Municipality of Real, Quezon Province, Philippines
Rainy season has already started and in fact, there were sporadic rains and showers as we traveled from Mandaluyong City of Metropolitan Manila to the municipality of Real in Quezon province. On our way, we had a drive thru to Pililla Windmill Farm in the province of Rizal which was a kilometer away from the highway. Our destination was to spend an overnight at Real Surf Camp which was more than 3 hours drive from our point of origin to celebrate the 26th anniversary of Philippine National Bank Mountaineering Club (PNB-MC) where I am a member since 1998.
THE REAL SURF CAMP
It was still raining when we arrived at the Real Surf Camp. We had booked for 1 big cabana and 1 small cabana where they are located in separate locations on the camp. We were equipped with tents since were more than 30 and the big cabana can only accommodate 8 people and 4 for the small cabana.
The cafe's dining area serves as the movie theater at night showing very recent movies with such a very wide screen giving a feel that you are really inside a movie house.
Surf trainers are available upon request of the guests equipped with surf boards. There are enough shower and comfort rooms inside the camp always cleaned by the staff to make it tidy and clean all the time.
The small cabanas are strategically located fronting the beach and since we had one reservation for its kind, we stayed there for our socials. We cooked our food near our big cabana accommodation since it was close to the kitchen.
The surf camp is not blessed to have white fine sand but the waves has its nature of giving the surf lovers what they desire and look for most particularly on seasons that the swell is as its best.
Evening socials is at its best at the Real Surf Camp. Our group which celebrated its 29th Anniversary of Philippine National Bank Mountaineering Club (PNB MC) has chosen the venue for this beach overnight party. In the picture above from left to right are: Lani Santos, Mary Jane Gumba and Connie Vasquez.
With me in the above photo are: (standing) Alfred Garcia, (seated from left to right) Ed Rojas, Maria Jeannie Mendoza and extreme right is Jun Lee.
A SIDETRIP TO NONOK WATER FALLS
Just after lunch, I decided to have a walk to look for buco where I wanted to sip the juice and eat its raw fruit. It was a long walk maybe 900 meters away from the Real Camp Surf. On my way back to the camp, I saw a billboard with the pictures of the tourist destinations of the place. I was amazed with the water falls and so I asked a local. He told me that the first water falls named Nonok is just 2 kilometers walk.
The local told that I can ride in a tricycle in going there at P10 one way going there. Unfortunately, there was none and so I just walked and finished the 2 kilometers. While walking, I see the picturesque rocked coastline. Anyway, it was not at all exhausting because I was amazed with the view of the beach at the right side and the green mountain slopes at the opposite side of the road.
The registration site can be seen from the highway. The signboard was so visible that you don't have to ask somebody. The registration fee is P20 per head for the adult and P10 for the children. From the registration site, I trek and cross a stream. I continued the trekking. You can see houses along your way.
From the highway to the water falls is just barely 5 minutes and there is no need for a guide. A varied flora species is visible on your way to the water falls.
There are cottages around the water falls. Comfort rooms are also available to take shower and change clothes. It was raining that time and so the crystal clear waters of the falls looks brown. However, during non-rainy days, the water is really crystal clear.
ANOTHER SIDE TRIP TO BALABAG WATER FALLS
After I had exited from Nonok Water Falls registration site, I continued walking which the local told me another 1 kilometer to reach Balagbag water falls. True enough, I counted 1,910 steps wherein for each 2 steps is roughly estimated at 1 meter. If this is the case, it was less than 1 kilometer going to the place. I walked because I can't see any transport available.
The entrance of the water falls is dotted with sari-sari stores selling food for the guests. You also have to pay P20 for the entrance fee per head.
These landmarks can be seen when you are at the highway. I can see some guests parking their vehicles in this area as they trek to the water falls.
From the entrance to the water falls is barely three minutes trek. It is just a gradual and narrow trail. The trail is parallel to the river flowing from the water falls.
There a few cottages around the water falls but just the open nipa type where food and guests stuff can be stored while they are on a swim. The comfort room/changing room is only limited to three of unisex use.
Like Nonok Water Falls, Balagbag Falls is situated also in same barangay. Cottages costs P300.00. To get more information, you may contact Mrs. Elecinita Aceboque at 0912-229-4894 for the resort reservation.
It was raining then, thus, the water was brownish. The pond or the lagoon is too small to accommodate guests. Guests can also have the alternative to trek up to the second level.
HOW TO GO THERE
Option 1 (Via Antipolo - Shorter Route):
Using a private transportation vehicle, the route is shorter via Antipolo/Tanay/Siniloan which is more than 3 hours drive. For a group of 10 to 15 pax, it is convenient to hire a van thru Bong Rosales where you can contact him at 09228235781 with an overnight rate of P6,000 all in via Antipolo or P6,500 via SLEX for a capacity of 14 pax.
Option 2: (Via Lucena - Longer Route)
Ride the bus going to Lucena either in Cubao or Buendia. In Buendia, the bus companies available are Lucena Lines, Jacliner, DLTB or Jam. Travel time from either Buendia or Cubao to Lucena is approximately 4 hours. Fare in Cubao to Lucena is P218.00 and it is 132 kilometers. Fare in Buendia is P209.50 and it is 127 kilometers. Alight at the Lucena Grand Central terminal,and then ride either AH bus or the van going to Infanta, Quezon. Fare in the ordinary bus from Lucena to Real is P158.00 and travel time is 4.5 hours. While the fare in the van going to Real is P200.00 and travel time is 4 hours. (Source: Smart Backpacker)
OTHER SIGNIFICANT INFORMATION
The town of Real in the province of Quezon is also the gateway (port) to Jomalig Island (5-6 hours), Cagbalete island (4 hours) and Polillo Island (2-3 hours).
Globe subscribers has no network access in Real, Quezon, just the Sun and Smart subscribers. Totally, no internet access.
