JRney in Eastern LuzViMin
Rusty and I went on an epic adventure this holiday break and it was superb, truly breathtaking. Allow me to share to you our #JRney (journey) in Eastern Luzon-Visayas-Mindanao for 25 days with only 35,000 php each in our pockets (air fare excluded). We were able to travel to 9 provinces , meet new and old friends, and celebrate Christmas and New Year together. You guys knew how in love I am with budget backpacking trips and how gaga I am with the beauty of Pinas. So for me, this was indeed a perfect holiday!
***Unfortunately , my photos were corrupted so what I can only share to you were the photos and stories that I have uploaded from my IG account huhu.
Here's a summary of our itinerary.
JRney Leg I -LUZON
Day 1= Manila to Catanduanes
Day 2-3= Catanduanes
Day 4= Catanduanes to Albay
Day 5-7=Albay
Day 8-11=Sorsogon
JRney Leg II- VISAYAS
Day 12-13= Northern Samar
Day 14-16= Leyte
Day 15= Samar
Day 17-18= Biliran
Day 19= Biliran to Leyte to Southern Leyte to Surigao del Norte
JRney Leg III- MINDANAO
Day 20-23= Surigao del Norte
Day 24= Siargao to Agusan del Norte
Day 25= Agusan del Norte to Manila
These are few clips from our adventure. Apologies for low quality video editing haha-first timer here.
Catanduanes
Albay
Sorsogon
Northern Samar
Samar-Leyte
Biliran-Siargao
***The rates listed are in peso (1 USD= 50-51 PHP). Expenses for food, transpo, tours, accommodations are computed for two persons already, but I listed the rates of entrance fees per person. Our personal buys and airfare from Manila to Virac, Catanduanes and Butuan City, Agusan del Norte to Manila are excluded in our budget of 35K PHP per person. I really feel extra kinikilig and fulfilled when I travel with less gastos hihi.
JRney Leg I -(Southeast) LUZON
CATANDUANES
Day 1- Manila to Catanduanes
Our flight was booked two days after our final exams, so I was sick on our first day huhu sobrang pagoda cold wave lotion na kasi akez. First day pa lang may sakit na ako enebe huhuhaha. I just slept the whole day at our hotel, while Taty strolled around town.
Transpo-200 PHP
Food-560 PHP
Casa Remedios (w/ free breakfast)-1,300 PHP
Day 2- Catanduanes
We availed a day tour package at our hotel. They have contacts of trusted local tricycle drivers that will show you around the tourist spots of Catanduanes.
Hicming Falls (not recommendable, might as well skip it)
=Entrance fee- 15 PHPeach
=Guide- 200 PHP
Luyang Cave
=__ PHP- donation
Luyang Cave Park is a historical site. During the 18th century the Moros attacked and killed Christian villagers. The villagers who hid inside the cave filled its entrance with dried sili leaves and twigs. When the Moros found out about the cave, the villagers burned the leaves to drive away the Moros. Unfortunately the wind blew towards the inside of the cave and all the villagers suffocated and died. Every year a memorial service is celebrated here in memory of the all the Christians that died during that event.
Mamangal Beach
This is by far my fave beach in Catanduanes! She is untouched and pristine. I hoped we stayed here longer, huhu ganda dito.
Marilima Beach
Talisoy Beach (Face of Jesus)
=Entrance fee - 20 PHP each
Twin Rock Beach
Day Tour Package= 1,000 PHP
Food= 800 PHP
Lucky Hotel (w/ free breakfast)- 1295 PHP
Day 3- Catanduanes
We availed another day tour package from Kuya Edison ( 09463053793). He was our driver yesterday. Though we checked-in at a different hotel, since he is mabait and his rates are great, we still availed his service.
Binurong Point
= Guide- 200 PHP
For me this is the jewel of Catanduanes. The view up here is superb. I could stay here for one whole day with gadgets off and not get bored at all. The peace and serenity this place gives is priceless.
Bato Church
Puraran Beach
=Entrance fee- 20 PHP each
Maribina Falls
=Entrance fee-25 PHP each
We took a dip, and we loved the water;it was cold but not enough to bring shiver.
Lunch- 250 PHP
Dinner at Asian Cuisine- 850 PHP = THIS RESTO IS A MUST TRY! Our palates were greatly satisfied.
Lucky Hotel (w/ free breakfast) - 1295 PHP
Since it's our last night in Catanduanes we decided to just chill out at our hotel's rooftop pool and lounge.
Day 4- Catanduanes to Albay
From Catanduanes we boarded a ferry to Tabaco Port. Then we jumped on a van going to Legazpi City.
Environmental Fee- 11 PHP each
Ferry A/C- 600 PHP
Van = 200 PHP
Tricy=80 PHP
ALBAY
Dinner at 1st Colonial Grill- 640 PHP
Wyne's Hometel= 1,400 PHP w/ breakfast
Day 5- Albay
Daraga Church
Cagsawa Ruins
=Entrance fee -20 PHP each
Watching Mount Mayon unveil her beauty is majestic. It's worth the wait, she is indeed Mt. Magayon (Bicolano language of beautiful). Yep, for the whole day we were waiting for her to show herself. That feeling when I saw Mt. Fuji in Japan is as dazzling as when I saw our very own Mt. Mayon.
Mayon Volcano is the most active volcano in the Philippines. It is also well known for having an almost perfect cone.
Transpo- 160 PHP
It's easy to go around Albay, there are a lot of local jeepneys and tricycles in each town. You wouldn't get lost for sure.
Food-350 PHP
Wyne's Hometel- 1,200 PHP
Day 6- Albay
Jeep to Camalig- 40 PHP
We hired a local tricy to bring us to Quintinday Hills, Jovellar Underground River Park, and Sumlang Lake- 1,000 PHP
Quintinday Hills
=Entrance and Environmental fee- 40 PHP each
This destination is soooo underrated. I'm glad to have discovered her. This is my fave spot to see Mt. Mayon. Plus, the Quintinday Hills resembles the Chocolate Hills of Bohol .
Jovellar Underground River, Cave, Falls
=Guide- 100 PHP
=Tour- 515 PHP
Sumlang Lake
=Entrance fee- 25 PHP each
Jeep to Legazpi- 40 PHP
Legazpi Boulevard- Got no pictures kasi dead-batt na mga gadgets namin huhuhaha.
Other transpo-150 PHP
Food-300 PHP
Dinner at Zoe's Kitchen- 640 PHP
Wyne's Hometel- 1,200 PHP
Day 7- Albay to Sorsogon
ATV Black Lava Trail - 1,700 PHP each
Van to Sorsogon- 360 PHP
Food-550 PHP
Other transpo- 50 PHP
SORSOGON
Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral
We were supposed to go straight to Buenavista, Gubat, Sorsogon ,but since we were dead-tired, we decided to spend the night at Sorsogon City.
Rancho Lodge- 950 PHP ( sobrang pagod na kami kaya hindi na kami naghanap ng maayos na pag-sstyan, would rate this as 3/5)
Day 8- Sorsogon
We hired Kuya Bener (09354930532) for our Sorsogon Tour- 2,500 PHP
Paguriran Beach Resort
=Entrance fee- 10PHP each
To appreciate Paguriran's beauty, I suggest that you visit here during high tide hours. Best time would be after lunch till late afternoon.
Lunch at Lola Sayong's Eco- Surf Camp- 500 PHP
Barcelona Church and Ruins
Bulusan Lake
=Entrance fee- 20 PHP each
=Parking fee- 10 PHP
Irosin Hot Spring
=Entrance fee -55PHP each
Grabbed these photos from the internet. We got no photos of our own 'coz we were too excited to plunge in. It was a perfect day-ender.
Irosin is about an hour away to Matnog, so our first plan is to go straight to Matnog after our tour. I actually don't know what happened (parang may divine intervention na naganap) why we decided to stay at Lola Sayong which is about 2 hours away pabalik, remember we had lunch there diba?! Like, hello mapapalayo kami ng sobra kaasi sa Matnog kami tatawid going to Visayas. Pero ang galing talaga ng Diyos, kasi bumagyo kinabukasan, plus kinailangan talaga naming makilala ang LOLA SAYONG ECO-SURF CAMP. I proudly testify how great the Lord works in our lives. We may have our own plans, but He direct our steps.
Lola Sayong Eco-Surf Camp- 1,000 PHP
Day 9- Sorsogon (December 24, 2019)
Sorsogon is on storm signal no. 2. , but the weather was not that appalling when we woke up .We went to the local market , had some food tripping and strolled a little, then went back at the camp. We were planning to go surfing after lunch, but then the wind started to whistle hard, the rain poured continuously, and the electricity went on and off . So yeah , bumabagyo pero tuloy ang Pasko, Happy Birthday JC!
Transpo- 50PHP
Food-1170
Lola Sayong Eco-Surf Camp- 1,000 PHP
Day 10- Sorsogon (CHRISTMAS DAY)
Praise God, the storm last night was not that strong. It passed by quickly without bringing huge damages and casualties. But it left tons of garbage along the seashore, so before we checked out, we joined with the locals on their coastal clean-up.
Staying at Lola Sayong Eco-Surf Camp was the highlight of our Sorsogon trip. It's the people and the culture of this camp that we fell mostly in love with.
Transpo to Matnog, Sorsogon-440 PHP
Food-550 PHP
Richwell Beach Resort and Lodging Inn- 1,000 PHP
We were in shock when we arrived at Matnog. The last vehicle in line for the trip to Northern Samar was in Irosin (the town before Matnog), that's about 20-30 km from Matnog Port. These people were in line for almost 4 days. Yep, they celebrated Christmas on the road. Imagine the situation down there, plus the weather's rough for the past days. The setting at the port was gruesome. People were sleeping on the floor, garbage were everywhere, those in line were very aggressive and grumpy. Since two days ago, all trips were cancelled, and up till now the coastguard are not allowing anyone to board. That's why I really thank God that our original plan was changed from going straight here at Matnog to staying at Lola Sayong for a few more days. When we arrived at Matnog , there were no available accommodation in the whole town, even at the towns nearby. Lahat ng mga may sasakyan na nakapila sa port eh nagsipag check-in na. We were kinda low-key panicking. Fortunately , there was this miraculously available room in a local resort where a family checked-out an hour ago before we came. They were stranded for almost two days and eventually they decided to retreat ( warzone? kinda huhuhaha) and just go back to Manila. We actually thought of doing the same ,cancel this trip and just go back to Manila. But naaaaah, we can make this through and we did.
Day 11- Sorsogon to Northern Samar
Trips from Matnog to Northern Samar already resumed. But since the line was still long, it may take us 3-5 days before we get next in line. So we opt to ,though it's really expensive, hire a local boatman to tour us around the islands of Matnog ( siyempre gala muna kami haha) , then drop us off at Northern Samar.
Subic Beach
Subic Beach is also known as the Pink Beach of Bicol. The pink hue of the shore which is mostly visible during sunrise and sunset is due to the red and pink broken coral shells.
Tikli Island
=Entrance fee- 30PHP each
Tikli Island is less crowded, actually, we were the only tourists on the island, it feels like we rented the whole place for ourselves hihi.
Juag Fish Sanctuary
=This was supposed to be part of the tour but it was still closed when we passed by.
Here's a travel kwento that I posted on my IG account. That experience of traversing the Philippine Sea on a small boat was heart-stopping and spine-tingling. It was suspenseful, it was a test of faith.
December 26, 2019:
Tapos na ang Pasko, tapos na rin ang bagyo at madami paring stranded na tao sa Matnog Port. Ang huling pila ng sasakyan ay umabot na sa kabilang bayan. Yung iba 5 araw (Dec 22) nang nakapila. Dumating kami sa Matnog Port ng Dec 25, umaasa na makakaskay at makakatawid patungo sa kabilang ibayo, sa Visayas. Nagtanong-tanong kami, nakipagkwentuhan sa mga lokal , sa mga tatawid tulad namin. Ganito daw halos taon-taon at dahil sumabay ang bagyo, ngayon mas malala ang sitwasyon. Nagpalipas kami ng gabi sa isang resort at mula doon natanaw namin ang unang barko na pinayagan ng coast guard na lumayag. Praise God, may pag-asa na kaming makasakay pero dahil sa sobrang haba ng pila (sa kabilang bayan pa ang pila diba, eto na ang pinakamahabang pila na nakita ko evah) mukhang 3 araw pa bago kami makasakay. Kaya napagdesisyon namin ni Taty na sumakay sa maliit na bangka. Sa mga napagtanungan namin at kung titingnan din sa mapa siguradong malakas ang alon na aming haharapin. Mula pagapak ko sa bangka hanggang makaapak ako sa pampang ng Northern Samar, hindi ako tumigil magdasal. Milagro o pananampalataya, anuman ang itawag niyo doon. Wala ni isang malakas na alon ang sumalubong sa amin. Para kaming nasa lawa sa sobrang kalma ng karagatan. Tingnan niyo ang mga larawan, lalo ang ikatlo. Sobrang dilim ng kalangitan at tuluyan ng bumuhos ang ulan habang nasa gitna kami ng karagatan. Hindi ko alam pero parang meron kaming proteksyon , walang alon, walang malakas na alon na humampas sa amin. Madilim, mahangin, at umuulan pero napakakalma ng dagat na aming tinatahak. Ang Diyos na maykapal, ang Diyos na lumikha ng lahat, sa Kanya, sa Kanya mo ibigay ang buo mong TIWALA
Island tour- 1,500 PHP
Boat to Northern, Samar- 2,000 PHP
JRney Leg II- EASTERN VISAYAS
NORTHERN SAMAR
Collin's Coffee Shop -225 PHP
Transpo- 200 PHP
Food- 400 PHP
GV Hotel- 825 PHP
Day 12- Northern Samar
Brunch at Cafe Eusebio- 480 PHP
St. Clare's Monastery
Langtaran Grove White Beach Resort
=Food and Entrance fee- 325 PHP
We met with Tinay Roferos , a local here at Catarman, and a good friend of mine. We were both YFC servant leaders at our respective campuses back in college. She also got close with Rusty when we went to Palawan for a YFC event. Praise God for my YFC- West B Campus Based fam, I have kapamilya almost anywhere in Pinas. We shared stories over fries and beer while watching the golden sunset. It was glorious.
Transpo-215 PHP
GV Hotel- 825 PHP
Day 13- Northern Samar
Biri island
=Habal-habal and boat ride- 1,500
You can contact Kuya Leonard ( 09166622530) as your habal-habal driver/ guide/ photographer. He knows the best spots and shots hihihaha. Ginawa niyang engagement shoot yung Biri trip namin hahaha, kung alam ko lang nagprepare sana ako ng gown haha.
The view at the top of the rock formation is breathtaking. Plus diving in at this enthralling natural swimming pool is superb! I am blown away by Biri's beauty, she is a hidden gem.
Transpo- 150 PHP
Food-500 PHP
Dinner at Itadaki- Japanese Resto Bar and Grill- 500PHP
GV Hotel- 825
Day 14- Northern Samar to Leyte
Van to Leyte- 700 PHP
MacArthur Landing Memorial Park
This memorial park is a historical site that commemorates the landing of General Douglas MacArthur in the Philippines. His return started the campaign to liberate the Philippines from the Japanese during the World War II.
Provincial Capitol of Leyte
Food- 450 PHP
Other Transpo- 150 PHP
Hotel La Rica- 701 PHP (discounted by booking thru Booking.com)
Day 15- Samar
Van to Basey- 80 PHP
St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church
Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Park
Tour- 2000 PHP
Samar is known to be the Caving Capital of the Philippines, and she definitely is the rightful crown for that title.
Basey's Banig Weavers
Taty bought this Orange Banig Bag for me, ahh so sweet.
Let's support locals and their livelihood by buying their products.
Habal-habal to San Juanico Bridge- 100 PHP
San Juanico Bridge
Van to Tacloban 80 PHP
Dinner at Astrodome w/ Toytoy- 670 PHP
I met Toytoy during a Greeneration Project in Palawan. We were group-mates during that 3-day event. He is now currently a PGI at RTR Hospital in Tacloban, Leyte. Grabe lang nakakaproud! We shared YFC to med-school to Yolanda stories over chicken wings, rapsah goodah!
Other Transpo-35PHP
Food-250 PHP
Hotel La Rica- 641 PHP (discounted by booking thru Booking.com)
Day 16- Leyte (NEW YEAR'S EVE)
Today is our REST DAY.
Lunch at Ocho Seafood Grill- 700 PHP
Dining here is now part of my Top 3 Seafood Gastronomic Experience. The other two were in Capiz, Roxas ( the Seafood Capital of Pinas) and Bacolod, Negros Occidental, so lahat nasa Visayas.
After lunch we just went to Robinson's Mall to shop, eat, and pamper ourselves.
Our personal expenses are not included in our budget haha.
Transpo- 35 PHP
Food- 350 PHP
Am not really a fan of Pinoy rice cakes but Leyte's rice cakes are oh-delicioso.
Hotel La Rica- 545 PHP (discounted by booking thru Booking.com, kung mapapansin niyo pababa ng pababa yung rates nila ahhaamaazing!)
Day 17- Leyte to Biliran
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Diocesan Shrine of Sto. Nino
Transpo- 100 PHP
Food- 200 PHP
Van to Biliran- 300 PHP
Biliran
El Pomar Bistro Cafe- 500 PHP
Food- 200 PHP (haha takaw namin oh)
Transpo- 150 PHP
Coco Grove Beach Resort- 800PHP
Here's a travel kwento that I shared in my IG post.
Mula diyan sa magandang rock formation na kinatatayuan ni Taty ay nag mini beach clean-up kami habang papunta sa room namin. Pinupulot namin mga basura na nadadaanan namin. I don’t know anong meron, pero tinawanan and inasar lang kami ng mga lokal na nagswiswimming sa area. Hellooooo ,kailan pa naging nakakatawa magpulot ng basura?! I experienced this twice already, 1st was in Batangas and 2nd here in Biliran! ‘Di ko talaga gets ano yung nakakatawa doon at bakit kailangan pa mang-asar?! Haist! Basta I’ll keep doing this kahit tawanan pa ako ng madlang Pinoy.
Day 18- Biliran
We availed Kuya Joery's (09066791276) day tour package . Super love namin si Kuya Joery , sobrang bait at fun niya kasama.
Tour- 3,500 PHP
Ulan-ulan Falls
=Entrance fee- 30 PHP
Tinago Falls
= Entrance fee-20 PHP
Sambawan Island
'
El Pomar Bistro Cafe- 300 PHP
* We highly recommend you to try their Cheese Tofu.
Food-550 PHP
Biliran Island Inn- 850 PHP
Day 19- Biliran to Leyte to Southern Leyte to Surigao del Norte
We were just in transit the whole day.
Van to Tacloban- 280 PHP
Trike to New Bus Terminal - 50 PHP
Van to Sogod- 280 PHP
Jeep to Liloan Port- 100 PHP
Ferry to Lipata Port- 780 PHP
Trike to Hotel- 100 PHP
Food- 300 PHP
Surigao Tourist Inn- 900 PHP
Day 20- Surigao del Norte to Siargao
I was feeling sick (again, immune system sana nakikicooperate ka naman ) the whole morning. So I was just asleep 'till lunch time.
Food- 200 PHP
Ferry to Siargao Port- 700 PHP
Tricy- 150 PHP
Kuya Loloy and Ate Jen are locals of Siargao. They are skilled artisans at Bukal ng Tipan (where Rusty works). Sobrang welcoming nila , pinaghanda nila kami ng crabs on our first day huhu ang sayaaa! Sarap ng buhay dito sa isla. Livin' like a local muna kami dito.
Kuya Loloy and Ate Jen's humble abode- FREEEEEE 💕
Day 21- Siargao
Breakfast
Naked Island
Bumili lang kami ng gas ng banka , solb na! Iba talaga ang experience pag lokal ang kasama!
Mangrove Forest
Food- FREEEEEE 💕
Tricy to Gen Luna- 200 PHP
Balay Hayahay- 1,000 PHP
Day 22- Siargao
We availed Kuya Bebot's Land Tour Package B- 1,500 PHP each
Magpupungko Tidal Rock Pool
Pacifico Beach
Sugba Lagoon
Maasin River
Coconut Road
Balay Hayahay- 1,000 PHP
Day 23- Siargao
Kermit Surf Resort and Restaurant
Cloud 9
Shaka Cafe
Balay Hayahay- 1,000 PHP
Day 24-Siargao to Agusan del Norte
Tricy to Dapa Port- 150 PHP
Ferry to Surigao Port- 700 PHP
Van to Butuan City- 300 PHP
Celebratory Dinner at Gold 'n Pearl Bakery- 500 PHP
Day 25- Agusan del Norte to Manila
St. Joseph Cathedral
 |
National Museum of Butuan
***My dear Philippines you are beyond beautiful. And I am excited to explore and know you more. I am proud and blessed to call you my own, my beloved HOME.
Comments
Post a Comment