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. 

Chasing Waterfalls series : Rediscovering Cavinti Falls

I bet you're familiar with Pagsanjan Falls in our elementary textbooks. But, little do we know that it is also known as Cavinti Falls.  

My first visit to Cavinti Falls was wayback 2006 via shooting the rapids which costs me roughtly P 1,500, and this includes life vest, boat ride with 2 boatmen (3 people per boat), entrance fee, and the water raft ride to devil’s cave. 

I've heard and read reviews that the hike via cavinti trail is a tough one. I've been on some "tough" hikes so I thought I definitely have to see it for myself.

The Pueblo El Salvador eco adventure site is the main gateway to Cavinti falls, there’s also a picnic grove site near the top of the falls.

Pueblo El Salvador offers different packages:

Package A- Trekking and deck view (P50.00)

Package B- Trekking and rappelling via metal ladder, raft riding, entering the falls (P270.00)

Package C- Trekking and rappelling via metal ladder, raft riding, entering the falls, boat ride exit to Pagsanjan (P1250.00)

After a short briefing and completing the waiver our adventure to the falls started. 

The walk going down started from a cemented road, it looks so easy - but the adventures doesn't actually start from here.

After about 15 minutes of walking the steel ladder trek started at the Statue of El Pueblo. Then, there are two vertical rappel that i run into (you need to rappel in 90 degrees point ), and several steep metal ladder that we need to pass going to the falls. Both are quite challenging and dangerous to look at, but dont you worry because you will be equipped with safety harness.

After the last vertical rappel the stairs are getting sharp and steeper, then finally we reached the bottom part of the trail. The route via Cavinti is indeed challenging. I should say that this trail is not for fainthearted and those who are afraid of heights. After those tiring 600 steps, all I can say was it was “all worth it.”  It’s very nostagic, remembering the moment when i first saw Cavinti upclose. It’s a privilege to witness it again.

A trip to Cavinti falls is not complete if you will not experience riding the raft going to the falls. You can ride the bamboo rafts and someone will pull the rope up to the small cave behind the falls.

How to go to  Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park:

Public Transport: 

Take bus to Sta. Cruz Laguna - ETA 2  hours

Cubao ( (HM Transport):Php 150 

Pasay/Buendia/Gil Puyat (Jac Liner, DLTB, Greenstar):  Php 120 

Upon reaching Sta. Cruz Laguna, take jeep to Cavinti: 15 php - ETA 30 minutes

Upon reaching Cavinti, take tricycle to Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove, Brgy. Tibatib: 40 php - ETA 30 minutes

Private Vehicle: 

From SLEX: From Calamba exit going all the way to the town of Pagsanjan, turn right from the municipal hall to cavinti proper, then turn left taking the Lumban-Caliraya route.

Chasing Waterfalls Series : Mighty Casaroro

Casaroro Falls is located in the municipality of Valencia. Dubbed as Negros Oriental's 

most photographed waterfalls - it is lodged deep into the rock crevices of the rugged 

Valencia mountains - a jumpoff for Mt. Talinis. And with an astounding height of 100 feet, the water plunges into a deep cold basin before it flows down to a stream. Getting this info, Of course, with a description like that, it left me wanting to see it upclose and personal. 

On my last day at Negros Oriental, I was heading out to Valencia from Dumageute to finally spot the pride of this quiet town, I was running a couple hours late of my itinerary and dont know where to start - good thing the PEOPLE of Dumaguete is kind enough to guide me and provided all the details. From Dumaguete's port i directly went to the jeepney terminal bound to Valencia. 

After about 30 minutes i arrived at Valencia, the town is small, quiet, located in the 

mountains - this is also a starting point for treks up Mt. Talinis, and there are just too 

many Lanzaones trees grown in Valencia - and Almost every home in Valencia, has Lanzones in their backyards - luckily the last quarter of every year is usually the season for Lanzones in this town (according to my guide), and i think It would not be long when Valencia will be known as the land of Lanzones, to rival Camiguin - not just the variety but the taste.

From Valencia, the easiest way to get to casaroro is to hire a habal-habal. Please be reminded that the road to the falls is uphill, and some portions of the road is unpaved 

and rough and there are times that you have to go down and walk. And though its a nerve wrecking ride, that's all part of the experience. Honestly i'm accustomed to such rides. 

Arriving at the entrance, one needs to register first, but when we got to the entrance, there was nobody there. My guide told me to just start with the descend and just pay later. The first part is an easy walk going down, the trail is surrounded by lush greenery, with concrete stairway and handrail designed to be grasped by the hand so as to provide stability and support. Kuya Erning (my guide) told me that it is 350 plus of steps going down. What?? Seriously? I hate concrete stairs. Stairs do not mean a walk in the park, and the slope along which the stairs were built were so steep that my knees were shaking before i was even halfway down. I also hate the idea that i have to do the same trail going back. But im conditioning my mind already and preparing my legs later. 

After completing the stairs you can see the natural rock formations and can hear the strong sound of the falling water, then it’s a leisurely walk along a established trail, but this is not for too long. Casaroro Falls was one of those areas that got damaged when Typhoon Sendong hit the province - So, the trail all the way to the falls , the hanging bridge , all of these were damage. That means I need to climb over rocks and boulders, then cross the streams several times before i reach the falls.

Top 6 Must Do's in Siquijor

After recently returning from an amazing trip to SIQUIJOR, I thought I would give you all

a run down on the best things to do around the island.

1.) HIRE A MOTORCYCLE/TRICYCLE AND DRIVE AROUND

Finding your way in Siquijor is easy as 123. The island is small, compact and easy to see

in a day that you can travel around the island and pass through the 6 municipalities of

this province in 4-6 hours. Renting a MOTORCYCLE/TRICYCLE/MULTICAB is a very popular

option, and is definitely one of the top things to do in Siquijor. If you know how to

drive a motorcycle you may rent it for Php300.00 per day excluding the gas. The island has

a good motorway and cemented coastal roads - there's nothing can compares to the freedom

of driving around alone or with your guide to explore the whole island. I promise you, you

won’t forget the feeling of wind hitting your face as you drive through winding roads,and

some steep portions of the road to reach the tourists attractions offered in each

municipalities.

2.) TALK TO THE PEOPLE

Much has been said about the province of Siquijor, it is somehow famous for its

associations with all things mystical and spiritual, but the most common of it all is the

belief that the island is inhabited by mangkukulams or aswangs. And since the old times

the island is known for some unordinary practice of folk healing and potions. Needless to say

Siquijor is a place where some weird stories are still alive, there are no rational

explanations. So, when i decided to include Siquijor in my visayas trip i know i wont be

shock. In short, the trip went off without any untoward surprises. But, the highlight of

any trip to Siquijor is the people. They are warm, cheerful, welcoming, and very helpful.

3.) VISIT OLD CHURCHES

One of my favorite part in my Siquijor trip is a quick visit to the old churches in the

province. Each one is unique, beautiful, ancient, and has an incredible story along with

it. There are a lot of old churches within the island. If you are interested in nice

architecture, these old Churches is an absolute must when visiting Siquijor. Upon arrival

at the province  San Francis of Assisi Church will greet you. Other noteworthy churches

are the century old San Isidro Labrador Church, and one of the biggest convent in the

Philippines the San Isidro Labrador Convent - The church and the convent was very old-

looking, but I was really impressed that it continues to stand even today, St. Augustine

Church, Our Lady of Devine Providence, and St. Vicente De Ferrer Bell Tower.

4.) ENJOY THE BEACHES

The island is spotted with some white sand beaches. One of the most famous beach in the

island is Salagdoong Beach Resort - it has clear blue water, white sand beach, and some

rock formations which is favorable for cliff diving. But if you’re looking for the finest

beach front in the island - i highly recommend the ones in San Juan - specifically in

front of JJ's Cafe - The view was serene and beautiful. You can also visit the beaches of

Siquijor and Kagusuan.

5.) CHASING WATERFALLS AND SPRING

A popular swimming destination in Siquijor, Cambugahay Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall,

can be reached by taking a short hike from the main road down to a cemented stairs all the way to the falls. The water cascades into several catch basin, each flowing one into the other. On the main pool of the waterfalls, a 'baging' hangs from a tree that can be use as a swing before jumping into the blue waters. So, If you can swing it and jump from it, then you should go here. You can also visit Lugnason falls and Capilay Spring Park in San Juan.

6. ) ENJOY THE SUNSET

There are a lot of things to do in Siquijor and enjoying the sunset is one of these. A glorious sunset is the epitome of fleeting beauty. Siquijor’s sunset will enter your soul and will stay there forever. This is pure magic!