4 Reasons Why You Should NOT Visit Jomalig

I mean it - I really mean it. DO NOT visit Jomalig for these 4 very important reasons why you might hate visiting Jomalig.

WATCHING THE SUNSETS

The most boring beach moments for me are watching the sunsets, When the sun sets each day, the position of the clouds create a spectacular painting - the colors, the calmness - it is not relaxing.

With breathtaking sunsets, golden powdery sand and crystal green blue waters, with the sunsets as its backdrop IT IS not the perfect place to relax on vacation.

LAID BACK ATMOSPHERE 

 The views, the sun, sand, the kind locals, and that blue-green water of JOMALIG will greet you upon arrival. No tall buildings, fancy restaurants and malls. You will miss the hustle and bustle that is normally associated with the metro. Internet/Phone/electricity signal is intermittent. NO hotels - Traffic noise ? there is none - mode of transportation is habal-habal only - you will most likely want to go back home right away.

GOLDEN-POWDERY SANDY BEACHES 

 The pristine waters and GOLDEN powdery sand beach of Jomalig offers a welcome sight for everybody - and this IS NOT what I expected when i arrive at the island. Golden powdery sand? YES. It is unusual and underwhelming.  Jomalig is pretty much what my dreams of a perfect beach are made of - Only it is NOT better, because ITS real.

SECLUDED PARADISE 

If your after serenity, solitude and off-the-beaten-path beaches don't go to Jomalig. Going there means disconnecting from fast-paced world.The island doesn't have a resort-studded shore - waves are the only noise that disturbs the tranquility of rural life in the island - their sheer isolation from the outside world have made them what they are today.

CANTILAN is Paradise...

Most of Philippine islands and islets have been labeled with distinctive word: paradise. And if your definition of paradise includes white, gray sand beaches with clear blue-green water, and most of all uncrowded - the town of cantilan should be number one on your list.

CANTILAN is Paradise...But is it a perfect getaway? 

Check my pictures. To be honest, i can PROUDLY say, Cantilan can compete with the best beaches in the country. And for those who alway seek or explore new sights, discover new activities and bring home a story worth telling; CANTILAN is perfect. 

There are so many things to do in Cantilan. Amazing local food, interesting history, a unique landscape, unspoiled beaches from gray and white sands, picturesque islands and islets, there is plenty to keep you entertained in this quiet town i called paradise.

The town of Cantilan is truly a paradise. i'll bet you'll love it here!!!!

Mt Kaybigas traverse Mt Tilos

The journey began very early in the morning.

Our destination is the town of Lobo. It may not top mountaineers lists for dayhikes, 

after all there are many more known mountains in Batangas. However, do not dismiss it 

just yet, after yesterdays visit to Lobo i found  a great deal to recommend such a 

great mountain for dayhike. 

Lobo is about 145 kilometres from Manila,(according to google)and is located near the 

southern tip of Batangas province. It has good white sand beaches and has very good 

coral and marine life on some of its beaches that attract many snorkelers, scuba 

divers and underwater photographers. It also has fish sanctuaries and the famous 

Malabrigo Light house. Lobo is truly a charming little coastal town.

5 AM. I love long rides. We left early dawn so there is no views yet. I managed to get 

some sleep on the road, but when i notice that the sun is preparing to set I then 

couldn’t sleep again. Beyond that, I also had a keen eye for what the casual traveler 

might not spot.

The long narrow roads to Lobo is quiet and scenic. The meandering mountain passes ( 

was a zigzagging path over a beautiful mountain range) with a land of striking 

landscapes that range from the lush forested mountains and the picturesque valleys 

going to the town proper -i love how the roads had been carved out of the mountainsides - passing thru the coastal town with the views of the nearby 

verde island ( consider as the "Center of the Center of Marine Shorefish 

Biodiversity"), the old Spanish Light house and the fish sanctuary. Most of the time i was feeling excited – if all goes according to plan – Did not know what to expect -  we’ll have a real good time.  

So at past 5am, we walked off the van, and into the early morning glow of Lobo i  

sense that its going to be an epic adventure. Looking at the mountains really took my 

breath away, an exciting glimpse of whats gonna happen later.

The sun is out, the skies were slightly cloudy, so its for sure we are going to be 

directly blasted by the sun.

Our first stop is Lobo Police Station for some registration. Next stop is Barangay 

Malabrigo which serve as our jump off. After our much needed breakfast, the group then 

immediately prepare for the start of the climb. 

It all started well enough. According to Sir G it would take 5-6 hours to complete Mt 

Tilos. So this is what i have in mind, 5-6 hours of hiking ? not bad, i said to 

myself. 

At first, It was an easy climb. Passing thru some houses with banana and tamarind trees, gentle slopes trees covering the trail. The first hour of the hike were mainly a mild steep ascent, around 60-70 degree-angle of inclination. But Of course, climbing isn’t always easy, there are some obstacles along the way. After 2 hours of slow-moving climb things began to change. The trail becomes different. The trail become a bit steeper with loose rocks, so I started to worry about the possibility of slipping and it makes it hard for me to balance and maintain my pace. 

After more than 2 hours we reach the grassy slopes, then the summit of Mt Kaybigas. This time the views at this point is incomparable. From here the impressive views of batangas coastline is clear. And with a clear sky, isla verde, some islets and Mindoro on the far side is visible. Enjoying the scenic view at this part, not minding the scorching heat of the sun - taking pictures of the amazing views - i envisioned myself already swimming at the beach.

Cantilan's Baybay Beach and Nature's Park

Want to visit Cantilan Surigao del Sur but you don't know where to start? I bet you've heard about the blue lagoon, libtong cove and ayoke island but don't know what else Cantilan has to offer?

Cantilan is one of the municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur. cantilan is also considered the "Cradle of Towns" in Surigao del Sur. The town has unspoiled beaches from gray and white sands, and picturesque islands and islets.

And if you’re coming to Cantilan to experience the sun, beach, and surf, then head about 10 minutes out of the town proper to the beautiful Baybay Beach. This is a perfect getaway to start your Cantilan trip. The beach may not have a white Boracay typed sand beach but the place is captivating. Having said that though, Baybay is an amazing beach, the water is crystal clear, the sand is powdery clean and it is good for surfing, especially for beginners.

Baybay beach is a perfect spot for some morning tea/coffee and a swim, or just sat down on the sand and let the sun shine to your face and simply enjoy the beauty of Cantilan.

Heading towards the end of Baybay beach is Cantilan's Nature's Park. What a delightful surprise this area was. I recommended this place for swimming and picnic. 

Please Remember : Don’t Miss The opportunity of seeing the locals doing " Baling ", an old community way of fishing. Also, get a chance to experience performing "Baling".

There is no doubt that Cantilan is a worthy place to visit.

Please Remember : Don’t Miss The opportunity of seeing the locals doing " Baling ", an old community way of fishing. Also, get a chance to experience performing "Baling".

What makes Cantilan's beach so unique? 

Patar-Bolinao in less than 48 hours

I love Bolinao, especially PATAR. I know it’s not the most usual destination, but there is just something about Patar that I can’t get enough of. Patar could take days to explore properly, but if you only have less than 48 hours to take a look around, here’s how I suggest you spend your time.

10 PM : Take a direct trip to Bolinao from Victory Liner(Cubao) or Five Star Bus(Pasay). Manila to Bolinao is approximately 6 to 7 hours travel time. The main transportation in Patar, Bolinao is tricycles. 

5 am : A quick breakfast at Adora's

Located at the back of St. James Church. Nothing is really fancy here, it even looks like a small canteen but food is cheap and definitely affordable. Indulge in a typical breakfast at adora's - and watch life go by as the town slowly wakes up. 

The day was tiring but definitely worth it!