Amidst Typhoon Agaton: From Calaguas to Caringo Island

Having been to Calaguas island several times, and with sufficient contacts to ask from, this destination has been a fallback weekend resort.

Having missed the 8pm last trip to Paracale town, we took the Daet bus and was supposed to get off in Talobatib junction. Then again, we were on deep sleep at the time the bus passed the junction, and if not that it had gone into full stop in bus station, we would have not been awaken.

By the time of our arrival, I asked our contact if there were boats sailing to Calaguas island. The wind is still blowing hard, and the skies are still grey; the answer was of course negative.

There was nothing much to do in Daet, so we went instead to Mercedes fishport where we'd check if there are probably some trips to the islands off its coast.

Compared to the first time I went here, there are significantly less boats docked in the port. We approached a few and none was willing to take passengers (especially strangers) as the waves were really huge (and from a distance I could imagine how coarse it could be).

Instead, we were advised to take the cayucyucan route.

Cayucyucan is the other jump off point to the islands of quinapagian, apuao, maladugue, and caringo, From the fishport, you'll have to take a P4 boat ride to cross to the nearby coast, and from there, take a P14 ride to the opposite coast of the land.

This is the same route I have taken on my first visit, and was surprised that the same household I asked for coffee then still remembered me. Before I even told the lady of the house that I visited before, She told me rightaway that i was the one who visited months ago.

Anyway, after having yet another cup of coffee, we excused to go to the beachfront so we can catch some boat to Caringo. At the shore, we met Rico. A returning local who has been away and working in Bulacan for 4 years now.

Rico said his brother will pick him up so we waited for their boat even if there appeared to e some boats bound to caringo.

It has been almost 2 hours already, and even if the weather will mislead me of the time, I can't help but ask if his brother is ever coming; He confirmed he is although he himself seems wondering what's taking so long. I offered that he call thru my phone, and only then did his kins from the island knew he was waiting there already. His messages weren't delivered on time.

It was already almost noon when the boat arrived; plus, the waves made the trip three time longer than it should.

At our arrival, we registered first to the brgy officials and then walked around. I could only regret we didn't have the sun in this visit. I could tell how blue the waters could be. The fish and coral sanctuary I saw in google on my first visit was also just a swim away. I could've braved the waves, but then again, the water wasn't so clear to see anything so had to just forget it.

The wind blew harder, and rain was beginning to fall. The sound of the waves from the far side of the island was reverberating even to this part facing the mainland. Some local boatmen who were repairing their boats took shade in the same hut. As they can see our packed luggage, they asked if we are bound home at that same afternoon. We were advised that there will be no boat bound for mainland, unless we rent a big boat that can handle the waves. We just smiled and answered we can wait (which was a more decent way of saying we don't have spare for a boat rental).

Then, one of them offered a trip so long as we pay the gas. We didn't want to be caught with more trouble in the island so we agreed. 

At the boat, we had to cover up with a big tarpaulin, so we could not see anything. Yet the boat would rise and bang into the waves, that i was thinking it might splice down. It wasn't really made of reliable wood material really. We reached cayucyucan completely wet but thankfully somehow safe.

Having been to Calaguas island several times, and with sufficient contacts to ask from, this destination has been a fallback weekend resort.

Having missed the 8pm last trip to Paracale town, we took the Daet bus and was supposed to get off in Talobatib junction. Then again, we were on deep sleep at the time the bus passed the junction, and if not that it had gone into full stop in bus station, we would have not been awaken.

By the time of our arrival, I asked our contact if there were boats sailing to Calaguas island. The wind is still blowing hard, and the skies are still grey; the answer was of course negative.

There was nothing much to do in Daet, so we went instead to Mercedes fishport where we'd check if there are probably some trips to the islands off its coast.

Compared to the first time I went here, there are significantly less boats docked in the port. We approached a few and none was willing to take passengers (especially strangers) as the waves were really huge (and from a distance I could imagine how coarse it could be).

Instead, we were advised to take the cayucyucan route.

Cayucyucan is the other jump off point to the islands of quinapagian, apuao, maladugue, and caringo, From the fishport, you'll have to take a P4 boat ride to cross to the nearby coast, and from there, take a P14 ride to the opposite coast of the land.

This is the same route I have taken on my first visit, and was surprised that the same household I asked for coffee then still remembered me. Before I even told the lady of the house that I visited before, She told me rightaway that i was the one who visited months ago.

Anyway, after having yet another cup of coffee, we excused to go to the beachfront so we can catch some boat to Caringo. At the shore, we met Rico. A returning local who has been away and working in Bulacan for 4 years now.

Rico said his brother will pick him up so we waited for their boat even if there appeared to e some boats bound to caringo.

It has been almost 2 hours already, and even if the weather will mislead me of the time, I can't help but ask if his brother is ever coming; He confirmed he is although he himself seems wondering what's taking so long. I offered that he call thru my phone, and only then did his kins from the island knew he was waiting there already. His messages weren't delivered on time.

It was already almost noon when the boat arrived; plus, the waves made the trip three time longer than it should.

At our arrival, we registered first to the brgy officials and then walked around. I could only regret we didn't have the sun in this visit. I could tell how blue the waters could be. The fish and coral sanctuary I saw in google on my first visit was also just a swim away. I could've braved the waves, but then again, the water wasn't so clear to see anything so had to just forget it.

The wind blew harder, and rain was beginning to fall. The sound of the waves from the far side of the island was reverberating even to this part facing the mainland. Some local boatmen who were repairing their boats took shade in the same hut. As they can see our packed luggage, they asked if we are bound home at that same afternoon. We were advised that there will be no boat bound for mainland, unless we rent a big boat that can handle the waves. We just smiled and answered we can wait (which was a more decent way of saying we don't have spare for a boat rental).

Then, one of them offered a trip so long as we pay the gas. We didn't want to be caught with more trouble in the island so we agreed. 

At the boat, we had to cover up with a big tarpaulin, so we could not see anything. Yet the boat would rise and bang into the waves, that i was thinking it might splice down. It wasn't really made of reliable wood material really. We reached cayucyucan completely wet but thankfully somehow safe.

Read More »

Sidetrip to Sepang's Gold Coast

It’s the holidays and It’s that time when it’s easiest to take a leave, no approvals whatsoever but just a notification to your boss.

It’s December 29^th and coming from Myanmar, I thought about spending the new year together with my friends in Singapore (since it’s just a bus away from Malaysia).

Meantime, they’ve told me that they’ll be working until the 31^st so surely, I will be left alone at their apartment if I go too early. Instead, I thought about going around Malaysia for the meantime, and then take the trip to Singapore on the 31^st.

It was almost midnight when I arrived in KLCC. As the airport is midway KL and Singapore, I did not want to travel late to KL, and then take the same route again in the morning. Besides, I can just comfortably spend the night so long as I can take showers.

I slept wherever there was space.

At 6 in the morning, I stood early and took another shower. God knows when I’ll be able to shower again since I will basically stroll to wherever my feet lead me to. I looked on my google and zoomed across Sepang’s (where KLCC is) coastlines. I have come across this structure shaped like PALM just like those in Dubai; Except that, these appeared to be Stilts.

I googled the location, and indeed, the structures were stilts arranged in the shape of the Palm; It was called Gold Coast.

I walked towards the exit and asked around how to get there. One lady said I can wait for her and she can drop me right in Sepang where I can take another transport to Goldcoast. We walked towards the carpark and rode her car.

In Sepang, I asked again, and a storeowner tried to assist me get a transport. She said to wait for a friend who’ll be arriving in a sec, and I can take that ride. It has been more than 30 minutes, and no one is showing up. It seems the storeowner is more worried than I am for the waiting that’s been going on.

A little while later, a taxi passed by and she flagged it; talked to the cab driver to get the best rate. She called my attention and asked me to ride. Inasmuch as I’d like to refuse, (as I don’t want to spend even MYR15 for a ride), it was that situation I couldn’t say NO.

The taxi dropped me right in gold coast. There was a huge flock of tourists, Chinese it seems, who are having breakfast in the restaurants. I kept walking around.

I noticed it is free to use a bike to go to the opposite end of the PALM so I took a bike, and drove it. At the opposite end, there was a swimming pool which I was thinking about taking a dip, but It was too early. When I got back, I walked around again and found a hammock. I lost consciousness for about half an hour I guess, with my bag just on the ground.

By the time I woke up, I felt hungry. I walked across some facilities of the resort, til I get to some hawker stores. The price was my price. I ordered Nasi lemak along with some coffee for just MYR4.

While finishing my coffee, I saw a group of individuals cleaning and painting the sidewalks. I thought about joining them.

I approached them and asked if I can help.. gladly they allowed me to; It was a Corporate Social Responsibliity project of their company.

After we finished, I decided to leave so I can check out Malacca. I walked to where google maps is telling me to exit. One guy in a motorcycle figured out I was headed to the highway, so stopped and asked me. He dropped me right in the bus station in Sepang... perhaps twice as far as his destination. I’m glad it’s not only in my home country where people are as friendly.. can’t wait to go back to Malaysia especially Sabah.

It’s the holidays and It’s that time when it’s easiest to take a leave, no approvals whatsoever but just a notification to your boss.

It’s December 29^th and coming from Myanmar, I thought about spending the new year together with my friends in Singapore (since it’s just a bus away from Malaysia).

Meantime, they’ve told me that they’ll be working until the 31^st so surely, I will be left alone at their apartment if I go too early. Instead, I thought about going around Malaysia for the meantime, and then take the trip to Singapore on the 31^st.

It was almost midnight when I arrived in KLCC. As the airport is midway KL and Singapore, I did not want to travel late to KL, and then take the same route again in the morning. Besides, I can just comfortably spend the night so long as I can take showers.

I slept wherever there was space.

At 6 in the morning, I stood early and took another shower. God knows when I’ll be able to shower again since I will basically stroll to wherever my feet lead me to. I looked on my google and zoomed across Sepang’s (where KLCC is) coastlines. I have come across this structure shaped like PALM just like those in Dubai; Except that, these appeared to be Stilts.

I googled the location, and indeed, the structures were stilts arranged in the shape of the Palm; It was called Gold Coast.

I walked towards the exit and asked around how to get there. One lady said I can wait for her and she can drop me right in Sepang where I can take another transport to Goldcoast. We walked towards the carpark and rode her car.

In Sepang, I asked again, and a storeowner tried to assist me get a transport. She said to wait for a friend who’ll be arriving in a sec, and I can take that ride. It has been more than 30 minutes, and no one is showing up. It seems the storeowner is more worried than I am for the waiting that’s been going on.

A little while later, a taxi passed by and she flagged it; talked to the cab driver to get the best rate. She called my attention and asked me to ride. Inasmuch as I’d like to refuse, (as I don’t want to spend even MYR15 for a ride), it was that situation I couldn’t say NO.

The taxi dropped me right in gold coast. There was a huge flock of tourists, Chinese it seems, who are having breakfast in the restaurants. I kept walking around.

I noticed it is free to use a bike to go to the opposite end of the PALM so I took a bike, and drove it. At the opposite end, there was a swimming pool which I was thinking about taking a dip, but It was too early. When I got back, I walked around again and found a hammock. I lost consciousness for about half an hour I guess, with my bag just on the ground.

By the time I woke up, I felt hungry. I walked across some facilities of the resort, til I get to some hawker stores. The price was my price. I ordered Nasi lemak along with some coffee for just MYR4.

While finishing my coffee, I saw a group of individuals cleaning and painting the sidewalks. I thought about joining them.

I approached them and asked if I can help.. gladly they allowed me to; It was a Corporate Social Responsibliity project of their company.

After we finished, I decided to leave so I can check out Malacca. I walked to where google maps is telling me to exit. One guy in a motorcycle figured out I was headed to the highway, so stopped and asked me. He dropped me right in the bus station in Sepang... perhaps twice as far as his destination. I’m glad it’s not only in my home country where people are as friendly.. can’t wait to go back to Malaysia especially Sabah.

Read More »

The streets of Yangon

Gone are the days when peace and tranquility were the ideal community. After much travelling and the fun that comes with it, i have embraced the variety there is in life.

Upon exiting Yangon international airport, I'd say I was impressed at the climate and orderliness there is outside.

From there, a 30 minute cost saving walk to the highway, and the story has flipped over. Sidewalk vendors, odd transports (pick up trucks as commuter vehicles), and some packed buses... I smiled. This is in fact my type of destination.

After much asking on how to get to Sule Pagoda (where my accomodation is at), and not really a definite instruction (because I could not get it in usable english), i decided to try some of what is sold alongside.

At first, I was kind of hesitant to spend anything since we were talking in hundreds, but after some calculation, I realized it's even cheaper than what I normally pay for.

So, then I managed to get to Sule Pagoda (see story here for Myanmar commute); It's 10pm and my travel buddy for this trip hasn't had dinner.

I washed up a little and some asking around again brought us to Chinatown.

The sight of the ingredients available would tell you how gratifying the dinner would be; the aste of which I'd have to pay 5 times in specialty restaurants in my city.

In the 19th street along Mahabandoola road are chains of stalls of restaurants, grills, and steam boats that serve beer too. It goes quite lively at night when people gather to drink. This side of Mahabandoola road is more popularly referred to as chinatown, and i'd say it is for being a marketplace, since i did not really see much chinese (or at least chinese looking) people here.

Beetlenut chew vendors are also everywhere, perhaps every 200meters and throughout the day and night (but of course rarer as the night goes deeper). You'd see a man sitting on top a high chair, rubbing some liquid on leaves that are wrapped onto cracks of the bettlenut.

On daytime, the street could look differently. Some of the cornerside restaurants disappear before sun up, and come vendors of a myriad of goods; From antiques, to poster displays, cosmetics, wardrobe, hardware, etc. I was surprised that someone is making a living out of what i'd normally ditch straight into the garbage.

Once in a while, you'd come across some places flocked by pigeons next to a man who sells corn to those who'd want to feed the pigeons.

Not everyone in Myanmar too has mobile phones, and so another common sight at corners are payphone services.

There will be the occasional beggars too who'd tell you the struggle of its people. 

Stalls selling used and new books; from school textbooks, religious writings, and fiction.

And of course, there's Ko Ko Nung who does your painting and postcards right in the streets.

Gone are the days when peace and tranquility were the ideal community. After much travelling and the fun that comes with it, i have embraced the variety there is in life.

Upon exiting Yangon international airport, I'd say I was impressed at the climate and orderliness there is outside.

From there, a 30 minute cost saving walk to the highway, and the story has flipped over. Sidewalk vendors, odd transports (pick up trucks as commuter vehicles), and some packed buses... I smiled. This is in fact my type of destination.

After much asking on how to get to Sule Pagoda (where my accomodation is at), and not really a definite instruction (because I could not get it in usable english), i decided to try some of what is sold alongside.

At first, I was kind of hesitant to spend anything since we were talking in hundreds, but after some calculation, I realized it's even cheaper than what I normally pay for.

So, then I managed to get to Sule Pagoda (see story here for Myanmar commute); It's 10pm and my travel buddy for this trip hasn't had dinner.

I washed up a little and some asking around again brought us to Chinatown.

The sight of the ingredients available would tell you how gratifying the dinner would be; the aste of which I'd have to pay 5 times in specialty restaurants in my city.

In the 19th street along Mahabandoola road are chains of stalls of restaurants, grills, and steam boats that serve beer too. It goes quite lively at night when people gather to drink. This side of Mahabandoola road is more popularly referred to as chinatown, and i'd say it is for being a marketplace, since i did not really see much chinese (or at least chinese looking) people here.

Beetlenut chew vendors are also everywhere, perhaps every 200meters and throughout the day and night (but of course rarer as the night goes deeper). You'd see a man sitting on top a high chair, rubbing some liquid on leaves that are wrapped onto cracks of the bettlenut.

On daytime, the street could look differently. Some of the cornerside restaurants disappear before sun up, and come vendors of a myriad of goods; From antiques, to poster displays, cosmetics, wardrobe, hardware, etc. I was surprised that someone is making a living out of what i'd normally ditch straight into the garbage.

Once in a while, you'd come across some places flocked by pigeons next to a man who sells corn to those who'd want to feed the pigeons.

Not everyone in Myanmar too has mobile phones, and so another common sight at corners are payphone services.

There will be the occasional beggars too who'd tell you the struggle of its people. 

Stalls selling used and new books; from school textbooks, religious writings, and fiction.

And of course, there's Ko Ko Nung who does your painting and postcards right in the streets.

Read More »

Travelling between Singapore and Malaysia

How to cross from Singapore to Malaysia

At the Kranji MRT station in Singapore, take the 170 bus that go to Johor. 

At the woodlands checkpoint, get off the bus to get immigration exit clearance. Be quick as you'll have to get back to the bus.

The bus will then again stop at the Malaysian Immigration, get entry clearance. From there, take again the 170 bus that go to Larkin. In Larkin is the terminal to the other parts of Malaysia (KL, Malacca, etc).

Use of Malaysian money will begin right after immigration, so be ready with at least a few for the bus ride to Larkin.

In Larkin, there will be money changers where rate is 2.5MYR=SGD1.

If you're heading all the way to Kuala Lumpur, there will be 2 destinations to choose from, TBS or PUDU RAYA. Bus fare is MYR35 and travel shall take 4-5 hrs depending on the  driver and traffic condition.

City express and Transnational are the recommended bus lines.

City express will have one quick goilet stop after 2.5hrs and approximately after 170 kms. There are no meals nor vendors in this stop except for this small truck that sells some drinks and chips. Suggested taking your meal before hand.

The other alternative is to take the train (although the whole trip between sinagpore to kuala lumpur takes 8hours). The seats are comfortable, even those economy class,  so, in case you're backpacking, you can take the night trips and keep your accomodations expense for a night.

Between the first class and economy class seats is a canteen that serves nasi lemaks (5.50MYR) , mee gorengs(5.50MYR), sandwiches(2.50MYR and up), and drinks (includig coffee 2.5MYR). 

There is a comparable difference in the fare whether you buy it within malaysia or singapore. A ticket bought in malaysia (kl-sg) costs 34MYR and if bought from Singapore, will be 34SGD. So, if coming from SG, take the bus to Johor Bahru (SGD1.30) and from Johor Bahru, take the train to Kuala Lumpur.

In case you'd like to drop my Melaka, the nearest sation to alight is Tampil.

How to cross from Singapore to Malaysia

At the Kranji MRT station in Singapore, take the 170 bus that go to Johor. 

At the woodlands checkpoint, get off the bus to get immigration exit clearance. Be quick as you'll have to get back to the bus.

The bus will then again stop at the Malaysian Immigration, get entry clearance. From there, take again the 170 bus that go to Larkin. In Larkin is the terminal to the other parts of Malaysia (KL, Malacca, etc).

Use of Malaysian money will begin right after immigration, so be ready with at least a few for the bus ride to Larkin.

In Larkin, there will be money changers where rate is 2.5MYR=SGD1.

If you're heading all the way to Kuala Lumpur, there will be 2 destinations to choose from, TBS or PUDU RAYA. Bus fare is MYR35 and travel shall take 4-5 hrs depending on the  driver and traffic condition.

City express and Transnational are the recommended bus lines.

City express will have one quick goilet stop after 2.5hrs and approximately after 170 kms. There are no meals nor vendors in this stop except for this small truck that sells some drinks and chips. Suggested taking your meal before hand.

The other alternative is to take the train (although the whole trip between sinagpore to kuala lumpur takes 8hours). The seats are comfortable, even those economy class,  so, in case you're backpacking, you can take the night trips and keep your accomodations expense for a night.

Between the first class and economy class seats is a canteen that serves nasi lemaks (5.50MYR) , mee gorengs(5.50MYR), sandwiches(2.50MYR and up), and drinks (includig coffee 2.5MYR). 

There is a comparable difference in the fare whether you buy it within malaysia or singapore. A ticket bought in malaysia (kl-sg) costs 34MYR and if bought from Singapore, will be 34SGD. So, if coming from SG, take the bus to Johor Bahru (SGD1.30) and from Johor Bahru, take the train to Kuala Lumpur.

In case you'd like to drop my Melaka, the nearest sation to alight is Tampil.

Read More »