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iamwanderingavocado · 4 years

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Where do broken hearts go? Bicolandia Adventure 2016  Legazpi- Naga-Caramoan My very first solo travel  no reservations from ticket to hotel, lahat spontaneous  day 0 since wala akong reserved ticket, i’m considered as chance passenger. i went to cubao bus terminal (near ali mall) about 6:30 pm then luckily i got a ticket bound for legazpi city by 9pm. there are 3 kinds of buses plying to bicol area, the ordinary one( w/out aircon), the aircondittioned bus and the lazy boy type. so i chose the lazy boy type because it’s more comfy, the seat space is bigger, it has on board comfort room and it has free wifi and individual plug.  9:00pm – etd to legazpi city  day 1  9 am – arrived at legazpi city capitol ; dropped by at the provincial capitol to look for city map, tour map  10:00 am – brunch at bigg’s diner (bicol’s most famous fast food chain) 10: 30 am – rode a jeepney to lignon hill  from the jeepney stop, 5 minute walk to reach the entrance, the entrance fee is i think p50 per person plus if you want to rent a “habal habal ride” going up the top , a fee of p50 per person .  - lignon hill - world war 2 japanese tunnel - kapit tuko trail 12:30 pm – checked in at embarcadero hotel  the rate there is p 1,000 per night inclusive of free breakfast, good view of the mayon volcano during breakfast  the hotel is quite convenient since it’s inside the mall premises (embarcadero mall), so security wise and if you want to buy necessities, there’s a super market, restaurants. embarcadero de legazpi being “fisherman’s wharf” , the legazpi baywalk boulevard is also located at its premises.  12:30-2:00 pm – rest  2:00pm – DIY city tour - our lady of gates church (daraga church) - cagsawa ruins - cagsawa parks  - albay parks and wild life  6:00 pm – early dinner at djc halo-halo ( bicol’s famous halo-halo )  - stroll along pacific mall and gaisano  (due to time and budget constraints , i was not able to go to the other tourist spots in albay such as the sumlang lake, quintiday hills, quintiday under ground river, mayon skyline, misibis bay, tiwi falls— so if given a chance, maka balik ng albay , yan na ang first sa itenerary) back to the hotel day 2 –  5:00 am – sunrise photo at the legazpi baywalk and photo op (signage) 8:00 am – breakfast  9:30 – check out; got a tricycle ride to the central terminal uv express/shuttles are available plying to naga every hour.  1:45 pm – arrived at sm city naga  2:00 pm – late lunch at sm naga  then i looked for a cheap hotel, may sogo hotel pero i checked in sa cheaper hotel, sampaguita travels/tourist inn located at panganiban drive, walking distance lang from sm naga , yes nag check in ako sa motel, P 300/ night,not bad na may aircon, tv and own cr . good deal na di ba for 300  3pm – check inn  4pm – naga city DIY tour  so para akong nag visita iglesia sa naga , supposed to be naga cathedral (our lady of pena francia) lang ang sadya ko pero ang mga simbahan pala sa naga particularly on naga centro ay magkakatabi so why not drop by na din  - penafrancia basilica  - penefrancia arc - st francis church  - penafrancia parish - el pueblo de naga - vicentian heritage park - naga centro - cwc ( located at pili, camsur) I also visited 1st colonial grill ,home of the famous sili ice cream. I was supposed to try the sili ice cream, tho may leveleling yung anghang hindi nako naglakas ng loob pa ,i just tried the second famous pili ice cream  8pm – dinner at bigg’s diner at naga centro , since ang habol ko ay free wifi and comfy and ang sarap din kasi ng food sa bigg’s ( must try yung laing cordon bleu nila, first time to eat laing and i loved it) 9:30 pm – night stroll sa naga —- chill at rookies bar  11pm – back at the hotel  day 3 –  5:30 am – check out – rode a tricycle ride to the terminal bound to san jose, camsur (via shuttle van) 6:40 am – arrived at san jose, camsur- sabang port , rode a boat to guijalo, caramoan 9:30 am – arrived at guijalo port, caramoan since, DIY at wala akong background pa sa place nagtanong lang ako sa tricycle driver, ang bait bait nila, sabi ko lang gusto ko sa inn na malapit sa dagat na  P300/ person yung tricycle ride since ang layo, makaka mura ka pag may kasabay  10:30 am – checked in at island view lodge, barangay parimian, caramoan the rate is parang 1,500 per head with aircon and own cr, wala nga lang internet and television so para tayong nag retreat  since may sariling restaurant yung hotel dun na ko nag lunch, medyo pricey kasi tourist price pero authentic bicolano dishes talaga like beef caldereta sa gata and pangat ba yon  2:00 pm – island hopping. since mag isa ako, i tried to be friendly and if ever makiki hitch ako sa mga ibang mag iisland hopping, unfortunately wala ganong kasabay since its a weekday, may mag jowa akong nakita pero ayaw nila nang may kasabay so brat tayo, di tayo nagpatalo nag rent ako ng own boat, nag island hopping mag isa  P1,500 for 2 hours inikot ako ni manong bangkero , sariling diskarte na lang sa picture  so yun ang ganda ng beaches sa caramoan, talagang pristine waters and yung iba virgin pa talaga, di pa commercialized  5 pm – back at the hotel for sunset  6pm – dinner – seafood overload and bicol express (first time to eat bicol express and from then on favorite ko na sya )  day 4  6 am – rode a tricycle bound to guijalo port then boat back to sabang port) (please do ask na lang sa mga drivers kung anong oras ng trips kasi minsan walang trip, mahirap na mastraned kung wala kang extra cash, walang atm sa island) 930 am – arrived at sabang port ,got a shuttle back to naga city  12nn- arrived at naga city, so wala na naman akong reserved ticket, chance passenger na naman, luckily may manila bound pang bus kaso aircon bus na lang di na lazy boy  11 pm – arrived at cubao terminal  Technically ang main goal ko why travelled solo is for soul searching, ang burgis diba ! kidding aside, its when im deciding if im gonna enrol na for law school But besides that ive learned a lot from that trip like being friendly to strangers, when to ask for help, there’s no harm in asking , being thrifty and most importantly, maging grateful sa life. Yung sa pagiging grateful sa Caramoan ko sya natutunan actually kasi, yung mga nakausap ko dun from the trike driver to staff nung lodge where I stayed, binibida nila yung Survivor TV show na if Hindi daw nafeature ng survivor yung town nila, di daw sisikat ang Caramoan as it is today so from then on grateful sila and they show it by being very hospitable sa mga tourist na napupunta sa place nila  #iamWanderingAvocado #Project81PH

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mobianflame · 4 years

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Travel Goals: Meet The Girl Who’s Been to All 81 Provinces of the Philippines

Nicole Marie del Rosario spent a lot of summer holidays as a youngster going on road trips to Baguio or even Albay, where her grandmother lifestyles. These early trips along with her family stired the fires of experience inside her, a great deal to make sure that due to the opportunity she finished coming from university, she started going off on her very own excursions.

"I just wished to travel along with friends since I wasn't made it possible for in the past," she says to Esquire Philippines. "That's when I started doing backpacking travels throughout provinces as well as I chose that it would be my target to check out all 81 districts."

Image by NICOLE DEL ROSARIO/INSTAGRAM @nicdelrosario. Del

Rosario, who is originally coming from Cebu but currently resides in Manila, is actually right now 26 years aged and working as a risk analyst for a bank. She says that it was in the course of a backpacking journey along with some close friends in the Cordillera Location that she chose to release Project81PH, her personal goal of establishing feet on all the districts of the nation.

"I only presumed that the Philippines is thus stunning and I wished to find firsthand what our country possesses to provide," she says. "Thus why not explore our country coming from Batanes, up to Tawi-Tawi?"

That resided in 2015. Naturally, already, she had actually currently beat off several products in her listing, districts she had actually visited along with loved ones as well as good friends. She finally achieved her target this 2019 and uploaded concerning it on social networks, which has actually due to the fact that gone popular.

[facebook: https://www.facebook.com/necssss/posts/10214482995778237?__xts__ [0] =68.ARBPvJ7v4aoY3hsOxEPulDWRUV3dy2oCcoyqaSRPWvvcbg0-hCdvaHKY5GVy _ P4aMFbXbpr_S8fUdApYMNMObGJA2NAhde8Z9SPPEgTPMkJAKXCkpvwn65nuNHKrtKz7MaKWnG-rwHcZ7CpdiR54ycNg-eb4CgJ16auhODTVIdlfuhUfkxQj3xLYIk5fhccrWwZRbLHWU9lFoxtlnfHJtHVokcI1KFEF83sTmkeeqYWUkFkpjiEc3qs_YMilbv1KNA1_KA&& __ tn __=-R] [/facebook]

Del Rosario had currently stated in a previous interview that Batanes as well as Palawan are actually two of her favored districts, as well as each are actually areas she would not mind revisiting.

"Batanes has consistently been my dream place and also seeing its wonderful yards-- coming from Marlboro Hills in Batan, Tinyan Perspective in Sabtang to Rapang Hillsides in Itbayat, along with my extremely own eyes for the 1st opportunity-- is my favorite experience," she states. "Palawan isn't far behind as a result of the various isles as well as seashores you can go to: coming from Kayangan Pond in Coron, the lengthiest seaside in San Vicente, to Onuk Island in Balabac."

Photograph through NICOLE DEL ROSARIO/INSTAGRAM @nicdelrosario. The

travel addict also discussed other momentous adventures from her 81-province rest.

"Among the longest journeys I experienced was mosting likely to Calayan Island in Cagayan. Going there is actually a journey on its own! You have to endure a 12-hour drive coming from Manila to Claveria as well as take a six-hour boat experience to Calayan, braving the risky health conditions of the Babuyan Stations. This excursion is actually certainly not actually for the delicate of heart. Nevertheless, walking on the banks of Sibang Nook as well as treking the neighboring Nagudungan Mountain to watch the sundown makes it all worth it. Calayan is a concealed treasure of a trip destination that you'll come to relish on your own.

"Another momentous excursion is actually the Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi hiking," she adds. "An usual false impression is that taking a trip to these isles is extremely dangerous. The individuals our experts complied with there were very pleasant and suiting in exploring us around. These 3 isle districts have their own charm as well as uncooked appeal, and also I really hope someday the judgment that these places are actually unsafe would certainly be broken."

Those 3 provinces in Mindanao, and also Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur, as well as Lanao del Sur, were the final provinces on Del Rosario's Project81PH checklist, every one of which she had the ability to visit in one major backpacking vacation in June this year.

Picture through NICOLE DEL ROSARIO/INSTAGRAM @nicdelrosario. Del

Rosario says she often takes a trip along with close friends considering that it's much less costly to travel in groups. "I am actually normally the one who welcomes and prepares the travels," she mentions. "I did travel solo when (in Camiguin) as well as I had the greatest opportunity! I created it a target to journey solo and it was most definitely a momentous take in."

Of training course, traveling isn't all delighted and also fun. There have been actually times, she acknowledges, when she encountered hardships in the course of her journeys.

"It is actually certainly not consistently pleasant and also beneficial to backpack. Often, you'll get stranded because of poor climate, miss out on the last bus visiting your upcoming destination and even be an opportunity traveler and reconsider the floor of the watercraft only to meet the following province.

"However that's what produces the vacations more momentous. I just cope with these hardships as well as consider all of them as component of the entire taking a trip experience. There is actually a feeling of success after going by means of all these challenges."

Picture through NICOLE DEL ROSARIO/INSTAGRAM @nicdelrosario.

There are actually a number of sessions she is actually gained from her travels. One is actually that it's consistently great to commit on ourselves and on knowledge while our team are actually younger. "Adventure is appropriate out there certainly!" she mentions. "Secondly is actually that I obtained to appreciate our country much more. The Philippines is very unique which's what makes it beautiful. I truly wish that our experts adore our personal nation and also opt for to take a trip the Philippines first."

Currently that she's scraped off that trip goal, Del Rosario mentions she likes traveling the Philippines some extra, in addition to visit locations outside the nation. "There are actually still a bunch of areas I have not explored however would such as to view, like El Nido in Palawan as well as Sibuyan in Romblon. In 2020, my trip objective is actually to accomplish backpacking vacations in Southeast Asia."

This content was originally published here.

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kiarah316 · 5 years

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“All wars must end.” The missing bells of Balangiga Church was just returned to the Philippines! 👏👏👏This is a throwback picture from 4 years ago, it was honestly my first time to learn about the history of this church and the war that happened here. Right after typhoon Yolanda the church was also badly hit by the storm. #thingsilearnedfromtravel #itsmorefuninph #sparksamar #balangigabells #balangiga #kumarenidora #easternsamar #project81ph #ph81 https://www.instagram.com/p/BrT7HG-nZd2/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=18428r7j1pfah

#thingsilearnedfromtravel #itsmorefuninph #sparksamar #balangigabells #balangiga #kumarenidora #easternsamar #project81ph #ph81

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blacfiremeckha · 4 years

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“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” - Marcel Proust #anawangin #pundaquit #zambales #layasnikulas #biyaherongkulas #lakwatserongkulas #everydayisagreatday #project81ph #igers #kulasdiaries #layasjournals #luzon #philippines (at Pundaquit, Zambales, Philippines) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6a8G22nh-V/?igshid=1q8ltkknybkvj

#anawangin #pundaquit #zambales #layasnikulas #biyaherongkulas #lakwatserongkulas #everydayisagreatday #project81ph #igers #kulasdiaries #layasjournals #luzon #philippines

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kapampangan-traveller · 4 years

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It was a sudden plan to visit the landlocked province of Abra. Taking advantage of the long December holidays, we embarked on a cutting trip from Pampanga to Abra. I was to meet in Calasiao my travel buddy Ella where we will both take the bus to Vigan, eventually to Bangued, Abra.

THE CUTTING TRIP

It was a jam-packed bus terminal in Mabalacat City, as many passengers are rushing to their respective hometowns to celebrate the New Year. Having the youthful agility (that time), I was able to squeeze myself in the midst of sea of passengers and able to secure a seat at the rear portion of the bus, saving me from another standing commute. Few hours passed, we arrived in Dagupan and took a jeep transfer to Calasiao. In less than an hour, I saw the Calasiao spelling on many establishments, signalling our arrival. We had a quick lunch in a fast food chain before hailing a ride to Vigan. Even buses at this spot are full of passengers already. We are able to board a bus and take seats just beside the driver. It was one of the rare moments to stand behind the huge windshield.

In Calasiao downtown while waiting for a bus ride to Vigan

Me and Ella and the bus driver, bound to Vigan

THE VIGAN SIDETRIP

We intend to spend a night in Vigan before visiting Bangued. Taking advantage of the yuletide season, we strolled around the heavily decorated main streets of the touristy side of Vigan. Stalls brimming with tourists, the streets are breathing alive even at nightfall. Children running around with their apparent christmas garbs and presents and the clippity clops of tourist calesas are the usual busy attractions in Calle Crisologo.

Empty Calle Crisologo at around 4:00 AM

After calling it a night on the quieter side of Vigan, we planned to leave as early as possible to see the Calle Crisologo complete and utter void of tourists. We left at 4:00 AM and hurried to the very spot – we practically owned Calle Crisologo. We left soon as the skies turn from starry black to deep blue and few tourists starting to tread the renowned street.

Selfie with the bus before it leaves for Abra, and Ella seating at the front

Arriving at the then dimly lit Vigan Bus Terminal, the first leaving bus of the day bound to Bangued seats composedly in its slot waiting for the first passenger to board. With lengthy time for waiting, we decided to have our breakfast in the terminal-located eateries and tried on the local dishes they serve – Sinanglaw (warm sour- bitter profiled soup with beef innards) and Dinakdakan (Chopped grilled pork parts with onions and chilli peppers). Soon as our tummies are filled, we decided to board the bus and catch some quick snooze. The mini bus interiors looks like an oversized traditional pinoy jeepney with 3 by 2 seat configuration. As first passengers, we took the front seats.

My breakfast in Vigan with Sinanglaw and hot instant coffee

CROSSING BORDERS

One must not miss passing through the Tangadan Tunnel located in San Quintin municipality. Construction of the tunnel commenced last 1934 as many workers pummeled through sheer hard rock just to connect the new road sections, shifting the new path to Abra to a safer and easier to navigate terrain. The tunnel became the main gateway to access the hidden wonders of the Abra province. Years after its completion, the tunnel marks as one of the destinations in the province. Tourists on private vehicles take the opportunity to have a photograph with the view of the tunnel as their backdrop.

Tangadan Tunnel in San Quintin, able to capture this since of our front seat access

It was more than two hours of driving when we finally on the bustling capital. Before arriving, we enjoyed breathtaking views of the mountainous landscape of Abra through its winding provincial roads. With nothing but thick forests on view, this is the one of the best spots in Abra to enjoy mother nature. Soon as we set foot finally and officially onto the soil of Bangued, I breathed excitedly and started scanning around. Hordes of tricycle drivers offering us ride, mobile vendors yelling out loud their products, porters heaving sacks of produces onto their backs and passengers hurrying to exit the terminal borders. Reaching on the main streets, busy foot traffic on both street edges and establishments brimming with customers was a welcoming sight. More vehicles stuck in traffic jutting out thick grey smoke while motorcycles squeeze their away into tight traffic spaces just to get ahead – really just a typical town, only within the borders of Abra. It was national campaign season, and campaign collateral litter the streets, walls and buildings.

My shoe size did not comfortably fit on the foot space of the bus front sea

In every corner of the Bangued town, you would notice armed authorities in pairs – an army and a police officer, sometimes a trio with a traffic enforcer. This is a normal scenario during a campaign season confirmed by a random local. Using digital maps on our smartphones, we are able to locate the capitol grounds on foot.

AT BANGUED, ON FOOT

At the center of the capitol complex features an open park area with a recognizable half dome covered platform fronting the geometric-hive facade of the green colored Capitol building. Its ground floor roof extension features the typical Ionian column heads topped with a triangular roof.

Ella and the Abra Capitol Building facade

On the other side of the park is the Bangued Cathedral – St. James the Elder Parish. Already on a modern architectural style, the structure features a towering octagonal bell tower with four levels of arched windows. It features also a glittering retablo placed higher on the altar side. The ceiling is embellished with an elegant chandelier and the walls are parted by high arching windows, allowing natural light to enter through it s mosaic design glasses. A mass is celebrated at that time we visited.

We checked our digital maps and located the Calaba Bridge. One of the longest modular bridge in the Philippines, spanning the wide yet seasonally treacherous Abra River – at 900 meters end to end. We chartered a tricycle to bring us on both of its ends, as walking under the afternoon us proves taxing. After agreeing on the amount we would pay the driver, we sped to the bridge. Soon after, a caged like structure emerged at the end of the road and there we met the signage of the bridge. The driver also instructed us that we can see and visit the riverbed below. True to its definition, the Calaba Bridge is indeed long. Seeing how vehicles turns into miniscule portions as they reach farther end. From there, we can see clearly the Sleeping Beauty. A portion of the mountainous skyline of Abra depicting a sleeping lady, with the face, chest and abdomen above the lower hills of the mountain ranges.

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Sleeping beauty mountain viewed from Oval Era Hotel

Since the sky was dry for days, the Abra River below apparently flows calmly against the clear blue sky. Noticeable are stilted huts above the river surface that visitors can rent should they wish to bathe on the river. There are no authorities that time to ask permission if we can try and check the huts, we just enjoyed seeing them from where we are. We took the chance to take road to the river bed. We marveled on the gigantic and massive support columns of the bridge. From there, we can hear and feel the clunking of steel whenever heavy vehicles would hit the bridge deck. Undettered by the noisy traffic above, scantily dressed children jumped back and forth onto the calm river.

After an exhausting afternoon tour around the main downtown area, we decided to check in with Oval Era Hotel (Contact: +63 917 184 6825) . This hotel is located on Cassamata Hill. We hailed a tricycle since our feet would not be able to carry us to the ascending road inside the park. We have made the right choice. At the wide balcony and open air veranda of the hotel, we can view the Bangued downtown, with the roofs below our feet. We chose an airconditioned twin bed room with private Toilet and bath. It was the best decision we made since we enjoyed much of our room. It also has a room balcony with view of the highers slopes of Cassamata Hill.

Our driver waited for us since he promised to bring us to another view deck within the Victoria Park. We continued the uphill road until we made sharp turn to the entrance of park. We saw an open air semi circular arena and a grotto. We walk around the park and enjoy the better panoramic view of Bangued and the mountain range backdrop.

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Finally, our driver dropped as off on the gates of the hotel and we hurried back to our room to rest. Soon as we are done refreshing ourselves and our back against the supporting mattresses, we decided to end our tour.

My bed while in Abra

At dinner, we visited the neighboring Ayesha Cafe. We are amazed by its interior and garden inspired alfresco dining area with the view of the Bangued town. I ordered then Crispy Beef Ribs with Gravy for my dinner. It took less than 10 minutes before the smoking hot dish landed on my table. The meat is tender and tasty against the crunchy breading. I decided to end my meal with an iced tea beverage.

We called it a night when we returned to our hotel room. The relaxing and calming cold room and soothing mattress instantly drawn to dreamland.

SINCE WE CAME A BIT EARLY

The province of Abra, being part of the Cordillera Administrative Region, proves its tourism potential. At the time of our visit, visitors are rare and locals seemed to be not used on sights of backpackers sauntering their thoroughfares. That time, December 2015, when tourism activities are not yet rampant, we had a hard time in obtaining information from locals. There is a different vibes as to a tourist town like Banaue where locals are more warm to visitors and a smile is like a permanent gesture. I remember when the now famous Kaparkan Falls of Tineg municipality is still reachable by 6-7 hour trek or 3-4 hour horseback ride according to a local we have spoken with. We also lack in coordination with the tourism office and we are only able to see spots on what we just researched in the internet. I am now happy that Abra has taken huge strides in tourism, and social media was an effective marketing tool on bringing to a wider reach the beauty of Abra. I am thankful to my longtime travel buddy and confidant, Ella, for joining me in this tour and herself braving the long commute. As of posting, I could imagine the impact of increasing tourism activities in Bangued. I have learned many destinations now, like the rolling hills, rice terraces and many waterfalls. I tried to plan an itinerary for this a weekend trip would not suffice. I want to see myself what could be the difference from years back. This lingering travel thirst would want my itching feet board that “Abra” or “Bangued” signed buses.

Photo of Mt. Bullagaw in Abra by avid mountaineer and trusted financial advisor, Mr. RJ Garo,

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WAKE UP- KICK ASS- REPEAT 📷 Saab

A post shared by @ rjgaro on Jan 31, 2017 at 6:52pm PST

Photo of Kaparkan Spring Terraces Falls in Tineg, Abra by Mr. Hancel Reyes ofThe Restless Pinoy Traveler blog

Dreaming still to visit this seasonal Kaparkan Waterfalls

TRAVEL GUIDE to BANGUED, ABRA:

From Manila, you can take Bangued bound bus (Dominion Lines and Partas Line)

Alternatively, you can take Vigan/Laoag/Pagudpud bound bus and alight in Narvacan Junction. Take jeep, bus, van bound to Bangued

Will I ever go back? I will and that’s for sure. There are many section in the province still void of blog article and I am willing to spend time and effort to return to the province.

Exploring BANGUED: capital of Abra province It was a sudden plan to visit the landlocked province of Abra. Taking advantage of the long December holidays, we embarked on a cutting trip from Pampanga to Abra.

#Abra Travel Guide #backpacking philippines #project81ph

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kapampangan-traveller · 4 years

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The landlocked province of Apayao is located at the far northern edge of Luzon Island. Exploring this province means a long road trip, traversing either the Cagayan or Ilocos route would cost more than 12 hours if you are originating from NCR or Central Luzon. Despite its sheer distance, the vast plains and towering mountain ranges will be the next rising destinations in the Cordillera Administrative Region. Virtually untouched by commercial tourism in many areas, visitors will be truly mesmerized with the experience that Apayao province can offer.

THE LONG TRANSIT AND TRANSFERS

It was past 9:00 PM when I arrived in the busy terminal in Dau, heaving my heavy backpack. I sat on an empty cold gang chair seat, deep breathed the cool December air while looking around for bus signage bound to any Cagayan Valley destinations. Our goal is to take a Tuguegarao bound bus. However, the weekend keeps the arriving buses full. We are left to take the last Santiago City-bound bus. We are now on our way to a 10-hour long bus ride, traversing provinces of Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Viscaya, and ultimately in Isabela province. Inside the bus, I struggled to find a comfortable position while standing at the center aisle. When we reached the Carranglan area, I have to balance myself to avoid hitting seated passengers as we passed the winding mountain road. It was agonizing, however, I forced myself to drift in dreamland.

I felt the bus slowing down, and I peeled my eyes, someone is alighting, and many of them. We are able to secure seats and now to relax my tired back. Before going back to sleep, I was able to see town centers heavily decorated with Christmas lights.

The bus conductor then shouted “Santiago”. I checked my mobile map application and sure we are now within the borders of Santiago City. We alighted past dawn while the city is starting to wake up. We had a quick breakfast near the terminal before taking our next transit to Tuguegarao City. We are lucky to be able to secure front seats in a public utility van. I am able to catch up on my sleep hours and awakened by the van’s stop. Another passenger lights and as I opened again my eyes, the long cantilevered bridge is in front of us. Excitement filled me since we are already in Tuguegarao City. We alighted on a busy terminal and we hurried to a panciteria. Their local staple, Pancit Batil Patong is my goal for early lunch. After a hearty meal, we hurried to a van terminal and got another front seat PUV reservation. In less than half an hour, the vehicle left for Luna Junction and we are expected to reach the destination in less than 3 hours. This is how the Cagayan province is massive in terms of land area. Most of the national road snakes beside the Cagayan River, an important body of water in the Cagayan Valley region.

Quick exploring the busy town of Abulug

Ultimately, we are able to reach the terminal in Abulug town. With an already sore back, I heaved my backpack and sauntered around this far north town. Since it is my first time, I scanned my eyes to see what they have. Rural banks, busy wet and dry markets, pharmacies, individual ATMs, food stalls – all of this that I needed for an emergency. It was past noon when we are able to charter a tricycle to whisk us to our reserved accommodation – Borromeo Tourist Inn. In less than twenty minutes, we are able to cross the border. At last, the Welcome Signage for Apayao. It was surreal. The long land transit was worth it. At the tricycle, cool and refreshing Northeastern monsoon winds continue to dance around us, while the vast Apayao plains behind us transition to hilly landscape. A few minutes past, we arrived in front of our accommodation. We are ushered to our room on the third floor. The room is already cool and using the AC unit is not needed. I jumped at my bed, resting my tired body.

The Facade and the convenience store

Our room featuring two double beds at the third floor

THE TOUR

After securing our tour guide and driver, we prepared for the day tour scheduled the next day. We are to explore that afternoon the Marag Valley, however, the road leading to the spot is still inundated due to incessant rains days before our arrival. Supporting his statement is an overcast sky above us until sunset. We just spent the rest of the day recovering from an exhausting journey. We pre-ordered our dinner and breakfast from their in-house cafeteria. Night fell, and momentarily, we called the night early.

Luna Town Signage located at the main provincial road

The alarm rang and we woke up with better weather. The sun has risen up and patches of blue skies are now above us, contrary of yesterday’s. We had our breakfast near the third floor’s balcony, a good view of the vast plains of Apayao. We got dressed and shortly, our driver arrived with his adjusted motorcycle.

THE SURPRISINGLY AWESOME LUSSOK CAVE

Photographs do not give justice to Lussok Cave. Going to the jump-off point is already an adventure. We passed through fields of golden yellow and green, bordered by many streams and tributaries. I usually see brown or dark-colored rivers in Central Luzon, but the ones in Apayao are clear to blue-green to turquoise. The concrete road is still under construction and we have to alight from the motorcycle should we pass newly paved segments.

Our assigned paddler after bringing us at the cave mouth.

We arrived at the entrance – marked by decorated wood panels spelling the name of the province and a registration area. The Lussok Cave is one of the tourism icons of the Apayao province. The natural park truly is a wonder. The thick forest canopy covering the clean pristine river and the cave’s mouth and including a suspension bridge connecting different trails through the beautiful cave.

It is best to drop a comment for improvement of their services

Going to the mouth’s cave would require a canoe ride, paddling above placid waters of the river surrounded by tall canyon walls. We were the only visitors that morning who will enter the cave. The established cave trails feature easy and moderate level of difficulty. The easy trail would feature scrambling through centuries-old cave rocks, and passing through tight tunnel openings and emerging to different chambers of Lussok Cave. At the time of our spelunking, the trail is filled with slippery brown mud making the cave exploration a bit challenging and risky – one wrong step could lead you sliding to sharp jagged rocks below.

After paying our registration fees, our assigned cave guide gave us a brief discussion about the cave. The name is hailed from a local term that means “to come into”. Since the spelunking adventure involves passing through a tight opening fitting one person only. The park features an established footpath leading to the river where you would board your assigned raft or canoe. It was a peaceful paddling above the tranquil blue-green waters, the river seems to be void of any movements or current. The tall canyon walls seem to shunt the northeasterly monsoon winds above us. Paddling in this area is peaceful. Distant coos and squawks of the natural fauna would just fill your ears. alternated by the sounds of the paddles hitting the water. The trees above us feature long vines that can reach the water level below or could hit your helmet. The picturesque cave opening then emerged in view. The unique rock formations are magically decorated with the creeping vines and other greeneries attached to its walls.

THE CAVE SPELUNKING

Exploring the cave on foot is my favorite part. We docked on a rocky side and carefully transferred my weight onto solid cave rock. From there, the Lussok Cave is already strikingly awesome and impressive. Our guide instructed us to take the trail upwards to see a better angle of the cave. It was about above two-storeys high and we reached the spot. Seeing the clear river exiting the huge cave mouth and the naturally occurring drippings from the cave ceiling are already ecstatic for me. For leisure tourists, this spot can be their end destination and return back.

We are about to enter the deeper caverns and daylight starts to dim. Passing through the tight passage is challenging since our pair of footwear were already smeared with slippery mud. I hoisted myself up and emerge to a huge chamber. From there, our guide pointed through beam of light the interesting rock formations. There is one that depicts the Virgin Mary. He also showed us the difficult trails we can view. Imagine an approximately 40 feet high smooth cave wall with a nothing a but rope and attached tires as your steps. I think I might try this when I return. After an hour of spelunking, daylight now looms in front of us. The ascending slippery trail proves to be daunting, thanks to the jagged rocks nearby. Finally, I was able to surface back on a higher forest ground. We are now above the canyon walls we paddled through earlier.

Another feature of the cave is the suspension bridge. In less than half an hour of trek, we are able to reach the registration counter. I decided to explore more the area and visited the other side of the river banks.

After resting a bit, we mounted to our motorcycle and sped off to visit other spots nearby.

The Lussok Cave is indeed a tourism potential of Apayao province. They have developed the area that different tourists would be able to enjoy and experience its beauty.

OTHER DESTINATIONS IN APAYAO PROVINCE

The Maton River meanders from the highlands of Apayao to the plains -an important water system for agriculture. In Apayao, they have built a spot where tourists can enjoy the scenic view. After less than an hour’s drive from Lussok Cave, we reached one of the banks of Maton River – located near the provincial road. There are huts you can use should you wish to lounge or stay longer. I rushed to the banks and dipped my tired feet on to its cool waters. The area I am stepping on features brown sandy riverbank and interesting rock formations. The current is also strong in this part and safety is paramount. I just enjoyed the view and did not attempt to bathe there.

We drove deeper into Apayao and reached the town of Pudtol. We visited the Mataguisi Chapel Ruins or Pudtol Ruins, a Spanish-inspired structure that features thick stone walls. Within the walled structure is a makeshift church were local parishioners celebrate mass where you will find long wooden benches and an altar. Surely, this history behind this structure is fascinating.

The Apayao Eco-Tourism and Sports Complex Grounds features the public facilities such as swimming pool, playing courts, and the pyramid-shaped pavilion in there.

It was already mid-afternoon and rain clouds start to form above us. We have to return to Luna town proper since it would be risky to drive on a winding road. We are able to reach Luna town proper before the rain began to fall. We enjoyed our late lunch in a local eatery with another round of Pancit Batil Patong. After the hearty meal, our driver safely brought us back to our accommodation. Our tired feet were still able to bring us to the third floor. We bathed and prepared our backpacks for the long journey back to Pampanga. It is encouraged to explore Apayao at least 3-4 days to make your long travel worth it.

Other destinations we are not able to explore:

Manacota Underground River

Dupag Rock Formation

Apayao version of Pancit Batil Patong

Lunch with our driver-tour guide

TRAVEL GUIDE TO APAYAO

Land: You can drive to Apayao via Luna either Cagayan or Ilocos Norte route. There are buses from Manila to Abulug Junction. Alternatively, you can take any Cagayan Valley bound bus, and you can transit via Tuguegarao. There are also public buses in Laoag and Pagudpug that pass to Abulug Junction. Also, there are vans in Tuguegarao that plies the winding road of Conner to Kabugao. Apayao is also connected to Baguio City via Conner route.

Fly: You can fly direct to Tuguegarao or Laoag. From there you can take buses or vans that pass by Abulug Junction.

CONTACTS

Apayao Provincial Tourism Office:

Ms. Rebecca Mamba

Mobile” +63 927 241 7343

Email: [email protected]

Borromeo Tourist Inn: +63 905 759 3779

Room Rates: (Prices may change without prior notice)

Php600 Single Bed AC Room Twin Sharing Private CR

Php500 Single Bed AC Room Twin Sharing Common CR

Php100 Extra Foam Bed

Transportation:

Edgar: +63 905 896 2922

Elizer: +63 975 954 9296

Reymar: +63 926 834 8923

Our actual commute routes from Pampanga to visualize our transits

Photos of our way back via Ilocos Route:

I am thankful to Teacher Mik, who accompanied me in this long journey. The Apayao province is truly farfetched from Pampanga, however, I still dream to take that long ride and explore more of its unexplored destinations.

View of the plains from Borromeo Tourist Inn

Destination APAYAO: Lussok Cave The landlocked province of Apayao is located at the far northern edge of Luzon Island. Exploring this province means a long road trip, traversing either the Cagayan or Ilocos route would cost more than 12 hours if you are originating from NCR or Central Luzon.

#Apayao travel guide #backpacking philippines #cave spelunking #project81ph

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