TIBIAO, ANTIQUE

 

 
The only reason why I wanted to visit Tibiao was to experience the HOT KAWA BATH.  Gusto kong ma feel ung asa loob ako ng isang malaking kawali. Tapos may apoy or baga sa ilalim. Un lang okay na ako. But I got more than what I expected.  

 

 

HOW TO GO?

Tibiao is about 2-2.5 hours away from Caticlan Jetty Port.  Check the buses across the port heading Iloilo via San Jose, Antique and ask manong kundoktor to drop you off in Petron of Brgy. Importante,  Tibiao. Bus Fare PHP 100 - PHP150. In Petron gasoline station you'll see Kasa Raya Inn. It's just along the high way and you won't missed it.

If your coming from Iloilo take a bus going to Caticlan and tell them the same thing as above. Travel time would be 2-3 hours. Bus Fare PHP150- PHP200.

WHERE TO STAY, EAT AND WHO TO CONTACT?

After tons of reading and researching I decided to booked with Kasa Raya Inn for our accommodation.  The location was very accessible. But never did I thought that we will get more than what we deserve.  Sir Alex Moscoso Española was so kind enough to gave us good rates. He even upgraded our non AC room to AC room since may walk-in customers na need nung non AC binigay na nya at kami ay nalipat sa AC room kasi we will stay there for two nights ayaw nya kasi kami ma hassle. His always after the safety of his guests and sobrang naramdaman namin lahat yun.

 

 

Iba ka Sir Alex, aside from being the owner of Kasa Raya, he also manages the gasoline station, tour guide, singer, dancer , chef , barista , carpenter , teacher, biker and nature lover. Thank you again Sir Alex we really had a great time. Check this link and message Sir Alex for any questions and reservations.

Contact number: 09175247875

 

Kasa  Raya Inn got a restaurant so food will never be a problem. And yes Sir Alex is the chef.

 

WHAT TO DO?

There are so many things to do in Tibiao but our time was very limited. Given a chance, I would stay another day or two to cover more places.

 

KAWA HOT BATH - PHP300 - PHP500

 

BUGTONG BATO FALLS - GUIDE FEE PHP 100-150

 

 

 

 

 

BANDOJA POTTERY AND BRICK WORKSHOP - ENTRANCE FEE PHP25-PHP50

 

 

 

 

 

TIBIAO BAKERY - delicious biscuits. one of the most popular bakery in Panay Island

TIBIAO FISH SPA - PHP 200 - PHP 250 with foot massage

 

 

 

 Thanks Mara for some of the pictures :)

 

 

HAPPY TRAVELS!!!

 

MALALISON / MARARISON ISLAND IN CULASI, ANTIQUE

 

   

This is my first time to visit the province of Antique. Due to some creepy stories,I was hesitant to go at first but skipping it was never my plan. Malalison or Mararison Island in Culasi was our first stop. A 55 hectare unspoiled Island in Culasi, Antique.

 
 

HOW TO GO?

Across the Caticlan Jetty port there are buses going to Culasi which is about two hours away.  Just tell manong kundoktor to drop you off in Culasi town proper and then look for the tourism office which can be easily found near the bay area (just walk from the highway to bay area). Bus fare was about PHP80 - PHP100.

 

 

 

WHO TO CONTACT?

The best person to contact is Sir John Sumanting, the tourism officer of Culasi. His one of the kindest tourism officer ever. You can easily feel that you can trust him and his knowledgeable not only in Culasi's tourism but also the whole island of Panay.  

 

Si Sir John ung naka black ng shirt :) (thanks Mara sa pic)

 

Sir John and Andrew Wolff promoting Panay Tourism

 

Here's the information send out by Sir. John for Unraveling Malalison (Tour)

Email: johnjohnsumanting_mio@yahoo.com
Contact number: 0947583067
 

 

Sir John introduced us to our tour guide / boatman / home stay owner Tatay Rey. Ang swerte lang namin kasi all in one na si Tatay Rey eh, and his family was super nice to us.  No complaints just praises for his family. They helped us in every way they can including the kids. amazing lang talaga. Nanay Cecil cooks really good and every meal was just heaven for all of us. You can feel that they just love what they are doing and the services was beyond my expectation. Please don't hesitate to give them tip.  This is where they get the funds to support their kids and send them to school. Their eldest is already in college. I was inspired by their story and told them that I'm going to help them in any way I can so that they will have lots of guests.  So far so good :)  please check the link  below if you want to get in touch with them and please tell them I say HI :)
 

 Tatay Rey and Cecil Lorenzo

 

Blogger

Facebook

Contact numbers: 09293220927 / 09488905939 /  09974023517

 

 

WHAT TO SEE?

I already have this idea on what to see but never what to expect.  Most of the time our expectations disappoints us so just go there and feel it. Well I didn't travel this far just be disappointed, right?

 

Boat ride from the Tourism Office to the Island was about 15-30 minutes depends on the weather.  And this is what welcomed us.  Isnt' she lovely :)
 

 

 

Again my photos won't give justice to this beautiful place.  Ung linis ng tubig , ung ganda ng buhangin at ung mga isda na malapit lang sa shore isama mo pa ung sariwang hangin.

  

And wait there's more !!!

 

 Pitcher plants along the trail

 

   

Nablat Islet

 

And seeing this view gave me chills and tears.  NO KIDDING!!  alam mo ba ung feeling na kinalibutan ka sa ganda.  Na sa dami naman na din ng mga bundok na nakita mo  eh talaga naman isa ito sa mga espesyal and up until this day, i can still feel that moment nung makita ko sya. ay grabe nakaka pangilabot. I was not able to capture what my eyes saw and my heart felt that moment (sorry panget ang kuha ko).  Iba ang ganda nya, iba talaga.  It's tiring but worth it. 

   HAPPY TRAVELS!!!

 

 

CALAGUAS ISLAND

Calaguas Island is located in the northern part of Bicolandia. You can do a DIY trip (Do It Yourself) but for us we joined a group tour that was arranged by a very good friend Maria del Rosario. Calaguas Island was part of my nine days trip in Bicol Region. So joining a group tour would be one less itinerary to worry about.

WHAT TO SEE?

Look at that view!!

Calaguas Island seemed to be a very popular destination to some tavel bloggers that I follow and even tagged it as "the happy beach".  Some of the guys even compared it to the famous Boracay with clear and white powdery sand beach but I just needed to witness it. And YES it was indeed a HAPPY BEACH!! 

I’ve seen too many photos of Mahabang buhangin / Halabang Baybay in Tinaga Island but seeing it in person ......AMAZING!!

WHERE TO STAY?

If you're not comfortable to sleep in a tent you can stay in Waling Waling Eco Resort. I wont be able to provide more details about the said resort but it looks neat and pretty outside. 

WHO TO CONTACT?

Sir Ruel was our group leader. His one of the best tour operator.  Aside from being a tour operator his also an artist. He can paint and he can create beautiful sand sculptures. This guy got too many inspiring stories and you will never ever get bored hanging out with him. The food that they prepared was just delicious PLUS EAT ALL YOU CAN PLUS Lechon! Yes LECHON!! Happy tummy, Happy guests in the Happy Beach! But wait there’s more,PLUS OPEN BAR !! They have vodka, tequila, rum, gin etc! KAMPAY!! 

Sir Ruel of CALAGUAS ATBP.THANK YOU! Our trip would not be that memorable if not for your team.

I don’t want to compare it to Boracay since Calaguas Island got its own beauty.  YES! The water is crystal clear, YES! The sand is white, YES! It has few people and YES! The view is amazing!!!  Definitely not my last visit.  I'll see soon Calaguas Island!!!

Package Inclusions: 

ü *Shuttle Service (Daet to Vinzons & vice versa)

ü Boat transfer

ü 4 Meals

ü Entrance / Environmental Fee

ü Free use of kayak w kayak 101

ü Snorkeling 101

ü Underwater photography

ü Tent/Nipa hut accommodation

ü With generator set

Things to Bring:

§ Clothes

§ Snacks

§ Flash Light,

§ Mess kits,

§ Sunblock Cream/ Mosquito repellant

§ Cellphones, Camera with Extra Batteries

§ Beach Slippers

§ Flash Drive ( for Raw Copies of Photo Documentation)

Here's the Purple Suitcase Travel and Tours Itinerary:

Day 1

5:30 AM ETA Daet

7:00 AM ETD to Vinzons

7:30 AM ETD for Calaguas Island 9:30 AM ETA Calaguas Island

v Lecture on Kayaking and Snorkeling 101

12:00 PM *** LUNCH ***

1:00 PM Swimming/ Kayaking/ Snorkeling/Underwater Photoshoots

4:00 PM Free Time / Swimming Time

6:00 PM *** DINNER ***

7:00 PM Socials

10:00 PM Sleeping Time 

Day 2:

6:30 AM Wake Up Call Ecological Trek

7:30 AM *** Breakfast ***

8:00 AM Swimming/ Photoshoots/Snorkeling/ Kayaking

12:00 PM *** LUNCH ***

1:00 PM Swimming

3:00 PM ETA Vinzons

4:00 PM Shop @ Daet

6:00 PM Home Sweet Home

Maria Del Rosario of 

Purple Suitcase Travel and Tours.

148 B. J. Ruiz St. Brgy. Salapan, San Juan City Philippines 1500 purplesuitcasetravelandtours@gmail.com

63905-7864686 / 639175203233 / 639252244998

Travel Partner: CALAGUAS ATBP.

Contact Person: Ruel Santelices

Contact No.: 09166172555
FB Page: CALAGUAS ATBP

WHAT IS THE BEST THING TO DO WHEN YOU TRAVEL? MEET NEW FRIENDS: ARIEN AND BIANCA!!!

HAPPY TRAVEL!!!

MATNOG, SORSOGON

Matnog is a third class municaplity in the province of Sorsogon. It lies at the southernmost tip of the Bicol Peninsula of Luzon Island.

 

When I saw those pictures online I knew that one day, someday I’ll also be experiencing the beauty of this island.

WHAT TO SEE?

 

Beaches, Beaches and Beaches – see those beautiful islets of Tikling, Calintaan, Juag and Subic. Subic Beach is definitely my favorite.  White powdery sand, clear water and a very peaceful place to relax. If you are someone who needs a vitamin SEA this is a perfect place to be.   

Subic Beach

 

Fish feeding in Juag Lagoon

 

 

 

Snorkelling, fish feeding, swimming, and beach bumming are just some of the things you can do in here.

Here in Matnog you will also be able  to see one of the busiest seaports in the Philippines and it is the jump off point to the southern Philippines and vice versa.

HOW TO GO?

1. Take a flight from Manila to Legazpi Airport,  via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines  they got some ticket sales going on from time to time on. Ticket rates starts from 1,000php and up for a round trip flight.  Travel time around 1 hour per way.

From Legazpi Airport go to Legazpi Terminal and from there take a bus heading Sorsogon.  From Sorsogon you can take a jeep going to Matnog. Travel time would be around 1 to 1.5 hours,

2. From Manila you can take a bus heading Matnog from Pasay or Cubao terminals check out this bus companies namely Philtranco, Amihan, DLTB, RSL and Raymond Bus. Travel time around 13-15 hours and fare would be about 800 -1000 php.        

WHEN TO GO?

 

Best time to visit Matnog is from December to May since it can be a lot of hassle to go there during the rainy season. You may not also enjoy the island hopping if the waves are too rough for the boats.  

WHERE TO STAY?

There are cheap accommodations in Matnog. You can stay overnight in Subic Beach or camp out. Or stay in the town proper area. Matunog Pensionne, Richwell Beach Resort and Stardust Resort are some of the places you can stay but for us due to time constraints we stayed in Irosin.

  

WHO TO CONTACT?

Kuya Eddie Evasco - boatman/guide.

You can contact him on the following numbers: 09261404577 and 09282538607

Boat rentals would be around 1,600 php to 2,000 php good for 10  pax.

 

HOW WAS IT?

• Going to Matnog was indeed a pain in the butt.  Imagine sitting in a bus for more than 13 hours, given another chance - I'll definitely will take a flight to Legazpi City.
• Subic beach scenery was indeed captivating.
• The fishes in Juag Lagoon will blow your mind away
• Kuya Eddie and his group/family was really very nice.

 

HAPPY TRAVELS!!!