Formally known as Mactan-Cebu International Airport, is the airport destination of Tutubi about 10 years ago and has since become his most visited place outside Luzon.

Herewith is a Guide to Mactan Cebu International Airport based on accumulated "wisdom" of Tutubi, thus these tips and other information for the traveller.

For newcomers to Cebu City, herewith is map of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (browseable map by OpenStreetMap



Flights to Cebu Airport:

Cebu City is the second largest and busiest airport in the Philippines, there are many direct flights to most domestic destinations plus several international flights.

How to get out of Mactan Cebu Airport:

Coupon taxis are available at the arrival area gates with fixed taxi fare listed on a fare matrix. Yellow metered taxis are also available with PhP70.00 flagdown rate to any destination in Cebu.

Metered taxis can be flagged down by arriving passengers at the departure area. To get regular taxis, cross the street from the arrival area gate. A little to your right is a short stairway that leads to the departure area where metered taxis drop off departing passengers.

Travel time from cebu Airport to Cebu City center and downtown area is just around 30 minutes, taxi fare is around PhP200.00 to PhP300.00. Taxi drivers here are less notorious than the taxi drivers of Metro Manila.

Restaurants, Eateries, Coffee shops and duty-free shopping:

At the domestic departure area there's only one restaurant/eatery serving full rice meals (Cafe Wien) but it closes at 7pm (Tutubi learned this the hard way). For snacks, there's Fruit Magic (with teeny-weeny sandwich and pasta), Dunkin Donuts, and Coffee dream and several snack counters and pasalubong stores. Duty free shops at the international departure area.

How to get to Mactan Cebu International Airport:

Wishing to commute to Cebu Airport rather than take a cab? at the City center take multicabs going to Opon then drop of at Marina Mall. At Marina Mall look for with yellow multicabs with signboard Lapu-lapu City to Airport (LLC-PUBMARKET-MCIAA-VV).

From Mactan Cebu International Airport to the City by Public Transportation:

At the arrival area, walk towards Airport Terminal road and look for the same yellow multicabs going to marina Mall then transfer to another multicab to your destination (e.g. SM Cebu, Ayala Center, Mandaue et al).

From Cebu City onwards, suggest you go to SM City Cebu then ride jeepneys, multicabs or vhires (vans/fx) as it's a public transporation hub with lots of terminals. You can also proceed to Cebu North Bus Terminal (e.g. for bus trips to Bogo, Bantayan Island or Malapascua Island) or Cebu South Bus Terminal (e.g. Moalboal) to catch buses to your destination.

From Cebu Aiport to Moalboal (South of Cebu City)

From the aiport, ride the multicab to Marina Mall, transfer to a multicab going to Mandaue. In Mandaue, ride the jeep to One Citilink. At One Citilink, take vans going to Moalboal.

Labels: Airports, Cebu, Cebu City, Metro Cebu

Tutubi's traveling friends scattered throughout the archipelago feed him latest information on places and "how to get there" information the backpacking way i.e. using public transportation. One of those friends, who has the guts to roam around even Maguindanao and ARMM sent him these updates on the popular and usually the only public transportation bus serving routes in Western Mindanao.

Rural Transit Bus serves mostly the western Mindanao area with hubs in Cagayan de Oro city. Many of their bus routes have day time trip schedules only (probably due to safety and security concerns) and depart every hour.

Rural Transit Mindanao, Davao Office (Davao Bus Terminal)
Telephone Number: +63.82.244.0637

Cagayan de Oro City (Agora Bus Terminal office)
Tel. No.: +63.88.856.5642
Cagayan de Oro Main Office: +63.88.857.3032; +63.88..858.5886
Rural Transit Bulua, Cagayan de Oro: +63.88.441.1410

Cagayan de Oro to Davao City via Bukidnon-Davao Highway (Buda)
Aircon Bus Fare Rate: CDO to Davao: PhP480.00

Zamboanga to Cagayan de Oro
Cagayan de Oro to Dipolog (Zamboanga del Norte)

Ozamis City to Pagadian City (Zamboanga del Sur)
Fare Aircon Bus: PhP120.00
Non Aircon Bus: PhP100.00
Travel time: about 2 - 3 hours

Ozamis City is in Misamis Occidental (sometimes Ozamiz City)

Fare Rate: Pagadian City - Zamboanga City
Air-conditioned: PhP370.00
Ordinary bus: PhP320.00
Travel Time: approximately 7 hours

These information to be updated when appropriate. Please leave a comment for corrections and updates.

For latest Rural Transit bus fare rate, waybill/freight charges, bus trip schedules, ticket reservations, booking, chartered bus inquiries, please call Rural Transit's contact number (no official website as of posting time).

Rural Tours Bus Davao Cagayan de Oro, How to get to Davao City from Cagayan de Oro, Rural Transit bus lines

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Labels: Buses, Public Transportation

Touted as one of the best waves and surfing break for all levels, Doot Poktoy, located in the quaint town of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur hosts the annual Doot Poktoy Surfing Festival in November.

Tutubi visited the place early dusk, thus the gloomy pictures to check out the place.

Lanuza town's seawall faces the Pacific Ocean and it's understandable that storm surges or waves during the typhoon season can really bring in the waves, but the renowned waves were absent when Tutubi passed by, and even the crowds, spectators, newbie surfers or skimboarders were not there, to his dismay.

the beachfront of Lanuza, with Poktoy in view plus the small waves that could be harnessed by skimboarding, but skimboarders were not there. The beach seems to be fine gray sand so it's safe even for newbie surfers

the empty spectators place where crowds gather during the annual Doot Poktoy Surfing Festival...

The Boulevard, Lanuza's ocean-facing promenade


Out of curiosity, Tutubi asked a local why was the surfing ground called Doot Poktoy, he got the answer the doot, in the vernacular means to cross, while Poktoy is really the small island or sandbar, thus Doot Poktoy means "to cross" Poktoy.

Related Posts on Surigao del Sur and CCMCL (CarCanMadCarLan):

Surigao del Sur Tour
Best Surfing Beaches in the Philippines

Labels: Beaches, Caraga, Surfing, Surigao del Sur

A cold natural spring turned into a resort by the local government of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, listed as a tourist attraction with cottages, shower rooms, (supposedly) overnight accommodations and events venue (weddings, debuts, parties reunions et al).

Visited by Tutubi just to check out the place and rate if it's worth going there:


There's just a big pool of cold water from the natural spring, natural mineral water, no people around when Tutubi got there except for a couple occupying a cottage high up the mountain slope (Tutubi noticed them engaging in some "sexy time" probably due to lack of motel or private space in the area).




Guests are required to pay a minimal entrance fee (P20?) but have to traverse about 1.5 kilometers of unpaved road from the national highway.

Location: Parang, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur
Rating: good enough for locals to spend weekends and cool down, not worth the trip for explorers as it's not really easy to get to.

Related Posts on Surigao del Sur and CCMCL (CarCanMadCarLan):

Surigao del Sur Tour

Labels: Caraga, Surigao del Sur

Tutubi has just visited Surigao del Sur, particularly the town of Cantilan, part of the towns of CarCanMadCarLan, a portmanteau of Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen and Lanuza. He did went around the province via Surigao Airport.

Prior to his trip, he compiled a list of "awesome" destinations in the province that include these Surigao del Sur tourist spots, interesting places and places to see and be seen.

Surigao del Sur Beaches:

Bahang-bahang Beach, Consuelo, Cantilan
Cagwait White Beach, Cagwait
Candido White Beach, Caglayag, Carrascal
“Doot Poktoy,” surfing beach in Lanuza town
San Pedro Beaches, San Pedro, Cantilan
Tapasak Beach Resort, Cota Beach, Cantilan

Surigao del Sur Islands:

Ayoke Island, Cantilan
Huyamao and Casa Rica Island, Cantilan
Bat Island, Bongtud, Tandag
Mancagangi Island, Bongtud, Tandag
Liungao "twin" Island, Bongtud, Tandag
Britania Island, San Agustin
General Island, Cantilan (home of Inijakan, pet project of Gen. Hotchkiss)

Surigao del Sur Waterfalls:

Sipangpang Falls, Cabangahan, Cantilan
Magkawas Falls, Lanuza
Tinuy-an Falls, Brgy. Burboanan, Bislig City

Caves /Caving/ Spelunking in Surigao del Sur

Pamutuanan Cave, Brgy. Yatimco, Lianga, Surigao
Campamento Cave, Lanuza

Other Surigao del Sur "Tourist Attractions/Tourist Spots":

Enchanted River, Brgy. Cambatong, Hinatuan,
Malinawa Cool Spring, Brgy. Parang, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur
Enchanted Danao Lake, General Island, Lanuza

Franky, as always, Tutubi was able to visit a few of these of which he found some of them boring, some were ok, one was missing while two others (islands in particular) stood out...just stay tuned for upcoming posts.

Labels: Caraga, Surigao del Sur

For those looking for updated information on Autobus bus to Banaue, Ifugao (to visit the famous Banaue Rice Terraces).

UPDATE February 2016:
Autobus no longer serves the Manila to Banaue route.
Ohayami Trans now serves this route
Visit this How to Get to Banaue post for the latest information

Autobus Transport Systems, Inc

Bus Terminal Address: Dimasalang corner Laong-laan Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Bus trip Schedule: 10:00PM (just one daily trip)
Bus Fare to Banaue from Manila: PhP400.00
Travel Time Manila to Banaue: around 8-9 hours
Bus route: Manila-NLEX-Pampanga-Nueva Ecija-Nueva Vizcaya-Ifugao
Contact Numbers: +632.743,3227; +63.2.735.8096; +63.2.736.2831; +63.2.735.8098

How to get to Autobus bus terminal?

Autobus bus station is right next to Dangwa, the famous Manila Flower Market.From Quiapo, you can take Dapitan-bound or Dimasalang-bound jeepneys and just alight in front of the terminal. From LRT Tayuman station, ride the Lardizabal-bound jeepneys and alternatively from LRT 2 Pureza terminal, walk towards M. dela Fuente St. (trabajo) on Ramon Magsaysay then ride the Tayuman Bound jeepney (this same jeepney pass by A.H. Lacson corner Espana (University of Santo Tomas, UST))

For latest Autobus bus fare to Banawe, waybill/freight charges, bus trip schedules, ticket reservations, chartered bus inquiries, please call Autobus' telephone number (no official website as of posting time).

How to commute to Banaue, How to get to Banaue from Manila, Autobus bus line banaue fare, banawe ifugao


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Labels: Buses, Public Transportation

Dalin Bus terminal, for those going to Tuguegarao and Cagayan valley, is located near National University in Sampaloc, Manila. To get to the bus station, one has to ride the Lealtad-bound jeepneys of those going to Balic-balic from Quiapo and just request the driver to drop you off near the terminal then walk.

Dalin Bus station is harder to reach than the GV Florida bus terminal at the corner of Espana, Earnshaw and A.H. Lacson (formerly Gov. Forbes)

Terminal Location:
Sampaloc, Manila
GPS Coordinates: 14°36'20"N 120°59'40"E
Contact Number: +63.2.722.7999

Route Destinations: Isabela, Tuguegarao, Cagayan Valley

other Dalin Bus terminals: Cabatuan, Cauayan

For latest Dalin Liner bus fares, waybill/freight charges, bus trip schedules, ticket reservations, chartered bus inquiries, please call Dalin Liner's telephone number (no official website as of posting time).

tags; how to get to Tuguegarao, how to get to Cagayan Valley

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Labels: Buses, Public Transportation

Shopping for souvenirs in Palawan? Pasalubong family and friends? Authentic south sea pearls for loved ones? Kasuy (cashew nuts) and danggit at low prices?

there are two places in Puerto Princesa where shopping is fun and bargains are not hard to find:

San Jose New Public Market
San Jose, Puerto Princesa
(called New Market by the locals)

For cheap souvenir t-shirts, you can find them at PhP100.00 each at a stall near the dried fish section, unusual location but serendipity struck Tutubi when he was searching for cheap danggit and kasuy. A kilo of danggit only costs PhP400 (much, much cheaper than the touristy prices of Cebu, where it's identified)

cashew nuts (kasuy) pasalubong for Tutubi's officemates. You can also buy Cashew Wine and other kasuy products there

Tiangge Tiangge Souvenir Center
Address: Lacao near corner Rizal Avenue
GPS Coordinates: N9 44 26.7 E118 44 26.3

for other stuff like bags, key chains (key fob), handicrafts, native artworks, and authentic pearls, there's Tiangge Tiangge, sort of like "Greenhills Shopping Center" of Puerto Princesa





real south sea pearls are peddled here at about half the price from similar items found in Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan, and slightly lower thatn those sold in front of Baker's Hill.

What makes Puerto Princesa shopping fun is that merchants don't overcharge unknowing tourists, unlike in other places. They quote you the same price whether you're a local or a foreigner, an unwritten policy probably of Mayor Hagedorn, something worthy of emulation by other tourist destinations not to pounce on tourists.

Labels: Mimaropa, Palawan, Pasalubong, Puerto Princesa, Shopping

Just for the information of Bicolanos or people going to Bicol region (Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and even up to Masbate), the consolidated bus terminals of Bicol Isarog Transport System, namely Isarog Line, Penafrancia Tours and RSL Bus Transport can be found on the southbound lane of EDSA, Cubao, Quezon City just beside the San Agustin/Philtranco bus terminal right next to MRT Cubao-Araneta Center Station.

To call for ticket reservations, latest fares, promos and trip schedules, just call their contact numbers:

+63.2.381.0840; +63.2. 9137127; +63.2.726.6031; +63.2.525-7077; +63.920.914.5048

Example, RSL Bus has regular trip schedules to Virac/San Andres, Tabaco via Sabluyon, Bulan, Sorsogon, and Naga/Legazpi/Tabaco

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Labels: Buses, Public Transportation

Just sharing a nice "place to eat" at in Palawan visited by Tutubi in his return trip there a few months ago where they served freshly-caught seafood at unbelievable price.

the "pre-ordered" food on the table:

steamed okra (ladyfingers) and eggplant

various grilled fishes, freshly-caught

buttered prawns, fresh as usual





Are you wondering what made this "restaurant" the best so far for Tutubi? It's not actually a restaurant but home cooking of friends of his friend somewhere near Inagawan, Puerto Princesa. Tinola native chicken not shown.



Tutubi and his friends ate at the place, in a backyard surrounded by trees, kamayan-style with great food, lutong bahay at a homey ambiance.

Such hospitality of Palaweños accorded to Tutubi and his friends. For Tutubi, this is the best seafood restaurant there is in Palawan!

Labels: Filipino Food, Mimaropa, Palawan, Puerto Princesa

With Tutubi's second visit to Puerto Princesa, he did not pass up the chance to sample the (in)famous tamilok, a native delicacy of Palawan, a mangrove-infesting wood worm that's not a worm but actually a mollusk (same group as squid and octopus).
Tutubi got his curiosity sated when he and his friends went to Kinabuch's bar and Grill on Rizal Avenue in Puerto Princesa City.

How does the tamilok taste and look like?



Never mind it looks like a translucent worm, rather icky, but it really tastes like talaba (oyster) like most people who've tasted tamilok swore. To enjoy tamilok, you eat eat it fresh and raw (kilaw, kilawin kinilaw) style by dunking the slimy worm-like creature in vinegar laced with chili and other spices.

Tutubi tried but failed to ask his contacts to see and catch tamilok in the mangrove forests but was not able to do so.



For the less adventurous, there's also fried tamilok in bread crumbs at Kinabuch's Bar and Grill but waters down the icky look of the once mangrove-boring crawlers.

fried tamilok cooked with bread crumbs

Would you dare sample this exotic and bizarre food (for Metro Manilans) next time you're in Palawan?

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Labels: Delicacies, Exotic Food, Mimaropa, Palawan, Puerto Princesa

Tutubi, ever on the trail of famous people where ever he goes, is aware that the famous explorer and naturalist Charles Darwin explored Australia, then part of the English Empire, on board the HMS Beagle but little did he know that he would stumble on the path Charles Darwin passed while he was trekking to Wentworth Falls down the magnificent Blue Mountains of Australia.

For history and science buffs, it's well known that Charles Darwin traveled on board the surveying ship HMS Beagle with extensive voyage stopping at many exotic places and took nearly five years. His voyage started on December 27, 1831 in Devonport (Plymouth) and ended on October 2, 1836.

this post really is a just another (ho-hum) tribute to the 175th anniversary of his return to England

His trip to Sydney, Australia also coincided with the exhibition of Darwin's travels to down under with exhibits at Australia Maritime Museum, which, unfortunately, Tutubi wasn't able to see due to limited time he has left that he used to meet old friends and an "inaanak" that he hasn't seen for years.

Anyway, just snapshots of places visited by Charles Darwin in Australia with markers and pathways that declare he trudge along the path in 1836.

trail markers lead to the path Charles Darwin took

Charles passed by here in 1836

Charles passed by this small waterfalls part of Wentworth Falls cascade

Charles Darwin featured at Australia Maritime Museum

Where did Charles Darwin's voyage take him?

Plymouth
Tenerife
Cape Verde
Bahia
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Montevideo
Falkland Islands (near Venezuela)
Valparaiso
Callao Lima
Galapagos
New Zealand
Sydney (Australia)
Hobart
King Geaorge's Sound
Cocos (Keeling) Island
Mauritius
Cape Town
Bahia
Cape Verde
Azores
Plymouth

Charles Darwins explorations and discoveries did not end in 1836, it was merely the beginning of his ground-shaking work: "Origin of the Species."

---
Charles Darwin Voyage route map, England, Africa, America, Australia

Labels: Australia, Sydney

Just for the information of motorists passing by Coastal Road from Cavite to Manila, the 12% VAT on toll fees is now in place.

UPDATED January 2016

herewith are the Coastal Road Toll rates and Fee with added VAT

Class 1 PhP24.00
Class 2 PhP48.00
Class 3 PhP72.00

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SCTEx
SLEx
CAVITEx

Labels: Roads and Highways