The following guide will also list out the best places for first timers to visit in the island where the sweetest mangoes lie.

Mango plantation

Why you should visit Guimaras

Guimaras island is famous for producing the sweetest mangoes in the world. Located in the Panay Gulf, between the islands of Panay and Negros, there are over 50,000 mango trees planted in this island and its mangoes are reportedly served at the White House and Buckingham Palace.

Getting there

There is no direct flight to Guimaras. If you’re coming from Manila, take a direct flight to Iloilo. From Iloilo, ride a jeepney or a taxi going to Iloilo City harbor (Ortiz Wharf), and then take a 15-minute pump boat ride going to Jordan Wharf, Guimaras which is the main port of entry in Guimaras.

A pump boat ride costs PHP 14 (around $0.35 or less) as of 2013. Buenavista is another port of entry to Guimaras, although some said it’s quite expensive to tour around there and not recommended for first timers.

Read more…

How to get to Mt. Batulao

Via Bus

Take a bus that is bound to Nasugbu – Lemery. Drop off point is Evercrest Golf Course in Lemery, Batangas. Just tell the conductor that you’ll be going to Mt. Batulao then they’ll know that already. Travel time is roughly 2 to 3 hours.

Once you get to Evercrest, you can either walk or take a tricycle going to the jump-off point which is PHP 20.00 per head. In our case, since we ran out of budget (Jam Liner conductors fooled us and dropped us at the other side of Batangas), we have to walk from Evercrest going to the jump-off point.

Via Car

Follow the route to Tagatay until you see Evercrest.

Violet – Mt. Batulao; B mark – Evercrest Golf Club

Things to Bring

For day hikers

•  1.5 to 2 L of water
• Energy drinks (Pocari Sweat or Gatorade)
• Hiking or trekking shoes. Sandals aren’t recommended. It’s very dusty.
• Sun protection (hats, sun block, headgear, sunglasses)
• Hiking gloves (optional but recommended)
• Food (Snack and Lunch)
• Picnic mat
• Huge size Umbrella (optional if you don’t have tent)

For ones who will stay overnight

• Tent of course
• Cooking equipment
• Prepare PHP 30.00 per head for the camping fee

Read more…

Patar White Sand Beach: A great location for those who are dreaming to be a model lol

Bolinao isn’t really a popular destination for those who aren’t from northern part of the Philippines for which had made it lovingly called, “The Hidden Jewel of the North.”

Now if you’re looking to see on traveling to Bolinao as your next beach bumming adventure destination but kind of lost and doesn’t know where to begin, how to get there, things to do, or where to stay, then I created this comprehensive Travel Guide for you.

How to get to Bolinao

Via bus (from Cubao or Pasay)

There are 3 major bus line companies which cater passengers going to Bolinao, Pangasinan. Mainly, they are Victory Liner (Cubao Q.C. terminal), FiveStar Bus Inc. (Pasay City terminal), and Dagupan Bus Line (Cubao Q.C. terminal). They offer day and night trips and you can book on ordinary (nonair-con) or air-conditioned bus. Read more…

El Nido Travel Guide Series:
17 important things to know when traveling to El Nido
How to Travel Cheap in El Nido: Budget & Expenses
How to get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa: Bus & vans list
How to get to El Nido from Coron: List of fastcraft ferry boats
Where to Stay: Cheapest Accommodations in El Nido
Where to Eat in El Nido: List of restaurants, bars, and places to eat (soon)
Things to Bring when Island Hopping

Personal recommendations and suggestions:
Transportation services: Eulen Joy or RORO bus
Travel & Tour Booking Office: Servant Tours (for island hopping and inland tours)

Suggested DIY El Nido Itineraries:
My El Nido Travel Itinerary and Expenses (6D/5N)
Sample 3D/2N, 4D/3N, and 5D/4N El Nido Itinerary

El Nido Tours Information:
Travel & Tour Booking Office: Servant Tours
Island Hopping: Tour A, Tour B (soon), and Tour C
Inland Tours ( Tour E): Nacpan and Calitang Beach, Makinit Hotspring, Nagkalit-kalit waterfalls and Ille Cave (soon), Taraw Cliff Climbing (soon)

Simple things to try in El Nido:

• Buy fresh coconut juice when in 7 Commando Beach
• Do not limit yourself in cheap eateries or carinderias when dining; try nice restaurants like Art Café, Sea Slugs, Balay Tubay, etc. to name a few
• Catch the nice view of sunset from Corong-Corong Bay or Calaan
• Try fresh fruit shakes (avocado or mango) from JM’s Fruit Stand near Squidos (town proper)

If you found my blog helpful in planning your itineraries, please consider buying me a beer!

How to Travel Cheap in El Nido? You might find this post useful when traveling to El Nido.

The Secret Lagoon, part of Tour A

Most people think that traveling to El Nido costs too much. If you’re one of them, let me show you a comprehensive budget guide which includes expenses and price breakdowns when traveling to El Nido which may help you believe that traveling in this beautiful bliss is indeed affordable.

Transportation

Flying to Puerto Princesa is the usual way for travelers to get to El Nido.  It is important to contact the transportation office to reserve for your seat. Reservations can be made a day before your flight or 2 to 3 hours before the ride. Read more…