Sunday, May 31, 2015

Budget Accomodation: 3RJ&Y Pension House: in San Jose, Dinagat Islands,


Below are pictures of 3RJ&Y Pension House in San Jose, Dinagat Islands. They are about 2 mins walk from the pier. 

Room starts at P200 for a single fan; A little warm though during daylight. Toilets are also shared. 
It is an old house, reworked for a pension house. 2 sets of toilet. 1 on the ground and another on the 3rd floor. Rooms are all on the 2nd and 3rd. There is also a wifi signal from the nearby internet cafe. The internet cafe allows wifi connection for P10/hour. If you connect though, you will have unlimited connection as the password is saved on your PC/Mobile. 

Contact 0920 679 7503

Also on the pier, nearby that is, is another guesthouse. I just forgot the name but it's right next to the sea; Hence, much cooler breeze. 






Follow @cheapbedsph for Philippine Accomodations below P400

Below are pictures of 3RJ&Y Pension House in San Jose, Dinagat Islands. They are about 2 mins walk from the pier. 

Room starts at P200 for a single fan; A little warm though during daylight. Toilets are also shared. 
It is an old house, reworked for a pension house. 2 sets of toilet. 1 on the ground and another on the 3rd floor. Rooms are all on the 2nd and 3rd. There is also a wifi signal from the nearby internet cafe. The internet cafe allows wifi connection for P10/hour. If you connect though, you will have unlimited connection as the password is saved on your PC/Mobile. 

Contact 0920 679 7503

Also on the pier, nearby that is, is another guesthouse. I just forgot the name but it's right next to the sea; Hence, much cooler breeze. 






Follow @cheapbedsph for Philippine Accomodations below P400
Read More »

Budget Backpacker Accomodation: Where I stayed in Kep, Cambodia

Where I stayed in Kep, Cambodia



The plan was actually to stay with a local family, but one of the host family's relative interfered, so I had to stay at a guesthouse.

Sinan, the supposed host family's son, drove me to the town to look for accomodation; I went for the cheapest one I found on the lonely planet book, which is Kukuluku Guesthouse for $5/night in their dorm.

The dorms beds weren't bunk, and were really wide enough to fit two. 

When I arrived, there were 2 other girls, from Switzerland who were checked in, and according to them, they negotiated for $3.50/person for two persons in one of the dorm beds.

Their dorm beds have mosquito nets, and the room is on the second floor of the building thats fronting the beach; Thus, it was quite cool in the dorm room.

They also have a desktop computer in the room for use by guests (only thing is in french, so if you don't understand french, you'll have to rely on your recall of the positions of the proper buttons to click on).

They also have a mini pool in the vicinity, billiards, and a gazebo right next to the shore.

Then again, Kep is not really a swimming beach, so shore don't really add so much value to your stay, except that exact feel of staying next to the beach.

For cheap food, there aren't much establishments in this province of Cambodia. The nearest local restaurant is probably a kilometer away, where you'd get fried rice for $2.00. There is a nearby store though that serves coffee for just $0.25.





This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary


Travelling Philippines? Follow @CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation below PHP400 (US$9) for easier searches.
Where I stayed in Kep, Cambodia



The plan was actually to stay with a local family, but one of the host family's relative interfered, so I had to stay at a guesthouse.

Sinan, the supposed host family's son, drove me to the town to look for accomodation; I went for the cheapest one I found on the lonely planet book, which is Kukuluku Guesthouse for $5/night in their dorm.

The dorms beds weren't bunk, and were really wide enough to fit two. 

When I arrived, there were 2 other girls, from Switzerland who were checked in, and according to them, they negotiated for $3.50/person for two persons in one of the dorm beds.

Their dorm beds have mosquito nets, and the room is on the second floor of the building thats fronting the beach; Thus, it was quite cool in the dorm room.

They also have a desktop computer in the room for use by guests (only thing is in french, so if you don't understand french, you'll have to rely on your recall of the positions of the proper buttons to click on).

They also have a mini pool in the vicinity, billiards, and a gazebo right next to the shore.

Then again, Kep is not really a swimming beach, so shore don't really add so much value to your stay, except that exact feel of staying next to the beach.

For cheap food, there aren't much establishments in this province of Cambodia. The nearest local restaurant is probably a kilometer away, where you'd get fried rice for $2.00. There is a nearby store though that serves coffee for just $0.25.





This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary


Travelling Philippines? Follow @CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation below PHP400 (US$9) for easier searches.
Read More »

Friday, May 29, 2015

Travelling Northern, Western, Eastern Samar



With most number of islands in this archipelago lying in the Visayas, it might be a logical conclusion to say that the better beaches are in this region. Within the visayas, Samar is among the less talked about destination when it comes to travel, and as some people say that it makes a good share of the country’s great beaches, not so many people chose this destination, it might be a great place indeed.

The Samar Island is divided into 3 provinces: Northern, Western (which is commonly what is referred to with "Samar" and Eastern Samar).

For beach goers, those who’d like a picturesque selfie, or underwater shots, or snorkelling, Northen Samar is your best bet. In fact, if not Northeastern Palawan, beaches between Sorsogon and Northern Samar would make it to the clearest waters of the Philippines.

Towards the east is Biri Island boasting of its rock formations.  It takes about half day to travel from Allen to Biri, and the walk from the shore to the rock formation might eat some time. It is not possible to do all 5 formations in just one day. 2-3 days perhaps in case you’d like to see all spots. Swimming is not a fancy in this area too. The most inviting water would have been in the port. It looks really nice, except that it might not be a delight to think that you are swimming between boats or next to household stilts. The one near the rock formation would have been the best, but water is too shallow.



Going south, you have the cities of Catarman, Calbayog (a possible jumpoff to Biliran’s Maripipi Island which gets you to Sambawan island) and Catbalogan. There are some nice private beaches on the road from Allen to Calbayog.  From Catbalogan, you may get to Borongan (and then to Guiwan) or Tacloban (and again to Guiwan or other Leyte Destinations).

Borongan and Guiuan are both surfing paradise, though guiuan will have a lot more than just surfing, as opposed to borongan. Guiuan would have caves, a lot of mangroves, flat (0 wave) beaches on the other side (as opposed to the side facing the pacific).

A bridge (saltwater channel) in Guiuan is a swim spot for locals

waves of Guiuan, Samar

waves in Borongan, Samar


Between the cities of Samar (Catarman, Calbayog,  Catbalogan, Borongan and Guiwan), I thought I most enjoyed Borongan. First, for P150, my accomodation was a delight. The room in an old wooden building, just with the right elevation, 2nd floor, with a window facing next to a clean and fresh river; Then the city and the accomodation is a walk away to the bay, which is a hangout place. The city, being next to the sea, is also not so humid. Plus, there are plenty of places to eat. The other cities are the same kind of city you can imagine.

Calbiga (an hour away from Catbalogan) would have been a good destination for caving and the waterfalls. However, tourism policies don’t suit solo travelling. Permit fee of P500 is a killer; needless to mention the caving packages.


Meantime, travelling between cities is a breeze with the transport operators Grand Tours, Van Van’s and Dup Tours; Samar-Leyte’s van transport I would say is the best in the Philippines. Passenger capacity is just 3 per row, unlike 4-5 in some places (especially compared to the Cotabato-Pagadian route where sometimes they put 3 passengers plus driver in the front row. Fares are another thing; Apparently, they are cheaper than the LTFRB tariiffs (and Cotabato-Pagadian again being the worst for P350 fare for less than 200km distance). They also leave on time, with or without the van being full.



With most number of islands in this archipelago lying in the Visayas, it might be a logical conclusion to say that the better beaches are in this region. Within the visayas, Samar is among the less talked about destination when it comes to travel, and as some people say that it makes a good share of the country’s great beaches, not so many people chose this destination, it might be a great place indeed.

The Samar Island is divided into 3 provinces: Northern, Western (which is commonly what is referred to with "Samar" and Eastern Samar).

For beach goers, those who’d like a picturesque selfie, or underwater shots, or snorkelling, Northen Samar is your best bet. In fact, if not Northeastern Palawan, beaches between Sorsogon and Northern Samar would make it to the clearest waters of the Philippines.

Towards the east is Biri Island boasting of its rock formations.  It takes about half day to travel from Allen to Biri, and the walk from the shore to the rock formation might eat some time. It is not possible to do all 5 formations in just one day. 2-3 days perhaps in case you’d like to see all spots. Swimming is not a fancy in this area too. The most inviting water would have been in the port. It looks really nice, except that it might not be a delight to think that you are swimming between boats or next to household stilts. The one near the rock formation would have been the best, but water is too shallow.



Going south, you have the cities of Catarman, Calbayog (a possible jumpoff to Biliran’s Maripipi Island which gets you to Sambawan island) and Catbalogan. There are some nice private beaches on the road from Allen to Calbayog.  From Catbalogan, you may get to Borongan (and then to Guiwan) or Tacloban (and again to Guiwan or other Leyte Destinations).

Borongan and Guiuan are both surfing paradise, though guiuan will have a lot more than just surfing, as opposed to borongan. Guiuan would have caves, a lot of mangroves, flat (0 wave) beaches on the other side (as opposed to the side facing the pacific).

A bridge (saltwater channel) in Guiuan is a swim spot for locals

waves of Guiuan, Samar

waves in Borongan, Samar


Between the cities of Samar (Catarman, Calbayog,  Catbalogan, Borongan and Guiwan), I thought I most enjoyed Borongan. First, for P150, my accomodation was a delight. The room in an old wooden building, just with the right elevation, 2nd floor, with a window facing next to a clean and fresh river; Then the city and the accomodation is a walk away to the bay, which is a hangout place. The city, being next to the sea, is also not so humid. Plus, there are plenty of places to eat. The other cities are the same kind of city you can imagine.

Calbiga (an hour away from Catbalogan) would have been a good destination for caving and the waterfalls. However, tourism policies don’t suit solo travelling. Permit fee of P500 is a killer; needless to mention the caving packages.


Meantime, travelling between cities is a breeze with the transport operators Grand Tours, Van Van’s and Dup Tours; Samar-Leyte’s van transport I would say is the best in the Philippines. Passenger capacity is just 3 per row, unlike 4-5 in some places (especially compared to the Cotabato-Pagadian route where sometimes they put 3 passengers plus driver in the front row. Fares are another thing; Apparently, they are cheaper than the LTFRB tariiffs (and Cotabato-Pagadian again being the worst for P350 fare for less than 200km distance). They also leave on time, with or without the van being full.

Read More »

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Backpacking Biliran

Sambawan and Maripipi Islands in Biliran


The island which I did not know was in itself a province until I got to Samar. 

For sometime, i was hearing people say Biliran, Samar. Then, I would also recall people saying Biliran, Leyte. Eventually, it’s Biliran by its own.

Traveller’s arrival point will be the capital town of Naval unless coming from a ferry from Calbayog (to Maripipi). There is nothing in the traveller’s interest in Naval except for the sunset (and barbeque) in the Pier.

There are several lodging houses right in town (D'Mei Residence Inn, GV Hotel, El Roman Pensionne, TJ's lodging house, and Brigida Tourist Inn).


Naval Town, Biliran
D' Mei Residence Inn, Naval, Biliran

El Roman Pension in Naval, Biliran
GV Hotel in Naval, Biliran


Interesting enough though, when I was walking around, i spotted a shop that had movie posters as those of a video rental shop. Then again, i could not see cupboards of disks; it looks too small as well for a cinema. Instead of living a life curious of what that was, I walked in and asked. It was a Biliran Moviehouse. You have a sort of KTV rooms with a TV, and where you play a movie of your choice for P100 per movie.





Another thing that is interesting about Naval is that people sleep late (or at least not as early as 8am of other provincial capitals; if not at least at the time of my visit, and that it is a school holidays).

For food, carinderia's are your best bet. I spotted a number of them, at least 1 on every street, but I ate in the market instead. There is only 1 upscale restaurant I spotted, but with the price and the expected especialty of the cooking, it is most likely just a place to be.

Boulevard of Naval, Biliran

Sunset in Naval, Biliran


From Naval, you can make your way to a several waterfalls, the best one of which is said to be is the Ulan ulan – Recoletos falls in Brgy Sampao, Almeria. This barangay is up in the upland with a lot of scenic rice terraces en route. From Naval to Sampao is a habal ride costing P25 per head, though motorman might ask to earn with 2 passengers at minimum before leaving. If coming from Almeria town, habal ride is P70 to Sampao. Surprisingly though, I was able to walk in no time from Sampao all the way to the highway.

Rice Terraces in Brgy Sampao, Almeria, Biliran

Rice Terraces in Brgy Sampao, Almeria, Biliran

Recolletos Falls in Brgy Sampao, Almeria, Biliran


While in Biliran, I also saw a billboard of the church in Almeria, though when I visited it, i did not even come close (Nothing historical, heritage, or sort about it which is the normal reason for visiting churches in provinces).

There are also several small and interesting islands around, and again, travellers would not want to miss Sambawan island off Maripipi island. From Naval, you can get the 10am boat to Maripipi all the way to brgy Ol-Og where you can get the boat to Sambawan island. Take the Brian Claire boat as fare (P60) includes a jeep service from dock point to your destination in Maripipi. Otherwise, you spend an additional P50 for a habal ride to Ol-Og.


The Boats leave Maripipi to Naval at 5am; Hence, visitors of Sambawan who would like to catch the Naval boat the next day will have to leave the island the day before. It is not possible to leave the island very early (like 2am) as waves are said to be big at night. The Brian Claire jeep picks up from Brgy Ol-Og at 2:30am.


Naval Port in Biliran



There are homestays near the port, and even in Brgy Ol-og. However, with just a few hours to go before riding the boat, I would rather get straight to the boat, from Sambawan island, so I don't have to spend for a few hours sleep. Plus, i don't have to wake up early just to get to the boat, since I am already in the boat. I can just wake up when I am in Naval.

Some travellers take the Cauayan route in Biliran mainland, and take the boat from there; But with the waves in the area, it will get everyone wet and screaming. It may have been quicker to get to Cawayan through the jeep, but it will even out, if not longer, with the boat time from Cawayan to Sambawan (especially this time it will be a smaller boat compared to the big boat between naval and maripipi). Besides, since Sambawan is off Maripipi, and Maripipi being an island municipality has less income compared to Biliran, it is but as a courtesy to give the livelihood to the boatmen of Maripipi. 


Naval is a no smoking City.

To get to Biliran, there are boats coming from Cebu, Vans from Tacloban (Fare is P120 with Duptours and Van Vans), and Boat from Calbayog.

Sambawan and Maripipi Islands in Biliran


The island which I did not know was in itself a province until I got to Samar. 

For sometime, i was hearing people say Biliran, Samar. Then, I would also recall people saying Biliran, Leyte. Eventually, it’s Biliran by its own.

Traveller’s arrival point will be the capital town of Naval unless coming from a ferry from Calbayog (to Maripipi). There is nothing in the traveller’s interest in Naval except for the sunset (and barbeque) in the Pier.

There are several lodging houses right in town (D'Mei Residence Inn, GV Hotel, El Roman Pensionne, TJ's lodging house, and Brigida Tourist Inn).


Naval Town, Biliran
D' Mei Residence Inn, Naval, Biliran

El Roman Pension in Naval, Biliran
GV Hotel in Naval, Biliran


Interesting enough though, when I was walking around, i spotted a shop that had movie posters as those of a video rental shop. Then again, i could not see cupboards of disks; it looks too small as well for a cinema. Instead of living a life curious of what that was, I walked in and asked. It was a Biliran Moviehouse. You have a sort of KTV rooms with a TV, and where you play a movie of your choice for P100 per movie.





Another thing that is interesting about Naval is that people sleep late (or at least not as early as 8am of other provincial capitals; if not at least at the time of my visit, and that it is a school holidays).

For food, carinderia's are your best bet. I spotted a number of them, at least 1 on every street, but I ate in the market instead. There is only 1 upscale restaurant I spotted, but with the price and the expected especialty of the cooking, it is most likely just a place to be.

Boulevard of Naval, Biliran

Sunset in Naval, Biliran


From Naval, you can make your way to a several waterfalls, the best one of which is said to be is the Ulan ulan – Recoletos falls in Brgy Sampao, Almeria. This barangay is up in the upland with a lot of scenic rice terraces en route. From Naval to Sampao is a habal ride costing P25 per head, though motorman might ask to earn with 2 passengers at minimum before leaving. If coming from Almeria town, habal ride is P70 to Sampao. Surprisingly though, I was able to walk in no time from Sampao all the way to the highway.

Rice Terraces in Brgy Sampao, Almeria, Biliran

Rice Terraces in Brgy Sampao, Almeria, Biliran

Recolletos Falls in Brgy Sampao, Almeria, Biliran


While in Biliran, I also saw a billboard of the church in Almeria, though when I visited it, i did not even come close (Nothing historical, heritage, or sort about it which is the normal reason for visiting churches in provinces).

There are also several small and interesting islands around, and again, travellers would not want to miss Sambawan island off Maripipi island. From Naval, you can get the 10am boat to Maripipi all the way to brgy Ol-Og where you can get the boat to Sambawan island. Take the Brian Claire boat as fare (P60) includes a jeep service from dock point to your destination in Maripipi. Otherwise, you spend an additional P50 for a habal ride to Ol-Og.


The Boats leave Maripipi to Naval at 5am; Hence, visitors of Sambawan who would like to catch the Naval boat the next day will have to leave the island the day before. It is not possible to leave the island very early (like 2am) as waves are said to be big at night. The Brian Claire jeep picks up from Brgy Ol-Og at 2:30am.


Naval Port in Biliran



There are homestays near the port, and even in Brgy Ol-og. However, with just a few hours to go before riding the boat, I would rather get straight to the boat, from Sambawan island, so I don't have to spend for a few hours sleep. Plus, i don't have to wake up early just to get to the boat, since I am already in the boat. I can just wake up when I am in Naval.

Some travellers take the Cauayan route in Biliran mainland, and take the boat from there; But with the waves in the area, it will get everyone wet and screaming. It may have been quicker to get to Cawayan through the jeep, but it will even out, if not longer, with the boat time from Cawayan to Sambawan (especially this time it will be a smaller boat compared to the big boat between naval and maripipi). Besides, since Sambawan is off Maripipi, and Maripipi being an island municipality has less income compared to Biliran, it is but as a courtesy to give the livelihood to the boatmen of Maripipi. 


Naval is a no smoking City.

To get to Biliran, there are boats coming from Cebu, Vans from Tacloban (Fare is P120 with Duptours and Van Vans), and Boat from Calbayog.

Read More »

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Borongan: Backpacking Eastern Samar


Welcome arch to Eastern Samar from Tacloban


There are 2 main cities that might be interesting for travellers in this province: Borongan and Guiuan.
In Borongan, there is the Ando island, Hinantangan beach in Tres Marias, and some waterfalls, but nothing fancy for me. I then limited my plan to just surfing.

Surfing in Borongan is not as convenient as it is in Baler, or La Union, or any other destination. It seems it is so novice to the reach of the local lifestyle.

Borongan is at least where you can get an accomodation. Otherwise, there is really nothing to go there for. Nevertheless, the city is vibrant enough with plenty of dining options, including the boulevard, where you can get chicken/port barbecues at night. It is the local hangout destination, with a few videokes and acoustic bars on the roadside.

Church in Borongan, Eastern Samar


Then, for surfing, while the bay in the boulevard would have been a great destination, there is no surf shop. Surfers who come here bring their boards as I was told.

Baybay shore in Borongan, Eastern Samar

To do surfing, traveller will have to get an 18km, 30 minute, P25 multicab ride to Brgy Owamas. From there, while if you are a rough traveller, you can arrange to stay in the resort’s accomodation (though their facilities are not complete. More than the 4 corners of a cube, there is none, not even a foam). In case traveller plans to sleep the night in Borongan, leave before 4pm, as the last trip for the multicabs may just be out.


Surf Omawas in the town of Maydolong, Eastern Samar


You can eat from P25 up in the local carinderias (P15 veggie + P10 rice).  Chickenitos seems to be a popular destination for Chicken BBQ at P45 for a part (even cheaper than the P50 from the stalls in the boulevard.

To get to Guiwan from Borongan (or vice versa) take the Duptours to Crossing. From there, take another van going the other city. Fare to and fro the city is P180. Borongan to Crossing was P120 and said to be P60 from there to Guiuan.

Guiuan seems to have so much to offer, though the popular destination is the ABCD beach in Calicoan for surfing. During my visit here, which was 1.5 years after typhoon, nothing seems to have recovered. All there is in the beach are the ruins of the resorts that were there previously, and the cottage of the surfiing boys that somehow have reclaimed the surfing in this city.


ABCD Beach in Calicoan, Guiuan, Samar
The Surf Camp in Guiuan Samar
On my way back to guiuan town proper, I decided to stop by a bridge. It seems it is where locals often go to with a few groups spotted there, including one group who was drinking right in the river. The river (seawater) is actually a channel between 2 sees on either sides of Guiuan.

Fares from Guiuan Town Plaza to ABCD Beach in Calicoan costs P25. From ABCD to Bridge costs P25, and Bridge to Town is P15.

the bridge in Guiuan


The 400 year old church would have been picturesque but badly torn to powder after the typhoon.
In Guiuan, the food around the market tend to be more expensive at P20-P25 for vegetable dish, though I was able to get to a carinderia a bit outside the town plaza for P15 per dish.
In Lupuk (port) you can catch boats to Sulapan and Homonhon islands. 

400 Year old church in Guiuan, Samar

To get to Borongan, from Manila, there are  direct  business  trips by DLTB. Alternatively, take a flight to Tacloban and from there, take a van (Duptours or Van Vans) to Borongan. Van fare with Duptours is P200 as of May 2015. Travel time is 3.5 to 5 hours.
From Catbalogan, you may also take jeeps going to Taft, and from there, take another jeep to Borongan.

To get to Guiuan, just like Borongan, there are direct  business  trips by DLTB  business . Alternatively, take  a flight to Tacloban and from there, take a van (Duptours or Van Vans) to Guiuan. Van fare with either is P150. Travel time is 3-4 hours.

There are jeeps going between borongan and guiuan with P120 fare. Travel time is about 1 hour more than the van trip. These are also buses from Terminal in Tacloban to both cities.

Better not to pick seats 1 (beside the driver) and those at the far end of the van. The road is a twirl and will surely keep you insane on the road.

Signal from crossing to these cities is obnoxious. If you want to keep your battery life, keep them on airplane mode.


For Surfing in Calicoan, contact Jun Jun of Guiuan Surfing Club. 0906 451 9719
Tanghay View Lodge in Guiuan at 0936 531 9495
Ednalyn of Omawas Surf Camp at 0936 835 1831










Welcome arch to Eastern Samar from Tacloban


There are 2 main cities that might be interesting for travellers in this province: Borongan and Guiuan.
In Borongan, there is the Ando island, Hinantangan beach in Tres Marias, and some waterfalls, but nothing fancy for me. I then limited my plan to just surfing.

Surfing in Borongan is not as convenient as it is in Baler, or La Union, or any other destination. It seems it is so novice to the reach of the local lifestyle.

Borongan is at least where you can get an accomodation. Otherwise, there is really nothing to go there for. Nevertheless, the city is vibrant enough with plenty of dining options, including the boulevard, where you can get chicken/port barbecues at night. It is the local hangout destination, with a few videokes and acoustic bars on the roadside.

Church in Borongan, Eastern Samar


Then, for surfing, while the bay in the boulevard would have been a great destination, there is no surf shop. Surfers who come here bring their boards as I was told.

Baybay shore in Borongan, Eastern Samar

To do surfing, traveller will have to get an 18km, 30 minute, P25 multicab ride to Brgy Owamas. From there, while if you are a rough traveller, you can arrange to stay in the resort’s accomodation (though their facilities are not complete. More than the 4 corners of a cube, there is none, not even a foam). In case traveller plans to sleep the night in Borongan, leave before 4pm, as the last trip for the multicabs may just be out.


Surf Omawas in the town of Maydolong, Eastern Samar


You can eat from P25 up in the local carinderias (P15 veggie + P10 rice).  Chickenitos seems to be a popular destination for Chicken BBQ at P45 for a part (even cheaper than the P50 from the stalls in the boulevard.

To get to Guiwan from Borongan (or vice versa) take the Duptours to Crossing. From there, take another van going the other city. Fare to and fro the city is P180. Borongan to Crossing was P120 and said to be P60 from there to Guiuan.

Guiuan seems to have so much to offer, though the popular destination is the ABCD beach in Calicoan for surfing. During my visit here, which was 1.5 years after typhoon, nothing seems to have recovered. All there is in the beach are the ruins of the resorts that were there previously, and the cottage of the surfiing boys that somehow have reclaimed the surfing in this city.


ABCD Beach in Calicoan, Guiuan, Samar
The Surf Camp in Guiuan Samar
On my way back to guiuan town proper, I decided to stop by a bridge. It seems it is where locals often go to with a few groups spotted there, including one group who was drinking right in the river. The river (seawater) is actually a channel between 2 sees on either sides of Guiuan.

Fares from Guiuan Town Plaza to ABCD Beach in Calicoan costs P25. From ABCD to Bridge costs P25, and Bridge to Town is P15.

the bridge in Guiuan


The 400 year old church would have been picturesque but badly torn to powder after the typhoon.
In Guiuan, the food around the market tend to be more expensive at P20-P25 for vegetable dish, though I was able to get to a carinderia a bit outside the town plaza for P15 per dish.
In Lupuk (port) you can catch boats to Sulapan and Homonhon islands. 

400 Year old church in Guiuan, Samar

To get to Borongan, from Manila, there are  direct  business  trips by DLTB. Alternatively, take a flight to Tacloban and from there, take a van (Duptours or Van Vans) to Borongan. Van fare with Duptours is P200 as of May 2015. Travel time is 3.5 to 5 hours.
From Catbalogan, you may also take jeeps going to Taft, and from there, take another jeep to Borongan.

To get to Guiuan, just like Borongan, there are direct  business  trips by DLTB  business . Alternatively, take  a flight to Tacloban and from there, take a van (Duptours or Van Vans) to Guiuan. Van fare with either is P150. Travel time is 3-4 hours.

There are jeeps going between borongan and guiuan with P120 fare. Travel time is about 1 hour more than the van trip. These are also buses from Terminal in Tacloban to both cities.

Better not to pick seats 1 (beside the driver) and those at the far end of the van. The road is a twirl and will surely keep you insane on the road.

Signal from crossing to these cities is obnoxious. If you want to keep your battery life, keep them on airplane mode.


For Surfing in Calicoan, contact Jun Jun of Guiuan Surfing Club. 0906 451 9719
Tanghay View Lodge in Guiuan at 0936 531 9495
Ednalyn of Omawas Surf Camp at 0936 835 1831









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Monday, May 25, 2015

Mining in Claver, Surigao is Sick!



It was awkward, but I got so tensed at the color of the mountains ahead of me. Everything was red and raw. I started taking pictures, and a little while later, it was action. Raging trucks everywhere, going up and down vast mountains, and mining companies one after another; dust blowing up like a mountain on fire. This place is sick.

I hope I have better pictures to show you; I tried looking on google, but no picture could get me the same goose bumps I that rose as we were passing by the mountains of Surigao.

For those coming to Surigao (del norte), please please do pass by the town of Claver. This place needs serious attention. The Mining is ill; The whole landscape has been ripped off bare and raw.  

If only this place would have been somewhere where in the popular routes, I don’t think it will ever come this worst. You don't even need a big heart, nor a broad mind to feel how regretfully horrible it. Please please please pass by this route, take pictures, share on your social media. Please...



Update 10-21-2015:
Someone who did a dive research in the area notes: The iron-laden soil is already affecting the surrounding waters. I performed coastal resource assessments in surigao del norte last year, and the hard corals are disappearing. They are being replaced by corallimorpharians, which thrive in high iron environments, but fish need hard corals to build the reefs they live in.

The red soil is being blown into the ocean, choking the reefs and feeding a different type of organism. Unless something is done to address this, the waters around surigao will be without fish in the years to come.


Adding a video by Pia Ranada uploaded on Youtube on July 2015







It was awkward, but I got so tensed at the color of the mountains ahead of me. Everything was red and raw. I started taking pictures, and a little while later, it was action. Raging trucks everywhere, going up and down vast mountains, and mining companies one after another; dust blowing up like a mountain on fire. This place is sick.

I hope I have better pictures to show you; I tried looking on google, but no picture could get me the same goose bumps I that rose as we were passing by the mountains of Surigao.

For those coming to Surigao (del norte), please please do pass by the town of Claver. This place needs serious attention. The Mining is ill; The whole landscape has been ripped off bare and raw.  

If only this place would have been somewhere where in the popular routes, I don’t think it will ever come this worst. You don't even need a big heart, nor a broad mind to feel how regretfully horrible it. Please please please pass by this route, take pictures, share on your social media. Please...



Update 10-21-2015:
Someone who did a dive research in the area notes: The iron-laden soil is already affecting the surrounding waters. I performed coastal resource assessments in surigao del norte last year, and the hard corals are disappearing. They are being replaced by corallimorpharians, which thrive in high iron environments, but fish need hard corals to build the reefs they live in.

The red soil is being blown into the ocean, choking the reefs and feeding a different type of organism. Unless something is done to address this, the waters around surigao will be without fish in the years to come.


Adding a video by Pia Ranada uploaded on Youtube on July 2015





Read More »

Friday, May 22, 2015

Gold Line Transport Inc, Philtranco Bus 725, and their Prey







(An Email sent to LTFRB, Philtranco and Goldline Transport Inc)

We just arrived in Surigao through your Philtranco  bus  725 (Plate no EVK 171) and looking at how much the remaining passengers to davao hugged and bid goodbye to the surigao passengers who got off is very consoling. I did the same to 4 other passengers who I have been with just in the few hours of my Philtranco  business  ride.

Let me tell you their story.

First, i thought they were a family. I first spoke to them when we stopped in Liloan. I got to the  Philtranco   business  in Libagon, Southern Leyte after the Benit Ferry bound local bus  I have taken in Sogod broke its brakes.

While we stopped in Liloan, and because of the delays in the ferry, the bus instead drove further to San Ricardo onto Benit Ferry.

Since we were very early in Benit Ferry, arriving at 5pm, and not expected to board the boat until 8pm, we all got to talk. This is how I found out about what happened.

While the first couple seem to have paid the correct amount of P1400 each to Tacloban, the other couple was fooled into paying a “Gold Line Transport” Ticket to Davao for P2500. In Tacloban, the Gold Line Staff gave them P1200 (600 each) back,  out of the P5000 they paid, and this is for their fare from Tacloban to Davao. Apparently, the Philtranco fare to Davao, from Tacloban is P700.

The first couple ran out of money so had to call relatives to send them money on site; while the other, having nobody else to send them money, borrowed P200 (added to the P1200 refund) from the first couple just to make it to Davao. By now, this couple have no money left, not even for water nor food. Luckily, the other couple they made friends with have been sharing them whatever they have. They have been telling me how much they have been spending on bus stops, and so been sharing to them my travel strategies to spare my money.

Anyway, we are in Benit Ferry now and everyone has been asking if we can refund the change out of the P300 ferry ticket that the conductor have pre-collected, since it will only be P160 from Benit to Lipata Port. These guys have been hopeful to get at least even only P100 each so they will have money to eat. But, as your conductor is not giving us any clear answer, I told them to go with me instead.

I invited them over for dinner in Benit Ferry, told them to just share the food that I will order, and i hate it that the store owner asked insultingly why we are only ordering 2 viands for 4 people. They have been wanting to bath, but with the nearby households charging P20 per bath, they bath in the seawater instead, just to cool them off a bit.

When we got back, I asked the conductor again for the change. He was pointing me to a guy, whom he said was in charge of deciding which port to go, etc. I asked the guy for the change, and he said it will not be refunded to cover up the additional road distance travelled from Liloan to Benit Ferry. The distance was 45+/- kms, so i told him, it would not cost as much as P140 for road tariff. He turned to his back, and just left.

I asked some people if they asked for their change, and they said they were given the same answer by the conductor. And with several days travelling, I bet no one has the energy to argue for P140, not minding how hungry they are and how that money would have saved their stomach for a good several hours. They just want to be home.
As per me, I was given my ticket after we left Liloan port. When the driver was asking me P387, I asked why 387. He said the fare was 87, and the ferry was P300. I asked why P300, since I read it shall only be P140, he said we’ll find out later (and I have assumed he was not sure of the ferry cost there).

With 50 plus passengers on board, and P140 each, your staff made an additional P7,000 right on the spot. No receipts, no whatsoever. Probably a month or so earning of many of these passengers who barely know they can actually travel cheaper and much more comfortably and conveniently through a flight, if only they know how to operate a mouse and a keyboard.

Perhaps, sometimes, we can be humans too; Not be too greedy on making money, but being of service as well. And just because nobody is complaining, does not mean everything’s just OK.

I am also appealling if you can look at the sleeping buses of Vietnam. The same size of the bus can accomodate the same number of passengers but on lying reclining seats and for probably a fourth of the price you charge.

Regards,
Ian Limbonis
P.S. If you want some more details, call me
pics available on

I've tried calling the LTFRB Hotline, but number offline... nothing surprising.







(An Email sent to LTFRB, Philtranco and Goldline Transport Inc)

We just arrived in Surigao through your Philtranco  bus  725 (Plate no EVK 171) and looking at how much the remaining passengers to davao hugged and bid goodbye to the surigao passengers who got off is very consoling. I did the same to 4 other passengers who I have been with just in the few hours of my Philtranco  business  ride.

Let me tell you their story.

First, i thought they were a family. I first spoke to them when we stopped in Liloan. I got to the  Philtranco   business  in Libagon, Southern Leyte after the Benit Ferry bound local bus  I have taken in Sogod broke its brakes.

While we stopped in Liloan, and because of the delays in the ferry, the bus instead drove further to San Ricardo onto Benit Ferry.

Since we were very early in Benit Ferry, arriving at 5pm, and not expected to board the boat until 8pm, we all got to talk. This is how I found out about what happened.

While the first couple seem to have paid the correct amount of P1400 each to Tacloban, the other couple was fooled into paying a “Gold Line Transport” Ticket to Davao for P2500. In Tacloban, the Gold Line Staff gave them P1200 (600 each) back,  out of the P5000 they paid, and this is for their fare from Tacloban to Davao. Apparently, the Philtranco fare to Davao, from Tacloban is P700.

The first couple ran out of money so had to call relatives to send them money on site; while the other, having nobody else to send them money, borrowed P200 (added to the P1200 refund) from the first couple just to make it to Davao. By now, this couple have no money left, not even for water nor food. Luckily, the other couple they made friends with have been sharing them whatever they have. They have been telling me how much they have been spending on bus stops, and so been sharing to them my travel strategies to spare my money.

Anyway, we are in Benit Ferry now and everyone has been asking if we can refund the change out of the P300 ferry ticket that the conductor have pre-collected, since it will only be P160 from Benit to Lipata Port. These guys have been hopeful to get at least even only P100 each so they will have money to eat. But, as your conductor is not giving us any clear answer, I told them to go with me instead.

I invited them over for dinner in Benit Ferry, told them to just share the food that I will order, and i hate it that the store owner asked insultingly why we are only ordering 2 viands for 4 people. They have been wanting to bath, but with the nearby households charging P20 per bath, they bath in the seawater instead, just to cool them off a bit.

When we got back, I asked the conductor again for the change. He was pointing me to a guy, whom he said was in charge of deciding which port to go, etc. I asked the guy for the change, and he said it will not be refunded to cover up the additional road distance travelled from Liloan to Benit Ferry. The distance was 45+/- kms, so i told him, it would not cost as much as P140 for road tariff. He turned to his back, and just left.

I asked some people if they asked for their change, and they said they were given the same answer by the conductor. And with several days travelling, I bet no one has the energy to argue for P140, not minding how hungry they are and how that money would have saved their stomach for a good several hours. They just want to be home.
As per me, I was given my ticket after we left Liloan port. When the driver was asking me P387, I asked why 387. He said the fare was 87, and the ferry was P300. I asked why P300, since I read it shall only be P140, he said we’ll find out later (and I have assumed he was not sure of the ferry cost there).

With 50 plus passengers on board, and P140 each, your staff made an additional P7,000 right on the spot. No receipts, no whatsoever. Probably a month or so earning of many of these passengers who barely know they can actually travel cheaper and much more comfortably and conveniently through a flight, if only they know how to operate a mouse and a keyboard.

Perhaps, sometimes, we can be humans too; Not be too greedy on making money, but being of service as well. And just because nobody is complaining, does not mean everything’s just OK.

I am also appealling if you can look at the sleeping buses of Vietnam. The same size of the bus can accomodate the same number of passengers but on lying reclining seats and for probably a fourth of the price you charge.

Regards,
Ian Limbonis
P.S. If you want some more details, call me
pics available on

I've tried calling the LTFRB Hotline, but number offline... nothing surprising.

Read More »

Thursday, May 14, 2015

The San Vicente Island Group Municipality: Sila, Mahaba, Maragat, Medio Islands


There was no intention of getting to San Vicente or the pink beach perse, but looking on the maps while we were in Bulan reading about our route to Biri Island, I got curious about the islands from how they sparkle from the map.

Arriving at the Port in Bulan, we were told to wait until 11am when the boat from San Vicente arrives.

Meantime, while waiting, the summer heat is getting into my scalp so I decided to get a haircut. We have more than an hour to wait.

It was past 11, and there is no arrival of any boat. We were told the boat might have not sailed and we might have to wait until morning.  We were also advised to try out fishing boats from the nearby fish port.

I walked onto the fishport and asked the people around for any boat that might be heading to San Vicente. There is one boat docked, but no one in the boat. I waited a bit until I thought I better call my trip companion so we can both wait near the boat with our luggage.

When we got back, there was the man. He said, he is not sure if he can accomodate us as they are loaded with goods. They asked us to wait at the fishport though.

We waited in the fishport, and I decided to take a nap.

It was getting very late, and I thought I’d come back to the boat and check. Unfortunately, the boat has left.  They probably did not know how to say “Sorry, we can’t take you in the boat.”
Then, I asked the people around again. They pointed me to a bigger boat that has just left, though still a yell away. We called them, and they took us. The boat is even bigger and faster such that we crossed past the first boat we were supposed to take. In 2 hours, we got to brgy Sila (and spotted dolphins along the way.)

We asked for the brgy captain who’s house is just right next to where we docked. We introduced, and was gladly accepted and offered some space to sleep. We have an hour to go and asked that we take a walk to Pink Beach 1 in Pili, guided by his sons Ton and Nat.
The beach is empty except for some households on a corner, and an under construction beach house by an expat.

The reef is so alive.


The next day, we did the tour of the other islands through Marvin. A humble boy who, I found out through my series of questioning, just finished high school, and sadly will not to move ahead to college due to finances.

Anyway, pink beach 2 (as tagged in maps) is “the pink beach.” Just like the sta cruz island in zamboanga, the powdered sand is a mix of white and red corals that from afar shine as pink; And, just like the other pink beach we visited in day 1, the corals are so alive. The other good this is that, the corals are not scattered everywhere. There is a part of the beach with a stack of corals, and there are parts with nul white sand that’s perfect for swimming.  The beach tends to be steep and deep though, but I actually prefer those ones.

After the pink beach, we moved to “Mahaba.” This beach is empty, though better for young swimmers as the water is shallow. Reef wise, there are smaller corals along with rock boulders; A little less prefered than Pink Beach.

After Mahaba, we moved to Maragat island.

I was initially thinking of dropping by the captain, but the community is a little far away; Plus, the better looking side of the beach is on the corner behind Mahaba, so we decided to dock there. We spotted a family having their picnic, while we walked onto the corner of the island to check. The water on the side tend to be cooler, I suppose because it is shaded, and there are also some small cave cavities on this side. There is also current flowing sidewards that lead to the open sea.
From there, we moved to Medio Island.

Medio Island i’d say is the next better destination apart from the Pink beach. The water is calm and quite clear, especially on the corner, where the reef is also alive.

There are a few households in this island, with one store where we got coffee and bread.
From there, it was getting late so we decided to get back to Brgy Sila and then onto the fishing trip.




After Mahaba, we moved to Maragat island.

I was initially thinking of dropping by the captain, but the community is a little far away; Plus, the better looking side of the beach is on the corner behind Mahaba, so we decided to dock there. We spotted a family having their picnic, while we walked onto the corner of the island to check. The water on the side tend to be cooler, I suppose because it is shaded, and there are also some small cave cavities on this side. There is also current flowing sidewards that lead to the open sea.
From there, we moved to Medio Island.

Medio Island i’d say is the next better destination apart from the Pink beach. The water is calm and quite clear, especially on the corner, where the reef is also alive.

There are a few households in this island, with one store where we got coffee and bread.
From there, it was getting late so we decided to get back to Brgy Sila and then onto the fishing trip.



See this post on how to get to BrgySila/Pink Beach. For solo or pair travellers, ask for Marvin. His boat is small but quite quick to move around the islands. We paid him P500 for a half day tour of the islands.

In case you need a charter, kindly contact Brgy Captain Roland. I have specifically asked him to be a contact so he can put a rotation to the available boats there. Almost every household has a boat, though varying in sizes, and it will be great if everyone will be able to take part in the tourism that may happen in the island.

At the moment, there are no accomodation options in the island, so kindly ask captain to host you. Perhaps, you can bring food that you can cook there. There is an Inn in San Vicente, as I have read, but San Vicente is about an hour boat ride from Sila/Ternate. You may also camp in the pink beach. Don’t forget to bring water as there is no purified water in the island. Electricity is also nil. Captain uses a generator, and a few households have solar panels.

Keep your stuff water proof too as the waves could be big between Bulan and the island group.

There was no intention of getting to San Vicente or the pink beach perse, but looking on the maps while we were in Bulan reading about our route to Biri Island, I got curious about the islands from how they sparkle from the map.

Arriving at the Port in Bulan, we were told to wait until 11am when the boat from San Vicente arrives.

Meantime, while waiting, the summer heat is getting into my scalp so I decided to get a haircut. We have more than an hour to wait.

It was past 11, and there is no arrival of any boat. We were told the boat might have not sailed and we might have to wait until morning.  We were also advised to try out fishing boats from the nearby fish port.

I walked onto the fishport and asked the people around for any boat that might be heading to San Vicente. There is one boat docked, but no one in the boat. I waited a bit until I thought I better call my trip companion so we can both wait near the boat with our luggage.

When we got back, there was the man. He said, he is not sure if he can accomodate us as they are loaded with goods. They asked us to wait at the fishport though.

We waited in the fishport, and I decided to take a nap.

It was getting very late, and I thought I’d come back to the boat and check. Unfortunately, the boat has left.  They probably did not know how to say “Sorry, we can’t take you in the boat.”
Then, I asked the people around again. They pointed me to a bigger boat that has just left, though still a yell away. We called them, and they took us. The boat is even bigger and faster such that we crossed past the first boat we were supposed to take. In 2 hours, we got to brgy Sila (and spotted dolphins along the way.)

We asked for the brgy captain who’s house is just right next to where we docked. We introduced, and was gladly accepted and offered some space to sleep. We have an hour to go and asked that we take a walk to Pink Beach 1 in Pili, guided by his sons Ton and Nat.
The beach is empty except for some households on a corner, and an under construction beach house by an expat.

The reef is so alive.


The next day, we did the tour of the other islands through Marvin. A humble boy who, I found out through my series of questioning, just finished high school, and sadly will not to move ahead to college due to finances.

Anyway, pink beach 2 (as tagged in maps) is “the pink beach.” Just like the sta cruz island in zamboanga, the powdered sand is a mix of white and red corals that from afar shine as pink; And, just like the other pink beach we visited in day 1, the corals are so alive. The other good this is that, the corals are not scattered everywhere. There is a part of the beach with a stack of corals, and there are parts with nul white sand that’s perfect for swimming.  The beach tends to be steep and deep though, but I actually prefer those ones.

After the pink beach, we moved to “Mahaba.” This beach is empty, though better for young swimmers as the water is shallow. Reef wise, there are smaller corals along with rock boulders; A little less prefered than Pink Beach.

After Mahaba, we moved to Maragat island.

I was initially thinking of dropping by the captain, but the community is a little far away; Plus, the better looking side of the beach is on the corner behind Mahaba, so we decided to dock there. We spotted a family having their picnic, while we walked onto the corner of the island to check. The water on the side tend to be cooler, I suppose because it is shaded, and there are also some small cave cavities on this side. There is also current flowing sidewards that lead to the open sea.
From there, we moved to Medio Island.

Medio Island i’d say is the next better destination apart from the Pink beach. The water is calm and quite clear, especially on the corner, where the reef is also alive.

There are a few households in this island, with one store where we got coffee and bread.
From there, it was getting late so we decided to get back to Brgy Sila and then onto the fishing trip.




After Mahaba, we moved to Maragat island.

I was initially thinking of dropping by the captain, but the community is a little far away; Plus, the better looking side of the beach is on the corner behind Mahaba, so we decided to dock there. We spotted a family having their picnic, while we walked onto the corner of the island to check. The water on the side tend to be cooler, I suppose because it is shaded, and there are also some small cave cavities on this side. There is also current flowing sidewards that lead to the open sea.
From there, we moved to Medio Island.

Medio Island i’d say is the next better destination apart from the Pink beach. The water is calm and quite clear, especially on the corner, where the reef is also alive.

There are a few households in this island, with one store where we got coffee and bread.
From there, it was getting late so we decided to get back to Brgy Sila and then onto the fishing trip.



See this post on how to get to BrgySila/Pink Beach. For solo or pair travellers, ask for Marvin. His boat is small but quite quick to move around the islands. We paid him P500 for a half day tour of the islands.

In case you need a charter, kindly contact Brgy Captain Roland. I have specifically asked him to be a contact so he can put a rotation to the available boats there. Almost every household has a boat, though varying in sizes, and it will be great if everyone will be able to take part in the tourism that may happen in the island.

At the moment, there are no accomodation options in the island, so kindly ask captain to host you. Perhaps, you can bring food that you can cook there. There is an Inn in San Vicente, as I have read, but San Vicente is about an hour boat ride from Sila/Ternate. You may also camp in the pink beach. Don’t forget to bring water as there is no purified water in the island. Electricity is also nil. Captain uses a generator, and a few households have solar panels.

Keep your stuff water proof too as the waves could be big between Bulan and the island group.
Read More »

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