Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Ang yet another Tambobong trip

ian limbonis in tambobong beach, dasol, osmena, pangasinan


After a whole day tour of the hundred islands, during dinner, i was asked what our activity is for the next day. I have told the peeps there isn't but to wait until our scheduled departure time which is 12noon.

I could tell that they want more so offered tambobong beach, which would just be less than 2 hours away from Alaminos. 

We left at 9am, and reached tambobong almost noontime. I wasn't expecting tambobong to be as clear as my very firt visit years before, but colibra and cabacungan will always be worth it.

Surprisingly, tambobong beach is back in its greatness. The community started a livelihood on dried seaweed, thus the beach is back to being very clear.

Meanwhile, we had to start with the boat tour right away so we can go to all te possible sights we want. Our fisrt stop was the cabacungan cave. Again, from the cave, we swam out to the open, to climb up the rock and get ino a hole we could jump through to the cave pool.





Some latter visitors saw us do it, so followed us, and did exactly as we did.












After cabacungan, we head next to colibra island. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by a group, which I happily greeted back. The next scenes are just as common. I sat with them to help them out with their Emperador Brandy. The group (my new frieds) were locals of dasol who had done a sunday picnic to the island.











At first, they planned in staying until the night, but was surprised that they left early ahead of us; And i'd say they were the happiest drunk fellows of the day.









We too left immediately after they did as we're starving. Nanay precy have prepared already for our lunch, so it was just chow chow time for me when I arrived (and they pulled some coconuts for me too).

And if I may just add, this is the first time i've seen a manta jump off the water. Im used to dolphins and flying fishes do shows while sailing, but not a manta. Facing the sea while waiting my turn for the brandy, I was surprised at some jelly creature coming quickly out of the water to a heaight of 1.5feet. I was told it's a pagui.. Whew ;-)







ian limbonis in tambobong beach, dasol, osmena, pangasinan


After a whole day tour of the hundred islands, during dinner, i was asked what our activity is for the next day. I have told the peeps there isn't but to wait until our scheduled departure time which is 12noon.

I could tell that they want more so offered tambobong beach, which would just be less than 2 hours away from Alaminos. 

We left at 9am, and reached tambobong almost noontime. I wasn't expecting tambobong to be as clear as my very firt visit years before, but colibra and cabacungan will always be worth it.

Surprisingly, tambobong beach is back in its greatness. The community started a livelihood on dried seaweed, thus the beach is back to being very clear.

Meanwhile, we had to start with the boat tour right away so we can go to all te possible sights we want. Our fisrt stop was the cabacungan cave. Again, from the cave, we swam out to the open, to climb up the rock and get ino a hole we could jump through to the cave pool.





Some latter visitors saw us do it, so followed us, and did exactly as we did.












After cabacungan, we head next to colibra island. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by a group, which I happily greeted back. The next scenes are just as common. I sat with them to help them out with their Emperador Brandy. The group (my new frieds) were locals of dasol who had done a sunday picnic to the island.











At first, they planned in staying until the night, but was surprised that they left early ahead of us; And i'd say they were the happiest drunk fellows of the day.









We too left immediately after they did as we're starving. Nanay precy have prepared already for our lunch, so it was just chow chow time for me when I arrived (and they pulled some coconuts for me too).

And if I may just add, this is the first time i've seen a manta jump off the water. Im used to dolphins and flying fishes do shows while sailing, but not a manta. Facing the sea while waiting my turn for the brandy, I was surprised at some jelly creature coming quickly out of the water to a heaight of 1.5feet. I was told it's a pagui.. Whew ;-)







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Fund raising trip to Hundred Islands, Pangasinan #stroll4bohol





After the horrifying earthquake in Bohol, the climbing group has thought of organizing some budget trips whereby proceeds will go as donation to bohol. (The group normally organizes non profit trips where costs are equally shared among joiners including the head of the trip, but for this, we added added between 300-400 pesos to the per head cost).

It was about 3am when we reached the selected resort so we took some nap to recharge before starting on the island hopping.








After breakfast, and before leaving, I scouted some fish that we can grill in the island from the nearby fisherfolks. I was actually intending to get bangus, but They said it wont be available until evening. Instead, i was walked into a cooler box and was made to choose from some of the unfamiliar fishes. I took some of what seemed to be family of bangus except having more lustrous and bigger scales. I also asked the fisherfolk to spare 3kilos of bangus and 2.5 kilos of crabs of their afternoon catch for our dinner.




It was about 8am when we left the resort for the island hopping. Our first stop was the Marcos Island.




Immediately after we docked, we trekked to Imelda cave to for the cliff dive.

I was the first to jump (having done it in my first visit last year) and off did 5 others. After all, that was the only thing to be done there since the sandy part would have been the parking area for the boats, leaving no space to swim freely.




At about half past ten, we decided to move to another island. I have specifically asked for kind of secluded island with beach where the waves would be a little calm. Our boatman drove towards Lopez Island.





















It was a very good choice as there were some shades below the bulky rocks. Others took a nap while food is being prepped, and others gambled to whatever fund they have in excess. I must say, it's my kind of card game too, and wasn't too bad for winning close to 200 pesos








At 3pm, whereas everybody would have been all rested, we asked to move to governor's island for the viewdeck. 

Meanwhile, in passing, we dropped by the snorkelling area which wasn't frustrating at all for the schools of fishes we spotted. There were also some huge clams being grown in the area ( not sure though if council is even monitoring the protection of these clams).

At the governors island, i told the team to go ahead with the short trekk as I wait for them in the beach. 

Meanwhile, i see some people snorkelling around so went to check whats in there. It was just clams again.

A little while later, while sippong through coffee I got from the store, a small boat arrives. It's actually a tourism patrol.

I thought about asking if they can let me drive the boat around for even just 10mins. I had to tell them about my fascination to driving a boat myself, and how i did in Misamis just weeks ago; Gladly, My request was granted. I was accompanied by the junior from our rented boat, but I asked him to just sit back, and pretend like he's not around. I tied the rope into the rotor, pulled hardly, and got the engine started after some 10 attempts.

Thereafter, one by one, the folks came. It was also almost dark, so everybody was ready to go home.




Upon arrival, i received a message from the nearby fisherman saying my order is ready for delivery. Both the crabs and bangus were just 500 pesos (although the bangus was distinctively not, and dont come close to the taste of dagupan). The dayms culmination was a seafood fiesta ;-).



















see here for our tambobong trip, right after hundred islands




Looking to travelling to this destination? Talk to me and we'll let's talk about your accomodation, transpo, and tour options




After the horrifying earthquake in Bohol, the climbing group has thought of organizing some budget trips whereby proceeds will go as donation to bohol. (The group normally organizes non profit trips where costs are equally shared among joiners including the head of the trip, but for this, we added added between 300-400 pesos to the per head cost).

It was about 3am when we reached the selected resort so we took some nap to recharge before starting on the island hopping.








After breakfast, and before leaving, I scouted some fish that we can grill in the island from the nearby fisherfolks. I was actually intending to get bangus, but They said it wont be available until evening. Instead, i was walked into a cooler box and was made to choose from some of the unfamiliar fishes. I took some of what seemed to be family of bangus except having more lustrous and bigger scales. I also asked the fisherfolk to spare 3kilos of bangus and 2.5 kilos of crabs of their afternoon catch for our dinner.




It was about 8am when we left the resort for the island hopping. Our first stop was the Marcos Island.




Immediately after we docked, we trekked to Imelda cave to for the cliff dive.

I was the first to jump (having done it in my first visit last year) and off did 5 others. After all, that was the only thing to be done there since the sandy part would have been the parking area for the boats, leaving no space to swim freely.




At about half past ten, we decided to move to another island. I have specifically asked for kind of secluded island with beach where the waves would be a little calm. Our boatman drove towards Lopez Island.





















It was a very good choice as there were some shades below the bulky rocks. Others took a nap while food is being prepped, and others gambled to whatever fund they have in excess. I must say, it's my kind of card game too, and wasn't too bad for winning close to 200 pesos








At 3pm, whereas everybody would have been all rested, we asked to move to governor's island for the viewdeck. 

Meanwhile, in passing, we dropped by the snorkelling area which wasn't frustrating at all for the schools of fishes we spotted. There were also some huge clams being grown in the area ( not sure though if council is even monitoring the protection of these clams).

At the governors island, i told the team to go ahead with the short trekk as I wait for them in the beach. 

Meanwhile, i see some people snorkelling around so went to check whats in there. It was just clams again.

A little while later, while sippong through coffee I got from the store, a small boat arrives. It's actually a tourism patrol.

I thought about asking if they can let me drive the boat around for even just 10mins. I had to tell them about my fascination to driving a boat myself, and how i did in Misamis just weeks ago; Gladly, My request was granted. I was accompanied by the junior from our rented boat, but I asked him to just sit back, and pretend like he's not around. I tied the rope into the rotor, pulled hardly, and got the engine started after some 10 attempts.

Thereafter, one by one, the folks came. It was also almost dark, so everybody was ready to go home.




Upon arrival, i received a message from the nearby fisherman saying my order is ready for delivery. Both the crabs and bangus were just 500 pesos (although the bangus was distinctively not, and dont come close to the taste of dagupan). The dayms culmination was a seafood fiesta ;-).



















see here for our tambobong trip, right after hundred islands




Looking to travelling to this destination? Talk to me and we'll let's talk about your accomodation, transpo, and tour options
Read More »

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

The Language game in Sugpalon Falls, Jasaan, Misamis Oriental



I have a four day trip to Cdo, and having been to Camiguin, and rafting, there's practically nothing more to see other than bukidnon.

Having completed my learning to drive a boat experience in Agutayan island, the other destination I thought checking out was Sugpalon falls.

The first habal driver i asked from the waiting shed was asking for 250 pesos, way more than what I read.  I left the shed and said I don't have funds, and that I'd choose to walk.

Well, truth is, I was just trying to escape his sight, and probably somewhere within the community proper, I can scout a more reasonable rate.

Indeed, just about 200meters away, and just right after I covered myself thru the spiral road, a habal service, coming from the highway, was asking where I am headed - I said towards sugpalon falls. He, in bisaya, was offerring 100 for a back and forth trip. Thank fully, he has a passenger who knew how to speak tagalog.

A little while later in the ever becoming rougher road, this tagalog speaking passenger got off. Henceforward, we talked in 2 different dialects. Much like that experience with Nanay in Merloquet, he spoke in bisaya, while I reply in tagalog. We just assumed what each other was talking about.

The journey wasn't very short. By this time, i was already considering paying 150 indeed; especially he had to park, wait for me, take my pictures (and pose for his pictures too). 

From the destructed bridge, we had to trekk the river, jumping from one rock boulder to another, and then through the bush.


 




Sugpalon falls open up tall that you'd have to look up and slide your head down to see the whole drop. The falls is certainly more than 100m. The water is kinda brown, considerig the color of the soil.. 



It may not really be that falls where you can dip, but the marvelous height and straight drop makes the whole trip much worth it.


I have a four day trip to Cdo, and having been to Camiguin, and rafting, there's practically nothing more to see other than bukidnon.

Having completed my learning to drive a boat experience in Agutayan island, the other destination I thought checking out was Sugpalon falls.

The first habal driver i asked from the waiting shed was asking for 250 pesos, way more than what I read.  I left the shed and said I don't have funds, and that I'd choose to walk.

Well, truth is, I was just trying to escape his sight, and probably somewhere within the community proper, I can scout a more reasonable rate.

Indeed, just about 200meters away, and just right after I covered myself thru the spiral road, a habal service, coming from the highway, was asking where I am headed - I said towards sugpalon falls. He, in bisaya, was offerring 100 for a back and forth trip. Thank fully, he has a passenger who knew how to speak tagalog.

A little while later in the ever becoming rougher road, this tagalog speaking passenger got off. Henceforward, we talked in 2 different dialects. Much like that experience with Nanay in Merloquet, he spoke in bisaya, while I reply in tagalog. We just assumed what each other was talking about.

The journey wasn't very short. By this time, i was already considering paying 150 indeed; especially he had to park, wait for me, take my pictures (and pose for his pictures too). 

From the destructed bridge, we had to trekk the river, jumping from one rock boulder to another, and then through the bush.


 




Sugpalon falls open up tall that you'd have to look up and slide your head down to see the whole drop. The falls is certainly more than 100m. The water is kinda brown, considerig the color of the soil.. 



It may not really be that falls where you can dip, but the marvelous height and straight drop makes the whole trip much worth it.
Read More »

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Sang Ai (Shang hai) Island, Tawi Tawi


From the disturbing scenes in that sandbar near Tandu bas (see here for post), we head next to the island of Sang Ai ( some pronounce shang hai). 

We had to pass thru the island of "La" for the fuel. Along the way, we scouted some cyanide and dynamite fishers and could only sigh at the sight. Apparently, and considering the situation in the sandbar, nobody is patrolling the seas.








It took us a rough hour and a half to get to sang ai. The reported storm seems to be bracing thru the area as our boat is almost flipping. Glad all the passengers were having fun at the waves rather than worried.

Just like in the sandbar, we had to approach the island very carefully as the water was so shallow.

Two men approached our boat and our captain was greeted with a handshake.



I jumped off the boat. The sand was powder white and fine, and the coconut trees plot the great island escape scene.











On the side, mt bongao was teasing for a photo shoot.

We agreed to walk around the island. And spotted fishing were flamingos. Some, probably the full ones, are seated atop the tree, as if they're lookouts.






We also spotted some skeletons of turtles in this island, though none spotted fresh (the island must have once been another slaughterhouse for green sea turtles).

Then, the sun began to set. I was wanting to wait til the sun lay between the clouds and the sea. Then again, im feeling like my company is tired and could not ask for us to wait,  



Then again, they started picking some shells... All three of them in my company scooped on the sand, looking for shells. They'll have it for dinner.











Midway to Bonggao mainland, I was feeling dry. I asked the boatman to stop for a while so I can snorkle and swim. It just feels so nice floating in the middle of the Sulu sea ;-)








see here for our hike to Mt Bongao



From the disturbing scenes in that sandbar near Tandu bas (see here for post), we head next to the island of Sang Ai ( some pronounce shang hai). 

We had to pass thru the island of "La" for the fuel. Along the way, we scouted some cyanide and dynamite fishers and could only sigh at the sight. Apparently, and considering the situation in the sandbar, nobody is patrolling the seas.








It took us a rough hour and a half to get to sang ai. The reported storm seems to be bracing thru the area as our boat is almost flipping. Glad all the passengers were having fun at the waves rather than worried.

Just like in the sandbar, we had to approach the island very carefully as the water was so shallow.

Two men approached our boat and our captain was greeted with a handshake.



I jumped off the boat. The sand was powder white and fine, and the coconut trees plot the great island escape scene.











On the side, mt bongao was teasing for a photo shoot.

We agreed to walk around the island. And spotted fishing were flamingos. Some, probably the full ones, are seated atop the tree, as if they're lookouts.






We also spotted some skeletons of turtles in this island, though none spotted fresh (the island must have once been another slaughterhouse for green sea turtles).

Then, the sun began to set. I was wanting to wait til the sun lay between the clouds and the sea. Then again, im feeling like my company is tired and could not ask for us to wait,  



Then again, they started picking some shells... All three of them in my company scooped on the sand, looking for shells. They'll have it for dinner.











Midway to Bonggao mainland, I was feeling dry. I asked the boatman to stop for a while so I can snorkle and swim. It just feels so nice floating in the middle of the Sulu sea ;-)








see here for our hike to Mt Bongao


Read More »

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