at the tip of my tongue . . .

Prepare yourself for a trails worth the view: Hulugan Falls

Hulugan Falls is one of the tallest falls in Laguna province which is located in the municipality of Luisiana. According to its history, Hulugan Falls has been a gem among locals until it became popular on social media accounts such as Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram in the past decade. Hulugan Falls has a height of 235 feet or 71 meters high. It was said that the falls were named Hulugan due to the weird time when a carabao fall down to the falls because of the strong water currents.

As of today, Hulugan Falls is one of the most visited places in the province of Laguna. It attracts thousands of tourists every year due to its majestic cascading water and irresistible charm. It is just three hours away from Metro Manila and because of that, it can be visited within a day. In addition, tourist and visitors have a chance to chase not only one falls but three waterfalls. The other two nearby falls are namely Talay Falls and Hidden Falls. So if you want to enjoy the beauty of nature and release stress through sightseeing, hiking and swimming then add Hulugan Falls to your day tour travel bucket list.

( https://hiketomountains.com/hulugan-falls-luisiana-laguna-travel-guide/ )

Within the town of Luisiana, Laguna is another majestic falls that you will be really be entertained: Aliw Falls

Aliw Falls turned out to be a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall about 25 meters tall and 30 meters wide. The catch basin is relatively deep and the surrounding rocks are slippery; only experienced swimmers can safely bath here. One can also climb the rocks on the left to get to the top of Aliw for an interesting point of view. 

( https://shoestringdiary.wordpress.com/2016/02/21/aliw-falls-amused-by-luisianas-gem-of-a-waterfall/ )

Get wet and enjoy the hike!

Another great spot in Tanay, Rizal, a hill not only for lovers but for family as well.

Lambingan Hills!

Lambingan Hills is a pure nature inspired attraction which is located in Sitio Maysawa, Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal. It offers panoramic views of the Sierra Madre mountain range and Laguna de Bay. Lambingan Hills is owned by a private family and it opened in the year 2018.

Lambingan Hills is two hours away from Manila. Because of its proximity to Manila, it is a great travel destination from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Visitors and tourists can experience a peaceful relaxation, perfect chill and peace of mind. It is a perfect getaway for nature tripping,  and camping with your kids, family, friends, and partners in life. ( https://hiketomountains.com/lambingan-hills-tanay-rizal-guide/ )

Bring your jackets and love ones . . .

For more details:

Just with my reach, almost 3 hours motor ride from home Treasure Mountain in Tanay, Rizal

Treasure Mountain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tanay, Rizal. It is located in Sitio Maysawa, Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal. Treasure Mountain has an elevation of 505 meters above sea level. The place is well known for its magnificent sea of clouds and a superb view of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. Officially known as Treasure Mountain Educational Campsite, this large private property offers an ideal place for a quick weekend vacation and for a quick escape from the busy city life. Treasure Mountain was opened in the year 2017.

According to locals, the mountain was named as such because it purposely aims to give the visitors or guests the lasting experience and moments that they will treasure endlessly. Nothing beats an adventure spent with people you treasure the most. Moreover, Treasure Mountain aims to create your own beautiful story. Unfolding each day into a moment that can never be truly described. The name may be common yet its true intention exceeds what may seem conventional. A place where wonderful creations seem effortlessly within reach. ( https://hiketomountains.com/treasure-mountain-tanay-rizal-guide/ )

An overnight stay is highly recommended.

For more details:

photo credit: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/cau-vang-bridge-vietnam

The Golden Bridge (Vietnamese: Cầu Vàng) is a 150-metre-long (490 ft) pedestrian bridge in the Bà Nà Hills resort, near Da Nang, Vietnam.It is designed to connect the cable car station with the gardens (avoiding a steep incline)[ and to provide a scenic overlook and tourist attraction. The bridge loops nearly back around to itself, and has two giant stone hands (constructed of fibreglass and wire mesh) designed to appear to support the structure. (wikipedia).

Before the lockdown this year, i was here with my friends, unfortunately, it very cloudly and the bridge is in high fog.

the visit was in mid february so it was still extremely cold up there, aside from the rain every now and then.  but this does not stop me from exploring the site.

aside from the flower garden, they also have a theme park for the kids . . .

upon exiting the park, one can still enjoy sceneries . . .

but what really makes this visit memorable is a chance to see the mountains of da nang with their cable car!

The municipality of Calatagan occupies an entire peninsula that juts out into the Verde Island Passage, which is at the center of the ecologically important Coral Triangle and described by a 2007 Smithsonian Institute study as the “center of the center” of the world’s marine biodiversity. The passage and the surrounding islands are notable for its high concentration of marine species. In Calatagan, you don’t need to go far to see it. Hiding in its shallow waters are sea stars, crabs and fishes. Its reefs nurture a multitude of marine lifeforms, from corals to turtles to sharks, all playing a vital role in the environment.(https://www.thepoortraveler.net/)

see: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/05/calatagan-batangas-beach-resort-itinerary/

i have already posted the beaches in the area but one should visit the starfish island and sandbar . . .

enjoy the floating cottages, one can spend the whole duration of the sandbar . . .

at the tip of my tongue . . . turned 6 today!

more places to visit . . .

more experiences to be with . . .

Tangub City is located at the southern part of the province of Misamis Occidental, forming a D-shape. It is bounded by Mt. malindang in the north, Ozamiz City in the east, Panguil Bay in the south and the municipality of Bonifacio in the west (https://philippinescities.com/)

Known as  the Christmas Symbols Capital of Mindanao but i did not experience it as my visit always fall not in season, anyway, see this link for details : 

https://www.rappler.com/1003-x/shareph/192124-photos-christmas-around-world-tangub-misamis-occidental

aside from this, the place also offers a lot of mountainous sceneries . . .

Hoyohoy Highlands, please see: 

https://web.facebook.com/HoyohoyStoneChapel/?_rdc=1&_rdr

something new to see up there in the highlands . . .

this place is so popular when i was still young as many residents from nearby town visit this place every summer . . .

After undergoing rehabilitation back in 2014 and reopening the following year, Hinulugang Taktak remains a favorite weekend getaway for Filipinos. Located in Rizal, it’s accessible to the urban center and new attractions have been added to encourage tourists to visit and relax by the beautiful waterfalls.(https://windowseat.ph)

There are still more attractions under construction when i got to the place but still the place offers a very special views not so common in a highly urbanized setting such as this city.

for a very minimal fees, everyone can enjoy the falls we only heard from a famous song . . .

Ozamiz is close to Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte provinces, while across the bay is Lanao del Norte. While in the area, i decided to explore going back to Manila via Cagayan de Oro by land . . . From Ozamiz City, i took a roro boat to the first town in Lanao del Norte, from there, you can ride a bus or van directly to CDO but i decided to proceed to Tubod for their famous bananas.

my route goes . . . ozamiz city . . . tubod, lanao del norte . . . iligan city . . . cagayan de oro.

while in ozamiz city . . .

Cotta Fort Santiago – An Old Spanish Port built in 1707 to protect this region from marauding pirates, it is only a few meters from the wharf. The Kota has a miraculous growing image of the Virgin Mary and has been the object of pilgrims in this part of Mindanao. (misocc.gov.ph).

Unfortunately, we i got there, the site is under renovation but i still manage to get some good photos in and out before crossing the sea.

When in lanao del norte . . .

but like i said, tubod is famous for their bananas, but, not in season so, i have this left . . .

from tubod, there are UV express heading to Iligan City then bus to CDO.

Known as Luzon Datum of 1911 or Station Balanacan, this piece of stone marker is located on top of a hill that locals call Mataas na Bundok or Mt. Mataas in Barangay Hinanggayon, town of Mogpog. It is the primary geodetic reference or origin of all geological surveys in the Philippines which means all maps and surveys made in the country use the Luzon Datum as reference point.

Although there were arguments that the datum should be at Romblon Island and not in Marinduque, Station Balanacan is still the official and recognized datum by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority(NAMRIA), the central mapping agency of the Philippines.(https://www.lakwatsero.com/)

Beating the 5pm closing of the site, i still manage to see the site the province is known for . . .

sceneries while up there . . .

a must photoshoot since you are in the province . . .

Marinduque is called "The Heart of the Philippine Islands" as the shape of the provincial island is similar to that of a human heart. Its location on the arrangement of the archipelago is also similar to the anatomy of where the heart is, in the human body. (wikipedia.com)

Elephant Island is one of the mesmerizing small islets dotting the seas of Marinduque. It is also surrounded by sheer cliffs with half-kilometer of long beach of white sand and crushed corals. The beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.(vigattintourism.com)

tres reyes islands . . .

The Tres Reyes Islands — Melchor, Baltazar, and Gaspar (the biggest) — sit off the coast of Gasan in Marinduque. The islands have soft sand and blue waters where you can spend a couple of hours taking photos, swimming, and beach bumming.(www.philippinebeaches.org).

Luckily, i was able to cross the sea to he nearest island, Gaspar . . .

poctoy white beach

Said to be having the finest beach in Marinduque, Poctoy recieves thousands of visitors every year who have come to marvel at this tropical paradise and enjoy in its endless variety of beach activities that will leave everyone happy and satisfied and coming back for more.

The Poctoy White Beach is located in Barangay Poctoy within the municipality of Torrijos. It is one of the finest beaches on the Marinduque mainland and is surrounded by clean clear water.  Warm, happy locals always welcome the curious visitor. The area is also a hangout for the local community, where you can spend the night singing karaoke or talk and meet the locals. Not only is it a social area, but it also doubles as a small market area in the day. You can purchase the latest catch from the fishermen, buy products from the different shops and stalls and just relax in one of several resorts in the area (www.vigattintourism.com).

Stayed overnight, accommodation is really expensive for whatever reason they have but the place is very serene. During my visit, few tourist  is in the area so it makes me feel more private.

Siargao is an island located off the northeastern coast of Mindanao. It is within the jurisdiction of Surigao Del Norte province, and composed of nine municipalities: Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica and Socorro. Around the main island are smaller islands, included as part of the Siargao Group.

Siargao is known today as a surfing mecca, a place where thrill-seekers the world over gather to ride the waves. For the local population, however, Siargao is their simple, non-assuming hometown, with vast swaths of coconut farms, thick mangroves, and secluded coves.(thepoortraveler.net)

ive been really looking forward to see this island province down north on mindanao, medyo costly ang destination so when i have this opportunity to convert our incentive to a tour package- here i come!

The island is a relatively sheltered surfing destination until around the early 2010s, when word of the island’s majestic waves exploded in the surfing world. Today, surfing culture is pretty much a staple in the island. This is particularly true in General Luna, where the island’s best waves can be found.(thepoortraveler.net)

but of course, i ended watching the surfers enjoy the waves, as much as i want, i cant surf, sad! so i just enjoyed walking in the cloud 9 boardwalk.

anyway, the place does not offer surfing only, it has a lot more . . .  island hopping!

there are three islands nearest General Luna: Guyam Island, Daku Island, and Naked Island.

Naked Island is so named its lack of… trees. It is a sizeable sandbar that draws dozens of tourists who’s keen for a quick stopover before going home. Its barren features in the middle of the sea makes it seem like a reverse oasis of sorts.(thepoortraveler.net)

Daku Island is the largest of the three islands, and is a whole barangay in itself. It is primarily a fishing village with cottages lined up along the coast. (thepoortraveler.net)

Guyam Island is a small, circular island, i made it my last stop in the three-island tour. It has two distinct sides: one side is rocky with strong currents, while the sandy side is more serene. Smiling ladies with a small box will greet you and cheerfully let you know there’s a fee once you set foot on the island. If you’re not sure what island you’re in, the large letters spelling GUYAM might be a nice indicator. (thepoortraveler.net)

aside from this unique islands nearby, there’s  magpupungko!

Magpupungko boasts a unique coastal formation that makes it an attractive and worthwhile alternative to the surfing spots. During low tide, the receding coastline reveals natural pools perfect for some leisurely swimming. It’s an all-natural infinity pool, so to speak.

But the pools are not the only peculiar feature of Magpupungko. Also part of the attraction is the eponymous Magpupungko rock, a huge boulder that serves as the place’s natural monument. If the tides are low, tread a little bit further and you’ll see the rock sitting there like a gentle giant guarding the coast.(thepoortraveler.net)

other spots in the island . . .  accomodations

an organized night spots and gigs . . .

and souvenirs. . . .

it was really a check in my bucketlist!

more booth photos to see . . . 

a celebration of coconut products in the province of quezon, an annual event showcasing the best of the province.

a must see during the event is the coconut based booth local products participated by different municipalities . . .