Sunday, November 25, 2012

How to go to Cebu South Terminal without taking a Cab?

This is what I was told and did to get to Cebu South Terminal:


Walk to the Departure Terminal where you'll find the Multicabs (You may ask around where to find them). Pay P8 and ask to be dropped in "Simbahan" or Birhen sa Regala Church.

Birhen sa Regala Church in Cebu City


From the Simbahan, Walk towards the Pier and get your ticket. This gets you to Pier 3.

The Pier

Fare in Metro as of October 2012

Getting aboard the Metro ferry to Pier 3



From Pier 3, take 01C/1E jeep and this will get you to the South Terminal already... yay!!!!

Cebu South Terminal



This is what I was told and did to get to Cebu South Terminal:


Walk to the Departure Terminal where you'll find the Multicabs (You may ask around where to find them). Pay P8 and ask to be dropped in "Simbahan" or Birhen sa Regala Church.

Birhen sa Regala Church in Cebu City


From the Simbahan, Walk towards the Pier and get your ticket. This gets you to Pier 3.

The Pier

Fare in Metro as of October 2012

Getting aboard the Metro ferry to Pier 3



From Pier 3, take 01C/1E jeep and this will get you to the South Terminal already... yay!!!!

Cebu South Terminal



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Saturday, November 10, 2012

Rapu Rapu Island: Finally


(sequel to the sorsogon trip)



Rapu Rapu Island, Albay
In Sorsogon City, just along the way, there was a COLORUM van driver who asked us if we're bound for Legazpi. He offered a Daraga trip which was a jeep away fr legazpi. Luckily, it did not get any more passenger other than us three and three others so it was a comfortable nap time. I owned the long seat at the far back of the passenger van.

From Daraga, we paid P8 for legazpi and asked the driver to drop us where we can get a cheap lodge.
In legazpi, we were dropped in an Inn which least expensive room was P600 (and does not even seem to be worth it). We were not amenable to spending that much so instead, we asked around and we were pointed on another corner where we found Hotel Xandra (And in front is Hotel Rex).
The rate was around P400 for 4 of us, but further bargaining, we were given a 2-bed fan room in the 4th floor for P350. The hotel wasn’t well maintained but for the price, this should be OK. After all, we’re leaving very early to catch the Rapu Rapu trip in the Legazpi Port.
Took a shower, and while the 2 fellow travelers preferred to go ahead to sleep after shower, my fatigue is needing a Red Horse treatment. So, I walked back to the road, walked a bit, and since I could not find any nice beer place close by, rode the Legazpi-Daraga jeep again all the way to the Municipal Hall. I sat at Chicken Inn; That was probably the best there is at that day, hour, and distance.

After some 3 bottles, I decided to go back so my body can rest a bit.

It was about 6 am when we woke up the next day, and did not really bother for a shower as it was already late and we’re heading to the beach anyway. The boat is to leave at 7.

The port is just a few blocks away so it was just the right time when we arrived. The boat is loading and just in a few minutes, we left the Legazpi Port.

Legazpi Port and Boat bound for Rapu Rapu Island, Albay

“The boat will take 3 hours to get to Rapu Rapu” they said. Thus, it is expected to arrive at 10am. By 1pm, the same boat will sail back to Legazpi City, and the next one will be the next day.

At the boat, we all three of us were deeply asleep. I didn’t even notice that half my body was already wet due to the splash of the wave. Water was coming all the way to my seat. Most of the baggages were heavily wet.


It was already past 10am when we got to Rapu Rapu island. Had breakfast very quickly, and asked what we can check out. The locals were pointing us to Cheska. As we can’t waste any time, I haggled for the habal services and went straight to cheska.

It took us less than 5 minutes to get there, and just a few seconds to turn back. There is no beach but rather a shore.

I asked the habal service for what else we can see. This time, we checked out what they call as the irrigation, which is actually a falls (among the other bigger falls they claim as farther in and upland)




Worried that we might not get a bus seat back to Manila (due to the plight of passengers for the All Saints day holidays) if we spend an overnight in the island, we decided to go back to legazpi through the 1pm. So, after the “irrigation”, I asked that we move back to the port quickly so we can check out the 2 rock islands next to the port.






While the locals would rather walk the shallow bay to get to the 2 rock islands, I asked for a smaller boat to save time. I was also hoping that after getting some pictures of these boulders, we could go boat to the shores of Rapu Rapu and just hop to the passenger boat on the somewhere along the shore. However, time wasn’t enough. When we got to the port, the passengers were already on their seat, and it’s just that some stuff have yet to be unloaded. I asked the boat staff if, while unloading, we could check out the rock islands. He said yes since he’ll literally have to yell a bit to catch our attention and ask to be on board once ready.

by the time I come back, this is probably sailing Legazpi - RR













I really regret I did not get to swim in the “R-R” (local’s refer to it this way) shores. The camera did not even catch the unique (blue) shade of the water en route to the pier.

It was about 5pm when we docked in Legazpi Port; Hurried to take a trike to the bus station to book a ticket and rush to Cagsawa for a quick pic of Mayon and Ruins.


(sequel to the sorsogon trip)



Rapu Rapu Island, Albay
In Sorsogon City, just along the way, there was a COLORUM van driver who asked us if we're bound for Legazpi. He offered a Daraga trip which was a jeep away fr legazpi. Luckily, it did not get any more passenger other than us three and three others so it was a comfortable nap time. I owned the long seat at the far back of the passenger van.

From Daraga, we paid P8 for legazpi and asked the driver to drop us where we can get a cheap lodge.
In legazpi, we were dropped in an Inn which least expensive room was P600 (and does not even seem to be worth it). We were not amenable to spending that much so instead, we asked around and we were pointed on another corner where we found Hotel Xandra (And in front is Hotel Rex).
The rate was around P400 for 4 of us, but further bargaining, we were given a 2-bed fan room in the 4th floor for P350. The hotel wasn’t well maintained but for the price, this should be OK. After all, we’re leaving very early to catch the Rapu Rapu trip in the Legazpi Port.
Took a shower, and while the 2 fellow travelers preferred to go ahead to sleep after shower, my fatigue is needing a Red Horse treatment. So, I walked back to the road, walked a bit, and since I could not find any nice beer place close by, rode the Legazpi-Daraga jeep again all the way to the Municipal Hall. I sat at Chicken Inn; That was probably the best there is at that day, hour, and distance.

After some 3 bottles, I decided to go back so my body can rest a bit.

It was about 6 am when we woke up the next day, and did not really bother for a shower as it was already late and we’re heading to the beach anyway. The boat is to leave at 7.

The port is just a few blocks away so it was just the right time when we arrived. The boat is loading and just in a few minutes, we left the Legazpi Port.

Legazpi Port and Boat bound for Rapu Rapu Island, Albay

“The boat will take 3 hours to get to Rapu Rapu” they said. Thus, it is expected to arrive at 10am. By 1pm, the same boat will sail back to Legazpi City, and the next one will be the next day.

At the boat, we all three of us were deeply asleep. I didn’t even notice that half my body was already wet due to the splash of the wave. Water was coming all the way to my seat. Most of the baggages were heavily wet.


It was already past 10am when we got to Rapu Rapu island. Had breakfast very quickly, and asked what we can check out. The locals were pointing us to Cheska. As we can’t waste any time, I haggled for the habal services and went straight to cheska.

It took us less than 5 minutes to get there, and just a few seconds to turn back. There is no beach but rather a shore.

I asked the habal service for what else we can see. This time, we checked out what they call as the irrigation, which is actually a falls (among the other bigger falls they claim as farther in and upland)




Worried that we might not get a bus seat back to Manila (due to the plight of passengers for the All Saints day holidays) if we spend an overnight in the island, we decided to go back to legazpi through the 1pm. So, after the “irrigation”, I asked that we move back to the port quickly so we can check out the 2 rock islands next to the port.






While the locals would rather walk the shallow bay to get to the 2 rock islands, I asked for a smaller boat to save time. I was also hoping that after getting some pictures of these boulders, we could go boat to the shores of Rapu Rapu and just hop to the passenger boat on the somewhere along the shore. However, time wasn’t enough. When we got to the port, the passengers were already on their seat, and it’s just that some stuff have yet to be unloaded. I asked the boat staff if, while unloading, we could check out the rock islands. He said yes since he’ll literally have to yell a bit to catch our attention and ask to be on board once ready.

by the time I come back, this is probably sailing Legazpi - RR













I really regret I did not get to swim in the “R-R” (local’s refer to it this way) shores. The camera did not even catch the unique (blue) shade of the water en route to the pier.

It was about 5pm when we docked in Legazpi Port; Hurried to take a trike to the bus station to book a ticket and rush to Cagsawa for a quick pic of Mayon and Ruins.

Read More »

Friday, November 9, 2012

Sorsogon: My best daytrip ever


Rainbow caught along Irosin, Sorsogon on our way back to the Town proper


Days before the scheduled Burias Trip, I have thought about taking a vacation leave for the 3 remaining working days of the long All Saints Day holidays.

In the PASACAO-NAGA jeep, on our supposed way back to Manila, Gina, the travel fellow, said she felt the trip was shortlived. Then, I was reminded of my plan, that prompted me to ask if they'd like to head further to Albay and Sorsogon. Without any other convincing, they, Gina and his friend, said YES. So, from NAGA, we waited until the other 2 buds gets to the scheduled 8:30pm bus to manila. I also took the time to research on possible destinations thru the wifi enabled buses (and peeping on the windows for the wifi passwords ;-) ).


Rapu Rapu was certainly in the plan since I had long wanted to see these 2 islands.

In Sorsogon, we had subic beach and bulusan lake for our plan. 

To maximize our time, We thought to start from the far end in Matnog where subic beach is. All arriving buses though are full, and waited further.

Afraid that we might loose anymore night trip,  we hopped on a jam packed Legazpi/Tobaco/Tiwi bus that arrived at 10pm.

Based from terminal workers I asked, this must be the last bus for the night. So, even if it was standing, we took it. It was as packed as the manila buses on a rush hour. I was standing on the door holding firmly on any sturdy metal I could. There was probably about 30 more passengers standing on the hall and doorway. It was only after the town of PILI, Camsur that we got a seat. 

We got off in Daraga Shell junction and waited for another bus bound to Matnog. It was past 3am when we arrived, and since it will take only a few hours more, we just napped on the deserted (Ukay Ukay) papags there.



By 7am, we were awoken by the morning heat, and beside a few men who were negotiating for our beach trip. They were telling us that the normal charge for the boat is P2500 and the least they have given us is P1500. Still, that would be unaffordable for us.

Next to the port is a fishing village, and I thought about checking it there how much they will charge us. I also saw some passenger boats arriving.

Matnog Port


A man appoached us and asked if we'll go to subic beach. I told him about our limitations. We managed to bargain the boat charge to P700 for the 3 of us.

We did not waste any time and rode the boat immediately.

The water was so cold as it is just 8 in the morning; The sand as fine as that of Isla Reta in Talicud Island in Davao.

We explored around and one end of the island is a good snorkelling site.

Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon

Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon

Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon


After subic beach, we headed next to the fish sanctuary. Unfortunately, the nets are under repair so we can't get off the boat and feed the fishes.

The view is spectacular as each piece of land would have that blue-white color spectrum and water was sparkling clear. Nonetheless, since we can't do much in the sanctuary, we thought about moving ahead to the other spots in the mainland.

coasts around fish sanctuary

coasts around fish sanctuary

coasts around fish sanctuary

coasts around fish sanctuary

coasts around fish sanctuary

coasts around fish sanctuary

coasts around fish sanctuary

coasts around fish sanctuary


We went ahead back to the port. And, the problem was, there is nowhere yet to rinse. The option is only thru the public toilet in the market.

Meantime, the next plan is towards Irosin for the lake and hot and cold springs. We left Matnog without rinsing since our next destination is but another bath. In fact, Gina was on her swimwear covered in a bugger jacket and with her goggles on her neck for the coming trips.

view of Mt Bulusan from the Jeep's topload


We reached Irosin in close to 1 hour. From the town proper, we were supposed to ride another jeep to get us to Bulusan. The jeep wasn't available yet upon arrival, so we had lunch first.

The meals were extremely cheap at P25/meal. Several trike drivers were also offering service, including one who approached us as soon as we finished eating. We got our Bulusan Lake-Town-Mateo Springs trip for P350 for the three of us.

heading to Bulusan Lake

Crystal Resort


Mateo Hot and Cold Spring


From Irosin, we took a jeep bound for sorsogon city. From there, we'll take a bus for legazpi city. We planned to have a shot at the pier but when we got there, there were too many people. So we took a detour and passed by a cathedral




Sorsogon city eats @One Burgos Resto (wifi+)




Cathedral

inside the cathedral
City Center


Contact Kuya Noli for the ultra affordable boat trip quote: 09289485262
Bryan the Irosin trike service: 09183921100
For Bulusan Lake Tourism: Mark 09467587515


After Sorsogon, we went next to Rapu Rapu Island



Rainbow caught along Irosin, Sorsogon on our way back to the Town proper


Days before the scheduled Burias Trip, I have thought about taking a vacation leave for the 3 remaining working days of the long All Saints Day holidays.

In the PASACAO-NAGA jeep, on our supposed way back to Manila, Gina, the travel fellow, said she felt the trip was shortlived. Then, I was reminded of my plan, that prompted me to ask if they'd like to head further to Albay and Sorsogon. Without any other convincing, they, Gina and his friend, said YES. So, from NAGA, we waited until the other 2 buds gets to the scheduled 8:30pm bus to manila. I also took the time to research on possible destinations thru the wifi enabled buses (and peeping on the windows for the wifi passwords ;-) ).


Rapu Rapu was certainly in the plan since I had long wanted to see these 2 islands.

In Sorsogon, we had subic beach and bulusan lake for our plan. 

To maximize our time, We thought to start from the far end in Matnog where subic beach is. All arriving buses though are full, and waited further.

Afraid that we might loose anymore night trip,  we hopped on a jam packed Legazpi/Tobaco/Tiwi bus that arrived at 10pm.

Based from terminal workers I asked, this must be the last bus for the night. So, even if it was standing, we took it. It was as packed as the manila buses on a rush hour. I was standing on the door holding firmly on any sturdy metal I could. There was probably about 30 more passengers standing on the hall and doorway. It was only after the town of PILI, Camsur that we got a seat. 

We got off in Daraga Shell junction and waited for another bus bound to Matnog. It was past 3am when we arrived, and since it will take only a few hours more, we just napped on the deserted (Ukay Ukay) papags there.



By 7am, we were awoken by the morning heat, and beside a few men who were negotiating for our beach trip. They were telling us that the normal charge for the boat is P2500 and the least they have given us is P1500. Still, that would be unaffordable for us.

Next to the port is a fishing village, and I thought about checking it there how much they will charge us. I also saw some passenger boats arriving.

Matnog Port


A man appoached us and asked if we'll go to subic beach. I told him about our limitations. We managed to bargain the boat charge to P700 for the 3 of us.

We did not waste any time and rode the boat immediately.

The water was so cold as it is just 8 in the morning; The sand as fine as that of Isla Reta in Talicud Island in Davao.

We explored around and one end of the island is a good snorkelling site.

Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon

Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon

Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon


After subic beach, we headed next to the fish sanctuary. Unfortunately, the nets are under repair so we can't get off the boat and feed the fishes.

The view is spectacular as each piece of land would have that blue-white color spectrum and water was sparkling clear. Nonetheless, since we can't do much in the sanctuary, we thought about moving ahead to the other spots in the mainland.

coasts around fish sanctuary

coasts around fish sanctuary

coasts around fish sanctuary

coasts around fish sanctuary

coasts around fish sanctuary

coasts around fish sanctuary

coasts around fish sanctuary

coasts around fish sanctuary


We went ahead back to the port. And, the problem was, there is nowhere yet to rinse. The option is only thru the public toilet in the market.

Meantime, the next plan is towards Irosin for the lake and hot and cold springs. We left Matnog without rinsing since our next destination is but another bath. In fact, Gina was on her swimwear covered in a bugger jacket and with her goggles on her neck for the coming trips.

view of Mt Bulusan from the Jeep's topload


We reached Irosin in close to 1 hour. From the town proper, we were supposed to ride another jeep to get us to Bulusan. The jeep wasn't available yet upon arrival, so we had lunch first.

The meals were extremely cheap at P25/meal. Several trike drivers were also offering service, including one who approached us as soon as we finished eating. We got our Bulusan Lake-Town-Mateo Springs trip for P350 for the three of us.

heading to Bulusan Lake

Crystal Resort


Mateo Hot and Cold Spring


From Irosin, we took a jeep bound for sorsogon city. From there, we'll take a bus for legazpi city. We planned to have a shot at the pier but when we got there, there were too many people. So we took a detour and passed by a cathedral




Sorsogon city eats @One Burgos Resto (wifi+)




Cathedral

inside the cathedral
City Center


Contact Kuya Noli for the ultra affordable boat trip quote: 09289485262
Bryan the Irosin trike service: 09183921100
For Bulusan Lake Tourism: Mark 09467587515


After Sorsogon, we went next to Rapu Rapu Island


Read More »

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Suggested Itinerary for San Pascual, Burias Island, Masbate





Suggested Itinerary
Day 0
9:30pm Take Naga bound bus; Depart Araneta Center Terminal (Raymond regular aircon is P620)

Day 1
8:30am Arrive in Pasacao Junction; take Naga-Pasacao jeep bound (Fare is P12) for port; You may also take the more expensive trike service if time passes so long and jeep isn't arriving
9:00am arrive in Pasacao Port; Register for boat and have breakfast
10:30am Leave Pasacao port for San Pascual Port thru MB Maxim (fare is P130)
01:30pm arrive in San Pascual Port; Rest, lunch, and then check in in the lodging house (P150/head).
4:00pm town tour; San Pascual Church belived to be the second oldest, and balinsasayaw house)

balinsasayaw house

San Pascual Church

inside San Pascual Church, Masbate

one of San Pascual's heritage houses owned by the Virjen Resort proprietors

San Pascual, Masbate


Alternatively, you may also check in at Virjen Island Resort for P750/room per night. It will be a 30minute boat ride from the pier to the island of brgy busing where it is located.

MSS Fuentes Lodging House in San Pascual Masbate


Virgen Island Resort



Day 2
Island hopping (Sombrero Island and nearby rock islands, Tinalisayin, Animasola and Unnamed cove). It will be best to start the island hopping fr the unnamed cove as waves around a rock island that looks like a cathedral from a distance can get to several feet high)
From port to Sombrero Island is 1 hour; From sombrero to Tinalisayin is also 1 hour;

Sombrero Island, San Pascual, Masbate

Tinalisayin Island, San Pascual, Masbate






A cove in San Pascual, Masbate




A Cathedral Like island from afar


Day 3:
Depart San Pascual: Choose frm either the 5am or the 9am boat trips to Pasacao.

Other Notes:
P2500 boat for island hops provided by the tourism office; Other boatmen in the pier offered P1500 for the same, but since I had a prior offer from the tourism office, though a lot more expensive, we took the tourism offer for security. After our tour, I thought the difference would have only been the life jackets and the guiding provided by the tourims officials. To tinalisayan (only), the random boatman offered P300 for our group (5 pax).

There are no petty restos in the town except for the carinderias. All the time we were in burias, we ate at Ate Jing's eatery right at the port, who has been very hospitable to us. Price is about P50/meal.
You can scout beer and even tanduay ice from the local stores around the port, but for spirits, it's only either Empe Light or Ginebra Quatro Kantos.

You may want to camp in Sombrero island where there's a wide plane of white sand. You may also scout fish from the island's caretaker by letting him know of your plans and needs. His no is 0921 612 0604:

The tourism officer, Mr Tony Cordena may be contacted on this no 0947 879 5844.
For the boats, you can contact ricky (the P300/P1500 deal on (i'll post soon or if still not available, ask for him in the port) and just let the tourism know that you've already arranged for the boat).


see here for more pics of Virjen Island Resort




Suggested Itinerary
Day 0
9:30pm Take Naga bound bus; Depart Araneta Center Terminal (Raymond regular aircon is P620)

Day 1
8:30am Arrive in Pasacao Junction; take Naga-Pasacao jeep bound (Fare is P12) for port; You may also take the more expensive trike service if time passes so long and jeep isn't arriving
9:00am arrive in Pasacao Port; Register for boat and have breakfast
10:30am Leave Pasacao port for San Pascual Port thru MB Maxim (fare is P130)
01:30pm arrive in San Pascual Port; Rest, lunch, and then check in in the lodging house (P150/head).
4:00pm town tour; San Pascual Church belived to be the second oldest, and balinsasayaw house)

balinsasayaw house

San Pascual Church

inside San Pascual Church, Masbate

one of San Pascual's heritage houses owned by the Virjen Resort proprietors

San Pascual, Masbate


Alternatively, you may also check in at Virjen Island Resort for P750/room per night. It will be a 30minute boat ride from the pier to the island of brgy busing where it is located.

MSS Fuentes Lodging House in San Pascual Masbate


Virgen Island Resort



Day 2
Island hopping (Sombrero Island and nearby rock islands, Tinalisayin, Animasola and Unnamed cove). It will be best to start the island hopping fr the unnamed cove as waves around a rock island that looks like a cathedral from a distance can get to several feet high)
From port to Sombrero Island is 1 hour; From sombrero to Tinalisayin is also 1 hour;

Sombrero Island, San Pascual, Masbate

Tinalisayin Island, San Pascual, Masbate






A cove in San Pascual, Masbate




A Cathedral Like island from afar


Day 3:
Depart San Pascual: Choose frm either the 5am or the 9am boat trips to Pasacao.

Other Notes:
P2500 boat for island hops provided by the tourism office; Other boatmen in the pier offered P1500 for the same, but since I had a prior offer from the tourism office, though a lot more expensive, we took the tourism offer for security. After our tour, I thought the difference would have only been the life jackets and the guiding provided by the tourims officials. To tinalisayan (only), the random boatman offered P300 for our group (5 pax).

There are no petty restos in the town except for the carinderias. All the time we were in burias, we ate at Ate Jing's eatery right at the port, who has been very hospitable to us. Price is about P50/meal.
You can scout beer and even tanduay ice from the local stores around the port, but for spirits, it's only either Empe Light or Ginebra Quatro Kantos.

You may want to camp in Sombrero island where there's a wide plane of white sand. You may also scout fish from the island's caretaker by letting him know of your plans and needs. His no is 0921 612 0604:

The tourism officer, Mr Tony Cordena may be contacted on this no 0947 879 5844.
For the boats, you can contact ricky (the P300/P1500 deal on (i'll post soon or if still not available, ask for him in the port) and just let the tourism know that you've already arranged for the boat).


see here for more pics of Virjen Island Resort
Read More »

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