Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

Tour Departs By Boat From Palompon Town

Due to the nature of my trip (weather…possible motorbike breakdowns…etc), unfortunately I couldn’t inform the tour company exactly when I would be there. I was impressed, because even at the last minute, they were able to throw an overnight camping trip together for me. What a dream come true!

I met my guide, Mrs. Warblitz at the Palompon port early the next morning. It was a bit cloudy, so I hoped the weather would clear for nice pictures.

It was only about a 45 minute boat trip, and before I knew it, I was already exploring the tiny island! I came across the rocky beach pictured above, and also a small island chapel...as well as a tree house on the far end. I heard that it’s private property, unfortunately.

I took a few photos and made some new friends…there were some tourist groups from the Philippines, and quite a large one from China. Soon, the clouds began to part, and I was thrilled to see the sun shine down on our little island paradise…

A Picture-Perfect White Sandbar

The tide was starting to come in by the time the sun came out…so the sandbar was slowly submerged by the sea. As you can see here, there is a native-style lifeguard tower, and the lifeguard is constantly kept busy chasing after tourists who try to cross the sandbar at high tide (you’re only allowed to cross when the sandbar is exposed).

There is a small mound of sand at the end of the sandbar…it becomes its own little island at high tide, too. It’s incredibly beautiful.

Blessed by powdery white sand and the shade of plenty of coconut trees, Kalanggaman island truly is a gem in the pacific. “Langgam” means “bird” in the local dialect, and the island gets that name from its shape, when viewed from above.

I climbed up in the nipa hut lifeguard tower for a better view of the sandbar.

The lifeguards were friendly, and I interviewed them a bit as they kept watch on the beach. Below is Nick, who came to Palompon because he has family here. With all the discipline of a military man, I had no doubt that Nick and the guys would keep the island safe throughout the night.

Some tourists recognized me on the beach, and requested a photo. Thanks for sending me the picture, Mrs. Suzette!

Overnight Camping on the Island

Here I am in my own little “bahay kubo”, or native hut. Made from bamboo and nipa, these are iconic in the Philippines. I just relaxed and got some reading done in my hammock. Not a bad life!

As you can see below, the tour company took good care of me. My trip was so last minute that they were not able to include an overnight tour guide. For me this was actually ideal…I love being on my own to take photos and explore. They introduced me to the island guards and the caretaker, and left me with all the supplies I could ever need…

I had a tent, a hammock, rain gear, coffee, tea, fresh vegetables, and an assortment of Filipino foods to last many meals. I even had nachos and beer…and there was enough food to share with new friends, which is the Filipino way. The team set up a beautiful campsite before departing the island. The boat would return to pick me up in the morning.

Being left on my own beautiful tropical island…this really is the kind of adventure I’ve always dreamed of. Guess what?  It gets better…

Snorkeling Off The Beach

A local told me where I might find some corals near the beach. You’ll have to ask for specifics once you’re there. In the fading afternoon light, I managed to get some underwater photography done. Here is a small school of colorful fish above the corals.

I took the these photos with my Olympus TG-5, The Amazon link is HERE. 

There were some beautiful flower-type coral gardens, with both hard and soft corals.

I also spotted a puffer fish, a large lionfish, and a beautiful giant clam. Not bad for an island which isn’t even known for its snorkeling! Something I’ll never forget is one of the young guards who wanted to go snorkeling with me, to make sure I was safe out there.

It was actually his first time using a snorkel & mask to see underwater! He was totally blown away, and I loved watching him experience it for the first time.

TIPS: Always wear a life vest, and do not swim or snorkel near the actual sandbar. The lifeguards told me the current is incredibly strong there. Also, please apply “reef safe” sunblock if you use it, as the chemical “oxybenzone” can kill or damage the coral reefs. I think Banana Boat for kids may be OK.

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

Sunset on the Sandbar

By sunset, the tide had gone back down, and it was safe for us to walk along the sandbar and take photos. I can imagine the sunsets get even better than this on less cloudy days, too. Just magical.

The local guys and I listened to reggae music (I brought a tiny speaker) as we enjoyed the prepared food. Around 9pm they retired to the other end of the island, and I had the whole sandbar and coconut grove to myself. Perfect weather to sleep outside…so peaceful. I’ll never forget it.

How To Get To Kalanggaman

The most convenient way might be to take a cheap promo flight to Tacloban from Manila or Cebu, then join Leyte Gulf Travel and Tours. They provide vans for the 2-3 hour trip, and of course the boat and all your supplies.

Where to Stay

Overnight camping was pretty epic, but you can also stay in Palompon Town. I stayed at Asayas Pension Plaza…it was OK, but they don’t have online reservations.  Mrs. Warblitz or Mrs Ludette @ Leyte Gulf can make some good hotel recommendations for you if you need.

Again, many thanks to the team for providing this incredible experience! I’m not usually a “tours” kind of guy, but after experiencing everything they have to offer, I can see why it’s worth the extra money.  You can just enjoy your vacation…without the stress of planning so many things. They were super nice, and most importantly – professional.

For me, Kalanggaman Island is just incredible – not too developed or crowded…with a nice white-sand beach and plenty of shady coconut trees. Add to that friendly locals, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for paradise.

Really, this island is pure eye candy.

Enjoy, and be sure to check out my other Leyte posts!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

More Adventures in Leyte, Philippines

My motorbike tour of Leyte Province

Tacloban City & Restaurant Tour

Snorkeling & Diving in Padre Burgos

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The post KALANGGAMAN ISLAND: The Best Beach in the Philippines? appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

1st Stop in Southern Leyte – Peter’s Dive Resort

When Peter’s Dive Resort sent me an invite to come and experience the region for myself, I jumped at the chance. Fascinating corals and thousands of colorful fish lied in wait just below the surface…and that was just the snorkeling…

On a beautiful day, our boat “set sail” out on the open sea. Next stop, Napantao Dive sanctuary on Panaon Island – just across Sogod Bay from Peter’s Dive Resort.

Napantao Dive Sanctuary

We anchored the boat about 10 meters from a rugged, coconut tree lined beach. After the divemaster pointed me to the best corals, I put my life vest, mask and snorkel on and swam out.

Full disclosure: I joined a group of Peace Corps Volunteers who were all diving, but I just snorkeled on this trip.

Snorkeling over Surreal Coral Landscapes

Just off the beach where we docked, I found the coral garden above while snorkeling in about 2-3 meters of water. Pretty cool!  They kind of remind me of flowers. I wonder if anybody knows the name of this type of corals? I have had no luck in my research so far…

I have snorkeled all over the Philippines, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many fish. They were small, but neon blue…and shimmering beautifully in the sunlight above. I also took a photo of a unique brain coral tucked away in a coral “cubby hole”. Never seen anything like it.

I also stumbled upon a massive group of Clownfish. Must have been 30 + in one location! I’ve seen a lot of clownfish in the Philippines, but never more than 3 or 4 in one place. I wonder if this was a breeding site, or what?

Feeling the after affects of my strenuous rifr around Leyte, after about 40 minutes in the water I was tired, cold, and hungry. Luckily, back on the beach,  the team was preparing lunch with fresh caught fish grilling over a fire. The problem was that the wood was moist, and not so easy to burn.

Here’s comes good ol’ Filipino ingenuity to save the day….a dive instructor borrowed one of my fins to fan the flames!

Totally worked.

There was much more to the meal than just fish…we had a full spread with rice, veggies, and even chicken, I think. We definitely didn’t go hungry, I’ll tell you that much. This was a pretty good intro to to snorkeling and diving in southern Leyte, but the next day I was super excited to join a boat trip to Limasawa island, to the south.

Limasawa Island Dive Site

The weather on the first day was a bit cloudy, which put a damper on my photography – both above and below the water. The Limasawa trip was much better, though. Beautiful, sunny day out on the water!

I noticed in southern Leyte the local fishermen wear conical hats, similar to the ones worn in Vietnam. I know they do a good job keeping the sun of your head, but I didn’t see them worn anywhere else in the country, so it makes me wonder if there’s a story behind them.

These fishermen were pretty curious about me taking pictures. At one point they started waiving their paddle in the air to get my attention for a shot! Haha.

Limasawa Island (which means “5 Wives” in Filipino) is supposedly the site of the very first Catholic mass in the Philippines, undertaken by father Pedro de Valderrama, sailing with the fleet of the explorer Ferdinand Magellan.

Anyhow, the island itself is just stunning. We weren’t able to get off the boat and climb up to the marker cross on the hill (I read about it), but the turquoise sea and white sand beaches dotting the island were just beautiful.

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

Coral Reef + Fish @ Limasawa Snorkeling Site

This was one of the more colorful and fascinating coral formations I came across. If you’re wondering, I took all these photos with my underwater camera, the Olympus TG-5 (That link is for Lazada, Asia). The Amazon link is HERE

(More photos)

I wish I knew more about the fish and coral species, so I could share the names with you. If you know, please leave a comment! I know I saw some nice table corals  + other hard corals…as well as some beautiful soft corals, and even a Banded Sea Krait (snake)!

They are highly venomous, but also highly harmless…haha. They pretty much ignore you. If you were unlucky enough to step on one you could *possibly* get bit. Even then, apparently they don’t always release their venom. Beautiful creatures, in any case.

These last 2 photos are my favorites from this snorkeling trip. Above is a male clownfish protecting his nest in a beautifully sunlit anemone.

Below…I have no idea what this leopard-patterned fish is called. I’m hoping somebody can tell me. It’s the first one I’ve ever seen…so striking! I think it’s some kind of a bottom feeder. * I just found out that this could be a Leopard Blenny…or some other type of blenny perhaps? I wonder if any of you have any ideas?

How To Get To Southern Leyte

You can take flights from Cebu or Manila to the smaller airports of Tacloban or Ormoc (that one’s further away). If you’re a bit flexible with schedule, you might find a great deal on a promo flight from Cebu Pacific Air. There are also fast ferries departing from Cebu (about a 3 hour trip) + a 45 minute bus transfer to the Resort.

If you’re adventurous, you could rent a car or motorbike from Haven’s transport in Tacloban and drive yourself!

Big thanks to Shelani and the Peter’s Dive Resort team! As a lot of dive resorts tend to be,  it’s pretty simple…but a good value with top notch food & service. Plus, the snorkeling and diving was fantastic. Definitely recommended.

Be sure to check out my other Leyte posts, too…

My Massive Motorbike Trip Around Leyte Province

Stunning Kalanggaman Island & Sandbar

A Tacloban City & Restaurant Tour – Leyte, Philippines

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

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The post Snorkeling & Diving in Padre Burgos – Leyte, Philippines appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

Touring Leyte’s WWII history has always been on my bucket list. While visiting some friends in Singapore, they asked what my next trip might be. I told them it could be Leyte, but I had no real plans for it. Well, the power of suggestion is strong…and I do believe that “The universe conspires to help the dreamer”.

The next day I was hit with the urge to check flights. Boom. Promo flights, both to the Philippines, and also to Tacloban from Cebu. As we say back in California:

It’s on like Donkey Kong.

Before I knew it, I had reached out to my readers and lined up a pretty incredible trip, including a super nice motorbike (courtesy of  Haven’s Rentals in Tacloban). If you’re wondering, Leyte is a huge island province in the southern Philippines – one of the largest, I believe.

Time For the Open Road…On My Way To Kananga

I was on a mission to get to Palompon, the jump off point to beautiful Kalanggaman island. I zipped through the towns of Palo, Tunga, and quite a colorful fiesta in Carigara. Normally I would stop and enjoy the festivities, but I had an island tour lined up, so I had to push on.  I started winding up the beautiful mountain roads outside town, and noticed the air cooling a bit.

Soon, I headed over the pass and made my way down into a plain of lush, green rice fields.

These are the rice paddies along the highway in Kananga. Knowing that I was making good time, I decided to get off the bike and take some landscape pictures. As you can see my motorbike was quite customized, including a nice windshield (although I’m so tall…my head popped over the top! Haha.)

Kananga Parish Church

There is a similar looking church in Palo, but I was in a hurry when I rode passed it (plus the sky was cloudy there). I’m quite picky about the skies and colors in my photos. Anyhow, I was thrilled to see this beautiful alternative on my way through Kananga.

(There was a actually a 6.5 magnitude earthquake that happened as I was riding the motorbike out of Tacloban. I didn’t even realize. Sadly, a building collapsed in Kananga. One person died, but fortunately, all the others were rescued.)

Palompon Town, and San Juan Beach

I arrived in the (surprisingly) bustling town of Palompon just before sunset. I asked a local where a good place to photograph was, and they pointed me to San Juan Beach. By the time I found it, the light was really fading. Still had enough time to chat with friendly beachgoers and snap some photos, though.

I always love being on the beach at this time in the Philippines. You can find kids playing in the water while their fishermen fathers bring in the boats. Yes, island smiles abound when things finally cool off each day.

I said goodby to the surfers and skimboarders, and made my way back to Asayas Pension Plaza, where I ended up staying the night.

Funny how my life works, this place was recommended to me, and when I walked in the front door, I noticed old cameras and photography themed decor all over the room! The owner is Mr. Juanito D. Asaya, a renowned photographer who even snapped photos of former President Marcos water skiing back in the 70s. He even had an old Ricoh SLR on the shelf – the same brand I use today.

 (Continued below, but I do hope you’ll follow along with me)

Coastal Fishing Village of Ipil (Palompon)

The next morning I set out to explore Palompon town a bit. I became fascinated by this “floating” native village on stilts in the water. I asked some local kids how to go there, but I think they were too shy to respond. However, as I was walking away a boy crossing the street told me he would take me there.

Turns out he actually lived there, so he knew it well!

His name was Zar, and really was a bright kid. I was so grateful for his impromptu tour, though I was a bit worried that my excess weight might crack the bamboo walkways between houses! he looked worried, too. Haha…I’m sure he never saw somebody my size trying to navigate these elevated paths.

As for the local residents, they could practically walk these precarious planks and pathways with their eyes closed. It’s just an everyday part of life.

Anyhow, it was a fascinating place to document, and I appreciated his help very much. I hope somehow he might read this someday.

The next morning I embarked on my incredible overnight camping trip to Kalanggaman Island, but you can find the link for that story at the end of this post:)

The Road To Southern Leyte

The long trip had wiggled loose a small bolt on my tailpipe, and it began to rattle loudly as I rode. Luckily I noticed a huge Yamaha dealer as I passed through Ormoc City, and they replaced it at no cost. Very nice! I was in a hurry to make it all the way to Padre Burgos in the far south, so I didn’t have time to see more of Ormoc. As I left town, the road really opened up, and traffic started moving FAST.

Before I knew it, I had passed the beautiful coastline of Inopacan (which I vowed to come back and visit someday), and I arrived in the busy town of Maasin. I know this means “very salty” in Filipino, but I’m not sure if it means the same thing here. I also learned that Maasin is the birthplace of current president, Rodrigo Duterte. I always assumed he was born in Davao!

Sunburnt and exhausted, I had a very late lunch in Maasin and then continued to the Macrohon area, where I took this photo of a tree lined street. At least, I think it was the Macrohon area….in any case, it was an enchanting section of highway.

People in Leyte so far had been incredible warm and friendly, but for some reason, around this small section of road, I got some pretty odd looks from the locals. I couldn’t help but wonder if they had a particularly bad experience with a foreigner in the past here. In any case, soon enough, I finally made it to Padre Burgos. The good vibes resumed. The link to my experience @ Peter’s Dive Resort can be found at the end of this post…

After 2 amazing days of snorkeling / diving with new friends, I got back on the bike and rode up the coast to Sogod, where I snapped these photos from a bridge over the Hipgasan river (I think?). Again, I was sunburnt and famished (riding for countless hours in the tropical sun really takes a toll on you). I stopped for lunch at a friendly eatery near the Sogod Public Market.

Then I traveled to a remote part of St. Bernard, where there was a crowd of people gathered. Noticing a beautiful mountain landscape above their village, I pulled the bike over to take a picture.

I assumed the crowd was waiting along the road for a bus, but actually there was a massive neighborhood brawl. It sounded really serious, with a lot of screaming and commotion, but the guys next to me were just laughing. They looked at me and said “Don’t worry, they’re just drunk.”

Like an idiot, I had assumed I could make it all the way from Padre Burgos up to Tacloban in one day. This was a pipe dream…while beautiful, the road was far more windy and slow going than I anticipated. I pushed as hard as I could in the fading light, but was ready to eat dinner and pass out by the time I reached Hinundayan.

 (If you’re curious about Leyte hotels, you can check them out below)

I forgot to mention that this whole trip was pitch black once the sun went down, because the earthquake knocked out power all over Leyte. Riding at night in the Philippines is stressful and dangerous (road hazards).  A local pointed me to Julie’s Lodge, where I found a very warm and welcoming Julie + caretaker.

Her daughters and sons are working all over the world, such a fascinating story! Very kind people, and definitely an affordable place to stop along the way.

An American Peace Corps volunteer at the dive resort had told me about a fish sanctuary further up the road…I told him I didn’t have time to visit it, as I was planning to go all the way to Tacloban that day. Well, here I was with some time…after being forced to break the trip up.

When Mrs. Julie told me I should stop by there on the way too, I considered it a sign. I readied my snorkel and mask, and made my way up the rustic dirt road through the village.

Snorkeling @ Ambao / Calagitan Fish Sanctuary

Wow, I guess this was pretty meant to be! There’s not a lot of coral right off the dock where I snorkeled, but there are SO MANY fish. The caretaker was feeding them with bread that I had purchased from him, so I guess that explains the feeding frenzy. Haha.

It’s surreal being in the water with all these fish.  Similar to experiences I had at Juag Lagoon in Sorsogon, I suppose. If you’re wondering, I took these with my Olympus TG-5 (That link is for Lazada, Asia). The Amazon link is HERE.

Calagitan Fish Sanctuary

You’re basically just snorkeling along the edge of a cement wall, but there is a tiny coral growth there I found to photograph. It may be man made, but it’s worth it to see all these beautiful fish. Calagitan Fish Sanctuary is located in Ingan, Hinundayan, and has a 10 or 20 peso entry fee (I can’t remember, but it was cheap. You can pay 10 pesos for bread to feed them as well.)

The guys there were super nice, we shared fresh-caught octopus and rice for lunch, and I gave them a bit of extra money before continuing north. If you go, don’t forget to bring your own mask and snorkel.

Silago / Abuyog Boundary Creek

As I left the coast and started heading up into the mountains, the landscape began to change. When I came across a picturesque bridge with a small waterfall, I had to stop the bike and relax for a while. I really fell in love with this cool, creek canyon.

Just a rocky, babbling brook meandering through a lush jungle of ferns. I could have stayed there all day.

I came down from the mountains and felt the HEAT of the valley. There were some beautiful rice fields in the villages around Abuyog. These look they have been planted fairly recently, but I’m no expert. People here also seemed a bit wary of me, but Leyte Regional Prison is located way out here, so maybe they’re just wary of strangers in case they’re escapees. Do I look like one? Haha.

After this, the road opened up again, and I practically flew all the way back to Tacloban.

C’est fini.

Leyte Hotels

You can browse hotels with review on Agoda HERE

If you prefer Booking.com, you can click HERE

How To Get To Leyte

You can find super cheap Cebu Pacific promo flights to Tacloban or Ormoc City (I paid about $15 each!), but international flights must stop through larger cities like Manila or Cebu. If you fly to Tacloban, you can pick up a motorbike or car near the airport and tour the area yourself. As a photographer, this is the only option for me. I’ll never forget this trip.

Again, big thanks to Rhoel @ Haven’s Rentals in Tacloban. My trip went off without a hitch because I had a solid, reliable bike. Rhoel’s an awesome guy, too. What an incredible experience Leyte was – overall, one of my favorite regions in the Philippines now. I love the history, I love the people, I love the food, and I love the countryside.

That’s a lot of love.

Thanks for taking such good care of me, Leyte.

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

Related Links

Stunning Kalanggaman Island & Sandbar

My Tacloban City & Restaurant Tour

Snorkeling & Diving With Peter’s Dive Resort, Southern Leyte

Social Media

The post LEYTE, PHILIPPINES: A Motorbike Tour of a Beautiful, Historic Island appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

This is Romblon, Romblon – Don’t Get Confused

Romblon island is the middle of the three islands in Romblon province. The island to the west is Tablas, Romblon, and the one to the east is called Sibuyan, Romblon.

Getting to this island from Tablas was a bit of an adventure itself, but there is a much easier way direct from Manila (I’ll cover that later). I arrived at the port of Romblon Town in the early morning. After a nice, brief rest at my B&B, I headed to JD&G Italian Restaurant. This place was recommended to me, and not only was the food fantastic, but the owner had a motorbike I could rent!

I finished my lunch and hopped on the bike. Within minutes (literally), I was treated to this view:

Yeah, right away I could tell I was going to love this island. Hardly any tourists, with breathtaking turquoise seas and white sand beaches.

About 1km after this overlook, I located the small trail going to a place called Bonbon Beach. I had seen some amazing photos online, so I was excited to check it out.

( If you prefer to use booking.com, you can browse Romblon Hotels HERE )

Well, it delivered. This place was sooo incredible – you can check out my separate Bonbon Beach Post if you’d like.

Colorful Romblon Town

The town itself has a lot of character. Many of the buildings are splashed with vibrant, pastel colors. It gives such a bright, cheery feel. I love it.

“Good Vibes” in Romblon’s Marble?

As you can see in that last photo, marble (the mineral) is Romblon Island’s claim to fame. I noticed many marble shops in town, and quite a few marble sculptures and statues along the countryside roads.  What I also noticed is that, quite simply, Romblon is full of good vibes. Really, there is an unexplainable energy I felt here.

In fact, as I rode my motorbike through the remote parts of the island, my arm literally started to hurt from waiving back at all the smiley locals. There were SO MANY. Don’t get me wrong – the Philippines is the friendliest country I’ve ever visited, but Romblon Island seems to take that friendliness to an exponential level!

Carlos Reyes, owner of Stone Creek House in town, half jokes that maybe it’s something in all that raw marble just below Romblon’s surface. Who knows, stranger things have happened. Whatever it is, I felt it…and it was good.

Fort San Andres

A steep 10 minute climb up some stairs by the market brings you to this historic Spanish Fort. The grounds are lush and well kept, and there are beautiful views of the harbor and sea from the top. You can find some information and history about the fort as well. There will probably be a caretaker who will collect a 20 peso fee (40 cents).

Anyhow, after this I continued south on the motorbike, snapping colorful photos along the way. It was a beautiful day.

Talipasak Beach Resort (San Pedro)

As usual, I didn’t really have a plan. When I saw a road veering off the right, I just took it. I noticed what looked like a huge eagle flying overhead, then the road started leading into a canopy of shady trees. There were kingfishers and other tropical birds all around, and the landscape was quite beautiful. I passed a place called Totoys, then the road dead ended at Dumagat Freedive.

I wanted to have lunch somewhere, and the guy at Dumagat said to check Talipasak Beach Resort next door. I’m so glad I did.

Also known as San Pedro Beach Resort, the food wasn’t incredible, but it was pretty tasty…and definitely affordable! The woman there was quite nice, and I loved the feel of the place. I relaxed in the hammock and then went for a swim and some snorkeling afterward (I brought my own mask). Nothing spectacular…but it was refreshing, at least.

The resort bungalows sit in the shade up a small hill, overlooking Talipasak Beach and the sea. Rooms are clean, but basic. Fan only. Last I checked it was just 700 pesos a night to stay there.

Someday I hope to come back and stay for a few nights. Beautiful, secluded place. I noticed that local groups like to come in and pay for day use. They just bring their own food and drinks to the beach.

If you want to stay here (and you don’t have a motorbike), you need a trike (public transportation) to drop you off. That could cost about 300 or 400 pesos ($6-8). You’ll be isolated out there, but perhaps that’s just what you’re after.

Countryside Landscapes

The southern part of the island brought me through some colorful and friendly local communities. I stopped at a few tropical vistas and lagoons – really breathtaking scenery.

(Ricoh GR II photos)

I heard people talk about going “up on the mountain” from time to time…so I asked how to get there. The last photo above was from a hike I took (the dirt road became too rough and dangerous, and I had to leave the motorbike).I believe the road going up is called Sawang-Cogon Shunt Rd.

As you ascend, the scenery really begins to shift to grassy, windswept hills…and the temperature cools off. Again, nothing spectacular, but it is cool and peaceful. Could be a good place to catch a sunset.

By the way, I also checked out the fascinating corals @ Agpanabat Marine Sanctuary while down south. Link is at the bottom of the page.

Beautiful, Rugged Coastline

Check out these views! These lush, grassy hillsides actually remind me home – the beautiful northern California coast.

I parked the motorbike and took these photos near Calabago lighthouse (not pictured).

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

Continuing up the east side of the island, I found these colorful buildings tucked away in the coconut trees along the beach.

There was also a native style “bahay kubo”, or hut. These were located very near to Lamao Beach Resort (this place seems to be popular with the locals). It’s a pretty remote area out here.

Why Do I Love Romblon So Much?

If the pictures weren’t enough for you, I’ll elaborate more: To me, Romblon Island is the perfect getaway / adventure. It has everything I love: Stunning beaches / swimming / snorkeling, access to a motorbike for rent, few crowds / little development, tropical jungles, windy coastal roads (with scenic vistas), a lot of friendly local culture, AND it’s small enough to circle on a motorbike in just a few hours.

I call Romblon Island “The Sweet Spot in the Heart Of The Philippines”.

To top it off, there is a tiny but tight-knit community of European and American expats there. They are highly entertaining to chat with, and they have even brought some flavors from home. As mentioned before, you’ll often find some at JD&G Italian Restaurant, which serves excellent pizza and calzones. Probably the best affordable Italian I had anywhere in the Philippines.

Anyhow, now to wrap up my story…on the way back to town, I stopped once more at Bonbon Beach. I caught a magical sunset, and captured these two fishermen bringing their boat in from the sea.

What a great way to say goodbye to my new favorite paradise.

How To Get There

You might be able to find a cheap Cebu Pacific flight to the neighboring island of Tablas, but then you need transportation to the San Agustin ferry port an hour away. The ferry only runs early in the morning and at 1pm each day. I think the best bet is to take the 2GO “party boat”, as I like to call it…

It’s an overnight sleeper ferry that goes from Batangas (south of Manila) directly to Romblon Town. It has a bar with live entertainment playing late into the night. Haha. Awesome.

Where To Stay

If you are looking to get away from it all in rustic fashion (warning: you WILL be isolated out there) check out Talipasak Beach Resort, mentioned above.

However, the best option might be sleek Stone Creek House. It’s located right in town proper, and is beautifully designed – with all the conveniences of home. The reason this is so great is because it’s nearby to excellent food, as well as the BEST beach on the island (Bonbon). In town you can easily rent the motorbike @ JD&G and explore more of the island as well.

Hope you enjoy Romblon’s charm as much as I did!

Also be sure to check out my other related posts:

Bonbon Beach 

Agpanabat Fish and Turtle Sanctuary

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

My Detailed Comparison of the Sony RX100 vs the Ricoh GR II

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  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

My First Glimpse of the San Juanico Bridge

The motorbike for this trip was generously provided by Haven’s Rentals in Tacloban, Leyte. Being just across the water from Samar, this gave me the chance to ride across the famous San Juanico Bridge. It snakes its way across the sea, connecting the 2 giant islands. Elegant and picturesque, it’s also the longest of its kind in the Philippines.

I rode north and thought I’d easily make it to Calbayog City before sunset. Wrong. By the time I finally did arrive, I was tired, hungry, and quite sore from the ride. The problem was, the city was in chaos. There was no power anywhere, and it was rush hour…so there were cars, jeeps, trikes, and people everywhere.

An Earthquake Left Us in the Dark

I was too hungry to think straight. I stopped at a bank to ask how to get to a hotel I read about. The guard gave directions, and then explained that there was no electricity because of a big earthquake in Leyte, where I just came from. The entire region (both huge islands) was pitch black. Crazy. I rode right through it – I didn’t feel a thing.

Unfortunately my hotel was booked, because everybody was clamoring for rooms with electricity (some hotels had generators). I lucked out and got the last room at a clean, modern place called Meaco Hotel. I really needed it. Staff was great, and I was lucky to find some tasty Bicolano food next door at an eatery. They were nice, too. I’m going to like Samar, I thought to myself.

Samar Landscapes

The next morning, I was back on the road…heading to Bangon and Tarangban Falls, about an hour away. The clouds slowly began to clear, and I parked the bike for a quick photo shoot. Nice bike, huh? It’s a Yamaha NMAX 155cc. Probably the most comfortable scooter you will ever ride…

My Filipino friends laugh when I tell them how much I love banana trees. We just don’t have anything like these back home in California! They look so lush and tropical to me. I particularly loved this vista looking out to some islands in the sea.

I didn’t know it, but by the time I took this picture, I had already missed the turn for Bangon Falls. This colorful waterway full of fishing boats was located about 2kms north of where I needed to be.

I guess this was some sort of temporary wooden bridge, but I wanted to take a photo to show you how rough the roads can be. There were construction sites and one-lane detours everywhere! Anyhow, a huge shipping truck came around the corner behind me, so I had to jump back on the bike and and get out of the way pretty quick! Haha.

That Time Nathan Allen Broke Down in Allen, Samar

Ever since I looked at a map of northern Samar and noticed a town called “Allen” (my family name), I knew I had to visit it. Well, right as I pulled in to town, something tried to keep me there, because my brand new motorbike wouldn’t start anymore! The locals pointed to a vulcanizing / mechanic shop up the road, so I pushed the bike there. 

The guys there were nice and helpful. Soon, we had attracted the attention of some curious onlookers. At first I thought something was wrong with the safety feature that’s cuts the engine when the side stand is down…it turns out it was super simple – the battery cable had just come loose! Still, I gave kuya a bit of money for his help. He was reluctant to accept, but I insisted. 

Some of the others were very kind to lead me to the Municipal Hall, where I hoped to find more information about the town of Allen.

Some very enthusiastic employees greeted me at the Municipal Hall. They were excited, and convinced that I must be related to the famous Allen. Haha. It turns out the town was named after Major General Henry Tureman Allen, who was Military Governor of Leyte in 1901. Similar to the Lewis and Clark expedition, he was also famous for having explored over 2,000kms of Alaskan wilderness in the 1880s.

Anyhow, no relation to me (that I know of)…but a good experience in the town of Allen anyhow. Thanks, guys!

As I continued east from Allen, I came across this beautiful “floating” native village. I believe it was near San Jose, in northern Samar.

An Encounter in a Cemetery

I also stopped to take photos of a beautiful old cemetery tucked away in the jungle. There was nobody around, and I ventured inside as the afternoon sun started fading. I lost track of my surroundings, as I was super focused on getting the best shots in the challenging light.

Suddenly I noticed a small figure out of the corner of my eye. I looked up and saw a small head disappear behind a tree. Trying to not show any fear, I walked confidently over to the tree and looked behind it…but there was nothing there.

Strange. I was positive I had seen it. I nervously took a few more shots on my way out, then prepared to leave by the side of the road. Just before I got on the motorbike, I saw a young boy watching me from the gravestones. I smiled and waived as I rode away…he waived back. I wonder what his story is.

Anything Could Cross the Highway: Kids, Chickens, Water Buffalo…Wait. Airplanes??

I was completely exhausted by the time I started nearing Catarman. It seemed like a repeat of the chaos in Calbayog…dark city streets full of people and traffic…and at one point all the vehicles were funneled through a small hole in a giant wall. Suddenly it opened back up to a huge, dark expanse, with pavement stretching in every direction. It was so odd. It almost seemed…like…the road was crossing a giant airplane runway.

Well, today on a Google Satellite Map, I confirmed that the road does in fact cross the runway of Catarman National Airport!  Haha. I realized that riding a motorbike on an airplane runway is probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Anyhow, hotels were all booked once again, but I was lucky to find a cheap room at Mijares Hotel, tucked away on a side street. Had to deal with the heat when the generator cycled off every few hours, but that’s life in the provinces. I was already used to it. In the morning I found an eatery nearby called Downtown Silog…

A Toasted Siopao Discovery in Catarman

There are some foods that I really love in the Philippines. One is Emong’s Malunggay Pandesal (Moringa leaf bread). The other is Toasted Siopao, which I tried in Naga City for the first time. I was surprised to see it served here at Downtown Silog, and this version is pretty different. It’s delicious, sweet like a doughnut…and you HAVE TO TRY IT.

A Yamaha Dealer – Right When You Need One

How lucky is this? Right as I turned onto the road to Calbayog, the “change oil” light came on. I promised to take good care of this sleek motorbike, but I wasn’t sure where I could find a trustworthy shop way out here. BOOM. I literally looked up and saw a Yamaha Dealership & Service Center right across the street.

The owner of Haven’s Transport uses this bike personally, and he really customized it. The guys at the shop were really drooling over it. A resort owner in Leyte loved it so much that he joked he would steal it in the middle of the night. Haha.  Anyway, this team got the job done right…and right away. I really appreciated that.

N.P.A. Ambush?

The “shortcut” road to Calbayog was much more remote than I thought it would be. It really took me into the hills and countryside. Soon, I started seeing these graffiti-type signs on the side of the road. They were painted on old wooden planks, and written in the local dialect. Littered with exclamation points, the only part I could understand was “NPA…AMBUSH!!!“

The NPA “National People’s Army” is a rebel group who hide in the mountains. I think they’re considered terrorists by the government. Anyway, these signs were clearly meant for people on the road, and each one seemed to get more and more serious as I kept riding. I don’t ever feel unsafe in the Philippines, but I started to wonder if there was something I didn’t know about this little road…

In the end, it was fine. I’m not sure if it’s true, but somebody told me that those signs were just the community trying to convince the rebels to come out from the hills and give themselves up. Anyhow, the road opened back up, and I got finally made it to Bangon Falls in Calbayog. Incredible place, the link to that blog post is at the bottom of this page…

I continued south after photographing the waterfalls. It was getting late (and raining, of course), so I stopped in Calbayog for an overnight at a place called Marju Krisel Hotel and Resort. There was quite a party going on there! So many families eating, drinking, and swimming in the pool. My room was super cheap, I was surprised. https://lap.lazada.com/banner/dynamic.php?banner_id=59eaefa8a1213&theme=1&p=1

The next day, I hoped to make it all the way to the coastal town of Catbalogan. On my way there, I stopped at a restaurant called Marcial’s Grille. This was recommended to me by an American guy who lives in Samar. They serve one of the best pork liempo (belly) I have ever tried!

Photos From Catbalogan

I came across these friendly locals when I pulled the motorbike over to take photos of Buri Island, out at sea.

Lined with huts and fishing boats, this “floating village” is on the outskirts of Catbalogan, near the Bus Interchange. After this, I explored Buri Island a bit, then continued on to Catbalogan City proper.  There, I was able to visit the tourist center and also meet with Mr. Joni Bonafacio, Samar’s resident cavemaster. He runs an outdoor / adventure shop called Trexplore.

Seeing all his Samar photos and expeditions on the walls, it was pretty clear that I barely even scratched the surface on my trip. Great guy, I enjoyed meeting him. Being that it’s one of Samar’s claims to fame, I do hope to try caving on my next trip. A far-flung place I was sad to miss was Pinipisikan Falls and Sulpan Cave. 

Rice Field Landscapes in Paranas

One my way south to Marabut, I came across these beautiful rice paddies in Paranas. It’s been my dream to see the famous Banaue Rice Terraces at a vibrant, early stage like this. Instead, I always seem to end up there near harvest time, when the greens turn to brown. Anyhow, quite a picturesque little scene on the side of the road.

Saob Cave in Basey (Famous For Banig)

This cave area features the famous weavers who popularized banig, or Ticog Grass floormats. It’s a peaceful place, and as you can see, nobody was around when I explored the cave in the afternoon. I suppose it made the experience that much more surreal.

Marabut’s Fascinating Limestone Landscapes

This was the highlight of my trip around Samar. These limestone rock formations and cliffs give the area a feel similar to El Nido. I absolutely loved it here.

It still has it’s own character, though. To be honest, I’m shocked that I didn’t hear more about this place sooner. I guess it’s not as famous as northern Palawan because it doesn’t have white sand beaches. As a photographer / adventurer though, it has everything I’m after. Definitely a place I want to come back and explore more.

You can see more of Marabut’s exotic limestone rock formations in my Caluwayan Beach Resort Post. I loved staying there.

How To Get To Samar

Domestic flights to Calbayog City depart from Manila and Cebu. I think Cebu Pacific even flies to Catarman, the airport with a highway running through it! Haha.

You can also take a page from my playbook – fly to Tacloban and rent a car or motorbike from Haven’s …and start an adventure of your own! The owner Rhoel is a great guy.

Where to Stay

Definitely check out Caluwayan Beach Resort, or for Calbayog City, check out  the options below:

Thanks for seeing this post through to the end…I know it was a long one! On this ride I probably covered 2,000kms through Leyte and Samar. Hard to believe. By the way, if you try caving in Samar, please send me your pictures!

Also be sure to check out more of my posts from Samar below…

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

More Adventures in Samar, Philippines

Bangon & Tarangban Falls – Calbayog, Samar

The Exotic Charm of Caluwayan Beach Resort – Marabut, Samar

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Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

The Ride of a Lifetime: The Long Way Home–Chapter 8

After the jaw-dropping island-hopping photos I captured at Linapacan with Tapik Resort, I decided to ride the “long” way back to Taytay. Ironically, the long way is actually shorter in distance, and much more direct. However, the road is still very long…and very much unpaved. 

I had it in my mind that I wanted explore the full loop of (north) Palawan, with as little backtracking as possible.  Despite people advising me against it, I continued. For this, I was rewarded with endless vast stretches of scenic coastline few tourists have ever seen.

Up until now, I had done 850 (often challenging) kilometers without any incident. The journey was beautiful, but I could see why the locals advise against it. It’s just very hot, very rough, and mostly quite secluded.

It was so far that I starting running low on gas. I found a hut with the ultimate symbol of “fuel” in the Philippine provinces: A row of 1 liter Coke bottles, full of green gas. After buying 10 litters of “Coke” for my thirsty Kawasaki, I snapped a photo of the nice sales girl and continued on my way.

Breakdown (In the Middle Of Nowhere)

It was about 2 hours later, and I was really in the middle of nowhere. Suddenly I saw a Caterpillar backhoe working in the dirt ahead of me. I slowed down and was signaled through by the young guy assisting the operator. I smiled and waived as I passed by, and that seemed to catch him off guard. His serious “work face” suddenly broke into an ear-to-ear grin, and he waived back at me.

I continued out of sight up the next ridge, and just then I heard a loud “clunk!!” come from my bike. Suddenly I couldn’t accelerate anymore. I came to a halt right there on the steep dirt hill. When I looked down, I noticed that my chain had come off.

I somehow managed to turn the bike around and coast back down toward the workers on the next ridge. When they saw me pushing the bike and waiving, they quickly ran down to meet me.

In a mixture of broken English and Tagalog, we were able to communicate what needed to be done. Amazingly, these guys just happened to have the tools needed to put the chain back on–and in the middle of nowhere!

They were nice as can be. We became friends as they quickly got my “trusty stallion” back on the road…but they told me it would be wise to ride to their house up the road so they could properly oil the chain. That was very kind of them, too.

(Continued below…but I’d be honored if you follow along with me on FB)

When I arrived at their nipa house, they laughed when I asked where the C.R. (bathroom) was. They just smiled and pointed to the trees along the edge of the property. I should have known better. It’s nature’s way. I snapped this photo of their native house:

I wanted to leave them with a bit money for their effort, I mean, they really saved me out there! How lucky I was that they were there, after all that time riding and not seeing a single person or structure. They refused any kind of payment many times, but I kept insisting, so eventually they reluctantly accepted.

Thank you so much kuya Noli, Gerry, and Ronnie! They asked that I text them when I made it safely back to Puerto Princesa. People in the Philippines are generally wonderful.

(Note: It is a bit misleading to call what happened a “breakdown”…nothing actually broke. The chain simply came off, which is quite common if you ride long enough. Simple fix for those who own motorbikes.)

The Longgggg Dirt Road Ahead

Once I was back on the road, I had no problems at all. Well, apart from the verrrry long rest of the ride back. Roads like the one above require quite a bit of concentration to ride, especially on a bike like mine.  It was hours and hours (and hours) of careful riding in the hot sun. I was already exhausted and sore by the time I reached Taytay.

I had been through Taytay before, but a new Australian friend told me to check out the old Spanish fort on the water there. I’m so glad I did! It was well worth the small admission price. Great for photos, especially on a nice day.

Fort Santa Isabel Photos

It is said that Taytay was ruled by a monarch king before the arrival of the Spanish. The king was waited on hand-and-foot by 10 scribes. After being conquered by the Spanish, Taytay became the capital of Palawan (then known as Paragua) in 1818.

Historic Taytay fort, known as Fuerza de Santa Isabel, was built in 1667. I think it was only 20 pesos to visit.  I loved seeing the artifacts in the museum, as well as the colorful tropical flowers along the outside walls.

You can still see the chapel and vintage military equipment, such as the canons they used to fight off Moro invaders. Such a fascinating place, I can’t believe I didn’t know about it on my previous trips to Palawan!

When I wrapped up my tour, I came back to find this little man trying to steal my bike! Haha…JK, that’s not mine. Have you already forgotten what my motorbike looks like?

One Wrong Turn is One Too Many

You’d think I would just stay there in Taytay, knowing how exhausted I was after this epic day of riding. The problem was that I was still hours away from Puerta Princesa, where I had an early flight the next morning. I basically had no choice but to push through. I stopped at an eatery near the turnoff to Puerto.

There was a roundabout, and it sent the road in 4 different directions. Confused and with no sign, I asked the woman at the eatery which direction I needed to go. She pointed to the same road I suspected.

Now, as a general rule, when traveling in another country, I always ask 3 separate people for directions…and make sure they all give the same answer before I follow it. This helps avoid language barrier issues, or just those times when people want to give you some kind of answer instead of admitting that they don’t know (you’d be surprised how often this happens).

Well, I went outside and asked a worker on the street as well. He pointed to the same road, so because I didn’t have a third person to ask (and I thought it was the right way already), I continued on my way. I couldn’t wait to be back in Puerto resting.

 *If you’re wondering, I took this most of these shots with my Sony RX100III. <–Amazon, but in the PHL you can find it HERE.

I was making good time…about 50 kms down the road when I noticed a tour bus that said “Puerto Princesa” pass the opposite direction. Wait a minute…if that bus was going to Puerto Princesa, that meant I had been going the wrong way for 50kms already! I was heartbroken.

I had to turn around and head all the way back to Taytay…adding an extra 100kms to my trip home. This is why I always ask THREE separate people. Haha.

Very, Very Happy To Get To Pagdayon Traveler’s Inn

Anyhow, after many long, dark hours, I finally made it back to Puerto Princesa. I was mentally and physically destroyed. I limped into a native-styled guest house that caught my eye when I arrived the first time. The owner was also very kind, and even recognized me from the blog! What a small world.

It was called Pagdayon Traveler’s Inn, and it’s really a great value. I think I paid 900 pesos ($18) for an aircon room with a private bathroom, veranda, and 2 beds. There was a particularly good breakfast included the next morning as well. Oh, and it’s so close to the airport.

If you’re lucky enough to catch the owner himself, he’s very nice, and can provide a wealth of information about touring Palawan. Famished, I asked for advice on where to eat dinner, and he pointed me to KaLui restaurant, right across the street. Man, am I happy I listened to him…

KaLui Restaurant Photos

Wow. KaLui is such a beautiful place. I have no idea how they manage to keep their prices so reasonable.  The ambience is warm and inviting, with native styling and artwork surrounding you. Expect to see a lot of tourists, because this is the #1 restaurant in Puerto Princesa. I can see why–the seafood was delicious and the experience is worth every penny.

I’m more of a traveler than a tourist, so I don’t always have room (or money) for souvenirs. However, I was visiting friends after this trip, so I decided to check out some of the handicrafts made by local Palawan tribes. So cool, and surprisingly affordable! This is very close to KaLui as well. 

Before I knew it, my epic day of travel was behind me, and I was snoozing back at the inn.

I’ll never forget this trip. 1000 (accident-free!) kilometers around one of the most breathtaking tropical islands in the world–truly the ride of a lifetime. Big thanks to all who made it possible, and all of you following along.  If you have any questions about this trip, feel free to let me know.

Stay tuned on FB for the next big adventure!

By the way, and the Philippines has excellent budget flights available. I flew to Manila from Singapore for just $40, and to to the paradise of Palawan from Manila for just $25! You can scan for the best deals HERE. 

Cheers.

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Pt 1. <  Pt 2. <  Pt 3. <  Pt 4.  < Pt.5 < Pt 6. < Pt 7. < Pt 8.

*Aside from the tiny issue of my chain coming off (it happens to all motorbikes occasionally), my Kawasaki performed flawlessly on this trip. Started up every time, and I never had so much as a flat tire. It was very generously provided by rent-a-bike.ph, just steps from the Puerto Princesa airport. It’s the ONLY place I know of where you can choose & reserve a reliable bike online before your trip. Highly recommended. (Sorry, I think it may be closed now?)

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Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

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Words &Photos By Nathan Allen

The Ride of a Lifetime: Chapter 7

After exploring Duli and Diapila Beaches on my motorcycle, I continued north east up and around the top of Palawan island. I was heading somewhere I’d never been, to Sibaltan and the more remote eastern side of the island.

My destination was Tapik Beach Park and Resort, which had extended a generous offer to host me. Travelers are starting to explore this side of the island, in hopes of escaping the more crowded spots like El Nido.

The Rustic Beach Resort I’ve Always Imagined

When I arrived, I could see the appeal–this is the backpacking beach-mecca many dream of! A rustic native-styled property right on the water, with tent sites, huts and bungalows climbing up the side of a hill overlooking the sea.

The owner is named Voltaire, and yes, if you think you have an idea where the name came from, you are right. His brother’s name is Rudyard:) Hats off to this well-read father of theirs.

Voltaire is a great guy, and he quickly showed me to my room up on the hill. There was much to love about it…first, the elevated location ensures a nice breeze, which is much welcomed in beach cottages without aircon (there is a fan, though…and that’s what I actually prefer). The natural aircon up here is amazing!

Second, it feels somewhat private, with other bungalows being up or down the path in other directions.

Third, a mosquito net is provided, and even though I didn’t see any up on the hill, travelers love to have peace of mind. Especially in countries with a (very tiny) risk of malaria or dengue.

Finally, fourth, there is a great view of sunrise directly out the window, and right over the water. Can’t beat that!

There was even a proper bathroom and shower in my room…with nice tiling and everything.

4. Ocean view from my cottage up on the hill 5. Adobo (Filipino Dish) for dinner

Check Tapik Beach Park rates HERE

You can meet backpackers and travelers from all over the world at Tapik, and the kind of people who end up there really seem to be genuine, quality people. Dinner and drinks at the bar is usually a lively affair, and there is a local version of a billiard table, along with darts and DJ / Music station on the side. The staff is highly entertaining and personable. They make you feel comfortable right away.

The beach at Tapik is pretty nice, and I definitely recommend waking up for sunrise. If you really want to be “wowed”, consider taking an incredible island hopping / snorkeling tour! When I say “incredible”, it’s kind of an understatement. This place is unreal–without a doubt, the best corals and undersea life I have experienced in the Philippines (and I have been all over the islands for many years documenting the reefs).

Photos From Tapik’s Island Hopping Tour

Pical, Iloc Island

I joined 2 very friendly German and Spanish groups for this tour. We had lunch on the beach in Pical, part of Iloc island. As crazy as my life is, I should not have been surprised to see actual TURKEYS in the village–and on Thanksgiving, no less! What are the chances? I’ve never seen a turkey in 4 years exploring the Philippines.

Anyway, this is an absolutely stunning beach, and if you walk north a little ways, you can find a picturesque grove of coconut trees (see below), and also some friendly local kids (it helps if you try to learn and speak some Filipino with them).

The photos above were captured with my Canon Powershot G3x <-Amazon (In the PHL you can find it HERE)

(Continued below)

Coral Gardens While Snorkeling

Unforgettable! Make sure the boat drops you off in deep water so you don’t risk puncturing your feet (or damaging the coral). Contact with human skin can cause coral infections, so it’s best to wear a life vest so you never have to touch your feet on the bottom. This is a unique and delicate ecosystem that needs to be preserved.

Speaking of which, studies show that much of our sunblock maybe be killing the coral reefs. Just make sure you wear “reef safe” sunblock in the water (I think the harmful ingredients are “oxybenzone”…often the “kid-safe” sunblock is actually better for the reefs as well.  Put it on before you go out in hot weather, otherwise you might sweat it all off…or lose it in the water. It’s best to apply it in front of the fan and let it absorb for at least 10 minutes. Anyway, you’ll burn if you don’t!

By the way, I took the photos above with my Olympus TG-4 underwater camera, which I highly recommend.

Other Activities @ Tapik

Voltaire also offers unique local experiences like waterfall trekking and fishing. On the latter trip, our boatman’s name was Benji, and being from Mactan, Cebu, he was happy I could speak a tiny bit of his local language, Cebuano.

We didn’t catch any fish (I swear I am not good luck when fishing), but we had a great time out on the water just the same. We ended up exploring some rugged, remote coastline where we saw a giant sea turtle, and even stopped in Benji’s more recent hometown of San Miguel. Being invited into his home to meet his grandmother and have coffee + “pan de sal” bread was a unique experience I’ll never forget.

I’ll save that trip (along with stunning Linapacan Island) for another post…

Contact Info, Reviews & Rates

Anyhow, Tapik is highly recommended. It may not be the cheapest no-frills backpacking place you can find in Palawan (though it probably is on this side of the island), but it is super affordable, especially considering the experience you get. I really love the staff, and the fact that it’s 100% Filipino owned and operated – something that is unfortunately not too common in Palawan. Enjoy this unique experience!

Check Tapik Beach Park rates HERE

How to get to and around the Philippines? My flight scanner of choice can be found HERE.

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Pt 1. <  Pt 2. <  Pt 3. <  Pt 4.  < Pt.5 < Pt 6. < Pt 7. > Pt 8.

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

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The post Palawan By Motorcycle – Pt. 7: Tapik Beach Park Island Hopping appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

My Qi Palawan Resort review…I stopped here on an unforgettable trip around the island. This is a particularly adventurous story!

Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

The Ride of a Lifetime: Pt. 6

I’ll never forget the very surreal experience of how I arrived at Qi Palawan Resort. I was on a mission to ride a motorcycle and photograph my way around the stunning island of Palawan, in the Philippines. I had just left Duli and Dialpila Beaches, and the weather had turned on me along the way. Having a laptop, hard drive, and a few cameras with me, I was worried about being exposed on the road in heavy rain.

I had been riding for quite a while, but eventually pulled over and had a nice chat with a local man who was kind enough to give me refuge from the storm.

I had a plastic bag that could cover my large backpack, but the problem was that I wouldn’t be wear it with the plastic concealing the shoulder straps. Instead, this kind man helped me cover the backpack and fasten it to the back of the bike with some packing ties.

This gave me some added confidence as I rode carefully through the pouring rain. The road was on the verge of being washed out at points, with a torrent of water flowing across it quite often. There was so much water flooded everywhere, I really had no idea what lay below the surface…could be large rocks, branches, who knows. I just stayed focused and did the best I could to avoid losing control of the bike.

Eventually I found the turn off for the resort, which made things even more challenging because it was a dirt road for 1 or 2 kilometers. By now there were large pools of water everywhere, and you can just imagine how slippery and muddy it was. I was on a road bike, which I chose, so I asked for it.

I was freezing cold and mentally exhausted from this very technical ride. To make matters worse, my bag kept sliding off to the side, coming dangerously close to the street and throwing my balance off as I rode.

Qi Palawan – My Very Thankful First Glimpse…

Somehow I managed to make it all the way there with no accidents, and in the pouring rain. This was the surreal part: Suddenly I found myself walking a beautiful path through what seemed like a dense jungle, to the open-air lobby of this incredible resort. I must have been a sight for sore eyes, being soaking wet and mentally and physically destroyed like that.

These pictures were shot with my trusty little Sony RX100III <–Amazon, but in the PHL you can find it HERE.

However, I was greeted right away by a very helpful staff member who was kind enough to forego my check in procedures and get me to a hot shower as soon as possible. I have never looked forward to a shower as much as I did in that instant. When he took me down the lush green path to my bungalow and swung open the door, I was in disbelief.

Check Qi Palawan rates HERE

It was my own beautiful and private refuge from the world. When he took me through the room to the washroom outside the back door, my jaw literally dropped.

It was a private outdoor shower with a covered ceiling that extended halfway, with the other half exposed…looking directly up to the jungle canopy above.

Showering in private, under the shade of coconut trees, was an island  dream come true–and a totally surreal experience for this poor weary traveler.

I really enjoyed the native-inspired bamboo and nipa design throughout my cottage. The villas have the same styling, but are just larger (they are better for groups). In case you’re wondering, the sink is just behind me as I took this picture…

After rejuvenating, I came back into my room and found a Bose sound system waiting for me to plug my iPod into. You might think I wouldn’t want to hear my everyday playlist form back home while I’m on the other side of the world on vacation, but in fact it was exactly what I needed.

Hearing my comfort songs with that big, room-filling sound was the finishing touch to make this cozy island paradise “home”. I looked over at my massive bed with down pillows and comforter, and I couldn’t help but smile to myself. I earned this.

Later I found out that the resort will provide you with a massive “flash drive library” of movies to choose from on request. You just “check out” a USB stick, watch it on the flat screen TV in your room, and return it when you are finished. Great idea. Did I mention that Internet download speed is surprisingly good for being such a far-flung island paradise?

(Continued below)

Don’t worry, with usual weather conditions, the journey to Qi Palawan is as pleasant as can be, and the place is really cool. The chef / owner is from Barcelona, Spain, and this adds some interesting flavor to the property. While there, he presented a few dishes to me, all of which were immaculately prepared. I tried chicken curry and rice, as well a spicy Filipino dish known as Bicol Express.

To finish things off, I tried a decadent chocolate mousse. It’s also quite surreal to be in such a secluded island location and have world-class cuisine prepared for you.

The weather improved the next day, and I was able to tour some of the other rooms, as well as the pool, the yoga deck, and the beach. Qi Palawan is totally off the grid, running on generator until the massive solar panel unit is up and running. How great it must be to have your own little self-sufficient piece of paradise!

The owner is also an avid diver, and you can arrange island hopping / diving tours at Qi Palawan as well.

Contact Info, Reviews & Rates

 
Overall, it will cost you, but for those who are looking for a luxurious island experience far from the crowds, this is the place for you. It would make an absolutely unforgettable honeymoon or family vacation. I would like to thank the resort for allowing me to share the experience with my readers. More unbiased reviews and info can be found below…


Check Qi Palawan rates HERE

Wondering how to get to the Philippines? Check out the awesome flight scanner I use HERE.

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Pt 1. <  Pt 2. <  Pt 3. <  Pt 4.  < Pt.5 < Pt 6. > Pt 7. > Pt 8.

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Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

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The following is my review of Long Beach, San Vicente, a beautiful stop along my tour of Palawan.

 Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

The Ride of a Lifetime: Chapter 4

My next stop was San Vicente’s “Long Beach” to the north–the longest stretch of white-sand beach in the Philippines. 14kms, I believe. However, getting there would be a real challenge. This time there WAS a dirt road connecting Port Barton and San Vicente, but it is quite long, and very rough.

Much of it was muddy after the recent rains, so that made things even more challenging, especially on a street bike with slick tires. As I was on a mission to take photos along the way anyhow, I just took my time and rode cautiously.

Bigaho Falls

About 30 minutes outside of Port Barton, I came into a small village and noticed a sign for “Bigaho Falls”. I like to “leave no stone unturned”, so of course I stopped to check it out. Very rewarding! There is a short hike through a beautiful and rustic community.

The waterfall is quite beautiful in my opinion, and the pool at the base is nice and refreshing. It’s a cool, shady area with a few large boulders you can climb around on. Nice place for photos.

The rocks are a bit slippery, so be careful. You can take a refreshing swim here, but prepare yourself for the cold!

I believe you can also take a boat tour here from Port Barton–it’s only about a 20 minute ride (and a 15 minute hike).

I was fortunate to have such nice weather here. This really was one of the most friendly and picturesque areas I have visited in the Philippines.

In Order: 1. Trail passing through native huts in Bigaho village 2. Colorful clothes drying in the jungle

A native house in the Philippines is called a “bahay kubo”, and they are often made of bamboo and nipa materials. This is one of the most beautiful examples I have ever come across!

It was a rewarding stop with plenty of good pictures, but I had much more ground to cover. I hopped back on the bike, and soon all signs of life had faded from view.

Letting My Instincts Guide Me…

I had assumed there was only one road, so it should be easy to navigate all the way to San Vicente. However, it was very remote out there, and the dirt road split off quite a few times. There are no people and no signs, so I really had to use my intuition.

I ended up studying the tire tracks in the dirt, to see which direction the majority of traffic was heading. I assumed that must be the way to San Vicente. In the end….whew. I was right.

Untouched, Remote Beaches

Being deep in the jungle for some time, I was relieved to catch a glimpse of the sea finally. As long as the coast was on the left, I knew I was going the right way. Haha. I was treated to some incredible views out here. Being so isolated on rough, dirt roads, I doubt many people have even seen some of these beaches.  What a feeling it was to be there…just my bike and I–not a soul around.

Thankfully the nice weather continued, so I wasn’t hit with any rain to further muddy up there roads. A couple times snakes, lizards, and even turtles scurried across my path…that was a first for me in the Philippines. I loved seeing all the wildlife. For many more hours in the hot, tropical sun, I carefully negotiated the rocky (and sometimes muddy) dirt road.

Crossing Rivers & Bridges

There were a few sections of road that were completely flooded. I really wasn’t sure how to get across–I had to get off the bike and really study the situation. I didn’t know how deep and soft the mud was. My bike wasn’t exactly designed for situations like this. Haha.

In photos: My motorbike confronted by a flooded section of road, and other shots crossing a river on a wooden bridge

I ended up slowly skirting the muddy edge of the pool, and somehow avoided dropping the bike and all my gear. I guess all my trail riding in California paid off. I found a picturesque wooden bridge and figured it’s a good place for a motorcycle photo shoot…

After what seemed like forever, I was dumped into a decent-sized town, and that was a welcomed sight. I was mentally and physically exhausted after such a long, technical ride. My shoulders ached. You can imagine how much sun I had been getting riding the past few days, too.

It wasn’t clear which direction Long Beach was, so I stopped and asked directions. Turned out I was just a few kms away. When I finally joined the road alongside the famous beach, I could hardly contain my excitement. It really is almost completely undeveloped.

Long Beach At Last…

It’s easy to see how Long Beach is the “longest stretch of white sand” in the Philippines….if you catch it at the right angle, you can see that the beach goes on for miles and miles. I’d love to see it from a plane someday!

You really can have the beach to yourself…there’s hardly any development, but I doubt this will last long. Be wary of sand fleas, depending on the season.

I followed one of the only signs I could find, one pointing to “Turublien Resort”. The groves of coconut trees and perfect beach to my right was just too much ignore. I had to get of the bike and take some photos.

It Takes a (Fishing) Village…

Further up the trail I spotted two local fishermen pulling a net onto the shore. Soon many villagers joined in to help. I had witnessed this previously in Antique province, it was called “sahid fishing”. The locals (including children sometimes) work together to pull a heavy catch in from the sea. Sometimes it takes up to 2 hours, but then they all split the catch afterward.

(Continued below…but I’d be honored if you follow along with me on FB)

This fishing boat on Long Beach was captured with my Canon Powershot G3x <-Amazon (In the PHL or SG you can find it HERE)

Just before I reached the resort, I came across hundreds of fish drying on trays in the sun. When I noticed a few dogs playing by the water, I really had to do a double take. They weren’t dogs at all–they were pigs! These happy pigs roam one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, rolling around in the sand and cooling off in the sea.

More Long Beach photos: Thousands of fish drying on racks under the sun, while pigs roam the beach and locals ride through the sand on motorbikes

Another interesting things about Long Beach is that the locals ride their motorbikes right alongside the water. I suppose it really is the fastest way to get from point A to point B on a vast stretch of beach like this.

Turublien Long Beach Inn & Bar

When I finally arrived at the resort, you can imagine how exhausted I was. I was hot, dusty, sunburned, and covered in sweat. Alex, the owner of the simple place, was very helpful. He quickly brought me some cold water and cooked an excellent meal.

Turublien is one of very few lodging options on Long Beach. This is by far the more rustic and affordable option. The other is a very fancy resort called “Club Agutaya”. I hear it’s owned by the Governor of Palawan.

Photos of Turublien beachfront and lagoon

Sharing the place with me was a French/American couple, and 2 women from Denmark. Being the only people for quite a distance in any direction, the 5 of us quickly bonded, discussing my Danish heritage, travel blogging, and newly elected President Trump, among other things.

Also pictured are some friendly locals who were in Palawan for work. They stopped by for dinner and we had a great time hanging out.

Long Beach Moonglow

What a view we had. As the sun began to set, the sky lit up with fiery sunset hues. We noticed giant bats, known as “flying foxes”, making their nightly pilgrimages in search of fruit. Alex mentioned that we could go for a night swim and see the glowing plankton in the water.

How surreal it was to be out there in the warm, tropical sea…with each movement creating a glowing, phosphorescent trail through the water. I looked up in the fading light and saw a full, yellow moon rising from the coconut trees. I’ll never forget the magic of that moment.

 *If you’re wondering, I took this shot with my Sony RX100III. <–Amazon, but in the PHL or SG you can find it here.

Turublien is a simple place, and the beach front section is only the restaurant / bar area.

The actual lodging is unique, because to get to your room, you literally  have to take a paddle boat across a lagoon. The staff will assist you in this. The rooms have air-conditioning, but are quite spartan otherwise. If you want to get away from it all and have a very unique island experience, this is the place for you. The Tripadvisor reviews are fantastic, and after meeting Alex you’ll see why.

So Happy To Meet You, Long Beach

This place is just stunning. Fine, powdery white sand as far as the eye can see–and the water’s perfect for swimming. One for the memory books. Thanks, Alex and friends!

By the way, if you take a bus or van here, it’s a much more pleasant experience. Haha. I just love to push myself and explore backroads. Next episode will take us through the stunning beach town of El Nido, and on to the relatively unexplored northern tip of Palawan. Stay tuned!

You can check Turublien rates and reviews HERE

Check out other Palawan hotels HERE

Wondering how much flights to and around the Philippines might cost?

 Pt 1. <  Pt 2. <  Pt 3. <  Pt 4.  > Pt.5 > Pt 6. > Pt 7. > Pt 8.

*Motorbike for this trip was graciously provided by rent-a-bike.ph

If you notice any misinformation or something that needs correcting, please don’t hesitate to let me know!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

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The post Palawan By Motorcycle – Pt.4: Long Beach, San Vicente – A Wild Ride appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

Below you’ll find my Port Barton review, I stopped here on a memorable journey around Palawan island.

The Ride of a Lifetime: Chapter 3

After I said goodbye to my new friends at Daluyon Resort in Sabang, I started the long ride to Port Barton, a place I have always dreamed of visiting. I actually had to backtrack a bit to get there, because there aren’t too many roads in this region yet. When I realized it was late afternoon and I hadn’t even reached the cutoff for Port Barton yet, I decided to stop at a local eatery. I was starving. Here’s a photo:

These are called “carinderias” in the Philippines, and this one was owned by a nice woman with a daughter in Canada. She was interested in my tourism projects, and I enjoyed practicing some Filipino (the national language) with her. She also taught me a bit about their local language, called Cuyonon.

End Of The (Paved) Road

Anyway, I thanked her, said goodbye, and turned off the main highway just as the afternoon sun was starting to fade. The small paved road I was on grew more and more narrow with each kilometer.  The nipa houses and shops started to disappear, and soon I was on a dirt road deep in the jungle.

For quite some time, there wasn’t a structure or person in sight. I motored loudly along, apologizing to the silent spirit of the jungle. Haha. I had to be careful on that slippery, muddy road. It started to rain, but luckily, just a tiny bit. This ended up being great practice for some of the very challenging riding the next few days.

I rode on and on, and just before it was completely dark, the road came to a dead end at the sea. I made it! There, I was greeted by a helpful boatman named Jensen. He was so nice that I decided to go on his island hopping tour the next morning. He pointed me to my destination, which was Summerhomes Palawan. I was so thankful to have a nice meal and get some good rest after my ride.

Port Barton Island Hopping Photos

I woke to a beautiful day in the paradise of Palawan…as promised, I met kuya Jensen and a small group of tourists on the beach the next morning. One man was from Russia, and the two women were from Belgium I think. In anxious anticipation the adventure ahead, we headed out to sea. First stop was snorkeling, where we were able to see a few sea turtles, along with stunning German Island in the distance.

German Island

This island has a private owner, but your tour can still stop there (assuming you purchased the right one). As far as I know, there is no charge to visit German Island. You can snorkel around here, but finding the best corals can be a bit tricky, so be sure to ask a knowledgeable guide. You may see a turtle as well!

Exotic Island’s “Water Bridge”

After this, we docked our boat on beautiful “Exotic Island”. This really is an incredible place to swim and relax. This kind of paradise is why I always travel with an ultralight hammock!

There are actually 2 islands here, with a crossing that gets swallowed up by the sea at high tide. Pretty unique!

This was our view from the boat as we left…and it was hard to say goodbye.

Port Barton hotel rates and reviews HERE (Agoda) or HERE (Booking.com)

Twin Reef Snorkeling Photos

We continued to Twin Reef for snorkeling…with some of the best corals I’ve seen anywhere in Palawan…and even in the Philippines! I really didn’t expect it. As always, I recommend using “reef safe” or “child friendly” sunblock if you’re going in the water. That kind generally doesn’t damage the corals.

It’s best to put it on 15-20 minutes before you go out and start sweating in the sun, otherwise it will be wasted (and contaminate the water).

There were also plenty of giant plate corals here. Really cool! Hopefully the boatman will drop you off in deep water, so you never touch the bottom. It’s best to avoid puncturing your skin, or damaging the fragile ecosystem here. Wearing a life vest is recommended – that way you can rest at the surface without having to put your feet down.

(Continued below…but I’d be honored if you follow along with me on FB)

Lunch, & The Sandbar @ Starfish Island

After a lunch of fresh caught fish in our nipa hut, our last stop was a sandbar full of starfish in the shallows. Our guide picked one up to show us, but I’m not sure this is good for the starfish. Probably best to avoiding touching any sea life.

4. Tourist Silhouettes on Sandbar 5. Starfish from the sea

By now the afternoon sun was creeping toward the horizon. We made our way back to the beach in town, and I snapped a few more photos along the way. 

Overall, it was well worth the price of the tour, which is about half of what you’ll pay in places like El Nido now. Kuya Jensen’s boat is called “Tres Palawaneños”, and his contact # is: 09216269191

Mangrove River Tour Photos

The next day, Summerhomes offered another fascinating tour, this time of the nearby mangrove forests.

It’s a mystical place, full of colorful kingfisher birds and beautiful mangrove snakes that sleep high in the branches during the day. There’s nothing like slipping silently through these waters and taking in the otherworldly landscape.

3. Mangrove Snake high in trees 4. Lone fisherman on rustic boat

Pamuayan Falls Ride + Trek

The last tour I did was self guided, as I rode my motorcycle there. It’s a short trek to Pamuayan Waterfall, about 3 or 4 kms away. It’s a beautiful place, worth the trek if you ask me. If you ride there, it’s only about a 1km hike afterward. Just make sure you get good directions from your resort or from a local. If you prefer, you can pay for a guide / transport.

A Sunset Walk In The Village

I love low-light photography. It was nice to make friends with some families in the village nearby, and then take these shots of the kids (and cat) playing by the sea. Further up the coast, I found a group of fishermen pulling a large net in from the sea.

If you’re wondering, I took almost all (dry land) photos with my Sony RX100III. It’s a powerhouse of a little camera! That link is for Amazon, but in the Philippines you can find it here.

Hot To Get To Port Barton

There are Recaro vans which can transport you here to Port Barton from Puerto Princesa. They take 3 or 4 hours and the cost is 350 pesos ($7). There is an open air bus that is 100 pesos cheaper, check the Puerto Princesa bus terminal for more info. Note: You can also take a boat from here to Sabang if the weather is nice, and even from here  to El Nido!

The town has a great vibe, and is not nearly as crowded as other beach destinations in Palawan. There are plenty of restaurants and lodging options, yet it doesn’t feel overdeveloped at all. The paved road will be completed soon though, so let’s hope it retains its small town charm in the future!

Oh, almost forgot! They are starting to throw full moon parties in Port Barton, so if you happen to be in Palawan during that time, check it out.

Hotels – Where to Stay

You can check Port Barton hotel rates and reviews HERE (Agoda) or HERE (Booking.com)

Curious about how much a flight to Palawan (or the Philippines) costs? You might be surprised, check it out.

Special thanks to Summerhomes Palawan for making this part of my journey possible. The next episode is the verrrrry arduous ride to Long Beach, San Vicente. The longest white-sand beach in the Philippines! Spoiler: It was worth it.

Pt 1. <  Pt 2. <  Pt 3. >  Pt 4.  > Pt.5 > Pt 6. > Pt 7. > Pt 8.

*Motorbike for this trip was graciously provided by www.rent-a-bike.ph.

If you notice any misinformation or something that needs correcting, please don’t hesitate to let me know!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

Goodbye, Gopro…I Finally Review the TG-4 Underwater Camera in the Philippines

Have something to add?  Please leave a comment! 

The post Palawan By Motorcycle – Pt. 3: Port Barton Island Hopping appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.