iLonGgA ♥ LaKwAtSerA: August 2011

Barobo, Surigao del Sur: A hidden Paradise

A beautiful sunshine welcomed our sleepy heads and tired body. But despite everything, everyone is in high spirit to explore the beauty of Surigao.

At 6 am, we started our day visiting the Bogac Spring in Barobo, Surigao del sur.

Bogac Spring

Then, at 8 am were off for some island hopping.

From Barobo boat terminal which is located at the back of the public market, we are heading to Cabgan Island which is 30 minutes boat ride.

Since we are a big group, we rented two boats and divided the group based on the boats capacity.

Sailing was so exhilarating. Waves were just everywhere, though not that big but still it gives us jitters and it all made us laugh the whole trip.

Cabgan Island

Then after a while, we landed in Cabgan Island. But that wasn’t easy; we had a hard time docking because of the big waves on island.

long stretch white sand

We stayed on the island for about 2 hours; waiting for the Vanishing Island to come out.

While waiting, we enjoyed the white sand, the beach, the waves and the overlooking Turtle Island.

Our guide told us, that we can’t go to turtle island because there is already a native community living in the island and we might disturb them.

At last, at past 10am the vanishing island comes out.

From Cabgan Island, Vanishing island is just a 15-minutes boat ride.

…. And Vanishing island is just superb!!! ✰✰✰✰✰

A portion only of the island comes out at that time and turtle island is just a walk away from the island.

Vanishing Island has a turquoise clear waters and fine white sand.

At past 11 am, we left the beautiful vanishing island and were cruising back to the Barobo port.

….. And we had lunch at Barobo port.

2nd leg: Roadtrip Mindanao

As a thanksgiving celebration for our team, we decided to visit tourists’ attraction in Surigao del Sur. And it is also our chance (my friends and I) to continue our Mindanao road trip experience. ❀ ❀ ❀

From General Santos City, we drove up north. Passes through Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Agusan del Sur province. It is an 8-hour of land travel. ❧ ❧ ❧

firts stop: Davao City

We left Gensan at 7pm and arrived Davao City at 9pm. Stopped at a gasoline station for some dinner and c.r. break. ☺

After some dinner on the road, we are now bound to Surigao del sur.

And so the journey begins…… ✯ ✯ ✯

✄ ✄ ✄ Traveling at night is such a challenge. Challenge of not sleeping the whole trip.

The darkness of the night and some rainfall on some towns we pass through didn’t worry us a bit, but it gives our trip some flavor; fun and laughter along the way…
Everyone is speeding so fast, and without knowing we are already in CARAGA Region.

While our drivers took some rest, we also had midnight snack and coffee break in Trento, Agusan del Sur.

And at 3 a.m. we are already in Barobo, Surigao del Sur. Since, it’s too early we just parked at a gasoline station along the highway and wait for the beautiful sunshine to come out.

After 8 hours on the road; from General Santos City - Davao City – Tagum, Davao del Norte – Nabunturan, Comval – Trento, Agusan Del Sur – Barobo, Surigao del Sur

And it’s time to rest…..

At 6 a.m., wide awake and its breakfast time on the road and in the gasoline station…
After a while, we are off to the island tour……. ☞ (follow it on the next blog..)

Boracay: Still a Paradise ❣ ❣ ❣

It’s been straight 3 years that I visit Boracay yearly with family. Still it excites me and looking forward for a fun and adventure vacation.

This 2011 visit is quite different from my previous visit here. I’m with my family, my sister and brother-in-law based in London and my childhood friend who is first time to visit the place.

From Iloilo City, we traveled 5 hours via Iloilo-Antique-Aklan road to Caticlan Port; gateway to Boracay Island.

After a hustle and bustle at the port terminal, we’re off to the Island. A 15-minute boat ride to the port terminal of Boracay Island.

our boat to Boracay

… and Boracay welcomed us with a smile!! ☺

From Boracay jetty port, we rode a Tricycle to station 2 where Bonzai resort is situated.

@ the trike

… and the Boracay escape begins ♥

✔ Accommodation

entrance to Bonzai Resort

Bonzai Resort is located in Station 2. It is beside La Carmela de Boracay and pass-through Villa de Oro Resort. It is walk away from the white sand beach. It is also near “Talipapa” and some food chains like Andok’s.

Bonzai resort is an affordable accommodation and it’s worth it.♛

☞ Contact Details:

Bonzai Resort

Station 2, Boracay Island

Cel #: 09177237064

✔ Island Hopping

before going to the island hopping

Island hopping is really not new to us but it’s still thrilling to do such. Though the Island is already progressive still the beauty of nature is still preserved.

the family

the known Pacquiao Resort

Along with the island hopping, we do snorkeling on the other side of the island.
Blue cool waters and colored fishes fascinates us to swim.

snorkeling

We also visited the known Puka Beach, and we enjoyed the beach and the sumptuous seafoods.

the puka beach

After 4-5 hours of exploring the whole island we’re back on the main island for some rest.

☞Island Details:

Boat rental – Php 1200 (good for 10 persons)

w/ snorkeling

✔ Adventure Trip

✔ Helmet Diving

from station 3, were transported by this speed boat to the helemt dive area

@the helmet dive boat

This is my 2^nd time to experience helmet diving and it still feels like the first time; I’m sooo thrilled!!! ツ

the beauty under the water

Lucky us!!! Lots of fishes in the ocean and they bonded with us… ♡♡♡

☞ Helmet dive fee: Php 600 per person (oxygen type)

Contact person: Johnny Hernandez

Cel #: 09063192136

✔ Exploring the Island

way to station 3

Boracay Island is a long stretch of white sand beach. One way of exploring the island is by walking.

a walk with my havvy

As you walked from station 3 to station 1 you’ll pass-thru resorts from 5 stars down to 1 star. You will also pass different food chains and shops.

relaxing

At station 3, you will find the boat terminal for the island hopping and some water adventure such as banana boat ride and flying fish. This is also where you will be transported if you’ll go helmet diving. There are also lots of resorts if you want to have a peaceful rest away from bars and the sounds of music.

banana boat ride

Station 2 is the liveliest in the island. Almost all resto bars and disco house are in this station. D’mall is also located in station 2. There are also lots of resorts in this station, from the expensive ones down to the cheapest.

@ d'mall

At station 1, you will find almost all the first class resorts in the island and high-end restaurants like Fridays, and Astoria.

At the outmost end of station 1 you will find the famous Willy’s Rock and the Groto of Mama Mary.

As you walked on the beach, especially during night time you will pass fire dance performers just everywhere. You can have a pic with them and do some tricks with you just donate a little amount.