Hike Climb Dive Puerto Galera

My views and understanding of Puerto Galera has changed when our team went there some few weeks ago. Some of my friends wouldn't recommend a trip to Galera because of the bumpy boat ride from Batangas pier to the island. And I was able to experience it when our team went to Galera for our Christmas 2014 trip. I enjoyed the ride though it's risky for those who are not as adventurous as me.

I was assigned to book our accommodation so I made it a point that it will be affordable for the team. Hotels near white beach are tempting but not budget friendly for us who are just going to stay there for a night. Good thing I've found one that has good value for money thru metrodeal.com. We stayed in Lucky Five Garden house- it is a residential house turned into a mini dorm. They have a free shuttle service to and from the guest house. I guess they partnered with Father & Son shipping lines, it's the company name of the boat we boarded from Batangas. The fee per person includes free breakfast for only Php600 but of course you'd get a discount if you travel by group.

@Lucky Five Garden house

We took advantage of one of their land tours and activities that they offered after lunch. Our group headed first to Tukuran Falls. The drive was quiet long but it's all worth it. I certainly enjoyed the hike as our tour guide made us walk for approximately 20 minutes (but I'm guessing 'twas more than 20) as we crossed 4 rivers and climbed through those big rocks just to see the very scenic Tukuran waterfalls. The experience took me down memory lane as I remembered my partner and I journey to Telaga Tujuh in Langkawi island four years ago. Our group also passed by at the hanging bridge and the Tamarraw falls on our way back and took some photos as souvenir.

The night life in the island is in what they called 'white beach'. It is the part of the island where you can see a lot of bars that offers their famous Mindoro sling. Lots of souvenir shops are also in white beach.

We had the best night after we exchanged gifts, bought some souvenirs and headed home tired but happy:-] Merry Christmas team!

Crossing one of the rivers going to Tukuran falls

Welcome to Tukuran falls-a hidden paradise!

My poster perfect photo of the trip. Do you agree?

Photo credits: Jonnathan Autor & Paula Navarro

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Revisiting the Yesteryears in Vigan

I have been planning to visit Vigan City with my son since last year but because it's raining almost every day in November, I decided to just postponed the trip and look forward to the next year.

So when Thanksgiving day of November 2014 came, my son and I are happily whizzing around the City of Vigan. The long wait is finally over! Since I've been to other UNESCO heritage cities in the South East Asia (Penang and Melaka), I was truly looking forward to see Vigan and its historic wonders. The City declared as New 7 Wonders Cities of the World at 3:00 AM Philippine time on December 8, 2014.

The bus trip from Manila to Vigan will last for 7 up to 8 hours. We traveled during the night (8pm departure time from Partas Bus Co. in Cubao) and arrived there at around 4am. I've been reading a lot of blogs to get good suggestions about how to go there, where to eat and of course the must see before our trip or should I say I have those information saved in my iPod notes since last year.

It was still early morning when we arrived in Vigan so we stopped by near Vigan Cathedral where you can also see the city hall. After breakfast, my son wanted to ride the 'kalesa' so we rented one to go around Vigan. You can see a lot of them parked just outside the Cathedral. We headed to Bantay bell tower first which according to Manong- the kalesa driver, the late actor Fernando Poe Jr shot one of the Panday movie scenes in that historic tower. You can also climb the tower to see the view of Vigan. Just outside the tower grounds is the very impressive St Agustine Church which looks modern outside but it's noted to be a very old church once you get to see the structures inside. We also visited Baluarte to see the Governor's tiger and of course walked around its cobbled streets- Calle Crisologo - considered as the major attraction with its pre-war beauty and old Spanish houses and shops. We never failed to try their famous empanada and watched how they make one from scratch until it's served and ready to eat. We also tasted the best of Ilokano dishes like their pinakbet (one of the best one so far) and longganisa at Kusina Felicitas for our dinner.

Calle Crisologo just in time for sunrise

front of St Augustine Church

Bantay bell tower

Featuring my infamous photo of the trip. Can  you guess where is this in Vigan?

UNESCO marker at night

We concluded our trip by watching the spectacular dancing fountain show (photo above). 'Twas really one of the grandest I've ever seen throughout my entire travel life here in the Philippines. The show is one of the things that would make me go back to Vigan again.


Have you been to Vigan? Share your stories and photo of the trip below.

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