By Nathan Allen

Since I was already in Siargao, I took the tour from there (General Luna). It was a beautiful trip…I loved seeing the lush green hills and untouched beaches lined with coconut trees along the way. Some had massive waves breaking on them, just like the famous surfing spots in Siargao.

Along the way, we passed mining operations that have scarred and discolored the landscape on the other side of the water. Local fishermen claim that their catches have dwindled due to all the disruption and sediment in the water. I did not take any photos, but there was a stark contrast between the lush beauty of Bucas Grande on our right, and the barren, dusty hills on our left.

Anyhow, as long as you stay focused on the beauty of Bucas Grande, you’ll love it. We passed local fishermen and they seemed friendly. I loved seeing all the corals just below the surface in the lagoon! Very cool, and I hope the boat operators are always careful to not damage them.

We did not stay at Club Tara Resort (pictured above), but judging by the reviews I read online afterward, we didn’t miss much. From what I’ve read, people recommend stopping to take pictures there, but staying overnight is not really worth it. 

You may notice that I haven’t included a single picture of the actual cave, and I admit, that is kind of funny. It’s because for me, the most beautiful part of Sohoton was the boat ride there, and the landscapes and lagoon around the cave. If you’ve already seen a few caves, I don’t think this one will impress you much.

The fact that you can swim into the entrance of the cave is kind of cool I guess. Once you climb up into the cave, there’s also a 6 or 7 meter cliff jump back down into the water. This will give thrill-seekers their fix!

Jellyfish Lagoon

This was pretty cool. It’s a lagoon that fills up with stingless (harmless) jellyfish. Apparently there are hundreds and hundreds of them, depending on the time of year. There is some confusion about whether or not you are allowed to swim with them, though. On my visit, one official told me it was OK, while another said it is not.

There might have been 50 jellyfish in the lagoon at that time…but they were spread out over a large area, so there might only be one within 2 meters of you at any given time. The photos I’ve seen online show jellyfish everywhere, so I do hope the decline is a seasonal thing, and not something brought on by tourist activity.

By the time my group finished seeing the jellyfish, we were quite hungry. We did buy fresh fish, vegetables, and rice at the market to bring with us, but we found that the cooking fees were a bit high. I don’t know if it would be the same for every tour, but it’s good to know what to expect. I recommend asking your guide about this before you leave.

More Tips For Your Tour

Sohoton Cove and Lagoon reminds me a bit of Palawan. Honestly, unless you have a lot of time and money, if you’ve already seen Palawan, you might want to skip Sohoton. Almost everybody agrees that is just too expensive. It’s totally worth it if your group is large enough to keep costs down, though. 

Make sure you negotiate with your tour guide, and ask about any and all fees. The environmental / entry fees are very steep, and don’t forget the snorkel rental and cooking fees if you’re bringing lunch. Just so you know, there were 6 of us in my group, and I think it was worth it.

If you haven’t already, check out my Siargao post for more island love:)

– Nathan Allen

*Note: I incorrectly labeled “Sohoton Cove” as “Sohoton Cave” in the title. There is a separate place called “Sohoton Cave” in the province of Samar.

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

Related blogs:

Surfing and Exploring Siargao

Island Hopping in Siargao

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

Social Media

Have something to add? Feel free to leave a comment…

The post Sohoton Cove & Lagoon Tour – Is it worth it? appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

Tour Departs By Boat From Palompon Town

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

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

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

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

A Picture-Perfect White Sandbar

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overnight Camping on the Island

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

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

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

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

Snorkeling Off The Beach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunset on the Sandbar

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

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

How To Get To Kalanggaman

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

Where to Stay

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

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

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

Really, this island is pure eye candy.

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

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

More Adventures in Leyte, Philippines

My motorbike tour of Leyte Province

Tacloban City & Restaurant Tour

Snorkeling & Diving in Padre Burgos

Social Media

Have something to add? Feel free to leave a comment…

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

By Nathan Allen

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

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

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

Napantao Dive Sanctuary

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

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

Snorkeling over Surreal Coral Landscapes

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

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

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

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

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

Totally worked.

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

Limasawa Island Dive Site

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coral Reef + Fish @ Limasawa Snorkeling Site

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

(More photos)

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

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

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

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

How To Get To Southern Leyte

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

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

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

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

My Massive Motorbike Trip Around Leyte Province

Stunning Kalanggaman Island & Sandbar

A Tacloban City & Restaurant Tour – Leyte, Philippines

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

Social Media

Have something to add? Feel free to leave a comment…

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

By Nathan Allen

It was a long ride on the motorbike. I had come all the way from Bangon Falls in northern Samar, and being the start of the rainy season, it took longer than expected. Samar is huge, too. I had severely underestimated its size.

When I finally entered the municipality of Marabut, I could hardly believe my eyes. I was greeted by fascinating limestone cliffs and lush tropical trees along the coast. It felt every bit like the exotic landscapes of northern Palawan…only without all the development and crowds. I pulled into the resort just before the sun started going down.

 The staff showed me to my room, and I passed out. I was exhausted. After a good night’s rest, I awoke to some much needed morning sunshine. The resort was beautiful. I loved the rustic, cabana huts along the beach.

 Above are some of the aforementioned limestone cliffs, jutting out from the sea between the cabanas. Such beautiful scenery!

The sea and the beach definitely have a different feel than El Nido, though. The water is less turquoise, and it’s not really a white sand beach. To me it feels more like an exotic tropical lagoon. As a landscape photographer (and adventurer), I absolutely loved this lush, rugged-looking coastline.

On the way back to my room I took some photos of the swimming pool. It’s an infinity pool right up against the sea, so you have a pretty incredible view.

The pool was kept very clean, and I would later enjoy a San Miguel Pilsen here as the sun set.

Photos of my Room

 Conveniently, the rooms overlook the water, and also face the sunset.

Overall, my room was nice…you can tell that the property is kept up well. Wifi can be challenging when you get a bit off the beaten path like this, but I was able to use my Globe Tattoo (pocket wifi) on the balcony of my room.

Everything was quite clean and in perfect working order. Aircon was cool. I particularly liked the view of the pool and island landscapes from my balcony.

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

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner in the Restaurant

My meals were definitely a highlight…first of all, the view while you eat could not be better!

Second of all, I was quite surprised by the freshness of the ingredients, especially considering the remote location. Decent vegetables can be hard to come by on the Philippine islands, so hats off to Caluwayan for this!

Third, they have somehow managed to keep the meal prices very reasonable, especially for this quality. I was definitely impressed. Every single meal I had seemed well thought-out and prepared. I was super happy to have a real pancake breakfast – made me feel right at home!

My compliments to the chef. Keep in mind you can also sit at “Bistro Bar” for drinks with a sea view, or check out the occasional music, dancing, and cultural performances @ the Clubhouse.

Overall Review

While the building exterior may be showing a few signs of wear, the interiors, pool, and restaurant grounds have been kept very well. I found the staff to be extremely warm and helpful. The resort somehow walks a line between charming, rustic, and upscale. In fact, it does this quite well.

For this level of service and accommodation, I think it’s well worth the price. Many other resorts of this caliber would come with a much higher price tag, and perhaps a level of pretentiousness that I don’t really care for. For me, Caluwayan is everything a rustic island getaway should be, and I do hope to come back and visit again someday.

TIP: I believe there may be a free boat tour included in the room rate, so ask about it! On a nice day, I imagine it could be beautiful to explore those rock formations out in the water:) You can also visit the resort just to swim (for a fee) or eat at the restaurant.

How To Get To Caluwayan Beach Resort

The resort is located in the barangay (neighborhood) of Caluwayan, in Marabut, Samar. It can be reached via a 45 minute van ride (or direct boat) from the city of Tacloban. Flights to Tacloban from Cebu or Manila can be quite affordable if you check out some of the Cebu Pacific promos.

You also have the option of renting your own car or motorbike…I can most confidently recommend Haven’s in Tacloban for this.

Booking a Room

You can browse more information about Caluwayan Palm Island Resort on their website HERE

Enjoy this beautiful place, and please tell the friendly staff I said hello!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

Social Media

Have something to add? Feel free to leave a comment…

The post The Exotic Charm of Caluwayan Beach Resort – Samar, Philippines appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

Open For Business – & Better Than Ever

I know it’s been over 3 years…but I guess I didn’t expect this much progress. The Philippines is a country close to my heart, and it has many strengths. However, if I’m being honest, progress isn’t really one of them. Like the U.S., there is so much political infighting. Progress moves at a snail’s pace…if things are even moving forward at all.

However, Tacloban looked great. It was bustling with shops and businesses, and the quality of goods and services went far beyond my expectations. It’s not a large city, but somehow it feels more sophisticated like one.

I had a motorbike very generously provided by Haven’s Tourist Transport near the airport. Rhoel, the owner, was a great guy. He gave me a quick tour of the area before I took the bike out myself.

I stopped by a few places downtown. The first was beautiful Hotel Alejandro, which dates back to prewar times. There is an impressive exhibit with hundreds of historical photos on the walls. After that, I checked out Sto Niño Church, which is a vibrant white color now that it has been restored post-typhoon.

(More Tacloban street photos)

Next was the Sto. Niño Shrine and Heritage Museum, a rest home built for former President Marcos’ wife Imelda. Apparently her bathroom was larger than most of the citizens’ homes, and she actually ended up staying in the place only once.

I was able to do some street photography downtown, where I captured the hustle and bustle of the jeepneys, trikes, and commuters. Last, I visited the Anibong Memorial, or Yolanda Shrine. Many cargo ships washed ashore during the storm, but people began visiting and taking photos of this one in particular. Knowing this, the government decided to turn it into a monument – to memorialize the victims of the super typhoon.

The MacArthur Landing Site

Leyte is famous with WWII history buffs. That’s because just south of Tacloban, you can find the site of General Douglas MacArthur’s famous return to the Philippines. The American general had been forced to flee from the Japanese previously, but he kept his promise – and these statues memorialize his unit’s return.

It was quite surreal for me, because I ended up here on the 4th a July, our Independence Day in the U.S. It’s a time of celebration with friends and family, which I was desperately missing, having been on the other side of the world for over a year. Somehow, visiting this monument on this day brought me home.

I’ve always wanted to come here. It’s actually a National Park, and it’s located in the town of Palo, about 10 kms south of Tacloban City.

Tacloban Restaurants

This is what particularly impressed me about Tacloban. The business owners seem to be so motivated, and the service + quality standards are a cut above much of the rest of the country. I guess I was impressed by the food in Leyte and Samar in general. Are the ingredients better in this region, or do people just have tastes that fall more in line with mine? 

Jo’s Chicken Inato Milagrina

Rewind back to March, 2013. I’m wandering the streets of Dumaguete (southern Philippines), with a hunger in my belly. I find a nice looking chicken restaurant, and try some Chicken Inasal.

Now fast forward to present day. I never imagined I would receive an invite to dine with the owner of the Tacloban branch, 3 years later. Jo’s Chicken Inato Milagrina serves family-style Filipino food in a comfortable garden-style environment.

(Photos of Jo’s Chicken Inato Milagrina)

(Assortment of Filipino foods)

The owner, Apple Anido Alagon was kind to prepare a nice selection of dishes and desserts for me to sample. Loved the Pineapple Mango Ginger Slush…all shakes and slushes are made with real fruit.  Also pictured is the dessert turon (fried banana) with langka (jackfruit) and ice cream.

Next is the house specialty. It looks like Bacolod-style Chicken Inasal, but with a pork BBQ stick included. It’s called Jo’s Chicken Inato Combo. Last, a plate of Zamboanga-style Spicy Shrimp.

Yes, there’s also unli (unlimited) rice.

Another one of Apple’s claims to fame is her Salted Egg Potato Chips. Apparently they have proven quite popular with the locals, even some being taken back home as pasalubong, or souvenir gifts. If it’s not obvious, Jo’s is well suited for Asian / Filipino taste buds.

Apple’s family has been in the Leyte region for generations, as is evident by the 90 year-old fountain on display in the garden. It was built by her great grandparents. She does quite a bit of community outreach as well, and is just a bright and cheery person in general. Stop by and check the place out!

Jo’s Chicken Inato Milagrina: 241 P. Burgos St. +63 53 832 2042

Canto Fresco Pizza (Italian Influenced)

Pizza is one of my guilty pleasures, and the best way to cure my homesickness when I’m out on the road. However, it’s not always easy to find decent pizza in the Philippines. Well, Canto Fresco goes well beyond decent pizza, in fact it’s quite gourmet. I was particularly interested in the Mozzarella Bites I saw on the menu…

Oh my, they really hit the spot. It’s so nice to nice to have legit pizza with authentic ingredients like this. I can’t remember name of the one I ordered, but I’ve never tasted anything like it. Very festive! Haha. Honestly, I enjoyed it, but the herb flavor they used could have been toned down a tiny bit. It was unique, but a bit overpowering.

(Photos – Canto Fresco)

The carafe of mixed fruit and vegetable juices was delicious! Very refreshing. I was hoping to find a menu online so I could specify all items, but no luck. Anyhow, the ingredients are fresh, pizza is homemade (and hand-tossed), and the indoor / outdoor seating atmosphere is rustic and charming. Very much recommended!

Canto Fresco: 279 Burgos St. +63 53 523 9085

 (Continued below, but I recommend Booking.com if you need a good hotel in Tacloban)

Highside Bar & Restaurant

How perfect is it to visit a motorcycle-themed restaurant during my motorbike trip around Leyte? Highside was born from a passion for riding, but also from the tragedy of typhoon Haiyan. I sat with a few of the owners, Jo Jo and Mal, and listened to their story.

Mal has quite a harrowing tale of loss and survival himself. After the storm, the old friends would gather to have drinks and perhaps try to cheer each other up. They only had each other, as their wives and remaining family members had been relocated to safer areas. Like thousands of other Taclobanons, they had lost so much. Their city was devastated. What to do now?

Well, you know the expression…when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. In their case, they rebuilt. Not only that, but they channeled their love of motorcycling into a restaurant business, and even repurposed the remnants of vehicles destroyed in the storm. These pieces were used to decorate the bar, along with some of their own complete motorcycles, which were left inoperable.

The guys told me that before, people were more timid to invest their money in new businesses, or to spend it around town having a good time. However, the storm taught them that you never know what will happen tomorrow, so you might as well enjoy today.

(Click photos for more info about Highside)

I’ll never forget Jo Jo telling me “Money could do nothing for us. During the storm, Taclobanons were all struggling together. ..regardless of their income or status. That storm leveled the playing field”. A powerful reminder of this sits right on the wall. It’s the hood and trunk of a fancy BMW, which completely washed away in the storm. Oil barrels are now creative lounge seating, Hummer tires serve as giant beer coasters.

Speaking of beer, this is the best place to make it happen. The food is excellent, too. While not a single dish let me down, I especially loved the spicy jalapeño “lumpia”, called “Dynamite”. It’s jalapeño, cheese, chili, and ground beef – wrapped up lumpia style, and served with a tangy sauce.

I have to give it to these guys, they have done a great job making the most of this truly unfortunate situation. They felt like brothers to me, and I hope to visit them in their popular hangout again someday.

Highside Bar & Restaurant Gomez St @ Paterno +63 917 504 9452

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

HQ Food Park

While checking out the food stalls on Justice Romualdez Street, I met a guy who recommended a newly opened place south of town. It sounded familiar, and I realized I had passed it on my motorbike on the way to the MacArthur Landing site.

I came for an early dinner during the week (hence the smaller crowd). I imagine it gets pretty lively during the weekends. HQ is the first of its kind in Tacloban – a large food / gastro park, complete with drinks, darts,  and live music.

I love the graffiti mural of General MacArthur out front…due to its proximity to the landing site, that was a nice touch.

General MacArthur Graffiti & Grilled Pork Belly @ HQ

I found some super cheap and delicious liempo (pork belly) here…nice to have a kamayan dinner! That means you eat only with your hands. I loved that they serve the rice wrapped in coconut leaves…I think this is called puso in Cebu. Anyhow, HQ Food Park is open pretty late, and worth checking out!

HQ Food Park – Real St, Fatima Village

Cafe Lucia – Definitely Worth a Mention

This charming little cafe sits across from the Tacloban Astrodome. It serves delicious + affordable coffee and snacks. Really, I was impressed! Wish there were more places like it in the Philippines, and that I had more time to explore other menu options:)

Tacloban Hotels

(Agoda)

GV Hotel is a super cheap option right downtown. A good value, but you get what you pay for.

Ironwood Hotel is a classy place (more money, but still a great value). It has a very good reputation, with plenty of rave reviews.

(Booking.com)

If you prefer to use booking.com, check out more Tacloban City hotels here

How To Get There

Tacloban can be reached via boat or plane…but international flights must stop through larger cities like Manila and Cebu. Again, if you need transportation when you arrive at the airport, check out Haven’s Car & Motorbike Rental.

Thanks for the Memories, Tacloban

This city is now high on my list of favorites in the Philippines. The people, the culture, and the food left a lasting impression on me. Big, big thanks to all who made this trip possible: Canto Fresco team, Mal, Jo Jo, Apple, Krizette and Rhoel…keep on making Tacloban proud.

I took this photo of the sunset at Tacloban Port. One of my favorites from this trip, and a great way to wrap up this piece.

I Shall  Return…

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Social Media

Have something to add? Feel free to leave a comment…

The post A Tour of Tacloban City: Once Defined by Tragedy – Now, Ambition appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

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

Social Media

Have something to add? Feel free to leave a comment…

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

  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

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

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

It’s on like Donkey Kong.

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

Time For the Open Road…On My Way To Kananga

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

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

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

Kananga Parish Church

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

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

Palompon Town, and San Juan Beach

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

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

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

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

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

Coastal Fishing Village of Ipil (Palompon)

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Road To Southern Leyte

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Snorkeling @ Ambao / Calagitan Fish Sanctuary

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

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

Calagitan Fish Sanctuary

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

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

Silago / Abuyog Boundary Creek

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

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

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

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

C’est fini.

Leyte Hotels

You can browse hotels with review on Agoda HERE

If you prefer Booking.com, you can click HERE

How To Get To Leyte

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

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

That’s a lot of love.

Thanks for taking such good care of me, Leyte.

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

Related Links

Stunning Kalanggaman Island & Sandbar

My Tacloban City & Restaurant Tour

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

Social Media

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

By Nathan Allen

Our technology-driven culture has given rise to the “flashpacker” movement – basically, it’s backpacking 2.0  Even though our packs are much lighter, today we travel with massive libraries of friends, books, movies and music…right there in our pockets, and anywhere in the world.

The modern traveler needs an updated approach to the hostel model. They need a safe place to recharge their batteries (figuratively and literally). They want to connect with each other, but perhaps more importantly, with their friends and family all over the world. 

One more thing. They have all the tools and resources to make the most of their money, and they expect it to go far…very far.  

Letting Their Customers Promote For Them

More than just a place to lay their heads after a long day of exploring, these travelers want a nice backdrop for their Instagram selfies.  Smart business owners understand that if they play their cards right and provide their customers with wifi, they will promote for them – and for free.

A creative example of this is a set of giant angel-wings painted onto a wall under a hostel’s logo. Guests will line up to stand in front of the wings, “putting them on” for a photo. Then they are posted to FB and IG, where they inspire all sorts of friend-envy.

Anyhow, speaking of inspiration, I was inspired to write this post after visiting the newly opened Z Hostel in Makati, Philippines.  It is perfect example of what I’m talking about. They have struck a nice balance between design, functionality, and affordability.

Due to their hip vibe and innovative user-experience, word-of-mouth has done a lot of the promoting for them! 

This is “Hosteling 2.0”

750 pesos ($18USD) might seem like a lot for a bed in a SE Asian dorm, but when you take a closer look, you’ll see why it’s such a great value (Makati is also notoriously expensive by SE Asian standards). Each room is well-lit and cooled with strong air-con. Each bed-bunk is semi-private, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed.

There are individual “charging stations” integrated right onto the wall, with private reading lamps as well. It seems we flashpackers never have enough outlets when we travel, and Z Hostel has addressed this issue in a big way.  They are literally all over the place!

I guess it’s “surprising” because many international tourists don’t realize just how sleek and cosmopolitan Manila has become.

I was very pleased to find a covered outlet next to the sink in the bathroom. Guys with electric shavers will love this, as will anybody who travels with a hair dryer.

When I think back on my hosteling experiences years ago, I think of cold, dirty showers in dimly-lit mosquito-infested bathrooms. This couldn’t be any further from the Z Hostel experience. The bathrooms are clean, bright, and equipped with relaxing hot-water showers.

Even the lockers in the rooms are strategically designed.  They automatically light when you open them, and come with outlets in each one – so you don’t have to worry about another traveler stealing your device while you leave it charging!  Well planned. 

The private rooms on the upper floors have the same functional design elements, and the views of the Makati skyline can’t be beat.

Cutting-Edge RFID Chip Bracelets For Payments

Z Hostel has generated quite a buzz by offering their guests RFID bracelets to make purchases at their cafe and roofdeck bar.  Personally, I love the idea of cashless transactions…I’ll never forget the first time I ordered  a tasty “Z-Brew” coffee and just touched my bracelet to the ipad screen to complete the transaction.  So cool!

You request a bracelet at the front desk and load a 150 peso minimum, which includes a 50 peso deposit to be returned when you give the bracelet back.  This is especially good for the backpackers who love to party (you know who you are), because they won’t have to worry about losing or keeping track of their cash during a hazy night of drinking on the roof deck.

Famous Roof Deck – Z Hostel Review

Speaking of which, the roofdeck is pretty epic.  The hostel hosts events and frequently features local artists, DJs, and musicians. As most hostels are, the upper rooms can be noisy during these weekend events.  Just something to keep in mind – the hostel conveniently offers earplugs upon request.

I never imagined a hostel could be the “place to be seen”…but Z has accomplished this. It’s not just for overnight guests, but perfect for those who want to mingle with rooftop drinks after a stressful work week as well.

Cafe With a Tastefully Done Menu

The upper rooms come with a thoughtfully prepared breakfast buffet…coffee included! As for other items on the menu, I recommend the burger and fries, as well as the pandesal and cheese. I also tried some traditional Filipino dishes that might pop up on the menu soon, and I can tell you that there is a lot to look forward to!

The Philippines: Much More Than Beaches and Waterfalls

Most international travelers have no idea that the Philippines has such a sleek and modern side to it.  They would be surprised to learn that the country is the “social media capital of the world“, too! Z Hostel embodies this social media savvy spirit.

Just so you know, the property is quite large, and can accommodate group and corporate bookings as well.

Raising the Bar For Philippine Tourism

Overall, I’m quite impressed with what Z Hostel has accomplished.  The prices are just right, and the service and contemporary decor is spot-on. It has a classy, upscale feel to it, but with more of a hip, artistic flair. This is definitely not just another corporate hotel chain.

It is located on a quiet side-street…just far enough from the red light district, which thankfully doesn’t have the same sleazy feel. I believe it’s appropriately named “Williamsburgos“, and I felt very safe there. 

If this is the new face of Philippine tourism, the future’s looking bright! I’d like to thank Agoda and Z Hostel for extending an invitation to experience it. I’d come back in a heartbeat!

You can search options, reviews, and find the best deal on a room HERE.

Social Media

Have something to add? Feel free to leave a comment…

The post Z Hostel: The Surprising Tech-Driven Side of the Philippines appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

On a bumpy bus ride to Cambodia a few years ago, I met a young Swiss couple backpacking their way around the world.  At the time I was just 2 weeks into my first real overseas adventure, so I soaked up their photos and stories with wide-eyed astonishment.  “So you’ve been all over the world…what is your absolute favorite country?”  I just had to ask.

Their faces lit up, as if they had been waiting to tell me the whole time.

“The Philippines, without a doubt.”

Wait, what?  The Philippines?  One would expect them to mention exotic destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, India, or Peru.  To be honest, at that point, the first thing I thought of when I heard the word “Philippines” was poverty (well, thanks to my Filipino friends in California, the first thing was actually lumpia  The second thing I thought of was danger.  After all, the country has made appearances  on the U.S. Travel Advisory website a few times.

I Had To See It For Myself…

Well, I never forgot what that couple told me.  About two years later, I jumped at the chance to visit – and let me tell you – I ended up staying for an entire year!  I have been to many countries, but the Philippines is just different.  There I found a warmth and hospitality that is unrivaled anywhere in the world.  I traveled to many different regions and did my best to learn some of the different languages and customs.  

Check out my tips on Filipino food and phrases further down the page.  By the way, it’s not just for backpackers…there are also world-class resorts on stunning islands such as Boracay, Bohol, and those in Bacuit Bay, El Nido.

Related: My in-depth look at Filipino Culture

It’s a shame, because this country and its people have so much to offer.  So the real question is…

Yes, in that time I fell deeply in love with this beautiful country – just as that Swiss couple had.  Poor?  Yes, there is poverty like other parts of SE Asia, but there is also real wealth, and not just the monetary kind.  Dangerous?  Nope.  A few incidents in the far south have given people a false impression about the risk of traveling through the rest of the country. 

It’s a shame, because this country and its people have so much to offer.  So the real question is…

How Has the Philippines Remained Such a Tiny Blip on the Backpacking Radar??

 One reason the Philippines has gone unnoticed may be because of how isolated it is.  From Thailand you can easily take a cheap bus through a few other countries – Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos.  The Philippines, on the other hand, is a country of over 7,000 islands, and they are hanging out by themselves out in the vast Pacific Ocean. 

Another reason might be that, to western eyes, the country doesn’t seem as “exotic” (read: different) as other Asian nations.  It makes sense, given that it was colonized for hundreds of years by both the U.S. and Spain (from my understanding, Filipinos themselves are a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, and Spanish blood). 

Filipinos have a strong sense of modesty and prefer not to boast or show off.   Perhaps that’s why we haven’t heard much about the beauty of the Philippines yet!  Well I’ve witnessed the beauty and cultural diversity firsthand, and I’m not Filipino…so allow me to boast for them:)  

The country is in fact quite “exotic”, and it’s poised and ready to give other destinations in SE Asia (and even places like the Maldives and the Bahamas) a real run for their money!  In my opinion, backpacking meccas like Khao San Road in Bangkok are completely oversaturated and have just become havens for unruly tourists looking for cheap booze and young girls. 

Thailand has tuk-tuks; the Philippines has trikes and “jeepneys“.  Cambodia has Angkor Wat; the Philippines has the Banaue rice terraces.  Vietnam has bustling Ho Chi Minh City; the Philippines has Makati.  Laos has temples; the Philippines has countless 300+ year old Spanish churches.  Thailand has “Phi Phi Leh” island, where the movie “The Beach” was filmed; the Philippines has breathtaking El Nido, which inspired the movie in the first place. 

For all these reasons (and so many more), I want you to consider postponing that overdone SE Asia backpacking trip and travel to the incredible Philippine Islands instead.

Why? I Thought You’d Never Ask:

• Natural Beauty.  Yes, these islands are STUNNING.  I have seen some beautiful beaches in my life (Florida Keys, Bahamas, Vietnam), but these take the cake.  They are frequently compared to the beaches in southern Thailand and the Maldives, but at just a fraction of the cost.  Yes, budget minded travelers will be in heaven here. 

El Nido’s impressive limestone rock formations are definitely on par with Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, and the incredible 2,000 year-old Rice Terraces in Banaue and Batad are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Did I mention the waterfalls?   SO. MANY. WATERFALLS. 

By the way, it’s well known that this beauty extends to the people as well.  There is even a joke about how Filipina women have been banned from future beauty pageants because other countries want a fair chance of winning.  Haha! 

• Adventure Awaits.  We covered beaches, but what else do you want to do?  Snorkeling / Kayaking in El Nido?  Mind blowing.  Surfing in Siargao’s Cloud 9?  Amazing – and the Red Hot Chili Peppers beat you to it…they just left.  Trekking in the rice terraces of the cordillera?  Boat trip through the Underground River?  You got it.  Spelunking (cave exploring) in Sagada Mountain province?  Unforgettable.  Shipwreck diving in Coron?  Windsurfing / sunset gazing / partying at world famous Boracay beach?  Yes please. 
  

Swimming with the whalesharks (AKA “gentle giants”) in Oslob and Donsol?  Cebu Booze Cruise?  You’ll have a blast.  Zip lines, 4×4 tours in Ilocos Norte, canyon swings, ATV tours up the “perfect” volcano in Legazpi, wakeboarding in Naga City…and much more.  What are you waiting for?

Follow “I Dreamed Of This” on FB!
-Nathan

Pure Joy.  Filipinos are arguably the happiest people on earth, and happiness is not a bad thing to surround yourself with on your coveted vacation, right?  Who knows, some of it might even rub off on you.  Once you’re done reading this and looking over my photos, I think you’ll have an idea why Filipinos are so happy.

They are a people and a culture that have evolved in true paradise, and being such a communal culture, they have plenty of friends and family close by at all times (good priorities / quality of life).

Affordable.  The cheapest room I ever found was on the stunning volcanic island of Camiguin (read my blog post HERE), and it was run by a charming older couple.  I paid just $3.75USD a night!  I wasn’t sleeping in satin sheets, but I couldn’t complain!  In the off season you might pay an average of $7.50 for your own budget room, or as little $3.50 for a dorm.  $20 will get you a pretty nice place, perhaps even with AC instead of just fans. 

I found local carenderias (eateries) where I regularly ate rice, chicken and/or pork for just $1.50 a plate!  Tanduay rum is popular in the Visayas, and costs just $1.50 a bottle.  I read that it’s getting so popular internationally that they are even putting a dent in Bacardi sales!  In the north they drink “Emperador”, and it’s about the same price.  These are all the favorite ingredients of those backpacking on a budget!

Culture / Food. Trek for hours to discover the last remaining tribal tattoo artist (who happens to be a 93 year old woman) in Kalinga.  Sleep in a  nipa hut and explore remnants of the Ifugao warrior culture up there while you’re at it. You’ll find nothing but smiles there today, but hundreds of years ago there were fierce headhunters seeking vengeance on rival clans.  You can journey to the beautiful “enchanted” island of Siquijor, which is said to be inhabited by witch doctors and practitioners of black magic. This stunning island is not that popular with local tourists for some reason;)

There are over 100 different languages / dialects in the Philippines, which probably evolved due to being spread out among the isolated islands of the archipelago.  Virtually everybody speaks English, so don’t expect much of a communication barrier. Going hand in hand with language are the different regional foods, which have probably evolved for the same reasons. There is a fiesta going on somewhere each day of the year.

San Miguel beer is quite good, and can often be found for under $1 USD a bottle!  It’s right up there with Manny Pacquiao in terms of national pride, and for good reason!

Nosebleed? Do You Need a Tissue?

* Sometimes it may seem like there is a communication barrier, and it is times like this when you might hear locals say that they have a “nosebleed”.  I was so baffled by this expression at first!  It turns out they joke that they have a “nosebleed” when a foreigner comes up to them and they feel put on the spot with their English (even though they can speak perfectly).  They are so nervous that they expect their nose to just start bleeding because of all the pressure in their head!  I hear conflicting reports, but I think the term may have originated with a famous comedy movie from the 90s. 

• City Nightlife / Shopping.  Yes, you read that correctly.  Manila and Cebu have been developed and gone through quite a transformation in recent years.  The economy in the Philippines is growing by leaps and bounds, and is projected to continue rocketing up over the next 35 years.  You can already find plenty of high-end shops, clubs, bars and restaurants…and plenty more are on the way.

• Safety.  It’s actually NOT dangerous – the big cities of Manila and Cebu have some crime, but no more than other well-traveled cities like Rio or Rome.  I never had any problems during my stay for a year.  Just be street-smart and don’t travel any farther south than Davao City in Mindanao if you really want to play it safe.  These areas (far below Davao) have had some political unrest and terrorist activity in the past.                                                                                  I suspect that the actual risk even in the far south is much lower than we’re led to believe, but I haven’t actually yet been, so don’t take my word for it!

• Hosts.  Filipinos are very welcoming (the more you get away from touristy areas, the more you will notice this).  You may be invited for dinner or to stay with people you meet along the way.  Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the hospitality and culture!  Members of the Couchsurfing travel community will be happy to learn that there are plenty of amazing hosts in Manila and Cebu. 

They often take their own backpacking trips through SE Asia, Australia, and Europe.  Other smaller cities around the Philippines are gaining more and more members all the time as well!  I recommend Naga and Legazpi in the Bicol region if you want to get off the beaten path. This region is rich in spicy, delicious food (spicy is not common in the country otherwise), and has some stunning natural attractions like the “world’s most perfect” cone volcano (Mt. Mayon) and pristine Caramoan beach.

• Wifi / Data Coverage.  You may not know this, but the Philippines is the “social media capital of the world”!  There are 100 million people in this country, and they are quite tech savvy – calling/texting/surfing the Internet very often.  This means you’re in luck if you need to get online with your computer while you’re there.
  

You can easily purchase a Globe Tattoo or Smart Bro USB stick and you will find signal almost EVERYWHERE. It may not always be fast, but I loved the convenience – even on a ferry boat with no land in sight!  Cost might be about $50 USD for the stick and a 30 days of use.

Reasons Why You SHOULDN’T Go To The Philippines:

You hate fun, and happy people who like to have it. 

You’re allergic to any of the following:

• Good times
  
• The sun
  
• Powdery white sand
• Crystal clear blue water
• Seafood that’s so fresh, it might just bite you back

Haha.  Get the point?  Go.  Now.  Word is spreading fast, and places like this don’t stay a secret for long.  Feels like just yesterday Laos was off limits to tourists; now it feels like it’s crawling with them.  

I’ll never forget being at Changi airport in Singapore and seeing the “It’s More Fun In The Philippines” video above for the first time.  It’s a MUST WATCH!

OK, OK, It Really IS Paradise!! So What About The Food??

The way to any traveler’s heart is through cheap, authentic local food.  Here’s your crash course in Filipino food!

On first glance upon arrival in Manila, the food options may seem disappointing.  There will be American fast food chains everywhere, and even some of the local food at the eateries has been westernized (in a bad way).  The good news is that you can find cheap traditional dishes if you just put a little effort into it.  I never had any problems eating street food in the country, but I do have a fairly “well-traveled” stomach. 

If I was coming for a month, I would want to get used to the food as soon as possible.  Just as in other countries, it might take a few days to adjust, but hopefully you will be free to experiment with your eating after that.  After all, it’s a huge part of the travel experience, don’t you think? 

“Safe” Foods For Picky Eaters

• Chicken Adobo (adobong manok) and rice – this may end up being the national dish soon.  You can find it everywhere, and I’d say it’s safe for even the pickiest eaters.  Pininyahang manok (pineapple chicken) is similar, and is also recommended if you come across it!

• Grilled Fish and Rice –There are many common varieties of fish readily available…tuna, bangus (milkfish)…etc.  It is commonly fried as well.

• Chicken soup (Tinola) – This is delicious, and fairly easy to find as well.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it. 

• Tocino and Tapsilog – These are very common pork dishes that are served with rice / egg and eaten for breakfast.  Tocino is sweet pork meat. 

• Pork (baboy) BBQ –  You can find this cooking on the streets each night around dinnertime.  Look for the plume of smoke and follow your nose!  Eat with rice.

• Halo-Halo – This dessert may look strange (it’s a combination of ice cream, preserves, shaved ice, and corn flakes), but I can assure you, on a hot day (which in the Philippines, it will be), it really hits the spot.  If you can find it served in a coconut, even better (buko halo-halo).  Masarap! (delicious).

•  Pandesal – This is a popular bread roll that is served in the mornings.  There is nothing like fresh, hot pandesal!

Related – She said she’d rather “starve to death” than eat Filipino food. This was my response.

Intermediate Bravery:

• Sinigang (tamarind soup made with pork, chicken, or fish) – To me this is quite tame and delicious…I almost want to include it in the “safe” category, but some people may find it too sour for their tastes. 

• Bulalo – Beef soup made with bone marrow.  Most of the time I enjoyed this dish, but once, in Sagada, it was so potent that I found it hard to stomach!

• Kinilaw na tuna – raw fish and vegetables in vinegar / calamansi (lime).  I didn’t see this too often, but I enjoyed it when I had the chance to eat it!

Pro Skills (Pinoy na Pinoy):

• Isaw (chicken intestines) – This seems to be well loved by most Filipinos, but I just don’t care for it.  It’s much better than the version I tried in Hong Kong, but still not my favorite. 

• Balut – This is the infamous partially-developed duck embryo that has been featured on adventurous eating shows for years.  Half fluid, half solid…sometimes with feathers.  They serve it in Vietnam also (trứng vịt lộn).  You crack the top with a spoon, put some salt on it, and drink the warm juice first.  Then you slowly peel the rest off the shell off and eat the remainder of it.  Fortunately this is served on dark street corners where you can’t easily see what you’re eating. 

It tastes good if you can get past the psychological issues – many Filipino friends of mine in Manila have never even tried it!  As for me, I didn’t travel half way around the world to not eat balut!  Haha.  I had it 3 times.  By the way, I didn’t post any photos, and you’re welcome.

• Tamilok (woodworm) – This huge “worm” is actually a mollusk that can be found in rotting mangroves on the island of Palawan.  From what I hear it tastes like an oyster.  Again, I suspect the psychology of eating a giant worm that you just pulled out of some rotting wood makes the experience much worse than it really is. 

• Dinuguan – This is a meat stew containing lungs, kidneys, intestines, ears, heart and snout.  it’s served in a rich, spicy dark gravy of pig blood, garlic, vinegar and chili.  Believe it or not, this one I loved!

At some point during your stay, you might as well give Filipino fast food a try and go to Jolibee!  You know what they say…when in Rome…

Earn “Pinoy Points” With These Three Phrases

Filipinos are already very welcoming to foreigners, but you can ensure a good impression by sprinkling these three phrases into conversation:

• Vegetables are known as “gulay” (goo-lai ) in Filipino, and you can score some serious points by saying “OH MY GULAY!” instead of “Oh my goodness”.  That is sure to put a smile on a local’s face!

• If you ever have a great interaction with a Filipino and feel the desire to “high five” them…put your hand up and say “APIR” (ah-peer)!!  This comes from the American G.I. days when the soldiers taught kids how to say “up here” while giving high fives.  It has been adopted as its own Filipino word now:)

• “Masarap” (mah-sah-rahp) means “delicious”, and I found it very useful to say to show gratitude wherever I was eating.

Planning Your Trip To The Philippines

Transportation

No, you can’t take a cheap bus to the other islands, but thankfully the country has a great budget airline called Cebu Pacific.  They say “it’s more fun in the Philippines”, and this airline proves it.  I once boarded at 7AM with Hip Hop music playing…I didn’t see it, but they are also famous for dancing flight attendants. 

Pay attention to the seat sales online (you can sign up for them), and you can score one-way tickets for as little as $7.50 USD (with taxes)!  I bought 2 tickets to Boracay from Manila for $25 with taxes.  I flew from Puerto Princesa to Cebu, from Cebu to Camiguin, and from Cebu to Manila all for just $12 per one way ticket.

You can also take relatively inexpensive ferry boats to many of the islands, and these can be beautiful, adventurous trips in their own right.  Just check the weather to make sure the seas won’t be too rough. 

Once you’re on the island, don’t hesitate to take a “jeepney” or a trike.  These are very common and inexpensive forms of local transportation.  For a real thrill you can ride “top load” in some parts of the country…it really IS more fun in the Philippines!

What should I Expect When I Arrive?

Escape To The Islands

For those based around Asia, you can get away with a quick trip to paradise.  For the rest of you, you will break my heart if you plan on spending any less than 2 weeks here – 1 month would be great. You need a bit of time to get over jet lag, and then some more time to adjust to the Filipino way of life.  Things move at a different pace, and you might find yourself frustrated at first …especially in Manila, where you’ll likely be flying in. 

Speaking of Manila, get out of there as soon as you can.  It has some sights I’d recommend (Intramuros, Rizal Park, U.P. Campus) if you are staying long term, but as a tourist with limited time, definitely get out and explore the rest of the county first.  Manila is very expensive and congested – not the best way to start your vacation. 

FYI:  The country isn’t known for scams, but the taxi drivers at the airport in Manila are notoriously bad about overcharging, and there’s not much you can do about it.  They know they can just find somebody else if you refuse to pay their “rate”.  It may be $7.50-$12.00 to get to your hotel, but you’ll have more luck getting drivers to use their meters once you leave the airport (normal rate from airport might be $3.00-$6.00.

When in Manila…

Another thing you might find shocking are the guards with giant guns all over the place – they protect most banks and government offices.  They usually have ear-to-ear smiles and are friendly as can be – don’t let them fool you into thinking it’s more dangerous than it is.  I just got used to it after a while.  Both Manila and Cebu have nice areas, but they also have seedier parts where there are red light districts.  Just a heads up. 

Like other parts of south east Asia, you will come face to face with poverty in the big cities.  What’s incredible to see is how the poor people outside of big cities (and even some inside) manage to smile and give, even when they have very little.   There are fishermen and farmers who are far removed from the treadmill of consumerism, and they find contentment in their simple, happy lives with friends and family.  I realized that these people were in fact quite wealthy when compared to the many ways our more “developed” societies are lacking.  It was a powerful realization.

Related: “What I REALLY Think of the Philippines“.

Weather / Tourist Seasons

The rainy season in most of the country is roughly from July to September or October.  This is also the low season where you can find better rates on accommodations.  Peak rates are Christmas, Easter (watch out for Holy Week!), and the Filipino summer months of April and May.  Remember, if places have vacancies, then you can try negotiating for a better price – especially if you are paying up front for a stay of 4 or more days.

Planning Your Itinerary

For a 2 Week Backpacking Trip

I’d say try to book a flight to either El Nido or Boracay a few hours after you land in Manila.  It could be cheaper and more scenic to fly to Puerto Princesa and take the 5 hour bus to El Nido…but you lose some time staying overnight in Puerto Princesa also. 

Related: El Nido – My Favorite Place on Earth!

If you’re looking for a well-developed beach to party on for a few days, choose Boracay instead of the more adventurous El Nido.  From either of these locations, I recommend flying next to the beautiful island of Bohol.  Here you should spend at least 3 days checking out the world-class beach resorts, the famous “Chocolate Hills, and the fascinating tarsier sanctuary.  Tarsiers are nocturnal, and have the largest eyes of any mammal – relative to their body weight.  From here I recommend flying back to Manila and catching a night bus up to the Banaue rice terraces. 

Make sure you ride “top load” on a jeepney for an unforgettable experience!  Spend 2 days there before continuing up to Sagada Mountain Province, where you can spend 2 or 3 days exploring the caves, famous “hanging coffins”, and beautiful Bomod Ok waterfall.  By then you should be able to take another overnight bus back to Manila and prepare for your flight home!  Wait…did you sing videoke somewhere along the way?  If not, start over!

The 2 two-week options I recommend are:

Manila>El Nido>Bohol>Manila>Banau>Sagada>Manila>Home

 and

Manila>Boracay>Bohol>Manila>Banau>Sagada>Manila>Home

For a 1 Month Backpacking Trip

If you have a full month, I recommend doing the exact same route, except consider adding a stop in Cebu City after El Nido or Boracay.  Try to time it so that you can catch the Cebu Booze Cruise, which is a blast.  You’ll find a great mix of locals and foreigners having a great time out on the water.  If you went to El Nido before, I recommend going to Bantayan Island in northern Cebu before continuing to Bohol.  Bantayan has perfect white sand beaches like Boracay, but it’s much less developed and much more relaxing. 

Related: Postcard-Perfect Bantayan Island

If you went to Boracay previously, I recommend skipping Bantayan and just going to Siquijor after Bohol.  It’s a few hours on the boat, but the “enchanted” island free of tourists is worth it.  Rent a motorbike and circle the entire island (don’t miss the enchanted Balete Tree).  Snorkeling at the marine sanctuary in front of Coco Grove Resort is recommended!  Then get back to Cebu and fly to Manila so you can board a bus to the Banaue Rice Terraces, except this time also spend a day or two hiking into the incredible Batad rice terraces.  Tip: Tapiya Falls is steep, but worth the effort! 

 Search for beautiful Philippine hotels below!

The 2 one-month routes I recommend are: 

Manila>El Nido>Cebu City>Bohol>Siquijor>Cebu City>Manila>Banau>Batad>Sagada>Manila>Home 

and  Manila>Boracay>Cebu City>Bantayan>Bohol>Cebu City>Manila>Banau>Batad>Sagada>Manila>Home

Something to consider if you’re a diver is substituting Coron for El Nido, and also making dive trips to Apo Island and Moalboal.  You might be able to accomplish this if you cut out the rice terraces and mountain provinces.  Another incredible experience would be flying to Legazpi City and traveling south down to Donsol to swim with the butandings (whale sharks).  I hear the experience is much better for the sharks there (as opposed to in Oslob, Cebu).  You can ride an ATV up beautiful Mt. Mayon while you’re in the area, too!

Other places on my wish list:  The Spanish colonial town of Vigan in Ilocos Sur, Caramoan in Bicol (the location of Survivor Philippines), Camotes, Moalboal, and swimming with Thresher sharks in Malapascua (all in Cebu). 

Hotels and Resorts

You can find everything from simple huts on the beach to 5 star resorts in the Philippines….no, it’s not just for backpackers. You can read reviews and check rates HERE (Agoda), or HERE (Booking.com)

Travel Tips and Etiquette

Rainy season or not, it will be hot and humid.  However, if you plan on going to Baguio, Sagada, or Banaue (or any of the mountain provinces), be prepared for cool weather.  You may even need a light jacket up there sometimes.  Something to keep in mind anywhere in the country – If you choose to take aircon buses, they are often FREEZING cold!

Don’t forget your rain gear, swimsuit, flip flops, umbrella, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and big smile!  

If you do happen to forget something at home, don’t worry, because you can buy just about any supplies you might need in bigger cities, and also anywhere tourists are present. 

Try to support businesses that are environmentally aware, and notify the authorities if you see something that concerns you.   Environmental education and regulation is lacking, so the ecosystem is under more and more strain as the number of tourists climbs each year.  Consider volunteering if you have the desire and time!

The Philippines will put a spell on you!  I promise, you’ll never forget it.

The post Travel: Why I Think The Philippines is SE Asia’s Next Backpacking Paradise appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

This is Romblon, Romblon – Don’t Get Confused

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Colorful Romblon Town

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

“Good Vibes” in Romblon’s Marble?

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

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

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

Fort San Andres

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

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

Talipasak Beach Resort (San Pedro)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Countryside Landscapes

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

(Ricoh GR II photos)

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

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

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

Beautiful, Rugged Coastline

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

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

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

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

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

Why Do I Love Romblon So Much?

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

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

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

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

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

How To Get There

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

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

Where To Stay

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

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

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

Also be sure to check out my other related posts:

Bonbon Beach 

Agpanabat Fish and Turtle Sanctuary

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

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

Social Media

The post Romblon Island Photos: A Road Trip in the Heart of the Philippines appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.