Where I stayed in Cotabato city

After my exhausting but refreshing trip to Asik Asik falls to Alamada, North Cotabato, I travelled back to cotabato city where I spent the night before travelling the next day to Pagadian city. 

(And a bomb exploded in the city just as soon as I stepped down from the bus).

I had a look on the internet and found some pension houses for around the P250 figure. 

I went to El Manuel but they dont have the fan/economy rooms anymore. The least expensive they have is the 650 room.

I had a look at Citiplaza, Hotel Filipino, and theirs is 300/night for the fan room, just like the rest.

After the searching, I thought Hotel Filipino is the most decent (though other cities like pagadian, etc would have a lot better options for that price) of all those with fan rooms. CR is shared though just like the rest.

On the night of my return flight to Manila, i went to the same hotel. This time, i thought I'd like to be on an airconditioned room with own bathroom as a reward for such a great trip. I paid for the single aircon room (P450). When i got to the room, aircon took a while to cool such a big empty room; wasn't smelling good too. But it's too late though as I paid. Besides, for that rate, I dont think there's anywhere else that's better. If you can spend a little bit more though, you might want to go for El Manuel or Diamond hotel as the locals have recommended.

City Plaza though looked more like a motel. It was dark in the reception, and there were a number of girls in the entrance whom I suspect are good time ladies.


Travelling Philippines? Follow @CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation below PHP400 (US$9) for easier searches.

After my exhausting but refreshing trip to Asik Asik falls to Alamada, North Cotabato, I travelled back to cotabato city where I spent the night before travelling the next day to Pagadian city. 

(And a bomb exploded in the city just as soon as I stepped down from the bus).

I had a look on the internet and found some pension houses for around the P250 figure. 

I went to El Manuel but they dont have the fan/economy rooms anymore. The least expensive they have is the 650 room.

I had a look at Citiplaza, Hotel Filipino, and theirs is 300/night for the fan room, just like the rest.

After the searching, I thought Hotel Filipino is the most decent (though other cities like pagadian, etc would have a lot better options for that price) of all those with fan rooms. CR is shared though just like the rest.

On the night of my return flight to Manila, i went to the same hotel. This time, i thought I'd like to be on an airconditioned room with own bathroom as a reward for such a great trip. I paid for the single aircon room (P450). When i got to the room, aircon took a while to cool such a big empty room; wasn't smelling good too. But it's too late though as I paid. Besides, for that rate, I dont think there's anywhere else that's better. If you can spend a little bit more though, you might want to go for El Manuel or Diamond hotel as the locals have recommended.

City Plaza though looked more like a motel. It was dark in the reception, and there were a number of girls in the entrance whom I suspect are good time ladies.


Travelling Philippines? Follow @CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation below PHP400 (US$9) for easier searches.

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Tambobong beach - my annual affair

It has been three consecutive years that I get to Tambobong beach every summer. I have opened this years summer starting february, and its already june and i have yet to find out where to fit tambobong in. The other thing is, tambobong beach catches all the rubbish fr the sea during rainy months.

This weekend, i was supposed to have my dive certification, but plans changed and I had to redirect. Tambobong then was my next top alternative.

Instead of taking the usual burgos/dasol dirt road, we were picked up from the bridge near dasol market by our host. I never really thought there was a delta that leads to tambobong. I was wondering how we'll boat from market and eventually tambobong, but it wasn't for me to worry.

From this route, we passed through the balinmalok wreck; So, even before getting to our host's residence, we thought about dropping by for the meantime.

It was quite lowtide and half of the wreck is over water. I also didn't see the same fish I've seen before.

It was already late in the afternoon when we got to brgy tambobong, so, we spent the rest of the day swimming and called the island hoping for the next day.

The morning after, i was surprised that there are a lot of people docked in the colibra island. After several years, this is the first time I (or my company) will be sharing the island with others.

I was also told that there are no more seasnakes nesting the island having been flocked by visitors. 

What's also ironic was that the visitors were rather locals or from nearby barangays which,  i'd say, weren't (as) keen about the island before; bottles here, wrappers there.. The island is obviously begging for some care and regard.

After colibra, we head next to cacupangan cave. Instead of docking close to the brgy, this time we docked right next to the opening of the cave. We passed by it's opening and we saw some nice cliff dive spots. Little did i know that there was a hole up where you can jump right inside the cave pool ;-).

We've also spotted schools of tiny fishes in the reef of the cave.

It has been three consecutive years that I get to Tambobong beach every summer. I have opened this years summer starting february, and its already june and i have yet to find out where to fit tambobong in. The other thing is, tambobong beach catches all the rubbish fr the sea during rainy months.

This weekend, i was supposed to have my dive certification, but plans changed and I had to redirect. Tambobong then was my next top alternative.

Instead of taking the usual burgos/dasol dirt road, we were picked up from the bridge near dasol market by our host. I never really thought there was a delta that leads to tambobong. I was wondering how we'll boat from market and eventually tambobong, but it wasn't for me to worry.

From this route, we passed through the balinmalok wreck; So, even before getting to our host's residence, we thought about dropping by for the meantime.

It was quite lowtide and half of the wreck is over water. I also didn't see the same fish I've seen before.

It was already late in the afternoon when we got to brgy tambobong, so, we spent the rest of the day swimming and called the island hoping for the next day.

The morning after, i was surprised that there are a lot of people docked in the colibra island. After several years, this is the first time I (or my company) will be sharing the island with others.

I was also told that there are no more seasnakes nesting the island having been flocked by visitors. 

What's also ironic was that the visitors were rather locals or from nearby barangays which,  i'd say, weren't (as) keen about the island before; bottles here, wrappers there.. The island is obviously begging for some care and regard.

After colibra, we head next to cacupangan cave. Instead of docking close to the brgy, this time we docked right next to the opening of the cave. We passed by it's opening and we saw some nice cliff dive spots. Little did i know that there was a hole up where you can jump right inside the cave pool ;-).

We've also spotted schools of tiny fishes in the reef of the cave.

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Paguriran Island, Bacon, Sorsogon

Its past 3pm, and it has been 17hours on the road so far. I swear i am not taking that Belleza ordinary bus to bicol anymore. My toes are swelling, and my ass is so sore.

From the terminal, we took a P10/head trike to savemore where we'll get the jeep bound for paguriran. 

We were on topload from sorsogon city to brgy sawanga. An hour and a half trip with about 2/3rds of the time used for loading and unloading passenger baggages. 

I didn't really expect the trip to take that long. As we drove closer to Paguriran, houses and vehicles  become rare prompting me to think about the timings of the return trip.

It was one of the great news of the day.. There are no more trips. There was really no more option though as we were already there, so i didn't even bother worry.

Meantime we hurried to take some pictures and get in the lake of the island. We swam around the lake but there wasn't really much in the scene especially it was almost dark.

It was lowtide so we did not really need a boat to get to the island. Besides, even if it were high tide, I think an average Filipino of I'd say 5'6" will make it by foot even of it were high tide.

A little while later, we walked back to the mainland and prepared to leave. One of the locals who we met there walked us through the concrete road to get us a habal service to sorsogon. Luckily, a guy agreed to servicing us for 2 Liters of crude plus 150. 

In 30 mins, we managed to get back to Sorsogon city. And, just right in time for another topload ride on an Irosin bound jeep.

How to go to Paguriran Island:

From Manila, make your way to Sorsogon City. From Sorsogon City, ask forthe jeeps going Bacon/Sawangan and ask to be dropped off in Paguriran

First trip from savemore in sorsogon is 5am.last trip from Paguriran to Sorsogon is 3pm. 

Fare is P44 per way.



Looking to travelling to this destination? Talk to me and we'll let's talk about your accomodation, transpo, and tour options

Its past 3pm, and it has been 17hours on the road so far. I swear i am not taking that Belleza ordinary bus to bicol anymore. My toes are swelling, and my ass is so sore.

From the terminal, we took a P10/head trike to savemore where we'll get the jeep bound for paguriran. 

We were on topload from sorsogon city to brgy sawanga. An hour and a half trip with about 2/3rds of the time used for loading and unloading passenger baggages. 

I didn't really expect the trip to take that long. As we drove closer to Paguriran, houses and vehicles  become rare prompting me to think about the timings of the return trip.

It was one of the great news of the day.. There are no more trips. There was really no more option though as we were already there, so i didn't even bother worry.

Meantime we hurried to take some pictures and get in the lake of the island. We swam around the lake but there wasn't really much in the scene especially it was almost dark.

It was lowtide so we did not really need a boat to get to the island. Besides, even if it were high tide, I think an average Filipino of I'd say 5'6" will make it by foot even of it were high tide.

A little while later, we walked back to the mainland and prepared to leave. One of the locals who we met there walked us through the concrete road to get us a habal service to sorsogon. Luckily, a guy agreed to servicing us for 2 Liters of crude plus 150. 

In 30 mins, we managed to get back to Sorsogon city. And, just right in time for another topload ride on an Irosin bound jeep.

How to go to Paguriran Island:

From Manila, make your way to Sorsogon City. From Sorsogon City, ask forthe jeeps going Bacon/Sawangan and ask to be dropped off in Paguriran

First trip from savemore in sorsogon is 5am.last trip from Paguriran to Sorsogon is 3pm. 

Fare is P44 per way.



Looking to travelling to this destination? Talk to me and we'll let's talk about your accomodation, transpo, and tour options

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Lighting up the Schwedagon Pagoda in Yangon

It was about 4pm when we reached the Schwedagon pagoda. After less than an hour going around the structures, I was left nothing to do. We were also waiting for the dark, as the Pagoda looked nice when lit.

I saw some three people pouring oil over some small pots rolled around the pagoda. I watched them closely and a little while later, I couldn't help it anymore; Just like what I do all the time, I asked if I can try.  

Burmese people, being very friendly, rarely say no, i guess :-). I got kind of excited at imagining how the whole place would look like to see all of it lit around later (they said at 7pm).

After pouring the palm oil to all the pots that surround the Pagoda, next, we put in some yarn on to the pots. The yarns of the 4 adjacent pots should meet on one end so that lighting will easy. 

At this point, I met this old local guy who was also helping out (It seems he was also accompanied by some teenagers). He spoke good english, so had quite a conversation with him. According to him, though he may be challenged by his age, he comes here every sunday to help out in the lighting. He used to work for UN Council and now a volunteer physician to his countrymen.

There was more than just doing the task; The cold floor over my bare feet, while I move from pot to pot, the perfect timing of the activity during the transition of dawn from bright into the darkness, ..it was just (pardon my word) mystical. 

As per the burmese I spoke to there, they do this every sunday (and friday too I guess). It may not be part of your tour, nor have been mentioned as one of your must try in lonely planet, but LIMBONIS says it's a must, must try. Then you'd see the gold even more golden and precious :-).

It was about 4pm when we reached the Schwedagon pagoda. After less than an hour going around the structures, I was left nothing to do. We were also waiting for the dark, as the Pagoda looked nice when lit.

I saw some three people pouring oil over some small pots rolled around the pagoda. I watched them closely and a little while later, I couldn't help it anymore; Just like what I do all the time, I asked if I can try.  

Burmese people, being very friendly, rarely say no, i guess :-). I got kind of excited at imagining how the whole place would look like to see all of it lit around later (they said at 7pm).

After pouring the palm oil to all the pots that surround the Pagoda, next, we put in some yarn on to the pots. The yarns of the 4 adjacent pots should meet on one end so that lighting will easy. 

At this point, I met this old local guy who was also helping out (It seems he was also accompanied by some teenagers). He spoke good english, so had quite a conversation with him. According to him, though he may be challenged by his age, he comes here every sunday to help out in the lighting. He used to work for UN Council and now a volunteer physician to his countrymen.

There was more than just doing the task; The cold floor over my bare feet, while I move from pot to pot, the perfect timing of the activity during the transition of dawn from bright into the darkness, ..it was just (pardon my word) mystical. 

As per the burmese I spoke to there, they do this every sunday (and friday too I guess). It may not be part of your tour, nor have been mentioned as one of your must try in lonely planet, but LIMBONIS says it's a must, must try. Then you'd see the gold even more golden and precious :-).

Read More »

Touchdown Linapacan, Palawan: Calacala, Manlihan and Tacling Islands

waters of Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

I have from 6-8 days in Palawan, and nothing in mind but getting to Linapacan Island. Months ago, I've read from some article online that Linapacan is considered to have the clearest water in the world.

There was really no research done at all on how to get or so, but upon arrival in El Nido, I've seen some trips going to Linapacan. The only problem is they were way too expensive...almost the same as a regular airfare.

trips to Linapacan Island, Palawan between Coron and El Nido

What I did, after, well, spending 2K pesos for 2 days in El Nido, i decided to move to Linapacan.

I looked for the closest town from the Mainland, and it seemed it's San Fernando. From San Fernando, we'll try to hitch with the fisherfolks.

There was a trip from the El Nido terminal that leaves 11am to San Fernando. There are also passengers in the jeep for Linapacan, and because i was early enough, my rapport building skills got me connected rightaway to the owners of what are said to be the best destinations in Linapacan. They happen to be passengers of the same jeep.

jeep bound to San Fernando El Nido (Jump off to Tacling, Calacala and Manlihan Islands) Palawan

The passengers I was with were residents/bound to brgy Kalibangbangan, which is the nearest jump off point for the islands.

One other passenger is the brgy secretary, Nicole, also bound for brgy kalibangbangan, and I told her i'll do a courtesy to the brgy captain upon arrival.

While we were told it shall only take us 1 hour to San Fernando, it actually took us close to 4 hours. San Fernando was about 30 something kilometers from el nido town, and because there's only one trip daily, it was full, of people and baggage. There were also some people we picked up along the way. The unloading and loading of passengers, and their baggages took more time than the travel itself.

toploading to San Fernando, El Nido, Palawan (en route to Linapacan, Palawan)

road to to San Fernando, El Nido, Palawan (en route to Linapacan, Palawan)

fruits of Toploading to to San Fernando, El Nido, Palawan (en route to Linapacan, Palawan)

Upon arrival in San Fernando, we asked around for boats going to Linapacan or Brgy Kalibangbangan. We were pointed to the commuter boat, but the schedule is but next day. There was also no lodging house at the port, other than just probably knocking from the houses. 

trips to Linapacan Island from San Fernando, El Nido, Palawan

Port Area in San Fernando, El Nido, Palawan (En route to Linapacan Island, Palawan)

Meantime, 3 boats are bound to kalibangbangan. One is, the owner of Tacling island, another is Kuya Danny, who I sat beside with in the topload (and if only not irrelevant, that 4 hours ride was enough to tell me how he got to linapacan from zamboanga del sur, and half of his lifetime), and finally, Nicole and his (yeah, he/she's a transvestite) brother in law.

boat of Kuya Elly to San Fernando, El Nido, Palawan en route to Linapacan

Since we were already with the rightful owners of the Tacling Island, they were the first boat whom we approached; Then again, they were saying that they'll have to go to some islands first and it will be best if we rather check out with the other boats, and upon arrival in kalibangbangan, we can ask for their house, and they'll service us to tacling where we can spend overnight.

It was Nicole and his brother in law who gladly welcomed us in their boat. 

The plan was actually to, upon arrival in Kalibangbangan, show us to the Tacling island owner's house, but, as we've talked so much already in the boatride, we ended up staying at Nicole's place. Upon arrival, I saw a vacant hut right in front of the beach, and asked Nicole if we can spend the night there. He said Yes, and brought us some beddings later.

the well and water in Brgy Kalibangbangan in Linapacan Island, Palawan

House of Nicole and Tupe in  in Brgy Kalibangbangan in Linapacan Island, Palawan

The ff day, Nicole and family accompanied us in the island hopping trips to Calacala, Manlihan, and Tacling islands.

Of the three islands, we stopped first at Calacala Island. Upon arrival, we met the owner (who I met in the terminal) and toured us around the island.

Limbonis and Friends bound to Calacala, Manlihan and Tacling Islands in Linapacan, Palawan

en route to Calacala Island in Linapacan Island, Palawan

en route to Calacala Island in Linapacan Island, Palawan

Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

sand in Linapacan, Palawan

reef in CalaCala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

reef in Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Limbonis and reef in Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

underwater shot of our hosts in Linapacan, Palawan

reef in Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Limbonis in Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Waters in Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Limbonis in Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Then, after going round the island, some snorkelling, and serving our lunch, we decided to move ahead to Manlahi island, so we don't run out of time for Tacling Island.

In Manlahi, we met some fisherfolks of Tupe, and asked for some fresh catch. We couldn't come close as the water was on low, so jumped off and snorkled right around the boat.

Blue Starfishes in Manlahi Island in Linapacan, Palawan

fresh catch in Manlahi Island in Linapacan, Palawan

en route to Tacling Island in Linapacan, Palawan

In Tacling, the current was so strong so we couldn't snorkle. Nevertheless, from the view atop the water, it seems the reef in Calacala island is a lot better. We ended up liking Calacala more than Tacling.

Tacling Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Tacling Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Tacling Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Tacling Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Tacling Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Tacling Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Tacling Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Looking to travelling to this destination? Talk to me and we'll let's talk about your accomodation, transpo, and tour options

waters of Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

I have from 6-8 days in Palawan, and nothing in mind but getting to Linapacan Island. Months ago, I've read from some article online that Linapacan is considered to have the clearest water in the world.

There was really no research done at all on how to get or so, but upon arrival in El Nido, I've seen some trips going to Linapacan. The only problem is they were way too expensive...almost the same as a regular airfare.

trips to Linapacan Island, Palawan between Coron and El Nido

What I did, after, well, spending 2K pesos for 2 days in El Nido, i decided to move to Linapacan.

I looked for the closest town from the Mainland, and it seemed it's San Fernando. From San Fernando, we'll try to hitch with the fisherfolks.

There was a trip from the El Nido terminal that leaves 11am to San Fernando. There are also passengers in the jeep for Linapacan, and because i was early enough, my rapport building skills got me connected rightaway to the owners of what are said to be the best destinations in Linapacan. They happen to be passengers of the same jeep.

jeep bound to San Fernando El Nido (Jump off to Tacling, Calacala and Manlihan Islands) Palawan

The passengers I was with were residents/bound to brgy Kalibangbangan, which is the nearest jump off point for the islands.

One other passenger is the brgy secretary, Nicole, also bound for brgy kalibangbangan, and I told her i'll do a courtesy to the brgy captain upon arrival.

While we were told it shall only take us 1 hour to San Fernando, it actually took us close to 4 hours. San Fernando was about 30 something kilometers from el nido town, and because there's only one trip daily, it was full, of people and baggage. There were also some people we picked up along the way. The unloading and loading of passengers, and their baggages took more time than the travel itself.

toploading to San Fernando, El Nido, Palawan (en route to Linapacan, Palawan)

road to to San Fernando, El Nido, Palawan (en route to Linapacan, Palawan)

fruits of Toploading to to San Fernando, El Nido, Palawan (en route to Linapacan, Palawan)

Upon arrival in San Fernando, we asked around for boats going to Linapacan or Brgy Kalibangbangan. We were pointed to the commuter boat, but the schedule is but next day. There was also no lodging house at the port, other than just probably knocking from the houses. 

trips to Linapacan Island from San Fernando, El Nido, Palawan

Port Area in San Fernando, El Nido, Palawan (En route to Linapacan Island, Palawan)

Meantime, 3 boats are bound to kalibangbangan. One is, the owner of Tacling island, another is Kuya Danny, who I sat beside with in the topload (and if only not irrelevant, that 4 hours ride was enough to tell me how he got to linapacan from zamboanga del sur, and half of his lifetime), and finally, Nicole and his (yeah, he/she's a transvestite) brother in law.

boat of Kuya Elly to San Fernando, El Nido, Palawan en route to Linapacan

Since we were already with the rightful owners of the Tacling Island, they were the first boat whom we approached; Then again, they were saying that they'll have to go to some islands first and it will be best if we rather check out with the other boats, and upon arrival in kalibangbangan, we can ask for their house, and they'll service us to tacling where we can spend overnight.

It was Nicole and his brother in law who gladly welcomed us in their boat. 

The plan was actually to, upon arrival in Kalibangbangan, show us to the Tacling island owner's house, but, as we've talked so much already in the boatride, we ended up staying at Nicole's place. Upon arrival, I saw a vacant hut right in front of the beach, and asked Nicole if we can spend the night there. He said Yes, and brought us some beddings later.

the well and water in Brgy Kalibangbangan in Linapacan Island, Palawan

House of Nicole and Tupe in  in Brgy Kalibangbangan in Linapacan Island, Palawan

The ff day, Nicole and family accompanied us in the island hopping trips to Calacala, Manlihan, and Tacling islands.

Of the three islands, we stopped first at Calacala Island. Upon arrival, we met the owner (who I met in the terminal) and toured us around the island.

Limbonis and Friends bound to Calacala, Manlihan and Tacling Islands in Linapacan, Palawan

en route to Calacala Island in Linapacan Island, Palawan

en route to Calacala Island in Linapacan Island, Palawan

Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

sand in Linapacan, Palawan

reef in CalaCala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

reef in Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Limbonis and reef in Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

underwater shot of our hosts in Linapacan, Palawan

reef in Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Limbonis in Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Waters in Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Limbonis in Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Calacala Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Then, after going round the island, some snorkelling, and serving our lunch, we decided to move ahead to Manlahi island, so we don't run out of time for Tacling Island.

In Manlahi, we met some fisherfolks of Tupe, and asked for some fresh catch. We couldn't come close as the water was on low, so jumped off and snorkled right around the boat.

Blue Starfishes in Manlahi Island in Linapacan, Palawan

fresh catch in Manlahi Island in Linapacan, Palawan

en route to Tacling Island in Linapacan, Palawan

In Tacling, the current was so strong so we couldn't snorkle. Nevertheless, from the view atop the water, it seems the reef in Calacala island is a lot better. We ended up liking Calacala more than Tacling.

Tacling Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Tacling Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Tacling Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Tacling Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Tacling Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Tacling Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Tacling Island in Linapacan, Palawan

Looking to travelling to this destination? Talk to me and we'll let's talk about your accomodation, transpo, and tour options

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