Astonishing Baluarte - A Heritage Park in Aloguinsan, Cebu

 

After our Hidden Beach Resort escapade and after Uncovering Bojo River in Aloguinsan. The group decided to visit the Baluarte - a heritage park in Aloguinsan, Cebu and it is located behind the Aloguinsan Municipal Hall.

A 4th class Municipality in the province of Cebu. Aloguinsan was formerly a barrio of Pinamungajan. It was created a town by the Royal Decree of the King of Spain in 1886.

Due to limited time we were not really able to appreciate much the historical significance of the Baluarte unless more time is granted to enjoy the place. But we had so much fun with the great views of the ocean, the cool breeze and the panoramic view of the town of Aloguinsan. The good thing here, you can see the ruins of the Baluarte or watchtower that was made during the Spanish era.

The view is absolutely astonishing, by the way. and I bet it would be nice looking at the sunset from there.

The most unforgettable experience with my UBers (United Backpackers) family. Come and discover Baluarte. Enjoy the hidden treasure of Aloguinsan, Cebu.

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Uncover Bojo River in Aloguinsan Cebu

After getting tired and stressed from work, I decided to go on for a trip to help me unwind and for me to uncover and explore Bojor River. I was captivated the beauty of Bojo River and one can not be considered to have visited Aloquinsan if you completely missed Bojor River in your trip. It is not just the foreign tourists who want to know which are the best places to visit in Cebu but also locals like me. Bojo River is a great place to visit, hanging out with your friends and love ones. The place is truly a perfect getaway to have some fun while learning to appreciate the beauty of nature at the same time. 

The trip was awesome and I was able to spend time with my friends (United Backpackers - Cebu Edition). I did not actually plan it to visit the place. Unfortunately, our trip was not really that smooth sailing because it was low tide at that time. Indeed, we had so much fun. 

The experience in Bojo River gave me an understanding on how a river should looked like a river that we should take good care of. The place is known to the locals and you do not need to worry about the direction, you can ask some of the locals there. 

The Municipality of Aloguinsan takes pride in communities that take an active part in the protection and conservation of its natural resources. The Municipality of Aloguinsan is also called by many the "Ecotourism Capital of Cebu". 

How to get there 

Aloguinsan can be reached by Private Utility or Public Utility Vehicles. Since, I am a less fortunate individual on this planet earth. Hehehehe. I rode a bus bound for Toledo City at Cebu South Bus Terminal Station. The fare is less than Php100.00, sorry folks I couldn't remember the exact fare for this trip. The travel time is approximately 1.5 hours. Tell the conductor or the bus driver to drop you at the Municipality of Aloguinsan. Take a tricycle or habal-habal and tell the driver that you are visiting Bojo River. If your in a group you can easily hire a van from Citilink directly to the place. 

Happy Sailing and Explore Bojo River!

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Experience the Best of Boracay Island - The Best Island in the World

If you want a very relaxing, relatively empty, much quieter and is very different from those beaches in Boracay then do not vacillate to explore Puka Beach. This is a good spot for a picnic. If you are planning to visit Puka Beach, it is advisable to bring your own foods and drinks for you to save some expenses... Hehehe.

To get there: You can hire a tricycle in less than 15-20 minutes from central white Beach. Puka Beach is considered as the second longest beach with deeper and rougher water than other beaches in Boracay. Puka Beach is famous for having plenty of puka shells.

Experience the best of Boracay! Boracay is a beautiful island located in Panay Island in the central area of the Philippines ( Western Visayas) it is about 200 miles or approximately 315 km. from Manila or from nearby places such as Cebu and Davao. Tricycles are the primary mode of transportation on the island. Boracay has been named the Best Island in the World by an International Travel Magazine. You can reach Boracay by air or sea. So come and join with me in Boracay, let's explore the fantastic beauty of Boracay Island.

Find great hotels in Boracay that will surely fit your budget. Boracay offers you beachfront convenience at affordable rates or you can choose hotels that are conveniently located just footsteps away from white beach.

Pasalubong Corner - Here, you can buy or bring a pasalubong with your friends and with your family.

Souvenir items are everywhere in Boracay. If you want to have some you can buy one of them. Lols... Sorry, I forgot to ask the price, maybe is quite expensive and can't afford to have it because on a shoestring budget. Hahaha.

My best shot in Boracay... Hehehe. More photos in Bora? add me on Facebook.  Thanks!

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Island Hopping in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

Pangasinan Resort

Due to hectic schedule, rush hour, meeting dead lines that results to dying, stressful  and tiring days  on our daily lives. We need to refresh our mind, rejuvenate our mind and soul and commune on the natural wonder of the Philippines. So, what are you waiting for get inside now and join me in my adventure  .

Margarett Island Peak Resort

This is it ! are the words I uttered As I can see the coconut tree standing proudly, luscious green plants and small boats waiting for us to hop in and explore the nearby places and discover its hidden beauty.

Tinago River

This is one of a kind scenic spots in Surigao del Sur the Tinagong River that you need to visit. I assure you my friends, that you will be amazed on its blue lagoon and mesmerized by its natural beauty.

Sibadan Fish Cage

Sibadan means “eating place” and “fish”. It is just a few minutes from Tinagong/Enchanted River,  yet Sibadan Fish Cage is very popular stopover for visitors in the area. It is a large aquarium in the midst of the sea where you can find different aquatic species. You can reach here by renting a pump boats thus, you can select a lot of sea foods also for your gourmet lunch (Shell foods and other variety of fishes).

Sarzosa Ponta Cave

Another attractions you need to drop by is the  Ponta Cave which is a small seaside cave with an image of Virgin Mary it is managed by the Sarsoza Family.

And the rest was a History ......

My Expenses

Taxi Fare from Home to Port - Php 120.00
Terminal Fee - 10.00
Cebu - Surigao del Sur (Cokaliong Shipping Lines) - 825.00
Surigao del Sur - San Francisco - 250.00
San Francisco - Hinatuan - 60.00
Pedicab - 5.00
Boating Rental - 160.00/hr (4 hours) - 640.00
Pangasinan Resort Entrance Fee - 5.00
Margarett Island Peak Resort Entrance Fee - 20.00
Sarzosa Ponta Cave Entrance Fee- 10.00
Fish Cage Sibadan Entrance Fee - 5.00
Tinago River No Entrance Fee
Food and Drinks - 606.00
Souvenir Items - 150.00
Marky's Hostel - 700.00 ( two days)

Total Expenses - Php 3,406.00 (Including Enchanted River and Tinuy-an Falls Expenses)

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Majestic Tinuy-an Falls - The Niagara Falls of the Philippines

Among the falls I visited (Tumalog Water Falls in Oslob Cebu, Katibawasan Falls in Camiguin Island, Bugtong Bato Falls in Tibiao Antique, Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor, Kawasan Falls in Badian Cebu, Samboan Hidden Falls in  Cebu and Gunhuban Falls at Buli, Bato, Leyte). I considered Tinuy-an Falls is one of the most majestic or amazing waterfalls in the Philippines. The scenic view of the falls can relieve all of your stress and problems for a while. Hehehe. Tinuy-an Falls is also considered as the top wonders in Surigao del Sur. One of the widest in the country and they called it as "The Niagara Falls of the Philippines"

Tinuy-an Falls is located in Barangay Borboanan, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur in the Southern Philippines Island of Mindanao. Standing at 55 meters (180 feet) tall and 95 meters wide, a white water curtain that flows in three levels. The trip going to Tinuy-an Falls was quite long enough,  tortuous and rugged but when I arrived I got speechless. So much fun and earth shaking happiness.  A great experience indeed, so don't miss the chance to drop by and explore the beauty of Tinuy-an Falls.

How to get there

Is quite difficult to get there. There is no regular public transportation going to the place. You should hire a habal-habal (motorbike) to reach the place. 

Bislig City can be reached by taking any of the daily scheduled airlines (Cebu Pacific, Airphil Express and other airlines) from Manila or Cebu via Davao City, Butuan City or Surigao City. You can take regular trips of aircon and non-aircon buses (Bislig route). Upon reaching the Mangagoy Integrated Terminal in Bislig, there are numerous habal-habals or motorbikes that go to Barangay Borboanan where the waterfall is located.

 Enjoy your trip and be safe!

My Expenses

Habal-habal (motorbike) pakyaw - Php  1000.00 

Entrance Fee - 5.00

Continuation of expenses here. (Two days trip, including Enchanted River and Island Hopping in Hinatuan)

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Enchanted River - The Hidden Paradise in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

Do you believe that there are things our naked eyes supposed to see but realized that we cannot? Well, that’s amazing and I’d say enchanting. Honestly, I can’t find the right term for what I felt when I got fascinated with one of the tourist destinations in Philippines located in Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.  This place is called “Enchanted River” and the name seems to tell us that magic surrounds the place.

As far as I can remember, you only need to travel a minimum of 8.5 hours from Davao City to reach the enchanted river.  It is actually situated in the center of Barangay Cambatong, It’s my first time to see such beautiful body of water and I think nothing will beat it. If only it’s right to believe that there are really creatures like “engkantado” and “engkantada” or shall we say fairies, I would believe it’s their kingdom.

Since I really like water, I keep diving to its mirrored like blue water. At first look, the enchanted river looks like a shallow river but when I tried to dive to see its bottom I failed. So, I guess our naked eyes don’t seem to see what it supposed to see in enchanted river. Finding it out there scared me a bit.   However, it doesn’t stop me and my friends to enjoy the place and be captivated by its beauty.

I think that’s how it should be when you are traveling and be given the chance to see the unique beautiful place like the enchanted river. So, until next trip!

Enchanted River is open from Monday - Sunday (6am-5pm)

Entrance Fee - Php 30.00

Cottages:

MPB - 500.00

Booth Type - 150.00

Nipa Hut Type - 150.00

Green Roof - 100.00

Rubber Table - 100

For more info you can text or call at 09202595554.

Where to Stay

Marky's Hostel

Maharlika, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

Room Rates

Double Deck - Two (2) persons with electric fan - Php 300.00

Single Bed - Two (2) pesons with electric fan -   Php 350.00

Air Conditioned - Family Room -                   Php 850.00

Air Conditioned Double Deck - Seven (7) persons - Php 1,225.00

Air Conditioned Double Deck - Six (6) persons -   Php 900.00

You can refer my expenses here.

For reservations, you can call or text Marky's Hostel at 09284397785.  You may also visit their Facebook fan page and hit like, Marky's Hostel.

Where to Eat and Dine In... (Doday's Nook)

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Obong Spring in Dalaguete

Love is the reason why I’ve visited one of the most preferred summer destinations here in Cebu. Let us just say that my interest and love for this beautiful lady makes me act like a bee following where the beautiful flower goes. So, to my beautiful girlfriend this post is for you (as if I’m in a karaoke dedicating a song, lol.). I hope you still remember our memories in Obong Spring of Dalaguete Municipality.

Now, if you are interested to go there; you only need to travel the maximum distance of 88.49 km from the heart of Cebu City. Once you get there, you have to pay the affordable entrance fee. I believe it’s forthe maintenance of the place. I just hope they can keep it safe, clean and beautiful. In that way, a lot of people will have the chance to enjoy the Obong Spring.

Honestly, this travel wasn’t planned but it turned out to be enjoyable and memorable. Of course, it is because I was with my girlfriend plus the unique ambiance of the place. The place is also beautiful since it is really different from what I used to be in. Only, I wasn’t able to jump off to the water since the water level is not really that deep. I would like to do that since I really love water which gives me thrill. Lol!

Since you are reading this you must be a traveler too or just want to know where to go in the south for summer outing, right? Well, visit immediately the Obong spring today with your girlfriend, friends and family.

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Cantabon Cave - Siquijor

One of the thrilling adventures for tourist that you would also love to try in Siquijor is caving. Let us have a crash course for caving first. They say that caving is a science of exploring the cave for fun. Caving sometimes called spelunking in USA and Canada. Yes, this may sounds fun and beautiful, right? However, a first timer like me felt excitement and fear in one when I had my chance to explore Cantabon Cave in Siquijor.

I think, if you are brave enough and with high stamina prepared then you will surely survive walking through inside the 1 kilometer Cantabon Cave. In my experience, I decided not to reach the endpoint of the cave. Why? Like I mentioned, I had mix emotions at that time. As far as I can remember, it was raining and my imagination of bad events was activated though we had 2 tour guides.  Imagine yourself getting inside a small hole which asks you to walk shrinking yourself then an earthquake hits that cave, what do you think will happen? It’s like burying you alive, right? Well, that was one of the weird imaginations I had. Good thing, it didn’t happen.

Inside, you can touch the rough and edgy stones and probably some of them are stalagmites I just didn’t notice it very well because I don’t have head lamp or flashlight on that adventure. This probably adds the fear I felt in going through to what they call tunnel before the exit point. Well, my stay inside the Cantabon Cave was memorable though. So, if you ask me I’d still recommend that you try caving in the future. In fact, I’d love to be with you when you do for I promised to myself that I won’t be afraid anymore as long as we got complete gears in hand.

Therefore, safety first is the key to feel real thrill and happiness in every travel and adventure that we will get involve with.

Sorry Folks, poor picture here. I am just only using my 2.0 MP phone camera.

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Igutan Cave - Talisay City Cebu

One of the progressive cities in Cebu is Talisay City. It is no wonder that a lot of beautiful places hidden inside the city’s bosom. One of those is Igutan Cave. Now, if you’re like me who never thought that there is a hidden beauty of Igutan Cave in Talisay then you’d love to visit it as soon as possible. Well, if you’re from Mactan you need to travel at least 30 to 40 minutes via Cebu South Coastal Road. At least, you can avoid the heavy traffic but if you like you can still take the regular route by riding public utility vehicles or jeepneys.

You just need to bring some common safety tools like headlamp or flashlight so you’ll haveclearer vision as you get through those cranny pathways inside the cave. Yes, you need toget through of those to reach the falls inside. I even had bad feelings during our walk insidebecause I remembered the recent earthquake hit in Cebu City at that time. However, I can’t deny that when we reached the falls I enjoyed the water falling just like a shower in our bathroom. In fact, I even act like swimming in a pool without water. Lol! Well, if we can fly like superman without even bothering going up in the sky then I think it is cool having that swimming act too. Ehehehehe.

This adventure doesn’t really need much money so everyone can go there and enjoy too. If you need more information regarding the expenses just hit me a message below in my comment box. I would be glad to answer those inquiries.

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Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor

They say, all “first time” is memorable like first kiss, first bf/gf and many other first encounter of anything in life. Hmmmp. That’s probably true because I can’t forget my first travel as spectator of other province in Philippines and first time to see real waterfalls. Ah! Yes, It was the Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor. I can still remember that it was holy week when I visited Siquijor. We tour around the province’s tourist spots by renting a multicab.

One of the reasons that I visited Siquijor is because I got curious of Siquijor’s mystery. We know that it is much known about witchcraft or mystery things that ordinary people can’t comprehend. Well, when I got there it looks like it was just rumors which are spread to many that leave negative impact to outsiders. Why? It is because the people in Siquijor are nice and kind. So, we really need to examine carefully of the things we believe before we judge.

The weather during my visit was not really good so I just took some beautiful pictures of the nature and pose a little with beautiful backgrounds behind me. I’d say it was not really long and adventurous trip but I felt satisfaction of that trip. That’s probably the time when my heart opened and passion of traveling started. Right after that, I already took several travel schedules. In fact, my friends in the office already tease me that I am “Doro” the male version of “Dora the explorer”.Lol! It makes me smile because I have the opportunity to see the real beauty of God’s creation in my country Philippines and share it with them and to everybody.

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Guimaras Island and The Natural Wonders

The government officials of Guimaras invited tourists to discover Guimaras Island and the natural wonders that surround the province. So,United Backpackers did not miss the chance.  We went there and docked to Guimaras land at 8 oclock in the morning. Our visit in Guimaras was limited but we still manage to see the beauty of Guimarasnon nest. Well, the place didn’t meet the standard beauty that I was expecting instead it exceeded to my expectation. 

At the pier, you will automatically ushered by many dispatchers. Of course, we always want safety first so we decided to get information from their official tourist assistance center. Once we had the information, we then hired a tricycle to bring us to their beautiful places that every Filipino should see when they are in Guimaras Island. We got a tour and along the way, I enjoyed and amazed by the extraordinary number of mangoes I saw. They look so delicious to me. They also have an amazing fish cage where helps anyone to have a peaceful mind just by seeing those healthy fishes.  Actually, this is one of their local government programs that help protects marine species and educate people about their importance including visitors.

Those trips were quite good in making our stomach empty so I had 3 Cups of rice at their clean and affordable restaurant. It is definitely one of the memorable things in my Guimaras Island expedition.  We didn’t stay longer for we need to go back to Bacolod for a new destination of our series of trips in Visayas region.

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