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.

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.

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!

My Travelogue to amazing lighthouse edition 4 : Cape Engaño Lighthouse

Cape Engaño Lighthouse

Choosing a travel destination may be the easiest part when planning a getaway, but sometimes i just don’t wanna be caught up with too much of established or familiar destination. Most of the time I opted to go to where everybody else is not going.

Cape Engaño Lighthouse also known as Faro de Cabo Engaño is a historic lighthouse located on the Palaui Island in the town of Santa Ana, in the province of Cagayan, in the Philippines. Located on the northernmost part of Luzon Island and situated atop the summit of a hill, 92 meters above sea-level, the lighthouse makes a 360 degrees view of Babuyan Island and the Dos Hermanas Island (Two Sisters) on the North, Pacific Ocean on the West and Engaño cove on the East. Cape Engano Lighthouse was constructed back in 1888. What remains at Cape Engano are the wall-structures surrounding the lighthouse and the lighthouse itself which is still operational.

Aside from the lighthouse, it's got beaches. You can snorkel, get a tan or you can trek up to the waterfalls.

The place is beautiful and uncrowded. It was delightful.

Fast facts that may help you on the trip:

1.Coming from Manila you have to travel to Sta Ana, Cagayan.

2.From Sta Ana, boats can be hired to Palaui to cape Engano

3.There are two options going to cape engano, via a long hike from the main entry point or a short hike from engano cove.

My Travelogue to amazing lighthouse edition 3 : Cape Bolinao Lighthouse

Cape Bolinao Lighthouse

I have always loved lighthouses, I found each one to be different and fascinating and my quest to visit more lighthouses started.

The Cape Bolinao Lighthouse at Patar rises 351 feet (107 m) above sea level atop Punta Piedra Point, a towering hill of solid rock which is the sharp point of Cape Bolinao itself. It was built by the Americans in 1903 on a 351 feet (107 m) high promontory at the western part of Cape Bolinao, the lighthouse still sends signals to vessels passing by the area.

The lighthouse provides a panoramic view of a portion of the 1,269 hectare Cape Bolinao Dendro Thermal Ipil-Ipil Plantation on a land area where archaeological excavations have revealed relics from the 14th to the 15th centuries. Filipino, British and American engineers constructed the lighthouse in 1905.

Fast facts that may help you on the trip:

1.Coming from Manila you have to travel to Bolinao, Pangasinan.

2.From Abrac Beach in Patar you can walk to the lighthouse (though the walk is a bit long ).

3.Or, you can get there by getting a tricycle tour in Bolinao.