The Language game in Sugpalon Falls, Jasaan, Misamis Oriental

I have a four day trip to Cdo, and having been to Camiguin, and rafting, there's practically nothing more to see other than bukidnon.

Having completed my learning to drive a boat experience in Agutayan island, the other destination I thought checking out was Sugpalon falls.

The first habal driver i asked from the waiting shed was asking for 250 pesos, way more than what I read.  I left the shed and said I don't have funds, and that I'd choose to walk.

Well, truth is, I was just trying to escape his sight, and probably somewhere within the community proper, I can scout a more reasonable rate.

Indeed, just about 200meters away, and just right after I covered myself thru the spiral road, a habal service, coming from the highway, was asking where I am headed - I said towards sugpalon falls. He, in bisaya, was offerring 100 for a back and forth trip. Thank fully, he has a passenger who knew how to speak tagalog.

A little while later in the ever becoming rougher road, this tagalog speaking passenger got off. Henceforward, we talked in 2 different dialects. Much like that experience with Nanay in Merloquet, he spoke in bisaya, while I reply in tagalog. We just assumed what each other was talking about.

The journey wasn't very short. By this time, i was already considering paying 150 indeed; especially he had to park, wait for me, take my pictures (and pose for his pictures too). 

From the destructed bridge, we had to trekk the river, jumping from one rock boulder to another, and then through the bush.

 

Sugpalon falls open up tall that you'd have to look up and slide your head down to see the whole drop. The falls is certainly more than 100m. The water is kinda brown, considerig the color of the soil.. 

It may not really be that falls where you can dip, but the marvelous height and straight drop makes the whole trip much worth it.

I have a four day trip to Cdo, and having been to Camiguin, and rafting, there's practically nothing more to see other than bukidnon.

Having completed my learning to drive a boat experience in Agutayan island, the other destination I thought checking out was Sugpalon falls.

The first habal driver i asked from the waiting shed was asking for 250 pesos, way more than what I read.  I left the shed and said I don't have funds, and that I'd choose to walk.

Well, truth is, I was just trying to escape his sight, and probably somewhere within the community proper, I can scout a more reasonable rate.

Indeed, just about 200meters away, and just right after I covered myself thru the spiral road, a habal service, coming from the highway, was asking where I am headed - I said towards sugpalon falls. He, in bisaya, was offerring 100 for a back and forth trip. Thank fully, he has a passenger who knew how to speak tagalog.

A little while later in the ever becoming rougher road, this tagalog speaking passenger got off. Henceforward, we talked in 2 different dialects. Much like that experience with Nanay in Merloquet, he spoke in bisaya, while I reply in tagalog. We just assumed what each other was talking about.

The journey wasn't very short. By this time, i was already considering paying 150 indeed; especially he had to park, wait for me, take my pictures (and pose for his pictures too). 

From the destructed bridge, we had to trekk the river, jumping from one rock boulder to another, and then through the bush.

 

Sugpalon falls open up tall that you'd have to look up and slide your head down to see the whole drop. The falls is certainly more than 100m. The water is kinda brown, considerig the color of the soil.. 

It may not really be that falls where you can dip, but the marvelous height and straight drop makes the whole trip much worth it.

Read More »

Agutayan Island and Driving a boat

As i always say when asked why I travel.. I say to experience something new. Sometimes, the highlight of a trip is not really the fine white sand, the greens and landscape, marine life, nor the tall magnificiebt falls; sometimes its the experience; like the odds in getting to the destination, especially the transportation, or even the people and their way of living, or perhaps, the challenge of getting to places most people will be scared off.

In the van, on the way to camiguin, I was seeing this white sandbar on the left side, off the coast of Jasaan. I told myself I'm going back for it. 

Then, for this next 5day trip to CDO, i put it first in my itinerary (along with Sugpalon falls also in Jasaan).

Upon arrival in CDO, i headedstraight to Jasaan. I have asked the driver to drop me right where I can scout a boat for Agutayan. I was dropped in Liyang Resort.

I knew I will be on tourist rate If i were to get the boat from te resort, so i walked past it. I stopped by a sari sari store, asked for coffee, and sat on another cottage next to it; A man seated and I began the talk. Later, he offered to help me find a boat.

We walked about 500meters further away from the resort. Unfortunately, his friend was asking 500 pesos which I think is still expensive. I had the gut feeling i'd get 300 pesos. I just said I'd check out the resort first if tey may have gesta bound for the island that I can share costs with.

I walked back towards the resort and tried my luck indedd but there's none. They were asking for P1500 or P1200 if I were to go alone. Of course, I left;

A little asking from the people around and they pointed me next to the church. They said Thats were I might get a small boat.

A flock of youngsters were playing coin toss games under a tamarind tree. I excused and aske where I can possibly get a boat. 2 boys from the flock stood up and escorted me to the parked boats. Later, they asked if I'm ready to pay 500. I said i had thesame offer and did not refuse for nothing. They dropped to 400, asked 300 til we close at 350! Done deal! They pulled the fuel, and filled the engine.

The water was so calm though not so clear. I was told there was a heavy rain the night before, and when this happens, it saturates the water.

Just about 15 minutes and we were in the island! A lot of logs lay loose on te ground, and im not sure how they got there or ehat their use is. Took some pictures of the sand, and ten asked if I can snorkle on the clams. We aske permission from the island caretakers, and they eacorted us. The water was too stirred up to have a clear view of the clams (to think that the water was too shallow; waist level only). I also had the idea that there will be thick corals when they mention marine sanctuary in their signages, but if not for the clams, there doesn't seem to be anything in there. I went back to the boat instead and thanked the caretakers an prepared to leave for mainland.

I asked the boys if they can let me drive the boat, and they were happy to let me. Learnig to drive a boat is one of the short term goals in travelling actually; i always want to know how to run these transport systems i tend to use in travelling; in the untoward event that the driver is unable to, I will be able to do it myself.

Its fairly easy. You pull that nylon rope to adjust the speed. Theres a rubber knob that holds the nylon rope so driver dot have to be holding it at a pressure during the trip.

Meantime, you pull frward the bamboo to steer the boat to the right, and pull backwards to steer to the left (or the other way around ;-) lolz).

 I also have that plan of buying a small boat, later, and roaming around the archipelago through my self driven boat. I'm done with learning to drive motorbikes and tricycles, now done with boat, next is that 'skylab' habal habal.

How to go to Agutayan Island:

Make your way to agora Terminal. In agora terminal, look for the jeeps bound for Jasaan. Ask to be dropped in Liyang Resort. Fare is P25.

In case you need to contact my boatman (or boatboy for that matter) call jay Ar (0926) 330 9092.

As i always say when asked why I travel.. I say to experience something new. Sometimes, the highlight of a trip is not really the fine white sand, the greens and landscape, marine life, nor the tall magnificiebt falls; sometimes its the experience; like the odds in getting to the destination, especially the transportation, or even the people and their way of living, or perhaps, the challenge of getting to places most people will be scared off.

In the van, on the way to camiguin, I was seeing this white sandbar on the left side, off the coast of Jasaan. I told myself I'm going back for it. 

Then, for this next 5day trip to CDO, i put it first in my itinerary (along with Sugpalon falls also in Jasaan).

Upon arrival in CDO, i headedstraight to Jasaan. I have asked the driver to drop me right where I can scout a boat for Agutayan. I was dropped in Liyang Resort.

I knew I will be on tourist rate If i were to get the boat from te resort, so i walked past it. I stopped by a sari sari store, asked for coffee, and sat on another cottage next to it; A man seated and I began the talk. Later, he offered to help me find a boat.

We walked about 500meters further away from the resort. Unfortunately, his friend was asking 500 pesos which I think is still expensive. I had the gut feeling i'd get 300 pesos. I just said I'd check out the resort first if tey may have gesta bound for the island that I can share costs with.

I walked back towards the resort and tried my luck indedd but there's none. They were asking for P1500 or P1200 if I were to go alone. Of course, I left;

A little asking from the people around and they pointed me next to the church. They said Thats were I might get a small boat.

A flock of youngsters were playing coin toss games under a tamarind tree. I excused and aske where I can possibly get a boat. 2 boys from the flock stood up and escorted me to the parked boats. Later, they asked if I'm ready to pay 500. I said i had thesame offer and did not refuse for nothing. They dropped to 400, asked 300 til we close at 350! Done deal! They pulled the fuel, and filled the engine.

The water was so calm though not so clear. I was told there was a heavy rain the night before, and when this happens, it saturates the water.

Just about 15 minutes and we were in the island! A lot of logs lay loose on te ground, and im not sure how they got there or ehat their use is. Took some pictures of the sand, and ten asked if I can snorkle on the clams. We aske permission from the island caretakers, and they eacorted us. The water was too stirred up to have a clear view of the clams (to think that the water was too shallow; waist level only). I also had the idea that there will be thick corals when they mention marine sanctuary in their signages, but if not for the clams, there doesn't seem to be anything in there. I went back to the boat instead and thanked the caretakers an prepared to leave for mainland.

I asked the boys if they can let me drive the boat, and they were happy to let me. Learnig to drive a boat is one of the short term goals in travelling actually; i always want to know how to run these transport systems i tend to use in travelling; in the untoward event that the driver is unable to, I will be able to do it myself.

Its fairly easy. You pull that nylon rope to adjust the speed. Theres a rubber knob that holds the nylon rope so driver dot have to be holding it at a pressure during the trip.

Meantime, you pull frward the bamboo to steer the boat to the right, and pull backwards to steer to the left (or the other way around ;-) lolz).

 I also have that plan of buying a small boat, later, and roaming around the archipelago through my self driven boat. I'm done with learning to drive motorbikes and tricycles, now done with boat, next is that 'skylab' habal habal.

How to go to Agutayan Island:

Make your way to agora Terminal. In agora terminal, look for the jeeps bound for Jasaan. Ask to be dropped in Liyang Resort. Fare is P25.

In case you need to contact my boatman (or boatboy for that matter) call jay Ar (0926) 330 9092.

Read More »

How to Commute from Laguindingan Airport to (Cagayan de Oro) City

So you're a backpacker and just arrived in the country's newest P200-terminal fee domestic airport. But, this airport is nowhere in the boundaries of Cagayan de Oro (But is tagged as its airport). Now, How do you go to the city?

Upon arrival, you will be approached by a lot, to a point of irritation, by those offering the P199 van service to Agora Terminal.

If you're travelling in groups, minimum 3, it will save you to go via the metered taxi (P40 flag) to Agora Terminal. You will see 1 guy on the far left of the many rental/shuttle booths holding this sign. Cost shall be between 400-500 only.

If you're travelling alone, you can consider a motorbike (habal) for P30 (initially offered at P50 an then you'll do some bargain) to the hi way. It's some 6kms away. From the hi-way, there are jeeps to City (Bulua Terminal) for P30.

If you must go to Agora Terminal (Eastbound destinations such as Butuan, Surigao, etc), you can take a jeep from Bulua Terminal (westbound such as Iligan, Ozamis, etc) to Agora fr P10.

Meantime, If you're headed to Iligan, from the hi-way there are Super Five buses (more comfortable than Rural buses for just P10 difference) for P135. You may also want to consider their (Super Five) shuttles from the airport for P50/pax (P185 total to Iligan).

Still not sure where to stay in CDeO? I Posted photos here and here of where I stayed.

Then, here's my post on our White Water Rafting Activity

see here for where we ate in Cagayan De Oro

So you're a backpacker and just arrived in the country's newest P200-terminal fee domestic airport. But, this airport is nowhere in the boundaries of Cagayan de Oro (But is tagged as its airport). Now, How do you go to the city?

Upon arrival, you will be approached by a lot, to a point of irritation, by those offering the P199 van service to Agora Terminal.

If you're travelling in groups, minimum 3, it will save you to go via the metered taxi (P40 flag) to Agora Terminal. You will see 1 guy on the far left of the many rental/shuttle booths holding this sign. Cost shall be between 400-500 only.

If you're travelling alone, you can consider a motorbike (habal) for P30 (initially offered at P50 an then you'll do some bargain) to the hi way. It's some 6kms away. From the hi-way, there are jeeps to City (Bulua Terminal) for P30.

If you must go to Agora Terminal (Eastbound destinations such as Butuan, Surigao, etc), you can take a jeep from Bulua Terminal (westbound such as Iligan, Ozamis, etc) to Agora fr P10.

Meantime, If you're headed to Iligan, from the hi-way there are Super Five buses (more comfortable than Rural buses for just P10 difference) for P135. You may also want to consider their (Super Five) shuttles from the airport for P50/pax (P185 total to Iligan).

Still not sure where to stay in CDeO? I Posted photos here and here of where I stayed.

Then, here's my post on our White Water Rafting Activity

see here for where we ate in Cagayan De Oro

Read More »

White water rafting in Cagayan de Oro city

Travel bud Choks arranged everything in this trip, and I must be honest I have no preparations nor any contribution for this trip. All i know is that i decided to go just a day before the flight, had to finish my laundry the night before, and have not had sleep at all.

Upon landing in landinguin airport, we head straight to Vines pension house in Cagayan De Oro where we will be picked up by the Kagay team (our tour operator for the whitewater rafting).

It was a not so quick jeepney ride to the river, which as they say, divides cagayan and bukidnon. Apart from our group, There were 3 others in the jeep who will go for beginner level; So, after dropping us to our jump off, they proceeded somewhere else where they waited for us while we track through the advanced level.

Funny thing that happened was, we didn't flip anywhere in the advanced level rapids, but twice on the beginner level. The first time we fell off the raft was awkward. It was actually very easy; yet, we were foolig around at the time so 3 of 4 fell off the raft.

The second one was rather unprecedented. I could see from the face of the guide that he didn't expect us flipping. I think it was due rather to the distribution of our weight thats why we flipped. The rapid is facing the white wall, and while we were trying to maneuver sidewards, we were caught off hook diagonal to the direction of the current, such that we hit the wall with the heavier side of the raft on the latter position.

I must say it was a bad flip and I could tell from the face of the guides how unexpected it is. Overall though, had we not flipped, i would have found the rafting 100% boring (not sure because lack of rest and sleep made me short of good vibes). It takes too much time to get to the next rapid; and it is not called rapid for nothing; it happens too quickly, and takes too long to get to each of the 24 rapids.

There was also some part where we spotted some snakes hanging up the trees. (One more thing that made it less boring). Also, i jumpe off the raft at some streams; let myself flow woth the water, to make it more fun.

We each paid 1100 for the advanced level rafting with Kagay.

Essential: sunblock and armsleeves perhaps. The 3hours course under the burning sun is sure going to cook you well done.

At the end of the course is a nice resort with P50 entrance. Might want to add that to the iti. They also serve food and snacks for guests (and finishers of the rafting).

Still not sure where to stay in CDeO? I Posted photos here and here of where I stayed.and here's for how to commute from laguindingan airport to city proper
see here for where we ate in Cagayan De Oro

Travel bud Choks arranged everything in this trip, and I must be honest I have no preparations nor any contribution for this trip. All i know is that i decided to go just a day before the flight, had to finish my laundry the night before, and have not had sleep at all.

Upon landing in landinguin airport, we head straight to Vines pension house in Cagayan De Oro where we will be picked up by the Kagay team (our tour operator for the whitewater rafting).

It was a not so quick jeepney ride to the river, which as they say, divides cagayan and bukidnon. Apart from our group, There were 3 others in the jeep who will go for beginner level; So, after dropping us to our jump off, they proceeded somewhere else where they waited for us while we track through the advanced level.

Funny thing that happened was, we didn't flip anywhere in the advanced level rapids, but twice on the beginner level. The first time we fell off the raft was awkward. It was actually very easy; yet, we were foolig around at the time so 3 of 4 fell off the raft.

The second one was rather unprecedented. I could see from the face of the guide that he didn't expect us flipping. I think it was due rather to the distribution of our weight thats why we flipped. The rapid is facing the white wall, and while we were trying to maneuver sidewards, we were caught off hook diagonal to the direction of the current, such that we hit the wall with the heavier side of the raft on the latter position.

I must say it was a bad flip and I could tell from the face of the guides how unexpected it is. Overall though, had we not flipped, i would have found the rafting 100% boring (not sure because lack of rest and sleep made me short of good vibes). It takes too much time to get to the next rapid; and it is not called rapid for nothing; it happens too quickly, and takes too long to get to each of the 24 rapids.

There was also some part where we spotted some snakes hanging up the trees. (One more thing that made it less boring). Also, i jumpe off the raft at some streams; let myself flow woth the water, to make it more fun.

We each paid 1100 for the advanced level rafting with Kagay.

Essential: sunblock and armsleeves perhaps. The 3hours course under the burning sun is sure going to cook you well done.

At the end of the course is a nice resort with P50 entrance. Might want to add that to the iti. They also serve food and snacks for guests (and finishers of the rafting).

Still not sure where to stay in CDeO? I Posted photos here and here of where I stayed.and here's for how to commute from laguindingan airport to city proper
see here for where we ate in Cagayan De Oro

Read More »

Vines Pension House, Cagayan de Oro

As this is rather an ambush travel, and my flight godfather Chocks had everything in place already at the time i decided to join, i must say i did not really bother about everything else.

Back in the airport, he told me about the iti and the reservations he made, and i was told we'll be sharing a P680 aircon room. Had i been asked, i would have looked for somewhere we'd spend only 150-200/pax. He also told me we were allowed to do an early check in at 8am.

The room is totally worth the price... Neat , comfortable, with TV, phone, toilet, and hot and cold shower. The only thing I did not like was that the washroom was clogged. Nevertheless, i think we could've been transferred to another room had we known. Overall, this is where i'll be checking in next time I go back.

They have single aircon rooms for P400. They dont provide breakfast, but just next to the pension house are eateries, cafes, foodhaus where spending can be below 50/meal.

For other options, this one Right in the terminal itself for quick napa and clean up:

This one is for amarea lodge right next to vines, maxandrea, and willshire inn

here are pictures of Hotel Ramon in Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro
and here's for how to commute from laguindingan airport to city proper
Then, here's my post on our White Water Rafting Activity
see here for where we ate in Cagayan De Oro

Follow CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation for easier searches

As this is rather an ambush travel, and my flight godfather Chocks had everything in place already at the time i decided to join, i must say i did not really bother about everything else.

Back in the airport, he told me about the iti and the reservations he made, and i was told we'll be sharing a P680 aircon room. Had i been asked, i would have looked for somewhere we'd spend only 150-200/pax. He also told me we were allowed to do an early check in at 8am.

The room is totally worth the price... Neat , comfortable, with TV, phone, toilet, and hot and cold shower. The only thing I did not like was that the washroom was clogged. Nevertheless, i think we could've been transferred to another room had we known. Overall, this is where i'll be checking in next time I go back.

They have single aircon rooms for P400. They dont provide breakfast, but just next to the pension house are eateries, cafes, foodhaus where spending can be below 50/meal.

For other options, this one Right in the terminal itself for quick napa and clean up:

This one is for amarea lodge right next to vines, maxandrea, and willshire inn

here are pictures of Hotel Ramon in Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro
and here's for how to commute from laguindingan airport to city proper
Then, here's my post on our White Water Rafting Activity
see here for where we ate in Cagayan De Oro

Follow CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation for easier searches

Read More »

Where we ate in Cagayan De Oro City

Havent had a good meal yet since the night before, and upon arriving from the airport, we head straight to white water rafting in this ambush travel.

Our white water rafting operator asked us for our plans, and we informed them we'll have some lunch after. 

They then recommended this buffet for P220.

While it was past 1 already when we entered the restaurant, and while not all food warmers were filled up, it seems they have enough serving of everything they offered in the buffet. 

Upon seeing the dishes, i did not feel like having a buffet. Instead, i asked for te menu.

Unfortunately though, each dish cost a minimum of P150, so, for a difference of P70, i thought I am better off with the buffet. I can just chow on the crabs.

A serious 1 hour of slow eating but I didn't think it was worth the P220. Nothing beats the P185 and P120 buffets in baler. They may not be comparable, considering the geography, but, if i were to be asked, i'd rather eat elsewhere.

Just my 2cents. You're free to try ;-). I saw an ad of our tour operator for the white water rafting, and I think they may be owned by 2 close folks, hence the referral.

Still not sure where to stay in CDeO? I Posted photos here and here of where I stayed.

and here's for how to commute from laguindingan airport to city proper
Then, here's my post on our White Water Rafting Activity

Havent had a good meal yet since the night before, and upon arriving from the airport, we head straight to white water rafting in this ambush travel.

Our white water rafting operator asked us for our plans, and we informed them we'll have some lunch after. 

They then recommended this buffet for P220.

While it was past 1 already when we entered the restaurant, and while not all food warmers were filled up, it seems they have enough serving of everything they offered in the buffet. 

Upon seeing the dishes, i did not feel like having a buffet. Instead, i asked for te menu.

Unfortunately though, each dish cost a minimum of P150, so, for a difference of P70, i thought I am better off with the buffet. I can just chow on the crabs.

A serious 1 hour of slow eating but I didn't think it was worth the P220. Nothing beats the P185 and P120 buffets in baler. They may not be comparable, considering the geography, but, if i were to be asked, i'd rather eat elsewhere.

Just my 2cents. You're free to try ;-). I saw an ad of our tour operator for the white water rafting, and I think they may be owned by 2 close folks, hence the referral.

Still not sure where to stay in CDeO? I Posted photos here and here of where I stayed.

and here's for how to commute from laguindingan airport to city proper
Then, here's my post on our White Water Rafting Activity

Read More »