So there was this upcoming long weekend coinciding with the birthday of my daughter and she decided to spend it somewhere less crowded and less polluted. We’ve been reading rave reviews about a place 5-6 hrs from Manila just about 45minutes from Baler. A place called Dinadiawan in Dipaculao, Aurora to be exact. It didn’t hurt that the reviews said that for less than P10k, you can have beachfront accomodation, seafood, and peace and quiet.
But what really had me worried about this trip was the weather, as a typhoon just passed by Casiguran (well, technically it was 800 kms. off the coast of Casiguran but it did bring rains). We decided to go for it.
Before setting out, we booked a non-ACU small hut / wooden house for P1k a night @Pacific Villa and Ms Evita (owner of the place) was very helpful with our text inquiries. She told us that we needed to do marketing of food for our 2-day stay, and we could rent cooking (LPG and small stove included)/ eating utensils for P500 for the whole duration of our stay.
HOW WE GOT THERE
First off, we tried to book a bus to Baler by being chance passengers via Genesis Bus Line in Cubao but those in – charge were not very helpful. They could’nt even tell us with certainty if we could get on a bus to Baler @11pm that August 23 Friday night! They didn’t even list our names down as chance passengers! Someone offered us a van ride all the way to Baler for P600 (which we thought was a good deal) but we thought it kinda sketchy as we were told that we’d wait for another group of 10 to arrive at around 10pm.
So we decided to inquire at ES Transit just beside Genesis if they had buses that go directly to Baler. We were advised by their very friendly personnel to take the 3-hr Cabanatuan route, then take either a van or another AC bus to Casiguran, which we were assured, was aplenty once we get to Cabanatuan.
Needless to say, we took this route. Fare to Cabanatuan was P220 each (the bus was nice and clean and had chargers for CPs and it was less than 3hrs because of less traffic) and true enough when we got there, ACU vans to Casiguran were waiting. Fare was P300 each and the trip was about 2-3 hrs tops. We left Manila via ES Transit at around 8:30 pm, boarded a van to Casiguran by 11:30 pm and arrived at Pacific Villa close to 4:00 am in the morning of August 24, 2019. It was a long and lonely trip from Cabanatuan to Casiguran simply because it was dark and raining a bit. But we got there pretty much safe and sound.
PACIFIC VILLA
We knocked at the caretaker’s house and caretaker Jojo welcomed us (we actually woke him up but he was kind enough to lead us to our accomodation and set it up). Jojo stated that he’ll be providing us with our cooking/eating utensils at about 8:00 am, and that if we wanted to, we could just ask him to take us to the marketplace via his tricycle and we could store what we bought at their refrigerators.
My daughter and I took to the beds (clean sheets and cold weather) and had about 3 hrs of much-needed shut-eye after a long trip.
Little did we know that Dinadiawan was going to show off its beautiful sunrise that morning.
Simple accommodations / give me a hammock-by- the- sea anytime and I’m good
DAY 1 SUNRISE
Dinadiawan dazzled us with her sunriseWitness nature at play She set the sky on fireBeautifulmid-morning view after taking a dip in the sea and walking barefoot in her white sandRock-strewn shores made by the sea. By early afternoon, these rocks disappear back into the ocean, literally lapped back by the sea a few meters from the shore.Couldn’t pass up the chance to make a wishWe were the only ones there, and we had it to ourselves that morning.Selfie at dawn
LUNCH
So like Jojo said, I asked him to take me to the marketplace and I was amazed how affordable seafood was. I bought hipon for about P120.00 only, liempo for P70.00, chicken for about P80 and ingredients for sinigang / adobo (for dinner).
Seasoned with salt and pepper, nothing too fancyThe sinigang na hipon was a successHot mid-day sunSlept the whole afternoon
DINNER
I prepped a can’t-go-wrong chicken pork adobo for a 6pm dinner
DUSK @DINADIAWAN, AURORA
Just before it got darkLooking at the sea before it disappears into the nightNow we turn on the lightsView from our hutNo Tiger beer here just same old reliable SMB Light for my nightcap
DAY2 SUNRISE
Look at thatNo two sunrises are ever the sameMornings in the beach are simply magicalRise and shineTocilog lunch with freshly grilled tuna
We swam in Dinadiawan’s waters in the morning and she swept me around hahaha ‘man, her waters are rough at this time of the year but refreshing still, really.
DuskSelfie before I cook dinnerSuccess again! This time it;s pork sinigang hahahaha
DAY 3
WowIt is simply spectacularHow small we are in the grand scheme of things
Dinadiawan in Dipaculao, Aurora might not appeal to those who seek more glamorous vacation spots but Dinadiawan is a nature lover’s dream destination. As the pics show, it exudes a quiet and peaceful vibe, away from the stresses of living in the city and engaging in the proverbial everyday rat-race.
Fresh sea breeze, calm morning waters great for swimming, white sand at your feet, just listen to the waves crash the shore, and be amazed at how the light and colors change from the break of dawn to the rising of the sun.
It is simply a spectacular sight to behold. It’s like watching the Creator paint the sky, and you’ve got a front row seat to it.
I will come back to you one day.
You’ve left me wanting for so much more, and for that alone, I miss you already.
hate to leave but have to go back
As usual, for DIYers, below is a summary of expenses for two (2) people. Till next time.
” I once embarked on a journey. I was alone, searching for stories I’ve never witnessed, collecting as many moments as I could.” – Cholo Laurel, filmaker, writer.
When one hears of Marinduque, the Moriones Festival comes to mind. We’ve often heard of it, yet, as the above quote states, we’ve never witnessed nor experienced it. But Marinduque has more to offer, and such was the motivation behind this sojourn to the island dubbed as the heart of the Philippines.
From the moment we disembarked till the time we had to return to the city, Marinduque certainly gave us its moments. It evoked thoughts of finding and keeping one’s faith, wonder at the beauty of nature, bemuse at the colors exploding around you, silently remember those who have come and gone, be amazed at getting to know the people of the place, to discover the place itself for the first time, and to simply just let Marinduque take you to where it wants you to be.
HOW TO GET THERE
Before the Holy Week even arrives, BOOK YOUR TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATIONS AHEAD OF TIME AND VIA ONLINE.
Communicate with your planned place to stay and be very clear as to the duration of your stay. Do not take a chance that you can get accommodations during the Holy Week. You might as well sleep on the road as there are local and foreign tourists who flock to Marinduque during the Holy Week.
We opted to go by land & sea.
BY LAND & SEA
We booked JAC Liner via Biyaheroes (they are legit) for the routes Kamias, Cubao, QC – Sta. Cruz, Marinduque departure date and time April 16, 2019 4:00 pm, and Sta. Cruz, Marinduque – Kamias, Cubao, QC, departure date and time April 20, 2019 2:00 pm. All terminal fees paid to Montenegro Lines are taken cared of and are inclusive in your payments. The trip is about 10-12 hrs., so stock up on water and snacks.
VIA CEBU PACIFIC
There is another option and that is by air via Cebu Pacific. The plane lands in Gasan, Marinduque, and land transportation (jeepneys / vans) abound just beyond the gates of the airport.
HOW TO GET AROUND and ABOUT IN MARINDUQUE
You can bring your vehicle via the Montenegro or Starhorse Roro at Dalahican port (passenger fare plus cargo fare / vehicle matrix). If you’re going to do this, bring a Utility Vehicle, as the roads tend to be rugged and steep at some points. A pick-up truck would be perfect.
You can hire tricycles for land tours to sightseeing spots, or rent scooters. The sightseeing spots are quite a ways-off from one another, so a means of getting around is necessary. For P2,000.00, we scored this comfortable enough and souped-up ride for our ’round Marinduque land tour.
Sweet ride.
There are also a lot of jeepneys to get you from one point to the other, but best to get an early start if you’re gonna take this option, as the jeepneys tend to wait until the vehicle is filled with passengers.
Tricycle fare in Sta. Cruz, going to and fro from your place of stay, to, say, the town plaza or restaurant, is P12.00-P14.00 per person.
REGRETS BUT MAYBE NEXT TIME
We weren’t able to chase waterfalls’ Kawa-Kawa, Busay, Paadjao Falls, visit caves, and trek up to Luzon Datum anymore, as we were pressed for time, but you may want to include this in your itinerary.
So without further ado, here are some pics of our stay in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque.
All photos posted are without any filter / filters whatsoever.
Enjoy.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 17, 2019 CHECK-IN and LAND TOUR
VILLA ‘D ARCO. It’s not flashy but the ACU room was great. Clean CR. Comfy beds. Unfortunately, because I did not reiterate clearly to the owner that we’d be staying for 4 days, we could only stay overnight at this place. The owner, Melqui, however, set us up at another place. You know you’re in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque, when you see this enormous statue of a Morion. The people of Marinduque, during Holy Week, celebrate the Moriones Festival based on the story of Longinus. It is said that it was Longinus, blind in one eye, who stabbed Christ’s side with a spear when He was upright and nailed to the cross. When the blood of Jesus fell on his face, his sight was miraculously restored. A converted believer, Longinus started preaching the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the Romans did not take kindly to that. Longinus was hunted down, and eventually captured. Legend has it that Longinus was asked to retract everything he said to those who listened to him, to which he declined, and thus was put to death by beheading. Our ride arrived and our first stop was the Balanacan View Deck in Mompog.It is said that upon arriving in Marinduque, one has to give thanks and a prayer to Our Lady of Peace and Safe Voyage located at the Balanacan port.The Boac Cathedral, built in 1792.Beautiful interiors.Old houses, called heritage houses, abound in Boac.Eight of these old houses burned last 2015.Only a few are left standing.The townsfolk of Boac are very proud of their old houses.It’s like being in Vigan, only less grander and much simpler.The people of Marinduque are so nice, warm, and friendly, always asking if they could help.Old and new.When you’re in Boac, you must eat here @Kusina sa Plaza.My daughter ordered Sinigang na baboy.Their lechon kawali is superb.The interiors evoke an old house feel.After lunch, I chatted it up with some locals and took a selfie with them. Like I said, they’re really nice people.Little MorionsPhotography works of Cholo Laurel was on display.We looked for and dropped by at Boac’s 10 y.o. Cafe.Coffee fix.Quaint interiors.
TORRIJOS FREEDOM PARK by-the-sea.
Marinduque State College Sunflower Farm @Torrijos.In the middle of it all. It’s not as grand as Quezon’s Sunflower fields but it is uplifting, nonetheless.Sunset @Poctoy White Beach with Mt. Malindig in the background.It’s white sand and crushed corals.Plenty of shops here, drinks, food, tents. cottages, accommodations, and resortsI had a great swim here. The waters were cool.Frolic in the waves.
HOLY THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2019 ISLAND HOPPING
Fortune favors the brave. In this case, it was still really dark when we were about to go to Palad Sandbar, the 1st stop in our island hopping. We were delayed a bit because someone asked us to accommodate a family of four who also wanted to go island-hopping. We obliged, as this would bring our cost down from P2,150.00 for 2 persons to go on an island hop of 3 destinations, to P1,160.00.Buyabod port @sunrise.At first the sun seemed to play a game of hide and seek.Taking a peek.And there she was!Nature is beautiful. She permitted me to capture this shot of her.Unfortunately, what nature giveth, nature can take away. When we arrived at the Palad Sandbar, she’s already disappeared under about a half-foot of water. In the middle of nowhere, there’s this crush of people standing on the sand bar, putting immense pressure on her. Hope the sand bar does not buckle under the weight.I did alight from the boat to take a couple of photosand an underwater picture.And I thought we were the only ones going to be here because we set out early…From Palad Sandbar we proceeded to Mompog Island to see the Ungab Rock Formations brought about by millions of years of erosion. Very picturesque.Clear waters.Imposing silhoutte.Being in Maniwaya island gives you this vibe that you’ve been here before or wish you had. Its beautiful here. It’s like seeing a friend whom you haven’t seen for ages.
There’s a resort here named Wawie’s Beach that has great accommodations.
Great cool and clear waters and I swam for almost 2 hours here under the scorching sun but underneath the waters, it was exhilirating! I’ll just let the pictures do the talking now.Remember when I mentioned that we had to check out of Villa D Arco the day after we arrived? Well, this is what Sir Melqui, and Ms. Karen, Villa D Arco owners, scored for us as ACU rooms accommodations for our next 2 days @P1500 / day. Thanks also to the owner of the place, Ms. Beth Fidelino.I’m not complaining. It’s a sweet deal. We had late lunch. Maniwaya Island restos’ were fully loaded that day, then we slept from 2pm until 8pm in the evening.Later that evening we visited this place called Rico’s Inn and Restaurant and had pansit / kare-kare for dinner.
GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 19, 2019
Centuries old Sta. Cruz Church.This old house beside the church used to be a convent.Mass before the 5pm procession.When in Sta. Cruz, this is where you should eat.Although choices are somewhat limited, the taste is alright. Go for their pasta/noodles/sandwiches, but not the pizza, as the crust needs improvement.Tuna pesto and carbonaraBefore the procession started,people jostled for positions where they could join the procession. Almost all those who would join the procession were barefoot and in their Sunday best, so to speak. Locals say most of those who participate are from Sta. Cruz, who arrive from other parts of the country together with their loved ones, part of a yearly atonement (panata). Some join because they believe it brings them luck. Others take part for the first time and once experienced, the locals say they keep coming back. Scenes like this are happening simultaneously all over Marinduque. Here in Sta. Cruz, from this vantage point of mine, it took close to an hour before all the people were able to join the procession. There must have been more than 5,000 people in the Prosesyon de Santo Entierro. Resplendent in their Roman costumesI ordered chicken, fries, and bread later that evening while my daughter had lechon kawali.
BLACK SATURDAY APRIL 20, 2019
We had lunch at Roby’s again. This time I ordered Lomi while my daughter had pansit.Had to bulk up as the land and sea trip back home is about 10-12 hrs. Before we headed out to sea, Marinduque gave us another of her stunning moments. No filter.Sunset at Balanacan port.
What I will remember about Marinduque, aside from its stunning beaches and spectacular sceneries, is the warmth and friendliness of its people.
Our host for the last two days, Ms. Beth, a native of Marinduque (from Mompog), always has a ready smile for us, and is always asking if we are doing fine. Ditto with Ms. Karen de Luna of Villa D Arco. Even passerbys, if they notice that we’re somewhat at a loss as to where to go, always seem to be ready to help. Our land tour guide, Jeh, is always there for us. Even their native tongue seems pleasing to the ear.
Marinduque certainly has its moments, moments that are worth remembering.
Of course, I did not forget my co-DIYers. Below is our actual 4 days 3 nights itinerary together with expenses incurred for two (2) people.
Be good to one another.
Happy Easter to all !!!
DAY 0 APRIL 16, 2019 TUESDAY
COST
Sashamae / Spike Allowance (our dogs hehe)
500.00
Taxi to JAC Liner Kamias
273.00
JAC Liner to Gasan, Mdque from Manila / Biyaheroes
2,181.00
Late Lunch / miscellaneous expenses
645.00
Arrive at Lucena / Dalahican Port / Dinner @stopover
150.00
DAY 1 APRIL 17, 2019 WEDNESDAY
Dalahican Port to Balanacan Port, Mogpog, Marinduque
Arrive at Balanacan Port
JAC Liner to Sta. Cruz
Check in @ accomodations (Villa D’ Arco)
Advance BDO Bank payment for Villa
1,500.00
Early checkin /breakfast
600.00
Preparation for Land tour (Miscellaneous expenses)
150.00
LAND TOUR via Tricycle c/o Villa D’ Arco
2,200.00
1. BALANACAN VIEW DECK
2. OUR LADY OF PEACE & SAFE VOYAGE
50.00 Entrance
3. BOAC CATHEDRAL
4. BOAC MUSEUM
5. BOAC HERITAGE HOUSES
6. LUNCH @Kusina sa Plaza
560.00
7. Coffee @ 10 y.o. Cafe
185.00
8. SUNFLOWER FARM @MSC
9. TORRIJOS FREEDOM PARK
10. POCTOY WHITE BEACH
Return to Villa D’ Arco
Dinner @Rico’s Inn, Free Time
373.00
Lights Off
DAY 2 APRIL 18, 2019 HOLY THURSDAY
Wake up Call
From Villa D’ Arco to Buyabod Port (tricy /misc)
423.00
Boat rental c/o Villa d’ Arco for Island Hopping
1,160.00
Depart Buyabod Port to:
11. PALAD SANDBAR
Swimming, Photo-ops
12. MOMPONG ISLAND / Ungab Rock Formation
Swimming, Photo-ops
13. MANIWAYA ISLAND
Wawie’s Beach Resort / , halohalo / others
100.00
Photo ops / swimming
Boat ride: return to Buyabod Port
Tricy back to Villa D’ Arco
Checkout from Villa D Arco / transfer to Fidelino residence
When Mt. Pinatubo erupted decades ago, what was shown to us was the devastation it brought. Many years after the said tragedy, Pinatubo has brought forth a miracle in nearby Zambales. The ash fall from the eruption has transformed what were once barren terrain and rock strewn shores into agoho tree laden mountain trails and beach havens. So much so that whispers of paradise-like coves abounded, and that slowly but surely these coves were being transformed into camping sites and trek trails and what have you.
This year we decided to check this out on our own.
Zambales is really beautiful. Who knew that a place like this existed a mere 3 hours away from Manila? We had a short but sweet stay. And while we were there on our first day, an earthquake struck :-D, it literally felt like it was “passing through” but it shook! In spite of this, after 2 days, we wanted to stay longer but….gotta do what you gotta do….
We just chilled around on our first day, and we visited the coves like Nagsasa and Talisayin Coves on our second day.
On the 3rd day, we made our way to Anawangin Cove, Capones-Camara islands and it was a really great sightseeing and beach experience.
And the sunsets at Pundaquit Beach are really postcard-worthy 🙂
Time to let the pictures do the talking:
February 23, 2019. After checking in @Wild Rose Beach Inn, we decided to check out Pundaquit Beach. Pundaquit Beach is the jump-off point if you want to explore the coves.
Pundaquit is pretty laid-back. So much so that Capones and Camara Islands beckon on the horizon.Remember to leave only footprints.Just admire the view.Food here is good.Ohana Art Cafe is where we had meyenda after having lunch @Cafe Pundaquit @another resort, Canoe Beach Resort. Quaint is the word for this place.Cozy and warm.That evening, we made our way to Double Suds restaurant frequented by tourists.Ribs
Chicken
February 24, 2019 With the help of Mam Tess of Wild Rose Inn, we scored a boat and skimmed over the waters for close to 45 minutes and landed here, Nagsasa CoveMy oh myExplored the place some moreand decided to go upand uphigher stillto capture thisSafely back to the ground.After staying at Nagsasa for about 2 hours, we made our way to Talisayin Cove.Now this is what I’m talkin’ about!The waters here are crystal clear.Like, didn’t I tell you ? You must swim here.After travelling to the coves, we went back to Pundaquit and I had to have my coffee again.Replay.This time, after lunch, I had to have this dessert.On our 3rd and last day. refreshments, and breakfast before heading out to Anawangin Cove.Anawangin Cove is the most commercialized amongst the coves in Zambales. There’s a tent city here, literally, hundreds of them.It has its own charm, nonetheless.
Sheer rock walls
Beautiful shores with crushed corals as its sand
We made our way to Capones Island, a desolate place but a great place to swim nonetheless, and a lot of IG-worthy scenery.
Beautiful scenery.Boulders as big as buildings.and windswept shores.
While Camara Island is a bit calmer, and Zambales in front of her.
Before journeying home, we passed by Casa San Miguel in San Antonio, a school for music and arts for children and teens.Casa San Miguel in San Antonio, Zambales.There are a lot of art works.GalleryResto-cafe.More art works from children.Poster-making.It’s like an illusion.Nice.Its own rooftop view. Don’t forget to pass by here and avail of the tour.
So there you have it, our 3days 2nights stay at Zambales. As always, below is an actual itinerary and expenses incurred for two (2) people.
But before anything else, let me tell you that Pundaquit Beach sunsets are amazingggggg!!!! and no two are ever alike !!!
Like a ball of fire falling slowly from the skies, Pundaquit sunsets are a show of its own.Day 1 sunsetThe sky is on fire.Sunsets are a reminder that even if you had a bad day, the day always ends beautifully.Over the horizon it goes.Bathing everything in an orange hue.Day 2 sunset Sunset on our 2nd day
Stay good everyone.
FEBRUARY 23, 2019 SATURDAY DAY 1
COST
Sashamae / Spike Allowance ( we now have 2 dogs!!!)
As Arya Stark
said, the North remembers. How can one not remember the North, especially La
Union?
Surfing has exploded in La Union, or Elyu, as it is fondly called. Urbiztondo Beach is its hotbed. Whether it’s the time of “habagat” or “amihan”, surfers flock to La Union to frolic in its waves, and partake of its nightlife. La Union boasts of unique restos for foodies, live music for the audiophile in you, treks for the avid mountaineer, and of course, the waves for beginner or champion surfer. It’s easy to get to, just ride a Partas Transit and get off at San Juan, La Union but book your accommodations in advance because if you plan to go on there during long weekends, you’d be surprised that almost all accommodations are full.
For my daughter’s birthday, I decided that we should go to La Union and take in the surfer and culture vibes La Union has to offer.
A few pictures are below so you can appreciate the beauty and great vibes of Elyu.
After arriving and checking into our accommodations, we headed to Midway Grille and ordered Ribs / Veggies / Pork BBQ for lunchAfter lunch, we set off for San Fernando and made our way to Ma-Cho temple. The temple is said to have been built to celebrate Filipino-Chinese friendship.It is about 70 feet above sea level. This is a place where people from all walks of life come to ask for luck from a Chinese deity named Ma-Cho. Well after 2 hours, we took our tricy to The Pindangan Ruins. These are the remains of a church built in the 1700s. Locals say this place is haunted. It certainly had a chilling feel to it.The church was said to have been the binding of two villages: San Vicente and San Guillermo. After staying for quite the time at both Ma-cho Temple and Pindangan Ruins, we made our way to and sampled the famous Halo Halo de Iloko.The back part of the place was packed, the front was quaint, and you can tell it’s an antique place. We bought souvenirs here.We made our way back to Urbiztondo Beach. After resting up, we headed to Surf Shack and ordered Bocnotan Pizza, Chicken Wings, and a cold one for me. Delicious and affordable.Surf Shack is the place to be for music, food, and drinks.The next day, before going to Luna, La Union, we discovered Tipple & Brew. You should eat here.Roasted chicken, iced coffee for breakfast.Classic TapsilogFirst stop on our Luna trip: Namacpacan Church, said to have been built in 1587.Beautiful.Walking distance from Namacpacan Church is the 400 year old Balwarte Watch Tower, which has stood guard over the centuries against marauding pirates and dangers coming from the sea.The Watch Tower’s renovation was completed in 2015. Before that, it was cut in half by Typhoon Lando.Also in Luna, La Union, is the famous Bahay na Bato where art works carved in stone are found. Here’s the original house before it was expanded up the front of the property.The inside of the original “bahay na bato”.You’ll pass by this part of the compound before getting to the original house.A lot of picturesque pathways .When we visited, there was a pre-nup pictorial going on. Apparently, a lot of that happens hereand here.ArtworkPotteryStone worksCatching a break.Pebble BeachHere’s a head-scratcher: all these rocks & pebbles were washed ashore by the sea. So we made our way back to San Juan from Luna, and we ended up partaking of meryenda @Beach Bum Food Park.Our dinner platterWith seafood.To wash it down, of course.The next day oh did we ever need coffee.Breakfast @El Union Roastery was simply perfect.See you again soon, Elyu
As usual, our actual itinerary and actual expenses incurred for two are also below.
Just collected all pics from our Baler trip and sad to say, we weren’t able to get to Dipaculao beach and other sites that are equally if not more spectacular. All I can say is one can really fall in love with this place.
We were fortunate enough to come here minus the Holy Week or vacationing crush of people…I would recommend that you do so because you will get to really appreciate Baler’s beauty, the warmth of its people, the truly rustic feel of Baler is an experience in itself…
Include in your itinerary the 1.3 km uphill / downhill trek to Ditumabo falls (you get to draw your inner strength), see the 600 year-old Balete tree, hike up to Ermita Hills, see the Aniao islets (pick sea urchins), go up to the lighthouse shaped like a plane’s wing, watch the sunrise, surf, swim at either falls, river, or sea, or where the river meets the sea, go kayaking, discover a deserted cove…Baler is really beautiful…thank you, Baler…
So to start off I’d like to share some pictures of our Baler trip, and after these, the actual itinerary and expenses we incurred, and it is hoped that this can be of help to those who would want to D.I.Y. to Baler.
Always, always befriend locals wherever you go and Dennis here was really knowledgeable of the history behind the numerous sightseeing spots in Baler.
A wishing well beside the great 600 year old balete tree.
This is the huge 600 year old balete tree. It is imposing, really, and very much alive and still growing.
On the way to Ditumabo Falls. A 1.3 km uphill trek up the mountain..
The stream along the way turns into a raging river during the monsoon season.
But during the summer, the waters are cool, calm, and refreshing.
Ditumabo Falls
Impossible to stay dry here
The very rickety hanging bridge. There are a lot of souvenir shops under its base.
Ermita Hill
It’s a park with a dark past
and spectacular views
here’s another
and another
The Tromba statues…legend says that a town was feasting when an old woman foretold of a coming tsunami, which was heeded by this family, who went up all the way up Ermita Hill, and later that night, the tsunami came, and everyone perished except these families.
@Aniao Islets
like bullets rising out of the sea
literally the word “jagged” comes to mind when you see these rocks
a beautiful day to be out
Dicasalarin Cove
a spectacular view
In the cove is a river that meets the sea
will you look at that
minus the crush of people…it should always stay this way but…
we had it all to ourselves that one beautiful day
this was where I frolicked in the water
made our way up
higher still
till we got to the lighthouse shaped like a fighter plane’s wing
where I took a, shall I say, nervous selfie hahahaha
wow
Sabang beach
breakfasts of champion surfers
still sleepy
Baler Surfer Grill
Dinners
chill
the scenery going to Baler town proper
Don’t forget to buy one of these because it’s delicious.
Marker
Manuel L. Quezon Museum
Donya Aurora Quezon’s house
On the way home
As promised, here’s the actual itinerary and expenses incurred. Hope this helps you guys.
“History is not everything, but it is a starting point. History is a clock that people use to tell their political and cultural time of day. It is a compass they use to find themselves on the map of human geography. It tells them where they are but, more importantly, what they must be.” – JOHN HENRIK CLARKE
When I first came across this quote, it immediately reminded me of Vigan, of how men and women of today seem to want to walk in the steps of those who have gone past. Visiting this incredible place makes one feel like being transported back to a simpler time, a simpler place, and a simpler life.
Vigan and Pagudpud are simply beautiful that words are not enough to describe these places.
To the uninitiated and to those who want to try out their D.I.Y. skills, here’s a simple itinerary (with expenses incurred by 2 people) you might want to give a run for:
DAY 1 December 30, 2017
Grab! From San Juan to
Dominion
150.00
Chowking dinner
334.00
Coffee
35.00
Dominion Bus to Vigan (around
7-8 hrs travel time) / ETD 1:00am
1,160.00
Subtotal 1
1,679.00
DAY 2 December 31, 2017
Snacks at Carmen stopover
30.00
Arrived @Vigan 9:30am
Tricy fare looking for place to stay
80.00
Check in at Manuela’s Inn 9:53am
Brunch @Dada’s Carinderia
200.00
Tricy to Calle Crisologo 10:15am
20.00
Crisologo Museum Donation
20.00
Walk @Calle Crisologo
Meryenda at Irene’s Empanada
2:10pm
200.00
Souvenir Shirt
200.00
7-11 Pineapple Juice / others
82.00
Bantay Bell Tower Donation
5:35pm
100.00
6:00 PM onwards
San Agustin Parish
Vigan City Hall
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Bought Hoodie @Mart One (it was cold in Vigan)
449.00
Plaza Empanada Market
(seriously, it was a huge market)
85.00
Plaza Salcedo
Watch Dancing Fountain Show at
Plaza Salcedo 7:30pm
Tricy Back to Manuela’s Inn
40.00
Tricy to Junofel’s 24hrs Diner (the pancit was superb!!!)
50.00
Dinner 9:35pm
445.00
Night photoshoot @Calle Crisologo (watch fireworks)
Subtotal 2
1,971.00
DAY 3 January 1, 2018
Coffee
10.00
Hire Tricy for Vigan Tour
(Eddieson @09168544136)
750.00
Breakfast @Baluarte Zoo
(pansit/hotdogs/water)
115.00
Hidden Garden (no
entrance)
Lunch @Lilong at Lilang 1:20pm
530.00
Brgy. Pagburnayan Donation
50.00
Cristy’s LoomWeaving ( bought
2 bonnets / one woven blanket)
250.00
Arce Mansion
Quirino Museum
Syquia Mansion (Donation)
200.00
Sta. Catalina Beach
Dinner @Cafe Leona 7:30pm
420.00
Settled Manuela Inn 2 days
stay (P1,300 per night)
2,600.00
Subtotal 3
4,925.00
DAY 4 January 2, 2018
Check out from Manuela’s Inn
4:30am
Coffee
10.00
6:30am Left for Pagudpud via
GMW (2hrs)
410.00
Stopover @Laoag
Arrived @Pagudpod 10am
Tricy to Arinaya Beach Resort
80.00
Lunch @Arinaya
530.00
Tricy Tour (Billy
@09471020965)
600.00
Store Purchases
50.00
Bangui Windmills
Connecting Tricy to Bojeador
Lighthouse / Kapurpurawan (Allan)
300.00
Cape Bojeador Donation
40.00
Kapurpurawan Rock Formations
Entrance
30.00
Emapanada (PM Snack)
100.00
Dinner @Arinaya
350.00
Overnight Stay @Arinaya
1,750.00
Subtotal 4
4,250.00
DAY 5 January 3, 2018
Tricy from Arinaya to Pagudpud
Plaza
100.00
Bus Fare to Laoag City
150.00
Mcdo Laoag Breakfast
200.00
Pasalubong
480.00
Bus Fare to Manila from Laoag
1,595.00
Snacks (stop-overs)
350.00
Taxi back to San Juan
100.00
Subtotal 5
2,975.00
TOTAL
15,800.00
So I shelled out about what I felt was jusssst right for me and my daughter’s 1st out-of-town sojourn, and we were hooked 😀
We’ve taken a lot of pictures (too many to post here) and I’ve chosen just a few to give you an idea of where to go and what to see. Enjoy, guys!!!
