By Nathan Allen

When I finally explored the region, I realized it was kind of true! There are no dragons like in Game Of Thrones, but you can swim with friendly whale sharks – some as big as school buses! You can also glide down a river in the moonlight, mesmerized by the glowing lights of millions of fireflies…then wake up and stroll along the banks of a cool, misty lake – at the foot of a restless volcano!

All these reasons are why I went with this “enchanting” blog theme. However, as you can see below, Sorsogon’s beaches may also put a spell on you…

An expert in this region told me that locals are not so open to outsiders, and considering the Philippines’ history with colonizers, I don’t blame them. Anyway, I may have gotten a taste of this when I pointed out areas for tourism improvement – and a sensitive official threw himself (and Sorsogon) into the national news by declaring me “persona non grata”.

Still, I came to promote the region….and I intend on doing just that. It is a beautiful place, and for what  it’s worth, I found plenty of friendly people there as well.

Island-Hopping To Juag Lagoon, Matnog

I absolutely loved this place…you have to see it to believe it! Juag Lagoon is a marine sanctuary where you can snorkel and swim with hundreds of colorful fish – some quite large! The area is fenced off, and the fish are fed…but they are still very much in a natural environment.

I like this because it gives tourists one of the best snorkeling experiences of their lives – with minimal damage to the environment. You jump in the water from the floating cottage, so you always have something to hold on to if you need a rest. Also, since the water is deep, you never risk stepping on and damaging the coral. Note: Wearing sunblock can harm the fish, so they do not allow it.

The “Pink Sand” of Subic Beach, Matnog

This beach quickly moved up my list of favorites anywhere in the Philippines! It’s easy to see why, right? The sand is known for being pink…if you look closely, there are tiny bits of red coral mixed in with the white sand. However, it takes certain light to really notice it.

My guides Glenn, Jesz, and Mel were smart to buy fresh fish from the market in Matnog, and they also brought tents so we could try camping on the beach. I set my hammock up in the shade of the coconut trees…what a life! Subic Beach doesn’t have any hotels or facilities that I know of…only nipa huts and the homes of the villagers.

Such a stunning place…I’ll never forget taking a midnight swim here. The water was so clear that I could see the bottom – even just in the moonlight! One thing: Watch out for sand fleas. I got some bites near the water’s edge early in the morning. Aside from that minor drawback, this beach is absolutely perfect.

Floating Cottages of Panumbagan Sandbar – Pilar

From the town of Pilar, my host BM and I took a 30 minute boat ride to these picturesque floating cottages. On the way, we stopped to snorkel and harvest some “lato“, or sea grapes. It taste more like seaweed, and this was the best variety I’ve had in the Philippines so far. You can relax in the cottages and eat as much as lato as you would like!

Panumbagan Sandbar is a nice place to take photos nearby. Bicolanos may have seen the interview I did with ABS-CBN on this beach.

Parola Beach & Bulusan Bell Tower

From Magallanes, I was invited on a boat trip to Sta. Lourdes Grotto, then to see the Parola (Lighthouse) on Bagatao Beach. Both have beautiful views if you make the effort to climb up. Afterward, there was a “mud surfing” event nearby in Juban. Like me, you are probably wondering what mud surfing is…

Well, it turns out that this coastal community doesn’t have normal sandy beaches…instead, they have shallow, muddy beaches that make trips to and from the fisherman’s boats difficult. They started using planks of wood to “skim” over the mud and get back to shore. Now, the local kids have started using these “surfboards” to race. What a way to make lemonade with those lemons!

Later, Glenn toured me around Bulusan, and I had the chance to climb up the centuries-old bell tower. I believe this was built to watch out for moro pirates. This is a great place to take photos!

“Like” my page to follow along with me! – Nathan

Bulusan Volcano Natural Park

Finally, Sorsogon lives up to its enchanting name! Haha. Mt. Bulusan is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, and at its foot are the emerald green waters of Bulusan Lake. Hiking around this lake really is like strolling through a fairytale…

One of the best things about being here is how nice and cool it is! It’s a great refuge from the heat of the lowlands. Actually, I noticed Sorsogon City seemed cooler than surrounding areas as well.

I was surrounded by a lush, green canopy with butterflies, frogs, birds, and flowers everywhere I looked! I have never seen so much life in one place before. The stick insect (or walking stick) you see above was something I’ve only seen on TV! We arrived during late afternoon, and I loved seeing the locals fishing peacefully by the lake.

Swimming With The Whale Sharks in Donsol

Something I noticed about Donsol was that its wonders are not easily captured in pictures. Swimming (snorkeling) with the “gentle giants”, the whale sharks, is an incredible feeling unlike anything I have ever experienced, and yet it was almost impossible to capture on camera. Perhaps the water was unusually cloudy that day. You really have to move to keep up with them, too!

There are other places to experience whale sharks, but Donsol provides the most environmentally-responsible option. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Firefly Tours in Donsol

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this tour! We have fireflies back home, but I have never seen anything like I did along the banks of the river that night. It was as if the stars came down from the sky and blanketed the trees in a pulsating frenzy! Pure magic, and again, almost impossible to photograph. Ate Cel was our tour guide, and she was quite good.

Stay Honest, Stay in Business

It’s definitely worth it, but I hope the local tour operators are honest about helping to fill the boats and keep the cost for tourists down. I mention this because my group was just 2, and we waited and waited for people to join. We were told there was nobody, and that we’d have to pay for the whole boat. Then during the tour, we noticed another boat with only 2 people in it.

They had arranged their tour long before ours, and we could have easily joined them and shared the costs. It could be that they wanted to be alone, but I did notice at least one review mentioning that the same thing might be happening with the whale shark interactions.

A tourist wrote that he had to pay a lot for his own boat, then noticed others in their own boats. On top of feeling like he was taken advantage of, he also worried that there might be too many boats on the water, potentially frightening the whale sharks. Happy tourists will bring more happy tourists, so I hope the officials will keep this in mind and do the right thing.

Discovering Barcelona’s Snorkeling Treasure

I heard rumors of some good “undiscovered” snorkeling in a town called Barcelona…you will have to ask the locals were the Mayor’s house is, because I believe the snorkeling is near there. We asked a local fisherman to take us out about 100 meters into the water, where the reef was creating waves.

You must bring your own snorkeling gear, because there is hardly any tourism infrastructure in Barcelona yet. The snorkeling here is quite unique, because it’s a reef in about 1-2 meters of water…but suddenly the reef wall drops down 20 or 30 meters! It feels like you are “flying” right off the edge of a cliff! Surreal.

I took the picture above with my Olympus TG-4 underwater camera. Please remember to not step on or touch any coral / sea life, because the ecosystem is fragile. You should exit the boat in deep water, and wear a life vest, because the current from the waves can be strong.

Snorkeling is not all Barcelona has to offer though, I was pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful old church, and this colorful town marker as well! Whoever had the idea to create this is a genius, because everybody will want to come take a selfie here!

There is something about this church that I love as well…there are beautiful paintings and stained glass on the walls, but there is also a sense of history here that overwhelmed and humbled me. I would like to thank Mayor “Wowo” for his hospitality during my visit.

Surfing in Gubat

Gubat has started becoming famous for surfing in recent years. I really hoped to finally learn to surf when I came here, but the timing wasn’t quite right. I guess I will have to save it for Siargao! Pictured below is Lola Sayong Eco-Surf Camp, where you can stay and take surfing lessons.

Hotels in Sorsogon

Siama Hotel, Sorsogon City

After college, famous designer Milo Naval married a girl from Sorsogon…and eventually created what is probably my favorite hotel in the world (so far:)

Tucked away in the lush jungle, Siama Hotel is a MUST SEE – whether you stay as a guest or not. This place should make Filipinos very, very proud.  You can book a room HERE.

AGM Beachfront Resort, Donsol – Probably the best you’re going to find in Donsol. Excellent service and hospitality. Try the pancakes! Book your stay HERE

Aguluz Homestay, Donsol – This is the highest-reviewed budget stay in Donsol. About $18USD for 2 people if you book online HERE

Lola Erna’s Homestay is near the bridge and firefly-watching dock. Ask the locals about it. It’s the cheapest I found! Lola Erna is very nice, and the price is just right if you’re not too picky.

Lola Sayong Eco-Surf CAMP (Gubat) is recommended, but if you’re on a tight budget, you might try the place next door on the beach. It was much cheaper. They seemed nice, but I didn’t stay there, so you’ll have to let me know how it is!

More options HERE

Getting To Sorsogon / General Info

You can reach Sorsogon by flying to Legazpi from Manila (1 hour trip, with stunning views of Mt. Mayon on the way), then taking a bus and/or jeepney for 1-3 hours, depending on where you need to go. Note, I believe you can also take an overnight bus direct to Donsol or Sorsogon City from Manila.

Whale shark season in Donsol is generally December to May…I went in April, and I saw quite a few. Please contact sir Milo Naval at Siama Hotel for information about Sorsogon tours. You can hire a boat to take you to Panumbagan Sandbar from the Pilar port, and one to take you to Subic Beach in the Matnog Tourism Office. Jeepneys to Gubat, Bulusan, and Barcelona can be taken from Sorsogon City.

Thanks so much to Glenn, Jesz, Jobeth, BM, Milo, and “Gov” for all the help exploring this fascinating region. I would love to come back someday, but since I am “officially unwelcome”, “someday” could be a long, long time:)

– Nathan Allen

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Related:  Masbate: The Best Tourist-Free Beaches in the Philippines

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The post Traveling Sorsogon – A Living, Breathing Fairytale appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

Updated January 17, 2021

Masbate is the kind of place you discover and just want to keep to yourself…but then you realize how much tourism would help the province, so you write a blog about it…

So why are there so few tourists? In the past, Masbate had two things working against it: It was relatively inaccessible, and it had a reputation for being dangerous. *Update* – I’m happy to update that Cebu Pacific is now offering plenty of budget flights!

Those who make the effort to come here now (by flight or cheaper Roro bus) will be handsomely rewarded; for this is the time to experience pristine Masbate Beaches that tourism may change forever.

Is Masbate Dangerous? What About My Safety?

As for safety, Masbate was known for political violence in the past (this generally doesn’t affect tourists). Honestly, I felt just as safe there as anywhere else in the Philippines…perhaps even more so. I think these days it’s quite safe…just be street smart, as you should anywhere you travel. You can research and avoid election season if it makes you feel better.

The people I encountered in Masbate were some of the most humble and friendly in all of the Philippines – and their province is absolutely stunning.

Island Hopping – Porta Vega Beach

From Patio Milagros in Dimasalang (one hour bus or jeepney from Masbate City), we hired a boat to take us to Porta Vega Beach Resort. The “resort” is actually just some nipa huts on a stunning beach. This would be a great place to bring some food and have a picnic. There are no facilities, but there is a photogenic chapel tucked away behind the coconut trees.

Your Daily Dose of “Vitamin Sea”

I had seen some photos of Masbate beaches previously, but I had no idea they would be this incredible. My friend Edward told me that, after a friend visited Port Vega (above), she told him it was just as nice as Sugar Beach in Bantayan Island, Cebu. I laughed, thinking how impossible that is, but then our boat pulled up to the scene below. It really is true!

Deagan Island – Marcos Mansion?

Afterward, we stopped by Deagan Island, which reportedly was owned by Ferdinand Marcos at one time. After he was ousted, the locals took his mansion back…piece by piece. Now there are just a few scattered remnants near the fishing village. History buffs might want to come here, but from what I can tell, Porta Vega Beach is even nicer.

Catandayagan Falls & Halea Nature Park, Monreal

Day 2 of our island hopping adventure was just as rewarding! Catandayagan Falls plummets directly into the sea – one of very few waterfalls like it in the world! Summer (March – May) might be too dry to see a lot of water cascading down, and I also recommend going in the afternoon if possible. That way the sun will be behind you and not wash out your photos.

Halea Nature Park

You’ll be in awe from the minute your boat starts to pull into the cove!  There are also great places to picnic, though travelers can also spend the night in the resort or camp on the beach. You’ll see some dead coral here if you snorkel, but I believe it is growing back now. Don’t worry, because there are still a surprising number of colorful fish!

Here I met some local children cooling off…I would have given anything to have a playground like this when I was growing up! Below is “Ferdz” Bravo and family, who was kind to invite me along to both island hopping tours.

Burubancaso Rock Formation

Burubancaso (also spelled Borobancaso) was another unique stop on our trip. A great place to swim, climb, and take photos! If you were wondering, the main photo at the top of this page was also taken there.

Buntod Reef Sandbar

The sandbar at Buntod Reef was another nice surprise. It can be reached directly from Masbate City! Just tell the trike driver to bring you to the pier at Rendevouz Hotel.

Here you can rent kayaks and inner tubes, but also snorkeling gear…because the snorkeling is pretty good! As you can see in the photo below, I found Nemo (clownfish), but I also saw quite a few other sea creatures down there.

No More Dynamite Fishing

I became friends with the fishermen who manage the reef, and I listened to their fascinating stories. It turns out that they used to be dynamite fishermen (you can see some remnants of dead coral as you snorkel).

Instead of continuing down that path until there was nothing left, the province decided to start paying them to protect the reef. A few years later, local tourism is really starting to pick up…what a success story! You can book all your island hopping adventures through them.

(Click photos for more info)

Palani – One of the Best Masbate Beaches

Back in Masbate City, Governor and Vice Governor Vince and Kaye Revil were very kind to invite me to a football event right on beautiful Palani Beach. I’ve never seen anything like it! I’m not a huge sports fan, but I might be if all games were held on beaches like this!  Haha.

Palani beach is definitely one of Masbate’s gems, and a great place to watch the sunset.

It’s located in Balud, about an hour and a half away from Masbate City by jeepney, bus, or van. A trike must be taken down the dirt road before you reach Balud proper, so make sure you tell the driver you want to go to Palani Beach. You can also see Fazenda da Esperança and Sese Brahman’s Ranch nearby while you’re at it! More on that down below…

Ticao Island Beaches & Manta Bowl Diving

Ticao Island is famous for manta ray diving (though I have yet to try). However, it’s also home to some of the finest Masbate beaches. Apart from the Ticao Island Resort where the divers stay, there is still little tourism development on the island.

They have declared an area near San Fernando a marine sanctuary, but I think it may take some time to regrow before snorkeling is good. Honestly, I just loved wandering around the small fishing villages and meeting the friendly locals (I was with a guide).

I explored some virgin beaches, but also the beautiful Serrano Century House (pictured below). This historic building has been kept up very well by its colorful owner. Stop by for a visit!

Minalayo (Snake Island)

I heard tales about an island full of poisonous sea snakes, but I know how people like to tell stories. I didn’t take them too seriously. Well, I found out it really is true! This tiny island has a cave FULL of “banded sea kraits”. The local name for these snakes is “walo walo”. They are very poisonous, but not aggressive at all. In fact, you’d have to be very unlucky to step on one and get bit.

Well, I only see them in the water while I’m snorkeling, and they don’t seem to care about me at all. On this tiny island, however, they are crawling all over the rocks, and you really could step on one if you are not careful.

My heart really raced as I snuck up on the rocks and then jumped into the water to snorkel through this beautiful cave. How very surreal to be swimming among these beautiful snakes, with bats flying and screeching over my head!

If you want to snorkel here, be very careful where you step. I would recommend having the boat men drop you off in deep water where you can swim into the cave, so you don’t have to climb over the rocks to jump in. Just wear a life jacket and aqua shoes and you should be fine. There are some nice schools of fish and corals along the outside of the cave.

It was nice to return to the boat and see the beautiful rainbow and sunset above during the trip back to Ticao!

Fazenda da Esperança and Sese Brahman’s Ranch

Masbate is fascinating to me, because it has so many sides to it. Not only can you find these incredible beaches, but you can also find authentic cowboy culture…ranches, cattle, rolling hills and all! I will not spend any time talking about the Masbate Rodeo, because I will devote my next blog to it entirely.

Fazenda da Espeança is actually a drug and alcohol treatment center, but it is located in such a beautiful place – tourists love to visit it!

Also worth a visit is Sese Brahman’s Ranch. This beautiful property is full of grazing horses and cattle, and a really cool tree house! Next time I visit, I hope to ride a horse…

Masbate Hotels

Don’t expect a lot of tourism options here.  Masbate is slowly getting there:) The following links are to Agoda, but if you prefer booking.com, click  HERE

Ticao Island Resort – This is perfect for divers who want to explore the Manta Bowl, but also good for those willing to pay for a secluded, quality vacation experience. Ticao has some of the finest Masbate beaches, too. Food and service is top notch. Arrange the ferry at Sorsogon ports.  Explore options and/or book HERE

Francjoreen Beach Resort – This option is much more affordable, but quite far from most island hopping and rodeo activities.  Explore options or book your stay HERE

GV Hotel Masbate – This is a decent and very affordable option right in Masbate City. Staff was very friendly, but I don’t think they serve food. You can explore and book a room HERE (Agoda) or for booking.com, click HERE 

(I also hear good things about 7AR Resort in Masbate City)

More hotel options:

How To Get To Masbate (and Around)

You can *now* take affordable flights to Masbate City from Manila, or you can take a daily Roro bus from Cubao (Manila as well). The bus will board a ferry after 10+ hours of travel, then arrive on the island of Masbate. You can book Island hopping tours at Buntod Reef in Masbate City. You can also get to Ticao island by boat from Bulan, Sorsogon.

To travel around once you arrive, head to the Masbate jeepney and bus terminal and tell them where you need to go. For short trips, the trike drivers in Masbate were some of the most honest and friendly I’ve experienced anywhere in the country…I made friends with many of them!

Thanks so much to (then) Governor Vince and Kaye Revil, as well as to the Bravo family – Edward, Ferdz, Mayor Bong, and Marvi. Your assistance exploring this beautiful, up and coming province was much appreciated. I hope to come back again someday!

– Nathan

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Also, like my page to follow along with me:)  – Nathan

Related: Masbate Rodeo Blog & Photos

The post Masbate Beaches – Best Tourist-Free Paradise in the Philippines appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

 Foodie?  Nature Lover?  You’ve Just Met Your Match…

About a year ago, the media posted my letter to a Polish blogger: “In defense of Filipino food“.  At the top of my list of favorites?  Bicolano cuisine, and “pinangat” from Albay, to be exact.  However, originally I didn’t come here for the food…that was just a bonus.  I had come for a glimpse of the world’s most “perfect cone” volcano – awe-inspiring Mt. Mayon!

 Seriously, I think everybody should see Mt. Mayon at least once in their lifetime.  

Albay is part of the Bicol region, in the eastern Philippines.  Along with English and Filipino (Tagalog), people here speak their own language called Bicol.  “Magayon” is the Bicol word for “beautiful”, and it is the word from which “Mayon” is derived.

As you can see below, there was no shortage of things for me to experience here…people come from all over the world to photograph and climb Mt. Mayon, but you can also take a thrilling ATV ride up as far as half way!  Lignon Hill and Cagsawa Ruins (below) are popular tourist destinations to take pictures of Mayon  as well.

Albay is a very progressive and forward-thinking province, with many environmental, tourism, and safety awards under its belt.    It is the first place I visited in the Philippines where people seemed to be proud of their government officials.  They talk about Governor Joey Salceda as if he was a close friend of theirs!

“Gov” (as they call him), seems to have done a great job bridging the gap between the people and the government – no easy feat in the Philippines!

Relaxing at Vera Falls

Need to cool off?  Vera Falls in Malinao is the perfect place to swim and take photos. I was impressed by the local caretaker’s dedication to  keeping the area clean and safe. If waterfalls are your thing, also be sure to check out Busay Falls in Malilipot!  (ABS-CBN did some promotion for Albay and interviewed me here.  Thanks Jose, Jonathan + team!) 

In Albay I saw how some local products are made: “Manila Hemp” from Abaca (in Camalig), Ceramics (in Tiwi), pinangat (@ Zeny’s in Camalig), and Guinobatan longganisa (@ Yangmatt’s in Guinobatan)

You can get “hands on” experience by making them all yourself!

Island-Hopping

Albay isn’t particularly known for beaches, but you can also go island-hopping with Love Boat Tours and experience Guinanayan Island in Rapu Rapu (pictured below)!  Relax, swim – all with a distant view of Mt. Mayon.   Enjoy a “boodle fight” for lunch, which is many local food dishes served “family style”…without plates or utensils – on one giant banana leaf! 

Itinerary For The ULTIMATE Albay Experience

How to get to Legazpi: Overnight bus (Cubao) or 1 hour flight from Manila.  Arrive early in the morning.  Do not miss the affordable and delicious breakfast buffet directly inside the airport!  Take a trike to nearby Lignon Hill (they can bring you up, but it’s beautiful, and many young people like to walk it).  If you’re still hungry, don’t miss Charisma’s eatery near the entry gate.

Take a trike to Cagsawa Ruins to explore and take photos.  Ask where nearby Bicol Adventure ATV is. This tour is a bit pricey, but is a lot of fun!  ATVs are much more stable and easy to ride than motorbikes.  My ride was a bit rainy at the end, but it cooled me off and was a blast – rain or shine!  Note: if you don’t want to do the ATV tour, consider going direct from the airport to Daraga Church, then Lignon Hill on the way to Cagsawa.

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-Nathan

1st Colonial Grill – For lunch, take a trike to 1st Colonial Grill in Daraga.  Bicolano cuisine is famous for its use of spicy chilis (locally known as “sili”, and coconut milk.  1st Colonial Grill even features “chili ice cream” (which I thought was surprisingly good), but there are many other unique flavors as well!  I enjoyed another local product, the pili nut flavor (also try the pili bread!). 

Bahay Kubo Salad – There is a very famous song in the Philippines called “Bahay Kubo”, which means traditional Filipino house.  In the song, all of the vegetables growing in the garden are sung.  1st Colonial Grill created a salad with all those ingredients, and it’s really quite good (pictured above)! 

Camalig Pinangat

Next, take a trike to the Legazpi bus terminal, and ask where the jeepney to Camalig is.  You may have to wait until the jeepney fills up.  Make sure the driver knows that you want to get off in Camalig, about 25 minutes away. When you arrive, ask for Zeny’s pinangat at many of the eateries along the highway..  Also consider Dad’s Special Pinangat.  Pinangat is made with gabi (taro) leaves, chili, meat, and coconut milk.  There is really nothing like it! 

Also ask a local where Camalig church is, because there are some beautiful photo opportunities there with Mt. Mayon.  There is a fascinating cemetery on the side as well.

Guinobatan Longganisa

A bit further down the jeepney route is Guinobatan, which is famous for its bite-sized longganisa (sausages)…you can visit Yangmatt’s famous eatery for a taste (and possible demo of how it’s made!) You might need to have a local point you to the exact location.  Try the lechon, too!

While you’re in the area, consider taking a trike to La Hacienda Spring and Nature Resort for a relaxing swim (pictured further down)!  There is also a nice pool at Charisma Hotel and Catering House.

Oriental Hotel For Dinner

If you still have the energy,  head back to Legazpi on a jeepney, and take a trike to the Oriental Hotel for dinner and an incredible Mayon / sunset view.  Order a burger or calamares (or both!) for the best combination of taste and value:)

Digging a Little Deeper…

Of course, there’s SO MUCH MORE to Albay than just what I’ve mentioned above…

If you have more time to peel away the layers of Albay, you will be handsomely rewarded!

Tabaco City – the “pedicab capital of the Philippines”

Don’t miss one of my favorite places in Albay!  Tabaco is a city of great charm and character – the people are very warm and friendly, and there is a lot of bustling nightlife (+ street food!).  Here you can take a ferry to the rugged island province of Catanduanes.  Until 1945, Catanduanes was actually a part of Albay!

As for Tabaco, though, consider having an affordable pizza or burger at Grazianos Italian Restaurant.  Afterward, take a special trike trip halfway up the volcano to the stunning views at Mayon Resthouse. Then have dinner at Martha’s Kitchen, which in my opinion, is the best that Albay has to offer.  Their to-die-for Bicol Express is pictured below.

Continuing To Sorsogon

Another very epic Bicol adventure would be to spend 1 or 2 days in Albay as listed above, then head south to spend the night at the captivating Siama Hotel.

Spend at least 24 hours at the hotel, then continue south to Donsol, Sorsogon, where you can swim with the world-famous whale sharks!  If you could squeeze in a island hopping trip to Juag Lagoon and stunning Subic Beach, Matnog afterward, that really would be an unforgettable experience!

Sto. Domingo – This small, award-winning town has the only plaza in the Philippines that features a statue of Andres Bonafacio instead of the default national hero, Jose Rizal.  The Filipino chismis (gossip) is that it’s because Bonafacio fathered an illegitimate child here.

A Few More Worthwhile Experiences…

It’s impossible to fit all that I want to in this blog, but here are a few more experiences if you have time: Dessert at Balay Cena Una heritage house (Daraga), sushi rolls @ IshiAya’s Japanese fusion (Tabaco), Seafood at Layag (Legazpi), and exploring at Huyup Huyupan Cave or Quitinday Green Hills Nature Park (Camalig).  If you happen to be arriving in April, check out the Daragang Magayon festival!

Where To Stay in Albay

To browse ALL hotels, click HERE

My Picks For Hotels / Accommodations (priced high to low)

1. The Oriental Hotel Legazpi  – This hotel is one of Albay’s pride and joys.  If luxury is what you’re after, you’ll get it…along with sweeping views of the surrounding areas!  It pays to book online for the best prices.  Budget-minded people might stop here for lunch, dinner, or views only.  More info HERE

2. Hotel St. Ellis (Legazpi) – Travelers agree, this place is a great value.  Decor is beautiful and modern, free breakfast buffet is excellent (can’t remember if pancakes are included, but I’ve eaten them there and loved them!).  Right in city center, and it has a pool:)  More info HERE

3. Casablanca Suites (Legazpi) – New hotel with a nice breakfast included.  Great central location and access to restaurants nearby.  View of Mt. Mayon and Lignon Hill from some rooms.  More info HERE

4. Ellis Ecotel (Legazpi) – The best option for affordable privacy.  Located in Embarcadero, so it’s good for shopping / Legazpi Boulevard nightlife.  More info HERE

5. JJ Middcity Inn (Tabaco) – I loved this place so much.  Very well maintained, with great service and excellent pricing.  Aircon and wifi were working like champs, and the location in the city center can’t be beat!  More info HERE

6. Mayon Backpackers Hostel (Legazpi) – An affordable price for dorm-style aircon rooms.  Free simple breakfast and unlimited coffee.  Right off the main road.  On a tight budget?  This is your winner.  More info HERE

Unforgettable…That’s What You Are.

The provincial government was a big help to me during visit here, and I’m very grateful for that.  I spoke to other foreigners in the Philippines who agree – no matter how long we stay here, we still can’t get over the sheer size and inescapable beauty of Mt. Mayon. 

To say that the food, the people, and the places in Albay had an impact on me is an understatement…in fact, I spent so much time in this region that I find myself answering people in Bicol – even when I’m in other countries!  Haha.

Yes, Albay has a lot to offer – and a lot to be proud of. 

 – Nathan Allen

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The post “Albay Stole My Heart.” – Tourist in the Philippines appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

It’s not too well know outside the Philippines, but I hope my Caramoan Travel Guide will help convince international tourists (or locals who haven’t visited yet) to check this place out! I really did love it.

The Paradise That Just Might Have It All…

Caramoan is located in the province of Camarines Sur, in the Bicol region of the Philippines. It’s one of those places I always had a good feeling about…I just knew I was going to love it.  Well, when the team at Naga Excursions sent me an invitation to explore it, I jumped at the chance!

The Philippines is quite diverse…I love the beautiful beaches of Boracay, the rolling hillsides full of grazing cattle in Masbate, and the majestic limestone cliffs of El Nido. Somehow, Caramoan has all of that, but also the Bicolano food that I love so much! Spicy and coconut-infused…if you love the beaches and food in Thailand, you might want to check out uncrowded Caramoan instead.

Manlawi Island Sandbar – My Caramoan Travel Guide –

Manlawi Island had the most beautiful sandbar I’ve seen anywhere in the Philippines! We arrived just before noon, and within 1 hour, our boat was already on dry land! We had no choice but to wait until the tide came back up. Not a bad place to be stranded, though:) It was also fun to explore the rolling hills, Mangrove trees, and floating cottages nearby.

1st Stop on the Island Hopping Tour – Matukad Island

What a beautiful beach! Here you can snorkel, swim, or climb up a natural rock wall that leads to a hidden lagoon…legend has it that there is a lone bangus (milkfish) that guards the lagoon.

“Survivor Caramoan”

Did you know that Caramoan is where the TV show “Survivor” is filmed? Unfortunately, it makes visiting certain islands impossible much of the time. Some locals aren’t too happy about it, and I don’t blame them.

Trekking Through the Manapot River to Umang Cave

After relaxing and rock climbing on Matukad Island, our guide led us into the cool waters of the Manapot River. Our destination? Umang Cave, but we had to wade through the river to get there. You can touch the ground almost the whole way (unless you’re very short, I suppose). The cave is  pretty impressive, but just getting to it is half the fun!

The Breathtaking View and “Talking Rocks” of Pitogo Island

As the sun began it’s journey toward the sea, we stopped at fascinating Pitogo Island. Here you can hike up a grassy hill to a breathtaking 360 degree view of the islands. What’s truly fascinating about it are the “talking” rocks, though! The beach is made up of giant, smooth rocks (no sand), and as the waves crash onto the shore, it makes a loud sound unlike anything I’ve ever heard! Hopefully I’ll post a video sometime soon.

Sunset at Lahos Island

We stopped at this idyllic little island just in time for mother nature to put on a magical show for us. Yes, indeed there is something enchanting about a dramatic island-sunset in the Philippines – the perfect way to wrap up an island-hopping adventure in the sun.

Tugawe Cove Resort

What a beautiful place to unwind after island hopping! This private cove is a great place to kayak, snorkel, or swim (in the pool or the sea!). Even just getting to the resort was a blast, because we took a speedboat from the mainland. I think that was the first time I’ve ever been on one, and it’s a lot of fun!

Inspired Design

The bungalows get more and more beautiful and quaint as you continue up the hill. I’m a big fan of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture, and some of these bungalows were reminiscent of “Falling Water”.

The restaurant, game room, and pool are at the top of the hill, and as you can see, the views are spectacular! It is a fancy place, so I was actually surprised how reasonably priced the food and drinks were. Meals were quite good, and the staff was very attentive and friendly (I especially loved how they greeted us “marhay na hapon” – good afternoon in the Bicol dialect – when we arrived.

It’s billed as a 5-star resort, and while I don’t think it’s quite a 5-star resort by international standards, it is unquestionably beautiful. Guests have free use of the kayaks and snorkeling gear, and I took full advantage of that fact! Check the photos from these adventures further down below…

Incredible view from the pool, huh? If you ask the staff, they might let you see their resort mascot – a mischievous tropical bird called a hornbill. I think his name was Kevin, and I thought giving him such a human name was awesome.

Here you see what makes this resort so unique – it’s a beautiful cove that also has its own lagoon. Out in the water you can see how much coral there is to explore as you snorkel. The best views are in deeper water, so bring a life jacket and swim carefully!

Snorkeling in Tugawe Cove

Below are some photos I took while I snorkeled. As always, I used my Olympus TG-4 underwater camera. You can see quite a bit of fish if you are brave enough to venture out into deeper waters. The resort recommends that you stay within the cove, though. I agree….the waves and current quickly gets strong as you get further and further out.

Hotels in Caramoan (Tour Packages Often Included)

Tugawe Cove Resort – You can explore your options and book your unforgettable stay HERE

Casita Mia Bed and Breakfast – Excellent food and service. Not quite as fancy as Tugawe Cove, but a very good value. Explore options or book your stay HERE

Breeze and Waves Cottages – This is an excellent and affordable option. It’s also perfect for those who want to get further out and experience a bit of local life in Caramoan. You can explore and book a room HERE

More options HERE

Getting To Caramoan / Contact Info

If you want to visit Caramoan, contact Naga Excursions or Kaddlagan Tours. They took good care of me, but more importantly, they are committed to protecting and preserving these beautiful places for future generations.

Naga City can be reached by 1 hour flight from Manila, or overnight bus ride. From there you can now take a van or bus directly to the town of Caramoan. Please check the links above for more info.

Thanks so much to Alec and Naga Excursions, but also to team FlipTrip and fellow bloggers Traveling Light, The Lonely Travelogue, and The Pinay Solo Backpacker! We had a lot of fun together, and I can’t wait to return to Caramoan again someday!

– Nathan Allen

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The post Life Goals: Island-Hopping in Caramoan, Philippines appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

What an unexpected surprise to find this yearly festival in the Philippines – please enjoy my Masbate Rodeo photos below…

So The Philippines Has a Rodeo

I have to be honest. I am from the U.S…from the state that held the world’s first rodeo over a hundred years ago. This does not make me some kind of immediate expert, but I know a genuine cowboy when I see one. When I heard there was a rodeo in the Philippines, I just imagined a bunch of Filipinos wearing cowboy boots and hats for show.

I mean, how could there be real cowboys in Asia?

I only mention this to show how ignorant I really was…because when I arrived at the rodeo, I realized that these guys are not playing around! This is serious business, and these Filipino cowboys are tough!

Yup. Filipino Cowboys are 100% Legit

Cowgirl Competitions Include BULL RIDING.

You read that right. Rodeo Masbateño has some of the only female bull riders in the world! Of course, they also participate in the lassoing, calf-wrestling, and bullwhipping competitions as well. Clearly, these are not women to mess with.

A Link To Home

The world’s first rodeo was held on July 4th, 1888 – in Prescott, Arizona. Who would have thought that, on a tropical island out in the Pacific Ocean, I would find a direct link back to this small U.S. town…a town my family is actually from, and where we spent our childhoods?It’s no wonder I felt so at-home here in Masbate.

The Competitions – Man Vs. Beast

Your heart really races as you watch these competitions! It seems that man and beast take turns showing each other who’s boss. The first photo seems to show that man has the upper hand…the second shows that he’s about to get the horns! Challenging these bulls is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

The Cattle Drive…and “Kapitan Du”

While trying to find a good place to take pictures during the cattle drive, a friendly local waved me down and told me I should visit his house nearby. Of course I agreed – it’s part of the magic of travel! You never know who you’ll meet – or where you’ll end up.

“Kapitan Du”, as he is known, is a local artist with an eclectic mix of odds and ends decorating his home. There is even a rabbit running loose there! Truly a one-of-a-kind, his place is located near the cattle pen where the run starts. I’m sure you can ask just about any local about him – he seems like the kind of guy everybody knows!

If you’re hungry, make sure you check out “Ham’s Cup” coffee shop nearby! It really is a hidden gem in Masbate! Foodies will love it.

“Like” my page to follow along with me! – Nathan

The cattle drive itself is quite thrilling. The crowds line up along the sides of the road, and the cowboys herd the cattle by on horseback. You never know what will happen…sometimes the bulls get confused and start charging toward the audience, or just turn around and run backwards! They put on quite a show, and the audience loves every minute of it.

Mess With the Bull, Get the Horns

Being a photographer, sometimes I’m not paying enough attention while I try to get the best shots. A few times I put myself in front of a charging bull and had to dive out of the way just in time!

Grand Rodeo Festival Parade

The parade is a lot of fun, but make sure you bring sunblock or an umbrella to keep the sun off you. There aren’t too many foreign visitors at the rodeo yet, so the locals seemed very happy to have a guest from out-of-town. I really loved the warmth and hospitality of Masbateños!

Cowboy Culture in the Philippines

The “cowboy culture” in Masbate is not just for show…being here really is like visiting the scenic ranches of the American west. The people live and breathe this “western” lifestyle…it is very much a part of who they are. From the minute I stepped off the boat in Masbate, it was cowboy hats, boots, and belt buckles as far as the eye can see!

The rodeo even has its own catchy theme song (“Rodeo Masbateño”), and you’ll hear it everywhere you go!

It’s difficult to find much history about Masbate online, but Governor Vince Revil told me that the cattle was originally given to the Philippines as reparations by the U.S. government. These days, it is commonplace for Masbate youth to grow up riding horses and tending cattle. This shatters all my preconceived notions about life in the Philippines!

More Grand Parade Photos

Rodeo Activities and Information

The Masbate Rodeo is held every year in mid-April, though the kick-off ceremonies and carnival rides start in late March.

There are many different events and activities each year, so make sure you search for an updated rodeo schedule to plan accordingly.

For me, the highlights were the bull riding, cattle wrestling, and bullwhip competitions. I hear the Street Barn Dance is also popular.

Make sure you check out the live music, food, and drinks at the rodeo saloon / beer plaza.

Masbate has their own spicy black bean version of Adobo, the Filipino favorite. Also be sure to try lechon baka, or slow-roasted beef. Manamit (delicious), as the locals say!

Most people would never expect to find authentic cowboy culture in the Philippines, but  they might also be surprised to learn that Masbate also has (in my opinion) some of the most beautiful beaches in the world! It is also known for being the football (soccer) capital of the Philippines.

Getting To The Masbate Rodeo / Where To Stay

For more information about hotels, transportation, and safety, please check my Masbate blog link below. Such a diverse and fascinating province – I’ll never forget this place!

– Nathan Allen

My Masbate blog can be found HERE

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The post PHOTOS: Masbate Rodeo’s Tough Filipino Cowboys appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

Dear Mr. Branson, we all know you are addicted to good times and tropical islands. I’m surprised I haven’t heard you talk about the Philippines much. There is a reason that “it’s more fun in the Philippines”…actually there are 7,107!  

One of those reasons is Calaguas Island. A remote paradise in the province of Camarines Norte, it has become known for its powdery white-sand beach, and its turquoise-blue waters.

Mr. Branson, Calaguas needs your help.

I was told about the wonders of this place…that unlike its beautiful but overdeveloped counterpart (Boracay Island), Calaguas doesn’t even have a structure on it yet.

I decided to see it for myself. Near the end of the 2 hour boat trip to the island, things started to look promising.  We could clearly see long stretches of undisturbed, white sand beaches as we approached…but something became obvious as we got closer and closer. 

Calaguas DOES have structures on it – quite a few, actually.

I visited during the busy Labor day weekend, and was able to get a glimpse of Calaguas’s possible future. This peaceful island paradise was already one large beach-party…complete with crowds, dance music, and stage lighting.  The possibility of unregulated tourism in the future worries me. 

Not Another Boracay…

Below is a picture of Boracay’s “White Beach” on a weekend during the LOW season.  You don’t even want to see what it looked in the high season during “Laboracay”, or Labor Day!  Boracay island is in the process of losing its last bit of undeveloped green space. Despite the protest of thousands, reportedly, the development will continue. 

Well, in recent years people have loved Calaguas because it’s the anti-Boracay…undeveloped and pure. 

As you can see below, the island is beautiful.  There is a tiny bit of development on it right now, but nothing large-scale or irreversible (yet).  It would be heartbreaking to see Calaguas suffer the same fate as Boracay. While there are people working hard to preserve what’s left of Boracay, some Filipinos have given up. They say:

“Boracay is already ruined…at least we can keep people going there instead of ruining other paradises.”

Guess what?  There are clear signs that it could happen to Calaguas Island.  If we are not careful, another one of the world’s natural treasures could succumb to the almighty dollar.

(More Calaguas Photos)

So, Sir Richard Branson, what do you say?  Are you willing to purchase the island, and keep it open for limited, responsible tourism?  it could be protected, preserved, and enjoyed by domestic and foreign tourists for many years to come!

Now that I think about it, you will fit right in here in the Philippines.  You’re always smiling and enjoying your life…as my Filipino friends keep telling me, you already have pusong pinoy (a Filipino heart)!

Don’t Let the Sun Set on Calaguas Forever…

Sir Richard Branson, judging by the rapid development of other award-winning islands like Palawan and Boracay, if you don’t buy Calaguas Island, somebody will probably put a shopping mall on it by the end of next year.  Sad, because it is one of the best examples of an unspoiled white-sand paradise left in this country.

As for the rest of you, if you want to visit Calaguas (responsibly!), contact Naga Excursions or Northlink Tours.  They seem to have a strong commitment to the environment. (If eco-camping isn’t your thing, check Bagasbas Hotel, or other options in nearby Daet.) 

If carried out responsibly, I believe tourism can provide for both the environment, and local communities.  Everywhere we go, we can set a good example for others by cleaning up after ourselves, and “leaving only footprints.”

10 years from now, we don’t want to be saying “Oh, so and so island is amazing…it’s just like Calaguas was 10 years ago…”

Soon there will be no more beautiful islands left.

– Nathan Allen

What am I doing in the Philippines?  “Like” my page below and find out!

Related: Tourist in the Philippines: “Albay Stole My Heart!”

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 By Nathan Allen

After the positive response from my recent series “Manila in Black and White“, I decided to use the B&W format to capture the beauty of life in the Philippine countryside.

In my mind, it’s perfect. A timeless format for these timeless landscapes.

I captured the following images with my little Sony RX100III.

A Story in Pictures – Life In The Provinces.

As I walked toward the sea, I noticed these 3 men…and wondered how many generations their families have been fishing here.

This is one of my favorite shots. A few fishing boats have been pulled off the beach, and I found this one resting on the pavement under some dramatic storm clouds.

Sto. Domingo is known for it’s black sand beaches, and here I found a local fisherman casting his line directly from the shore. A black sand beach lends itself perfectly to striking black and white photography, I realized.

These regions of Bicol are often hit by typhoons coming in from the open waters of the Pacific. In fact, I was near here, in Legazpi, when typhoon Yolanda hit the Philippines. I volunteered for repacking relief goods afterward.

(continued below)

Farms, Rice Fields & The Countryside

I found this little guy while walking through a rice field. He is already black and white, so I suppose he feels perfectly at home without color:)

There are so many beautiful tropical plants and fruits in the Philippines. Here I captured some bright young papaya contrasted against the dark rice seedlings growing behind it.

Around the Barangay

In the Philippines, a neighborhood is called a “barangay”. The community is quite tight-knit, and for the most part, everybody looks out for each other.

This picture of an old Spanish church was actually taken from a moving car. I guess I was pretty lucky. With a fast lens and the right shutter speed settings, you can also capture some truly candid photos this way!

Here is a nice slice of everyday provincial life. I assume this is a lola (grandmother) walking with her grandson in the rain. Small pathways like this often lead through barangays in the provinces.

As a photographer, I am always fascinated by the colorful clothes hanging out to dry in the Philippine sun. I guess I love the splash of color against the lush green background of coconut trees. Of course, the shot below is black and white, but the shirts were all white anyway, so it was perfect…

(Again, all of these photos were taken with a Sony RX100III pocket camera. That link above is for Amazon, but you can find it in the Philippines and Singapore HERE. I am not partnered with Sony, but using those links will help me create more content like this)

Home In Time For Dinner

There is nothing like real home cooked food in the Philippines. For me, the deeper in the provinces I go, the better the food tastes. Family is expected to eat meals together whenever possible…I always enjoy seeing how these traditions are preserved.

The image above shows a typical indoor kitchen, but I think meals are generally cooked in a connecting outdoor or “open air” kitchen (pictured below).

In this series, I tried to provide a unique and artistic glimpse into provincial Filipino life – I hope I achieved this, and I certainly hope you enjoyed. Please feel free to share, and join me for more adventures on FB!

– Nathan Allen

(Updated January 18, 2021)

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Click the camera image below to read more about the Sony RX100III featured in this article…

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

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