Conquer Sagada with Travel Factor

When in Manila, you’ll find yourself constantly making excuses to get a break off your hectic schedule just to explore the various attractions and countless destinations the Philippines has to offer. From breathtaking beaches, unparalleled party scenes, and photographic landscapes, the country provides only the finest form of entertainment for every stereotype.

If for a certain moment, what you seek is thrill and adventure, Something you won’t see on a normal day, and if you are hungry for snippets of unstained Philippine culture, then pack your bags, man up, and conquer Sagada. And what better way to do that than with Travel Factor.

          

View of the road towards Sagada 

Last Feb 16-18, I participated in one of Travel Factor’s featured destinations. Visiting Sagada was really nothing I expected. I’ve heard only a few things about province and I felt I needed a change from my usual beach outings. As most people would know, Sagada is a peaceful area situated on the higher regions of the archipelago, home to abundant crops and humble indigenous Philippine people. What the lucky few know is that it conceals natural wonders that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

              

Trekking towards Bomod-ok Falls 

        

Travel Factor was born in 2006 when a group of individuals decided to take a different approach to travel and wanted to share their passion with others. Years later they’ve managed to make the best-kept secrets of any destination accessible to everyone at reasonable fees. In cooperation with Victory Liner’s Biyaheng Victory, any of their featured destinations (both local and international) will immerse you in a carefully thought out list of activities that will make your stay worthwhile and hassle free yet pocket friendly.

It’s one thing to travel with close friends and loved ones, but it’s a totally different experience to explore a new place with a set of new faces. Travel Factor‘s trips can accommodate more or less 40 people and will give you the opportunity to meet new individuals. 

Experience a luxurious and comfortable life + affordable rates and plans. Click here.

The moment we  reached the road towards Sagada, I was welcomed by a stunning view of rice terraces and fresh green mountains. The morning sun woke me, lighting up the cheeks of my companion, and displayed the perfect moment, one that I could hardly witness in Manila.

  

We  settled in a cozy little inn that gave the comforts of home at a rather conservative cost (which is, of course, already included in the travel package). After devouring our hefty lunch, we then prepared ourselves for the start of the weekend of adventure and the unknown.

The journey began with a trek down to the famous Bomod-ok falls. It was long and treacherous, not for your ordinary couch potato. If not physically fit, you’d have to come equipped with the guts and hungry for thrill of the continuous battle of keeping your strides confined between the tiny steps towards the foot of the mountain. There’s but a thin line between coming home with a great story and falling head first on the sharp rocks no matter how pretty the view or dramatically you would’ve ended your life (just kidding).

The reward after going through what seemed like ten thousand miles is the enchanting view of the waterfalls. Taking a dip in the ice-cold lagoon, said to posses healing powers, would make you feel instantly recovered and prep you for the climb back up.

Bomod-ok Falls 

A tiring day would only end perfectly with a good night’s sleep and an equally beautiful wake up call (a trip to the Kiltepan viewpoint). We welcomed the next day with dozens of other vacationers enveloped in blankets of mist and a sea of clouds atop a peaceful mountain. After a few minutes of enduring 15 degrees is the relieving warmth of the sun complete with the picture perfect view. 

  

 Sunrise at Kiltepan Viewpoint 

You’d never leave Sagada without plunging into one its tourist friendly and pretty caves (pretty deadly if you ask me). One of their key attractions is the activity known as Spelunking. I know, it was also the first time I’ve ever encountered the term in my life. In simple words, it is basically the act of cave exploration, though it wasn’t that basic at all. 

Sumaging is the more popular one, done by the majority, as it is less tedious and has plenty of graphic rock formations. The cave connection activity though, would start off in Lumiang, which is ideal for those who seek to push themselves and take them back to their chilhood where adventure was only defined by playing in the neighbors’ backyard. Now this is the real deal.

From the beginning to the end, you’ll find yourself constantly twisting, turning, rolling, and getting absolutely dirty all over so don’t expect to tackle it in your glamorous clothes or the cave will eat you alive. I didn’t think I was fit to do any of that but the good thing about being in a tour group of random people is that you’ll feel a sense of confidence and a natural stimulant to get it done because you wouldn’t wanna be called a ‘wuss’. It was really interesting going on that trip with an elderly couple who I felt had more spunk than me, again one of the perks of traveling with Travel Factor.

You’ll instantly develop new relationships because you’ll find yourselves pushing each other to the end. You’ll learn to trust that the guides know what they are doing and throw away all your worries and put your heart and soul into every move.  The caves are wonderful and will keep you on your toes and your adrenaline pumping like crazy. 

If thrill and adventure is not your thing and you’d rather vie for rich cultural experience, the package also comes with a walking tour that would take you to explore breathtaking views with historical assets that can give you the relaxation and enlightenment you might be looking for. 

Sagada is known for being one of the three participating regions that practice the virtue of keeping their loved ones in hanging coffins at the time of death. Burial is one of their distinct traditions and they are very careful when it comes to placing their family members in their final resting places, depending on the cause of death. 

Cavalry Hills

Aside from the traditional cemetery in the Calvary Hills, a short walk down to Echo Valley would give you a view of the Hanging Coffins and entertain you with the magic that happens within. From the name itself, any noise you make would be reiterated back, which is not only entertaining but truly magical. 

Echo Valley

Now like what I said, Sagada is full of glorious secrets: Including food. How can a place bountiful of fresh produce serve food that tastes awful? It doesn’t make sense. Aside from the food served by our inn, Alibama, well known for their Pinikpikan, we  frequented a few of the go to places such as Yogurt house and Lemon Pie House, both known for their desserts, Yogurt and Lemon pie (obviously).

So when you’re done with your pasalubong shopping and whenever you have free time, explore the native cuisine because i’m pretty sure you won’t be disappointed.Gaia is a secret spot near the caves with an amazing view that serves vegan food. Since you’re already in an environment that forces you to sweat out and detoxify, why not go all out and feed your soul guilt-free food as well?

Squash Noodles and Vegan Burger from Gaia 

All in all my experience with Travel Factor can be summed up into one word: Exceptional. For a minimal amount of 4950 php, I can say that it was money well spent. The organisers were very accommodating and created the atmosphere of one huge family. They also made sure that our (possibly) one and only trip to Sagadawas a memorable one. 

When in Manila, step out of your comfort zone and surf Baler, climb Mt. Pulag, and CONQUER SAGADA with Travel Factor for a worry free and amazing escape. 

Travel Factor  Participants 

When in Cebu City, please visit http://www.gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs. Avail of the opportunity to own a condominium unit in Cebu City at the low amount of only P9,333.33 and House and Lot @ P 7,306.81/month only. Hurry while supply of units still last. Just call the Tel. Nos. shown herein: (053)555-84-64/09164422611/09173373687.

The Philippines Travel Industry Is Fast Growing and Continue to Attract Foreign Visitors

By Chris Einar M San Agustin

The Philippines comprises of 7,107 islands, of which only about 2,000 are habitable. Luzon is the northern part, Visayas is the central, while Mindanao is located in the southern Philippines. The country boast's a number of beautiful beaches from north to south, these tourist destinations makes the country's tourism marketability at par with other southeast Asian nations if not the world. Some of the top beach islands are Boracay, Palawan, Puerto Galera in Mindoro, Batangas just to name a few.The local travel industry is fast growing and continue to attract foreign visitors.

Experience a luxurious and comfortable life + affordable rates and plans. Click here.

Exploring the Philippines could be compared to traveling to different continents around the globe, the culture in Manila (capital city) is entirely different from Cebu in Visayas, the locals are arguably the most friendly and hospitable people in the world. Filipinos are known for being accommodating particularly to tourist, they welcome these foreigners with open arms, and their eagerness to show how beautiful their country is.

This archipelagic Asian country offers the best of both worlds when it comes to adventurous vacation, tourist can opt for luxurious five star hotels or a more modest motels that practically offers a more distinct approach for tourist exploration. A number of travel methods can be done depending on a person's needs, some opt to travel by sea by ferry boats to visit different islands nearby, while others opt for a faster plane ride to get to their destination in no time. Most transport companies provide affordable rates that comes with numerous packages, people from different parts of the world find it amusing to see how cost-effective it is to explore different parts of the Philippines. The Philippines tourism agency reported a record high of 4.3 million foreign http://www.tourism.gov.ph/Pages/IndustryPerformance.aspx visitors in 2012, this is due to the improved economic and security policies implemented by the current government led by the President Benigno Aquino, not to mention the efforts by the tourism board in promoting the Philippines with a slogan "Its more fun in the Philippines". This has greatly benefited the local economy and created more jobs for the Filipinos.

A number of adventurous activities can be explored in the Philippines, from the clubbing and bar hopping in Manila to swimming with the whales in Oslob-Cebu. Some other notable destinations can be found in El Nido in Palawan (where a Hollywood movie was filmed), the gorgeous island of Boracay, Puerto Galera in Mindoro, Laiya in Batangas, surfing in La Union. We are more than happy to help you explore Philippines.

When in Cebu City, please visit http://www.gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs. Avail of the opportunity to own a condominium unit in Cebu City at the low amount of only P9,333.33 and House and Lot @ P 7,306.81/month only. Hurry while supply of units still last. Just call the Tel. Nos. shown herein: (053)555-84-64/09164422611/09173373687.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Einar_M_San_Agustin

Visit Some of the Best Snorkeling Sites in the Philippines With a Coron Package

By Beatrice Afra

The Philippines has a lot of amazing snorkeling sites to offer. One of the top destinations for diving and snorkeling is Coron, Palawan. Many tourists book a Coron package all year round for a chance to snorkel in clear waters, see the famous Japanese shipwrecks and swim in the cleanest lake in the country.

Coron's amazing islands and other natural wonders add to its beauty and draw tourists from all over the globe. You'll see powdery white sand beaches, lakes and lagoons when you book a Coron package and go on an island hopping tour. of course, no island hopping trip is complete without you trying to snorkel. Make sure to bring your gear. But if you don't have any, you'll find snorkeling gear and aqua shoes for rent in town. You may even ask your guide to find one for you.

A Coron package with island hopping tour also includes the service of a seasoned tour guide. You can be sure that you will be able to visit some of the most amazing snorkeling spots in the area.

Coral Garden at Atwayan Beach

One of the best snorkeling sites you'll find in Coron is the Coral Garden at Atwayan Beach. You'll see different corals, and various species of fish. If you'd like to feed the fish, make sure to ask your tour guide if it is allowed. There are some areas in Palawan where fish feeding is prohibited.

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Skeleton Wreck

Another snorkeling site worth mentioning is the Skeleton Wreck. If you love diving, this is also a good diving site. You'll find a 1940's sunken boat some 5 miles deep. It surely looks eerie for first timers. So most people are content with simply snorkeling around the area.

Barracuda Lake

Barracuda Lake, like the Skeleton wreck serves as a snorkeling spot and diving site. According to myths, the lake is called that way because there's a giant barracuda living in the lake.

If you love to learn about local myths, be a little chatty with your tour guide. Most of them are friendly and would tell you stories.

Twin Peaks

Another site you may visit when you book a Coron package with island hopping tour is The Twin Peaks. This site is a bit deeper but you'll also find a lot of corals here. Just be careful with the resident sea urchins when snorkeling!

If you like island hopping and snorkeling, getting a Coron package will definitely be worth it! Bring your family and friends with you on your trip. As traveling is more fun in the Philippines when you do it with people you love.

Beatrice writes blogs for Hopping Buddies Travel & Tours, a registered travel agency in the Philippines that offers affordable packages to Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Coron. Visit their website for more information on their packages, tours and other services.

When in Cebu City, please visit http://www.gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs. Avail of the opportunity to own a condominium unit in Cebu City at the low amount of only P9,333.33 and House and Lot @ P 7,306.81/month only. Hurry while supply of units still last. Just call the Tel. Nos. shown herein: (053)555-84-64/09164422611/09173373687.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beatrice_Afra

Siem Reap - More Than Angkor Wat

By Dylan T Wyer

It was a week into my time at Siem Reap when we were all sitting around the hostel bar, and the topic Angkor Wat came up. I mean of course it did, how could it not, after all we were sitting 20km away from the ancient temples, drinking Angkor Wat beer. It was then that I realized I had been in Siem Reap a full week without seeing what has been dubbed the 8th wonder of the world, Angkor Wat. My fellow travellers couldn't believe it, for sure I was bluffing, but I wasn't. At that point the question arose, what did I do for a week in Siem Reap?

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The simple of it would be that I hung out with the nicest people I've ever met, Cambodians! However, the nicest Cambodians are found in the country side and the villages. These people truly are genuine, they value their quality of life more then trying to get rich quick. Rich obviously being a loosely used term here, as most Cambodians make around a $1000 a year. The ones that haven't decided to move to the city, still make it by farming their own food and trading it amongst the village people. Working by sunrise, and drinking rice wine by day, and early to bed at night. One of my best days in Cambodia was when I took a trip out to a village and visited with true Cambodian's for the day. Cooking fish and beef on an open fire, next to a fresh water reservoir where the locals fish and take fresh afternoon dips to cool off! Furthermore they showed us their farm, their techniques, their home and introduced us to their family, making us all feel extremely blessed.

The town of Siem Reap is also the perfect place to be at anytime of day. With the french influence here, there's always a coffee shop, or a baguette for 25 cents near by. Bustling bars line every street here, not just on pub street! The locals are always keen for a game of pool or snooker at one of the many snooker halls, or on one of the many bars if your lucky enough to score a table. Or why not grab an ice cream cone from Swensens' ice cream (the best in town) and head out on a river stroll towards where the locals play beach volleyball. The fast paced game, of the highly talented locals will keep you on your toes, or maybe you even want to join in and play on one of the many courts available. Looking for more sporting opportunities, well Siem Reap is also home to Cambodia's only climbing gym. Not quite your pace? Maybe try heading back across the river towards "Common Ground" an American owned coffee shop with a good cause. The prices are a little hefty, but with every $1000 of profit they're able to build a house in a new city located in Khan Dang Kao. Cambodia's poorest area where 1500+ families are living in extreme poverty, visit buildacity.org for more info! It's a $1.50 for an ice coffee, a buck for a small bottle of water or more than I care to admit paying, $2 for a large bottle of water. I went for the molten lava cake, a rich chocolate dish topped with whip cream, that ran me a well worth it $2.

Still not your pace? Then I'm sure 50 cent draft at one of the many pubs on pub street will do you well! Bustling bars line every street here, more then just on pub street! The locals are always keen for a game of pool or snooker at one of the many snooker halls, or at one of the bars if your lucky enough to score a table. Some places serve 50 cent draft through all hours of the night, but most backpackers tend to head towards the famous "Angkor What" bar, the bar that started it all back in 1998. Here you can meet countless other like minded travellers, eager to tell their stories and hear yours. It's no longer 1998 anymore, nowadays there's plenty more late night bars for you to check out as well. Temple bar is across the street, and is the place to go for a late night meal, since their kitchen never closes. Down the street is X bar, an Australian ran rooftop bar with a half pipe at the top! Yes! A half pipe, even if you don't have your own board (since I'm yet to meet someone who travels Asia with a skateboard) you can rent one for 5 bucks and they'll throw in a pint with it! More options include Tuk Tuk bar, Laundry bar, Mezze bar, Miss Wongs bar and what ever special one you find on your own!

Siem Reap is much more than just a party town of buckets and music. In fact for a week of my stay the music was shut off and I never once was left wishing it was on. A music less pub street lost its vibe quickly, so we looked elsewhere to entertain us. Whether that be, the locals taking a group of us out and showing us there favourite spots or spontaneous decisions to go mini-golfing at 9:30pm a good time was always found! Some nights were nothing more than a beautiful sunset at lesser know locations like Phnom Krom or Wat Atwea and then early to bed. If over crowded tourist attractions aren't your thing, then these temples will be for you! Maybe not as impressive, but seemingly as good when there's no crowd!

Tee, the owner of the mini-golf course, was another genuine local of Siem Reap, who arranges a pick up service for his mini-golf, as it's on the south out skirts of town. Unfortunately for Tee, he owed me three beers before are group even left the hostel, after a few games of pool. Once at mini golf, a hole-in-one, won you a free beer and between the five of us we managed to get two hole-in-ones which made six free beers out him. Since Tee wanted a rematch, but this time at snooker, he took us out to a local snooker hall on the way home from mini-golf where I managed to keep my streak up and beat him once more. The group of six of us shot many games of snooker and drank a few more beers for only eight bucks in are own private a/c room. Tee then dropped us off at Temple bar for a late night eat to cure are hunger before it was time to go in. We talked over pizza, a little in awe about how nice the locals here can be, and of course about the mini golf course itself, a fun challenging course in which we all shot over sixty in just fourteen holes!

More options of things to do include the West Baray, the largest land man made baray in Angkor, offers stunning views for a peaceful day away from the crowd. Siem Reap is also home to a military shooting range (30km out of town) where you can shoot nearly any gun you can think of, or even shoot a rocket launcher... into a cow if that's your kind of thing, though it will run you around $400! It used to be possible to throw a grenade, but unfortunately for safety reason the military has banned this. Fifty kilometres north of Angkor Wat also offers some beautiful waterfalls worth checking out, and just east of the city is a wildlife sanctuary, and south there is a floating village. Furthermore, hot air balloons and helicopter rides are also all available at flash packer prices. When you're bored of all that and you're lucky enough to stay somewhere with a pool, its time to relax! If not just head to Downtown Siem Reap hostel and use theirs for two bucks, but maybe you want to grab Swensens ice cream on the way!

This article is part of my new website http://www.Capturingendlesstravel.com here you can find more travel articles, my photo portfolio and a photo blog of my travels. Let me know what you think!

When in Cebu City, please visit http://www.gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs. Avail of the opportunity to own a condominium unit in Cebu City at the low amount of only P9,333.33 and House and Lot @ P 7,306.81/month only. Hurry while supply of units still last. Just call the Tel. Nos. shown herein: (053)555-84-64/09164422611/09173373687.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dylan_T_Wyer

Bhutan Tours: Explore A Hidden Paradise

By Panit Pong

Little over a generation ago, Bhutan tours didn't exist. This is because Bhutan is a nation fiercely proud of its traditions and it displayed the same unwillingness to communicate with the outside world as its powerful neighbour China. However, from 1974 onwards, international visitors have been allowed to enter the nation and have seen with their own eyes the beauty that is contained within. Now that the floodgates have well and truly opened, tens of thousands of tourists visit each year, a number that is rising rapidly. Yet it is a nation of many climates so when is the best time of year to take part in Bhutan tours?

Knowing The Climate

When it comes to visiting Mediterranean hotspots, climate is seen as all-important. When planning Bhutan tours, it is arguably even more critical such is the difference between climate and temperature during Bhutan's seasons and in the nation's various regions. For instance, January in the south of Bhutan greets guests with a lovely, temperate climate with temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius and relatively low rainfall. Contrast this with the north of the country at the same time where snowfall is so heavy that roads are often closed. This means you could potentially be stuck in an area of Bhutan where you have no access to the airport.

Here Comes The Rain Again!

While citizens of Western nations complain bitterly about the amount of rain they experience, the Bhutanese get on with daily life even during the monsoon season where 1,000mm of water can fall in the eastern hills over a 3 month period. Even the wettest winters in places like the UK and Australia look like minor inconveniences in comparison! The monsoon season traditionally hits in June and July which explains why it is cheaper to travel to Bhutan during this time of year. In most cases, you can expect a 20% discount when compared to travelling at peak times which tends to be from November to January. It is also worth noting that Paro airport has been known to cancel flights at this time of year due to poor visibility so bear this in mind when visiting during the monsoon period.

Winter of Content

While the autumn is the most common time of Bhutan tours to take place, there is a level of beauty and tranquility experienced in winter that is not always on offer in the autumn. While the north of the country can be inhospitable at this time, the south resembles a tropical paradise. As you would be staying in Bhutan outside of the traditional rush season, you could get to explore this wonderful nation without having to compete for the attentions of tour guides. The sooner you take advantage of this quiet period, the better because it is only a matter of time before the 'high season' extends in December, January and February.

Whether you book Bhutan tours for trekking or sightseeing, there is something in the country for everyone. It is another side of life that you will never see anywhere else so fly to Bhutan and relax as a different world operates around you.

When in Cebu City, please visit http://www.gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs. Avail of the opportunity to own a condominium unit in Cebu City at the low amount of only P9,333.33 and House and Lot @ P 7,306.81/month only. Hurry while supply of units still last. Just call the Tel. Nos. shown herein: (053)555-84-64/09164422611/09173373687.

If you would like to know more about Bhutan Travel please visit us athttp://www.bhutantourpackage.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Panit_Pong

New online booking: It’s more fun on underground river tour

By Jocelyn R. Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer

3:52 am | Tuesday, February 19th, 2013

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Travelers can now expect a smoother visit to the famous subterranean river in Puerto Princesa City with a new online booking system, a project launched by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in partnership with the local government.

MANILA, Philippines—Travelers from across the world can now expect a smoother visit to the country’s famous subterranean river in Puerto Princesa City with a new online booking system, a project launched by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in partnership with the local government.

In a statement issued Monday, the DOT said the online booking system was aimed at easing the traffic of tourists visiting the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) and avoiding confusion in securing permits from the PPUR office.

“Puerto Princesa City is a perfect example of a local government unit that works hand in hand with the national government,” said Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. in a statement on Monday.

“We in the department are enablers of tourism. The active participation on the ground is what makes things happen, as it is always done on the people’s behalf,” he said.

The DOT and the local government’s joint launch of the online booking system for the PPUR is just the beginning of their effort to implement measures that would help ensure that the world-famous attraction’s carrying capacity will not be compromised, said Jimenez.

Being named among the world’s new Seven Wonders of Nature last year, the 8.2-kilometer Palawan river has become a top tourism draw, recording an increase of 45 percent in arrivals since 2011, according to the DOT.

The tourism agency turned over the online booking system—which can be accessed through http://ppur.com.ph even by travel agencies all over the country and even abroad—to the city government on Feb. 7.

It noted that successful bookings will receive an e-mail notification, which will serve as a digital invoice that has to be printed and presented upon the visit to the PPUR.

For his part, Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn said he was optimistic the new system would result in “renewed fun” in the city and would help put in place a more efficient payment mode for visitors.

When in Cebu City, please visit http://www.gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs. Avail of the opportunity to own a condominium unit in Cebu City at the low amount of only P9,333.33 and House and Lot @ P 7,306.81/month only. Hurry while supply of units still last. Just call the Tel. Nos. shown herein: (053)555-84-64/09164422611/09173373687.

CAUGHT BETWEEN CORON IN PALAWAN AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA

The whole time I found myself on this enchanting island, either I was caught between two worlds or I was in two worlds at the same time.

By Alvin Bulaong Cruz

To kick off the Year of the Water Snake, I joined a three-day backpacking tour of Coron Island in Palawan organized by travel blogger James Betia. I'm not the superstitious type, nor do I practice Chinese astrology, but call it serendipity, or a fortuitous circumstance, that my first major tour of the year took place in Palawan's pristine waters off the coastal town of Coron.

A Tale of Two Worlds

This being my first time to explore Coron, I was puzzled at first with names and geography of this northernmost part of Palawan. And why not, Coron is both the name of Busuanga Island's largest town and the name of a smaller island just a short distance from the shores. But the similarity ends there, because the moment I set foot on Coron Island, I knew that these two namesakes are virtually worlds apart.

In fact, the whole time I was here, either I was caught between two worlds or I was in two worlds at once.

Upon arriving at Busuanga airport, I had the feeling I might have boarded the wrong plane as there was not a single trace of any body of water in sight. Instead, I saw hills and valleys, ranches with cattle and orchards with mango trees all the way from the airport to Coron town. Some time later, I discovered that it was a scenic 30-minute ride to the gateway to paradise.

A Cold Night at the Hot Springs

I arrived at Coron town at sunset and late for the day's first itinerary which was climbing Mt. Tapyas, where a big cross stands on its peak. I was told that the group I was supposed to tour with was already on Mt. Tapyas, most likely watching the sunset. When I arrived at the foot of the mountain, I caught only the last vestiges of the vanished sun.

But my first day in Coron was far from over. As soon as I met the tour leader and my four other travel companions on Mt. Tapyas, we boarded a tricycle and headed for Maquinit Hot Springs, about a kilometer away from the town proper. With two pools of hot and natural spring water in which we soaked our exhausted bodies, Maquinit Hot Springs is the perfect ending to an almost perfect first day of my Coron adventure.

Open Sea, Hidden Lake

Early the next day, I woke up to a lovely sunrise seen from the wharf where our lodging was located. After a breakfast of fried danggit, fried eggs and rice, we boarded a boat for the much-awaited Coron Island tour.

The Coron Island Loop usually consists of a tour around smaller islands which include Kayangan Lake, The Twin Peaks Reef, Siete Pecados, the Twin Lagoons, and a number of white sandy beaches.

But since we were backpackers (a.k.a. budget travelers), we concentrated on two of the most awesome spots on Coron Island: the Kayangan Lake and the Skeleton Shipwreck. This way, we saved not only money but also time to savor every moment on the island.

Dubbed the cleanest lake in the country, Kayangan Lake is enclosed by rocky mountain walls that look like fortresses of old. To get there, you have to climb up a steep trail, then climb down until a view of the crystal-clear lake emerges out of the blue. Upon reaching the peak of the trail, hold your breath as you find yourself caught between the open sea and the hidden lake. This is also one of the most-photographed spots in Coron island, with a bird's eye view of a magnificent rock that seems to embody and capture the spirit of the island.

“Stranded” on Shipwreck Island

After swimming and snorkelling at Kayangan Lake, our group headed for an island known as the Skeleton Wreck, so called because it was on these shores where a number of Japanese ships were sunk by American warplanes during World War II.

By the time we reached the island, dark clouds had veiled the sky and torrential rains had begun to pour, adding an eerie mood to our shipwreck-viewing experience. It was as if we were stranded on an island after a shipwreck.

Before sailing back to town, we stopped at Coron Youth Club Beach to chill out with cold beers and chips, and do our jump shot on the fine white sand. As I stood there gazing at the sea and sky, I noticed that the beach offered a 180-degree view of endless mountain range surrounding the beach. In countless moments during this journey, I couldn't help but be in awe of the unique diversity of Coron's natural wonders.

An Island's Refuge

Just like the day before, we split our last day's itinerary on Coron Island into morning and afternoon island getaways. First, we decided to enjoy the morning sun swimming at another major Coron attraction — the Twin Lagoons, which are separated by a thin rock wall through which you can swim to reach the other lagoon.

To enter the smaller lagoon is to enter a refuge made of towering and age-old limestone cliffs. The turquoise waters are clear but deep, and at the far end of the lagoon one can see a small house on stilts, apparently owned by the Tagbanuas, the indigenous tribe and original settlers of the island. Above, swiftlets, or balinsasayaw, flew back and forth, watching over this peaceful sanctuary.

Finally, the group ended the Coron quest as they began--climbing the 720 steps of Mt. Tapyas to catch the evanescent sunset over Coron Island. Yes, I made it through the sunset this time, and oh what glorious sunset it was! Indeed, to view the sunset on the summit of Mt. Tapyas is to reach this journey's crowning glory.

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Cave tourism: The next adventure attraction in Northern Samar

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LAS NAVAS, Northern Samar—If you feel like being a caver just for a day, kit yourself out with a lighted helmet, a jumpsuit and boots, and prepare to descend into the entrails of Northern Samar tourist caves.

This could be a chance for you to do far more than simply go on a sightseeing trip and enables you to personally see stone forests, amazing underground cathedrals and discover the secrets of these show caves.

Cave tourism, among many types of ecotourism, has gained popularity now in the Philippines particularly in Samar provinces where the country’s biggest caves can be found.

Compared to other outdoor gigs, like mountaineering or scuba diving, caving seduces tourists with its set of dangers, mysteries and thrills.

And this town invites you, dares you, to discover them yourself.

Next month, the local tourism office will offer a cave tour and river cruise which will feature the town’s best kept secrets - the famous KM3 Caves and Pinipisakan Falls.

KM3 Caves in Las Navas, Northern Samar (Contributed photo)

The province backed up the initiative of a local adventure group called Laoang Spelunkers Club in hosting the first-ever Northern Samar Cave Congress on March 1 and 2 highlighting the enchanting caves, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, old churches, culture and festivals.

Local caver Jerome Amante Deananeas, one of the organizers, said that as of today, around 60 domestic tourists have confirmed joining the event.

Pinipisakan Falls in Las Navas, Northern Samar (Contributed photo)

“For a minimal fee of only P350, one will be given a souvenir shirt and enjoy trekking, mountain climbing, cave explorations, water sports plus informative lectures on Basic Caving and Safety, Cave Formations and Geology, Environmental Protection and other sports tourism topics,” Deananeas said.

“Cave tourism in the country is still quite young,” Deananeas said arguing that gatherings like this also teach them to learn good practices and promotes the tourism industry.

Caving, he said, could be more “technically demanding” compared to other sports as it needs skills, endurance tests.

Inside a cave, “you get to feel how small you are in the scheme of things. There would be times when you won’t even see the walls or the ceiling but only the small space around your body. The fear factor is higher and the prize is undeniably very rewarding.”

Livelihood

Aside from this event, local residents served as “tour guides” offer cave tours with add-ons, such as river-cruise, catering meals, souvenirs and home stay services.

Local folks living near the Pinipisakan Falls were turned from a mere farmer into guides, boatmen into engaging story-tellers, plain housewives into skilled cooks and souvenir-makers.

Pinipisakan Falls is a series of star-like waterfalls and a multi-layered cascading attraction located 15 kilometers away from the town of Las Navas. KM3 Cave or Ginagatusan Caves and its subterranean natural pool are the main attractions of the area and are only accessible by motor boats.

To get into these spots, one may take one hour river cruise and three kilometers trek that involves negotiating very steep trails, narrow dirt roads in single file.

In 2007, the province and its islets have been declared by the Tourism department as Eco Tourism Zone. Few years later, recreational activities and tourism-related businesses flourished in the province. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)

When in Cebu City, please visit http://www.gregmelep.com for your real estate and retirement needs. Avail of the opportunity to own a condominium unit in Cebu City at the low amount of only P9,333.33 and House and Lot @ P 7,306.81/month only. Hurry while supply of units still last. Just call the Tel. Nos. shown herein: (053)555-84-64/09164422611/09173373687.