Chasing waterfalls series : Nagsasa Falls - Third time's a charm

They say a trip to Nagsasa is not complete without visiting its waterfalls. On my third visit to Nagsasa cove after my trek from Mt. Bira Bira FINALLY i was able to visit its beautiful cascading waterfalls. I guess the third time’s a charm, as they say.

The falls is located in the forested part at the foot of Mt Balingkilat-Bira BIra trail.The water from the falls is cold and clear. It is actually a series of waterfalls that is best visited only during the rainy season.

En route to Carabao Island - San Jose, Romblon

It’s an island known as the twin island of Boracay , but with a more peaceful aura.

Set on a beautiful quiet beach on a totally unspoiled Carabao Island - also known as Hambil Island in the island province of Romblon - it is just 45 minutes away by boat from boracay. Despite its nearness to Boracay, Carabao Island offers an entirely contrasting flavor.

When I initially considered Carabao Island as part of the destination for the visayas backpacking getaway, I wasn’t convinced it was for me. But the moment I stepped off the boat I knew we were in paradise.

White sandy beaches, pleasant climate, waters and the peacefulness of the place are the key features of Carabao Island.

I’m very glad I was wrong about Carabao Island.

How to Get There

Via Caticlan

From Caticlan ride a tricycle to Tabon Baybay (P20/pax) and look for a public boat going to Hambil. The boat ‘s schedule of departure is usually in the morning. Travel time from Tabon Baybay takes one (1) hour.

Via Boracay

If you are in the island of Boracay, there are public boats at Station 1 that go to Hambil. These boats usually transport workers from Hambil to Boracay and back. Boat schedule is usually in the afternoon, fare is P100 per passenger and travel time is approximately 45 minutes.

Surprising Dingalan

When we talk about the province of Aurora, the first town that comes to our mind is Baler. Simply because it become a tourist hotspot because of its natural wonders, historic spots and other attractions. I loved Baler - We all loved Baler but Aurora is not just about Baler. I'm presenting Dingalan, Aurora. There is plenty to see and do at Dingalan. 

Dingalan is far less popular than its neighbouring Baler on the other side of the mountain range. But with  how Dingalan spreads to tourist through Social Media - Tag as "Batanes of the East" - soon Dingalan will have its fair share of fame. 

It’s really not hard to be surprised with how Dingalan caught tourists interest - with informative websites, reviews on travel blogs and endless opinions on social media, sometimes it seems like the experiences are over before they’ve even happened.

Somewhat surprising, I found Dingalan town very, very enjoyable. Honestly I was not expecting such beauty from Dingalan when i arrived at the town proper.  It was wholly new and unexpected – a surprising experience I can’t wait to repeat.

Location:

Dingalan is in the southernmost town of Aurora. It is separated from the rest of the province by the Sierra Madre mountains. It is bounded on the west by the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, on the south by Quezon Province and Pacific Ocean on the east. Dingalan is located about two hours from cabanatuan via via Nueva Ecija - Aurora Rd and Junction Tablang - Gabaldon Rd/Palayan - Gabaldon - Dingalan Rd.

must see attractions:

White beach and Dingalan Lighthouse

Abungan Falls and Laktas Falls in Brgy. Ibona

Tabi Falls and Iyapit Falls in Brgy. Umiray

Tanawan Falls in Brgy. Tanawan

How to get there:

Ride a bus from Cubao (Five Star Bus) bound for Cabanatuan, fare is Php 185.00 and approximately 2-3 hours travel time. Once you arrived in Cabanatuan, ride a van/bus bound for Dingalan, Aurora and pay Php 100.00(van) Php 80.00 (bus) fare and additional 1-2 hours travel time. Then ride a tricycle going to feeder port for only Php 20.00. You can rent a boat for Php 500.00 RT going to White Beach where Dingalan Lighthouse is located or you can walk from Feeder port to White Beach is the other option (1 hour leisurely walk). From White Beach, hire a guide that will lead you towards Dingalan Light house and pay Php 100.00. 

Where I stayed:

I stayed at Kuya Buboy's Resort in white beach. For accommodation in Dingalan you can visit http://www.dingalanlgu.gov.ph/?page=resort.

Beaches of Burdeos Quezon

How gorgeous is this perfectly hidden spots tucked away in the heart of Burdeos ?!

BUrdeos has some of the most stunning beaches but some of the best ones are hidden away and are off the beaten path - You just need to endure the boat ride from one island to another. And to those willing to make the effort to come there now will be HANDSOMELY REWARDED.

Happy beaching!

HOW TO GET To BURDEOS:

Buses/Vans have daily trips from Legarda terminal in Manila going to Ungos Port in Real, Quezon. The trip will take 3 - 4 hours via Famy-Infanta. Then you can take a boat to Anawan port or to Polillo port, they have daily trips from Real-Anawan/Polillo and vice versa. The boat ride is for 2 hours - then less than 2 hours of jeepney ride from Anawan/Polillo port to Burdeos proper.

Surrounded with the nearby islands of Polillo, the many islets, some rocky coves and white sandy beaches and sandbar, Burdeos is indeed one of Quezon's most charming tourist destination. These are the list of great places to visit at Burdeos. 

1. Snake Island / Pulong Kokoc

2. Kabalo Sand Bar

3. Anawan Island

4. Anilon Island

5. Isla Butas 

6. CARLAGAN ISLAND

7. Luli Island

8. Isla Puting Bato and Puting Bato Cave

9. Binumbunan Island

Kabalo Sandbar

Luli Sandbar

Snake Island

Anawan Island

Kabalo Sandbar 

Anilon Island 

Carlagan Island

Binunbunan Island and Sandbar 

Irresistible Kabalo Sandbar

Have you always wanted to experience standing on one of the most beautiful sandbar in the philippines? Well, that's exactly what I always wanted. And I am so grateful to say, I had the chance to set foot on this sandbar, called Kabalo - It was definitely an experience unlike any other.

Kalanggaman, Palad Sandbar and White island. If you think you’ve seen it all - think again. And just because I say that these sandbars are paradise destinations, it doesn’t mean they are the same. Each sandbars in the Philippines have a whole lot more to offer - each one is definitely different from one another.

It was so naturally beautiful in Kabalo. The sweeping stretch of the KABALO SANDBAR is one of the longest on the island - with some powdery white sand and surrounded by all sorts of shades of clear blue-green water. The untouched and unspoiled sandbar of Kabalo makes it distinct from the other. You can enjoy snorkeling at the shallow waters, along with sightseeing the sandbars miraculous beauty which will leave you spellbound. I took a lot of photos and splashed in the water - it was so perfect out there. One of those spots that later I’ll remember epitomized my time in Burdeos.

HOW TO GET To BURDEOS:

Buses/Vans have daily trips from Legarda terminal in Manila going to Ungos Port in Real, Quezon. The trip will take 3 - 4 hours via Famy-Infanta. Then you can take a boat to Anawan port or to Polillo port, they have daily trips from Real-Anawan/Polillo and vice versa. The boat ride is for 2 hours - then less than 2 hours of jeepney ride from Anawan/Polillo port to Burdeos proper.

***My special thanks to Sir Neil for some Photos:)

Burdeos,Quezon : My Ultimate Heaven

Burdeos is a fourth class municipality in the province of Quezon.

The municipality of Burdeos is geographically located in the coastal part of Polillo Island.

The most beautiful places on the island are the mountains that form the heart of the island’s interior and the surrounding islands with its white sand beaches that compose the municipalities of Burdeos.

Burdeos has everything a person could want in an island adventure – sandbars, raw white sand beaches, clear blue water, coral reefs which can be viewed by snorkellers, and one of the island’s best adventure spots its unexplored caves. It’s as close to heaven as you can get.

Imagine the white sand beaches, colorful corals and fishes, stretches of sandbars. Sounds like a postcard, right? I'll promise, Burdeos is better than any postcard you've seen. It's a real paradise on earth. It is a place where you can forget anything and just focus on the stunning nature, this place is almost heaven in its beauty.

The islands of Polilio are now easily accessible and, therefore, it is now quite a popular destination for travelers. But the municipality of Burdeos is still off the beaten track for most travelers - most likely it is because of the road going to the town proper - And when i say its the road going to Burdeos - i mean its the bumpy two hour ride to a largely unpaved muddy and dusty road. But don't you worry, the scenic rice fields, abundant coconut trees and lush forest along the way - its a pleasant diversion from the bumpy ride. And to those willing to make the effort to come there now (via the customized jeepneys that look like the giant jeepneys bound for Pulag) will be HANDSOMELY REWARDED.

HOW TO GET To BURDEOS:

Buses/Vans have daily trips from Legarda terminal in Manila going to Ungos Port in Real, Quezon. The trip will take 3 - 4 hours via Famy-Infanta. Then you can take a boat to Anawan port or to Polillo port, they have daily trips from Real-Anawan/Polillo and vice versa. The boat ride is for 2 hours - then less than 2 hours of jeepney ride from Anawan/Polillo port to Burdeos proper.

***My special thanks to Sir Neil for some Photos:)