Puerto Princesa Itinerary

Due to a friend's need, here's our Puerto Princesa Itinerary :)

Day 1

Honda Bay Island Hopping

- Pandan Island
- Snake Island
- Pambato Reef

Kinabuch
Itoys Coffee Haus

Day 2

Dos Palmas Day Tour
Bakers King
Iwahig Firefly

Day 3

Lunch at Sabang Beach
Underground River

Can't remember how much we paid for the trip, but It's still on the budget. Since it's just only the two us, I arranged our activities through a travel agent I got online. We were with a mixed group on some tours and on some it was a solo arrangement.

Quick Update

I can't even remember when was the last time I posted an entry here. I miss writing my thoughts and I definitely miss traveling.

For the past months er year, I have been busy with a lot of things like work, babies and life.

Just to give you a quick update of what Ive been up to...

Let me introduce you to my new travel buddy... SETH CARLO aka "BOCHI" GOZE.

 

I really can't wait for him to grow up so we can hit the road again :)

 

My two princes 

We have not been traveling for quite some time because we are saving for one special day in our life, last March 8, 2013, I officially became Mrs. Ma.Cristina Capati-Goze.

An intimate celebration by the beach with my loved ones, is definitely a dream come true.

 

photo credits to: Ruffa and Mike Photography

It was truly a magical moment for us.

Though the celebration, depleted our funds, it was really worth it. While waiting for Bochi to grow-up, we'll be replenishing our travel funds :)

 

we'll definitely see you on the road soon! :)

Last Minute Holidays: Top Autumn Destinations

Travelling slightly out of season is a fabulous way to bag the best cheap holidays abroad. Last minute holidays are quickly making their way online for this autumn, making now an ideal time to book your choice of getaways.

Travelling from the end of September into November can seem like a tricky time to travel, climate wise. Thankfully, the world is your oyster, and there are plenty of places with sensational sunshine during our cooler months.

Mexico

Mexico is a holiday haven for all types of traveller. Whether you are a bit of a party rocker, a culture fan, or beach lover, there’s something here for everyone.

From the breathtaking, mysterious Mayan Ruins, to the highly acclaimed nightlife scene – including CoCo Bongo – and all the family friendly attractions in-between, Mexico is the top spot for autumn escapes.

Florida

Florida has to be the ultimate family destination in the world. Most people venture to Floridian shores to ‘do the parks’. Universal Studios Resort, Walt Disney World Resort Florida and LEGOLAND Florida, are all waiting to be explored.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde is a fantastic autumn spot in the sun for the laid back holidaymaker. This up and coming destination is virtually untouched, offering a piece of unspoilt luxury in the sun.

Its fantastic location off the west coast of Africa, south of the Canaries, ensures a fantastic climate as well as sugary Sahara sands.

Egypt

Egypt is situated to the north east of mainland Africa and is an excellent year round destination. The longest of the short haul holidays, Egypt can be reached in approximately 5 hours from the UK.

As well as a rich abundance of historical sites, the Red Sea Riviera is a fantastic setting for a relaxing break.

Look online for the best prices on last minute holidays 2013. Once you know your dates, start looking on discount holiday websites for your pick of the cheap holidays abroad this autumn.

The Charming and Beautiful Alicante

Why would you go to the crowded streets of Barcelona and Granada if you can have the same shopping experience in a place that has more interesting places with lesser crowd? Come to Alicante, where you will find that there are thousands of things to buy and money will not always be enough here. Known for its fine grained sandy beaches and the stable weather, you can happily shop away without concern for a drastic change in the weather conditions. Alicante is located at the east coast of Spain and has about 400,000 residents that are known for their hospitality and kindness.

The main choice of transportation to get into this warm city is by flight, where you will touch down at the Alicante International Airport. This airport is a really busy airport with a lot of passengers going through the boarding each day. Travelling time is important for those who only have a couple of days for their vacation, so hire a car to cut the time taken on the roads. Alicante Car Hire always offers cheap and reasonable prices and you can always rent the car that will match your needs.

Alicante has always been known for its golden sand beaches and its clean waters, so you will be able to spend a lot of time under the sun in Alicante. The pleasant weather of Alicante will enable you to have the best beach experience in this city. Even though the place can be a little crowded during the holiday season, it will not bother you as Alicante has a total of eight beaches for their visitors. Just choose the beach that you want to spend time at and you can see what the reason is that makes Alicante a surfers paradise. Some of the other activities that you can do here are sun bathing, banana boat riding, and also building sand castles here.

So if you are really interested to come to this place, do make sure that you know these simple tips that can make a huge difference for your ideal vacation. The most basic one will be getting there early, especially if you have children coming along. The beaches here usually welcomes its visitors from as early as ten in the morning so why not come here an hour earlier as you have nothing to lose. The weather here, even though pleasant, can also be too hot and sunny for your body and eyes. Therefore, make sure that you bring a big umbrella and shades while you are here.

Lala-La Union

I easily get addicted with things. Shopping, Traveling and now Surfing. We have been back and forth to San Juan, La Union one of the closest surfing spot in Luzon.

my surfer boys

It is actually a long drive, 6-7hrs from Manila and fortunately I don’t know how to drive. Hahaha! Good thing “Tamamot” – our car, is automatic. We usually leave at around 3-4am and arrive at San Juan before lunch time.

bonding with my pamangkins and the hot chick on the view :)

We have tried staying at Lola Nanny's and Hacienda Peter, and I recommend the latter because of the place and the price. Ate Pacita is very accommodating and she gives big discount. I would also like to stay at Sebay Surf and San Juan Surf Resort.

good job nephew! :)

There are lots of food joints in the area, we have tried Lola Nannys, Sea Nymph Cafe and Sebay Resort. One of the most recommended is the Midway Grill, however, you have to drive going there.

meet Kuya Nano, thanks for extending our time! :)

The lessons in San Juan is Php400 - board and instructor included making it Php50 more costly than that of Balers.  They also have a whole day rate Php800, but board only. I recommend Kuya Nano's Team for surfing lessons. I think they have the same rate with Luke Landrigan's Team but you know, I'd go for some low profile and Luke's already rich! :)

to strengthen their knees? :)

The waves here are more subtle compare to Baler, but it is less salty. Baler have spectacular sunrise but La Union offers to die for sunset. 

as raw as you can get :)

I really can't wait to be back!

Babbbba- BALER

Needless to say, I love traveling, I also see it as a way to become closer to friends and loved ones. I have traveled with my newly found friends and even joined tour groups. But I have never traveled with my high school best friends. They are the people who knew me through my bone marrow (hahaha... sagad sa buto). But honestly, they are my "go to" people, when nobody will ever understand me.

For the past decade we have been contented by hanging out in the mall, coffee, and sleepovers. We always plan to go out but it never push through because of their busy schedules. We are only 5 in the group but we really struggle syncing our schedule. And now we are down to 4 because Iel is working oversees. Lala works for a bank, Tin is studying and working at a hospital and Kt is a full-time med student.

One weekend while having siomai and cheapo coffee at some convenient store, Kt, Lala and I, decided to just go out of town. Choices are Baler or Cagbalete - but Lala already went to Cagbalete, so finally we are down to Baler. It was a long weekend of the Aloha Surf & Music Festival.

It was really hard to find an accommodation at the time, all recommended home stays and resorts are fully booked. I have texted a lot of people, good thing, SMART Beach was kind enough to give me feed backs about reservations. And voila, there was a cancellation! Yahoo! Php700 good for 3-4pax! What a steal! I immediately confirmed our reservation without the replies of my friends - almost a mistake!

A day before our trip, Kt canceled on us, and I have to think Plan B, because I confirmed our accommodation, or else I'll have to pay that Php700. Good thing, Carlo and Gab is free for the weekend and also Wrigley - Lala's bf. And yEy! We are off to Baler!

tamamot and our kubo

We are also bringing Tamamot -our car, based on my research the road to Baler is already passable by a car. I am so positive on this till we reached the Canili Road, where there are patches of rough roads. Tamamot was really tested, and I feel so sorry for all the bruised and scratches she received during our journey.

Passing by Sierra Madre was just awesome, I remembered my Civics and Culture Class and memorizing it as the longest mountain range in the Philippines. And seeing it upfront is priceless. We also passed by Canili and Pantabangan Dam. 

We arrived at Sabang Beach, Baler, around 2pm - it was almost a 8hr trip. I was not that awe by the beach, but the place is really refreshing. The sand is black and the waves are beginning to get big, perfect for surfing. It was also drizzling and surfers are swarming the beach.

Our accommodation at Smart Beach, exceeded my expectations. It was a kubo-type room with own CR, with dining area. The sheets looks and smells clean. Very much worth the price.

We had lunch at Bay's Inn, the food is ok - taste and price. It was the famous place to eat in Sabang Beach.

Gab was just contented in playing the sand, he's kinda afraid of the waves. While I was just also enjoying the view and watching the people.

At night, we enjoyed ourselves with booze and lot of stories - making it one helluva night bonding. :)

Next day, we tried surfing! And all I can say is that I fell in love with it! Being stoked (or mostly being wiped out) gave me a different feeling. And while writing this, I was remembering my trip to La Union - echoing the voice of my instructor saying - Paddle, Paddle, Paddle, Ready, Stand! Hahaha! :)

For transportation tips:
http://www.indieescape.com/2011/05/baler-city-tour-itinerary-2-days.html
http://asiantraveller.com/en/how-to-get-to-baler-aurora-province/

For accommodation tips:
http://www.lakas.com.ph/2011/08/baler-accommodation-list/
http://www.thekillerfillers.com/2011/05/thrills-spills-and-one-stoked-weekend.html

Hehe, I was to lazy to enumerate it myself :D

The Best of 2011

I am too lazy to make a blog post but I am just envious of my blogger friends who have made a round of their wonderful year. I can definitely say that 2011 is my travel year. I have been to many places that I never thought I would reach this year. Special thanks to Dominic of Escapeislands.com for inviting us to his memorable trips. I would also like to extend my gratitude to my on-line friends the Pinoy Travel Bloggers and of course the Bagets, you guys fuel the traveler in me. 

Batangas, Amansinaya and Ambon-ambon Falls: 

It was nice to start year 2011 with a new company and new found friends. 

Batangas, Church Hopping:

Part of our yearly Lenten Season Ritual is the Visita Iglesia, in just less than 24hrs we have toured around Batangas to visit it's historical and heritage churches.

Zambales, Subic Tree Top Adventure:

Nothing beats an all girls road trip and the adrenaline rush from jumping in heights! :)

Cavite, Tagaytay:

A quick getaway from Manila, R and R with the fambam!

Laguna, Montenevoso Resort:

Family Bonding = treasures moments! :)

Albay, Legazpi & Sorsogon, Donsol, Juban:

I have good and not-so good trips, but all of them was fun! And my adventure to Albay and Sorsogon was so-so, even though I didn't get to see the Mt.Mayon and the whale sharks, I still enjoyed barrio life and the company of my friends.

Cebu, Plantation Bay:

My 2nd trip to Cebu for the year was just a quickie, so we decided to just tour around Mactan and we visited Plantation Bay.

 

Bohol:

Yearly trip with my college buddies was worth the truancy I committed :)

Camarines Norte, Calaguas Island:

I have been raving about this place for so long, so when Dominic sent an invitation, I immediately say yes! It was extra special because Gab is tagging along and Carlo will be celebrating his birthday :)

Zambales, Mt. Pinatubo:

My birthday trip for the year and my first trekking adventure. It was also an outreach event which was also organized by Dominic. This trip made me realized that I have a lot to be thankful for.

Cebu, Moalboal:

I was sent to Cebu for work and it was great to have a day-off for a quick side trip. It was also my first time to have a meet up with other bloggers. Special thanks to Doi, Edcel and Edwin!

Aurora, Baler:

Lala and I, have been best friends for more than a decade, but we never have a trip together! A road trip to Baler was extra fun because we get to try surfing.

Mountain Province, Banaue and Batad:

I survived BATAD. :)

with my travel buddy Majane and our good friend Divine :)

Palawan, Puerto Princesa:

A decade with your love one and a stunning view of Puerto Princesa - leaves me singing "I couldn't ask for more.." -yuck... cheesy! :)

La Union, San Juan:

I have been bitten by the travel bug, but the worst is, I got addicted to surfing! Hahaha! Been back and forth to La Union to get wiped out and be elated every time I had a good ride. San Juan is like my SM, it got everything I need. The beach, the waves, the company and the view. I am s*cker for sunset and every time I witness it I feel so blessed and thankful to the Lord almighty.

To my readers, thanks a lot for visiting and paying attention to my non-sense. I really appreciate all your comments, as in! :)

To my PTB friends, you guys are my inspiration and mentors! Just keep on traveling and having fun!

To my friends and family, I love you guys! Hahaha!

To Carlo and Gab, both of you inspire me to do great in life and it feels good to know you are always around.

Cheers to more travel! :)