By Nathan Allen

I didn’t request it, but the staff even cleaned my room twice in one day! Each time, they left personalized notes and small treats. The restaurant staff showed the same level of dedication and professionalism. Special touches like this do not go unnoticed.

Plus, just take a look at that beachfront! Another award for best beach of any of my hotel stays.

The resort feels quite different that others I’ve visited in the Philippines. It’s situated on a wide open property covered with bermuda grass and perfectly-spaced coconut trees. I kind of felt like I was Magnum P.I. in Hawaii ( I used to watch the show as a kid:) 

I loved the giant, super-comfy hammocks and swings you can relax in (You can see me in one further down the page). 

Everything You Need – All In One Place

Bohol Beach Club is located on Panglao Island, but a few kms away from the hustle and bustle of Alona Beach. However, I felt there really is enough to offer here on the property…unlike some other places I’ve stayed, I never got anxious to explore outside of the resort.

It’s perfect for people with kids, but also large enough to provide space for the people who don’t always appreciate them. Haha.

If you make the effort to wake up for sunrise, you will not be disappointed! It’s directly in front of the beach, and it was one of the best I’ve ever seen.

Check Bohol Beach Club rates.

Diving With Bohol Beach Club

This was truly a memorable experience…if you want to learn, I recommend doing a Discovery Dive with Edgar, the local dive master. He does a great job explaining everything and helping you to feel comfortable. You will practice in the safety of the swimming pool before graduating to the beautiful, blue sea out front.

On my way to dive near Pamilacan Island, we spotted dolphins…and I don’t mean just a few. There must have been hundreds out there! It’s no wonder the dolphin watching tour is so popular. Unfortunately, like an idiot, I forgot to use my zoom lens to capture some nice photos.

There are also snorkeling / diving trips to Balicasag Island, which is known for incredible corals and sea turtle sightings.

Pictures From the Restaurant & Property – Bohol Beach Club Review

If you visit the Philippines, you have to try a mango shake! The country is famous for its mangoes. In general, I’d say the food at Bohol Beach Club was a solid 8.5/10. Pizza was pretty good, but the burger and calamares were excellent!

Philippine Cultural Performance

This was another highlight of my stay, and certainly something that sets Bohol Beach Club apart from other properties. Growing up, whenever somebody would go on vacation in Hawaii, they would bring home photos and videos of the native Luau (dinner and dance presentation).

As I’ve explored the Philippines, I’ve found that there is so much wonderful native culture and heritage as well, but it receives very little attention. Therefor, it was refreshing to see these dancers wowing the audience with their gracious smiles and traditional attire. The Filipinos in the audience seemed to be beaming with pride, and that made me smile.

I commend Bohol Beach Club for putting this together!

Overall, this was probably the best proper vacation I’ve ever had. If I were to nitpick, my only complaint would be too much pressure coming from the shower in my room. Haha, usually people complain about not enough pressure:) The bottom line is, no, Bohol Beach Club did not disappoint.

Allan, the General Manager, is truly a class act. I watched him personally check on his guests each and every day. He was a very attentive and accommodating host, but without being intrusive in the slightest. The mark of a true professional!

I’m thankful for the opportunity to share this experience with my readers. I was impressed, but you don’t have to take my word for it, read the reviews for yourself:)

Check Bohol Beach Club rates.

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– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

Related Blogs: Meet Bohol, the Philippines’ Sun-Kissed Island Paradise

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

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Words & Photos by Nathan Allen

Arranging a tour is easy, because you will receive many offers as you walk around the main town of General Luna.

If you do surf, don’t forget you can bring your board and enjoy some reef breaks during your trip! Just let your tour guide know that you would like to surf beforehand. This tour is great for taking photos…though it’s probably better if you bring an underwater camera. As a photographer, I prefer the Olympus TG4 over the Go Pro. I used it to take most of these island photos.

Naked Island – First Stop on the Tour

As you can see, there isn’t much to “Naked” Island. It’s still beautiful, though. You probably won’t spend too much time here, but It is a nice spot to swim. If you want to snorkel, there are some decent corals the tour guide can bring you to nearby.

Daku Island (My Favorite)

There are many reasons that Daku Island was the highlight of my tour…mainly, it’s because of the quality of the beach. Covered in powdery white sand, this is definitely the best place to relax on the beach or swim. If you bring fresh fish from the market, you can have it cooked for a fee here. Don’t forget to order a fresh coconut, too!

Daku Island in photos: 1. Beach huts & coconut trees 2. Local dogs playing in the sand 3. Small waves splashing the shore

4. Local man carrying nipa on the beach 5. View of the beach and huts from out at sea 6. Beach bungalow provides shade in the hot sun 

“Daku” means large in the local language, and it is by far the largest of the islands on the tour. There are some nipa huts available to rent overnight, so if you’re adventurous, you can arrange to be picked up in the morning. The huts are about $7.50USD from what I remember, and face the beach and sunset. Next time!

Guyam Island

This was the final stop on my tour. I love how this tiny island looks as you approach it by boat – the quintessential “island in the sun”. However, I did not enjoy actually being on the island as much as I did Daku. The sand is more course, and the beach is not quite as nice. If possible, I might ask if your tour guide is willing to go to Guyam island first, then Naked, then finish up at Daku for sunset.

Guyam Island in photos: 1. Perfect tiny island view from boat 2. German tourists & our guide in the boat

3. My feet – Relaxing in the sun on the boat 4. Strip of brilliant turquoise water out at sea 5. Circular beach of Guyam Island

I did enjoy putting my hammock up on Daku island – there are plenty of coconut trees if you want to bring yours. Half the island is a beach, and the other half is covered in rock, as you can see below. There are no facilities or residences on this island, but I think there might be a caretaker.

More Siargao Island-Hopping Tips

Your hotel probably offers tours, but the best place to arrange a cheap tour is in General Luna. There will be many touts offering as you walk around. I think it should cost about 1,500 pesos ($35USD) for 2-8 people. Your tour will depart from General Luna early in the morning, and that is also the best place to buy supplies for lunch at the market. Your guide can help with that.

If you want to snorkel, make sure you arrange the rental with the guide before you leave. Don’t forget plenty of water, and reef-safe sunblock!

Hope you Enjoy it as much as I did!

You can browse Siargao hotels on booking.com HERE , or if you prefer Agoda, HERE

Check out my full Siargao post HERE

– Nathan Allen

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share the island love!

Like my page to follow along with me:)  – Nathan

Related Blogs:

Sohoton Cove, Surigao – The “El Nido” of the Southern Philippines?

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

Have a question or comment? Let me know!

The post Island Hopping in Siargao, Philippines – A Must See! 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.

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

Like my page to follow along with me:)  – Nathan

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

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By Nathan Allen

This is Marzio, an Italian who married a Filipina from Romblon. Together they operate JD&G Italian Restaurant in Romblon Town. Here, Marzio is making his way into the water so we can snorkel and explore the fascinating underwater world of Agpanabat Marine Sanctuary.

It took us a while to swim out to the corals, but we were handsomely rewarding once we did. Check out these intricate formations in about 2 meters of water…

This sanctuary was declared as a nesting site for endangered Hawksbill sea turtles, but we were not fortunate to see any. I hear that sightings are becoming rare.

Let’s hope that this is because they are nesting somewhere else, and not because they have been hunted or have died off. Anyhow, I quite enjoyed photographing the marine life around the sanctuary.

Below you’ll see…wait…is that a sea turtle? The funny thing is that I did not notice it until afterward when I was looking through my photos. I think it’s just an optical illusion, but it certainly does look like a turtle, right?

Anyhow, in this picture you’ll notice a very unique feature about this coral system – it has space underneath, kind of like a cave! It almost seems like the corals are floating just above the sea floor. I’ve really never seen anything quite like it.

Here are more detailed corals and underwater landscapes. Below I spotted a lone clownfish, guarding his young above its home in an anemone.

Perhaps along with Triggerfish, I call Clownfish the “Pitbulls of the sea”. They don’t care how big you are, they will swim right up to you and try to scare you away.

This one even bit my mask a few times. Good thing he’s only 25cm long, instead of 1 meter!

By the way, I took all these underwater photos with my Olympus TG-4. You can find the new model (in Asia) on Lazada HERE.

Perhaps due to overfishing or other environmental factors, there’s not a large number of fish here. However, I did see a pretty big school of the species above. I think they might be Butterfly fish, but I wonder if anybody has an idea? They seemed to be curious about me.

Snorkeling Tips

Sunscreen: If you’re going to wear sunscreen, please apply it at least 15 minutes before going in the sea. It’s best if you can apply it in a cool place, so that you don’t sweat it off right away. The chemical oxybenzone is found in many brands of sunscreen, and it can damage coral reefs. You can try “Safe Block”, which can be found in the Philippines. Also, some sunscreens made for kids seems to be OK. I use Banana Boat Kids SPF 50.

Life Vest: The best corals are in 2+ meters of water, so you need to be a strong swimmer, or wear  a life vest. I travel with an inflatable life vest – it helps me stay still at the top of the water for long periods while I photograph the corals.

WHO TO CONTACT:

It is advisable to bring your own gear for snorkeling and swimming here. However, there is a chance that Rose @ Reggae Vibes (see below) may have something for you to borrow. She can also provide you with more information about not only the sanctuary, but also Romblon island in general.

Reggae Vibes De Isla Romblon

Right next to Agpanabat Turtle Sanctuary, you’ll find this native-style / hippy homestay & Restaurant. Full disclosure: I did not stay here, but it looks really eclectic & cool! I did meet Rose, the owner. She was very kind, and seems to be involved with some good environmental advocacies. She also offers meals that are quite good.

She may have a snorkel and mask you can use for the sanctuary, but in remote places like this, it’s always best to be prepared with your own, just in case. Contact her with any questions HERE

(Reggae Vibes De Isla Romblon photos)

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

How To Get There

Check my general Romblon Island post for more info on how to get to this region of the Philippines. Once on the island of Romblon, you just need to find transportation to barangay (neighborhood) Agpanabat, on the southern tip of the island. It’s about 18kms from town (along the coast).

I’m really not sure if a trike will bring you all the way here, though I think anything is possible for the right price I would guess a trike ride should be 450-600 pesos, perhaps.

You can also rent a motorbike directly from Marzio at his restaurant, JD&G Italian Food in Romblon Town proper.

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

 Related Links

 Romblon Island by Motorbike – A Road Trip in the Heart of the Philippines

My Olympus TG-4 underwater camera review

Stunning Bonbon Beach, Romblon Island, Philippines

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The post Snorkeling @ Agpanabat Sea Turtle Sanctuary – Romblon, Philippines appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

Antique Province – “Where The Mountains Meet The Sea”

(Scroll down if you want to go directly to Antique hotels and attractions)

About a year ago I was researching new places to explore in the Philippines.  I came across a photo of Filipino blogger Melo Villareal “cooking” in giant pot. It was in a little-known province called Antique, and from then on, I knew I had to see this place for myself!

Found south of Boracay on the western side of Panay Island, the sleepy province of Antique provides many opportunities for adventure and relaxation – and all off the beaten path. 

While the province has some pretty good beaches, that’s not where Antique really shines – it’s more about the lush mountains, rice fields, cascading waterfalls, and warm smiles from the people that call it home. 

Oh yeah, that, and the unique experience of being “cooked” in a hot KAWA bath!  In truth, it’s very relaxing after a good hike and chilly swim in Bugtong Bato Falls:)

 (Some of my favorite photos from Antique)

One of my favorite things about Antique is that it spans the the whole west coast of Panay island, so there are so many opportunities to photograph beautiful sunsets.  Walking barefoot in the mud with a stunning sunset over the rice paddies – that was was something I’ll never forget!  I also loved how affordable food and accommodations were, and the fact that for some reason, mosquitoes in Antique don’t find me very delicious!  Ohh how I loved that…anyhow, here is the story of Antique and I…

“Kkkruhayyyy!!!” my local guide Flord enthusiastically yells out upon my arrival.  The language here is called “Kinaray-a”, and kruhay means welcome. 

Then he handed me a packed schedule of activities for the next three days of filming.  Wait…filming? 

It turns out ABS CBN’s “Rated K” crew was covering Antique   on the same weekend, and they wanted to use footage of me exploring as well.  I was hesitant at first, but life is like a river, I say…so you just go with the flow. 

The next morning we began touring the province to meet and dine with many of the provincial mayors.  I want to thank all of them for their warmth and hospitality!  We were even treated to a musical performance in one of their homes.

Later we attended a lively singing performance called “Istorya-Kanta Kinaray-a”.  I was so happy that these two talented singers are working hard to promote and preserve the local Karay-a culture.  The colorful young dancers added a nice dimension to the experience as well. 

Kinaray-a is a fascinating language – and it’s quite descriptive!  One very interesting example is how they have 3 different names for male and female genitalia – depending on the age and development stage of the person in question!  Kinaray-a is also one of the only Filipino languages I know of that has uses a “schwa” vowel sound.  An example is the Cebuano word ‘hubog’, which in Kinaray-a would be pronounced “hubug” – except the “u” is pronounced like the English words “hug” or “bug”. 

Kayaking and Hiking To Bugtong Bato Falls

Tibiao is known for its exciting eco-adventure park.  The Tibiao River offers kayaking at all skill levels.  After a brief kayaking session, I took a swim in the river to cool off.  Then I explored the surrounding area a bit and met some very friendly locals.

After all the kayaking footage was finished, we began the beautiful, brief trek to Bugtong Bato Falls. 

The trail starts in the village of Tuno, where our presence cause many curious smiles.  The scenery on the way to the falls was just stunning. Shown here are some rice terraces we passed along the way. Note: There are some other beautiful rice terraces that I didn’t have a chance to explore. Ask the locals!

We arrived at the falls, but had lunch  waiting for us at Bugtong Bato Falls Inn (formerly Peter’s Lodge).  I was so happy to finally have good Filipino food after being away in the States for so long! 

Afterward, they filmed members of our group repelling down the falls, and I took a swim in the chilly water.  Then I was finally ready for a soak in the hot kawa!  What a day – and what a beautiful place!

Boat Trip To Malalison Island

Malalison (also known as Mararison) island is part of Culasi, and is just a short boat ride away. 

We boarded the boat before sunrise, and first made our way toward far away Seco Island (in the process of being rehabilitated). 

We hit some rain and rough water on the way.  I fell asleep, but when I woke up, the skies had cleared up and the perfectly calm water looked like glass! 

To add to the magic of the moment, flying fish began to shoot out of the water and soar through the sky – I’ve never seen them before!

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There are a few pretty good snorkeling sections with corals and fish.  I saw a very large puffer fish, some clownfish, and a few lionfish, which was a first for me.   Ask the locals where the best places to snorkel are.  You will need to bring your own snorkel, mask, and fins.

The children of Malalison island (Culasi) are just adorable.  They love to sing – and in fact prepared a special Karay-a (local language)  version of the Frozen song “Let It Go” for us!  A few of them took me on a hike over the of of the island. If you are familiar with Batanes island, Malalison has dry, grassy hills that are a bit similar.  It seems quite uncharacteristic for this region of the Philippines. 

On the hike, I also noticed “pitcher plants“, which are fascinating insect-eating plants!  Since I was a kid, I always wanted to see one in real life.  I really loved the experience of being on this humble little island.

Again, Malalison Island can be reached via a brief boat trip from Culasi.  Ask the boat men on the beach, or use the contact info mentioned later.

Lambaklad Fishing in Tibiao

I almost skipped Lambaklad fishing, but I’m so glad I didn’t…just look at what an incredible experience this was! 

The name Lambaklad come from the word for “net” (lambat) and “fish corral” (baklad). 

You can join the fisherman very early in the morning, or at 3pm in the afternoon. 

The tradition is to leave your tsinelas (flip flops) on the beach, wash your feet in the water, then board the giant bamboo raft.  e words lambat (net) and baklad (fish corral).

As the name suggests, there is a large corral and net under the water.  As far as I know, the fisherman slowly pull the net in, which brings the raft toward the fish, and pushes them into net. 

Afterward, the fisherman take their share, and the rest is bought after a negotiation.  I loved witnessing this!

Tibiao Fish Spa – Don’t forget to “feed” the fish at Tibiao Fish Spa afterward!  It is directly across the street from the beach entrance for Lambaklad fishing.  I have tried a few different fish spas now, but the experience here is much better.  The fish are not so timid, and they will really nibble away at your feet!  It tickles at first, but I got used to it very quickly.  If you are brave enough to dip your feet into the pool with the bigger fish, my advice is to not keep them in too long:) 

Trekking to Igpasungaw Falls in Sebaste

I am very independent, and when I was told that I would have guides accompanying me to Igpasungaw Falls in Sebaste, I was a bit frustrated.  

However, this hike was MUCH more challenging and confusing than I thought, so the guides were actually very much appreciated!  Go to the municipal hall in Sebaste to inquire about guides to this incredible place. 

I learned that Antique got its name from “hantik“, which is the word for the black ants which can be found on Panay. Island  Here at the falls, I put my hand down and was bitten by one! I always knew red ants bite, but I’ve never heard of black ants that do as well!  You learn something every day, they say:)

Brick & Pottery Making in Barangay Bandoja

Later I was fortunate to visit a brick making facility, and not only did I see where the clay was excavated from, but also the giant kiln which bakes the handmade bricks.   Nearby I attended a pottery demonstration as well.  You could see the fascination in her grandson’s eyes as she showed us the age-old tradition of this barangay. 

The Colorful Binirayan Festival – Dec 28th through the 30th

On a last-minute trip to Nogas island in southern Antique, I was sidetracked by bad weather and instead ended up at the colorful Binirayan Festival.  What an experience!  This was a perfect reminder that “when one door closes, another opens”.

All the cities in the province came together to compete in the capital, San Jose.  While I was quite impressed with all of the performances (I only witnessed 6, to be fair), two really caught my attention.  Caluya and Sibalom. 

Wow, they really went all out!  I was thankful to have a great view to take photos from the stage.  I was seated next to the governor, and they announced that “I Dreamed Of This” was visiting.  What an honor to be there.  This festival is technically 29 days long, because you know, it really is more fun in the Philippines!

Exploring and Snorkeling Nogas Island – Anini-y, Antique

After the festival, I finally had a chance to visit Nogas island in southern Antique.  Thanks to the local tourism officer, Mrs. Karen, I explored the famous “Kalachuchi”  flower walkway and lighthouse at the end.  The island has kubos (beach huts) you can rent, but no place to eat, sleep, or buy snacks. 

We hiked to the opposite end of the island, and on the way, experienced a fascinating rubber tree, along with unique mangrove forests along the shore. 

The snorkeling and diving here is quite underrated if you ask me!  I recommend taking a trip with The Divehouse – you can depart from the mainland in Anini-y.  There is more info about this below in the “Where To Stay” section. 

San Jose’s “Purple House” & Hanging With The Locals

What a unique “I Dreamed Of This” experience!  To say that Mrs. Violetta loves the color purple is an understatement.   She has decorated her entire house (and family) in the color purple! 

She is a very sweet lady, and once filming was finished, we were again treated to a nice meal (with purple snacks!)  Even the bedrooms, furniture, and kitchen utensils were purple! I felt like I was Alice In Wonderland. 

While here, I also had a chance to explore the surrounding barangay (neighborhood)  People were so curious to see me taking photos on the side of the road!  It was truly an unforgettable experience  to be immersed in the day-to-day life of Antiqueños! 

Where To Stay – Antique Hotels and Inns

Phaidon Beach Resort

If you are looking for a beach resort in Antique, Phaidon in Pandan is the #1 recommendation online.  Great for couples, divers, or just those looking for a peaceful alternative to the crowds of Boracay.  Staff is gracious, wifi is good, and breakfast is included.  Your money goes further in Antique. 

Book Phaidon Beach Resort HERE (Agoda) or for Booking.com, click HERE

Kayak Inn

This cheaper and more “native” alternative is located directly on the Tibiao River, and has a view of the rice fields as well.  It is the original location of the “kawa” bath, and is great for a photo op. 

Book Kayak Inn HERE

Kasa Raya Traveller’s Inn & Resto

Kasa Raya is a great budget option in Tibiao, and they recently even added aircon rooms.  Conveniently located on the main road where the junction to Tuno and Bugtong Bato Falls is.  There is a Petron station attached to the inn.  The falls are just 5km away from here.

I have to be honest, I am friends with the nice little family that runs it, but you can feel better knowing that I became friends with them by staying here:)

I like the feel that the bamboo construction gives the place.  The restaurant has a modest but solid menu with some great value options, and the budget rooms even come with breakfast! 

I was particularly impressed by the lechon manok and fried chicken.  They also serve a good brewed coffee.  The best part is that you can enjoy your meal overlooking the rice fields out back.

You can contact the owner Alex by phone here: 09175247875  I believe Kasa Raya is also listed on airbnb.com. Please say hi for me, and tell him I sent you…Alex also gives incredible personalized tours around Antique & Panay!

Zipline Inn and Bugtong Bato Falls Inn

The first photo is from Zipline Inn, which offers native-style rooms in a beautiful setting.  Zipline Inn is located on the road before you get to Tuno.  Yes, there is an actual zipline, but I’m not sure if it’s currently operating.  The rest of the photos are from Bugtong Bato Falls Inn – which is a bit more adventurous, as you have to hike in a bit to get there.  Don’t worry, it’s a mild 20 minute trek:)  Nearby the falls, they have a beautiful setting for a meal or hot kawa bath – and they have budget options as well!

The rest of the photos are from Bugtong Bato Falls Inn – which is a bit more adventurous, as you have to hike in a bit to get there.  Don’t worry, it’s a mild 20 minute trek:)  Nearby the falls, they have a beautiful setting for a meal or hot kawa bath – and they have budget options as well!

Dalaag Resort and Campsite, Dao

Dalaag Resort and Campsite is a complex under development, but the 800 square meter pool (yes, you read that correctly) and 3-story water slide is open now.  You can also rent the kubos (huts) for the day or evening.  There are many more exciting plans for this property, including the possibility of an obstacle course, zip line, and even fishing facilities!

The Divehouse – Anini-y

The Divehouse is rustic resort on the beach has been constructed in large part from reclaimed wood from old ships and sailing vessels.  I really got a sense of history from all the bits and pieces that comprise the beams and railings of the property.  I quite enjoyed taking photos of everything. 

The owner “Boy” and his cast of characters here are entertaining as well.  They are very welcoming, and a lot of fun.  The place is definitely more on the rustic side, and if you ask me, that’s what’s so charming about it – don’t come expecting an updated resort with a modern design.  You can stay overnight with all meals and 3-4 dives included.  In my opinion, Anini-y is an underrated snorkeling and diving destination!  Ask the staff where the most beautiful corals are.

There is a nice veranda with a hammock and reliable wifi if you want to stay in and relax.  Great company and freshly prepared meals cooked over an open flame – this is what it’s all about.  Also make sure to witness the locals pulling the giant nets in right from the shore – it’s called “sahid” fishing!

How To Get To Antique – Contact Info & Tours

Antique province can be reached by bus or van from Kalibo or Caticlan airports, and also by bus or van from Iloilo city.  Depending on where you are going, it can be anywhere from a 2 hour to 5 hour trip.

If you have time and are very adventurous, the region can be explored independently, and you can contact Karmila Dimamay if you need any assistance.  I recommend connecting with Alex @ Kasa Raya Traveller’s Inn for tours. He is focused on providing excellent environmentally conscious tours, and he is a great guy. Alex can be reached at phone # 09175247875

Where To Eat in Antique

• Kasa Raya Traveller’s Inn and Resto (Tibiao) – Please see the listing above.  They have some delicious and affordable options here.

• The Green Mug Coffee shop (Tibiao) – I love this place, because they have great coffee – and it’s very reasonably priced!   I never understood why “real” coffee is so expensive in the Philippines – a coffee growing country!  Haha.  Anyhow, they have Americanos for 30 pesos, and lattes for just 50.  Some very affordable food options as well!  Hidden away location, so you may have to ask the local trike drivers. 

• Tibiao Bakery – I’ve seen these around the island of Panay, but of course, the first one can be found here in Tibiao.  Worth stopping by for pastries and snacks!

• Mamma Mia Pizzeria (Tibiao) – One of the owners is Italian I hear, so the ingredients are legit.  The pizza is pretty good, but it’s a bit pricey for the region.  The pasta was very good!

• Island Choice (Culasi) – I had a very affordable pizza here, and for the money, I was quite impressed!  Also tried a buko shake, and that was good as well.  Great prices and friendly service.  Located in the city center. 

(Tip:  I think there is an international ATM in San Jose (BPI, I believe), but as far as I know, there are no others around Antique. You might want to get cash in Iloilo, Caticlan, or Boracay if you are a foreigner)

Goodbye, Antique – My Home Away From Home

I felt so comfortable there, and I have a feeling I’ll be returning over the years.  I’d like to thank Flord + Katahum, Karmila Dimamay, and Alex de Moscoso+family for all the hospitality and help during my stay.  Like I mentioned at the start, while there are a few decent resorts here, this province is really great for the off-the-beaten-path adventures – the ones who want to roll up their sleeves and get dirty trekking to a stunning waterfall, or be invited to an impromptu dinner with a rice farmer and his family.  

Antique may have been over-hyped a bit in the past, but as long you’re realistic about what to expect, I think you’ll love it.  If you go and experience some of my recommendations, please give me your feedback! I will update info in my listing if needed. 

Thank you for an incredible, unforgettable experience, Antique.

Hope to see you again soon!

 Like the “I Dreamed Of This” page below to follow along.

– Nathan Allen

The post Explore Antique, Philippines – The Land of Cool Waterfalls and Hot Kawa Baths 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

Yes, from the outside, the building itself is a bit sparse. It has a simple, plain white exterior with no accenting. That’s because Momo leaves nature to provide the accenting! The vibrant green plants and coconut trees on the property beautifully compliment the blue hues from the pool, sky, and the sea…which is literally just a few steps away. 

Momo Beach House is a few kilometers away from the busy tourist-mecca of Alona Beach. Just getting there feels like an adventure, because the last stretch is a dirt road leading to a jungle beach! I love it. Here, you’ll find a quaint, charming refuge from the cookie-cutter hotels that pepper much of Panglao Island.

My Momo Beach House Review – It’s All in the Details

The artistic and “beachy” touches around the property were much appreciated – like this creative solution for sandy toes!  Yes, Momo has a lot of character. It is at once bright, cheery, and yet somehow….rustic. To me, right down to the music, everything about the ambience was just right. Known as an “eco-chic boutique hotel“, you’ll notice their environmentally-friendly soaps and shampoos in the bathroom. Nice!

They were also very kind to create a hand-drawn welcome sign for me before I arrived. I thought it might be something they do for invited guests only, but the next day I realized that everybody gets the same treatment. That is a great way to make your guests feel welcomed and special.

A peak inside the rooms reveals a bold splash of design and color. The space feels light and airy, but not in a whimsical way. It’s tasteful, without being kitchy or cheesy (in my opinion, anyway).

Check Momo Beach House rates.

Initially, the beach itself may not wow you. It’s not the most perfect white sand, nor is it the ultimate beach for swimming. However, it still has something that Alona Beach mostly lost decades ago – local flavor. If you take a short walk down the beach, you can ease into the real Philippines here; local children play in the sun while their fathers return with fresh-caught dinner from the sea.

As you can see below, I did swim, and tried my hand at snorkeling as well. I must say – I was pleasantly surprised! You need to bring your own gear (for now), and I recommend wearing a life jacket, because the good stuff is 2 or 3 meters deep. Some of the best snorkeling can be found along the reef wall near the concrete pier on the left side of the beach. That pier is also a great spot to watch the sunset, by the way.

Note: Sunblock can kill coral reefs, so please try to wear a reef-friendly variety!

The Tastiest Restaurant Menu Options in all of Bohol

I know that’s a bold statement, but it’s just my opinion! I got my first taste immediately on arrival, with my refreshing and delicious pandan juice “welcome drink”. I thought that the restaurant at Momo had more solid dishes than anywhere else on the island. The lightly-crisped chicken and vegetables were delicious, as were the marlin, salad, and breakfast sausage in the morning.  Speaking of which, I’m very particular about coffee, and apparently, they are as well.

Oh! I almost forgot. The beer was really, really cold. That is soooo important. Nobody wants warm beer on their vacation, right?

Put Quite Simply, Momo Feels Like Home

Yes, that is the best way to describe it. Well, I wish I had a home like this! Momo is relaxed and unpretentious, yet very “clean and crisp”, as I saw it described somewhere. That really is a great way to put it!

Is it the fanciest resort in Bohol? No. Does it have the most stunning views? Maybe not…but it is lush and beautiful. Momo has heart and soul; I love the feeling that being there gave me, and I want more of it. That is not easy to capture, and I tip my hat to Momo for pulling it off.

I stayed with some amazing properties in Bohol, but this is the one I consider home. I would come back in a heartbeat, and I would like to thank the very generous and accommodating staff for hosting me. I’m so pleased to be able to share this wonderful experience with you! Tha’s it for this review, see you soon!

Check Momo Beach House rates.

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– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

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

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The post The Magic of Momo Beach House appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

It Felt Like Christmas When This Camera Arrived in the Mail!

I did a lot of research on underwater cameras before purchasing the TG-3. People had great things to say about it, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much fun it would be to play with!

From the second I pulled it out of the box, I started experimenting with shallow depth-of-field shots (it has a 2.0 aperture lens), and taking microscopic photos of water drops on flowers in my backyard.

I initially bought it for extreme macro and underwater photography, but I must admit, in general, I probably use the camera much more often than I should. With the addition of the wide angle lens I purchased, my Sony DSLR (with a much higher quality sensor) now sits on the shelf gathering dust.

TG-3 Sample Images – Right Out Of The Box

I do love using Adobe Lightroom for post-processing, but all the photos on this page are untouched. I wanted you to see what the camera is capable of on its own…of course, the JPGs are compressed for Internet use, so the originals are even better.

For those that think a 2.8 lens is good in low-light situations, wait until you play with a 2.0 lens! You can easily shoot in dimly-lit bars, clubs, or sunset environments…with no flash.

As you can see, the camera was perfect to take with me on vacation in the Philippines. I attached the strap to a carabiner, so that the camera could lock onto my belt loop. Then I would go kayaking or shooting with my DSLR, and the TG-3 was always within reach!

Honestly, I love the piece of mind that comes with having this camera. There is almost nothing you can do to harm it! Haha. I have really punished it as well. Still powers up and shoots flawlessly.

So Why Did I Choose an Olympus Underwater Camera?

Yes, there are a lot of options out there….but for me it was all about the versatility. The camera isn’t tiny, but it will fit in a loose jean pocket, and that means I can have a great macro camera with me at all times. The lens and processing time are quite fast, and there are so many features that are a blast to play with. I planned on doing a lot of underwater photography on my vacation, so the large LCD screen was a big plus for me. I’m not big on video (though the video capabilities are not bad, I must admit).

Get INSANELY Close – Focus is Never a Problem

I got hooked on the idea of having a small macro-enabled camera years back when I had a Canon Powershot. That model wasn’t even particularly expensive, but I LOVED how close I could get to my subjects with it. That was just a 3MP camera I believe…the TG-3 is a 16MP, and the minimum focusing distance is downright unbelievable. I thought a reviewer was joking when he said to keep the lens clean, because the camera with actually focus on the dirt on the lens (perfectly), and not your subject. I was shocked to learn this is true!

As you can see, the possibilities are endless with the TG-3!

Beautiful Underwater Filters

Personally, I got very used to shooting with an LCD screen, so having an underwater camera that wouldn’t let me compose my shots just wasn’t an option.

The combination of the screen + the fast lens is perfect below the surface. You don’t always have the best lighting down there.  I especially like that I can keep the wide angle lens in my pocket and put it on underwater when I need to capture landscape shots!

Honestly, at first I felt like the red TG-3 option was kind of ugly, but the black model was sold out, and I needed to leave for my trip…so red it was. Now I love the red one, and can’t imagine it being black! Go figure. Haha.

Anyhow, the red color may have saved me, because I actually left the camera and selfie stick on the seabed once while I put my fins on (in only 1.5 meters of water). I swam about 12 away before I realized what I had done! I went back in a straight line, and was lucky to see the shiny red camera off in the distance….whew! I’m not sure I could have found it if I ordered the black version. I was about 20 meters from the shore.

Purchasing a TG-3

*Update, the TG-4 has now come out, and it’s basically identical to the TG-3. One important difference is that you have the option to shoot in a more professional quality RAW format. There are a few other new processing features as well.

Ordering the TG-4 from Amazon (Red or Black Color versions) : Olympus TG-4 16 MP Waterproof Digital Camera with 3-Inch LCD (Red)

If you want the attachable Wide Angle Lens, you must order it through Amazon in the US: Olympus Fisheye Tough Lens Pack (lens and adapter) for TG-1, TG-2, and TG-3 Cameras (Black with Red Adapter)

I haven’t tried it, but the reviews are pretty good…the Telephoto Lens option increases the reach 7X, and must be purchased through Amazon in the U.S: Olympus Telephoto Tough Lens Pack (lens and adapter) for TG-1, TG-2, and TG-3 Cameras (Black with Red Adapter)

Thanks for reading!

*Visiting links on this page will help me create more content like this. I am not connected to this company and I paid for this gear myself.

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By Nathan Allen

I accepted a last-minute invitation to experience these remote islands in the Philippines – I’ll never forget it.  These are some of my favorite photos taken in the last year!  Make sure you scroll through and see all of them…

This is beautiful Bitaog beach on Porongpong, the largest of the Palumbanes Islands.

These 3 tiny islands are about 45 minutes off the coast of northwest Catanduanes – an island province of the Philippines.  Che of Backpacking Pilipinas told me about this place – she is the famous traveler who explored all 80 provinces of the Philippines before she turned 30.  A local of Catanduanes, she started BookSail, which has worked to provide these local children with books to read:)

Make no mistake – there is basically no tourism infrastructure on the islands.  For me, that was part of the adventure.  When our boat pulled up to the small fishermen village, the locals seemed very excited to have a visitor.  Could I be the first white traveler to experience these islands?

My host Linda (pictured above) quickly introduced me to Sir Yoy, who is the head teacher of the local school.  I mentioned that I would love to climb the hill where the lighthouse was…so I could see the sunset over the islands.  He was very kind to agree to guide me, because I realized later it’s quite a grueling trek!

As we started climbing the trail out of the village, I realized I forgot to change out of my “tsinelas” (flip flops), for the hike.  The trail was more steep and rocky than I thought it would be.  When I looked behind me, I noticed that half the kids from the village seemed to be joining us! 

This little girl was very young, and she wasn’t wearing any shoes.  I realized that I should probably stop worrying about my flip flops.

The view from the top did not disappoint.  It felt like we were on the edge of the world…and it reminded me a bit of the grassy, green hills of Calaguas Island, which I had explored a month previously.   

When we returned, I thanked my unexpected local guides and followed my host back to the family’s nipa hut, where I found our dinner being cooked by candlelight.  Out on the edge of the village there is no electricity, but again, it just added to this unique adventure. 

Our dinner consisted of rice, langka (jackfruit) + and fresh-caught fish in coconut milk. It was delicious!  I was tired after a long day, and climbed into my duyan (hammock) for the night.  Waking up overlooking a beautiful rice field the next morning was quite an experience, but so was the adventure the local kids would take me on later that afternoon!

Bitaog Beach – Part 1 of my “Lord Of The Flies” Adventure

I had heard there were some corals to see underwater at beautiful Bitaog beach.  Around noon (the hottest part of the day…and in summertime), the local kids were eager to take me up and over the hill to the beach.  Again, it is much further and more steep than you imagine it would be, being on such a tiny island.  It’s a lot of fun trekking through the underwater mangrove forest along the way, though. 

Swimming – The turquoise-blue water is quite a welcomed sight by the time you arrive at the beach (covered in sweat)!  Keep in mind that you can easily hire a local boatman to take you the beach.  It’s just 15 minutes away.  Here, we all swam and enjoyed cooling off – some of the kids climbed aboard a small banca (boat) so they could do back flips into the water. 

Fishing – The boys had brought some fishing line and homemade lures…I was amazed that they were able to catch quite a few small fish and crabs in no time at all!  I imagined them turning into experienced fishermen with families of their own someday. 

“They may not have shoes to hike around the island, but they certainly have a beautiful playground”, I thought to myself.  Their joy was infectious. 

Later, the locals had their kids take me out again for an afternoon boat tour…and these kids were young!  The boat master was 15 years old, and was by far the oldest of the group.  The youngest must have been just 6 or 7.  That is why I refer to it as the “Lord Of The Flies” adventure.  It is amazing how capable these children are. 

My “Lord Of The Flies” Adventure – Part 2

(The best photos are yet to come! )

Our first stop was the south beach of Tignob Island…I have listed it as “site #2” on the map below.  It’s nice, and if you snorkel out into 4 or 5 meters of water, you can see a few beautiful plate corals and colorful fish.  I heard that this beach is owned by the previous Governor of Catanduanes, and maybe that’s why I still noticed some fish and corals.  Unfortunately, many other locations have been destroyed and overfished already. 

However, the real treat was waiting in the water at Bitaog beach afterward…

These are some of my favorite underwater photos I have taken anywhere in the Philippines.  I didn’t expect to see such beautiful coral formations still in tact!  These were taken about 15-20 meters out in the water from Bitaog beach (check “site #1” on the map below).  If you are approaching the beach by boat, these corals are on the far left side of the beach.  By the way, this is an excellent beach for sunset!

The beautiful photo below was taken at “site #3” just off of Calabagio island, on the way back to the mainland.  I had to hunt around to find it, but it was worth it!

If you are wondering, I took these photos with my Olympus TG-4 underwater camera.  You can see why I like it so much:)

Where To Stay

Coco Beach Resort and Karaoke – This rustic place (if it still exists) is right across the water from Palumbanes in barangay Baybay.  It’s run by a woman named Mrs. Letty.  I really loved it there!  Simple nipa hut-style rooms are just 200-300 pesos a night.  To be honest, I loved barangay Baybay, they had really great, cheap food at the carinderias (eateries), and the locals were very friendly + spoke exceptional English (especially the children)!  Great job, teachers!

Pictured here are the bahay kubos you can rest in by the beach. 

You can wake up very early and negotiate your boat trip across the water from here. 

You can Phone ate Letty at: 0928 620 4592

Marem Pension House – Virac  -This is a very affordable option right in downtown Virac.  It’s been around for many years, and is a very interesting and well maintained place.  Note that this is still 5 hours away from Caramoran, where you would take the boat to the islands.  Still, it’s a good option if you need to stay in Virac.

You can book Marem Pension House HERE

Catanduanes Midtown Inn (Virac)  -This is a bit more money, but a huge step up in quality…and a great value.  Note that this is also 5 hours away from Caramoran, where you would take the boat to the islands. 

You can book Catanduanes Midtown Inn HERE

Pacific Surfer’s Paradise Beach Resort (Puraran)  – If you will be visiting the famous surf capital of Catanduanes, This was the best of the 3 options I explored there.  A great value for food/lodging, plus a friendly staff.  Note that this is VERY far from Caramoran, where you would take the boat to the islands. I just wanted to include it because many people visit Puraran when they are in Catanduanes.

You can book Pacific Surfer’s Paradise Beach Resort HERE

Homestay

If you are looking to stay on Palumbanes longer than just one day, your only option is to speak with Sir Yoy at the elementary school when you arrive.  He might know of a homestay for you, or possibly be able to set you up with a camping spot on the beach.   Just ask the locals to point you to Sir Yoy, or the elementary school when you arrive. 

How To Get To Palumbanes Islands

(Tip: You might want to avoid the rough seas in September, October, and November)

The fastest way is to take a direct flight to Virac, Catanduanes from Manila, but it is a bit pricey.  From there, you can take a 5-hour bus up to Caramoran (notice the spelling…not “Caramoan”).  Ask the locals to point you to the port at barangay Baybay.  There you will need to find a local boatman who will agree to take you.  It should cost 300+ pesos per person each way, and you should make sure and secure a life jacket before getting on the boat. 

The cheapest way to get to Palumbanes is to take an overnight bus from Cubao, Manila to Tabaco, Albay.  Then you can take an early morning ferry to Virac or San Andres.  From there, follow the bus instructions above, or ask the local trike drivers if anybody might want to rent you a motorbike (only for the very adventurous). 

Photos were taken at the following 3 locations on the site map below:

The main village is located right where it says “Palumbanes Islands” on the map.

Traveling Safe and Responsibly

Snorkeling: As you can see, there are some beautiful corals to explore…but they need to be protected from dangerous fishing methods, damage from boats, and yes…even damage from tourists.  Make sure your boatman doesn’t damage any corals with the bottom of the boat, and make sure you jump off the boat in deep water so you don’t step on any corals yourself. Always wear a life jacket, and make sure the boat stays near you as you snorkel if possible.

Note: Nobody on the island can provide you with a snorkel and mask, and I’m not even sure you can find them in Virac.  You must bring your own.  If you use fins, make sure you swim with your fins up as high as possible to avoid touching the corals.  You should never touch the corals with any part of your body – for the safety of both you and the coral. 

Locals: If you are lucky enough to be invited to stay in somebody’s home, please be a respectful and gracious guest.  Consider offering your hosts a bit of money when you are leaving, as the people on the island are quite poor.  You might consider bringing something for the local children when you arrive. They will probably love sweet candy, but please remember they don’t have access to dentists if they get cavities.

My Dream

My dream is for people to be inspired to visit these beautiful places, and use their tourism dollars to breathe life into the local communities.  Perhaps the villagers can start to sell locally-made pasalubong (gifts for tourists to take to their friends).  The income from tourism may give the fishermen more incentive to preserve and protect the underwater world as well, so it is a win-win situation!  

I hope local governments will take note, and work to responsibly protect and promote places like Palumbanes Islands.  Many thanks to tiya Linda and the Gurrobat family for all the hospitality, and for all the smiling faces that made my time on these islands truly unforgettable!  This was the raw, real Philippines that I had been craving!!

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