Reuniting with Mt. Tarak

The last time I did Tarak is back in 2011, back then it is in my head as one of my favorite hike. And, on my 3rd visit to Mt. Tarak, I reunited with my hiker cousins, Rodnie and Reynald.

We began the hike around 3:00 pm - and the sun is still out. The weather is pretty good, and the trail itself is well shaded.  It starts out slow and kind of flat before you get to the actual base of the mountain which starts from Nanay Cording's house, and from there it gets steeper.

The advantage of hiking late in the afternoon was the temperature. It was still relatively warm at 4:30-5, but not unbearably hot. In total, it took us 4 hours to hike up to the summit. 

The trail is not a peaceful getaway like I was hoping for, but it has some beautiful views.  There were a lot of people at the ridge and it almost felt like there's a party. I enjoy hiking to get away from  the buzz of the metro, so I would recommend some less traveled hikes if serenity is what you are looking for.

Top 7 Destinations That I Want to Visit Again and Again

For any traveler and nature lover, there is always that destination/place/mountain that stands out among the rest.And these destinations/places/mountains just stay in your heart and soul. They turn into something more than just a place, they become somehow a part of you.  And the reason may be the people, culture or the place itself. These are those destinations that really amazed you or  inspired you and that you would love to visit over and over again.

A few weeks ago, I decided that I needed to take a leave - I just needed to get offline for a while and take my much needed break. I don’t take this type of breaks often but a little time away every now and then sure seems like a wise idea to keep my sanity and keep me motivated as much as possible.

These are my top 7 destinations that have this magical impact on me, and that I would love to go back again. So, I'm noting down these destinations where I’d love to come back, sooner or later.

1. Mt Arayat 

Before I put away my hiking shoes for good i'm going back to where it all started..Climbing Mt Arayat back in 2003 was about realizing a dream and proving to myself that I could do it. I got into the best shape of my life after completing your summit. I made a lot of new friends. I found countless hours to reflect at your summit. And I learned valuable lessons i will never forget. Mt. Arayat Thank you for all the lessons in life. Check my Mt Arayat Story here. 

2. Palaui 

I miss the beach, the inner peace it brings me. To go out with the setting sun on an uncrowded beach is to truly embrace your solitude. Well, I love the sound of the waves and smell of the sea. Check my Palaui Story here.

3. Kalinga 

Travelling to far-flung destinations can be a hugely rewarding experience that everyone should experience.. come and visit Buscalan, Butbut,Tulgao,Tinglayan,Kalinga.. Check my Kalinga Story here.

4. Enchanted River 

The Enchanted River is a lagoon-river on the island of Mindanao. It is located in Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

The setting is magnificent. Breathtaking. Enchanting. It’s blue water and otherworldly appearance is like something out of a dream. The water is really blue and clear as what my photos show. Can you believe it?

One can jump into the river for a refreshing swim or just sit and relax to enjoy its water flashing a shade of blue. The surroundings are truly beautiful. I'm not kidding when I say this place is magical. I couldn’t ask for a better experience - I surely enjoyed my time at Enchanted River.Check my Enchanted River story here. 

5. Mt. Apo 

As a nature lover who loves to climb mountains, I often browse the net to look for beautiful pictures from different mountains in the Philippines. But there are no other images that I love the most than Mt. Apo, my country's highest. Check my Mt. Apo story here. 

6. Camiguin

Oh, how I love Camiguin. I still have unfinished business with this province that I still want to go back over and over again. Check my Camiguin story here. 

7. Cebu

Canyoneering at kawasan cebu, Hiking at Osmena peak, Chasing waterfalls at Tumalog, swimming at Bantayan and Malapascua... Absolutely an experience that i cant get over with - sea to summit.. A place like no other. I would like to explore it more and more.  Check my Cebu escapades here.