, and English are also widely spoken throughout the province. 

How to get here: You may want to ride a bus from Agora Terminal in Cagayan de Oro City. On our trip, we took a tour-package worth Php 2000 that includes our transportation (*maximum of 12 pax) and hotel accommodation for our  two-day tour. We departed CDO around 1:00 AM and arrived at our destination at 7:00 AM.

Travel Tip: When your on the road, and you needed to take a rest room break... the only 24hours open gasoline stations are only located at Tagoloan, Gingoog City and Butuan City.

Exploring the Province of Surigao del Sur: Series 1

Keep posted on my next blog on "Enchanted River"

Summertime of Our Lives

As we enter the season of Summer 2014, I was reflecting on how to make the most of it. 

As I look at my checklist, it seems that I am missing something! I already had my DSLR camera, my travel bag and it's corresponding essentials, swimming cloths and sunblock lotion, travel maps and itineraries, confirmation and reservation tickets (plane, hotel, etc.)... what else do I need?

What makes traveling more relaxing and memorable is having the right songs on your playlist. I have an ipod shuffle with me which is very convenient since it small and chic. I usually update my playlist with an up-beat music to keep me active during the long road travel, so as not to be bored. I also keep a soft mellow music to relax me during the night or while going sentimental looking at a sunset view over the horizon.

If you traveling with a group, choosing the right music for the van's stereo would make or break your journey. It can also set the mood inside the van while travelling. You may need familiar songs that all of you grew-up with, although some cheesy songs can also do the trick to break-the-ice and have some laugh-trip.

Here are some of the "Tagalized" Pop Hits that you might consider:

• Payong - Miss Ganda (Umbrella by Rihanna)
• Susan Africa - Rex Kantatero and Pakito Jones (Waka Waka by Shaira)
• May Isa Na Namang Kumagat sa Alikabok - Micheal V. (Another One Bites the Dust by Queen)
• Filipino Foods - Don Angelo (California Gurls by Katy Perry)
• Bathroom Dance - Michael V. (Bad Romance by Lady Gaga)

Reference: Complete list and music videos is available at this link http://www.spot.ph/entertainment/48731/top-10-funniest-tagalized-songs

As for my choice, my favorite is Yoyoy Villame and his famous Filipino folk melodies that made him legendary and made him as the "King of Philippine Novelty Songs." His 1977 wonder song was a big hit, an anthemic "Mag-exercise Tayo" is a sure hit for all ages. Another of his popular song is "Butse Kik" a non-sense made-up Chinese sounding words with has a catchy melody is so funny and enjoyable to sing with. "Tarzan at Barok" will be an interesting choice also.

Just like TV stations in our country, I select theme-song for my Summer getaway. By doing so, me and my friends can sing-along with the song and all get fired-up with our travel. This can also be a source of association after my travel...that every time I get to hear this song, all memories can just flow-back to my consciousness. 

As for my Summer 2014, I choose A1-Summertime of Our Lives, this song was released way back the year 1999 but still very catchy to me. I just love to listen to good old 90's music. The video is also very beautiful to watch too, and I also wanted to try swimming with dolphin...It seems to be very fun! 

Enjoy the video below! and have a Summertime of Your Life! #summer2014

Capturing those Perfect Moments

These days, one of the must-have of every traveler is a camera with one ultimate purpose in mind... to capture every memorable moments in our travel. Which ever your camera may be, from a simple point-and-shoot digital camera to a more sophisticated DSLR cameras that are conventional these days.

If you don't have digital camera, no worries... most android mobile phones these days have built-in camera that is convenient to use. What I like about android phones is that you can download apps to automatically filter or digitally enhance your photos to make it somewhat like a "professionally shot photo." Sample apps that you can download for free includes Camera360 or PixlrExpress. Another convenience with mobile phones is that you can easily share photos with friend by uploading them online in real-time through social media (FB) or photo sharing (Instagram, Tumblr) websites, all you need is WIFI connectivity.   

For those who loves photography like me. Who loves taking pictures for fun or hobby... you may want to invest in a DSLR camera which takes high resolution photos. It has a capacity to take a photo in a speed or moving objects with multiple shots in perfection. It also has the capacity to adjust or sense your captured lights and noise of the subject. You can change lenses to suit-up your need as a photographer, like telephoto, fisheye, super zoom or wide photo perspectives. DSLR cameras also give photographers more control of their photos, and also has built-in filters. DSLR also has the capacity to take videos, which most independent films these days are done using such technology.  

Choosing  the camera that is right for you, you need to consider your budget, purpose-interest and convenience of course. What is most important is to capture those perfect moments, so that we may have an opportunity to look back (archive) and cherish those good memories.

-   A M D G   -

Every Travel has a Story...

Site Description:
This is a personal photo documentation blog of the different weekend destination every Pinoy can do. A weekend escapade from a bustling city center or from a conventional provincial life-style. This blog highlights the context of the place, it's people, culture and food. It will also include the must-see tourist-spots and the interesting areas that you need to explore. Simple travel tip's, guidelines, and the "what-to-do's" that you can include in your travel rule-book will also be listed down in this blog.

It is of the interest of the author-blogger to tell a story of positive travelling. The one that you'll remember...to draw-out positive energy and good thoughts. It is because "every travel has a story..."

The Traveler's Feet!
It will lead you to your next destination...

a foggy day spent @ bukidnoon

We left the city of golder friendship (Cagayan de Oro) early morning thursday, 3rd week of March with the purpose of having a day-break from all the paper works we have been doing for last couple of weeks!

An LPA (w/c later developed into Tropical Depression "Caloy") was already spotted by PAG-ASA southwest of Surigao City approaching our destination for the day, but that did not stop us from going anyway!

Damilag is one of the 22 barangays of Manolo Fortich in the province of Bukidnoon. Manolo Fortich is a 1st class municipality and has a population of 91,026 people in 18,026 households (PH Census 2010). The area is composed of 3 major ethnic groups, Higaonon, Talaandig and Cebuano (Bohol). Major dialect spoken here is Cebuano-Visayan, they also speak and understand Filipino and English languages.

It is about 30-40 minutes away from the center of Cagayan de Oro, a bustling city and center of commerce within the region. The national highways are properly keep and in good condition, although some municipal and barangay roads are not in good condition...and this gave a little challenge and sense of adventure to us going into the dirt-roads! The land composition of the area on the other hand is considered mountainous plateau, and the climate is very ideal where moderate dry and rainy seasons can be expected here. The temperature is cool where high valued crops have big potentials for good harvest.

As we arrived to our venue, a family ranch own by a good friend of mine. We were greeted with a foggy morning and brought rain showers in the afternoon which made our visit more perfect for an afternoon nap in a swing conveniently located at their foyer.

Whatever the weather may be...it did not stopped us from going around the ranch anyway... here's a sneak peak of their beautiful ranch. There were tropical flowers, fruit bearing trees and regularly trimmed grasses that makes the place welcoming to all its guess.

Another good place to visit here is Camp Phillips. It is a place where the administration, production, and plantation of Del Monte Pineapple Philippines is located. This was established in 1926, a 5,000 hectares pineapple plantation which have a picturest view of Mt. Kitanglad. And it's few minute drive away from Damilag and going into the heart of plantation.

A good place to dine here is at "The Bungalow," a restaurant managed and owned by Del Monte Pineapple Plantation Inc. A must-try here is their "Roast Beef," which is served with a hot cup of rice and few veggies on the side. Their short-orders are good enough to full your big hungry stomach, they have big servings here!

We're surely going back here! We enjoyed the place, and we had good food indeed!

Till the next travel blog... keep posted! Summer 2014 had just started for me! How was yours? Comment below if you enjoyed this blog of mine.... Thanks!