The White Beach of Anda, Bohol
08 February 2012
About 2.5 hours travel time from Tagbilaran City, Anda, Bohol is home to a long stretch of fine white sand beach that is open to the public and (backpackers who pitch tents on the beach front) and devoid of expensive and exclusive resorts (except a few including Anda White Beach Resort).
Tutubi visited this small zero-crime-rate town, located on the southeast of Bohol Island, to visit a mystical place.
Anda White Beach, Bohol:
Anda White Beach where Tutubi even found the mayor personally supervising workers clearing the beach front of rocks in preparation for the Timex Triathlon the morrow
Anda White Beach sand is indeed fine white sand, several kilometers long and backpacker-friendly, not much resorts and happenings here, just peace and quiet (Anda is a zero crime rate town where the prison is empty and police doesn't have anything to do)
A local told Tutubi the sand were quarried and hauled to neighboring Cebu and Mactan Island for use of some resorts there.
What did Tutubi do in Anda, Bohol that he actually travelled this far out?
Coming up: the Red Hematite Rock Paintings of Lamanoc Island and the ancient people of Bohol :P
---
Anda White Beach
Coordinates: N9 44 36.4 E124 34 36.1
Table Rental Rates
Big Table: PhP150.00 good for 8 persons
Small Table: PhP75.00, good for 4 persons
Chair: PhP25.00
* pay at the municipal treasurer's office nearby
Related Posts on Bohol:
Tagbilaran Aiport Guide
Bohol Tour Itinerary
Van Rental rate to Anda, Bohol
Read more after the jump!
Tutubi visited this small zero-crime-rate town, located on the southeast of Bohol Island, to visit a mystical place.
Anda White Beach, Bohol:
Anda White Beach where Tutubi even found the mayor personally supervising workers clearing the beach front of rocks in preparation for the Timex Triathlon the morrow
Anda White Beach sand is indeed fine white sand, several kilometers long and backpacker-friendly, not much resorts and happenings here, just peace and quiet (Anda is a zero crime rate town where the prison is empty and police doesn't have anything to do)
A local told Tutubi the sand were quarried and hauled to neighboring Cebu and Mactan Island for use of some resorts there.
What did Tutubi do in Anda, Bohol that he actually travelled this far out?
Coming up: the Red Hematite Rock Paintings of Lamanoc Island and the ancient people of Bohol :P
---
Anda White Beach
Coordinates: N9 44 36.4 E124 34 36.1
Table Rental Rates
Big Table: PhP150.00 good for 8 persons
Small Table: PhP75.00, good for 4 persons
Chair: PhP25.00
* pay at the municipal treasurer's office nearby
Related Posts on Bohol:
Tagbilaran Aiport Guide
Bohol Tour Itinerary
Van Rental rate to Anda, Bohol
Labels: Beaches, Bohol, Central Visayas
posted by backpacking philippines @ 10:11 PM,
, links to this post
Palawan: How to Get to Puerto Princesa Underground River (New 7 Wonders of Nature)
07 February 2012
For people looking for information on how to get to Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan, curious after it won as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
how to get to Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan:
Getting there is really not easy the backpacking way, as there's still unreliable public transportation to get there but there were and are many foreigners who tried.
1. Book a flight to Puerto Princesa (via Philippine Airlines, AirPhil Express, Cebu Pacific or ZestAir or slow ferry to Puerto Princesa via SuperFerry if you have the the time but not the moolah)
2. From Puerto Princesa Airport, ride a tricycle to Underground River Booking Office. Don't forget this step, you can't just show up in Sabang as they limit tourists to about 600 per day.
Email: reservation@puerto-undergroundriver.com
Call Contact Number: +63.48.434.2509; +63.48.723.0904; +63.48.723.2563
3. From your hotel, ride a tricycle to New Market terminal (fare: around PhP15.00)
4. At San Jose New Market Transportation terminal, ride jeepneys going to Sabang, Puerto Princesa (it's still part of mayor Hagedorn's city, not another town of Palawan). Fare: PhP125.00 (first trip at 7am, last trip at 3pm, travel time: 2 hours). Return trip from Sabang to Puerto Princesa last trip is at 2pm daily.
5. In Sabang, proceed to the Tourism office to book your boat to Puerto Princesa Underground River cave entrance
6. Near the cave entrance, enlist for another boat, good for 6 people, to ferry you inside and out of the longest navigable underwater river in the world.
7. Enjoy one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature! :P
Note that the Puerto Princesa public transportation terminal is at San Jose New Market, a jeepney ride (signboard: New Market, fare PhP12.00) or tricycle ride from Puerto Princesa Airport (fare: around PhP15.00)
How to Get to Sabang from El Nido:
Follow this post on How to get to El Nido from Sabang to get an idea as it's just the reverse.
Note: Prices, costs, rates and fares may change without prior notice, mainly due to skyrocketing gasoline prices. Expect fare hikes anytime soon. Tutubi will update this from time to time by calling his friend in Palawan (sorry, can't post his contact number here for privacy)
Related posts on Palawan:
Puerto Princesa Airport
How to get to El Nido from Sabang
Palawan Underground River
Jungle Trek to Puerto Princesa Underground River
Palawan Accommodations in Sabang, Puerto Princesa, Cheap Palawan Package Tours
Read more after the jump!
how to get to Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan:
Getting there is really not easy the backpacking way, as there's still unreliable public transportation to get there but there were and are many foreigners who tried.
1. Book a flight to Puerto Princesa (via Philippine Airlines, AirPhil Express, Cebu Pacific or ZestAir or slow ferry to Puerto Princesa via SuperFerry if you have the the time but not the moolah)
2. From Puerto Princesa Airport, ride a tricycle to Underground River Booking Office. Don't forget this step, you can't just show up in Sabang as they limit tourists to about 600 per day.
Email: reservation@puerto-undergroundriver.com
Call Contact Number: +63.48.434.2509; +63.48.723.0904; +63.48.723.2563
3. From your hotel, ride a tricycle to New Market terminal (fare: around PhP15.00)
4. At San Jose New Market Transportation terminal, ride jeepneys going to Sabang, Puerto Princesa (it's still part of mayor Hagedorn's city, not another town of Palawan). Fare: PhP125.00 (first trip at 7am, last trip at 3pm, travel time: 2 hours). Return trip from Sabang to Puerto Princesa last trip is at 2pm daily.
5. In Sabang, proceed to the Tourism office to book your boat to Puerto Princesa Underground River cave entrance
6. Near the cave entrance, enlist for another boat, good for 6 people, to ferry you inside and out of the longest navigable underwater river in the world.
7. Enjoy one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature! :P
Note that the Puerto Princesa public transportation terminal is at San Jose New Market, a jeepney ride (signboard: New Market, fare PhP12.00) or tricycle ride from Puerto Princesa Airport (fare: around PhP15.00)
How to Get to Sabang from El Nido:
Follow this post on How to get to El Nido from Sabang to get an idea as it's just the reverse.
Note: Prices, costs, rates and fares may change without prior notice, mainly due to skyrocketing gasoline prices. Expect fare hikes anytime soon. Tutubi will update this from time to time by calling his friend in Palawan (sorry, can't post his contact number here for privacy)
Related posts on Palawan:
Puerto Princesa Airport
How to get to El Nido from Sabang
Palawan Underground River
Jungle Trek to Puerto Princesa Underground River
Palawan Accommodations in Sabang, Puerto Princesa, Cheap Palawan Package Tours
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:14 PM,
, links to this post
Bohol: Eskaya Beach Resort Day Tour Rate/Entrance Fee
05 February 2012
Probably the most expensive and exclusive beach resort on Panglao Island, Bohol, Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa was visited by Tutubi just for one purpose:
To take a picture of the exclusive Eskaya Beach Resort's entrance and ask about entrance fee and day tour rates, something not posted on the official website of Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa
picture of the Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa gate, taken in the late afternoon/early dusk. Other pictures are simply blurred (no tripod, as usual)
Eskaya Beach Resort Entrance Fee/Day Tour Rate: PhP1000.00/person, consumable on resort food at the restaurant or spa services. Tutubi was not able to see sample menu food prices so he can't comment if how far the PhP1000 entrance can take you. With Eskaya beach resort's room rates that is astronomically high due to their exclusivity and niche market, don't be surprised if your PhP1000 can only buy you drinks, light meal and desserts.
The meaning of Eskaya? Eskaya is a group people in Bohol, surrounded by controversies, with their own language, culture and script. This explains the syllabary writing on the resort's gate written in Eskaya (the script)
Now, is there such a thing as an exclusive Amanpulo day tour rate? :P
Tutubi is a budget traveler but it doesn't mean he doesn't want to experience being pampered.
Related Posts on Bohol:
Bohol Tour Itinerary
Tagbilaran Airport
Bohol Van Rental rates
Bohol Beach Resorts
Read more after the jump!
To take a picture of the exclusive Eskaya Beach Resort's entrance and ask about entrance fee and day tour rates, something not posted on the official website of Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa
picture of the Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa gate, taken in the late afternoon/early dusk. Other pictures are simply blurred (no tripod, as usual)Eskaya Beach Resort Entrance Fee/Day Tour Rate: PhP1000.00/person, consumable on resort food at the restaurant or spa services. Tutubi was not able to see sample menu food prices so he can't comment if how far the PhP1000 entrance can take you. With Eskaya beach resort's room rates that is astronomically high due to their exclusivity and niche market, don't be surprised if your PhP1000 can only buy you drinks, light meal and desserts.
The meaning of Eskaya? Eskaya is a group people in Bohol, surrounded by controversies, with their own language, culture and script. This explains the syllabary writing on the resort's gate written in Eskaya (the script)
Now, is there such a thing as an exclusive Amanpulo day tour rate? :P
Tutubi is a budget traveler but it doesn't mean he doesn't want to experience being pampered.
Related Posts on Bohol:
Bohol Tour Itinerary
Tagbilaran Airport
Bohol Van Rental rates
Bohol Beach Resorts
Labels: Bohol, Central Visayas, Hotels and Resorts
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:09 PM,
, links to this post
Bohol Tour Package Rates Car Rental/Van for Hire (Tagbilaran Airport)
01 February 2012
Just for your information, herewith are the standard rates for van rentals, car rentals and Bohol tour packages if you don't feel like taking public transportation. These are convenient and safe for big groups but quite pricey for penny-pinching couples.
Information taken from a Bohol tourism billboard on van rental rates on Bohol just outside Tagbilaran Airport:
Chocolate Hills Tour Rate car/van rental
1 person up to 4 pax= PhP2500 (car)
5 person up to 10 pax= PhP3000.00 (van)
11 persons up to 14 pax = PhP3500.00
Chocolate Hills - Sagbayan Tour
car= PhP3000; van = PhP4000
EAT Danao Tour rate = PhP3500 (car), PhP4500 (van)
Loboc Tour = PhP2000 (car), P2500 (van)
Panglao Island Tour = PhP2000 (car), PhP 2500 (van)
Tagbilaran City Tour (1st three hours) = PhP1000 (car), PhP1500 (van)
additional PhP250/excess hour
Punta Cruz and Mag-aso Falls = PhP 1500 (car), PhP2000 (van)
Cambuhat Mangrove, Nipa Plantation, Fishing Activities (Dait, Buenavista, Bohol) = PhP3500 (car), PhP4000 (van)
Transportation Type
Transportation in and out of Panglao Beach PhP600 (car), PhP700 (van)
Transportation in/out of Anda beach Resort PhP2500 (car), PhP3000 (van)
Related Bohol Posts:
Bohol Tour Itinerary
Tagbilaran Airport terminal fee
bohol van for hire rate, bohol car rental rates, bohol vhire rates, bohol tour packages, tagbilaran airport van for hire, tagbilaran car rental, tagbilaran van for hir rate, cheap bohol package tour 3d/2n, bohol transportation rental rates, motorcylce rental, motorcycle for hire rates, motorbike for rent
Read more after the jump!
Information taken from a Bohol tourism billboard on van rental rates on Bohol just outside Tagbilaran Airport:
Chocolate Hills Tour Rate car/van rental
1 person up to 4 pax= PhP2500 (car)
5 person up to 10 pax= PhP3000.00 (van)
11 persons up to 14 pax = PhP3500.00
Chocolate Hills - Sagbayan Tour
car= PhP3000; van = PhP4000
EAT Danao Tour rate = PhP3500 (car), PhP4500 (van)
Loboc Tour = PhP2000 (car), P2500 (van)
Panglao Island Tour = PhP2000 (car), PhP 2500 (van)
Tagbilaran City Tour (1st three hours) = PhP1000 (car), PhP1500 (van)
additional PhP250/excess hour
Punta Cruz and Mag-aso Falls = PhP 1500 (car), PhP2000 (van)
Cambuhat Mangrove, Nipa Plantation, Fishing Activities (Dait, Buenavista, Bohol) = PhP3500 (car), PhP4000 (van)
Transportation Type
Transportation in and out of Panglao Beach PhP600 (car), PhP700 (van)
Transportation in/out of Anda beach Resort PhP2500 (car), PhP3000 (van)
Related Bohol Posts:
Bohol Tour Itinerary
Tagbilaran Airport terminal fee
bohol van for hire rate, bohol car rental rates, bohol vhire rates, bohol tour packages, tagbilaran airport van for hire, tagbilaran car rental, tagbilaran van for hir rate, cheap bohol package tour 3d/2n, bohol transportation rental rates, motorcylce rental, motorcycle for hire rates, motorbike for rent
Labels: Bohol, Central Visayas
posted by backpacking philippines @ 10:37 PM,
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Two Years of Mapping the Philippines
29 January 2012
For years, Tutubi lurked at waypointsdotph group talking about travel, mapping and GPS, to get tips on travel to places even if he has no GPS. Two years ago, everything changed when he got his own Garmin nuvi 1300, bought and hand-carried for him by an online friend. His "career" as a crowdsourcing mapper began with OpenStreetMap.
Garmin Nuvi 1300 with OpenStreetMap in action in San Pablo, Laguna near Sampaloc lake
what has he done in 2 years? Foremost is the updated map of Paete, Laguna (his hometown), nearby Pagsanjan, other towns of Laguna, Rizal and everywhere he went to.
He also updated the map of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Surigao del Sur, Metro Manila cities of Manila, Quezon City, San Juan, Pasig and Makati where he focused on fixing routing issues to correct routing errors as well as optimized routing for OSM to give the normal routing suggestions.
If you noticed Tutubi puts GPS coordinates of places he visited on his blog posts, it makes tourists with GPS devices get to places without even asking for directions and guess works.
If you're a traveler, Tutubi suggests at least updating your hometown, to place it on the map. Log on and register at OpenStreetMap and edit your hometown map. Even without a GPS, you can at least put POIs (points of interests), street names and even tag one-way streets.
Doing so also promotes your hometown for travel and tourism.
To date, Tutubi is one of the most active mappers of OSM Philippines, a bunch of dedicated mappers making the best free map of the Philippines (though he has yet to meet even one of them)
Travel, Photography, Mapping = Geographic, Photographic, and Cartographic Memory ;P
Read more after the jump!
Garmin Nuvi 1300 with OpenStreetMap in action in San Pablo, Laguna near Sampaloc lakewhat has he done in 2 years? Foremost is the updated map of Paete, Laguna (his hometown), nearby Pagsanjan, other towns of Laguna, Rizal and everywhere he went to.
He also updated the map of Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Surigao del Sur, Metro Manila cities of Manila, Quezon City, San Juan, Pasig and Makati where he focused on fixing routing issues to correct routing errors as well as optimized routing for OSM to give the normal routing suggestions.
If you noticed Tutubi puts GPS coordinates of places he visited on his blog posts, it makes tourists with GPS devices get to places without even asking for directions and guess works.
If you're a traveler, Tutubi suggests at least updating your hometown, to place it on the map. Log on and register at OpenStreetMap and edit your hometown map. Even without a GPS, you can at least put POIs (points of interests), street names and even tag one-way streets.
Doing so also promotes your hometown for travel and tourism.
To date, Tutubi is one of the most active mappers of OSM Philippines, a bunch of dedicated mappers making the best free map of the Philippines (though he has yet to meet even one of them)
Travel, Photography, Mapping = Geographic, Photographic, and Cartographic Memory ;P
Labels: OpenStreetMap
posted by backpacking philippines @ 7:52 PM,
, links to this post
Bohol: Tagbilaran Airport Guide: Terminal Fee, Taxi Fare, Etc
28 January 2012
Uplated information for first time (and even seasoned) visitors to the beautiful Bohol, the gateway to Bohol island: Tagbilaran Airport
Tagbilaran Airport arrival area near the runway and arrival passenger terminal
Tagbilaran Airport terminal fee/departure tax/airport tax: PhP20.00
Airport taxis: no taxis there but plenty of tricycles waiting for passengers. you can ride tricycles to the city center (usually minimum fare) to take buses or jeepneys to various towns of Bohol (Loboc, Loay, Anda and others)
Car rental to Panglao Island is PhP600.00, van for hire costs PhP700.00
notes:
Tagbilaran Airport is small and cramped and needs expansion. It's not more fun waiting for your flight here.
There are no restaurants inside the departure area terminal, just small pasalubong kiosks and snack counters.
Related Bohol Posts:
Bohol Tour Itinerary
Read more after the jump!
Tagbilaran Airport arrival area near the runway and arrival passenger terminal
Tagbilaran Airport terminal fee/departure tax/airport tax: PhP20.00
Airport taxis: no taxis there but plenty of tricycles waiting for passengers. you can ride tricycles to the city center (usually minimum fare) to take buses or jeepneys to various towns of Bohol (Loboc, Loay, Anda and others)
Car rental to Panglao Island is PhP600.00, van for hire costs PhP700.00
notes:
Tagbilaran Airport is small and cramped and needs expansion. It's not more fun waiting for your flight here.
There are no restaurants inside the departure area terminal, just small pasalubong kiosks and snack counters.
Related Bohol Posts:
Bohol Tour Itinerary
Labels: Airports, Bohol, Central Visayas
posted by backpacking philippines @ 10:49 PM,
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Bohol Tour Itinerary: Tourist Spots/Off the Beaten Track
25 January 2012
Tutubi gathered this list of interesting places in Bohol, from tourism brochures in Tagbilaran Airport last year (3D/2N) but is due to return to Tagbilaran. He intends to visit both usual touristy places and off-the-beaten-path places in beautiful Bohol.
this post will be updated with links to Bohol posts with usual unbiased reviews and reports
Places to see in Bohol
Bohol Chocolate Hills
Simply Butterflies, Bilar, Bohol
Butterfly Sanctuary at Sagbayan Peak
Tarsier Conservation
Usual Tourist Activities:
Loboc River Cruise
Loboc River Night Cruise
Loay River Cruise
Abatan River Cruise
Firefly Watching
Bohol Beaches
Alona Beach, Panglao Island
Dumaluan Beach, south of Panglao island, where you can find Bohol Beach Club.
Bikini Beach, near Tagbilaran, popular location for local picnics
Momo Beach, north Panglao, a shallow beach.
Doljo Beach with beautiful seashells, north Panglao
Lintuan Beach
Laya Beach
Santa Fe Beach
Clarin Beach
Imelda Beach
Canuba Beach
Duero beach
Bugnao Beach
Anda White Beach
Bohol Dive Sites/Snorkelling Places
Balicasag Island
Pamilacan Island
Danajon Bank or Double Barrier Reef, the only double barrier reef in the Philippines
Bohol Dolphin and Whale Watching
the sea around Pamilacan Island
Bohol Ecotourism and Adventure Tours
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
E.A.T. Danao
Old Churches of Bohol (Visita Iglesia)
Baclayon Church
Loboc Church
Dimiao Church
Dauis Church
Maribojoc Church
Loon Church
Old Spanish Watchtowers of Bohol:
Punta Cruz Watchtower, Maribojoc
Panglao Watchtower
Dauis Watchtower
Loay Watchtower, Loay (not visible, obscured by mangroves on the seafront)
Bohol Waterfalls
Mag-aso falls, Antequera, nice one visited by Tutubi in 2003
Inambacan Falls, Antequera
Kawasan Falls, Balilihan (visited in 2003)
Pahangog Twin Falls, Dimiao
Busay Falls, the end of Loboc River Cruise
Kilab-kilab Falls
Bohol Caves/Spelunking
Hinagdanan Cave, Dauis, Panglao Island (touristy, not worth it)
Hagakgak cave
Inambacan cave
Carmaloan cave
Sudlon Cave
Bohol Historical Sites:
Bohol Blood Compact Site, the true one, is located in Loay town which accurately marks the location of the Sandugo blood compact treaty of friendship between Datu Sikatuna, a native Chieftain, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, representing the King of Spain. We all know what happened later when the so called white friend turned his brown friends to slaves by subjugating them. This blood compact is not really the first "Treaty of Friendship" between Europe and Asia as erroneously claimed by many sources :(
Dagohoy Marker in Magtangtang, Danao: Instead of celebrating
Tamblot???
Not the usual:
Lamanoc Island Red Hematite Rock Paintings
Not worth it:
Bohol Man-made Forest, near Bilar and Loboc towns
Bohol Blood Compact Site: this is not the true site of the blood compact, the true location, based on historical documents and affirmed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP, formerly NHI) is in Loay town. This is good for a touristy photo-op though.
Should you have suggestions and recommendations, tips, how to get to Bohol commute, cheap bohol packages and the likes, just contact Tutubi by leaving a comment here or on this blog's facebook page.
Related Bohol Posts:
Tagbilaran Airport
Bohol Van Rental rates
Bohol Beach Resorts
Read more after the jump!
this post will be updated with links to Bohol posts with usual unbiased reviews and reports
Places to see in Bohol
Bohol Chocolate Hills
Simply Butterflies, Bilar, Bohol
Butterfly Sanctuary at Sagbayan Peak
Tarsier Conservation
Usual Tourist Activities:
Loboc River Cruise
Loboc River Night Cruise
Loay River Cruise
Abatan River Cruise
Firefly Watching
Bohol Beaches
Alona Beach, Panglao Island
Dumaluan Beach, south of Panglao island, where you can find Bohol Beach Club.
Bikini Beach, near Tagbilaran, popular location for local picnics
Momo Beach, north Panglao, a shallow beach.
Doljo Beach with beautiful seashells, north Panglao
Lintuan Beach
Laya Beach
Santa Fe Beach
Clarin Beach
Imelda Beach
Canuba Beach
Duero beach
Bugnao Beach
Anda White Beach
Bohol Dive Sites/Snorkelling Places
Balicasag Island
Pamilacan Island
Danajon Bank or Double Barrier Reef, the only double barrier reef in the Philippines
Bohol Dolphin and Whale Watching
the sea around Pamilacan Island
Bohol Ecotourism and Adventure Tours
Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary
E.A.T. Danao
Old Churches of Bohol (Visita Iglesia)
Baclayon Church
Loboc Church
Dimiao Church
Dauis Church
Maribojoc Church
Loon Church
Old Spanish Watchtowers of Bohol:
Punta Cruz Watchtower, Maribojoc
Panglao Watchtower
Dauis Watchtower
Loay Watchtower, Loay (not visible, obscured by mangroves on the seafront)
Bohol Waterfalls
Mag-aso falls, Antequera, nice one visited by Tutubi in 2003
Inambacan Falls, Antequera
Kawasan Falls, Balilihan (visited in 2003)
Pahangog Twin Falls, Dimiao
Busay Falls, the end of Loboc River Cruise
Kilab-kilab Falls
Bohol Caves/Spelunking
Hinagdanan Cave, Dauis, Panglao Island (touristy, not worth it)
Hagakgak cave
Inambacan cave
Carmaloan cave
Sudlon Cave
Bohol Historical Sites:
Bohol Blood Compact Site, the true one, is located in Loay town which accurately marks the location of the Sandugo blood compact treaty of friendship between Datu Sikatuna, a native Chieftain, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, representing the King of Spain. We all know what happened later when the so called white friend turned his brown friends to slaves by subjugating them. This blood compact is not really the first "Treaty of Friendship" between Europe and Asia as erroneously claimed by many sources :(
Dagohoy Marker in Magtangtang, Danao: Instead of celebrating
Tamblot???
Not the usual:
Lamanoc Island Red Hematite Rock Paintings
Not worth it:
Bohol Man-made Forest, near Bilar and Loboc towns
Bohol Blood Compact Site: this is not the true site of the blood compact, the true location, based on historical documents and affirmed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP, formerly NHI) is in Loay town. This is good for a touristy photo-op though.
Should you have suggestions and recommendations, tips, how to get to Bohol commute, cheap bohol packages and the likes, just contact Tutubi by leaving a comment here or on this blog's facebook page.
Related Bohol Posts:
Tagbilaran Airport
Bohol Van Rental rates
Bohol Beach Resorts
Labels: Bohol, Central Visayas, Travel Guides
posted by backpacking philippines @ 9:44 PM,
, links to this post
Batangas Cathedral: Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
23 January 2012
After a day's work in Batangas City just in front of SM City Batangas, Tutubi asked for interesting places to visit in the capital city of Batangas province and was lead to Batangas Cathedral, formally known as Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
here are just two pictures of Tutubi's very brief visit to Batangas Cathedral (taken with an Iphone 4) before going home to Quezon City.
the bell tower and half facade of Batangas Cathedral, limited angle of the iPhone plus obscured by trees
interiors with ceilings adorned by trompe l'oeil paintings similar to San Agustin Church in Manila
Short history of Batangas Cathedral (told on the NHI marker)
1581 founded in honor of the Immaculate Conception
1601 stone foundation for the stone church
1693 built convent with artillery
1851 demolished and re-built
1948 elevated as Minor Basilica
Mass Schedules of Batangas cathedral (posted at the front of the batangas church, picture not posted here)
Mondays to Saturdays
5am, 615am 7am, 6pm
Sunday Masses:
445am, 6am, 715am, 830am, 945am, 11am, 430pm, 530pm, 7pm
For weddings, baptisms, and other inquiries, just call batangas Cathedral's
Contact Number: +63.43.723.1484.
Batangas cathedral, batangas basilica
Related Posts:
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Lipa, Batangas
Star Toll
Read more after the jump!
here are just two pictures of Tutubi's very brief visit to Batangas Cathedral (taken with an Iphone 4) before going home to Quezon City.
the bell tower and half facade of Batangas Cathedral, limited angle of the iPhone plus obscured by trees
interiors with ceilings adorned by trompe l'oeil paintings similar to San Agustin Church in ManilaShort history of Batangas Cathedral (told on the NHI marker)
1581 founded in honor of the Immaculate Conception
1601 stone foundation for the stone church
1693 built convent with artillery
1851 demolished and re-built
1948 elevated as Minor Basilica
Mass Schedules of Batangas cathedral (posted at the front of the batangas church, picture not posted here)
Mondays to Saturdays
5am, 615am 7am, 6pm
Sunday Masses:
445am, 6am, 715am, 830am, 945am, 11am, 430pm, 530pm, 7pm
For weddings, baptisms, and other inquiries, just call batangas Cathedral's
Contact Number: +63.43.723.1484.
Batangas cathedral, batangas basilica
Related Posts:
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Lipa, Batangas
Star Toll
Labels: Batangas, Calabarzon, Churches, Visita Iglesia
posted by backpacking philippines @ 10:46 PM,
, links to this post
Visita Iglesia Nueva Vizcaya: Old Church of Dupax del Sur
17 January 2012
Reputedly the best preserved old stone church of Nueva Vizcaya can be found in the town of Dupax del Sur that Tutubi tried to pass by just to take a pitcure of the really impressive facade with red bricks for the old belfry.
San Vicente de Ferrer Church Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya
St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church with newly-painted facade but still sporting the red bricks of the bell tower
Dupax del Sur is a town in Nueva Vizcaya that you'll pass by if you're going to Isabela and Tuguegarao (Cagayan) but this old church is at the town center, quite a distance from Maharlika Highway en route to Bambang, Bayombong and Solano towns.
An unplanned trip actually, Tutubi found it by asking locals where it is but he was only able to find it after a few tries in nearby Dupax del Norte.
The church interior may be great to marvel but Tutubi had to go to catch on time plus his stomach is complaining as it's already lunch time.
Doing a Nueva Vizcaya Visita Iglesia may be a different activity, somewhere north east of Metro Manila and about hours away by land.
Read more after the jump!
San Vicente de Ferrer Church Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya
St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church with newly-painted facade but still sporting the red bricks of the bell towerDupax del Sur is a town in Nueva Vizcaya that you'll pass by if you're going to Isabela and Tuguegarao (Cagayan) but this old church is at the town center, quite a distance from Maharlika Highway en route to Bambang, Bayombong and Solano towns.
An unplanned trip actually, Tutubi found it by asking locals where it is but he was only able to find it after a few tries in nearby Dupax del Norte.
The church interior may be great to marvel but Tutubi had to go to catch on time plus his stomach is complaining as it's already lunch time.
Doing a Nueva Vizcaya Visita Iglesia may be a different activity, somewhere north east of Metro Manila and about hours away by land.
Labels: Cagayan Valley, Churches, Nueva Vizcaya, Visita Iglesia
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:06 PM,
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Visita Iglesia Pangasinan: Churches of Mangatarem and Aguilar
14 January 2012
Just some sort of drive-by Visita Iglesia in Pangasinan on the way to Bolinao town, you can see two old churches along the way
These are just two drive-by photos, you can see the effect of the car tint plus some slight blur and poor composition :(
St. Raymund the Peñafort Church, Mangatarem, Pangasinan (Mangatarem Church)
Mangatarem church features a large green dome, technically called the apse, common in baroque style churches of old
St. Joseph The Patriarch Church Aguilar, Pangasinan (Aguilar Church):
the church has similar architecture and facade with the churches of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte but not the earthquake baroque style of siblings up north
these two churches are easiest to visit should you decide to do a Visita Iglesia Pangasinan in Holy Week, particularly on Holy Thursday where Catholic faithful visit seven churches.
related posts:
Bolinao Church
Visita Iglesia Ilocos Sur
Read more after the jump!
These are just two drive-by photos, you can see the effect of the car tint plus some slight blur and poor composition :(
St. Raymund the Peñafort Church, Mangatarem, Pangasinan (Mangatarem Church)
Mangatarem church features a large green dome, technically called the apse, common in baroque style churches of oldSt. Joseph The Patriarch Church Aguilar, Pangasinan (Aguilar Church):
the church has similar architecture and facade with the churches of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte but not the earthquake baroque style of siblings up norththese two churches are easiest to visit should you decide to do a Visita Iglesia Pangasinan in Holy Week, particularly on Holy Thursday where Catholic faithful visit seven churches.
related posts:
Bolinao Church
Visita Iglesia Ilocos Sur
Labels: Churches, Ilocos Region, Pangasinan, Visita Iglesia
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:42 PM,
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Sunlife Dragon Dance Chinese New Year Binondo Route and Schedule
13 January 2012
For those planning to see and shoot Chinese New Year in Manila Chinatown in Binondo for a possible photo-opp of Chinese New Year, Sunlife's longest Dragon Dance will snake through Binondo starting from Lawton to Jones Bridge.
January 20, 2012 (Friday) 10:00 – 11:30 Motorcade
Sequence of Motorcade: 1,000 ft Dragon, Rabbit Float, Elf Trucks, vehicles of SunLife employees
Dragon Dance Route:
Start: Liwasang Bonifacio turn right to Jones Bridge
Right to Escolta
Go around Plaza Sta. Cruz
Straight to Dasmarinas
Right to Q. Paredes
Pass infront of Binondo Church
Take a turn at Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz
Straight to Juan Luna
End at the foot of Jones Bridge
Related Post:
Chinese New Year in Manila Chinatown
Read more after the jump!
January 20, 2012 (Friday) 10:00 – 11:30 Motorcade
Sequence of Motorcade: 1,000 ft Dragon, Rabbit Float, Elf Trucks, vehicles of SunLife employees
Dragon Dance Route:
Start: Liwasang Bonifacio turn right to Jones Bridge
Right to Escolta
Go around Plaza Sta. Cruz
Straight to Dasmarinas
Right to Q. Paredes
Pass infront of Binondo Church
Take a turn at Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz
Straight to Juan Luna
End at the foot of Jones Bridge
Related Post:
Chinese New Year in Manila Chinatown
Labels: Chinese New Year, Events
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:14 PM,
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Manila Airport (NAIA) Terminal Fee/Departure Tax Lowered to PhP550.00
10 January 2012
This is a bit of good news at least for international travelers from Manila, five year implementation of aviation security fee at NAIA, costing PhP200.00 per outgoing foreign travel, will lapse on January 31, 2012. the
Starting February 1, 2012, NAIA Terminal Fee will be pegged at PhP550.00/person. Domestic travelers will still be charged local terminal fee of PhP200.00 per passenger.
Comforting? This month though, expect Caticlan Aiport terminal fee to be increased to PhP200.00, up from PhP20.00, as pegged by SMC, who now operates Caticlan Airport.
Related Posts on Manila Airport/NAIA
Airport Terminal Fee
Manila Airport Guide
you may also be looking for:
manila airport tax, naia terminal fee 2012, naia aiport tax price cost, ninoy aquino international airport terminal fee rate
Read more after the jump!
Starting February 1, 2012, NAIA Terminal Fee will be pegged at PhP550.00/person. Domestic travelers will still be charged local terminal fee of PhP200.00 per passenger.
Comforting? This month though, expect Caticlan Aiport terminal fee to be increased to PhP200.00, up from PhP20.00, as pegged by SMC, who now operates Caticlan Airport.
Related Posts on Manila Airport/NAIA
Airport Terminal Fee
Manila Airport Guide
you may also be looking for:
manila airport tax, naia terminal fee 2012, naia aiport tax price cost, ninoy aquino international airport terminal fee rate
Labels: Airports, Travel Tips
posted by backpacking philippines @ 10:38 PM,
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Bourne Legacy Manila Shoot Locations, Schedules and MMDA Traffic Re-routing
Hollywood movie "Bourne Legacy" lead actor Jeremy Renner, lead actress Rachel Weisz, director and crew of the movie series are in town to shoot the latest installment of the movie franchise.
herewith are tips, shoot locations, schedules and traffic re-routing information for you, provided by MMDA
Bourne Legacy shoot locations:
Ayala Avenue (Makati), Intramuros (Manila), at Jones Bridge (Manila), Marikina City Market, Navotas Fishport (Navotas), and Pasay Taft Rotonda in Metro Manila, and in Palawan.
Bourne Legacy Shoot Schedules:
Wednesdays to Sundays, break on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The Manila scenes for the movie will be shot from
Jan. 11 to 15 in San Andres,
Jan. 18 to 19 on J. Bocobo St. corner Remedios Circle,
Jan. 15 on Leveriza St.,
Jan. 14 at San Andres corner Quirino and Taft Avenues,
Jan. 25 on Riverside Road, Real and Sta. Lucia streets in Intramuros,
Feb. 17 to 18 on Jones Bridge
Jan. 18-19 Remedios Circle in Malate
Feb. 8 to 15 on Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Sta. Mesa.
The MMDA said there will be a "scene of actress Rachel Weisz clinging to a spinning jeepney during a high-speed chase. Another scene will involve a helicopter hovering above the Makati City business district at night."
Traffic Re-routing:
Wednesday (January 11) to Friday (January 13), Leveriza Street will be closed to traffic between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Intermittent traffic control will be implemented along Quirino Avenue and San Andres from 7 a.m. to 5 a.m.
The following alternate routes were announced by the MMDA:
- Along President Quirino Avenue from Roxas Boulevard to Taft Avenue:
All vehicles must turn right at M. Adriatico, left at Bagong Lipunan, right at President Quirino to destination
- Along President Quirino Avenue from Taft Avenue to Roxas Boulevard:
Take San Andres, right turn at L. M. Guerero, left turn at Remedios, left turn at Maria Orosa, right at San Andres, left at M. Adroiatico, right at President Quirino to destination
- For buses along Roxas Boulevard – Coastal Road to Manila:
Right turn at Vito Cruz, left at Taft Avenue to destination
- For buses from Taft Avenue – Manila to Roxas Boulevard – Coastal Road:
Right at Vito Cruz, left at Roxas Boulevard to destination
Source: MMDA Official Website
Read more after the jump!
herewith are tips, shoot locations, schedules and traffic re-routing information for you, provided by MMDA
Bourne Legacy shoot locations:
Ayala Avenue (Makati), Intramuros (Manila), at Jones Bridge (Manila), Marikina City Market, Navotas Fishport (Navotas), and Pasay Taft Rotonda in Metro Manila, and in Palawan.
Bourne Legacy Shoot Schedules:
Wednesdays to Sundays, break on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The Manila scenes for the movie will be shot from
Jan. 11 to 15 in San Andres,
Jan. 18 to 19 on J. Bocobo St. corner Remedios Circle,
Jan. 15 on Leveriza St.,
Jan. 14 at San Andres corner Quirino and Taft Avenues,
Jan. 25 on Riverside Road, Real and Sta. Lucia streets in Intramuros,
Feb. 17 to 18 on Jones Bridge
Jan. 18-19 Remedios Circle in Malate
Feb. 8 to 15 on Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Sta. Mesa.
The MMDA said there will be a "scene of actress Rachel Weisz clinging to a spinning jeepney during a high-speed chase. Another scene will involve a helicopter hovering above the Makati City business district at night."
Traffic Re-routing:
Wednesday (January 11) to Friday (January 13), Leveriza Street will be closed to traffic between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Intermittent traffic control will be implemented along Quirino Avenue and San Andres from 7 a.m. to 5 a.m.
The following alternate routes were announced by the MMDA:
- Along President Quirino Avenue from Roxas Boulevard to Taft Avenue:
All vehicles must turn right at M. Adriatico, left at Bagong Lipunan, right at President Quirino to destination
- Along President Quirino Avenue from Taft Avenue to Roxas Boulevard:
Take San Andres, right turn at L. M. Guerero, left turn at Remedios, left turn at Maria Orosa, right at San Andres, left at M. Adroiatico, right at President Quirino to destination
- For buses along Roxas Boulevard – Coastal Road to Manila:
Right turn at Vito Cruz, left at Taft Avenue to destination
- For buses from Taft Avenue – Manila to Roxas Boulevard – Coastal Road:
Right at Vito Cruz, left at Roxas Boulevard to destination
Source: MMDA Official Website
Labels: Floobydust
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:03 PM,
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Butanding/Tuki in Oslob, Cebu (Whale Sharks Should be Left Alone)
08 January 2012
Over the holiday break, there have been reported sightings of whale sharks in Oslob, Cebu, or tuki as called by locals. These gentle giants are called Butanding in Donsol, Sorsogon that turned the sleepy town at the mouth of Donsol River into an eco-tourism attraction famous around the world.
This same attraction can be achieved by Oslob, Cebu, being nearer to the tourists of Cebu City but one disturbing news caught Tutubi's eye-- that the fishermen of Oslob town turned tuki-watching guides are feeding the tuki (butanding) with small shrimps.
Feeding whale sharks may be "more fun" but what they're doing is NOT right!
Such activity is uncalled for and with disastrous results, not now but in the future, where the tukis may become tamed or domesticated thus altering their natural behavior.
Oslob should learn how to deal with tukis in their town by setting up rules in tuki interaction, similar to what Donsol Butanding Interaction rules that simply state:
1. Do not attempt to touch, ride, or chase a whale shark.
2. Do not restrict normal movement or behavior of the shark.
3. Maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters from the whale shark and at least 4 meters from its tail.
4. Do not undertake flash photography.
5. Do not use underwater motorized diver propulsions.
---
Oslob should try to put in place organized tuki sightseeing tours and avoid ganging up on sighted tukis, note in Donsol only one boat is allowed to interact with butanding. Ganging up on a whale shark may stress out the tuki.
the boats used in Cebu Whale Shark interactions are small ones and no life vests, good only for two people, unlike big boats used in Donsol.
Safety first should be implemented, use bigger boats and require life jackets!
---
How to get to Oslob, Cebu:
From Cebu South Terminal, there are bus lines passing by Oslob, Cebu passing by Talisay, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, and Boljoon towns with travel time of around 3 hours. No updated bus fares, trip schedules, entrance fees, boat rental charges or whale shark tour rates.
Entry Keywords:
cebu whaleshark tours, cebu butanding, cebu tuki, oslob, cebu, bus fare to oslob cebu,
Related posts on Whale Sharks:
Donsol Butanding Whale Sharks
Butanding Donsol Whale Sharl Tours in Sorsogon
Read more after the jump!
This same attraction can be achieved by Oslob, Cebu, being nearer to the tourists of Cebu City but one disturbing news caught Tutubi's eye-- that the fishermen of Oslob town turned tuki-watching guides are feeding the tuki (butanding) with small shrimps.
Feeding whale sharks may be "more fun" but what they're doing is NOT right!
Such activity is uncalled for and with disastrous results, not now but in the future, where the tukis may become tamed or domesticated thus altering their natural behavior.
Oslob should learn how to deal with tukis in their town by setting up rules in tuki interaction, similar to what Donsol Butanding Interaction rules that simply state:
1. Do not attempt to touch, ride, or chase a whale shark.
2. Do not restrict normal movement or behavior of the shark.
3. Maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters from the whale shark and at least 4 meters from its tail.
4. Do not undertake flash photography.
5. Do not use underwater motorized diver propulsions.
---
Oslob should try to put in place organized tuki sightseeing tours and avoid ganging up on sighted tukis, note in Donsol only one boat is allowed to interact with butanding. Ganging up on a whale shark may stress out the tuki.
the boats used in Cebu Whale Shark interactions are small ones and no life vests, good only for two people, unlike big boats used in Donsol.
Safety first should be implemented, use bigger boats and require life jackets!
---
How to get to Oslob, Cebu:
From Cebu South Terminal, there are bus lines passing by Oslob, Cebu passing by Talisay, Naga, San Fernando, Carcar, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, and Boljoon towns with travel time of around 3 hours. No updated bus fares, trip schedules, entrance fees, boat rental charges or whale shark tour rates.
Entry Keywords:
cebu whaleshark tours, cebu butanding, cebu tuki, oslob, cebu, bus fare to oslob cebu,
Related posts on Whale Sharks:
Donsol Butanding Whale Sharks
Butanding Donsol Whale Sharl Tours in Sorsogon
Labels: Cebu, Central Visayas, Ecotourism
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:49 PM,
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Backpacker-friendly: Patar White Beach, Bolinao, Pangasinan
07 January 2012
A hidden gem of Bolinao, Pangasinan unknown to ordinary people is the presence of a long fine white sand beach in barangay Patar, less than a kilometer from Cape Bolinao Lighthouse that is a perfect spot for backpackers and travelers with a shoestring budget.
Patar Shite Beach's stretch of fine white sand, with Treasures of Bolinao Beach Resort on the background
fine white sand, clear waters, no hecklers and pesky vendors in sight unlike...it's more fun here than...
Patar Beach Resorts, hotels, accommodations and camp site:
there are really two "Patar Beach resorts" here on Patar White Beach, there's the 5 star Treasures of Bolinao Beach Resort and the bundget travel-friendly cottages for rent on the beachfront.
Cottages for rent rates are pegged at PhP200/cottage for a day. Backpackers can pitch tents on the beach but camping rates for PhP200 to be paid at barangay Patar for them to provide security and for the use of public restrooms/washroom/toilets.
Tutubi asked around for overnight accommodations, he got quotes for as low as PhP1500.00/cottage good for 15 people (backpacker or dorm type) not for the squimish but very cheap beachfront accommodations.
the public restroom near the service road to Patar White beach
open cottages for family picnics/company outings for only PhP200.00/cottage/day
Next...cheap souvenir shirts and shellcrafts
Related Posts on Bolinao, Pangasinan:
Bolinao Beach Resorts
Puerto del Sol beach Resort and Spa
Enchanted Cave Bolinao Pangasinan
Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
Bolinao Church
Binungey
Read more after the jump!
Patar Shite Beach's stretch of fine white sand, with Treasures of Bolinao Beach Resort on the background
fine white sand, clear waters, no hecklers and pesky vendors in sight unlike...it's more fun here than...Patar Beach Resorts, hotels, accommodations and camp site:
there are really two "Patar Beach resorts" here on Patar White Beach, there's the 5 star Treasures of Bolinao Beach Resort and the bundget travel-friendly cottages for rent on the beachfront.
Cottages for rent rates are pegged at PhP200/cottage for a day. Backpackers can pitch tents on the beach but camping rates for PhP200 to be paid at barangay Patar for them to provide security and for the use of public restrooms/washroom/toilets.
Tutubi asked around for overnight accommodations, he got quotes for as low as PhP1500.00/cottage good for 15 people (backpacker or dorm type) not for the squimish but very cheap beachfront accommodations.
the public restroom near the service road to Patar White beach
open cottages for family picnics/company outings for only PhP200.00/cottage/dayNext...cheap souvenir shirts and shellcrafts
Related Posts on Bolinao, Pangasinan:
Bolinao Beach Resorts
Puerto del Sol beach Resort and Spa
Enchanted Cave Bolinao Pangasinan
Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
Bolinao Church
Binungey
Labels: Beaches, Ilocos Region, Pangasinan
posted by backpacking philippines @ 8:02 PM,
, links to this post