The Philippines, like most other destinations, has lots of scams and tourist traps. Herewith are some of them in Talisay, Batangas with people taking advantage of tourists for extra moolah not thinking that what they're doing scares tourists away and impacts future tourist arrivals

UPDATED January 2016

Here's an updated budget travel guide for Taal Volcano crater trek/hiking with fares, rates and commute/how to get there information, even tourist traps and scams for travelers/backpackers.

early morning view of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake where fishermen/boatmen wait for passengers to ferry to the volcano island

Going on a trek to Taal Volcano involves this "script"
1. Go to Talisay, Batangas either via Tagaytay or Tanauan
2. Rent a boat
3. Trek to the crater (boil eggs at steaming hot springs)
4. Go back (of course)

Rates:

Boat Rental Rate/Fee: PhP1,500.00 (standard boat rate)
Trek guide: PhP500.00 (good for 6 persons)
Horse ride: PhP450.00 (if you don't feel like trekking)

Beware of these Scams/Tourist Traps:
boat guide fee: PhP500.00
Boat "unloading fee" : PhP50.00 (just a small piece of wood to step on to get off the boat)
Drinks at the crater: PhP50.00 (vendor will tell you that you need to buy one for your guide)
Photography: PhP400.00/picture (they will take pictures but not required to avail)


Other Rates and Fees:
SLEX Toll fee: PhP214.00 (Nichols to StarToll)
SLEX to Startoll: PhP25.00
Startoll Tanauan exit: PhP7.00


Overnight Accommodations:
Balai Sofia Bed and Breakfast PhP1,399.00 (overnight stay)
Club Balai Isabel

Overall budget/cost for a Taal Volcano day tour will be low if you avoid tourist traps and scams

How to Get to Talisay, Batangas

Labels: Batangas, Calabarzon, Lakes, Travel Guides, Volcanoes

Want to visit Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos, Pangasinan on a tight budget? Here's latest information on how to get there plus standard price of island-hopping/boat ride rentals for day tour or overnight tours.

UPDATED: November 2015

Travel Guide to Hundred Islands National Park:

One of the large boats for hire for island-hopping in Hundred Islands, Alaminos, Pangasinan

Hundred Islands Rates/Fees (to be booked at Lucap Wharf in Alaminos, Pangasinan)

Entrance Fee and Island-hopping rates are standard, no worries against overcharging here

Day Tour:
Entrance Fee: PhP40.00
Small Boat (1-5 persons): Ph1,000.00
Medium Boat (6-10 persons): PhP1,300.00
Big Boat (11-15 persons): PhP1,500.00

Overnight Tour:
Entrance Fee: PhP80.00
Small Boat (1-5 persons): PhP2,000.00
Medium Boat (6-10 persons): PhP2,500.00
Big Boat (11-15 persons): PhP3,000.00

A bit of spelunking/caving on one of small islands



How to get to Hundred Islands National Park:

How to Commute to Hundred Islands

from Manila, take a bus to Alaminos, Pangasinan

Bus to Alaminos, Pangasinan:
Victory Liner
Cubao to Alaminos, Pangasinan via Camiling, Tarlac
Fare: PhP393.00
Trip Schedules: 4am (first trip), 5:30am, 6am, 7am, 8am, 9am,
10am, 11am, 12nn, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm
10:40pm, 11:50pm (last trip)
Travel time around 5 hours

Five Star Bus
Cubao to Alaminos: PhP393.00 (air-conditioned) PhP300.00 (ordinary)
Pasay to Alaminos: PhP403.00 (air-conditioned) PhP308.00 (ordinary)
Trip schedules: please call Five Star hotline +63.927.712.4349 for the latest bus trip schedule


Driving Directions to Hundred Islands:

From Manila, head to EDSA then NLEX and SCTEX all the way to Tarlac then take the road going to Camiling, San Clemente, Mangatarem (Pangasinan), Aguilar, Bugallon, Labrador, Sual, and Alaminos

Activities:

swimming, snorkeling, diving, beach bumming (some beaches have lots of jelly fishes (dikya) if in season), rappeling

Coming Up:

Hundred Islands Beach Resorts, Hotels, Accommodations

Labels: Ilocos Region, Islands, National Parks, Pangasinan, Travel Guides

Magalawa Island, an island lined with white sand beach can be found in Palauig, Zambales. It's mostly divided into three parts, the first is settled by a small community of fishermen, the second is owned by a politician who owns Ruiz Resort and the third is by the Armada family who owns Armada Resort Magalawa Island (who claims to own the whole island which is disputed in court against the owners of Ruiz Resort).

the white sand beach of Magalawa Island Armada Resort

Magalawa Island Resort Entrance Fee/Daytour rate:

PhP700.00/head, free for children/babies, inclusive of parking fee, round-trip boat transfers, lunch, and use of resort facilities (including rooms if available) from 8am to 5pm
Overnight accommodations are available, latest rates posted on their official website. Snorkeling is included in the Magalawa Island itinerary and rates, including free use of snorkels, masks and even underwater pictures by the boatmen.

How to Get to Magalawa Island:

Online map of Magalawa Island can be found here via OpenStreetMap. You can use Garmin GPS Navigators or iOS and Android apps (e.g. OSMAnd) to easily find the place.

How to Commute to Magalawa Island (Public transportation, the backpacking way):

1. Take a Victory Liner bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Zambales at Victory Liner Caloocan just near LRT Monumento station. Bus Fare is around PhP650.00
2. Request the bus driver to drop you off in Barangay Pangolingan, Palauig Zambales (near Radio Veritas Road), expect total travel time of around six hours where you will pass by
San Fernando, Bacolor, Guagua, Lubao in Pampanga, Dinalupihan (Bataan), Olongapo City, and the Zambales towns of Subic, San Marcelino, San Antonio, San Narciso, San Felipe, Cabangan, Botolan, Iba (the capital of Zambales), Palauig town proper.
3. Take a tricycle to take you to Armada Fish dealer compound in Brgy. Luan where you can find a small pier (Fare is PhP150.00/trip, negotiable)
4. Ride the boat to Magalawa Island (this is included in the package of PhP700.00/person day tour rate). Boat ride is around 10-15 minutes

Driving Directions to Magalawa Island:

1. Follow one of these two routes:
1.1 NLEX -SCTEX - Tipo Exit to reach Olongapo City or Subic Bay Freeport
1.2 NLEX - left San Fernando Exit and follow Jose Abad Santos Avenue to pass by Bacolor, Guagua, Lubao (where Double Happiness Restaurant is, the stop-over of Victory Liner buses), Dinalupihan (turn right here, if you missed this you'll find yourself on Bataan Provincial Highway going to Balanga), pass by Olongapo city proper (Rizal Avenue) then turn right when you see the Ulo ng Apo monument, a rotonda (roundabout, with landmarks Victory Liner Olongapo and Jollibee)

2. After Olongapo City, you'll pass by town of Subic, Zambales, San Marcelino (the hometown of Ramon Magsaysay and where you can find vendors selling singkamas), San Narciso (you won't pass by San Antonio, where you can find Pundaquit, the gateway to Camara Island, Capones Island, Capones Lighthouse, Anawangin Cove and Nagsasa Cove) San Felipe, Cabangan, Botolan, Iba (the capital of Zambales), and Palauig.

3. After passing by the intersection of the highway and the road leading to Palauig town proper, you will pass by a zigzag road (twisties) then turn left to a corner. This road (mostly rough road) leads to the jump off point to Magalawa Island. Travel time here is around thirty minutes.

4. Enter the Armada Resort compound and park there, board the boat to Magalawa Island.

Enjoy!

Other notable islands in Zambales with white sand beaches:
Capones Island in San Antonio
Potipot Island in Candelaria
Hermana Mayor Island in Sta. Cruz
Hermana Menor Island in Sta. Cruz
Balaki Island in Infanta
San Salvador Island in San Salvador
Matalvis Island in Masinloc
Agat Island
Pilapir Island

lots of islands indeed to explore in Zambales!

Labels: Beaches, Central Luzon, Islands, Travel Guides, Zambales

Thinking of going to the beach of Laiya, San Juan, Batangas? Herewith is the latest information and the best way to commute by bus going there.

Tutubi re-visited this once secret beach recently and is providing the information should you wish to stay at a beach resort there from the expensive Acuatico beach Resort, Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort, Les Caraibes Beach Resort to a private camp site to pitch tent at One Laiya Beach Resort.

the beach front of Estrellas de Mendoza PLaya Resort and One Laiya Beach Resort (Mt. Daguldul on the background)

How to Get to Laiya, San Juan, Batangas:

Click here for an online map of Laiya via OpenStreetMap or see below the street map via StarToll, and the towns of Ibaan and Rosario (the better route than via Lipa) to San Juan

route map to Laiya Beach from Startoll (blue line) via Ibaan, Rosario then San Juan

Driving directions to Laiya, San Juan, Batangas:

Follow this route to Laiya if you have a private car/vehicle:

From Manila, head to SLEx, onwards to South Toll Road 3, to Star Toll and exit at Ibaan/San Jose you don't pass by Lipa City to avoid traffic jam)
Turn left when you see a fork on the road
Turn left again at the corner where Ibaan Municipal Hall and Park stands
Turn right on the next corner (landmarks: after passing Queen Mary Hospital and Ibaan Central School)
After seeing San Juan Municipal Hall, turn right. this road takes you straight to Laiya Beach, now completely paved and concreteunlike a few years ago when it was rough road.

If you're from Bicol or Quezon Province, there's a road in Candelaria, Quezon that connects to Maharlika Highway that is just 30 minutes away from San Juan town

How to Commute to Laiya, San Juan, Batangas:

From EDSA, Cubao or Araneta Center Bus terminal in Quezon City or Alabang, Muntinlupa, the best is via Alps the Bus as it has direct daily trip schedule to San Juan, Batangas (first trip at 3am, last trip at 530pm, 12 daily trips, Fare: PhP188.00). In San Juan, just near the town hall, take another jeep to Laiya/Barangay Hugom (first trip at 6am, last trip at 5pm)

From EDSA, Cubao, Pasay/Taft/LRT Buendia, or MRT Taft/LRT EDSA Rotonda in Pasay, take buses to Lipa, Batangas (RRCG, JAM Liner, JAC Liner, Batangas Star Express, Ceres Tours, KL CNG Bus Transport, DLTBCo.). In Lipa City, take a shuttle van or jeepney to San Juan.
In San Juan near municipal hall, take the jeep to Laiya/Hugom

Via Candelaria, Quezon:
From manila, Quezon City or Pasay, take a bus to Lucena City (JAC Liner, Lucena Lines, DLTB Co., Tritran etc) and request to get off in Candelaria (Chowking) right after Candelaria town proper. Go to the road intersection and ride a jeepney to San Juan Batangas.
In San Juan, take the jeepney to Laiya

From Metro Manila, total travel time is around 3-4 hours, best to take early morning trips going there.

If you're from Laguna (Tutubi's home province), you can go first to SM Calamba, then take a jeepney to Lipa via Tanauan. In Lipa, take the van or jeepney to San Juan then another jeepney to Laiya as described above.

From Labo, Batangas, Tutubi saw jeepneys going to Laiya/Hugom, San Juan but the schedule is not regular and people sitting on the top load of the jeepney

a boat that came from...Laiya? near the mangrove forest (bakawan)

Fares/Fees/Rates:

EDSA, Cubao to San Juan bus fare: (Alps the Bus only): PhP188.00
Cubao to Lipa bus fare: PhP132.00
Buendia to Lipa bus fare: PhP124.00
Bus fare from Cubao to Lipa City: Php132.00
Lipa to San Juan van fare: PhP70.00
Lipa to San Juan jeepney fare: PhP45.00

San Juan to Laiya jeepney fare: PhP35.00
San Juan to Laiya tricycle fare: PhP60.00
(note: the return trip Laiya to San Juan town proper last trip is around 12nn, confirm this when you're there)

bamboo raft rental: PhP300.00/hour
banana boat ride: PhP1,500.00

List of Beach Resorts in Laiya Batangas:

Acuatico Beach Resort
Balai Laiya Resort
Blue Coral Beach Resort
Casa Dolores Beach Resort
Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort
Kabayan Beach Resort
La Frondosa Beach Resort
La Luz Resort
Laiya Austria Beach Resort
Laiya Cocogrove Beach Resort
Les Caraibes Beach Resort
Marulai Beach Resort
One Laiya Beach Resort
Palm Beach Resort
Playa del Sol Resort
Playa Taramindu Beach Garden Inn
Sabangan Beach Resort
Sigayan Bay Resort
Tivona Beach Resort
Triple-G Resort
Virgin Beach Resort
White Cove Beach Resort

information on review of resort, room rates, contact number and day tour/entrance fee/swimming pool/infinity pool to be published soon...

Labels: Batangas, Beaches, Calabarzon, Travel Guides

Probably the second most famous waterfall in Laguna is Taytay Falls in Majayjay, next only to the world-famous Pagsanjan Falls. This falls was visited by Tutubi thrice in the past, when digital cameras were not yet the "in" thing, including a birthday treat to his now departed mother, giving it some sort of nostalgic value to the sentimental Tutubi.

This travel guide to Taytay falls is for those souls looking at fresh information how to get there, what to expect and the usual entrance fee/environmental fee, overnight camping and parking rates.

Updated: March 2019


Travel Guide: Taytay Falls in Majayjay, Laguna:

Taytay Falls, Majayjay, Laguna with a person swimming on the pool to add scale and estimate the height of the waterfalls, popular for camping and day trip (picture courtesy of Tutubi's cousin who recently went there)

Taytay falls entrance fee: PhP30.00 (some call this environmental fee)
Car parking fee: PhP40.00
Camping: you can pitch your own tent on the best place you can see near the falls

Notes and reviews:
1. The water here is too cold, too cold even for the cold-resistant Tutubi 10 years ago that he wasn't able to swim too long in the ice-cold water from Mt. Banahaw.
2. There are too many people on weekends, much more during Holy Week. It's sad that people leave their garbage instead of bringing them back and personally throw at trash cans.
3. There are toilets available but not for the squeamish, with running water of course.
4. Information and picture of Taytay Falls provided by Tutubi's cousin who recently camped out overnight at the place.
5. You may combine this place with Pagsanjan Falls, Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex and Panguil River Eco-park for your Laguna tour itinerary.

How to get to Majayjay, Laguna:

The street map of Taytay Falls in barangay Gagalot, please click here. You can trace back to Majayjay town proper or from Lucban. If you have a GPS navigator (or even an iPhone/iPad/Ipod or Android device with GPS app), you can point it to these coordinates: 14° 6.618N 121° 30.45E and get there without asking questions.

On Commuting to Majayjay, Laguna, please click this link on How to Get to Laguna to reach Majayjay town.

In Majayjay town proper, you need to take another jeep with signboard Gagalot to take you to Barangay Gagalot where the jump-off point to Taytay falls can be found.

On reaching Gagalot, you need to pay the entrance fee then walk (on concrete pathway and steps) for a few hundred meters to get to the waterfall.

Driving Directions to Majayjay, Laguna:

from Quezon City, it's recommended to take the scenic Rizal route via Marcos Highway, Sumulong passing through the city of Antipolo, the Rizal towns of Teresa, Baras, Morong, Tanay, Pililla, and the Laguna towns of Mabitac, Famy, Siniloan, Pangil, Pakil, Paete, Kalayaan, Lumban, Pagsanjan then you turn left on reaching Pagsanjan Public Market (landmark: Jollibee), pass by the town of Magdalena before reaching Majayjay town proper.

From Makati or southern cities of Manila, take SLEx and exit at Calamba (toll fee: PhP218.00 class 1 vehicle), head towards SM City Calamba then turn right. Follow the highway passing through the towns of Los Banos, Bay, Calauan, Victoria, Pila, Sta. Cruz, then turn left when you see GSIS Pagsanjan and Jollibee, pass by the town of Magdalena before reaching Majayjay town proper.

In Majayjay town proper, follow this map to get there.

On reaching Gagalot, park your vehicle and pay the entrance fee (PhP30.00) and parking fee (PhP40.00) then walk (on concrete pathway and steps) for a few hundred meters to get to the waterfall.

If you noticed, Tutubi is trying to finish all travel guides to interesting places in Laguna :P



Related Posts:
Hulugan Falls
Bunga Twin Falls
Laguna Waterfalls
Kalayaan Twin Falls
Pagsanjan Falls Travel Guide
Taytay Falls, Majayjay

Labels: Calabarzon, Laguna, Travel Guides, Waterfalls

Tutubi first read about this new cave when he read a news article about the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) which classified a certain Kwebang Puti in Cavinti, Laguna as Cave Class 1 but no information can be found online about it until news spread from Tutubi's friends in Paete, Laguna.

UPDATED: April 2014

Travel Guide: Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex

Tutubi knows how to get to Cavinti, either via public transportation or by private car, finding the site is not hard for him come his turn to actually visit the site. Other information will be posted once available and reviewed by his sources of information.

The poster of Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex, good there are people on the image to add scale

Travel Guide: Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex Tour in a nutshell:

1. Make a reservation for an entrance pass to the Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex by contacting Cavinti Tourism office. Email advance booking/reservations to this email address: lgucavinti@gmail.com
Reservations are limited to 10 persons per group. Contact number and official website will be posted once available.

2. Confirm your permit to tour Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex by getting your permit personally, though your authorized representative or package tour operator. You need to pay the entrance fee of PhP10.00/person (called environmental fee) Walk-in visitors are NOT guaranteed visitors entry permit. The visitors permit confirmation and payment can be paid at Cavinti Municipal Hall in weekdays and at Bumbungan Ecopark on weekends.

3. Go to Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex on your reserved date. Bring proper identification cards (school ID accepted)

4. Enjoy the tour but do observe the rules posted at the site particularly do not touch stalactites, stalagmites and columns inside the Cavinti caves

a giant stalactite of Kwebang Puti (stalactites hang from the ceiling, stalagmites are on the ground, and a column occurs when the cave roof and floor are joined together

The Laguna underground river has mini-waterfalls inside gushing with cold natural mineral water

How to Get to Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex

(Tutubi will create the map via OpenStreetMap once he gets to the place and will post waypoint/GPS coordinates later). An interactive map of Cavinti (helped updated by Tutubi with the cool guys of OpenStreetMap Philippines) can be found here where you can trace back to your origin and jump-off point.

How to Get to Cavinti, Laguna from Manila:

1.0 How to Commute by bus and jeepney

1.1 Commute to Sta. Cruz, Laguna by Bus
From Cubao Quezon City, take HM Transport or DLTB bus to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (Bus Fare via HM Transport is PhP148.50)

1.2 From Pasay, near LRT Gil Puyat station, take Green Star Express or DLTB bus to Sta. Cruz, Laguna
Bus fare:, travel time is around 3 hours. Bus fare via DLTB is PhP132.00 while via Green Star express is PhP140.50 (yes, DLTB is cheaper plus free Wi-fi Internet)

1.3 In Sta. Cruz, ride a jeepney to Cavinti and request the driver to drop you off at Bumbungan Eco-Park (fare is about PhP20.00, travel time about 40 minutes) which is near a bridge over Bumbungan River (the river that feeds Pagsanjan Falls)

2.0 Driving Directions to Cavinti, Laguna

from Quezon City, it's recommended to take the scenic Rizal route via Marcos Highway, Sumulong passing through the city of Antipolo, the Rizal towns of Teresa, Baras, Morong, Tanay, Pililla, and the Laguna towns of Mabitac, Famy, Siniloan, Pangil, Pakil, Paete, Kalayaan.

After passing by the elevated portion of Manila East Road in Kalayaan town, you will need to turn left and pass by Caliraya-Cavinti Road until you reach Bumbungan Eco-park. This route, from Trinoma, takes about 3 hours travel time.

From Makati or southern cities of Manila, take SLEx and exit at Calamba (toll fee: PhP218.00 class 1 vehicle), head towards SM City Calamba then turn right. Follow the highway passing through the towns of Los Banos, Bay, Calauan, Victoria, Pila, Sta. Cruz, Pagsanjan and Lumban. After passing Lumban Public Market (and a police checkpoint barrier), choose the right fork of the road going to Lake Caliraya. Continue until you reach Bumbungan EcoPark which is the jump-off point to Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex

as of posting time, Pagsanjan Bridge near Pagsanjan Municipal Hall is under construction, you need to take the alternate route to Cavinti via Lumban and Caliraya Lake thus the direction provided above.

3.0 To get to Cavinti Underground River and Caves Complex from Cavinti, you need to pay PhP1,000.00 fee (inclusive of transportation and lunch) you still need to ride a jeepney (rent one (rental rates vary but about PhP200.00/person) or drive to the caves if you're adventurous and have a 4x4 vehicle) for 14 kilometers on bumpy, dirt road then trek for 2 kilometers (about 30 minutes walk over a dirt road) to get to the actual newly-discovered cave. (this is already easy compared to the previous 4-5 hour trek when the dirt road was not there)

4.0 The final travel part of Cavinti spelunking adventure is a short bamboo raft ride (balsa) to cross the Lalangawan River to reach the cave entrance which is near the boundary of Cavinti, Laguna and Mauban, Quezon

Notes:

1. The road from Cavinti town proper going to the site is not paved, only 4x4 vehicles (for off-road) or jeepneys can traverse it.
2. Bring your own high powered flashlight or gas lamp as it's dark inside the caves
3. At present, this is still undeveloped, tourism facilities are inadequate, guides are ill-equipped, area is restricted to 50 tourists (non-Cavinti residents) but cave entrance fee is now at PhP1000.00/person with transportation and lunch
4. There's an underground river and waterfalls inside but most parts of the cave complex and chambers remain unexplored, wildlife (if there are animals, lizards, snakes, pythons, spiders) taking refuge inside not yet documented
4. There are hotels and resorts near Cavinti particularly Pagsanfalls resorts or resorts in Lake Caliraya for you to spend the night, wash yourself or overnight accommodations.
5. You can take a swim in the Lalangawan River with cold mountain water and huge rocks and boulders

This will be updated from time to time to remain fresh and current. Tutubi's planned tour of this new "place to see in Laguna" last April 20 didn't push through due to the new rule on reservation and with fully-booked place for tour bookings.

Labels: Calabarzon, Caves, Ecotourism, Laguna, Spelunking, Travel Guides

A never-ending question how to get to NAIA Terminal 1 and NAIA Terminal 2 by public transportation, particularly commuting from EDSA by bus (yes, some people still prefer to take the slow bus) or the alternative way out of NAIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 if there are no airport taxi in sight.

The recommended option to get to Manila Airport Terminal 1 and 2, for those with very limited budget and the cheapest way to get there, is via the bus on EDSA with signboard MIA 611 Tambo which can be found even from Monumento end of EDSA in Caloocan City.

For reference, please click this map centered on EDSA Ayala Avenue and Magallanes. The map shown below, taken from OpenStreetMap, shows NAIA Terminal 1 (left) and NAIA Terminal 2 (right corner) and roads linking them to Roxas Blvd and EDSA. This same map can be browsed interactively here

Map of Manila Airport's NAIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 showing the main roads going there. Note that there's no MMDA number coding on these major roads too.

MIA 611 Tambo Bus route from EDSA Ayala Avenue:

These buses cross Pasay Road
Cross Magallanes (Pasong Tamo extension)
Cross Taft Avenue (Pasay Rotonda)
Cross Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard (Macapagal Avenue)
Go around SM Mall of Asia Globe (Rotonda)
Right Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard (Macapagal Avenue)
Right Seaside Drive
Cross Roxas Boulevard to NAIA Road (formerly MIA Road)
Cross Quirino Avenue
Cross Domestic Road [Old Nayong Pilipino]
Detour NAIA Terminal 1
Return to NAIA Road (MIA Road)
Left to Ninoy Aquino Avenue
Detour NAIA Terminal 2
Return to to Ninoy Aquino Avenue
Left NAIA Road (formerly MIA Road)
Cross Domestic road, Tambo Bridge and Quirino Avenue
Right Roxas Boulevard
Pass Redemptorist Road and Baclaran Church (National Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help)
Right to EDSA towards return destination

From Quezon City, it's best to just take the LRT (via LRT EDSA Station) or the MRT (via MRT Taft Avenue Station) then ride a bus
with signboard MIA 611 Tambo

Getting Out of NAIA Terminal 1 and NAIA Terminal 2:

From the arrival gates, you need to walk to the road where the buses are waiting for passengers. There are direction signs posted at the gates and you can always ask the security guards or information counters at Manila Airport lounges.

These buses will take you to several bus stations on EDSA, Taft, Rotonda including Victory Liner (on other side of EDSA, you need to cross a pedestrian bridge near EDSA Tramo (Aurora Boulevard), these buses go to Olongapo City, Zambales, Baguio City), best to take a taxi going there from Manila Airport terminal), DLTB (Batangas City), Five Star, Philtranco (Bicol routes), Dimple Star, Alfonso Liner, Gold Line Transit, Genesis Transport, Celyrosa, Ceres Transport,

If you're going to to get to Manila South Harbor (South Pier 15, SuperFerrry or 2Go ferry) or Manila North Harbor (North Pier 2, 4, 6, 8, etc, Romblon Shipping Lines, Negros Navigation etc) , you can ride the bus back to EDSA and alight at LRT Taft Avenue. Ride the LRT up to Carried Station then transfer to a jeep with signboard Pier. It will drop you near the gate of Manila South Harbor.

Note:

for those with private cars looking for driving directions, there's no MMDA number coding on the roads around the NAIA terminals including: NAIA Road, Domestic road, Andrews Avenue, Sales Street, Coastal Road.

Overnight Parking rates at NAIA Terminal 1 and NAIA Terminal 2 is still PhP50.00. Day parking rates cost PhP35.00

Related Posts on Manila Airport:
How to Get to Manila Airport
How to Get to NAIA Terminal 3
Hotels Near Manila Airport
Manila Airport Transfer

Labels: Airports, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Travel Guides

Laguna is Tutubi's home province, and here's all that he knows about jeepney and bus routes to help you with the question "How to get to Laguna" and getting around Laguna in jeepneys. Note the map of Laguna is updated by Tutubi regularly, together with the cool guys of Open Street Map Philippines so you won't really get lost: just take note of the jeepney signboards.

Should you need driving directions, it's mostly via SLEx or Manila East Road from Pasig, just leave a comment

Future updates will include street route maps

Laguna Tourist Spots/Attractions/Places to See in Laguna:

Sta. Maria: Three Sisters Falls
Mabitac: Mabitac Church, Battle of Mabitac Marker
Famy/Siniloan: numerous waterfalls (Buruwisan, Batya-batya, Sampaloc Falls)
Pangil: Panguil River Eco-park, Hidden Falls, Ambon-ambon Falls
Pakil: Pakil Church, Turumba Springs Swimming Pool, Mt. Ping-as
Paete: Wood carving shops, Tatlong Krus, Paete Church, Talon (Matabunka falls)
Kalayaan: Twin Falls, Longos Church (San Juan Bautista)
Lumban: barong Weavers, Lumban Church
Pagsanjan: Pagsanjan Falls (boatride)
Sta. Cruz: Kesong Puti, Sta. Cruz Church
Magdalena: Magdalena Church
Liliw: tsinelas and shoes, Liliw Church
Nagcarlan: Underground Cemetery, Nagcarlan Church, Bunga Falls
Majayjay: Taytay Falls, Majayjay Church
Luisiana: numerous waterfalls, Luisiana Church
Cavinti: Japanese Garden, Lake Caliraya (shared with Lumban and Kalayaan), Lake Lumot, Magdapio Falls, Laguna Underground River, Bumbungan Eco-Park, Cavinti Church
Calauan: pineapples (pinya), Isdaan
Rizal: Tayak Hill (historic landing point during World War 2)
San Pablo: City of Seven Lakes, San Pablo Cathedral
Pila: old heritage houses, Pila Church
Victoria: kinulob na itik,
Bay: Bay Church, monay
Los Banos: Dampalit falls, UPLB, IRRI, Homma-Yamashita execution site
Calamba: Jose Rizal Shrine, largest Rizal monument,
Cabuyao
Sta. Rosa
Binan: puto Binan
San Pedro:


Siniloan Jeepney Routes: the northernmost transport hub with transport terminal at Siniloan Public Market (click street map here.

Siniloan - Tanay (Rizal): these jeepneys will take you through Manila East Road the Rizal towns of Pililla up to Tanay Public Market where the central terminal is located. (In Tanay, you can take jeepneys or shuttle/vans/fx to EDSA Central, or Starmall on EDSA, Crossing, Mandaluyong City. You can also take RRCG air-conditioned buses here)

Siniloan - Famy: short jeepney route to take you to neighboring Famy town. (note: Raymond Transportation plies the Manila-Real Infanta, Quezon bus route that pass by Famy town (highway near Famy Public Market) in addition to the Lucena - Infanta bus of AH Transport)

Siniloan - Mabitac: short jeepney route to take you to neighboring town of Mabitac (where you can see the old Church of Mabitac on a hilltop (Nuestra Senora de Candelaria) and the Battle of Mabitac marker

Siniloan - Sta. Maria: short jeepney ride to Sta. Maria town

Siniloan - Sta. Cruz: jeepney route that will pass by Pangil town proper, Balian (part of Pangil) Pakil (Pakil Church, municipal hall, Turumba swimming pool), Paete, Kalayaan (where you need to inform driver you're going to Longos loob or Kalayaan town proper (San Juan loob) when most drivers choose highway), Lumban (where the barong shops and barong eavers call home), Pagsanjan (near many Pagsanjan Falls resorts), Pagsawitan (part of Pagsanjan where you can ride HM Transport to EDSA, Cubao; Green Star Express buses to LRT/Taft in Pasay or HM Liner ordinary buses to Alabang, Muntinlupa; or DLTB buses to LRT/Taft or EDSA, Cubao), Laguna Provincial Capitol (on Pedro Guevarra St.) up to Sta. Cruz Public Market where most jeepney terminals are located. (Siniloan - paete jeepney fare: PhP15.00 travel time around 30 minutes)

Pagsanjan Jeepney GTExpress, Shuttle Service/FX Terminal

There is the terminal of jumbo jeepney plying the Pagsanjan - Tayabas - Lucban - Lucena route near the Pagsanjan town plaza, Pagsanjan Church (Our Lady of Guadalupe)
and Pagsanjan Municipal hall (munisipyo)

there's a jeepney terminal plying the Pagsanjan - Calamba route near GSIS Pagsanjan and Pagsanjan Public Market (Jollibee Pagsanjan in an area called Sambat by locals). The jeepney passes by only on the highway of Pagsanjan, Sta. Cruz (another Sambat junction), Sunstar Mall, Labuin, Pila, Calauan (Isdaan), Bay (Kamayan sa Palaisdaan, Victoria (Balite, Masapang), Los Banos (UP Open University, UPLB (college), Calamba (Maahas, Pansol, Halang, Calamba Crossing (SM City Calamba and Calamba Jeepney terminal)

Sta. Cruz Jeepney Routes: transport terminals scattered around Sta. Cruz Public Market (Click here for the map)

Buses to Sta. Cruz from Manila:
HM Transport to EDSA, Cubao;
Green Star Express buses to LRT/Taft in Pasay
HM Liner ordinary buses to Alabang, Muntinlupa
DLTB buses to LRT/Taft or EDSA, Cubao)

Note: DLTB bus serves the Buendia to Sta. Maria, Laguna twice daily at 4pm and 6pm trip schedules to pass by Calamba, Los Banos, Bay, Calauan, Victoria, Pila, Sta. Cruz, Pagsanjan, and the highways of Lumban, Kalayaan, Paete, Pakil, Pangil, Siniloan, Famy, Mabitac, Sta. Maria. Same bus routes leave Sta. Maria town at 4am and 6am daily going to Taft/LRT/Buendia

Sta. Cruz- Liliw: these jeepeneys take you to Pagsawitan, Pansanjan (Sambat (landmarks:Jollibee, Pagsanjan Public Market, GSIS) only not Pagsanjan town proper)), and the towns of Magdalena and Liliw (Gat Tayaw Tsinelas street, Liliw Church and town plaza)

Sta. Cruz - Nagcarlan these jeepeneys take you to Pagsawitan, Pansanjan (Sambat only not Pagsanjan town proper), and the towns of Magdalena and Liliw (Gat Tayaw Tsinelas street, Liliw Church and town plaza) and to Nagcarlan Church and Public Market.

Sta. Cruz - Paete: these jeepneys can take you to Pagsawitan, Pagsanjan, Lumban, Kalayaa, Longos, Paete. They have their terminal in Paete's Plaza Edesan on J.P. Rizal St where many handicrafts and wood crafts and wood carving shops conduct business Sta. Cruz to Paete jeepney fare: PhP30.00 (approximately)

Sta. Cruz - Lumban: these jeepneys will take you to Pagsanjan, and Lumban Town proper and Lumban Church up to their terminal at Lumban Public Market

Sta - Cruz - Pagsanjan: Short jeepney route to Pagsanjan that turn right (when most jeepneys turn left) after Pagsanjan Catholic Church, and town hall, Aling Taleng's halo-halo, and turns left again going to many Pagsanjan Falls Resorts. Fare: Minimum fare (approximate)

Sta. Cruz - Siniloan: from Sta. Cruz Public Market, pass by Sta. Cruz Catholic Church, Sta. Cruz Town Hall, Laguna Provincial Capitol, Laguna Provincial Hospital, Pagsawitan, Pagsanjan, Lumban, Kalayaan (Barangay San Juan and Longos) Paete, Pakil, Balian, Pangil, and Siniloan (Siniloan Church, plaza, town hall and terminal at Siniloan Public Market). jeepney fare: PhP50.00 (approximately)

Sta. Cruz - Victoria: the only jeepney route that will take you to Victoria town proper (where most jeepneys pass by the highway in the area called Balite, where most stores selling Kinulob na Itik, itlog na maalat, balut, penoy at farm prices are located.

Sta. Cruz - Calamba: from Sta. Cruz Public Market, pass by Sta. Cruz Municipal Hall and town plaza, right to the barangay where lots of Kesong Puti factories are present, right to the national highway in Sambat, pass by Sunstar Mall, Pila (Labuin, and town proper), Bay town proper, Victoria

Sta. Cruz - San Pablo: these jeepneys can take you to Pila poblacion, Victoria (highway only in the aread called Balite by locals), Masapang (part of Victoria where the giant duck statues are located (where the Amazing Race 5 contestants visited), the town center of Calauan and finally San Pablo City

Sta. Cruz - Cavinti: here jeepneys will pass by Pagsanjan (Pagsawitan, Sambat), and Cavinti

Sta. Cruz - Luisiana: these jeepneys will pass by Pagsanjan, Cavinti and Luisiana

Sta. Cruz - Majayjay: these jeepneys will pass by Pagsanjan (Pagsawitan and Sambat only), Magdalena, and Majayjay

Sta. Cruz - Lumot: the only jeepneys that pass by Lake Caliraya and Lake Lumot via Pagsanjan, and Lumban (including the so called Magnetic Hill near kilometer 98)

Sta. Cruz - Calumpang: short jeepney ride to Calumpang town with jeepney terminal at the corner of Quezon Avenue and Manila East Road (the area also called Sambat (means Junction in Tagalog)). They can take you to the road near Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) and San Luis Sports Complex (though it's better to just take a tricycle here from Sambat)

Sta. Cruz - Lucena: jumbo jeepneys that pass by Pagsanjan, Cavinti, Luisiana, and the Quezon towns of Tayabas, Lucban and Lucena City

Calamba Jeepney Routes: Map of jeepney terminal is available here. there's also the SM City Calamba jeepney terminal. This is a tricycle ride away from Rizal Shrine

Calamba - Sta. Cruz: follows the same route described in Sta. Cruz - Calamba above but in reverse order

Calamba - Balibago, Sta. Rosa: these jeepneys pass by Cabuyao then has a terminal in Barangay Balibago, Sta. Rosa (where you can ride buses back to Manila or jeepneys to Tagaytay)

Calamba - Tanauan - Lipa (Batangas): these jeepneys pass by barangay Turbina where there are buses going to Quezon, Bicol (Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon) even Ro-ro buses to Visayas and Mindanao; Sto. Tomas, Tanauan, Malvar, Lipa City

Calamba - UPLB: the jeepney route that can take you to the University of The Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) campus from Calamba jeepney terminal pass by the highway then turn right to the area called college by locals (landmarks: Jollibee, Mang Inasal, Mercury Drug (there's also HealthServ Medical Center nearby). This jeep also can take you to Bagong Kalsada, Camp Eldridge, Orient D'Original Buco Pie and Olivares Plaza from Calamba.

(these lists for San Pedro, San Pablo and Sta. Rosa are not complete as Tutubi only noted what he saw there during his not too many trips there)

San Pedro Jeepney Routes

Pacita - Balibago, Sta. Rosa: from San Pedro to Binan then Sta Rosa

San Pedro - Alabang, Muntinlupa: from San Pedro bayan to Alabang (terminal in front of Starmall Alabang (formerly Metropolis)

Langgam - Alabang Muntinlupa: from Langgam to Alabang (terminal in front of Starmall Alabang (formerly Metropolis)

San Pedro - Calamba: via SLEx Mayapa exit

San Pablo Jeepney Routes: can be best visited from Manila via buses going to Lucena City or even those going to Bicol

San Pablo - Sta. Cruz: these jeepneys follow the same route described in Sta. Cruz - San Pablo in reverse order

San Pablo - Tanauan (Batangas): these jeepneys will take you to Alaminos, then the Batangas town of Sto. Tomas and Tanauan (terminal near Tanauan Public Market)

San Pablo - Candelaria (Quezon): pass through the Quezon towns of Tiaong and Candelaria

San Pablo - Liliw: these jeepneys pass through the jump-off points to five of San Pablo City Seven lakes (lake calibato, Lake Yambo, the pristine Lake Pandin, Bunot Lake and the largest of the seven lakes, Lake Sampaloc), the little known town of Rizal (where there's a barangay Antipolo), the town of Nagcarlan (where the old church of Nagcarlan and nagcarlan Underground Cemetery are located), and finally in Liliw (where the shoes and tsinelas of Gat Tayaw Street, and the old church of Liliw made of red bricks can be found),

Sta. Rosa Jeepney Routes: terminal located in Balibago thus it's called Balibago Transport terminal

Sta. Rosa - Tagaytay: passes by Sta - Rosa Tagaytay Road passing by roads leading to Enchanted Kingdom, Paseo de Sta Rosa, parts of Silang town of cavite, Tagaytay Market (near Rowenas) then turn right on the junction (landmark: Tagaytay Econo Inn), up to Tagaytay Rotonda

NOTE: This is a work actually in progress long saved in Tutubi's Drafts folder. But instead of it not completed, readers and blog visitors can leave comments so as to complete it and weed out errors. an online route map will be added here in the future but not soon :P

you may be looking for:
How to get to Sta. Maria, How to get to Mabitac, How to get to Famy, How to get to Siniloan, How to get to Pangil,
How to get to Pakil, How to get to Paete Laguna How to get to Kalayaan, How to get to Lumban, How to get to Pagsanjan, How to get to Sta. Cruz, How to get to Magdalena, How to get to Liliw, How to get to Nagcarlan, How to get to Majayjay, How to get to Luisiana, How to get to Cavinti, How to get to Calauan, How to get to Rizal, Laguna, How to get to San Pablo City of Seven Lakes, How to get to Pila, How to get to Victoria, How to get to Bay, How to get to Los Banos, How to get to Calamba, How to get to Cabuyao, How to get to Sta. Rosa, How to get to Binan, How to get to San Pedro, How to get to Canlubang, Calamba

Labels: Laguna, Public Transportation, Travel Guides

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
Dauis Church
Dimiao Church and Ermita Ruins
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

(UPDATED April 2013)

Yes, Boracay, the "Best Beach in the World" for party people of the "pilipins." Too many options to get to the famous white beach yet not much updated information on the best, fastest or cheapest or alternative ways to answer the question "how much does it take to get to Boracay?"

Long stored on his drafts posts, this is Tutubi's attempt at documenting verified options and routes to choose from on "how to get to Boracay" if you're from Batanes, to the east from Samar, Leyte and down south from CDO, Butuan, Zamboanga or Davao.

Boracay's iconic Grotto or Willy's rock: the famous landmark at Station 1

Boracay Budget Travel Guide

How to get to Boracay: The Basics for Newbies/Beginners and Dummies

The easiest and fastest way to get to Boracay is to book a flight to Caticlan Airport though it can only handle small propeller planes due to the short runway. The alternative airport is Kalibo Airport which can handle jumbo jets and international flights but is at least 1.5 hours away. (see below for the applicable fares and fees table)

From Caticlan Airport, you need to ride a tricycle to get to Caticlan jetty port then a banca/fastcraft to Cagban Jetty Port (about 15 minutes travel time) on Boracay Island then another tricycle to your beach resort or accommodations.

From Kalibo Airport, you need to ride a shuttle van (fare: PhP200.00, travel time about 1.5 hours) or bus (Ceres Liner, GM Bus, Southwest Tours, Star Express and 7107 Island Tours) to take you to Caticlan Jetty Port, ride a banca (motorized outrigger boat for about 15 minutes) or fastcraft then a tricycle to your resort or accommodations. (see below for the applicable fares and fees table)

The easiest way to get to Boracay, not the backpacking, budget-conscious way, is to book a boracay package to have all the work cut out for you. Not for adventurous souls though.

How to get to Boracay by Air:

Flights to Boracay via Caticlan Airport (now Godofredo P. Ramos National Airport)

Cebu Pacific ATR 72-500 turboprop plane at Caticlan Airport


Manila to Caticlan Flights (direct flights to Boracay)

Cebu Pacific:
SEAIR
PAL Express (book via PAL website)
Interisland Airlines: special flights only, chartered planes service available

Cebu to Caticlan Flights:

SEAIR
Cebu Pacific Air
PAL Express

Clark Airport to Caticlan Flights:

Cebu Pacific Air
SEAIR
AirAsia Philippines

How to get to Boracay from Kalibo Airport

Flights to Kalibo are cheaper than direct flights to Caticlan Airport

First you book a flight to Kalibo Airport then take a bus or van (right outside Kalibo Airport). Additional 1.5 hours travel time plus PhP200.00 bus fare but significant savings in airfare via Kalibo.

Manila to Kalibo flights are served by the following airlines

Philippine Airlines
Cebu Pacific
ZestAir (Zest Airways)

Davao to Kalibo Flights

Cebu Pacific

Note: Kalibo Airport to Caticlan Bus Fare: PhP200.00 (Travel time around 1.5 hours)

International Flights to Kalibo Airport (direct foreign flights to Caticlan Airport)

ZestAir flies from Kalibo to Incheon, South Korea
ZestAir flies from Kalibo to Pusan, South Korea
ZestAir flies from Kalibo to Shanghai, China
ZestAir flies from Kalibo to Taipei, Taiwan

Chartered flights to Boracay:

If you're quite a big group and from a city with no direct flights to Caticlan or Kalibo, you can inquire about chartered flights to Boracay from Interisland Airlines. It may not be cheaper but guaranteed faster
with no stop-over in Cebu or Manila.

Ferry to Boracay from Manila:

Romblon Shipping Lines (operated by the owners of the defunct MBRS Shipping Lines) operates a ferry boat to Boracay from Pier 8 of Manila North Harbor. Regular ferry fare from Manila to Caticlan is PhP1050.00 (economy). Call these telephone numbers: +63.2.243.5886; +63.2.244.4497; +63.2.244.0619

Ferry to Caticlan from Roxas, Oriental Mindoro:

Ferry Companies serving the Roxas, Oriental Mindoro to Caticlan ferry route

Montenegro Shipping Lines, Inc.
Ferry fare is PhP460.00 (economy)
Contact Number:
Batangas: +63.43.723.8294
Caticlan: +63.36.288.7373

Starlite Ferries serves Roxas
Ferry fare: PhP400.00
Roxas: +63.921.463.8989
Caticlan: +63.36.288.7495

Ferry to Boracay from Batangas Pier

2Go Travel Ferry's St. Ignatius of Loyola sails six times a week from Tuesday to Sunday at 9pm from Port of Batangas and arrives at Caticlan Jetty Port the following day at 6am. 2Go Travel is now the operator of Negros Navigation, SuperFerry, SuperCat and Cebu Ferries. They also serve the Caticlan-Odiongan, Romblon route. Batangas to Caticlan ferry fare is PhP875.59. You may call 2Go Travel hotline at +63.2.528.7000

Ferry from Manila to Kalibo:

Tutubi boarded an overnight ferry to Kalibo with a college friend to take part in the Ati-atihan Festival in 2004. No updated information though on ferries plying this route.

SuperFerry and Negros Navigation don't list Kalibo on their destinations list, the closest port is Iloilo.

Cebu Ferries don't have trips even to Iloilo pier.

Manila to Boracay via RO-RO (Roll-on Roll-off):

the cheapest way to to go Boracay Island (if you have lots of time to spare)

It's 2 hour bus ride to Batangas port plus 3 hours RORO to Calapan, Mindoro plus another 3 hour land travel to the port of Roxas, Mindoro then a 5 hour RORO to Caticlan port.

RORO buses to Boracay (contact numbers and trip schedules verified):

Philtranco bus to Boracay near Caticlan Jetty Port

Philtranco +63.2.851.8077, +63.2.851.8079 (Cubao to Caticlan)
Bachelor Express +63.2.731.7287 RORO bus fare: PhP945.00 one way

Dimple Star Transit +63.2.862.3075 (Ali Mall, Cubao and Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Mindoro)
Fare: PhP1030.00 (Cubao to Caticlan, one-way, air-con bus)
Roro bus schedule: daily trips to Caticlan via Batangas Pier and Mindoro

Rodastco Vans to Roxas City (Capiz) (contact number +63.2.732.6891);
They only ply the route Manila to Roxas with daily trips to Roxas at 8pm (fare: PhP700.00) from their terminal on southbound Espana corner Antipolo (near the PNR Espana station) in Sampaloc, Manila. From Roxas City, you need to ride another van to Caticlan.

How to Get to Boracay from Iloilo

Buses From Iloilo to Caticlan are serviced by GM Liner and Ceres Liner.

How to Get to Boracay from Bacolod:

Take the Bacolod to Iloilo ferry (Oceanjet, Weesam Express et al) then ride the bus to Caticlan from Iloilo.

How to Get to Boracay from Davao City:

You can fly from Davao to Iloilo via Cebu Pacific then take the bus to Caticlan

Boracay From Cagayan de Oro (CDO):

1. Book a flight from CDO to Manila/Cebu then Manila/Cebu to Boracay (either Kalibo or Caticlan
2. Board a Ferry from CDO to Iloilo then take a bus to Caticlan

How to Get to Boracay From Tacloban:

Book a flight to Cebu to Tacloban then a connecting flight to Caticlan or Kalibo.

Fees and Fares for Boracay budget purposes and accounting:


Going to Boracay fees and fares:

Cheap flights to Boracay are available during promo period/sale of airline tickets

Manila Airport Terminal Fee (NAIA): PhP200.00 (now included in plane ticket)
Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal Fee: PhP200.00 (now included in plane ticket)

Tricycle Fare from Caticlan airport to Tabon Port (Caticlan): PhP100.00/person
Environmental Fee: PhP75.00/person
Tabon Jetty Port Terminal Fee (Caticlan Port): PhP50.00
Ferry/Fast Craft fare from Tabon to Boracay Port: PhP30.00/head
Boat fare from Tabon to Boracay Port: PhP15.00/head

Fast craft ferries are faster than outrigger boats but wait for passengers unlike native bancas. Trip to cross to Boracay Island is about 20 to 15 minutes only

Bus Fare from Iloilo to Boracay: PhP325.00
Travel time: around 6 hours


Getting Around Boracay Fees and Fares:

Tricycles: PhP10.00 minimum fare
Boracay Island Tour with Tricycle: PhP200.00/hour (negotiable)
Diniwid Beach to D'Talipapa fare: PhP100.00 (if trike is on queue)
D'Talipapa to Bulabog Beach Tricycle Fare: PhP20.00/head
ATV rental rates: PhP3500.00/hour (varies, ATV rental shops near Fairways and Bluewater in Barangay Yapak)
Island-hopping rates: prices vary, negotiable


Getting Out of Boracay Fares and Fees:

Tricycle Fare from White Beach to Boracay Port (Ferry terminal): PhP100.00
Tambisaan Jetty Port Terminal Fee: PhP50.00/head
Ferry ride to Caticlan Port (Tabon Port): PhP30.00
Cheaper boat ride (banca ride, outrigger boat): PhP15.00
Tricycle ride to Caticlan Airport: PhP100.00
Caticlan Airport Terminal Fee: PhP200.00

Boracay Tricycle minimum fare: PhP10.00

Fares and fees varies, sometimes you can haggle with tricycle drivers for cheap rates.

Important Telephone Numbers (for inquiries or in case of emergency)
Cagban Jetty Port: +63.36.288.7419
Boracay Police Station: +63.36.288.3066
Boracay Hospital: +63.36.288.3041
Boracay Coast Guard Station: +63.36.288.3486; +63.36.288.6150

UPDATED: April 2013

Related Posts on Boracay:
Things to do on Boracay Island
Cheap Boracay Package Tour
Boracay Kitesurfing,
Boracay Courtyard Review
how to commute to boracay on a shoestring budget

Labels: Aklan, Boracay, Travel Guides, Western Visayas

(this is the old post)

you can find the latest one How to Get to Tagaytay


One of the most recurring questions thrown at Tutubi by his friends is how to get to Tagaytay by commuting i.e. using public transportation. He entertains most queries but this time, he'll just refer his friends here for the information.

UPDATED September 2017

Before giving directions to Tagaytay, did you know the origin of Tagaytay's name? Tagaytay is actually an old Tagalog word for ridge, being a place on a ridge of an ancient caldera, similar to Taytay town in Rizal province that also sits on a ridge. Should you know anyone living in Tagaytay such a government official, please inform him/her that the Tagaytay legend of the "taga, Itay" is just not true and unfounded, something the people of Tagaytay falsely celebrate with a re-enactment during the Araw ng Tagaytay celebration on June 21.

Tagaytay's primary tourist attraction is Taal Volcano, the smallest volcano in the world, besides its cold weather that appeals to Manila denizens escaping the searing summer sun


How to get to Tagaytay:

For a detailed street map of Tagaytay, please visit OpenStreetMap by clicking here. Map is centered on Tagaytay Rotonda.

The Ninoy Aquino Monument at Tagaytay Rotonda, the most recognizable of Tagaytay's landmarks, is surrounded by BPI, Chowking, Mang Inasal

Driving directions to Tagaytay for those with private cars, vans or taxi cabs:

Option 1: via SLEX Sta. Rosa Exit, the most popular and easiest, is a straight drive all the way to Tagaytay Public Market (and right smack into Tagaytay Econo Inn) where you turn right going to Tagaytay city proper and Nasugbu/Balayan/Lemery Batangas or left going to People's Park in the Sky. Usual travel time from Makati CBD is just around one hour (except CBD traffic).

Option 2: via SLEX Eton Exit (recommended for weekends to avoid traffic in Nuvali, Solenad and Paseo de Sta. Rosa) turn right to Greenfield Parkway (pass by Riverbend and Pramana Residential Park), on to United Boulevard (pass FortMED and South Luzon Hospital and Medical Center, Paseo Premier Hotel) right to Laguna Boulevard then left to Sta. Rosa - Tagaytay Road to reach Tagaytay

Option 3: SLEX Greenfields Exit, an alternate route to Tagaytay that pass by Pramana, Nuvali, Eton City and Paseo de Sta. Rosa, ideal to avoid traffic buildup on Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay National Road

Option 4: SLEX Southwoods exit then Governor's Drive in Carmona going to Dasmarinas. Turn left on Maguyam Road just before the Shell Station to your left.

Option 5: via Aguinaldo Highway: Roxas Boulevard, Baclaran, Coastal Road, Bacoor, Imus, Dasmarinas via Aguinaldo Highway. Not recommended due to presence of heavy traffic made worse by SM Dasmarinas and Robinsons Palapala. At the end of Aguinaldo Highway is the Tagaytay Rotonda (roundabout) where a statue of Ninoy Aquino, a BPI with ATM, Days Inn, Max's Restaurant and 7-Eleven store as landmarks.

Option 6: Another route for the adventurous to Tagaytay is via Daang Hari that passes by Molino, Bacoor, Imus, Dasmarinas and Silang. It bypasses the traffic chokepoint of Bacoor rotonda but not SM Dasma and Robinsons.

Option 7: From Sto. Tomas, Batangas via StarToll in going to Lipa City, take Sambat exit and follow the national road to Talisay then go up Ligaya Drive, the zigzag road to Tagaytay (sometimes called Bitukang Manok, not for the faint of heart and newbie drivers)

Note: If you're a foreigner, you can hire vans to get there or an airport taxi. Some taxi drivers charge a fixed rate or double the meter fare plus toll fees. Taxi rates to Tagaytay from the airport is approximately PhP3,000.00 (depends on your haggling skill)

Tagaytay Skyranch's SkyEye: the giant ferris wheel in Tagaytay next to Taal Vista Hotel

How to Commute to Tagaytay: Buses, Fx, Vans, Jeepneys

This is a backpacking blog so backpacking Tagaytay should really mean taking public transportation :P

If you're going to Tagaytay via public transportation, request the driver to drop you off at your destination if along the way or at Tagaytay Rotonda (landmarks: Ninoy Aquino monument, BPI, Max's, 7-Eleven) where you can ride jeepneys or tricycle to your target place.

From Manila Airport to Tagaytay

From NAIA Terminal 1 or NAIA Terminal 2, walk outside the terminal from arrival gate and take the bus going to EDSA to Uniwide Coastal Mall (MMDA Southwest Integrated Bus Terminal) where you need to ride the bus going to Lemery, Lian, Nasugbu, Calatagan or DLTB/Crow Transit and alight in Tagaytay (Fare is around PhP80.00)

From NAIA Terminal 3 (serving flights from Cebu Pacific, PAL Express and some Philippine Airlines domestic flights), exit the gate cross Andrews Avenue. Look for jeepneys with signboard Pasay Taft Rotonda then alight at Rotonda (landmarks McDonalds and Sogo Hotel). At Rotonda, ride buses with signboard MIA to take you to Uniwide Coastal Mall (MMDA Southwest Integrated Bus Terminal) where you take bus to Tagaytay (Fare is around PhP80.00)

From NAIA Terminal 4 (old Manila Domestic Airport terminal serving as terminal for AirAsia Zest, SEAir), take a taxi to Uniwide Coastal Mall (MMDA Southwest Integrated Bus Terminal) where you take the the bus going to Lemery, Lian or Nasugbu or DLTB/Crow Transit and alight in Tagaytay (Fare is around PhP80.00)

Alternatively, hire a taxi to take you directly to Tagaytay (around PhP3,500.00) or get the services of car-for-hire

From Mandaluyong to Tagaytay: Ride vans (V-Hires) bound for Lemery, Batangas via Tagaytay in front of Starmall at the corner of EDSA and Shaw Boulevard (walking distance from MRT Shaw Boulevard station). Fare is around PhP200.00 as you need to pay for the trip all the way to Batangas (derecho)

from Navotas bus terminal via Malabon, Caloocan City, Quezon City via EDSA, Jasper Jean bus plies the Navotas to Pala-pala, Dasmarinas, Cavite route and pass by EDSA. (Those buses usually park to the detriment of other drivers) in front of Highway 54, Meralco Sub-station). In Dasmarinas, transfer to jeepneys going to Mendez, Cavite that pass by Tagaytay.

From Cubao, Quezon City (can be via MRT Cubao Araneta Center Station or LRT 2 Cubao Station): ride buses going to Nasugbu, Lemery or Calatagan at Araneta Center Terminal in front of Ali Mall e.g. San Agustin bus to Tagaytay. San Agustin Bus terminal also shared with Philtranco and Amihan bus lines on EDSA near MRT Araneta Center-Cubao station (Piltranco Alibangbang)

From LRT Gil Puyat Station (Buendia): Buses going to Nasugbu, Balayan and Lemery, Batangas (e.g. DLTB and Jam Transit) will pass Tagaytay (Fare: PhP83.00). Shuttle service (vans, FX, V-Hires) in front of EGI Mall (Jollibee) at the corner of Taft Avenue and Sen. Gil Puyat Ave (Buendia) going to Nasugbu, Balayan and Lemery, Batangas that all pass by Tagaytay but you need to pay a "derecho" fare of PhP180.00

From Ayala Avenue, Makati: Erjohn & Almark, Arbiel Bus Line and Ferdinand Liner serve the Tagaytay - Ayala route. They pass via Buendia from Coastal Road,right to Ayala Avenue right to EDSA then left to Roxas Boulevard, Coastal Road then Aguinaldo Highway up to Tagaytay. On the return route, it's Aguinaldo Highway, Coastal Road, right to Buendia (Gil Puyat) then Ayala. Fare is around PhP100.00

Shuttle service (vans, FX, V-Hires) going to Nasugbu, Balayan and Lemery on Zamora Street near Metropoint mall and behind Kabayan Hotel near the corner of EDSA and Taft Avenue (accessible from LRT EDSA Station or MRT Taft Avenue station (EDSA Rotonda). Current fare is PhP180.00 (regardless of where you're going since it's a derecho trip). Travel time to Tagaytay from Pasay is around one hour and fifteen minutes.

From Alabang, Muntinlupa: ride the van/fx at the terminal at the corner of SLEX and Alabang-Zapote Road, Filinvest Festival Mall, or still another at Starmall (formerly Metropolis Mall Alabang)

From Laguna to Tagaytay: In Pagsanjan Public Market, there are vans/fx/V-Hires going to Palapala in Dasmarinas Cavite. On reaching Pala-pala transport terminal (near Robinsons Dasmarinas and SM Dasma), transfer to a bus going to Tagaytay where it's less than an hour away.

Calamba to Tagaytay: ride shuttle service at the public market beside Waltermart Calamba or at the Calamba Central Terminal. Cheaper alternative, ride a jeepney going to Balibago complex in Sta. Rosa then transfer to Tagaytay-bound jeepneys.

Balibago to Tagaytay Public Market: Regular jeepneys plying the route to/from Balibago Transport terminal in Sta. Rosa Laguna to Tagaytay Public Market route.

Buses to Tagaytay: Route and Bus Fare

ALl buses to Tagaytay now stop at Uniwide Coastal Mall (MMDA Southwest Integrated Bus Terminal)

Bus Fare to Tagaytay Rotonda from Uniwide Coastal Mall (MMDA Southwest Integrated Bus Terminal): around PhP80.00. Travel time is around one hour and thirty minutes

JAM Transit has trips to Tagaytay, Balayan, Batangas, Lemery. Jam Transit terminal is at Taft Avenue corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue accessible from LRT Buendia station. Fare: PhP83.00

Crow Transit, Erjohn & Almark and Genesis have bus terminals at the corner Taft Ave & EDSA, behind Sogo Hotel and McDonalds, right below MRT Taft Avenue station and walking distance from LRT EDSA station. They have buses to Nasugbu/Calatagan/Balayan in Batangas or Alfonso, Cavite in regular schedules.

DLTB (Del Monte Land Transport Company) with bus terminal on EDSA, Malibay, Pasay City has buses every 15 minutes to Nasugbu, Balayan, or Calatagan Batangas that pass by Tagaytay. Bus Fare to Tagaytay: PhP83.00 (Baclaran to Tagaytay bus fare: PhP80.00)

Kirby Bus to Tagaytay from Lawton

San Agustin bus with signboard "Mendez-Tagaytay" from Harrison Plaza on Vito Cruz (Pablo Ocampo) or Araneta Center Bus terminal Baclaran (bus fare from Cubao is PhP114.00 travel time is around 3 hours) pass by Roxas Boulevard, Coastal Road, Aguinaldo Highway to the towns of Bacoor, Imus, Dasmarinas and Silang before reaching Tagaytay Rotonda then turns right going to Mendez, Cavite.

Saulog Bus Lines with signboard "Mendez-Tagaytay" from Harrison Plaza in Manila or Baclaran via Coastal Road, Aguinaldo Highway to the towns of Bacoor, Imus, Dasmarinas and Silang before reaching Tagaytay

Celyrosa Bus Lines, ordinary buses (i.e. non-airconditioned) in Pasay City (note this is a slow route due to lots of chokepoints in Cavite)

Getting Around Tagaytay via Jeepney (Routes and Fares)

Once you alight from your bus at Tagaytay Rotonda, you can proceed to your destination by riding jeepneys:

1. Tagaytay Rotonda to People's Park in the Sky

Jeepneys going to People's Park in the Sky (indicated on the jeepney signage or emblazoned on the sides) at Olivarez Plaza near Tagaytay Rotonda will take you to People's Park in the Sky, Windy Ridge Hotel, Tagaytay Prime Residences, Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, Mahran Snack Inn (halal food for Muslims), FMM Retreat House, Lee Boutique, Aroma Tagaytay Apartelle, Iglesia ni Cristo, Jose Elementary School, Golden Rooms, Casa Luntian, Estancia Resort Hotel, Country Suites, House of the Holy Trinity, Sister Maria Carmela Bescia, Amoroma, Tagaytay Econo Hotel, Kaye Ryan Grill, Tagaytay Public Market (where you can catch jeepneys going to Balibago, Sta. Rosa), House of the Holy Trinity, Taal Monte Vista, Ina ng Laging Saklolo Parish, Keni Po Rooms, 5R Rooms for Rent, Fortune Duck Residence Inn, One Tagaytay Place, Tagaytay Elementary School (near Ligaya Drive where you can take jeepney to Talisay, Batangas), Tagaytay Science High School, Development Academy of the Philippines, Knights Ko Inn, Picnic Grove, Convent (Bahay Pastulan pasalubong, near Mary Ridge), Royal Taal Inn, T House, Japanese Friendship Garden, Tagaytay Gymnasium then to People's Park in the Sky besides among other interesting places to see in Tagaytay.

2. Tagaytay - Mendez

Jeepneys with signboards Nasugbu or Mendez will take you to Mendez Junction that will pass by Hillcrest Plaza, New Orleans Hotel, Days Hotel, Tirona Hotel, Pamana Restaurant, The Theodore Hotel, The Boutique Bed and Breakfast, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish (Lourdes Drive), La Salette House of Prayer, Manos Greek Travel Hotel, Royal Parc Hotel and Restaurant, Radiant Star Apartelle, Canossa House of Spirituality, Tootsie's, Magallanes Square (Starbucks, Figaro, Leslie's Restaurant, Filibeans coffee shop, Max's, Cafe Lupe, Kitaro, LZM Lutong Bahay, Magallanes Square Hotel), Leslie's Restaurant, Filibeans, Carlos Pizza, Knuckles Bar, Rivera Hotel, Max's Restaurant, Yellow Cab, Cliffhouse Tagaytay, Fling Yoghurt, Buon Giorno, Elegant Star (near Maharlika Street), Petron gas station, The Lake Hotel, Belga Inn, Bistro Ibarra, Joyce's Diner, Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast, SM Wind Residences, Gerry's Grill, Josephines Restaurant, Summit Ridge Hotel, Robinsons, Giligans, Shakey's Pizza, Meralco/Tagaytay Power Station, Neul Borm Korean Restaurant, Tagaytay International Convention Center, Character Hotel, Fire Station, City College of Tagaytay, Casino Filipino (PAGCOR Casino), McDonalds, Sky Ranch (Sky Fun Amusement Park), Taal Vista Hotel, Antonio's Restaurant, Bag of Beans, Caleruega Church (after a tricycle ride), Evercrest Hotel, RSM Lutong Bahay Restaurant, Mijo Hotel, Josephine's Restaurant, Mushroom Burger and Mushroom Farm, Bali Village Hotel Resort and Spa, The Villa Hotel and Restaurant, Shell gas station, Petron, Allied Bank, Manukan Grille, Tides Grill and Bistro, Hotel Monticello, Villa San Jose, Taal Pink Hotel Apartelle, Nanay Dorie's Bulalohan, John Peter Bed and Breakfast, Belize Tagaytay, Country Sampler Inn, Sierra Spring Traveller's Inn, Mer-Ben Tapsilogan,Suspot Bulalohan,Balinsasayaw Restaurant, Viewsite Restaurant, Savemore, Mang Inasal, BDO, PNB, Security Bank, Jollibee, Tagaytay Haven Hotel, Mercury Drug, Starflower Tourist Lounge, Swiss Chalet, Bag of Beans, ATS Bulalohan, Tower Ground Bulalohan, Antonio's, A Taste of Honey, Sunview Inn, Breakfast at Antonio's, Residence Inn (with a mini-zoo), Marcia Adam's Restaurant, Villa Belus Subdivision, Andanita Taj Hotel (one of two earlier halal restaurants for Muslims, both closed now), Garden Hills, Luksuhin (where you can reach The Flower Farm Tagaytay and Paradizoo Theme Farm), Mountain Ridge, Potter's Ridge Hotel, The Roberts Inn, Hotel Dolores, , Tagaytay City Hall, Mahogany Market, 41st Division USAFFE site (beside Metro Tagaytay College of Business and Arts in Kaybagal South), Splendido Taal Golf and Country Club, Sonya's Garden, Canyon Woods Resort et al.

3. Tagaytay to Talisay, Batangas Jeepneys via Ligaya Drive

Jeepneys to Talisay, for those wanting for a Taal Volcano crater trek, are available at the corner of the highway and Ligaya drive (landmark: Tagaytay Elementary School)

4. Tagaytay to Balibago, Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Tagaytay Econo Inn, Museo Orlina, Tagaytay Public Market, El Mare Buko Pie, Rowena's Cafe, Good Shepherd, The Original Buko Pie of Los Banos Laguna (Silang, Cavite branch), Paseo de Sta. Rosa, Avida Land, Nuvali, Solenad, WalterMart Sta. Rosa, pass over SLEx, Enchanted Kingdom, Nila's Puto Binan (stall), Balibago Transport Terminal

Tricycles in Tagaytay

Tricycles can also be hired in Tagaytay (taxis are not available) but usually charge fares much more than taking public utility jeepneys (PUJ) so be forewarned.

From Tagaytay Going Back to Manila:

You may need to ride a jeepney to Tagaytay Rotonda and Olivarez Plaza where you wait for buses to take you back to Manila. Bus fare is about PhP80.00 (as of June 2015)

No updated information yet on the time of departure for first trips (6am is a safe one to assume) and last departure times, telephone numbers, bus schedules and current fares (due to fluctuating fares and gasoline prices)

If you're looking for tips on what to do in Tagaytay when it's raining, just bring a raincoat or umbrella or just stay in your hotel room :P

Where to Stay in Tagaytay (Hotels, Inns, Lodges, Motels, pension houses) for overnight accommodations:

5R Rooms for Rent
Aroma Tagaytay Apartelle
Bali Village Hotel Resort and Spa
Belga Inn
Character Hotel
Cool Breeze Hotel
Country Suites
Crosswinds Resort Suites
Days Hotel Tagaytay
Estancia Resort Hotel
Evercrest Hotel
Fortune Duck Residence Inn
Golden Rooms
Hillcrest Plaza
Hotel Dolores
Joaquin's Bed and Breakfast
Keni Po Rooms
Knights Ko Suites
Lee Boutique
Mijo Hotel
New Orleans Hotel
Potter's Ridge Hotel
Rivera Hotel Bed and Breakfast
Royal Taal Inn
Summit Ridge Hotel
Sunview Inn
Taal Vista Hotel
Tagaytay Econo Inn (Tagaytay Econo Hotel)
Tagaytay Haven Hotel
The Boutique Bed and Breakfast
The Lake Hotel
The Pines Suites
The Roberts Inn
The Theodore Hotel
The Villa Hotel and Restaurant
The Windy Ridge Hotel
Tirona Hotel
Starflower Tourist Lounge
Villa Ibarra Tagaytay
Villa Marinelli Hometelle
Windy Ridge Hotel

along Tagaytay- Sta. Rosa Road (budget-friendly, cheap accommodations)

Bergamo Suites Cafe
Casa Marcosa
El Paso Inn
Jessar Room for Rent
Rachel's Bed and Breakfast
REHM Inn
Selber Room for rent


please get in touch with hotel for their official website, telephone number/contact, email address. Tutubi is not endorsing any particular hotel here :P

Travel Tip: While Experiencing the adventures of Tagaytay if work interrupts, you can simply access your favorite windows applications the on the go with virtual windows cloud from one of the best provider of Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) – www.Apps4Rent.com

UPDATED: September 2017

Related Posts:

Taal Volcano Trek
People's Park in the Sky
Tagaytay Highlands
Splendido Taal Golf and Country Club
How to get to Sonya's Garden

Labels: Metro Tagaytay, Public Transportation, Tagaytay City, Travel Guides