Kaputian Beach | Samal Island, Davao

Kaputian Beach, Samal Island

From our isla reta, talicud island, davao day 1 adventure, we head next to Samal island where we'll take the bus instead to the city.

Compared to the coastal view of the sta cruz (talicud)-sta ana (davao) ferry, this island express bus route gives an inland view of the samal island.
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From talicud island, we took the hourly pump boat to samal island. As we are only the 4th (5th, and 6th) passenger in the boat, we waited a few more before the boat left; close to half hour in the waiting. Instead of the regular 20, each passenger paid 30 to shoulder the available seats and leave ahead.

Ian Limbonis in Sta Cruz wharf headed to Kaputian in Samal Island, IGACOS

As you get to the middle of the 2 islands, waves tend to go stronger. You can also tell how deep it is down from the color of the water.

The boat drops right next to the beach. Sadly, some garbages are dumped right at the port, and next to the beach fence.

An old house next to the wharf and Kaputian Beach in Samal island, IGACOS

banana cue minus the oil. This is only where i've seen it done this way

As it was almost time for lunch, we sat by a carinderia; and, while granma and aunt were still finishing their meals, i took the time to view the beach.

From the entrance, there was a figure of the dugong (seacow). I ibitially thought of it rther as a pig roast (lechon). 

Towards the left are the accomodations, which were as cute as children's dollhouse; head on one wall, and feet on the other. Taller guys will have to bend sidewards while sleeping :-). 

Hut Accomodation in Kaputian Beach, Samal Island, IGACOS

The concrete rooms are rather more spacious. I am not sure though if they have the washrooms inside. The washrooms are on the opposite side of the vicinity, about 50m walk.

Big Cottages in Kaputian Beach, Samal Island, IGACOS

Just like in Talicud island, I'd say the waves aren't that safe for kids (or wanna be kids like me who braves the water even drunk, unlike the beaches of quezon and cebu). 

And since it is a public beach, it can go crowdy and noisy. Not that type where you'd like to get some peaceful solitary confinement.

The sand is great. In fact, even from approaching the port, you can tell how great the beach can be has it been maintained properly. 

The washrooms reminds you too how much you paid to for your entrance fee. 

Kaputian Beach, Samal Island

From our isla reta, talicud island, davao day 1 adventure, we head next to Samal island where we'll take the bus instead to the city.

Compared to the coastal view of the sta cruz (talicud)-sta ana (davao) ferry, this island express bus route gives an inland view of the samal island.
.
From talicud island, we took the hourly pump boat to samal island. As we are only the 4th (5th, and 6th) passenger in the boat, we waited a few more before the boat left; close to half hour in the waiting. Instead of the regular 20, each passenger paid 30 to shoulder the available seats and leave ahead.

Ian Limbonis in Sta Cruz wharf headed to Kaputian in Samal Island, IGACOS

As you get to the middle of the 2 islands, waves tend to go stronger. You can also tell how deep it is down from the color of the water.

The boat drops right next to the beach. Sadly, some garbages are dumped right at the port, and next to the beach fence.

An old house next to the wharf and Kaputian Beach in Samal island, IGACOS

banana cue minus the oil. This is only where i've seen it done this way

As it was almost time for lunch, we sat by a carinderia; and, while granma and aunt were still finishing their meals, i took the time to view the beach.

From the entrance, there was a figure of the dugong (seacow). I ibitially thought of it rther as a pig roast (lechon). 

Towards the left are the accomodations, which were as cute as children's dollhouse; head on one wall, and feet on the other. Taller guys will have to bend sidewards while sleeping :-). 

Hut Accomodation in Kaputian Beach, Samal Island, IGACOS

The concrete rooms are rather more spacious. I am not sure though if they have the washrooms inside. The washrooms are on the opposite side of the vicinity, about 50m walk.

Big Cottages in Kaputian Beach, Samal Island, IGACOS

Just like in Talicud island, I'd say the waves aren't that safe for kids (or wanna be kids like me who braves the water even drunk, unlike the beaches of quezon and cebu). 

And since it is a public beach, it can go crowdy and noisy. Not that type where you'd like to get some peaceful solitary confinement.

The sand is great. In fact, even from approaching the port, you can tell how great the beach can be has it been maintained properly. 

The washrooms reminds you too how much you paid to for your entrance fee. 

Read More »

Isla Reta: Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

Even at the time when I was working overseas, i have  planned to get my grandma experience riding an aircraft; And with my grandpa's passing recently, and all the other plans I had thought for them, I thought there was no time to risk on any plan for my aged lola. So, for that next destination i picked, I have included my 78 yr old grandma and my aunt to assist in my booking.



I have looked at the itineraries for Davao and I was stunned at how costly it could get to move from one stop to another. Secondly, Until now, i still have not gained interest in these crocodile, butterly, what have you parks. I feel they are better seen in their natural habitat. On another hand, i thought Eden Park was far offset from my places of interest, plus granma may not really handle the uphill walks around, so I have limited my trip to IGACOS or Island Garden of Samal. Again, after all, beaches, mountains, and falls are my forte.

Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

I have had an interest for Quiboloy's Prayer Mountain too, but again, it's too faraway. I've also read about the advance booking requirement, so i just shoved it off.

Apart from that it's my grams first time to fly, it will also be her first time on the boat.

As my gram has had history of several stroke, my relatives has asked me to bring her to a physician for consulting prior to the trip. But then, i did not really think it was needed. Anyway, the inertia is just the same as when ur on an elevator.

Well, we managed to get to davao without any issues, except for the ultra slow pace.

From Davao airport, there were several transport people who were offering service thru van; asked us where we are going, and they were charging us 450 to sta ana wharf; I said we're taking the cab. They countered daying we'll be spending 350 in te cab anyway. To confirm, I approached a nearby policeman and asked. Then again, he said, only about 150, so i took the cab. 

We've taken a yellow (which initially I thought was a higher fare airport taxi) MABUHAY taxi to sta ana wharf. Fare was only 148.

From the wharf, I asked it there's any more boat bound to Isla Reta and I was told yes, at 1:30pm; So, givem that we have some 45mins to go, and it's past lunch time, we walked a few steps outside the wharf and had lunch at the nearby carinderia.

After lunch, we head back to the station and took the SHIRLEY boat. Fare in the boat was P60 to Talicod Island or sta cruz wharf (with a stop in Kaputian, right next to the beach, before going to Talicud. It took the boat a while though to leave Kaputian as a several sacks of rice paid baggages have to be moved.

From sta cruz wharf, it will be a short 10min walk to Isla Reta passing by an eskinita in between the houses, and just next to the shore.

with Grandma in Sta Ana Wharf, Davao heading to Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS

Shirley ferry bound for Kaputian and Sta Cruz Wharf in Talicud Island, IGACOS

inside the Shirley Ferry to  Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

There are plenty of habal services in the wharf for passengers bound for the farther areas in talicod. Beware though that from the wharf is a steep 200m straight uphill, so baggages might need to be minimized, in case you'll ride habal.

We took the P700/night triple sharing nipa. There was no choice anyway as all 5 concrete rooms they have are all booked. The Nipas dont have a socket, nor a fan, and mosquitos can be a nightmare. I had to buy a mosquito coil from outside. The huts dont have comfort rooms to so we had to walk 20m to the resort comfort room. The water there is also saltwater. There is rainwater but you'll have to pick the pail and fetch from the containers next to the resort store.

The P700/night NIPA in Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

The resort store will have basic commodities; prices of some being: Red Horse Mucho at 100. Softdrinks Litro at 50. For food, the have native chicken dishes for P300. The rest, pork bbq, lechon kawali, etc at P180. I was told it's good for three (said it was 400g but not sure really) but when our lechon kawali was served, I think it's rather good for 2. For breakfast the following day, we had corned beef, which was actually a 100g canned local brand taken fr the store and cooked in the kitchen. Rice was P15 each, and was irritated when what I got was tutong;

The comfort rooms were also untiddy. I see they have a number of staffs who'd rather sit andd gamble, booze and bitchat than be more productive in helping out maintain the resort.

boat schedules in  Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

boat schedules in  Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

Charges in  Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

Food Menua  in Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao  (i wish it's clearer)

that's what you can scout in  Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao; This is where you order your food and pay on checkout too

Overall, the beach is really nice. Sand was very fine. If I were to go back to this beach, i'd rather just camp, and bring my own food, than spend unnecessarily on unsatisfactory service.

The market is also just next to the wharf, and much of the guests i've seen, bought fish from there and had it cooked. One guests brought 2 squids, each wheighing 500g.

They turn off the electricity on daytime by the way, so, have your electronics charged rightaway, and dont forget to plug them in their outlets at night; No.. They dont have wifi.

Grandma enjoying  Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

Boat ride from Sta Cruz Wharf to Kaputian Beach in Samal Island

Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

Even at the time when I was working overseas, i have  planned to get my grandma experience riding an aircraft; And with my grandpa's passing recently, and all the other plans I had thought for them, I thought there was no time to risk on any plan for my aged lola. So, for that next destination i picked, I have included my 78 yr old grandma and my aunt to assist in my booking.



I have looked at the itineraries for Davao and I was stunned at how costly it could get to move from one stop to another. Secondly, Until now, i still have not gained interest in these crocodile, butterly, what have you parks. I feel they are better seen in their natural habitat. On another hand, i thought Eden Park was far offset from my places of interest, plus granma may not really handle the uphill walks around, so I have limited my trip to IGACOS or Island Garden of Samal. Again, after all, beaches, mountains, and falls are my forte.

Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

I have had an interest for Quiboloy's Prayer Mountain too, but again, it's too faraway. I've also read about the advance booking requirement, so i just shoved it off.

Apart from that it's my grams first time to fly, it will also be her first time on the boat.

As my gram has had history of several stroke, my relatives has asked me to bring her to a physician for consulting prior to the trip. But then, i did not really think it was needed. Anyway, the inertia is just the same as when ur on an elevator.

Well, we managed to get to davao without any issues, except for the ultra slow pace.

From Davao airport, there were several transport people who were offering service thru van; asked us where we are going, and they were charging us 450 to sta ana wharf; I said we're taking the cab. They countered daying we'll be spending 350 in te cab anyway. To confirm, I approached a nearby policeman and asked. Then again, he said, only about 150, so i took the cab. 

We've taken a yellow (which initially I thought was a higher fare airport taxi) MABUHAY taxi to sta ana wharf. Fare was only 148.

From the wharf, I asked it there's any more boat bound to Isla Reta and I was told yes, at 1:30pm; So, givem that we have some 45mins to go, and it's past lunch time, we walked a few steps outside the wharf and had lunch at the nearby carinderia.

After lunch, we head back to the station and took the SHIRLEY boat. Fare in the boat was P60 to Talicod Island or sta cruz wharf (with a stop in Kaputian, right next to the beach, before going to Talicud. It took the boat a while though to leave Kaputian as a several sacks of rice paid baggages have to be moved.

From sta cruz wharf, it will be a short 10min walk to Isla Reta passing by an eskinita in between the houses, and just next to the shore.

with Grandma in Sta Ana Wharf, Davao heading to Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS

Shirley ferry bound for Kaputian and Sta Cruz Wharf in Talicud Island, IGACOS

inside the Shirley Ferry to  Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

There are plenty of habal services in the wharf for passengers bound for the farther areas in talicod. Beware though that from the wharf is a steep 200m straight uphill, so baggages might need to be minimized, in case you'll ride habal.

We took the P700/night triple sharing nipa. There was no choice anyway as all 5 concrete rooms they have are all booked. The Nipas dont have a socket, nor a fan, and mosquitos can be a nightmare. I had to buy a mosquito coil from outside. The huts dont have comfort rooms to so we had to walk 20m to the resort comfort room. The water there is also saltwater. There is rainwater but you'll have to pick the pail and fetch from the containers next to the resort store.

The P700/night NIPA in Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

The resort store will have basic commodities; prices of some being: Red Horse Mucho at 100. Softdrinks Litro at 50. For food, the have native chicken dishes for P300. The rest, pork bbq, lechon kawali, etc at P180. I was told it's good for three (said it was 400g but not sure really) but when our lechon kawali was served, I think it's rather good for 2. For breakfast the following day, we had corned beef, which was actually a 100g canned local brand taken fr the store and cooked in the kitchen. Rice was P15 each, and was irritated when what I got was tutong;

The comfort rooms were also untiddy. I see they have a number of staffs who'd rather sit andd gamble, booze and bitchat than be more productive in helping out maintain the resort.

boat schedules in  Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

boat schedules in  Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

Charges in  Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

Food Menua  in Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao  (i wish it's clearer)

that's what you can scout in  Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao; This is where you order your food and pay on checkout too

Overall, the beach is really nice. Sand was very fine. If I were to go back to this beach, i'd rather just camp, and bring my own food, than spend unnecessarily on unsatisfactory service.

The market is also just next to the wharf, and much of the guests i've seen, bought fish from there and had it cooked. One guests brought 2 squids, each wheighing 500g.

They turn off the electricity on daytime by the way, so, have your electronics charged rightaway, and dont forget to plug them in their outlets at night; No.. They dont have wifi.

Grandma enjoying  Isla Reta, Talicud Island, IGACOS, Davao

Boat ride from Sta Cruz Wharf to Kaputian Beach in Samal Island

Read More »

Tales from Iwahig Prison/Penal Colony

Ian Limbonis in the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Prinsesa

I first heard about Iwahig prison from the History Channel. It surprised me that local media hasn’t delivered this place and story to my time and attention before. I was somehow glad that inmates are provided that quasi community to live instead of just being locked up rotting in a cabin.

It was my first stop for my Puerto Prinsesa trip and I was too excited at having a conversation with the inmates. I flew in the evening, and I was even thinking about camping in the compound. However, I did not have time to research and find the proper person to speak to, to get permission (I was informed later that it’s not allowed anyway).

Anyhow, day 1, around noontime, with my rented motorbike, I drove 16 kilometers off the city proper towards the Palawan South Road.

 Iwahig is a huge plantation compound and the sudden drop of rain gave us no choice but to find cover from one building we saw from its main road.

There were also a group of men running all together, dressed up with the same shirts. I had the hint they were the inmates. They have with them some planting tools, where I assumed they were on assignment and were asked to go back to their shelters since it was raining.

biking around the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm Compound in Puerto Prinsesa

As we passed by them, we asked if we can take cover from the hut that is opposite the building. Some civilian nodded yes (which I later found out he is like the head of the compound).

Immediately as I park our motorcycle, one man (names I prefer to conceal) approached and was offering some souveniers already.  I don’t normally buy souveniers but with his tone of voice, he was like begging us to buy. I had the choice to say no, but my compassion to the man couldn’t. He fixed our motor parking, and asked that we shade near the gate.

There were four other men standing on the gate, another one offering some crafts; We began asking questions, and they began asking us too.

Upon asking where we are from, and telling them I am from Pampanga, the other man holding crafts asked me where my hometown is. He hails from Pampanga; From there, we had closed the conversation between us, using our native dialect. He’s probably excited to get the chance to use his home language. My travel buddy, Tonyo, was left with the other 3.

A fishpond inside the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Prinsesa City

He volunteered to tell me what his offense was. He said he stabbed 2, first imprisoned for 6 years in the province, then in Muntinlupa for another 2 years, and then later transferred to Iwahig. So far, he has 2 more years to serve, and is very excited to go home. He tells me how, along with the other inmates, they struggle to survive. Their normal meal is a pack of noodles, and rice is scarce.

I do see the plantation around, and the available land, and I ask how come there isn’t enough supply. He says the harvest don’t go to them. I was dismayed. He adds they are being paid P45/month for that work.

All the while I thought the inmates can freely till the soil and plant for their own consumption. I felt like I was fooled by the initial information I heard or interpreted.  In fact, when I ask him about his preference between being in Bilibid or Iwahig prison, he said Bilibid is better. There is more activites; He can get visits; In Iwahig, it’s too far flung and there is none to do. The other inmate even points out he finished a cosmetology course in Bilibid.

It was raining, and the inmates asked us if we wanted anything. Being a coffee person, I asked if we can buy coffee. He affirms, and I asked that I go with him inside the minimum security compound. But then, they said, that’s all we can get to. Visitors are not allowed inside, and not even all prisoners have the freedom to get out just like them. Not what I thought. I gave them the money to buy 6 coffee for all of us.

While having coffee, they asked for cigarettes and tried to get us to donate our slippers. I could see how torn their slippers are but it would just be so hard to be travelling with that of theirs. There isn’t any nearby store either. Also, inasmuch as we’d like to, we did not prepare to be fairy god mothers. We can only help by as much.

Souveneir shop within the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Prinsesa City

After the coffee, we asked that we leave so we can have time to roam around. Before we managed to leave, they tried to get us to cash out some more. I didn’t. Tonyo did, out of empathy. I’m sharing this as a caution for upcoming visitors; Don’t show too much more than what you are prepared to give; If you may also please bring some, even the cheaper <P20 sandals. I’m suggesting that they be handed over to the officers who sit in the hut right infront of the colony just to avoid any arguments between the inmates (and let’s hope it goes to them, and not on the personal use of the officers).

Ian Limbonis in the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Prinsesa

I first heard about Iwahig prison from the History Channel. It surprised me that local media hasn’t delivered this place and story to my time and attention before. I was somehow glad that inmates are provided that quasi community to live instead of just being locked up rotting in a cabin.

It was my first stop for my Puerto Prinsesa trip and I was too excited at having a conversation with the inmates. I flew in the evening, and I was even thinking about camping in the compound. However, I did not have time to research and find the proper person to speak to, to get permission (I was informed later that it’s not allowed anyway).

Anyhow, day 1, around noontime, with my rented motorbike, I drove 16 kilometers off the city proper towards the Palawan South Road.

 Iwahig is a huge plantation compound and the sudden drop of rain gave us no choice but to find cover from one building we saw from its main road.

There were also a group of men running all together, dressed up with the same shirts. I had the hint they were the inmates. They have with them some planting tools, where I assumed they were on assignment and were asked to go back to their shelters since it was raining.

biking around the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm Compound in Puerto Prinsesa

As we passed by them, we asked if we can take cover from the hut that is opposite the building. Some civilian nodded yes (which I later found out he is like the head of the compound).

Immediately as I park our motorcycle, one man (names I prefer to conceal) approached and was offering some souveniers already.  I don’t normally buy souveniers but with his tone of voice, he was like begging us to buy. I had the choice to say no, but my compassion to the man couldn’t. He fixed our motor parking, and asked that we shade near the gate.

There were four other men standing on the gate, another one offering some crafts; We began asking questions, and they began asking us too.

Upon asking where we are from, and telling them I am from Pampanga, the other man holding crafts asked me where my hometown is. He hails from Pampanga; From there, we had closed the conversation between us, using our native dialect. He’s probably excited to get the chance to use his home language. My travel buddy, Tonyo, was left with the other 3.

A fishpond inside the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Prinsesa City

He volunteered to tell me what his offense was. He said he stabbed 2, first imprisoned for 6 years in the province, then in Muntinlupa for another 2 years, and then later transferred to Iwahig. So far, he has 2 more years to serve, and is very excited to go home. He tells me how, along with the other inmates, they struggle to survive. Their normal meal is a pack of noodles, and rice is scarce.

I do see the plantation around, and the available land, and I ask how come there isn’t enough supply. He says the harvest don’t go to them. I was dismayed. He adds they are being paid P45/month for that work.

All the while I thought the inmates can freely till the soil and plant for their own consumption. I felt like I was fooled by the initial information I heard or interpreted.  In fact, when I ask him about his preference between being in Bilibid or Iwahig prison, he said Bilibid is better. There is more activites; He can get visits; In Iwahig, it’s too far flung and there is none to do. The other inmate even points out he finished a cosmetology course in Bilibid.

It was raining, and the inmates asked us if we wanted anything. Being a coffee person, I asked if we can buy coffee. He affirms, and I asked that I go with him inside the minimum security compound. But then, they said, that’s all we can get to. Visitors are not allowed inside, and not even all prisoners have the freedom to get out just like them. Not what I thought. I gave them the money to buy 6 coffee for all of us.

While having coffee, they asked for cigarettes and tried to get us to donate our slippers. I could see how torn their slippers are but it would just be so hard to be travelling with that of theirs. There isn’t any nearby store either. Also, inasmuch as we’d like to, we did not prepare to be fairy god mothers. We can only help by as much.

Souveneir shop within the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Prinsesa City

After the coffee, we asked that we leave so we can have time to roam around. Before we managed to leave, they tried to get us to cash out some more. I didn’t. Tonyo did, out of empathy. I’m sharing this as a caution for upcoming visitors; Don’t show too much more than what you are prepared to give; If you may also please bring some, even the cheaper <P20 sandals. I’m suggesting that they be handed over to the officers who sit in the hut right infront of the colony just to avoid any arguments between the inmates (and let’s hope it goes to them, and not on the personal use of the officers).

Read More »

Trails of Limbonis

I was a vacationing OFW, and weeks passed, I felt so sucked up spending on drinking night by night; We’d drink up as early as 4pm, and go home as late as 9am the following morning with empty wallets.

Too fed up with the form of entertainment in the city, I thought I need something more fun than just spending my money over binge drinking (and puking it afterwards anyway).

Seeking no hangover alternatives, one day, my friend invited me for a hike to Mt. Tangisan in Tarlac together with her mountaineering group.  I was so delighted to get that view up there; The world from a different angle.

we didn't even have the proper gear during that first hike

Weeks later, I had been invited to Anawangin cove. I was so amazed  I went back the following weekend with my family.

Anawangin trip with my family in 2010

I asked my friends for some more other places we can get to, and just the week after my second Anawangin trip, we drove to Potipot island.

After uploading pics on Facebook, I had friends asking about my destinations; things like how to get there, how much I spent, where I checked in, etc; And feeling tired of individual chats, I thought about coming up with a short write up of these notes as a description in the albums.

By the trips I’ve already taken then, I realized how uninformed I was about my own country; I also realized I’m delimiting the information to just my fb friends. So, for the sake of others who are yet to discover these places, I thought about writing my own.

A pre-depart itinerary I've prepared before for our trip to South Luzon

 Thereafter, having been hooked to seeing my counry, I gave up the idea of working abroad; I thought I'm missing on a lot, and there's no better time to explore than when I am young. I looked for local employment; When asked about why I want the job, I outrightly mention, “to fund my travels”. (I am not even interested with overseas destination; perhaps unless I have nowhere else to go in the Philippines).

The more that I see the mountains, the beaches, the falls, rock formations, caves, rivers, lakes, the more that it pushes me to getting into the most remote corners of my country. And with the hopes that I can get more of our countrymen see our own (and perhaps from seeing it’s beauty, make them more conscious of our environment) I try as much to (at least some where I’ll have the energy) write on the trips I take.

Pushing forward, went to some trips with WorldBehindMyWall; met LakadPilipinas and Juanderful pinoy in a ferry to camotes island; Each of them making me realize on what I can get out of a passion.

Yes, i don’t have that gift in writing; I don’t have an eye for photography, not even a good camera to get a good picture. Nevertheless, I don’t have a panel to tell me I don’t have the right to write. So, here I am,  dumping my crap on  www.limbonis.com.

For those who ask, In Pampanga, the province where I hail from, Limbon is actually a term for procession, or movement of person to another place, and also a verb for “going somewhere.” When being referred to as limbonis, it’s a sarcasm for someone who keeps roaming around. 

This is my entry to Pinoy Travel Bloggers’ Blog Carnival themed The Journey That Made Us a Travel Blogger this month of July 2012.

Edmar Gu-Quibb of Edmaration hosts this month’s blog carnival.

I was a vacationing OFW, and weeks passed, I felt so sucked up spending on drinking night by night; We’d drink up as early as 4pm, and go home as late as 9am the following morning with empty wallets.

Too fed up with the form of entertainment in the city, I thought I need something more fun than just spending my money over binge drinking (and puking it afterwards anyway).

Seeking no hangover alternatives, one day, my friend invited me for a hike to Mt. Tangisan in Tarlac together with her mountaineering group.  I was so delighted to get that view up there; The world from a different angle.

we didn't even have the proper gear during that first hike

Weeks later, I had been invited to Anawangin cove. I was so amazed  I went back the following weekend with my family.

Anawangin trip with my family in 2010

I asked my friends for some more other places we can get to, and just the week after my second Anawangin trip, we drove to Potipot island.

After uploading pics on Facebook, I had friends asking about my destinations; things like how to get there, how much I spent, where I checked in, etc; And feeling tired of individual chats, I thought about coming up with a short write up of these notes as a description in the albums.

By the trips I’ve already taken then, I realized how uninformed I was about my own country; I also realized I’m delimiting the information to just my fb friends. So, for the sake of others who are yet to discover these places, I thought about writing my own.

A pre-depart itinerary I've prepared before for our trip to South Luzon

 Thereafter, having been hooked to seeing my counry, I gave up the idea of working abroad; I thought I'm missing on a lot, and there's no better time to explore than when I am young. I looked for local employment; When asked about why I want the job, I outrightly mention, “to fund my travels”. (I am not even interested with overseas destination; perhaps unless I have nowhere else to go in the Philippines).

The more that I see the mountains, the beaches, the falls, rock formations, caves, rivers, lakes, the more that it pushes me to getting into the most remote corners of my country. And with the hopes that I can get more of our countrymen see our own (and perhaps from seeing it’s beauty, make them more conscious of our environment) I try as much to (at least some where I’ll have the energy) write on the trips I take.

Pushing forward, went to some trips with WorldBehindMyWall; met LakadPilipinas and Juanderful pinoy in a ferry to camotes island; Each of them making me realize on what I can get out of a passion.

Yes, i don’t have that gift in writing; I don’t have an eye for photography, not even a good camera to get a good picture. Nevertheless, I don’t have a panel to tell me I don’t have the right to write. So, here I am,  dumping my crap on  www.limbonis.com.

For those who ask, In Pampanga, the province where I hail from, Limbon is actually a term for procession, or movement of person to another place, and also a verb for “going somewhere.” When being referred to as limbonis, it’s a sarcasm for someone who keeps roaming around. 

This is my entry to Pinoy Travel Bloggers’ Blog Carnival themed The Journey That Made Us a Travel Blogger this month of July 2012.

Edmar Gu-Quibb of Edmaration hosts this month’s blog carnival.

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Commuting to DMIA (Clark) Airport: Budget Traveller Alternative to Pantranco/Genesis Direct Transport

It's 4:05 pm and i have a 5:55 flight to puerto princesa. I approached the astro park terminal, and i don't see passengers in the jeep taking the regular route (route 1). Meantime, the drivers for the airport jeepneys sees my 85L bag and is a hint for them that i'm going to the airport. Instant P250 for them for a chartered ride. 


 I'm a native of pampanga, and had my college in Clark. I well know the ins and outs of the base, and I feel sorry for all the travellers thinking they had no choice but to take the offer.

 So, how do you get to the DMIA airport via commute?

Let's start the trail from the DAU terminal where u must have gotten off from the bus somewhere. From the terminal, walk towards the mcarthur highway, heading to Caltex, Mcdonalds, Jenra, and cross the highway. Make sure to cross thru the designated PEDX lanes. From there, take the "C-Point(Check point)/SM- DAU" jeeps (fare is at minimum P8). Before reaching SM, you'll come across the terminal; then look for the "Route 1" jeeps. Depending on the time that you alight, it may take up to 30mins for the jeep to fill up.make sure you have enough time for checking in. If u were approached and asked if you're heading to the airport, say yes, and that u don't mind walking a bit as you don't have a budget for the chartered jeep.  

Terminal in Clark; Take the jeep under Route 1

 Once in the jeep, tell the driver that you will alight in CIAC. Fare is P11 and from there, its just about 50m walk. There are rare cases when driver would not drop in CIAC. That's fine.  This route goes through the duty frees, closest to the airport being Oriental Duty Free. Fare up to this point is also P11. You can get off in oriental and walk your way to the airport. It's about 150m walk from there. 

Drop off points for Route 1 jeeps in Clark Main Gate bound for DMIA airport

On the other hand, for those coming out of CIAC, from the terminal, walk towards oriental duty free. Once in the higway, cross the street and wait for jeepneys bound to "maingate". It may take a while on late hours, but i dont think it'll surpass 30mins. From the maingate, ask for jeeps headed to Dau bus terminal, bearing "C Point-Dau-SM".


Also, for AirAsia passengers, I think there are bus services to and from airport to and from Dau Terminal.


 From DMIA, there are Prantranco buses that go straight to manila but the fare is P450 Compared to the P11+8+139 that you'll spend if you go basic.


Should you have any other questions about how to commute from another point in Pampanga to DMIA, mail me here jibmaxatnewroad@yahoo.com; so long as it is business hours. :-)

It's 4:05 pm and i have a 5:55 flight to puerto princesa. I approached the astro park terminal, and i don't see passengers in the jeep taking the regular route (route 1). Meantime, the drivers for the airport jeepneys sees my 85L bag and is a hint for them that i'm going to the airport. Instant P250 for them for a chartered ride. 


 I'm a native of pampanga, and had my college in Clark. I well know the ins and outs of the base, and I feel sorry for all the travellers thinking they had no choice but to take the offer.

 So, how do you get to the DMIA airport via commute?

Let's start the trail from the DAU terminal where u must have gotten off from the bus somewhere. From the terminal, walk towards the mcarthur highway, heading to Caltex, Mcdonalds, Jenra, and cross the highway. Make sure to cross thru the designated PEDX lanes. From there, take the "C-Point(Check point)/SM- DAU" jeeps (fare is at minimum P8). Before reaching SM, you'll come across the terminal; then look for the "Route 1" jeeps. Depending on the time that you alight, it may take up to 30mins for the jeep to fill up.make sure you have enough time for checking in. If u were approached and asked if you're heading to the airport, say yes, and that u don't mind walking a bit as you don't have a budget for the chartered jeep.  

Terminal in Clark; Take the jeep under Route 1

 Once in the jeep, tell the driver that you will alight in CIAC. Fare is P11 and from there, its just about 50m walk. There are rare cases when driver would not drop in CIAC. That's fine.  This route goes through the duty frees, closest to the airport being Oriental Duty Free. Fare up to this point is also P11. You can get off in oriental and walk your way to the airport. It's about 150m walk from there. 

Drop off points for Route 1 jeeps in Clark Main Gate bound for DMIA airport

On the other hand, for those coming out of CIAC, from the terminal, walk towards oriental duty free. Once in the higway, cross the street and wait for jeepneys bound to "maingate". It may take a while on late hours, but i dont think it'll surpass 30mins. From the maingate, ask for jeeps headed to Dau bus terminal, bearing "C Point-Dau-SM".


Also, for AirAsia passengers, I think there are bus services to and from airport to and from Dau Terminal.


 From DMIA, there are Prantranco buses that go straight to manila but the fare is P450 Compared to the P11+8+139 that you'll spend if you go basic.


Should you have any other questions about how to commute from another point in Pampanga to DMIA, mail me here jibmaxatnewroad@yahoo.com; so long as it is business hours. :-)

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Island Hopping, Bar Hopping: Bacolod to Ilo-Ilo

The RUINS in Bacolod City

It was late when I’ve come to find out how far the Silay airport is from the city. The initial plan was to stay in a pension house somewhere in Bacolod for the night, and head back on the road the earliest possible time the following day. And, honestly, even when I got to Bacolod, I still am not sure whether to head over to towards Ilo Ilo for Guimaras, or southbound, towards Dumaguete. Not sure what happened lately such that I lost appetite of researching destinations.

Given that we may not have transpo from the airport to the city, my friend has contacted her colleague Suzette to pick us up from the airport. She has also offered her house for the stay. Whewww... savings, savings, savings.

the highlight of the trip: chicken inasal in Manokan Country in Bacolody City

From the airport, since we were complaining of starvation, we asked to be driven to the Manokan Country.  Whereas, I always told myself, the highlight of this trip will be to have authentic Bacolod inasal, hence forward, I am accomplished J Yay!. And, god knows how I wished I can have a second round of that chicken, if only they could cook it faster. It took us 30 mins to get it served, and we just can’t wait another 30 mins to have another.

Suzette was kind of excited to tour us around, and since they are medical representatives, they know where to have socials ( and I will admit, this is not in my itinerary, and don’t even have shoes nor pants with me). We were brought to ICE in Mangaldan, where I was, by force majeure, made to fit my feet in my friends 1-inch less rubber shoes. I remember I had to change clothes twice because my attire was just totally odd to match the shoes.

the performers in ICE in Mangaldan, Bacolod City (we're obviously the early birds)

It was already past 2am when we left.

The morning after, or shall I say, noon after, we were quite late for out Guimaras trip.

After a quick breakfast, we head straight to Bacolod port, and luckily, the (weesam) ferry is leaving in about 10 minutes (saving ourselves the “bore”ding time).

Fares from Bacolod to Ilo Ilo and vice versa for Weesam Express; as of June 2012

RORO Schedule; Bacolod to Ilo Ilo and vv

Weesam Express Ferry Schedule; Bacolod-Ilo Ilo and vv

Inside the Weesam Express economy class cabin; From Bacolod to Ilo Ilo

When we got to Ilo-ilo, another friend, Je-han, is again to meet us; Again, another medical representative. We drove to Ocean City, where food was relatively affordable (but I would really have preferred carinderia then; I just couldn’t suggest as she might not really be the type who eats just everywhere).

After that late lunch, we were dropped in Buena Vista/Parola for the boatride to Guimaras. See post for our Guimaras Trip here.

From Guimaras, we were again picked up in Parola by the Ilo Ilo Med rep friend. We asked to head home first to wash and clean up. By then I was really hoping we could at least get to Miag Ao church. Then again, before I could even politely ask about the church, Je-han said we’ll head to the bars to meet the other med reps...Ooops. here we go again.

So, there we were. We went to Smallville and walked around to survey where we can have dinner. The settlement was made in Pirates.

Some minutes after we finished dinner, the other friends were already phoning. From there, we transferred to another bar and spent the rest of the night. It was past 2 am when we left.

Again, it was late when we woke up and consequently, arrived late in Bacolod.

From the sea port, we head straight to the RUINS. It kind of feel awkward, to my thinking that we are lost, that we are driving towards a village, which later heads to a cane plantation. I also thought that it was just an abandoned structure. There was also a coffee shop, and some illustrations of the concerts held in the building.

the garden inside the RUINS in Bacolod City

Halls in RUINS in Bacolod City

the walls in RUINS in Bacolod City

We bored ourself well in the RUINS since there was nothing much to do other than to see, and take pictures. We headed next to Mambukal.

getting closer to Mt Kanlaon where Mambukal Resort is

In Mambukal, luckily, we still made it to the 7 falls. I think it took us even less than an hour to get to these 7 falls. Each falls is rather 2-4 mins away from each other. Besides, you can only swim from falls 4 onwards. Not sure what the issue with the first 3 falls is.

From the last falls, we took a habal service back to the Mambukal resort. It was P50/head and a very very rough 15 min ride down.

trekking; closer to falls 1 in Mambukal Resort within Mt Kanlaon in Bacolod City

falls 1 in Mambukal Resort within Mt Kanlaon in Bacolod City

falls 2 in Mambukal Resort within Mt Kanlaon in Bacolod City

falls 3 in Mambukal Resort within Mt Kanlaon in Bacolod City

some more falls in Mambukal Resort in Mt Kanlaon in Bacolod City; I don't know whether this is already 5, 6, or what have they; it seems like every mini drop is a fall;

Within Falls 6 in Mambukal Resort within Mt Kanlaon in Bacolod City 

After Mambukal, Suzette said we’ll hit the bars again, since it’s a Saturday. My friend will be wearing her rubber shoes, so, I had no choice but to go seek alternative. I asked that we go to SM department store first and I’ll scout some less than P300 peso shoes which I did from those on SALE.

Thereafter, we head to Chicken House for Dinner, then went home to clean up; Gone to Siberia til half past 12mn, then ICE again in Mangaldan, where, at about 2:30am, I was already dancing in the ledge until 4am. I couldn’t count what and how many drinks I had that time. I thought i’d rather enjoy my time rather than whine at what I missed in that trip. I was accomplished at that though. I was throwing up before we left ICE. From ICE, head straight to the airport for our 5:55am flight; Threw up again in Bacolod airport, and again in NAIA3. My friend had to wake me up during boarding, take off, touch down, etc.

SOME TIMELINE:

Night 1:

8:07 PM                Arrived in Bacolod Silay Airport; Picked up by host

8:48 PM                Arrive in Manokan Country for dinner

9:46 PM                Leave Manokan Country

10:17 PM             Arrive in Ice Mangaldan for drinks

Day 1:

11:15 AM             Arrive in Port bound for Ilo Ilo

11:30 AM             Depart Bacolod Port

1:27 PM                Arrive in Ilo Ilo (Parola) Port; Picked up by host

1:45 PM                Arrive in Ocean City in City Proper for Lunch

2:27 PM                Depart Ocean City

2:52 PM                Back in Parola Port for Guimaras. See post for our Guimaras Trip here.

3:05 PM                Boat leaves Parola Port

3:20 PM                Guimaras (Jordan/ said: Hordan) Port; Take trike cab to destinations

3:55 PM                Arrive in Trappist Abbey;

4:10 PM                Leave Trappist Abbey

4:15 PM                Arrive Mango Plantation

4:17 PM                Leave Plantation

4:27 PM                Arrive in Nueva Valencia

4:43 PM                Arrive in Raymen Beach Resort

5:30 PM                Depart Raymen Beach Resort

5:53 PM                Drop by in a Cozy Restaurant along the hi-way for Batchoy

6:05 PM                Back on the road

6:20 PM                Buy Mango

6:46 PM                Arrive back in Jordan Port

Day 2:

12:16 PM             Parola Port (Bound for Bacolod)

12:40 PM             Depart Ilo Ilo Port

1:53 PM                Arrive in Bacolod Port

2:29 PM                Arrive in RUINS

3:11 PM                Depart RUINS; head to Mambukal

4:33 PM                Arrive in Mambukal; Trekk to Falls

*There are cheaper P60 RORO trips to Ilo-ilo from Bacolod, however, this goes to a remote town in Ilo-ilo that will require another 1 hour travel to the port. I would have not minded about the extra 1 hour travel had I known about this the night before. They have trips until 11pm from Bacolod; And I would have enjoyed the extra 1 hour ride tour of the remote town.

*For those who’d like to contact Kuya Dodeng for pre-arranged trike service, you can call the tourism desk and ask to be transferred:  0948 152 3629 or 0948 532 8292. In case the tourism desk offers other trike drivers, insist that you have been recommended to Kuya Dodeng.  Alternatively, you may also contact him through this no: 0927 570 7185 (owner of the motorcycle to whom he pays his boundary).

*for the jeepney service in Guimaras, from Jordan port, take the jeeps bound for Nueva Valencia and get off in Crossing. Fare is P40/head. From Crossing, take a trike to Alubihod, Fare is P30/trip. Jeep ride will take more than an hour as it will fill from stop to stop. 

The RUINS in Bacolod City

It was late when I’ve come to find out how far the Silay airport is from the city. The initial plan was to stay in a pension house somewhere in Bacolod for the night, and head back on the road the earliest possible time the following day. And, honestly, even when I got to Bacolod, I still am not sure whether to head over to towards Ilo Ilo for Guimaras, or southbound, towards Dumaguete. Not sure what happened lately such that I lost appetite of researching destinations.

Given that we may not have transpo from the airport to the city, my friend has contacted her colleague Suzette to pick us up from the airport. She has also offered her house for the stay. Whewww... savings, savings, savings.

the highlight of the trip: chicken inasal in Manokan Country in Bacolody City

From the airport, since we were complaining of starvation, we asked to be driven to the Manokan Country.  Whereas, I always told myself, the highlight of this trip will be to have authentic Bacolod inasal, hence forward, I am accomplished J Yay!. And, god knows how I wished I can have a second round of that chicken, if only they could cook it faster. It took us 30 mins to get it served, and we just can’t wait another 30 mins to have another.

Suzette was kind of excited to tour us around, and since they are medical representatives, they know where to have socials ( and I will admit, this is not in my itinerary, and don’t even have shoes nor pants with me). We were brought to ICE in Mangaldan, where I was, by force majeure, made to fit my feet in my friends 1-inch less rubber shoes. I remember I had to change clothes twice because my attire was just totally odd to match the shoes.

the performers in ICE in Mangaldan, Bacolod City (we're obviously the early birds)

It was already past 2am when we left.

The morning after, or shall I say, noon after, we were quite late for out Guimaras trip.

After a quick breakfast, we head straight to Bacolod port, and luckily, the (weesam) ferry is leaving in about 10 minutes (saving ourselves the “bore”ding time).

Fares from Bacolod to Ilo Ilo and vice versa for Weesam Express; as of June 2012

RORO Schedule; Bacolod to Ilo Ilo and vv

Weesam Express Ferry Schedule; Bacolod-Ilo Ilo and vv

Inside the Weesam Express economy class cabin; From Bacolod to Ilo Ilo

When we got to Ilo-ilo, another friend, Je-han, is again to meet us; Again, another medical representative. We drove to Ocean City, where food was relatively affordable (but I would really have preferred carinderia then; I just couldn’t suggest as she might not really be the type who eats just everywhere).

After that late lunch, we were dropped in Buena Vista/Parola for the boatride to Guimaras. See post for our Guimaras Trip here.

From Guimaras, we were again picked up in Parola by the Ilo Ilo Med rep friend. We asked to head home first to wash and clean up. By then I was really hoping we could at least get to Miag Ao church. Then again, before I could even politely ask about the church, Je-han said we’ll head to the bars to meet the other med reps...Ooops. here we go again.

So, there we were. We went to Smallville and walked around to survey where we can have dinner. The settlement was made in Pirates.

Some minutes after we finished dinner, the other friends were already phoning. From there, we transferred to another bar and spent the rest of the night. It was past 2 am when we left.

Again, it was late when we woke up and consequently, arrived late in Bacolod.

From the sea port, we head straight to the RUINS. It kind of feel awkward, to my thinking that we are lost, that we are driving towards a village, which later heads to a cane plantation. I also thought that it was just an abandoned structure. There was also a coffee shop, and some illustrations of the concerts held in the building.

the garden inside the RUINS in Bacolod City

Halls in RUINS in Bacolod City

the walls in RUINS in Bacolod City

We bored ourself well in the RUINS since there was nothing much to do other than to see, and take pictures. We headed next to Mambukal.

getting closer to Mt Kanlaon where Mambukal Resort is

In Mambukal, luckily, we still made it to the 7 falls. I think it took us even less than an hour to get to these 7 falls. Each falls is rather 2-4 mins away from each other. Besides, you can only swim from falls 4 onwards. Not sure what the issue with the first 3 falls is.

From the last falls, we took a habal service back to the Mambukal resort. It was P50/head and a very very rough 15 min ride down.

trekking; closer to falls 1 in Mambukal Resort within Mt Kanlaon in Bacolod City

falls 1 in Mambukal Resort within Mt Kanlaon in Bacolod City

falls 2 in Mambukal Resort within Mt Kanlaon in Bacolod City

falls 3 in Mambukal Resort within Mt Kanlaon in Bacolod City

some more falls in Mambukal Resort in Mt Kanlaon in Bacolod City; I don't know whether this is already 5, 6, or what have they; it seems like every mini drop is a fall;

Within Falls 6 in Mambukal Resort within Mt Kanlaon in Bacolod City 

After Mambukal, Suzette said we’ll hit the bars again, since it’s a Saturday. My friend will be wearing her rubber shoes, so, I had no choice but to go seek alternative. I asked that we go to SM department store first and I’ll scout some less than P300 peso shoes which I did from those on SALE.

Thereafter, we head to Chicken House for Dinner, then went home to clean up; Gone to Siberia til half past 12mn, then ICE again in Mangaldan, where, at about 2:30am, I was already dancing in the ledge until 4am. I couldn’t count what and how many drinks I had that time. I thought i’d rather enjoy my time rather than whine at what I missed in that trip. I was accomplished at that though. I was throwing up before we left ICE. From ICE, head straight to the airport for our 5:55am flight; Threw up again in Bacolod airport, and again in NAIA3. My friend had to wake me up during boarding, take off, touch down, etc.

SOME TIMELINE:

Night 1:

8:07 PM                Arrived in Bacolod Silay Airport; Picked up by host

8:48 PM                Arrive in Manokan Country for dinner

9:46 PM                Leave Manokan Country

10:17 PM             Arrive in Ice Mangaldan for drinks

Day 1:

11:15 AM             Arrive in Port bound for Ilo Ilo

11:30 AM             Depart Bacolod Port

1:27 PM                Arrive in Ilo Ilo (Parola) Port; Picked up by host

1:45 PM                Arrive in Ocean City in City Proper for Lunch

2:27 PM                Depart Ocean City

2:52 PM                Back in Parola Port for Guimaras. See post for our Guimaras Trip here.

3:05 PM                Boat leaves Parola Port

3:20 PM                Guimaras (Jordan/ said: Hordan) Port; Take trike cab to destinations

3:55 PM                Arrive in Trappist Abbey;

4:10 PM                Leave Trappist Abbey

4:15 PM                Arrive Mango Plantation

4:17 PM                Leave Plantation

4:27 PM                Arrive in Nueva Valencia

4:43 PM                Arrive in Raymen Beach Resort

5:30 PM                Depart Raymen Beach Resort

5:53 PM                Drop by in a Cozy Restaurant along the hi-way for Batchoy

6:05 PM                Back on the road

6:20 PM                Buy Mango

6:46 PM                Arrive back in Jordan Port

Day 2:

12:16 PM             Parola Port (Bound for Bacolod)

12:40 PM             Depart Ilo Ilo Port

1:53 PM                Arrive in Bacolod Port

2:29 PM                Arrive in RUINS

3:11 PM                Depart RUINS; head to Mambukal

4:33 PM                Arrive in Mambukal; Trekk to Falls

*There are cheaper P60 RORO trips to Ilo-ilo from Bacolod, however, this goes to a remote town in Ilo-ilo that will require another 1 hour travel to the port. I would have not minded about the extra 1 hour travel had I known about this the night before. They have trips until 11pm from Bacolod; And I would have enjoyed the extra 1 hour ride tour of the remote town.

*For those who’d like to contact Kuya Dodeng for pre-arranged trike service, you can call the tourism desk and ask to be transferred:  0948 152 3629 or 0948 532 8292. In case the tourism desk offers other trike drivers, insist that you have been recommended to Kuya Dodeng.  Alternatively, you may also contact him through this no: 0927 570 7185 (owner of the motorcycle to whom he pays his boundary).

*for the jeepney service in Guimaras, from Jordan port, take the jeeps bound for Nueva Valencia and get off in Crossing. Fare is P40/head. From Crossing, take a trike to Alubihod, Fare is P30/trip. Jeep ride will take more than an hour as it will fill from stop to stop. 

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