BORAWAN ISLAND AND KAMAY NI HESUS WITH SIDE TRIPS

General Location: Quezon Province, Philippines

The famous Borawan Island

This trip was just a day tour with our main destination to Borawan Island. We left Mandaluyong City at 4:00 A.M. and we drove to Tayabas which took us 3 hours via Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26 and Southern Luzon Expressway/R=3 because it was very early. This is a total of 142 kilometers stretch of road travel which at normal traffic condition would be four hours drive. By the way, we had our own car when we went there.

KAMAYAN SA PALAISDAAN IN TAYABAS

Arriving at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan

Kamayan sa Palaisdaan is a famous restaurant located in Brgy. Dapdap, Tayabas Quezon province trailing the Lucban - Tayabas Road.

Waiting for the food to be served

Dining at the Kamayan sa Palaisdaan is a treat of our very own Mommy Jousie Noscal to our group. Meanwhile, we waited for her relatives from Lucban to join us in her dining treat.

And here we are feasting on the food

GRACELAND ESTATES AND COUNTRY CLUB

Specific Location: Tayabas-Lucban Road, Barangay Camaysa, Tayabas City, Quezon Province, Philippines

While at the man-made lagoon in Graceland Estates and Country Club

Graceland Estates and Country Club is a lavish 11-hectar development inside a 22-hectare property equipped with hotels and villas. It has two big pools – lower and upper pool. It also has a restaurant where guests can dine inside or outside overlooking the scenic lagoon. This is my second time to visit this destination. My first visit was on March 30, 2015 with as I featured here in tnis link.

World-class and beautifully landscaped environment

There are available condotels for non-members situated in front of the man-made lagoon. Usually, condotels have a kitchenette, veranda, queen-sized bed but separate designated parking space. Early in the morning or afternoon, guests can jog, brisk walk around the one hectare lagoon. The lagoon is also open for fishing and boat ride. Big bikes are available which can be rented at P100 for 30 minutes. This property is even good for corporate team-building activities and facilities like obstacle relay.

HOW TO GO THERE

Coming from Manila, board a JAC Liner on its Buendia (Pasay) Terminal going to Lucena City's Grand Central Terminal for 4 hours road travel at a distance of 133.5 kilometers with a bus fare of P249. From there, ask for the jeepney terminal going to Lucban and ask the driver to drop you off at the gate of Graceland Estates and Country Club where the trip will be more or less 30 minutes.

BORAWAN ISLAND

Specific Location: Barangay Lipata, Padre Burgos, Quezon Province, Philippines

A photo of my first visit in Borawan Island

My first visit in Borawan Island was on August 28-30, 2011 when the island was not yet operated by its LGU because the latter started to manage it in 2013. The island then was only known to some locals.

Cottages at the beach front of Borawan Island

From Tayabas City, we had another one hour drive going to Padre Burgos where we headed to its Aplaya where boats for rental were awaiting us. This was my fourth time to visit the place wayback 2011 when it was not yet crowded with campers and beach goers.

The narrow and short stretch of beach sand at the beach front

Borawan has been developed already as a tourist destination. The first time I went there, there were only two make shift nipa cottages available but in my recent visit, cottages were better.

Just a part of the beach front

At the Aplaya, you can have a choice of boats with a capacity of 8 - 10 pax for P800 going to Borawan Island and good for a round trip or day tour only. It takes around 15 minutes from Aplaya to the island's beach front.

The available bath and shower rooms with fresh water

You will wonder, how the island got its name. It was given a name by a local resident as its monicker, as the island’s name implies it’s a combination of the famous tourist destination Boracay Island for its white sand beach while Palawan for its towering massive rock formations evident on its beach front. It was opened only in 2013.

The long white sand beach connected from beach front accessible during low tide

During low tide, the long stretch of white sand which is longer and wider than that at the beach front of Borawan, is accessible by wading along the rocky coastline. Unlike the beach front, this is more spacious and can accommodate as much as six times capacity of people compared to the beach front.

Basking at the beach white sand

Its new cottages has the capacity of 10 to 15 pax. New bathrooms and shower rooms have fresh running water compared before that water is being bought per water can if one wanted to rinse. Guests can can cook and grill their own food and there are tents available for rent. There is a store where guests can buy drinks, food & other personal needs.

Coconut trees abound along the beach coast

I observed that at the edge of this long stretch of white sand is a small fishing village community. It was there that I was able to buy a buco fruit of only P15 per piece whereas in Metro Manila, I buy it at P30-35.

Part of the island's fishing village community

Just a word of caution, Borawan's beach front is crowded during weekends and holidays/summer. As anybody can reach the island, you expect that crowded moments may result to inconvenience to guests and they will not enjoy. We even encountered unruly drank guests. Also, during "habagat" season, numerous jellyfish abound on the beach.

Aside from Borawan, guests can also enjoy the Puting Buhangin and Dampalitan Island. Enjoying all these destinations, one can enjoy it for 2 days and 1 night.

Boat Tour Rates (Maximum 8pax capacity):

P800 – Borawan Beach only (round trip/day tour)
P1800 – Borawan/Dampalitan/Puting Buhangin (all-in package)
Other Fees to be Incurred in Borawan Island:

Entrance Fee: P80
Tent Rental: P500
Cottage Rental: P700-P850
Tent Pitching Fee: P200
Shower Use Fee: P20
Restroom Fee: P10

Puting Buhangin>

Entrance Fee: P80
Tent Rental: P300-400

Dampalitan Island

Entrance Fee: P60
Tent Pitching Fee: P100
Hut Rental: P850-P1000
Water: P40 per 5 gallons, P400/drum

HOW TO GO THERE

Coming from Manila, board a JAC Liner on its Buendia (Pasay) Terminal going to Lucena City's Grand Central Terminal for 3-4 hours road travel at a distance of 133.5 kilometers with a bus fare of P249. From the Grand Central Terminal, take a mini-bus which is not air-conditioned with a fare of P40-45 with a road travel duration of 1 and a half hours. Tell the driver to drop you off at the QCRB Bank in Padre Burgos. From this point, take a tricycle to Aplaya specifically for the boat wharf going to Borawan Island. The boat going to Boracay beach front will only take around 15 minutes.

SHRINE OF KAMAY NI HESUS

Specific Location: Brgy. Tinamnan, Lucban - Tayabas Road, Lucban, Quezon Province, Philippines

Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is a 5-hectare pilgrimage site of the Catholics with life-size sculptures of scenarios of the 14 Stations of the Cross, a replica of Noah's Ark, a family-friendly park, statues of the biblical scenarios and offers healing masses every Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9:30 A.M. It is open to public everyday from 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. It charges no entrance fee. Functions and reservations can be called on its landline number at (042) 540-2206.

The Shrine of Kamay ni Hesusy with the Church at the foot of its hill

Pilgrims and devotees visiting this site usually do the uphill trek with 14 Stations of the Cross on its sides where on top of the hill is the 50-foot Risen Christ statue with his hands spread out, somewhat waving to you to reach the top which is more than 300 foot steps.

The 50-foot Risen Christ on top of the hill

The place itself is equipped with retreat facility located on its Noah's Ark and Pastoral Center. This part is specifically constructed to a place of prayer and meditation who wanted to renew their vows with the Lord. Thus, during Lenten season, its retreat facility is fully booked either for individual or group packages.

While at the 50-foot Risen Christ on top of the hill

The place will really help visualize the biblical scenarios because some of them are erected on its life-size replicas strategically positioned within the area. The kids most particularly will learn from them a lot as these scenarios are being characterized in these life-size replicas like the Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, The Marian Park, Lulukan ni Maria, Noah's Ark, The Angels Hill and even a lot of saints around the vicinity. A tour would be help a believer to know more about the Bible and saints and prominent religious figures mentioned in our religion.

One of the scenarios in the Stations of the Cross

The Noah's Ark Retreat Center

Adam and Eve at the Garden of Eden

The Park annexing the Garden of Eden

Still a part of the Garden of Eden

The 5th Station of the Cross: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry His cross

The Grotto at the Kamay ni Hesus

Went back to our hotel accommodation at Patio Rizal

Patio Rizal Hotel and Restaurant is a 3-star hotel in Lucban located at No. 77 Quezon Avenue, Lucban

The Plaze de la Revolucion

Plaza de la Revolucion is fronting Patio Rizal Hotel. The main plaza has an American-era monument of Dr. Jose Rizal. It is the first Rizal monument in the country which was inaugurated at Daet, Camarines Norte in 1898. Lacking a professional sculptor, the locals built an obelisk topped by a mythical sun as a symbol of freedom to honor the martyred hero.

Our whole group ready to buy for pasalubong

If you want to dine with some other restaurants, the following are the just walking distance, namely: Center Miki Factory, Ground Zero House of Pizza, and King's Table. It is also very close to the municipal hall.

Buying pasalubong at Eker and Ely

The Lucban Longganisa at Eker and Ely

Mommy Jousie, Leland, Janina and I at Eker and Ely

HOW TO GO THERE

There are four options to choose from in going to the Shrine of Kamay ni Hesus:

Public Transportation (Cubao/Pasay-Lucena-Lucban)

Coming from Manila, board an HM Transport (Cubao) or JAC Liner on its (Buendia-Pasay) Terminal going to Lucena City's Grand Central Terminal for 3-4 hours road travel at a distance of 133.5 kilometers with a bus fare of P249. From the Grand Central Terminal, take a jeepney bound for Lucban and tell the driver to drop you off at the Kamay ni Hesus with a fare of P30 for a travel time of 45 minutes.

Public Transportation (Pasay/Cubao-Sta. Cruz-Lucban)

Coming from Manila, board an HM Transport (Cubao) or JAC Liner on its (Buendia-Pasay) Terminal going to Lucena City's Grand Central Terminal for 2.5 to 3 hours road travel at a distance of 95 kilometers via Southern Luzon Expressway/Pan-Philippine Highway/R-3 and National Highway for P140 (HM Transport). From Sta. Cruz, take a jeep bound for Lucban town proper for 33 kilometers for 45 minutes at P38 fare. Then, finally take a tricycle to Kamay ni Hesus.

On Private Car (via South Luzon Expressway)

Take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and exit at Calamba. Before you reach the town of Lucban, you will have to pass through the numerous towns in Laguna including Los Baños, Bay, Victoria, Pila, Sta. Cruz, Pagsanjan, Cavinti, and Luisiana. The Shrine is one kilometer away from Lucban town proper.

OTHER NEARBY DESTINATIONS TO TRY WHEN IN LUCBAN

Try the following:

1. 12 Things To Do in San Pablo, Nagcarlan and Liliw 2-day Trip
2. Liliw Resort
3. May 15 Pahiyas Festival
4. Villa Escudero
5. Cagbalete Island
6. Mount Banahaw Climb
7. Hangga, Lanot and Asana Water Falls in Lucban
8. Aliw Water Falls in Luisiana
9. Majayjay/Imelda/Taytay Water Falls
10. Bukal Falls in Majayjay

3-WATER FALLS IN ONE LOCATION: HANGGA, LANOT AND ASANA

Location: Sitio Maapon, Piis, Lucban, Quezon Province, Philippines

Hangga Falls with Maapon River as the source

This is a 3-day vacation in Lucban where my host is my best friend, Teresa "Tess" Corpuz. I frequented to stay in her sister's farm resort outside Lucban town proper during day time but stayed in her sister's apartment in the town proper at night where I do my paper works and internet access.

The refreshing view from the farm resort I stayed for a vacation

It was such a grand vacation with full rest just in the sala watching movies or chatting with Tess and her sister. Her sister has been always busy cooking for our meals in their farm resort.

Strolling around the golden rice field

At night, Tess' nephew would drive me to her sister's apartment in Lucban town proper where I stay there alone with some paper works and doing an online course for my massive open online course in TESOL Methodologies.

The background is the apartment where I stayed at night time

I had a good time when I am alone in the apartment since I go out and experience night life in Lucban. One memorable experience was having a fruit shake mixed with a maximum of 5 fruits mixed together for only P45 per glass serving. Though I had my dinner at the farm resort before I am being brought to the apartment.

Nightscape in Lucban

In my strolls I had a chance to peek in a few resto bars, pasalubong centers, souvenir shops and dining restaurants. The town is still vibrant till 10:00 P.M. You can see a lot of tourists roaming around with some trying to find best buy for pasaubong and food delicacies.

Lucban old church with the last mass at 6:00 P.M.

The last day of my vacation was spent for a 3-water falls day tour. From Lucban, we chartered a vehicle going to Sitio Maapon. its location is on the boundary of the municipalities of Lucban and Sampaloc where we drove through the Lucban - Sampaloc Road for more than 30 minutes.

The point where vehicles are no longer allowed to pass

We had trekked for more than 1 1/2 hours from the vehicle parking lot. Trekking then was not a problem as the trail is flat and even passable by a small vehicle. Some parts are narrow cemented pathways while the rest are not.

Tess with her relatives while trekking

The following pictures are shown to describe how the trail looks like.

A cemented pathway as part of the trail













Finally, we reached our destination. The trail led us first to Hangga Falls. The locals call it as Maapon Falls but it is not. Maapon is the river which serves as the source of Hangga Falls. Its basin which serves as the swimming area is not that deep.

The cascading Hangga Falls

Going on top of the falls is manageable. There are a few points which is slippery. The midpoint of the water falls has catchment basin which looks like a small pool with cold water but very inviting to dip with.

Less explored Hangga Falls

There is an entrance fee of P20 per person and a parking fee of P20 if you take with you a vehicle. You need to get a guide which cost P300. It is advisable that you have to take with you food and drinking water as there are no available stores around or even locals who will sell food like other water falls of Bukal and Majayjay.

The hidden Lanot Water Falls

Not far from Hangga Falls is Lanot Falls. It would only take a trek of 10 minutes to go there walking on shallow stream which is a part of Maapon River. In fact, Lanot Falls is just a tributary of Maapon River.

Lanot Falls is like a mini falls at approximately 30 feet high

Unlike Hangga Falls, Lanot is just a small one hidden with big trees. There is no need to pay for another entrance fee because whatever you paid is good for the three water falls. Its catchment basin is shallow and the deepest part is the bottom edge of the falls at around 7 feet. The swimming area is too narrow and its edges have protruding roots of the growing trees around.

The completely shady Lanot Falls

From Lanot Falls, you need to wade from a shallow part of Maapon River for 5 minutes going to Asana Water Falls. However, you will end up on top edge of Asana Falls since there is no trail yet going down to the falls. it is like standing at the edge of the cliff looking down to the cascading water of Asana to the basin's pool area at the bottom.

The protruding roots of the trees growing around the swimming area of Lanot Falls

It is clear that Asana Falls is just a downstream of Maapon River coming from the upstream Hangga Water Falls. According to our guide the height of Asana Falls is approximately 50 meters down.

HOW TO GO THERE

Coming from Manila, board a JAC Liner on its Buendia (Pasay) Terminal going to Lucena City's Grand Central Terminal for 4 hours road travel at a distance of 133.5 kilometers with a bus fare of P270. From there, ask for the jeepney terminal going to Lucban and get off at Lucban Public Market. Then, look for a tricycle going to Sitio Maapon.

ALIW FALLS IN LUISIANA OF LAGUNA

Location: , San Salvador, Luisiana, Laguna, Philippines

Aliw Falls during summer

Aliw Falls during summer has less water. This was the time when I visited it. However, I haven't tried yet visited it during rainy season. Just the same, during my visit, its basin at the foot of the falls is not good swimming as it was murky or muddy.

The flat trail going to the falls

Still a part of the 20-minute trail to the falls

The 20-minute trek is simply consisting of very green trail and we had crossed and waded in two small streams. The banks of these streams are solid rocks but the flowing water is brown.

My friends and I enjoying a shower in the falls

Group picture with my friends

There is a swimming pool at the Dafi Resort near the water falls. Guest can stay overnight there. Our chartered van was parked here to pick us up for our next destination which was in Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon province.

This deep holes are found when you trek up to the water falls

According to our guide, the top most of the water falls has less water during summer and what you will see are deep holes filled with water. When dip on it, the water was warm because it was around 4:00 in the afternoon.

ALTERNATIVE WATER FALLS TO VISIT

If you are in Barangay San Salvador, you can also visit Hulugan and Talay Falls. Tricycles are also available in going to those destinations.

HOW TO GO THERE

1. Take a bus from either Cubao (HM Transport) or Buendia LRT (DLTB) with a sign board of Sta. Cruz (Laguna) for fare of P140 (HM Transport)P160 (DLTB). with a travel time of 3 – 4 hours but will be shorter if early in the morning.

2. From Sta. Cruz drop-off area, take a tricycle to the public market but only up to the jeepney terminal. near the old church of Saint Bartholomew.

3. Take a jeep with a route of either Lucena or Lucban and drop off at Barangay San Salvador. Then, from there, take a tricycle going the barangay captain’s house for registration of P20. Tricycle fare is P20 per person.

CROWDED BUT ACCESSIBLE MAJAYJAY/TAYTAY WATER FALLS

Location: Majayjay, Laguna, Philippines

Majayjay Falls as favorite place for family camping

Some are confused if what is really the name of Majayjay Falls. Well, it is also called Taytay Falls and at times called Imelda Falls because ex-First Lady Imelda Marcos financed the promotion of tourism of this destination when she was still in power.

Majayjay Falls with its deep basin serving as the swimming area

As early as 1998, I have been frequenting already in visiting this place along with my group in Philippine National Bank (PNB) Mountaineering Club since I had worked with the bank for 9 years. By that time, going to this place is difficult as you have to trek for almost an hour from the barangay road. Rainy season makes it even difficult because the road was not yet cemented. But we always go there as a part of our regular bonding not only with PNB Mountaineers but with some acquaintances who wanted to experience the place.

The Grotto within the vicinity

This water falls is actually 7-tier according to our guide and what you see is the bottom of all these seven. I have already navigated up to the 5th but it is very dangerous because the moss is so thick and there is no defined trail. You will be exploring a thick forest. The interval of each falls is too distant and I would never go back there because prior to the 5th falls, I lost my balance then because it was too slippery. Black and big leeches are waiting there for humans to suck their blood.

Obviously the most crowded water falls I've ever seen

Presently, the amenities of the water falls has been developed where the part around the swimming basin area has been cemented and ropes were installed so that non-swimmers who wanted to get close the water falls will be safer and easier.

Camping area is crowded with campers

BASIC AND OTHER CONCERNS

Trekking from the barangay hall where you will pay a registration fee/environmental fee of P20 per head which serves as the jump-off point to the falls is only a 15-minute walk through a cemented pathway. If you opt to stay overnight, the fee is P30. You have the option to pitch your tent in surrounding area where most of it are big boulders of rocks. The place is so crowded during weekends and holidays and you will find it difficult to find a place for you to eat and pitch tent especially if it is already late in the morning till afternoon. Usually, some campers would prefer to stay overnight because of its cold water.

On your jeepney ride from Majayjay town to the barangay hall along the national road, you will pass thru another beautiful resort of Virginia Dalitiwan. In going back to Majayjay town, you have the option to drop by here or stay overnight.

HOW TO GO THERE

1. Take a bus from either Cubao (HM Transport) or Buendia LRT (DLTB) with a sign board of Sta. Cruz (Laguna) for fare of P180. with a travel time of 3 – 4 hours but will be shorter if early in the morning.

2. From Sta. Cruz drop-off area, take a tricycle to the public market but only up to the jeepney terminal of Majayjay for a fare of P28. The terminal is just near the old church of Saint Bartholomew.

3. Remind the driver on the terminal to drop you off at the barangay hall along the national road for Taytay Falls. Since the actual jump-off point where you will pay for the entrance fee/environmental fee is still few kilometers away, take a tricycle to take you to that barangay hall with a fare of P30 per person. The rate may increase. After paying the required fees, trekking starts.

THE CHARM OF BUKAL FALLS IN MAJAYJAY

Location: Barangay Bukal, Majayjay, Laguna, Philippines

Bukal Falls during rainy season

Bukal Falls is just one of the water falls in Majayjay. Tour operators would normally offer a 3-Falls Day Tour plus the Kamay ni Hesus in Lukban. The first time I went there, I availed of the tour package. Yes, it was very convenient. However, on my time, where I took my friends, I organized a DIY for it.

Crop plantations along our trail to the falls

What is refreshing when you trek towards the water falls is, you see a lot of crop plantations for corn, ampalaya, cabbage, tomatoes and other crop yielding products. Thus, it follows that locals sells their produce at a lower price.

Bukal Falls during summer

The falls is more majestic during rainy season that its basin is filled with water while during hot summer, its falls gives less water. However, in both seasons, the water is still cold.

Rainy season gives the falls thicker and wider cascading falls

At a distance during summer

Still on a picture taken during summer

Taking it closer behind the raging water falls

Our group playing it cool in the falls' basin

WHAT THINGS YOU SHOULD OUGHT TO KNOW

The trekking is good for 30 – 40 minutes in a regular basis. The trail is wide and flat at the start but once you descend to the falls the trail is narrow and with sudden drops. Thus, ascending back will be cardiac assaults. There are a few stores there selling food like banana cue, coffee, cold drinks, bottled water and other snack items. Buco fruit is also available at P25 or simply the buco juice. I can even see liquor being sold there.

The depth of the basin varies during summer, it measures 2-3 meters deep and less radius of swimming area and rocks are mossy. However, during rainy season the basin has wider radius of swimming area and some rocks are submerged with its depth measuring approximately from 5 – 7 meters deep. At this time, some would even jump to the water pool basin.

HOW TO GET THERE AND RELATED CONCERNS

1. Take a bus from either Cubao (HM Transport) or Buendia LRT (DLTB) with a sign board of Sta. Cruz (Laguna) for fare of P180. with a travel time of 3 – 4 hours but will be shorter if early in the morning.

2. From Sta. Cruz drop-off area, take a tricycle to the public market but only up to the jeepney terminal of Majayjay for a fare of P28. The terminal is just near the old church of Saint Bartholomew.

3. Remind the jeepney driver on the jeepney terminal to drop you off at the tricycle terminal for Bukal Falls for a fare of P35, but sometimes you have to haggle the fare.

4. Take another tricycle for a fare of P20 going to the jump-off point where you will end at the barangay hall for registration with a fee of P20. It is also mandatory to get a tour guide with a fee of P300 per maximum of 6 persons.