Mt. Singakalsa Traverse - Timbak-kabayan

Mt. Singakalsa also known as Mt. Timbak is the 3rd highest mountain in Luzon as well as the 9th highest peak in the Philippines. Though this is my 3rd time to climb Timbak, it is actually my 1st time doing the kabayan traverse.

After 5 hours of travel from Manila, we reached Baguio at 3 AM - a quick breakfast at session road - then another 3 hours ride to Atok Benguet – the highest highway in the Philippines.

8 Am

We were dropped at the waiting shed of Atok, Benguet in km. 55 marker. After a 5 minutes break we already started the ascent to Mt. Timbak summit. The trail started on a cemented road, turning left on a fork, then passing by Mongoto Elementary School.

The walk up to the summit of Mt. Timbac was fast and easy. An hour and a half of knee pain walk along a cemented road makes up the first part of the trail, then after the last fork, the summit would be just 15 minutes away.

On the way to the summit, we passed by farmers' houses and vegetable plots of potatoes, carrots, and cabbages. Less than two hours of trek in total, we reached the summit. The sight around Timbak is great. From here we took our first 20 minutes break, we also waited for the clouds to clear so we could take some shots of the neighboring peaks. Unfortunately lady luck did not smile upon us that day, the whole place was covered with so much fog, still, the view is breathtaking. It was actually seemed to be a walk in the clouds.

At 1045 AM, we decided to make our descent to Kabayan. While we were all tired and wet from the drizzle, we were all pleased and feeling fulfilled.

If it took us Less than two hours of trek in total to reach the summit of Mt Timbak, the traverse is a different story. I though the walk going up was already a punishment - i was wrong. This trek was the most strenuous of all from my previous climb. Going down to Kabayan was a hurtful and knee breaking experience. Yeah, there is no doubt that a long descend will definitely make a knee-pain worst.

How to get to Mt. Timbak : 

-From Manila, take a bus bound for Baguio city. P450

-From Baguio, go to Dangwa Terminal or at the Slaughterhouse bus terminal along Magsaysay Avenue. Public van transportation departs from Dangwa terminal in as early as 6AM while bus from Slaughterhouse departs at 5:30AM and 10:00am daily P120. No more public transportation departs after lunch.

-Tell the driver to drop you off at KM 55 in Atok. 

A fulfilling journey : A visit to the Four UNESCO World Heritage Churches in the Philippines

As you have probably noticed, I'm fascinated with century old churches. Having visited some of the famous and beautiful churches in the country, 4 made it to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites were created in 1978 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It was created as a means to help ensure the preservation of our natural, cultural, and intellectual heritage.

There are innumerable churches and cathedrals all over the country, but the 4 UNESCO World heritage Churches should be at the top of your list. Whether you're a dedicated churchgoer or simply want to marvel at our country's rich religious heritage, these churches are truly worth a visit.

The four churches are:

1. Church of San Agustin in Paoay, Ilocos Norte

2. Church of La Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur

3. Church of San Agustin in Manila

4. Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva in Iloilo

How about you? How many have you visited so far?

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.

Chasing Waterfalls Series : Timangguyob Falls - Hidden and Underrated

I'm sure you've heard that the heat index in Metro Manila is getting higher - Extreme Summer heat , the best way to describe it . Therefore it's a must to find a better solution how to fight the heat.

There’s nothing quite like a cold bath to ease the extreme summer heat. 

And, relaxing at an Ice-cold waterfalls helps spread refreshing feeling all over the body. 

I'm presenting Timangguyob Falls of Tarlac. 

Timangguyob Falls is located in Sitio Dueg Barangay Maasin,  in the municipality of San Clemente, Tarlac. The hike to the waterfall is an 11 km trail through a vegatation,bamboo,shrubs and grassy trail. The hike to the waterfalls can be steep and muddy, so wear a proper footwear in the rainy season. It’s recommended to bring a guide.

Chasing Waterfalls Series : Hidden wonders of Tarlac

Chasing waterfalls are the things I’m starting my 2017 — I call it my 2017 Starter. 

MT. DAMAS - DAYHIKE ITINERARY:

0100 - ETD Cubao to Brgy Papaac, Camiling Tarlac

0500 - ETA Brgy Papaac; Jump-off, secure guide, registration.

0600 - Start Trek

0830 - Resume treak, start river trekking/rope segments

0920 - End of river trek, Mt. Damas foot

0930 - Start trek to Mt. Damas summit

1030 - Mt. Damas summit

1100 - Start Descend

1130 - ETA Mt. Damas foot, lunch 

1230 - Resume trek to Ubod falls

0100 - ETA Ubod Falls

0200 - ETA Ubod Falls; Cardiac Trail

0300 - End of cardiac trail

0430 - ETA jump off, wash up

0530 - ETD jump off

0900 - ETA Cubao

You may contact Sir. Garry at 0929-258-2106 - my Guide during my stay.

I cannot wait to chase more waterfalls this 2017. Here’s to making as many memories as possible!!!

Bato-bato Hotsprings

To Those of you who’ve been following me around Palawan with my FB post will already know how unexpected heavy rain ruined my trip several times. Sad. Yes , but i have to move on.

Yay... Oh how time flies! Sadly my Palawan trip comes to an end. 8 days of travel-till-you-drop is over. Indeed, it’s true – Palawan is Philippine's last frontier - and i'm missing it already. I'm determined that this won't be the last time i'll be visiting Palawan -it just have to wait till next time.

But just before I bring this travelogue to a close i visited Bato-Bato Hotspring for a relaxing swim.. And for an affordable amount, you and your travel companions can enjoy a day at the San Isidro Hot Spring located along the National Highway in Brgy. Bato-bato.

It’s a small place. Beautiful, warm, accessible. Its more of a simple pool with hot waters but still - with stunning views of the mountain ranges of Mt. Victoria and Mt. Mantalinjangan.

How to Get to Bato-bato Hotsprings

*From Manila–Puerto Princessa

Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Airasia have travel routes from Manila to Puerto Princessa (capital of Palawan).

*From Puerto Prinsesa-Bato-Bato

Travel time from Puerto Princesa City is about 2 hours.The Shuttle Fair is 150 php/person one way. Entrance fee Php 40.

64 waterfalls of Narra, Palawan

Palawan’s beautiful spots aren’t limited to its beaches. Head inland, and you’ll find yourself with mountains and waterfalls. Depending on how adventurous you are, there are more waterfalls in the area to visit.

Estrella Falls is located in the Municipality of Narra which is 91 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa City and 6 km. away from the highway of Malatgao in Narra.

The falls is a good place to spend leisure time. It has two waterfalls with fresh, cool waters coming from Mt. Victoria Peak. Rare species of flora and fauna such as orchids and ferns surround the falls enhancing the charm and beauty of the place. The cool climate makes the area conducive to wildlife habitat. The clear water cascades to three natural pools of varying depths. Swimming in its basin is a refreshing activity.

If you’re into chasing waterfalls, this 20-ft. high Estrella Falls is definitely the place to be. But don’t be fooled; not just because Estrella Falls is on top of my list, that doesn’t mean it is the only waterfalls that there is in Narra. According to the Tourism officer, Narra,Palawan offers 64 waterfalls! And Estrella Falls is the most accessible of all the waterfalls. If you plan to do a daytour of the EStrella Falls you'll get to see 14 falls, a 2 day tour includes 21 falls, and for the more adventurous peeps you can try the 3 day tour on all 64 waterfalls.

How to Get to Estrella Falls

*From Manila–Puerto Princessa

Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Airasia have travel routes from Manila to Puerto Princessa (capital of Palawan).

*From Puerto Prinsesa-Malatgao

Travel time to the falls from Puerto Princesa City is about 2.5 hours.The Shuttle Fair is 150 php/person one way.

*From Malatgao-Estrella Falls

Once in Malatgao asked around where to hire a tricycle to Estrella Falls. P250 Php