See complete photo album: Baler, Aurora: Morning Kayak (March 27, 2011)
Baler: Sunrise at Baler
I am a big fan of sunrise and the beach is one of the best spots to capture such moments. Sabang Beach in Baler is one of my favorite places to watch the sunrise: blue sky, golden reflection on ocean waves, and black sand.
See complete photo album: Baler, Aurora: Sunrise at Baler (March 27, 2011)
Baler: Dinner at Bahia de Baler Bar & Grill
For dinner, we sampled dishes at the Bahia de Baler Bar & Grill. We ordered Chicken Adobo sa Gata and Beef Salpicao. Both went well with plain rice. After dinner, we had some drinks at the cocktail bar. Here is a link to Bahia Bar and Grill Menu.
See complete photo album: Baler, Aurora: Dinner at Bahia de Baler (March 26, 2011)
Baler: Lunch at Bay's Inn
Prior to our trip to Baler, I read online that the ensaladang paco (fern salad) is a "must-try" in Baler. As soon as we got seated at Bay's Inn restaurant, I immediately searched for the said salad on the menu. It was served with tomatoes and onions. We also ordered for pancit and fried chicken. The pancit tasted it was prepared with coconut milk, which made it a little creamy and sweet. The fried chicken was deliciously crispy and perfectly paired with the ensaladang paco.
See complete photo album: Baler, Aurora: Lunch at Bay's Inn (March 26, 2011)
Baler: Sabang Beach
After a 5 minute tricycle ride from Baler bus terminal, we finally arrived at Sabang beach. We checked-in at Aliya Surf Camp, left our stuff in our room, and went straight to the beach area.
Though not blessed with white sand, Baler's Sabang beach still has a lot to offer than most white sand beaches. The constant waves coming in from the Pacific Ocean are perfect for surfing, which in fact made Baler a favorite destination for surfers.
Baler's wide shoreline offers endless opportunities for beach sand activities and sports; from jogging or cycling, to kite flying or volleyball.
Or you can just simply relax and enjoy the cool Pacific breeze. You can have a refreshing drink in one of the restaurants along the beach, or go for a leisurely walk.
You don't need to become a surfer to fall in love with Baler. Sabang beach is truly unique and has become one of my favorite destinations for a weekend beach escape.
See complete photo album: Baler, Aurora: Sabang Beach (March 26, 2011)
How to get to Baler from Cubao
Genesis Transport is currently the only bus company that serves the Manila-Baler route. It is a 6-7 hour trip with two short stops in Nueva Ecija. Genesis has two type of buses, the Joy Bus, a 2x1 seater deluxe bus, and the regular 2x2 seater air-conditioned bus. For a more comfortable ride, we highly recommend the Joy Bus as it has reclining seats and spacious leg room.
If you are planning to take the first trip, make sure to be at the terminal at least one hour before the scheduled departure time as the first trip bus can easily get full, as early as 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
We got the chance to take a nap while the bus plied the NLEX and SCTEX. The bus took the Tarlac Exit at the northern end of SCTEX and turned right along the Tarlac-Santa Rosa Road heading to the direction of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. The bus will make its first short 15-minute stop at the Cabanatuan Central Terminal, allowing the passengers to use the restrooms and grab some snacks.
Back on the road, the bus then headed to the direction of Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija where it would ascend the Sierra Madre, a mountain range that separates the plains of Central Luzon to the coastal Province of Aurora. Though sleepy, we tried to stay awake during this ascend as it offered a unique opportunity to view the Pantabangan Lake. The lake is a man-made lake which resulted from the construction of the Pantabangan Dam, flooding the Pampanga River. We will definitely plan a future trip to the Pantabangan Lake where we heard is a good place for freshwater fishing.
ascending the Sierra Madre with a view over Pantabangan Lake
The bus made its second and final stop in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija. This stop is longer in duration compared to the first stop in Cabanatuan City. There's clean toilet available for passengers (no fee). There's also a small canteen that serves home-cooked meals. We bought grilled hotdogs on stick. There's also a lady that sells tupig (a must try).
From Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, the bus entered the municipality of Alfonso Castañeda, in the province of Nueva Vizcaya. This was the last municipality before we reached the province of Aurora. One remarkable sight in Alfonso Castañeda was the Canili-Diayo Dam. The Canili-Diayo Dam bypass road was originally constructed as a two-lane road, but access was restricted to one vehicle at a time to protect the dam from deterioration. A number of humps were also placed on the road to prevent vehicles from speeding.
bus crossing the Canili-Diayo Dam bypass road
After Alfonso Castañeda, we were finally in the province of Aurora. The bus passed through the municipality of Maria Aurora before reaching Baler. Tricycles were lined up at the Baler Bus Terminal to transport passengers around the town. Tricycle fare ranges between Php20.00 to Php30.00 per trip depending on your destination.
Cubao to Baler (departure time)
Genesis Transport
704 EDSA Corner New York St., Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines 1109
Tel: 421-1425, 421-1422, 421-1413
www.genesistransport.com.ph
 |
| www.genesistransport.com.ph |
If you are planning to take the first trip, make sure to be at the terminal at least one hour before the scheduled departure time as the first trip bus can easily get full, as early as 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
We got the chance to take a nap while the bus plied the NLEX and SCTEX. The bus took the Tarlac Exit at the northern end of SCTEX and turned right along the Tarlac-Santa Rosa Road heading to the direction of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. The bus will make its first short 15-minute stop at the Cabanatuan Central Terminal, allowing the passengers to use the restrooms and grab some snacks.
 |
| Genesis Bus parked at the Cabanatuan Bus Terminal |
ascending the Sierra Madre with a view over Pantabangan Lake
The bus made its second and final stop in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija. This stop is longer in duration compared to the first stop in Cabanatuan City. There's clean toilet available for passengers (no fee). There's also a small canteen that serves home-cooked meals. We bought grilled hotdogs on stick. There's also a lady that sells tupig (a must try).
 |
| Genesis Bus stopover at Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija |
bus crossing the Canili-Diayo Dam bypass road
After Alfonso Castañeda, we were finally in the province of Aurora. The bus passed through the municipality of Maria Aurora before reaching Baler. Tricycles were lined up at the Baler Bus Terminal to transport passengers around the town. Tricycle fare ranges between Php20.00 to Php30.00 per trip depending on your destination.
Genesis Transport: Trip Schedule and Fare
Updated as of: May 1, 2013
Cubao to Baler (departure time)
| Joy Bus Deluxe (P700.00) | Air-conditioned Bus (P450.00) |
| 12:30 AM 01:30 AM 02:30 AM |
02:30 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM last trip |
Genesis Transport
704 EDSA Corner New York St., Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines 1109
Tel: 421-1425, 421-1422, 421-1413
www.genesistransport.com.ph
Carmen: Choco Complex
After our late lunch at Danao Adventure Park, we were again on the road to our next travel destination, the Choco Complex located in the municipality of Carmen. This is probably the most popular chocolate hills viewing deck in Bohol. Almost all of the postcards featuring the chocolate hills are photos taken from this travel spot. This is because the area has the highest concentration of the hills.
The viewing deck itself is situated on top of a chocolate hill. An access road is constructed spiraling the hill for cars to reach the complex's parking lot, the drop off point for visitors.
How we went there (and back)
Carmen Choco Complex is easily accessible from Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol, through rented vans or cars. At present, it is nearly impossible to travel around Bohol through public transportation. A small group can hire a car with driver. For bigger groups, there are also vans available for rent. Rate varies depending on the number of destinations or duration of the trip.
I recommend our tourist driver, Mr. Roque Alo. You may contact him at 0948-606-2199 or 0932-140-9699 for quotations on your travel plans
The viewing deck itself is situated on top of a chocolate hill. An access road is constructed spiraling the hill for cars to reach the complex's parking lot, the drop off point for visitors.
Visitors will have to pay an entrance fee of Php50 per person at the complex's office beside the parking lot. To reach the viewing deck, one has to climb 214 steps up the hill.
In between the steps are benches where you could seat, pause, catch your breath or take photos.
Once you reach the viewing deck, you will have a 360 degree view of the chocolate hills.
How we went there (and back)
Carmen Choco Complex is easily accessible from Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol, through rented vans or cars. At present, it is nearly impossible to travel around Bohol through public transportation. A small group can hire a car with driver. For bigger groups, there are also vans available for rent. Rate varies depending on the number of destinations or duration of the trip.
I recommend our tourist driver, Mr. Roque Alo. You may contact him at 0948-606-2199 or 0932-140-9699 for quotations on your travel plans
Danao: Danao Adventure Park: Suislide
From Sagbayan Peak, it was a 50-minute drive to reach Danao Adventure Park, located in the municipality of Danao. It wasn't an easy drive, majority of the road is not cemented, but only covered with ground limestone. The rain created mud-holes on the rode, making the trip extra challenging.
Finally by 11:15am, we reached our destination. Entrance fee to the park is Php25 per person, plus Php10 for car entrance. Our group tried the Suislide which consists of two half-kilometer-long zip-lines suspended between two cliffs. The first line going to the other side, and the second line going back to the park.
Each leg lasted less than a minute, enough time to enjoy the wind and the view of the trees and the Wahig river.
Because of a recent back injury, I wasn't able to try the Suislide. I just served as photographer for our travel group. I will definitely come back to Danao to experience Suislide mylsef.
Leg 1 of the Suislide
Leg 2 of the Suislide
In addition to the Suislide, Danao Adventure Park also offers other activities including River Trekking, Rappelling, Caving and the Plunge. For more details on other available activities, check Danao Adventure Park's website (see below).
Danao Adventure Park
Danao, Bohol, Philippines
Tel: +63(38)415-0777 / +63(38)510-0033
www.eatdanao.com
How we went there (and back)
Danao Adventure Park is easily accessible from Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol, through rented vans or cars. An alternative point of origin is the port of Tubigon, where rented vans are also available for visitors. At present, it is nearly impossible to travel around through public transportation. A small group can hire a car with driver. For bigger groups, there are also vans available for rent. Rate varies depending on the number of destinations or duration of the trip.
I recommend our tourist driver, Mr. Roque Alo. You may contact him at 0948-606-2199 or 0932-140-9699 for quotations on your travel plans.
Finally by 11:15am, we reached our destination. Entrance fee to the park is Php25 per person, plus Php10 for car entrance. Our group tried the Suislide which consists of two half-kilometer-long zip-lines suspended between two cliffs. The first line going to the other side, and the second line going back to the park.
Each leg lasted less than a minute, enough time to enjoy the wind and the view of the trees and the Wahig river.
Because of a recent back injury, I wasn't able to try the Suislide. I just served as photographer for our travel group. I will definitely come back to Danao to experience Suislide mylsef.
Leg 1 of the Suislide
Leg 2 of the Suislide
In addition to the Suislide, Danao Adventure Park also offers other activities including River Trekking, Rappelling, Caving and the Plunge. For more details on other available activities, check Danao Adventure Park's website (see below).
Danao Adventure Park
Danao, Bohol, Philippines
Tel: +63(38)415-0777 / +63(38)510-0033
www.eatdanao.com
How we went there (and back)
Danao Adventure Park is easily accessible from Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol, through rented vans or cars. An alternative point of origin is the port of Tubigon, where rented vans are also available for visitors. At present, it is nearly impossible to travel around through public transportation. A small group can hire a car with driver. For bigger groups, there are also vans available for rent. Rate varies depending on the number of destinations or duration of the trip.
I recommend our tourist driver, Mr. Roque Alo. You may contact him at 0948-606-2199 or 0932-140-9699 for quotations on your travel plans.
Bohol: Bibingka
The bibingka, or rice cake, is popular all over the Philippines and is prepared in different variations. The bibingka we know in Manila is dark yellow in color, and is usually topped with salted egg, and baked using charcoal, intentionally toasted to add to the flavor. It is served topped with melted butter, sugar and shaved coconut.
The bibingka we tried in Bohol is a little bit pale yellow in color with no toppings at all. The surface is only slightly toasted to golden brown. Though made with the same basic ingredient, rice flour, it did not taste anything similar to the bibingka in Manila. Rather, it has a flavor similar to the putong puti, only baked and slightly toasted. This is probably the variant called the Bibingkang Mandaue, something I need to explore in my next visit to Cebu.
I bought one at the Sagbayan Peak for only Php20.00. Since I wasn't that hungry, I only consumed half of the bibingka and saved the other half for the trip, "Lord of the Rings" style.
The bibingka we tried in Bohol is a little bit pale yellow in color with no toppings at all. The surface is only slightly toasted to golden brown. Though made with the same basic ingredient, rice flour, it did not taste anything similar to the bibingka in Manila. Rather, it has a flavor similar to the putong puti, only baked and slightly toasted. This is probably the variant called the Bibingkang Mandaue, something I need to explore in my next visit to Cebu.
I bought one at the Sagbayan Peak for only Php20.00. Since I wasn't that hungry, I only consumed half of the bibingka and saved the other half for the trip, "Lord of the Rings" style.
Sagbayan: Sagbayan Peak
There are two viewing decks in Bohol to behold the natural beauty of the world famous chocolate hills. One of which is the Sagbayan Peak, located in the municipality of Sagbayan.
Entrance fee to the complex is Php30.00. Viewing decks are connected by concrete footpaths and stairways, offering tourists with various viewing angles and countless photo opportunities.
The highest viewing deck offers the best view of the area where one can see the chocolate hills in every direction. In between hills are rice-fields, trees and houses.
It is said that on a clear sunny day, the Cebu Strait and the island of Cebu are visible at the background of the hills. Unfortunately, it was cloudy when we visited Sagbayan Peak. On the other hand, should the sun be shining and not concealed by rainclouds, this visit would have been an exhausting one. Thanks to the cool breeze that refreshed our tired, sleepy and aching bodies, we had more energy to walk around and enjoy the scenery.
The Sagbayan Peak is owned and operated by the local government. Most of the visitors are students and tourists from outside Bohol. Tourist Police is provided to the facility to ensure safety and order
A trip to Sagbayan Peak is not complete without passing by its own tarsier sanctuary. We were lucky to have a chance to see these cute little primates while awake. The tarsiers are nocturnal creatures and are usually hiding behind the foliage during daytime.
Sagbayan Peak
Sagbayan, Bohol, Philippines 6331
Tel: +63 (38) 511-9167
Mobile: +63-921-3230866
www.sagbayanpeak.com.ph
How we went there (and back)
Sagbayan Peak is easily accessible from Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol, through rented vans. Coming from Tubigon, Sagbayan Peak is just a 25-minute drive away. At present, it is nearly impossible to travel around through public transportation. A small group can hire a car with driver. For bigger groups, there are also vans available for rent. Rate varies depending on the number of destinations or duration of the trip.
I recommend our tourist driver, Mr. Roque Alo. You may contact him at 0948-606-2199 or 0932-140-9699 for quotations on your travel plans.
Entrance fee to the complex is Php30.00. Viewing decks are connected by concrete footpaths and stairways, offering tourists with various viewing angles and countless photo opportunities.
The highest viewing deck offers the best view of the area where one can see the chocolate hills in every direction. In between hills are rice-fields, trees and houses.
It is said that on a clear sunny day, the Cebu Strait and the island of Cebu are visible at the background of the hills. Unfortunately, it was cloudy when we visited Sagbayan Peak. On the other hand, should the sun be shining and not concealed by rainclouds, this visit would have been an exhausting one. Thanks to the cool breeze that refreshed our tired, sleepy and aching bodies, we had more energy to walk around and enjoy the scenery.
panorama view of the chocolate hills from the viewing deck
The Sagbayan Peak is owned and operated by the local government. Most of the visitors are students and tourists from outside Bohol. Tourist Police is provided to the facility to ensure safety and order
A trip to Sagbayan Peak is not complete without passing by its own tarsier sanctuary. We were lucky to have a chance to see these cute little primates while awake. The tarsiers are nocturnal creatures and are usually hiding behind the foliage during daytime.
Sagbayan Peak
Sagbayan, Bohol, Philippines 6331
Tel: +63 (38) 511-9167
Mobile: +63-921-3230866
www.sagbayanpeak.com.ph
How we went there (and back)
Sagbayan Peak is easily accessible from Tagbilaran City, the capital of Bohol, through rented vans. Coming from Tubigon, Sagbayan Peak is just a 25-minute drive away. At present, it is nearly impossible to travel around through public transportation. A small group can hire a car with driver. For bigger groups, there are also vans available for rent. Rate varies depending on the number of destinations or duration of the trip.
I recommend our tourist driver, Mr. Roque Alo. You may contact him at 0948-606-2199 or 0932-140-9699 for quotations on your travel plans.
Tubigon: Port of Tubigon
A port having the closest proximity between the islands of Bohol and Cebu, the Port of Tubigon is becoming a preferred tourism gateway to the province of Bohol for tourists coming from Cebu.
Second to the Port of Tagbilaran in size and operations, the Port of Tubigon is reachable from Cebu through fastcrafts in just 1.5 hours, 30 minutes shorter than the fastcrafts servicing the Cebu-Tagbilaran route.
Tubigon is also very close to the municipalities of Sagbayan, Danao and Carmen where a big concentration of Bohol's famous travel destinations are located such as the Danao Adventure Park and the world renowned Chocolate Hills.
Right outside the gate of the port are tricycles and vans waiting for passengers. Some of the vans actually came all the way from Tagbilaran.
How we went there (and back)
From Cebu City Pier 1, my travel group took the Super Craft going to Port of Tubigon. For more details, see Tubigon: Star Craft Ferry Ride from Cebu City Pier 1. Going back to Cebu City, we took the Ocean Jet ferry from the Port of Tagbilaran to Cebu City Pier 1.
Second to the Port of Tagbilaran in size and operations, the Port of Tubigon is reachable from Cebu through fastcrafts in just 1.5 hours, 30 minutes shorter than the fastcrafts servicing the Cebu-Tagbilaran route.
Tubigon is also very close to the municipalities of Sagbayan, Danao and Carmen where a big concentration of Bohol's famous travel destinations are located such as the Danao Adventure Park and the world renowned Chocolate Hills.
Right outside the gate of the port are tricycles and vans waiting for passengers. Some of the vans actually came all the way from Tagbilaran.
How we went there (and back)
From Cebu City Pier 1, my travel group took the Super Craft going to Port of Tubigon. For more details, see Tubigon: Star Craft Ferry Ride from Cebu City Pier 1. Going back to Cebu City, we took the Ocean Jet ferry from the Port of Tagbilaran to Cebu City Pier 1.
Tubigon: Star Craft Ferry Ride from Cebu City Pier 1
Coming from Cebu City, there are two options of reaching the island province of Bohol. First is through the Cebu-Tagbilaran route, a 2-hour fastcraft ride that gives tourist quick access to Tagbilaran City, the capital of the province of Bohol, and to the municipalities of Panglao, Dauis, Baclayon and Loboc.
Second is through the Cebu-Tubigon route, a 1.5-hour fastcraft ride to the municipality of Tubigon, located in close proximity to the municipalities of Sagbayan, Danao and Carmen.
My travel group chose the Cebu-Tubigon route. We arrived at Cebu City Pier 1 at 6:30am to catch the 7:00am trip with Lite Shipping. Unfortunately, their vessel was under repair and we were directed to Star Craft which also departs at 7:00am.
Star Craft's vessels are colored orange and yellow and has two decks. The lower deck is air-conditioned while the upper deck is open-air. At 6:50am, passengers were signaled to board the vessel.
As it is not possible to reserve a seat, you have to make sure that you board ahead of the other passengers. It is best to take the front-most seats to have more leg room.
Super Craft's Cebu-Tubigon fare (tourist seat) is Php200.00. At the Cebu City Pier 1, you will also have to pay a Php10.00 terminal fee.
How we went there (and back)
Star Craft vessels are docked at the Cebu City Pier 1. From Mactan International Airport, we took a taxi straight to Pier 1. Taxi fare cost Php180.00 (Php40.00 flag down rate).
Keep in mind that Star Craft ticketing office is located outside the Pier 1 complex (see red thumb-pin).
Second is through the Cebu-Tubigon route, a 1.5-hour fastcraft ride to the municipality of Tubigon, located in close proximity to the municipalities of Sagbayan, Danao and Carmen.
My travel group chose the Cebu-Tubigon route. We arrived at Cebu City Pier 1 at 6:30am to catch the 7:00am trip with Lite Shipping. Unfortunately, their vessel was under repair and we were directed to Star Craft which also departs at 7:00am.
Star Craft's vessels are colored orange and yellow and has two decks. The lower deck is air-conditioned while the upper deck is open-air. At 6:50am, passengers were signaled to board the vessel.
As it is not possible to reserve a seat, you have to make sure that you board ahead of the other passengers. It is best to take the front-most seats to have more leg room.
Super Craft's Cebu-Tubigon fare (tourist seat) is Php200.00. At the Cebu City Pier 1, you will also have to pay a Php10.00 terminal fee.
How we went there (and back)
Star Craft vessels are docked at the Cebu City Pier 1. From Mactan International Airport, we took a taxi straight to Pier 1. Taxi fare cost Php180.00 (Php40.00 flag down rate).
Keep in mind that Star Craft ticketing office is located outside the Pier 1 complex (see red thumb-pin).
Cebu City: Pier 1
Cebu City is considered a tourism gateway to the Visayas and most part of Mindanao. This is the reason we decided to fly to Cebu City and take a ferry to Bohol, instead of taking a flight directly to Tagbilaran, the capital of the Province of Bohol.
From Cebu Mactan International Airport, we took a taxi to Cebu City Pier 1. After a 30-minute taxi ride, we found ourselves at the gates of the port. Cars are required to pay Php10.00 vehicle entrance fee.
Several shipping companies have their ticketing offices inside the port, there are a few with ticketing office outside the port complex. In our case, we had to buy our one-way fastcraft tickets for the Cebu-Tubigon route at Super Craft's ticketing office right outside the port complex.
Since I will be leaving Bohol ahead of the group the following morning, I though of inquiring at the Ocean Jet ticketing office if I could buy my return Tagbilaran-Cebu ticket in advance.
Fortunately, Ocean Jet allows advance ticketing. I purchased two tickets for the ferry that leaves Tagbilaran at 7:00am. Each ticket cost Php500.00. It was a great feeling of not having to worry about missing seats.
After going through security check, it's time to seat, relax and wait for the boarding.
How we went there (and back)
From Mactan International Airport, we took a taxi straight to Pier 1. Taxi fare cost Php180.00 (Php40.00 flag down rate). Going back to any point in Cebu City, Mandaue City of Lapu-Lapu City, one can easily get a taxi lined outside the Pier 1 gates. If you are going back to the airport, standard fixed rate fare is Php200.00. Don't agree to any amount higher than Php250.00.
From Cebu Mactan International Airport, we took a taxi to Cebu City Pier 1. After a 30-minute taxi ride, we found ourselves at the gates of the port. Cars are required to pay Php10.00 vehicle entrance fee.
Several shipping companies have their ticketing offices inside the port, there are a few with ticketing office outside the port complex. In our case, we had to buy our one-way fastcraft tickets for the Cebu-Tubigon route at Super Craft's ticketing office right outside the port complex.
Since I will be leaving Bohol ahead of the group the following morning, I though of inquiring at the Ocean Jet ticketing office if I could buy my return Tagbilaran-Cebu ticket in advance.
Fortunately, Ocean Jet allows advance ticketing. I purchased two tickets for the ferry that leaves Tagbilaran at 7:00am. Each ticket cost Php500.00. It was a great feeling of not having to worry about missing seats.
After going through security check, it's time to seat, relax and wait for the boarding.
How we went there (and back)
From Mactan International Airport, we took a taxi straight to Pier 1. Taxi fare cost Php180.00 (Php40.00 flag down rate). Going back to any point in Cebu City, Mandaue City of Lapu-Lapu City, one can easily get a taxi lined outside the Pier 1 gates. If you are going back to the airport, standard fixed rate fare is Php200.00. Don't agree to any amount higher than Php250.00.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)