TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE: BRITANIA GROUP OF ISLANDS & SARNIMIAN RESORT :-)

Summer is absolutely fun and worth-remembering if you spend it with your silly friends. Unplanned get-together is often the successful one. We intend to spend our summer in Samal Island for 2days but due to financial constraint, we were not able to push-through with our 1 month old plan. However, the idea of going to Britania Islands popped up when I and my cousin talked about white sand and island hopping activities. At the last minute, we decided to have our summer break in Britania instead of having it in Samal Islands.

We made itinerary and estimated the budgetary requirement. We called our batchmates pertaining to our plan wherein they cheerfully seconded the motion. We made it!
 

We traveled 4 hours from Cabadbaran City to San Agustin, Surigao del Sur. We arrived there around 7:00 o’clock in the morning. We paid the environmental fee amounting to Php 25.00/head. We have also paid Php 1,500.00 for the pump boat for our island hopping. The boat can accommodate up to 12pax.

We started our island hopping activity at 8AM and we ended around 12NN. There are actually four major islands in Britania, to wit:  Naked Island, Hagonoy Island, Boslon Island and Hiyor hiyoran Island.

SARNIMIAN RESORT

Sarnimian Resort is not part of our planned route.In fact, it is located in Rosario, Agusan del Sur or 2 hours away from Britania, San Agustin. As far as we know, it is the only resort in Caraga that offers sky cycling. Sky cycling (which we’ve never tried before) is the sole reason why we unanimously agreed to go there. Why go to Bohol when Caraga can feed your desires, right?

Entrance fee is Php 75.00/pax. Sky cycling is only Php 50.00 for two-way ride. Isn't it affordable?

Cebu: traveling to the South!

As a poor travel enthusiast, it is indeed a great fulfillment to travel miles away from my comfort zone. It was definitely my lifelong wish to travel outside Mindanao area.

 

My Cebu escapade is the most memorable travel I’ve ever had considering that I traveled with my family (all expense paid by me). Meeting my father’s siblings and other relatives for the first time is perhaps the most rewarding part of my year-long savings.

 

From Nasipit to Cebu via Cokaliong Shipping Lines:

Travel schedule - Monday, Wednesday and Friday

	Regular Fare	Student/ Senior Citizen
Cabin	1295
Tourist	1065	923
Economy	865

Only Cebu pacific offers a direct flight daily from Butuan to Cebu (vice versa).

 

Prior to our trip, I’ve googled anything what Southern Cebu has to offer to make our travel worth remembering; there we got Osmeňa Peak, Moalboal Beach, Lambug Beach and Kawasan Falls. We were kinda excited upon seeing the pictures of O-peak. However, I found out that the road going there is too difficult. I cannot afford to put the life of my love ones at risk, I backed out.

MOALBOAL BEACH
 

I’ve chosen Basdaku beach because it’s the only white beach I knew that offers a lowest price when it comes to cottage rental, food, drinks, etc. But then again, it’s a holy week and as expected the owner charged higher compared to normal days. The cheapest cottage is 400.00 even if we only stayed there for 3hours. Haggling is of no effect. We also paid 25/shower each. We've also paid several entrance/environmental fees. 

 

Our quick beach experience regardless of the charges was fabulous. 

Basdaku Beach

LAMBUG BEACH & KAWASAN FALLS

I was able to hit 2 prime destinations in Badian: the Lambug Beach and the famous Kawasan Falls.

 

Lambug white beach has finer sand compared to Moalboal Beach. You don’t even have to worry if you walk with bare foot along the shore. The pristine water is simply alluring. I’ve seen no garbage on its shoreline. Should you wish to stay there for overnight, you may contact Grandeur Beach Resort at their mobile numbers 09262789880 and 09089992490 or email them at grandge78@yahoo.com for your accommodation. 

Lambug Beach around 5PM

Kawasan Falls- The 11^th waterfalls I’ve been to so far. According to beauty and uniqueness, this one ranks second among the 11. This falls is really tempting. 

I went to Kawasan for picture purposes, but my plan swiftly changed the moment I’ve seen its fantastic cascades. I decided to swim with my bra and short’s on only. We rent a life vest for Php75.00 each. The bamboo raft including the guide costs Php 300.00/group.

 

We’re able to enjoy the heat of the Badian summer without compromising our budget.

SIMALA SHRINE 

It is a very beautiful holy place which is 2 hours away from the Cebu City Terminal. Van fare is 100. There is no entrance fee. Taking of pictures inside is not prohibited, however as a devoted Catholic, I prefer to respect the sacredness of the place.

 

Things to remember:

           1.    Simala is a sacred place, so wear proper attire. Wearing of shorts, above the knee skirts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed inside. If you happened to wear such attire, a piece of cloth/ veil is available for free inside the shrine, you can just borrow it at the security guard. Other option is to rent a veil outside the gate.

        2.    Observe silence!

                   3.  Keep an eye to your stuffs.

2015 TRAVEL WISHLISTS

If pocket and time permit, gonna hit these places:

1. Cebu City
2. Bohol
3. Siargao Island
4. Britania Group of Islands
5. Camotes Island
6. Bantayan Island
7. Dolphin Island
8. Dakak Beach Resort, Dapitan City
9. Sarangani Island
10. Kitanglad Mountain Range, Bukidnon
11. Biri Island Rock Formation in Leyte

THE PRIDE OF RTR: TAGNOTE FALLS

I was hesitant to post this blog today because I knew that there is a sufficient budget intended for the development within the vicinity of Tagnote Falls next year (2015)! On the other hand, I think it is awesome to compare the pictures of “before and after” the development.

Tagnote Falls is located in San Antonio, RT.Romualdez, Agusan del Norte. Little by little the falls serves its purpose, thus entertain people at the same time uplift the economic activity of the area.  It is slowly gaining recognition over the internet. In fact, tourist arrival record showed a positive growth.

The accessibility to that attraction is quite good. . .The falls itself is naturally wonderful. It has its own way to lure people. The helpless “me” was tempted by its enticing cascades. The water is really cold.  It even rocks our world because it has so many rocks. Hahah!

So this is Tagnote Falls as of December 2014.

SHORT-TIME IN BISLIG CITY :-)

I can’t believe that I was able to visit 2 prime destinations in Bislig City for just 3hours. These are the Ocean View Park and Tinuy-an Falls.

Ocean View Park is 5-minutes away from Mangagoy Terminal. It is where the famous International Doll House located. While Tinuy-an Falls is 40minutes from Ocean Viewpark.

HOW TO GET THERE?

From Butuan Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Mangagoy. Fare is less than Php 300. From Mangagoy Terminal, find a for hire single motorcycle. Be cautious, some motorcycle driver will charge you more than expected! I only stayed less than 2 hours in Tinuy-an falls and I paid Php300 for the roundtrip fare.

Entrance fee in Tinuy-an is Php50.00.  

After enjoying the ala-Nagiara Falls, feed your tummy with the delicious yet affordable foods in Viewpoint Park. You may ask the driver to drop you there. Fare from Ocean View Park to Bus Terminal is less than Php10.00.

Viewpoint Park entrance fee is Php20.00. 

TAGPUPURAN BLUE WATERS

My heart palpitates whenever I have a travel in Surigao del Sur. Yes, I fell inlove with the province. My excitement became immeasurable upon knowing that the place (Lingig) is new to my senses. The thrill escalated while looking at the Caraga map as I found out that it is the border town of Surigao del Sur with Davao Oriental. My curiosity got higher than expected right after google failed to give me a detail that pertains to tourist destination of the said area. I even lose hope and all of the sudden turned my computer off and decided to just cross the bridge whenever I get there. If there is nothing with the place, so be it!

Lingig is 40minutes away from Mangagoy, Bislig City. I’ve seen no plaza, malls, big grocery stores, hotels, and fine restaurants in the place. It eventually led me to commit a faulty generalization, thus assuming that Lingig is not worth a visit when talking about tourist destination. When I met the locals there, I immediately asked them about the place and learned about Tagpupuran Blue Waters. The adventure goes on…

Tagpupuran Blue Water Resort (TBW) is situated in Brgy.Tagpupuran, roughly 1 hour away from the Municipal Hall. The usual mode of transportation to get there is through a single motorcycle or locally known as habal-habal and fare is Php100.00. The road is a little bit bumpy and scary but the resort’s ambiance is worth a sacrifice. The water is really clear that you can see the unique features of starfishes with your naked eye.

The nice thing about the resort is that the management maintains its cleanliness. Cottages are cool and well-maintained... It also offers a good accommodation. For frustrated singers, be delighted as the resort has karaoke/videoke. All in all, the resort is perfect for picnics or any gatherings!

Below are the friendly reminders to those who are planning to have a trip in TBW.

souvenir items

•        Don’t forget to bring slippers. The beach has a lot of shells and corals which       might hurt your bare feet.
•          Wear glasses on your way to the resort. The road is unpaved, so expect dust.
•          Support the Indigenous People by buying their souvenir products.

After that short travel, I firmly agreed to the declaration that Surigao del Sur is indeed blessed with globally competitive natural wonders that runs from highlands to islands, from rivers to seas, and from mangroves to marshes. Never did I imagine that a beautiful white beach can be seen in the area knowing the fact that I only see mountains along my way to Lingig proper.

THE STRAND RESORT, CAGDIANAO DINAGAT ISLANDS

The Strand Resort is located in Brgy. San Jose, Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands. Fronting the resort is the tempting Tagbiyaran Beach. The beach is surrounded with coconut trees and it is considered as undisturbed since it is situated far from the populace.  Its sugary light brown sand is simply inviting. Its crystal clear water allows you to see the school of fish in the shore.  Once you drench yourself entirely in the water, you will definitely feel relaxed.

In a few meters, you will see the Sayaw Island. You will perfectly get fascinated with its rock formations along the shore. You will also see different kinds of shells nearby. Rest assured that you will be entertained by merely seeing its panoramic view.

If you wanted focus, peace and serenity, then do not hesitate to choose The Strand Resort. The place is really ideal for honeymoons as it does not have cellphone signals. Surely no one will ever disturb the intimate moments you both shared with your partner. Hehehe

The most accessible mode of transportation is through habal-habal. The fare is quite expensive but I still believe it has significant economic returns. You spend but then again, you help!

The room is fully air-conditioned. The staffs are friendly. Chairs and tables are really unique.They also have videoke sing-along and bar (which happened to be our convention area during our writeshop). 

VILLA AZARCON MOUNTAIN RESORT

Knowing the fact that Surigao del Sur has plenty of tourist attractions, each municipality in the province goes out from their shells and enters the spotlight to showcase what they got! The Municipality of Tago is no exception of course. Indeed it’s like a snake sloughing off its old skin, then surprisingly blooms like no other. With justice, you can label this place as the land of waterfalls. 

Villa Azarcon Mountain Resort is one of the Tago’s hidden treasures. The paradise is located in Cagpangi, Tago, Surigao del Sur. It is only 3 minutes hassle-free away from its junction because the road is more than okay. 

Just inside the resort, you’ll see the Gacub Falls. Man-made wonder fuses with natural wonder will definitely result to awesome creation, that’s what you can see inside the resort. Also, the landscape is far different from other resorts.

CALO HORSE FARM

Calo Horse Farm is a private property owned by the Calo Family which is located in Brgy. Sanghan, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte which is more or less 15minutes away from the heart of the city.  It offers enjoyable horsebackriding and training for a very affordable price.It is one of the recreational activities you will surely enjoy in this place. The fee for 1 round ride is only P100.00 (minimum of 5pax)

The greenery spacious place is really conducive for meditation and camping. In fact, several campings were successfully done there.

The owner anticipated to make this place a mini-forest where hardwood trees (especially the endemic trees) in the country are brought together. I love green environment so I’m keeping my fingers crossed to his plans.

Other than horseback riding, the family is also known for their colorful candles. They even share their knowledge on how to make one! Candle is for sale and it costs P75.00. Candles are also for export. They also displayed variety of abaca products.

THE PRIDE OF SAN FRANCISCO(ANAO-ON)

It has been my lifelong dream to use my passion (which is traveling) into profession. Working in DOT is somewhat an answer to my dream. DOT serves as my gate pass to various travels. One more thing I like about this department is that it goes far beyond traveling, this department facilitates in the implementation of anything that has an involvement in giving a tourists a feeling of full satisfaction. My 2^nd official travel is San Francisco (Anao-aon), Surigao del Norte.

Not to mention, this Municipality is bestowed with a beautiful spot where City people are being lured with its look. A naturally pristine beach of San Francisco is a good example of a totally pollution-free atmosphere.This place has minimal internet information, no doubt, people from neighboring municipalities rarely choose this place for gathering.