Travel Safety Tips - Stay Safe While Travelling

In adventure, we know the fact that the world or a place is not safe. We don't really know what might happen next to our escapades.

To help you stay safe while travelling, follow these simple and common important tips on your trips.

1. Research - Do the research or try to check the place in the internet, do a quick reviews about the place.

2. Bag/Backpack - Light backpacking is very important. Bring only important things do not overload.

3. Money - Make it sure that you have enough budget please bring an extra money in every adventure. Always separate your sources of money while you are travelling. Keep at least one in a different place, this is very helpful.

4. Wallet - Do not keep your wallet or purse in your jean's back pocket to avoid being pickpocketed.

5. Waterproof - If possible, make sure that your bag is waterproof or bag with rain cover.

6. Shoes/Slippers - Always bring an extra shoes/slippers.

7. Gadgets - Don't bring all your gadgets while travelling. There is no better way to advertise the fact that you have all the expensive gadgets on you. Bring only what is important to you, this is for your safety.

8. Strangers - Do not trust strangers because it is hard to get to know the locals at a destination if you do not trust them but there are always limits to how much you should trust them when it comes to your personal safety. Safety must come first.

9. Belongings - Please do not leave your belongings unattended in public spaces. Keep them on your lap or wrap its strap around your leg.

10. Street Robbery - If you are mugged, give over your wallet, cellphones, watch etc. Just do it and walk away uninjured.

11. Credit Card - Be wary of using your credit card in any establishments while travelling to avoid some problems that might arise.

12. Malaria Pills - Take precautions against malaria when you visit areas at risk. Mosquito bites can be prevented if you will take malaria pills as advised by many.

13. Bottled Water - In the majority of countries in the world, one can not drink tap water because it's not clean enough, so therefore bottled water is the only option.

14. Medicine - Have a supply of medicine for self treatment of diarrhea.

15. Casual Sex - This is very important to all travellers..lols. Practice safe sex with condoms to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Enjoy your travel Everyone! 

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Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City, Pangasinan

If Bohol has 1,260 Chocolate Hills or more than that. Then, Pangasinan has Hundred Islands. If you would like to visit roughly 100 Islands in all at once, the Hundred Islands National park in Alaminos City is the place to go in Region 1.

Pangasinan is visited by local and foreign tourist for its beautiful beaches but the prominent travel destination of the said place is the Hundred Islands Natioanl Park. Pangasinan also known for its crumptious cuisines, most especially for its "BAGOONG or fish sauce. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to taste their fish sauce for some reasons (shoestring budget), hehehe.

There’s a viewing area on top of the Island. The view at the top is a magnificient sight to behold. You just have to climb the stairs. It was an exhausting but worth the view as you can see more than 100 Hundred Islands.

We didn’t stay too long on each visit and our next stop was the Marcos Island where the Imelda cave is also located. The Cave it looks so scary and you can also see a lot of bats hanging on the ceiling and the water below the cave was dirty.

The most exciting and scary adventure I ever had was the close encounter of the snake inside the cave where we stayed for one night. It was fun then.

Visit Hundred Islands Now! and be SAFE!

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Hidden Valley Resort Pinamungajan Cebu

Photo Credit: Jhoncin

Hidden Valley Resort 

This is an isolated valley Southwest of Cebu, 14 km. to the Barangay Lamac, Pinamungahan, Cebu and 42 km. via Lutopan to Cebu City.

You can choose from over 45 rooms that range in size from single to good for 30 pax dorm-type rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned.

The Hidden Valley Conference rooms provide a perfect venue for corporate seminars, meetings, conference and spiritual retreats. Cocktail receptions and events such as wedding receptions, debuts and parties can accommodate up to 300 persons.

Photo Credit: Jhoncin

At the Hidden Valley, enthrall yourself with breathtaking views of a hidden valley by nature hiking, caving and camping as well. You can indulge in Filipino food at Natibo Resto, sip your favorite drink at cafe Veranda, or dine in the cozy Kabyaw Ristawran.

For recreation, spend time leisurely in swimming pools, fish pond, kiosks, camp sites, hiking trail and sports center.

Photo Credit: Jhoncin

SPECIAL PACKAGES: 

For Package A. Php750.00/day/person. Inclusions: 3 meals, free use of swimming pool and fully air-conditioned dorm type room.

For Package B. Php750.00/day/person. Inclusions: 3 meals, free use of swimming pool and fully air-conditioned dorm type room.

For Package C. Php1,100.00/day/person. Inclusions: 3 meals, free use of swimming pool and the accommodation for this package with fully air-conditioned family type room good for 6 pax (2 double beds & 2 single beds)

ROOM RATES: 

For single rooms - free plated breakfast, inclusion of swimming pool and you have to pay Php300.00 for additional charge per bed and nine single rooms are available good for 2 pax (Php1500.00 per day/room) and 3 single rooms with refrigerator good for 2 pax (Php2,000.00 per day/room).

NOTE: Rates are subject to change without prior notice. 

 For more inquiries, please contact at (032) 516-2576 / (032) 516-0450 or you can email them at lamacmpc@yahoo.com.

Come and discover memorable experiences in a Hidden Valley. Be Safe!

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Artisan Shops in Cebu

Remember when traveling meant seeing sights and taking photos? That was long before the travel revolution. Now, traveling is much more of an experience rather than just a simple trip. A true traveler knows that to have a rich experience, he needs to expose himself to culture and to unique things he won’t find anywhere else. 

Take for example Cebu. It is a simple city in the Visayas that boasts or lechon and Magellan’s Cross. But would you really spend three days and two nights just for that? Up your experience by visiting artisan shops that will give you a good glimpse of the unique culture that is in Cebu.

The Fair Trade Shop 

Although the main thrust of this shop is to promote fair trade in the Philippines, it is a great place to find great products such as organic food and handcrafted souvenirs. Find gourmet coffee, dried fruits, jewelry and decorations for your home at the Fair Trade Shop. 

Address: 102 Jose R. Martinez Building, Osmena Boulevard 

The Cebu Design Company 

For more than 35 years, the Cebu Design Company has been providing custom-made furniture and home décor for fans of high-quality and artistic work. How are they able to provide such a service for 35 years? Well they don’t do it alone. They source artists and skilled craftsmen from all over Southeast Asia to ensure that no piece of furniture goes out imperfect or tasteless. 

Address: Talamban, 2nd Flr, Building B. Piazza Elesia, Talamban Road 

A Café 

One of the most celebrated restaurants in Cebu, A Café was created by the Abaca group. The interiors will welcome you warmly, and the food will satisfy yet make you want more. It’s that good! The restaurant boasts of their Angus Burger and Herb Roasted Half Chicken. So instead of going to Mc Donald’s for your quick dinner, go to A Café and have a sumptuous, carefully prepared dinner. 

Address: Crossroads, Banilad Road 

Alegre Guitar Factory 

For three generations, the family-owned Alegre Guitar Company has been making good music in Lapu-Lapu City. It is one of the most celebrated Cebu icons, what with excellent handmade guitars that have unique sounds. Because they are made by craftsmen instead of machines, each guitar has its own distinct sound. Shopping for one might take you time, but just enjoy the experience. You can even tour the factory and observe how the guitars are made. Make sure you ask them to pack your guitar right so you can easily handle it as you fly out from the Cebu Airport. 

Address: Pajac Abuno, 6015, Lapu-Lapu City

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Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa, Cebu in Maribago, Lapu-lapu City

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa is located at M.I. Quezon Highway, Brgy. Maribago, Lapu-lapu City is owned and developed by the Philippines BXT Corporation, a PEZA registered Tourism Operator / Developer. The project is a foreign-funded investment and was a response to the call of the Philippine government for more investments on the tourism sector. 

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa offers 556 elegantly furnished rooms for your enjoyment, with 128 Deluxe rooms, 380 Suites, and 48 Pool & Jacuzzi Villas. All rooms are furnished with only the best materials available, designed to give guests the utmost in luxury, comfort and relaxation.

Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa can also provide and accommodate for business meetings, exhibitions, conventions, team building or company outing and other special functions. Has four collapsible meeting rooms ranging from 109 to 840 sq. meters. They have also a fantastic Grand Ballroom that can seat up to 600 persons. All meeting rooms provided with high speed internet broadband access and are quipped with built-in LCD screen. 

You can try their Caracalla Spa which offers total care and very relaxing mind and body with luxurious spa rooms and highly trained therapists. 

Imperial Palace Waterpak Resort and Spa has a lot to offer, has several options for any occassion which requires outdoor venues. You can Enjoy their exhilarating Marine Sports. The one and only Waterpark in Cebu, providing unlimited adventure and fun for all locals and nationals.

Php3,500 for tourist and Php2,500.00 for Local Resident's Discounted Rate. The rates include free towel rental and changing room. With lunch buffet in Familia or dine-arond/dinner set menu in any of the following restaurants; Cheon San, Maru, Cafe Amiga or Coral Seaside. Free use of the Waterpark. Foreigners living in the country need to prevent proof of residency to avail of the local discounted rate. Children 12 years old and below can avail of a Php1,000.00 discount. Children 4 years old and below accompanied by at least one paying adult is free of charge (maximum of 2 children). Food and beverage items from outside sources MAY NOT be brought and consumed in the Hotel. 

Waterpark Adventure coupons are available at the Waterpark Counter from 8AM to 6PM only.  For reservations and inquiries, please contact them at (63-32)494-5000.

Have a nice Adventure and be Safe! 

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Kayangan Lake Coron, Palawan Philippines

I stumbled and truly fascinated with what I have found in Coron Palawan. Last year (December 1-4, 2013), I visited Coron Palawan to visit one of the best lakes and one of the several magnificent hidden lakes you will find in the island of Coron in which Coron Island is the third-largest Island in the Calamian Islands in Northern Palawan and has also been listed or featured in the Forbes Traveler Magazine's top 10 best scuba diving in the world for the aquatic views of the sunken Japanese Shipwrecks from World War II that can be seen within the Island.

My first time to set foot in Palawan Province, was one of the most memorable trips I ever had. One of the most exciting and amazing lakes I have ever seen in my entire life is the Kayangan Lake in Coron Palawan. The natural surrounding of Kayangan Lake is simply stunning, where locals and nationals can enjoy snorkel and swim from cool, clear and blue waters and surrounded with large and granite rock formations. Kayangan Lake, dubbes as the cleanest lake in Asia.

Swimming in Kayangan Lake is a must but make it sure to bring a life vest specially if you do not know how to swim. The water is so deep and be careful while swimming because you might step and bump on sharp rocks.

Indeed, I had a wonderful experience in Kayangan Lake, was really great. Swimming in the crystal clear waters made the whole experience an enjoyable and priceless adventure.

Come and visit Kayangan Lake - a must see place in Coron Palawan. The place is great and fantastic and you will surely appreciate and enjoy the beauty of nature.
 

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Osmeña Peak/Traverse to Kawasan Falls

In every scenario of our lives happened with an immense purpose and it was started when some of my friends invited me to join on their Osmeña Peak expedition. Indeed, it was a favorable situation because I have nothing to do on that day and it was my day off and I want something adventurous activity at this time.

Osmeña Peak is situated in Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu also known as the “vegetable basket” of the province where most of the vegetable displayed in the market is freshly harvested. This mountain was named after the Osmeña’s family, an influential clan in the province. Thus, Osmeña Peak is proudly standing 1013 Meters Above Sea Level (MASL) and dubbed as the official highest peak of Cebu province. At the top of the mountain you will astound on the 360 degree breathtaking view in southern of Cebu, blue skies that perfectly reflected on the water, fresh mountain breeze, and the rugged peak formation of the mountain just like the chocolate hills of Bohol - it was incomparable.

We trekked for about 150 minutes from the jump off point going to the campsite and about 2-3 minutes from the campsite to the summit. The trail from Mantalongon going to the mountain is like walk-in-the-park because it is not steep and the trail is well established. We pitched. We cooked. We ate. We talked. We sleep. Unluckily, we were awakened at night by a ghastly sounds of the winds, lightning flash, roaring thunder followed by a heavy downpour of the rain. Furthermore, when we checked our backpack to get some extra clothes to change on the other day we were all shocked because it was all wet. Disappointment stroked – Courage fail off but there’s no time to think about that. "The show must go on" even in the presence of difficulties, we need to pursue what we had started in order for us to attain it.

The terrain was difficult going to the waterfall because it is very steep and slippery at that time. We lost the trail completely, the trail was so bad that we lost it many times, you need to grasp any vines and branches to keep your balance along the trail. With the help of the locals there, we arrived at Kawasan Falls unharmed and bear in mind that "safety must come first".

Unfortunately, local and foreign tourists are not allowed to visit Kawasan Falls at that time as mandated by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia of the ongoing development and demolition of the spot for the natural restoration of the said place. We asked the locals if we can still enjoy and swim on the river/brook and they said "YES". Yahooooo! at last we can swim one of the most visually spectacular natural spring of Cebu (Kawasan Falls), particularly in Badian for us to which in turn, can help relieve muscles pain and stressed joints. Undeniably, we were happy and enjoyed the natural spring of Badian, Cebu "Kawasan Falls".

A BIG thank you to all the locals there and good to know  that they are willing to help us.

Happy Climbing Everyone.

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Camiguin Island - Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort

After exploring Katibawasan Falls we headed off to visit the Natural Hot Springs Resort or the Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort with my travel buddy Gino Go. It is one of the main attractions and one of the most popular natural hot springs in Camiguin Island. The hot spring is specifically situated in Esperanza Tagdo and 6 kilometers Southwest of Mambajao.

Ardent Hibok-Hibok Spring Resort is surrounded with beautiful landscapes, decorative plants and huge tropical trees. Six Natural Hot Swimming Pools are available with different water temperatures and could actually reach up to 39 Degrees Celsius. It is hot because of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, this is an active volcano of Camiguin Island. They called as Catarman Volcano and it is part of the Pacific ring of fire.

Ardent Hot Spring offers bar and restaurant, kiosk (canteen), cottages, picnic sheds and tables, camping ground, papillon garden. An air-conditioned rooms are also available.

 Facilities and Accommodation Rates

Facilities are also available for rent at Ardent Hot Spring: For grill station you have to pay for Php20.00 only. Family Size shed Php150.00 for first 3 hours and Php10.00 per hour in excess of 3 hours and Php70.00 for Regular size shed/table for first 3 hours and Php10.00 per hour in excess of 3 hours.

 For accommodation packages, Php1200.00 per room/day for air-conditioned duplex cottage (4 units) with own CR this is only good for 2 persons and Php175.00 per head for an extra bed. You could have their family rooms valued at Php2750.00 per room/day, good for 5 persons. Dormitory rooms (4 units) are also available at Php3080.00 per room/day, good for 7 persons.

 Pool Guidelines

The pool opens 24/7 and swimmers are encouraged to wear proper swimming attire for women should wear a bathing suit or short pants and for men should wear a swimming trunk or short pants. Children without guardians are not allowed to use the pool and use of any soap or shampoo at the pool is strictly not allowed. Avoid eating, drinking and smoking at the pool.

An entrance fee of Php30.00 for adults and Php15.00 for kids. For more inquiries, you can contact Ardent Hot Spring Resort at +63 (088) 387-0948.

It was unfortunate that we were not able to enjoy the hot spring due to scarcity of time and another exciting attractions await for us. So go, enjoy soaking with their natural hot springs, very peaceful and verdant surroundings.

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