Monday, April 13, 2020

HAGIMIT FALLS OF THE ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL

Location: Penaplata District, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, Philippines



Hagimit Falls of the Island Garden City of Samal


I started my day waking up from a soundly sleep in Homitori, a very affordable and clean accommodation in Davao City located at F. Bangoy Street corner Sta. Ana Avenue, Poblacion District. Imagine, I only paid P220 per night for my stay. (Note: rates may change without prior notice and thus, it is important to contact them prior to your booking reservation). Male and female accommodations are in separate buildings. Included in what I paid were the breakfast which is served from 6:30 – 10:00 A.M.; common study and dining room; guests lounge to watch TV or entertain visitors, spacious comfort rooms and bathrooms with 20 cubicles; free use of the gym, Wi-Fi, laundry and drying room and locker. There are two double beds in every room with a maximum capacity of four persons. I was lucky that I only have one roommate in my room.

The catch basin which serves as the swimming and diving area


In going to Hagimit Falls, I just walked from Homitori because the Island City Express Bus Terminal is just three blocks away and it is also along F. Bangoy Street. I boarded the bus and it took us around 10 minutes to reach Sasa Wharf where vehicles and buses board a ferry boat to cross to Samal Island. It could have been faster, if I board a jeepney going to Sta. Ana wharf and take a motorized boat to cross to Samal island for 10 minutes and from there take a habal-habal ride to the drop-off point of Hagimit Falls. Another habal-habal (single motor cycle) can take you to Hagimit Falls entrance for registration. You have to haggle for the fare rate. I find the habal-habal drivers honest.

The drop-off point to the falls


Our group of three: Teresa Corpuz, Anamarie Supremo and I, actually boarded an Island City Express Bus and included in our fare is ferry boat fare in crossing from Sasa Wharf to Samal Island. From the drop-off point, we decided to just walk which took us around 15 minutes to the resort's entrance.

The resort's entrance


We paid P50 per head for entrance fee as adults, while senior citizens are charged P40. On the other hand, kids ranging from 3 to 7 years old are charged with P25 entrance.

The concrete trail going down to the water falls


From the entrance, one has to walk for around 5 minutes. The trail is concrete and flat. However, as you almost reach the falls, the trail consisting of concrete steps is already descending.

One of the local food sold inside the resort: steamed cassava local puto


There are a lot of variety of cold drinks, snacks and packed meals you can buy at the resort but I preferred to buy the local delicacies which I showed here as described in four pictures.

pounded steamed sweetened cassava with a margarine topping


Rice cakes (bibingka), sliced buco pie and empanada


Suman cassava or Iraid in Waray dialect


Visitors can also bring their food and they do not have to pay for corkage. There are also carts selling food near the cottages around the swimming area.

Tall trees serve as a canopy giving shade to the visitors


Obviously, the area has been developed already for you can see a few parts of it are concrete. However, as a whole, its natural beauty in the midst of forest paradise is still there.

The trail connecting to the swimming area


The resort's marker


Just one of the swimming areas


Standing along cascading low-level water falls


CHEAPEST BUT CLEAN AND AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION IN DAVAO CITY

Homitori
Contact Number(s):
Landlines: +63(82)295-2969 |+63(82)295-2971
Mobile: +63(922)8994646 |+63(922)8541127
Email Address: homitoridvo@gmail.com
Website: Homitori
Facebook: Homitori FB

HOW TO GO THERE

Using a reference point of Manila, the following are the options on how to get there.

Manila (Pasay) to Davao City trips, have the following common options:



1. Philtranco Airconditioned bus is P2,675 per head while Non-Aircon is P2,265. It is a 2 day trip and you will pass by at least 13 provinces in Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon. The bus boards a ferry ship from Matnog (Sorsogon) still a part of Luzon and another in Liloan Port of Panaon Island in Southern Leyte to Lipata Port in Surigao City

2. Taking an airplane by promo airfare from Manila to Davao City will be more convenient for one hour and 10 minutes only.

3. Take a Superferry from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City, and from there take a bus going to Davao City.

4. Travel 2Go Passenger ship to Cebu City and avail of the promo airfares from Cebu City to Davao City.

Davao City to Hagimit Falls



You can take a jeepney from the airport and ask to be dropped off in front of the Bureau of Fire Protection where you can wait for a bus that can take you directly to Samal. Fare for the bus includes the barge/ferry fee. Upon arriving in Poblacion Penaplata, ride a habal-habal that can take you directly to Hagimit Falls. From that drop off point, motorcycles are also available for hire for a higher price. It takes at least 10 minutes until you reach the entrance of the falls.

If you decide to take the taxi, ask the taxi to drop you off at the Sasa Wharf. From there, ride the barge that will bring you to then in Babak, ride a bus going to the city proper of Samal. And when you arrive at the city proper, you can now rent a habal – habal or a motorcycle that can take you to Hagimit Falls.

The transport we used to Hagimit Falls is different because we originated from Homitori in Sta. Ana where it is just a walking distance from the Island City Express Bus Terminal, only 10 minutes drive to Sasa Wharf.

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

BALISCAR ISLET, ALABAT ISLAND, CAGBALETE ISLAND AND MAUBAN IN 3-DAY DIY TOUR PACKAGE

General Location: Quezon Province, Philippines



The hostile topography of Baliscar Islet


This is a hosted trip of my friend, Thelma Bautista in their ancestral home in Sabang, Barangay Mainit Sur in the municipality of Perez. Perez is a part of the Alabat Island consisting of three municipalities, namely: Perez, Quezon and Alabat. This island is a part of the Quezon province of the CALABARZON Region. Our third companion to complete the group is another friend, Teresa Santiago Corpuz

ALABAT ISLAND, QUEZON PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES


Location: Sabang, Barangay Mainit Sur, Municipality of Perez, Alabat Island, Quezon Province, Philippines



Vicinity Map of Alabat Island (Google Map)


Upon arrival in the low tide Barangay Mainit Sur: Our host destination


Trip started with a bus from Cubao to Atimonan, Quezon province. From Atimonan port, our host who brought with them their own motor boat picked us up. While waiting, we were on its fish port and were haggling to buy fish.

Our host house's extension refreshing hut


Our host allowed us to stay in a refreshing hut while they were serving us with unlimited buco fruit in preparation for lunch where the dish were all seafoods, salmon and steak tuna.

An improvised wooden bridge


From the window of our host's house, I can see a wooden bridge where I have seen some locals crossed on it. Though, without it, they can cross on a creek during low tide which empties to the sea.

Single motor cycle crossed the wooden bridge


I was wrong to assume that the wooden bridge was really constructed for the locals to cross but for their only means of transportation, the single motor cycle or the habal-habal as called in some parts of the country.

River cruise through bamboo raft


After having our lunch, our group consisting of Thelma Bautista and Teresa Corpuz, decided to have a river cruise in a nearby river. This river empties to the sea just near our host's house.

Upstream river cruise


From the mouth of the river which starts from the sea, we headed upstream where it took us for an hour just for one way and another one hour coming back. On our way, we happened to meet locals who are harvesting their "bubo" or traps for crabs or alimango in local term.

A local kid on an improvised mangrove branch diving board


While approaching the mouth of the river, we have seen some kids enjoying diving in some parts of the mangrove branches. I remember when I was still a kid where I have been doing it with some friends and my elder brother, Michael in our province.

Tempted to dive from the mangrove branch


Witnessing the simple joys of these local kids, I was also tempted to join them in their diving spree. However, when I crawled to one of the mangrove's branches, they gave way for me.

The swampy coastline


Late in the afternoon, I went around the place alone to enjoy the ruralscape which I have been missing so much. I had the chance to meet some locals and have a conversation with them asking them about the island's history and way of living.

Accidentally met a mountaineering friend in the name of (left) Gio Paolo Espital working with an NGO in the island


It was surprising that when I was strolling along the beach one nice morning, somebody approached me and greeted me with my name. He was with a colleague who is also working with an NGO operating in the island.

The island's mangrove forest reserve


The people living near the beach coast rely there income from fishing. Yes, it is a fishing village. There are a few sari-sari stores I have seen and the island has its own supply of electricity.

Boat carpentry business is also in the island


Aside from fishing, boat building is also a means of living in the island. Those who are living from the landlocked part of the island are enjoying farming and copra production.

Narrow road connecting to other municipalities


The part of the island where we were hosted is not the center of activities for it is just a small barangay but the island having 192 square kilometers land area is consist of three municipalities which I mentioned in first paragraph narrative has also schools which I did not visit due to the absence of transportation.

BALISCAR ISLAND>


Location: Brgy. Villa Mansano Sur, Perez, Quezon Province, Philippines



Vicinity Map of Baliscar Islet (Wikimapia)


The islet as captured from a distance


Baliscar Islet is a one-hectare uninhabited islet in between the islands of Cagbalete and Alabat. The land is made entirely of jagged rocks, with a lighthouse standing at the west. At the south, travelers can visit a cave during low tide and seek refuge from the sun.

Baliscar Islet as captured from its southernmost edge


Our boatman from Alabat told us that we will have an island hopping which includes Cagbalete where I have visited already. When he mentioned about Baliscar Islet, I raised my eyebrows because it seemed not familiar to me. However, when he said, we are going there for its lighthouse, I became excited.
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Getting closer to the islet


The boat ride from Alabat island was more than an hour to reach the islet. There were rough waves around the island and we docked 10 meters away from the sharp rocky shores of the island. I asked our boatman if we can dock in an improvised port of entry but he said there was none.

Navigating towards the point the boat will dock closer to the shoreline


When I jump off from our boat, it remained afloat and nobody from the boat was willing to down. We are a company of 6 including 2 boatmen. But since I really wanted to go down one boatman accompanied me to the islet. I braved to swim across the dark blue waters towards the shore where strong waves lashed out the rocky shores. But before that, the boatman dived along with him a rope to anchor the boat to a rocky cliff. Then I dived to the water with so much fear in my heart but yelling to the boat to keep close to me because I really can’t see the seabed. I was even cautious because if the waves will catch me, my body will be smashed towards the sharp rocks. Finally, I reached the island but I crawled because the rocks where I am supposed to stand were very slippery.

Our boat afloat 10 meters away from the rocky shoreline


Trekking on the island was not easy because there was no flat surface where I can stand with stability but sharp rocks. Good that I brought with me my trekking sandals. I was so cautious of holes in between the rocks because I have seen eggs of the sea snakes. The islet was obviously inhabited with birds called “Balinsasayaw” and sea snakes. So, to conquer the island is really a big challenge.

The boatman who served as my guide was ahead of me a few meters


I was so cautious of my every step not just because some rocks are very thin and sharp in very close interval, so I have really to watch out for my step but also snakes are breeding in some holes of the hostile trail.

The entry giving the sight of the lighthouse


Climbing up on sharp rocks takes a few meters high and it was really a struggle. This time, I told my guide not be distant from me. Even with my trekking sandals on, I still feel the sharp edge of the rocks.

Just rested from a challenging rocky climb


From where I rested, I did not even want to sit because the rocks were like piercing my behind. But I need to stop to recharge myself in battling farther a longer and challenging trail.

The lighthouse at a distance


Though I have seen the lighthouse at a distance, I was still wary because not only the trails are disturbing but the sound of flying birds are very annoying where they fly above you in bigger number. I was like in a place where once the dinosaurs had existed.

With very slow steps the lighthouse waa still too far


Along the trail, I saw a sea snake circling an egg fighting with the balinsasayaw bird. I just don't know where the egg belongs, but I kept distance from that animals' clash.

The islet's edge overlooking from afar the Alabat Island


Despite the hostile topography, I still managed to stay for 30 minutes at the foot of the lighhouse. Then, I walked near towards the end of the island just to check what I can see there.

The birds as seen when I already boarded the boat


Going back to where the boat was docked was another struggle which took me 45 minutes. I needed to swim back to the boat. This time the waves were stronger and even smashing not only to my face but to the rocks around. When carried by the waves I tend to get closer to the islet's shoreline. Thus, I was given a rope to hold on going back to the boat. The deep waters where I swam was even darker blue. I was scared that a shark might be pursuing me from beneath. Hah! I maneuvered to swim as fast as I could but the waves keep pushing me ashore. So, I told my guide to push me towards the boat.

One more glance of the islet


It was a great relief to me when I was already on the boat and we were heading to Cagbalete Island. However, I wanted to go back to Baliscar someday with a company of brave souls.

CAGBALETE ISLAND


Location: Lamon Bay, Municipality of Mauban, Quezon Province, Philippines



Approaching Cagbalete Island


This was the second time I visited the island. Thus, for a longer blog post which I had in my first visit, just read this link for a more comprehensive and informative post.

Early lunch while on board for a 30-minute travel to Cagbalete


It was already 10:30 A.M. when we left Baliscar, so we arrived in Cagbalete at around 11:00 P.M. Thus, while on board, we had an early lunch.

Spent our time mostly at Villa Noe Resort


Normally, by this time, it is low tide in the island and our boat was docked far from the shore line. We had rested a lot at Villa Noe and we did not move far from this point.

Relaxing on a not-so-hot late afternoon


The shady part of where we stayed gave us comfort to have a nap in the afternoon, though occasionally we walked along the shore to collect some shells.

Thelma Bautista in her brisk walking mode as she termed it like that


We stayed in the island till 6:00 P.M. until such time that high tide was invading the shores and just good enough so that our boat can pick us up for a sea travel going back to Alabat Island.

MAUBAN TOWN DAY TOUR


Location: Municipality of Mauban, Quezon Province, Philippines



The busy commercial district of Mauban town


Our last day was spent for a day tour in Mauban town which was 1 1/2 hours boat travel from Perez of Alabat Island. This was not my first time in Mauban since the jump off point of my first Cagbalete trip was also in Mauban.

Approaching Mauban's wharf


Mauban's port maybe one of the busiest not only for cargo ship vessels but for passenger boats coming from different islands hearby. Thus, it can be seen as a center of trade and commerce.

Passenger boats and fishermen's boats are docked near the town's wharf


Muaban, though a laid back town is a first class municipality of the province of Quezon. It has a total land area of 55,160 hectares subdivided into 40 barangays. Mauban's industry is primarily based on agriculture. though its trade and commerce ranks second.

The town's coastal board walk


It is of no surprise that Mauban is already invaded with establishments branching out from the metropolis of Manila. This is a town where some of the islanders buy their food supplies and it makes its trade and commerce vibrant.

Furniture and fixtures are being sold


Aside from farm and crop produce, the town also boasts the availability of shops for furniture and fixtures.

Handicrafts and herbal/medicinal plants are also being traded


It is interesting to note that handicrafts and herbal plants are being sold equipped with literature and brochures on their usability and curability.

The Rizal Hill Park


With an elevation of 27.5 meters above sea level, Rizal Hill Park has a 360-degree panoramic view of Lamon Bay, Pacific Ocean, Mauban town, and Sierra Madre mountain range. It is located in Barangay Rizaliana and free of entrance.

The municipal hall of Mauban


I failed to visit another town's park in the name of Gat-Uban Park and Mauban Museum, since I got occupied of looking for their delicacies for pasalubong.

Mauban Gymnasium


We were still busy then shopping for more pasalubong when Thelma's relatives which served as our host in Mauban invited us for a sumptuous lunch.

Teresa Corpuz and Thelma Bautista with the latter's newphew


Our host's house was in a festive mode as the whole clan was there to welcome Thelma for she has not been visiting them for quite some time. Teresa and I were just observers, but we had eaten so much of their food.

Our last stop was at St. Bonaventure Parish Church of Mauban


It was already early in the evening that we left Mauban boarding a bus for Manila. Mauban is 152 kilometers from Manila for 4 hours bus travel via Southern Luzon Expressway/Pan-Philippine Highway/AH26/R-3.

HOW TO GO THERE

Going to Atimonan:
Take a JAC Liner (Buendia Terminal) bus with a signboard of SM Lucena for 4 hours Then, from there, board a van going to Atimonan for an hour.
Going to Alabat Island and Perez Municipality:
By Public transport: Take a roro to Alabat Island, then a habal-habal going to the municipality of Perez.
By Chartered transport: Take a chartered boat from Atimonan Port directly to Perez municipality.
Going to Baliscar and Cagbalete Islands:
Take a chartered boat to these destinations
Going to Mauban:
Board a passenger boat from Perez to Mauban
Going to back to Manila
Take a bus going to Manila from the town's bus terminal.