Getting to Buluan Marine Sanctuary in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay

Perhaps the only (open) tourist destination of the 79^th (by chronology of creation) province of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Currently, there is no airport service in the province though a runway is in place in Ipil, the provincial capitol; the nearest commercial airport being Zamboanga City (2-3 hours). From the city, you can take a bus (P210) or van (P200) from the Guiwan Terminal. If coming from Zamboanga, ask the driver to drop you off in Buluan/Surabay. From there, you can either wait and flag a tricycle to the jump off,or just do a 15 minute walk to the shore. If you are coming from Dipolog or Pagadian and want to head straight to the island, you may get a Zamboanga bound bus, ask the driver to do the same. Fare for Pagadian to Ipil is +/- P160 or Van, P150 or P200 for Express Services (New White Nissan Vans in the Integrated Terminal in Pagadian.)

From the jump off point, there is a boat that services the island for P50 per pax return, though the boat don’t move until filled with minimum 10 passengers. We were able to haggle a loop of the island inclusive for the P500 fare since there is only 2 of us.

There are masks and snorkel for rent in the island for P100 per set. There is no designated price for the snorkelling guide; we gave an additional P100 on top of the gear rentals for the 1 hour snorkelling.

During snorkelling, we were brought to a few giant clams and spotted a small turtle. The sanctuary is as abundant, though not as enormous as the coral gardens in Anilao, Batangas. Our guide said there is another area where they have about 100 giant clams.

Back when we were in town, when we were asking for instructions on how to get to the island, we were told to stay away from the place as it is a muslim area. Informant adds that they themselves who are locals don’t intend to go there. Don’t mind such reports... it’s but normal. Then again, remain courteous and humble so not to trigger any trouble.

There is 1 sari sari store in the island selling coffee and instants and coconuts. Nevertheless, rather bring your own water.

And we spotted a turtle too :-)

Contacts:

Trike Service Ipil/Buluan – Roberto Saison 0905 143 6341

Boat Service – Rosalie 0936 528 1923

For nearby destionations, check out Aliguay island in Dipolog, or Merloquet Falls in Vitali, Zamboanga City, or 11 Islands in Dita, Zamboanga City. 

Perhaps the only (open) tourist destination of the 79^th (by chronology of creation) province of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Currently, there is no airport service in the province though a runway is in place in Ipil, the provincial capitol; the nearest commercial airport being Zamboanga City (2-3 hours). From the city, you can take a bus (P210) or van (P200) from the Guiwan Terminal. If coming from Zamboanga, ask the driver to drop you off in Buluan/Surabay. From there, you can either wait and flag a tricycle to the jump off,or just do a 15 minute walk to the shore. If you are coming from Dipolog or Pagadian and want to head straight to the island, you may get a Zamboanga bound bus, ask the driver to do the same. Fare for Pagadian to Ipil is +/- P160 or Van, P150 or P200 for Express Services (New White Nissan Vans in the Integrated Terminal in Pagadian.)

From the jump off point, there is a boat that services the island for P50 per pax return, though the boat don’t move until filled with minimum 10 passengers. We were able to haggle a loop of the island inclusive for the P500 fare since there is only 2 of us.

There are masks and snorkel for rent in the island for P100 per set. There is no designated price for the snorkelling guide; we gave an additional P100 on top of the gear rentals for the 1 hour snorkelling.

During snorkelling, we were brought to a few giant clams and spotted a small turtle. The sanctuary is as abundant, though not as enormous as the coral gardens in Anilao, Batangas. Our guide said there is another area where they have about 100 giant clams.

Back when we were in town, when we were asking for instructions on how to get to the island, we were told to stay away from the place as it is a muslim area. Informant adds that they themselves who are locals don’t intend to go there. Don’t mind such reports... it’s but normal. Then again, remain courteous and humble so not to trigger any trouble.

There is 1 sari sari store in the island selling coffee and instants and coconuts. Nevertheless, rather bring your own water.

And we spotted a turtle too :-)

Contacts:

Trike Service Ipil/Buluan – Roberto Saison 0905 143 6341

Boat Service – Rosalie 0936 528 1923

For nearby destionations, check out Aliguay island in Dipolog, or Merloquet Falls in Vitali, Zamboanga City, or 11 Islands in Dita, Zamboanga City. 

Read More »

Quick play in Malita, Davao Occidental

Davao occidental, being a young 2 year old newly declared province and still awaiting plebicit, will be my last province to visit for the completion of my #PHL81 (The Philippine travelling community hashtag for visiting the whole 81 province set of the country). It is so young that they have yet to change all their labels from davao del sur to davao occidental on buildings, and other markers. There is not even a capitol building for the province yet.

The province is formed of 5 municipalities, namely (north to south), Sta Maria, Malita, San Marcelino,  Jose Abad Santos, and Saranggani (not to be confused with another province of the same name).

Back when it was still Davao del sur, travellers opt to explore the other more convenient towns of this province. Blogs and travellers have not uncovered much in this area just yet, and I am glad to have met and been hosted by someone who seemed to be quite into outdoors to have explored his province. In fact, his friend owns an outdoor shop in the city.  Nonetheless, now that it is a province on its own, it will have its turn in being explored by curious backpackers.

Inasmuch as i’d like to explore this province though, for this visit, i don’t have much time really. My goal this time was rather just seeing the town, stepping foot at it, and so I could complete my #PHL81 quest. 

Thank goodness there was this IloveMalita site with a mobile number contact whom I called to ask info, and nailed off my trip. Site owner refereed me to Owen, a resident of Malita, staff of the Office of the mayor, and a person into outdoors himself. After meeting Owen, somehow, i had a mini itinerary.

As soon as I was picked up from town center, Owen and friends took me to the surfing sites, since I have been talking about surfing. The following day, we brought the surf and skim boards to Liwas beach to try. Unfortunately, none of the 3 boards is a long board, and I have not been trained enough for short boards. It was also solid reef down there such that I got stung several times; hence, I decided to try skim board instead.

A coal plant in Malita, Davao Occidental

the under construction port in malita, davao occidental

the beach in malita, davao occidental

kids skimboarding at the beach in malita, davao occidental

kids skimboarding at the beach in malita, davao occidental

kids skimboarding at the beach in malita, davao occidental

The beach in malita, davao occidental

I wanted to see the dugongs too, but I was told they normally show up in the afternoon, and I have to be leaving at noontime to start the travel to SULU where I will distribute the backpacks and school supplies to the schools there.

Other than Liwas, besang is another surf beach in Malita. Compared to Liwas, it is a beach break. It is also said to be where the first surfer of the town, an australian, went to play.

In case you plan to visit Malita, shoot and sms to Owen (0907 154 2361) and ilovemalita.com (0907-154-2361) so they can give you more info about the places to see.

I am raising funds (T-shirt sales) to buy the community 4-8 surfboards for public use of kids. As there are no surf shops in the area, your shirt entitles you for free use of the boards too. In case you have a used surfboard that you'd like to donate, please let me know. 

Davao occidental, being a young 2 year old newly declared province and still awaiting plebicit, will be my last province to visit for the completion of my #PHL81 (The Philippine travelling community hashtag for visiting the whole 81 province set of the country). It is so young that they have yet to change all their labels from davao del sur to davao occidental on buildings, and other markers. There is not even a capitol building for the province yet.

The province is formed of 5 municipalities, namely (north to south), Sta Maria, Malita, San Marcelino,  Jose Abad Santos, and Saranggani (not to be confused with another province of the same name).

Back when it was still Davao del sur, travellers opt to explore the other more convenient towns of this province. Blogs and travellers have not uncovered much in this area just yet, and I am glad to have met and been hosted by someone who seemed to be quite into outdoors to have explored his province. In fact, his friend owns an outdoor shop in the city.  Nonetheless, now that it is a province on its own, it will have its turn in being explored by curious backpackers.

Inasmuch as i’d like to explore this province though, for this visit, i don’t have much time really. My goal this time was rather just seeing the town, stepping foot at it, and so I could complete my #PHL81 quest. 

Thank goodness there was this IloveMalita site with a mobile number contact whom I called to ask info, and nailed off my trip. Site owner refereed me to Owen, a resident of Malita, staff of the Office of the mayor, and a person into outdoors himself. After meeting Owen, somehow, i had a mini itinerary.

As soon as I was picked up from town center, Owen and friends took me to the surfing sites, since I have been talking about surfing. The following day, we brought the surf and skim boards to Liwas beach to try. Unfortunately, none of the 3 boards is a long board, and I have not been trained enough for short boards. It was also solid reef down there such that I got stung several times; hence, I decided to try skim board instead.

A coal plant in Malita, Davao Occidental

the under construction port in malita, davao occidental

the beach in malita, davao occidental

kids skimboarding at the beach in malita, davao occidental

kids skimboarding at the beach in malita, davao occidental

kids skimboarding at the beach in malita, davao occidental

The beach in malita, davao occidental

I wanted to see the dugongs too, but I was told they normally show up in the afternoon, and I have to be leaving at noontime to start the travel to SULU where I will distribute the backpacks and school supplies to the schools there.

Other than Liwas, besang is another surf beach in Malita. Compared to Liwas, it is a beach break. It is also said to be where the first surfer of the town, an australian, went to play.

In case you plan to visit Malita, shoot and sms to Owen (0907 154 2361) and ilovemalita.com (0907-154-2361) so they can give you more info about the places to see.

I am raising funds (T-shirt sales) to buy the community 4-8 surfboards for public use of kids. As there are no surf shops in the area, your shirt entitles you for free use of the boards too. In case you have a used surfboard that you'd like to donate, please let me know. 

Read More »

Appeal to Surfing Lovers: A Project for the kids of Malita, Davao Occidental

kids playing through makeshift skimboards in Malita, Davao Occidental

One of my regrets about my fellow Filipinos is that most of us freak about the sea; whereas 70% of our country is water, very few could or would at least dare swim; some would even fear taking a boat. If you go to a surfing beach, only a few locals would actually be surfing. Let’s not move over to diving, jetski, kitesurfing, windsurfing... it’s a lot more novice for Filipinos.

Upon my arrival in Malita, it is sad to hear that there is no surf shop to get a board. Surfers here bring their own boards, and only a few locals have. It is a regret to hear that I am travelling far over just to surf, and we have people right there who can’t make much of it.  A surfboard may cost up to P30,000 after all? With the livelihood they have, who can afford this sport?

Not only will we develop kids’ mental alertness, physical dexterity, but also keep kids within worthy leisure, and hone watersports in this area.

So, to help raise funds, I thought about selling shirts to come up with the needed funding. The shirts will be sold through ProTees.

Bring it next time you visit or surf Malita; Locals will know you helped with getting their surfboards. You get to use the surfboards for free too and SURF MALITA.

Visit the site to make your purchase. 

If you or know anyone who has a used spare surfboard which they would like to give away, let me know. 



Update: 01 October 2015.

As i was looking for virtual spaces to put the ad for this tshirt campaign, i bumped into an Filipino group in the United States which has been sending surfboards to remote areas in the Philippines.

As of last communication, they are looking into creating a program for the development of surfing amongst the kids of Malita, Davao Occidental. :-). Cheers to Humanity.

kids playing through makeshift skimboards in Malita, Davao Occidental

One of my regrets about my fellow Filipinos is that most of us freak about the sea; whereas 70% of our country is water, very few could or would at least dare swim; some would even fear taking a boat. If you go to a surfing beach, only a few locals would actually be surfing. Let’s not move over to diving, jetski, kitesurfing, windsurfing... it’s a lot more novice for Filipinos.

Upon my arrival in Malita, it is sad to hear that there is no surf shop to get a board. Surfers here bring their own boards, and only a few locals have. It is a regret to hear that I am travelling far over just to surf, and we have people right there who can’t make much of it.  A surfboard may cost up to P30,000 after all? With the livelihood they have, who can afford this sport?

Not only will we develop kids’ mental alertness, physical dexterity, but also keep kids within worthy leisure, and hone watersports in this area.

So, to help raise funds, I thought about selling shirts to come up with the needed funding. The shirts will be sold through ProTees.

Bring it next time you visit or surf Malita; Locals will know you helped with getting their surfboards. You get to use the surfboards for free too and SURF MALITA.

Visit the site to make your purchase. 

If you or know anyone who has a used spare surfboard which they would like to give away, let me know. 



Update: 01 October 2015.

As i was looking for virtual spaces to put the ad for this tshirt campaign, i bumped into an Filipino group in the United States which has been sending surfboards to remote areas in the Philippines.

As of last communication, they are looking into creating a program for the development of surfing amongst the kids of Malita, Davao Occidental. :-). Cheers to Humanity.

Read More »

An Overnight in the Dinagat Islands

It has been a long journey to getting to this part of thecountry; The whole town was also busy with conferences and sports events at my arrival.

The first task of a visit is of course, accomodation. There is a P100 fan room I am seeing online, but could not find it exactly as it said it is near the port. The closest one to that I have been reading about was a P250 room but is fully booked. The caretaker smartly advised me to book whatever I could find right on as the guests of the event are starting to arrive and I might end up not having anything at all if I keep delaying. Hence, i decided to get the P200/night room at 3RJ&S Pension House.

I don’t have much time left for the day, but certainly not too late to settle in the room, so after getting a bath, I went out. I thought of going to the Sta Cruz beach, but was afraid that it might be too late by the time I get back. There might not be any more transpo. I thought about just walking around town.

The next day, i walked early onto the market to scout for a cheap boat that can get me around.

Dinagat is a huge island with plenty of smaller islands under it’s coverage. The blogs I have read are all about bababu lake and the Bitaog beach. And being fairly unexplored, I thought about getting elsewhere to at least help in uncovering what this destination has.

From google, I was seeing this part with some great beaches. A part where most names where taken from the tourist popularized Palawan.

We first went to Hagakhak Island.

There were a number of islands around this area, with small ones privately occupied by some households, including one that is said to be of the vice governor, and another of an american.

hagakhak island in Dinagat

hagakhak island in Dinagat

hagakhak island in Dinagat

hagakhak island in Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

After a tour of this semi palawan area near Basilica, we moved onto bababu. Before heading to the jump off of bababu lake, my boatman brought me to a quiet cove next to it. The cliff’s on the side of the rock islands, below the water are so visible, it is so enticing to jump. However, i could feel that my boat man is not so keen of me jumping to such point that my hesitation could not decide early enough while we are still there.

We moved next to Bababu Lake. I was with the 3 kids, kins of my boatman, and it will be too costly to climb. P300 for a guide fee plus P25 entrance. I was ok paying the entrance charge, but not about the P300 guide fee for a 45 minute trek. I asked the caretakers if it was ok to join the other groups, but he refused. I decided not to go... it’s not like I have a lot to miss. I have seen a lot of lakes, and have a lot more lined up.

a cove near the island where bababu lake is in Dinagat Islands

a cove near the island where bababu lake is in Dinagat Islands

a cove near the island where bababu lake is in Dinagat Islands

a cove near the island where bababu lake is in Dinagat Islands

a cove near the island where bababu lake is in Dinagat Islands

a cove near the island where bababu lake is in Dinagat Islands

a cove near the island where bababu lake is in Dinagat Islands

beach in Bababu Lake in Dinagat

my boatman in dinagat islands

Then, inasmuch as i’d like to see the other islands, my boatman is looking forward to seeing the triathlon event. We agreed to go back to the mainland. Good thing is, this will let me get back to surigao through the last trip.

Contact Sir Pedro for Boat service; 0909 636 5963. He asked only for P500 for this 3hour trip. He don’t speak tagalog though.

3RJ&S contact number is 0920 679 7503. Rate for single fan room is P200. See here for a picture of the fan room.

It has been a long journey to getting to this part of thecountry; The whole town was also busy with conferences and sports events at my arrival.

The first task of a visit is of course, accomodation. There is a P100 fan room I am seeing online, but could not find it exactly as it said it is near the port. The closest one to that I have been reading about was a P250 room but is fully booked. The caretaker smartly advised me to book whatever I could find right on as the guests of the event are starting to arrive and I might end up not having anything at all if I keep delaying. Hence, i decided to get the P200/night room at 3RJ&S Pension House.

I don’t have much time left for the day, but certainly not too late to settle in the room, so after getting a bath, I went out. I thought of going to the Sta Cruz beach, but was afraid that it might be too late by the time I get back. There might not be any more transpo. I thought about just walking around town.

The next day, i walked early onto the market to scout for a cheap boat that can get me around.

Dinagat is a huge island with plenty of smaller islands under it’s coverage. The blogs I have read are all about bababu lake and the Bitaog beach. And being fairly unexplored, I thought about getting elsewhere to at least help in uncovering what this destination has.

From google, I was seeing this part with some great beaches. A part where most names where taken from the tourist popularized Palawan.

We first went to Hagakhak Island.

There were a number of islands around this area, with small ones privately occupied by some households, including one that is said to be of the vice governor, and another of an american.

hagakhak island in Dinagat

hagakhak island in Dinagat

hagakhak island in Dinagat

hagakhak island in Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

some islands in Basilica, Dinagat

After a tour of this semi palawan area near Basilica, we moved onto bababu. Before heading to the jump off of bababu lake, my boatman brought me to a quiet cove next to it. The cliff’s on the side of the rock islands, below the water are so visible, it is so enticing to jump. However, i could feel that my boat man is not so keen of me jumping to such point that my hesitation could not decide early enough while we are still there.

We moved next to Bababu Lake. I was with the 3 kids, kins of my boatman, and it will be too costly to climb. P300 for a guide fee plus P25 entrance. I was ok paying the entrance charge, but not about the P300 guide fee for a 45 minute trek. I asked the caretakers if it was ok to join the other groups, but he refused. I decided not to go... it’s not like I have a lot to miss. I have seen a lot of lakes, and have a lot more lined up.

a cove near the island where bababu lake is in Dinagat Islands

a cove near the island where bababu lake is in Dinagat Islands

a cove near the island where bababu lake is in Dinagat Islands

a cove near the island where bababu lake is in Dinagat Islands

a cove near the island where bababu lake is in Dinagat Islands

a cove near the island where bababu lake is in Dinagat Islands

a cove near the island where bababu lake is in Dinagat Islands

beach in Bababu Lake in Dinagat

my boatman in dinagat islands

Then, inasmuch as i’d like to see the other islands, my boatman is looking forward to seeing the triathlon event. We agreed to go back to the mainland. Good thing is, this will let me get back to surigao through the last trip.

Contact Sir Pedro for Boat service; 0909 636 5963. He asked only for P500 for this 3hour trip. He don’t speak tagalog though.

3RJ&S contact number is 0920 679 7503. Rate for single fan room is P200. See here for a picture of the fan room.

Read More »

The Looong Road to Dinagat Islands

On my way from Borongan, I was looking at the available accomodations from the internet, and there seems to be a lot of cheap options going below P200. It was 5:30 when i reached Guiuan, and thought about hanging out for a while in Andoks Chicken in Plaza/Town Center for an P18 Mais con Yelo.

An hour later, i decided to walk it out to get to the cheapest accomodation available.

The first one I went to is Blue Star lodging house in Concepcion st. It was 10x as filthy as my bag travelling 16 days and no ventilation.

I walked out onto Tanghay View Lodging, and before reaching the far end in Lupuk, I found a number to call. They are fully booked. I walked onto Guiuan Lodging House, but only A/C room available at P500.. not my rate. I was looking for Arcenos boarding house in Mangagantan St, but all structures were ruins of the Yolanda typhoon, and none of the people around know it. I was pointed to Quintin just next to the DLTB  Business  Line. This accomodation is less filthy than Blue Star, probably just 3x as filthy as my bag J, but costs P300... not worth it especially I just had a really good room for P150 in Domsowir.

I asked further and was pointed to Kevin’s (which was closed), another Guiuan Lodging House which was full (though I won’t stay there anyway because all their rooms are A/C and all above P1000). Addisson Pension House was P800, and Hotel Kanshar is P600.

It’s getting late, im getting tired, so i thought of just spending time in an internet cafe, and then spend the night in the Plaza.

After 2.5 hours, it’s closing time for the internet cafe. I walked onto the Plaza and laid on the Just benches.  I think I fell asleep in less than an hour from this time.

sleeping in the guiuan plaza

There were plenty of mosquitoes that woke me up once in a while, and the ball of these kids that played basketball the whole night.

At around 4am, i felt someone opened the zipper of my bag. When the kid realized I got awakened, he ran. I immediately checked, and thankfully nothing missing. I will have to thank the mosquitoes for keeping my sleep afloat.

I did not bother sleep afterwards, and waited for daylight to come. From there, I decided to get to the  terminal, where I shall get the boats.

There is no boat for Loreto in Dinagat, neither for Homonhom. I was told to check out Lupuk.

Central Terminal in Guiuan

Lupuk, Guiuan, Samar 

I went to Lupuk but the only boat around is going Sulapan Island. There is nothing fancy about Sulapan island though as it appears in google. After an hour waiting, I decided to check out the other docking areas. I went “Hollywood” (where there are Homonhon bound boats) and “GT” but none going to Dinagat. I was told I can try to go to a certain barangay in Homonhon where there will be a fiesta in the coming 2 days, and catch any possible visitor on boat from Dinagat/Loreto. It was way too much waiting though, not even sure if I’d get there. I decided to take the Southern Leyte Route instead.

hollywood port in guiuan where most homonhon bound boats are

I got to the Van terminal at around lunchtime, and the overly reckless driver got us to Tacloban in just 2.5hours. I decided to rest the night in Tacloban.

The morning after, after brunch, I was told to get to the  Central  Business  terminal and get the van to Liloan. I got a Van to Sogod (this time not as spacious as the GT, Van Van, or Dubtours services). It took us 2.5 hours to get to Sogod. From Sogod, there was a  bus  that go straight to Benit Ferry.  

The bus left in 20 mins time, though in just another 20 mins, it broke down. There was a problem with the brakes.

bus from sogod straight into benit ferry in san ricardo, leyte

Sogod Terminal in Southern Leyte

An hour of waiting, a Philtranco  bus came.  I was hesitant to ride the bus as it might charge way too much for it is supposed to take passengers travelling long distance, so I asked the conductor first for how much it would cost to Surigao. He said it shall be around P100 excluding the ferry.

In an hour’s time, the bus reached Liloan Port. I knew the boat fare in this port is expensive so I thought about paying my fare to Liloan port, and get to another bus headed to Benit Ferry; Anyway, the conductor has not collected my fare. Then again, I was told that since the next boat will be by 9pm, which is in 4 more hours, the bus is instead moving to Benit Ferry. I thought there was no more need to move.

my suite seat in the bus; i have the whole aisle

Indeed, we moved to Benit Ferry, though when we got there, the boat that is due to leave in an hour’s time is already full; Hence, we will have to board the (instead of 9pm), 8pm ferry. The other problem was, the conductor won’t return the change from the collected P300 boat fare (supposedly for Liloan to Surigao).

We moved at past 8:30 and reached Surigao at nearly 10pm. Checked in at SLB Lodging house along Amet St. The next day, I board the 11am trip to Dinagat Islands. At noon... Finally! Finally!... I am in San Jose, Dinagat Islands.

boat bound to San Jose, Dinagat Islands

Dinagat islands

On my way from Borongan, I was looking at the available accomodations from the internet, and there seems to be a lot of cheap options going below P200. It was 5:30 when i reached Guiuan, and thought about hanging out for a while in Andoks Chicken in Plaza/Town Center for an P18 Mais con Yelo.

An hour later, i decided to walk it out to get to the cheapest accomodation available.

The first one I went to is Blue Star lodging house in Concepcion st. It was 10x as filthy as my bag travelling 16 days and no ventilation.

I walked out onto Tanghay View Lodging, and before reaching the far end in Lupuk, I found a number to call. They are fully booked. I walked onto Guiuan Lodging House, but only A/C room available at P500.. not my rate. I was looking for Arcenos boarding house in Mangagantan St, but all structures were ruins of the Yolanda typhoon, and none of the people around know it. I was pointed to Quintin just next to the DLTB  Business  Line. This accomodation is less filthy than Blue Star, probably just 3x as filthy as my bag J, but costs P300... not worth it especially I just had a really good room for P150 in Domsowir.

I asked further and was pointed to Kevin’s (which was closed), another Guiuan Lodging House which was full (though I won’t stay there anyway because all their rooms are A/C and all above P1000). Addisson Pension House was P800, and Hotel Kanshar is P600.

It’s getting late, im getting tired, so i thought of just spending time in an internet cafe, and then spend the night in the Plaza.

After 2.5 hours, it’s closing time for the internet cafe. I walked onto the Plaza and laid on the Just benches.  I think I fell asleep in less than an hour from this time.

sleeping in the guiuan plaza

There were plenty of mosquitoes that woke me up once in a while, and the ball of these kids that played basketball the whole night.

At around 4am, i felt someone opened the zipper of my bag. When the kid realized I got awakened, he ran. I immediately checked, and thankfully nothing missing. I will have to thank the mosquitoes for keeping my sleep afloat.

I did not bother sleep afterwards, and waited for daylight to come. From there, I decided to get to the  terminal, where I shall get the boats.

There is no boat for Loreto in Dinagat, neither for Homonhom. I was told to check out Lupuk.

Central Terminal in Guiuan

Lupuk, Guiuan, Samar 

I went to Lupuk but the only boat around is going Sulapan Island. There is nothing fancy about Sulapan island though as it appears in google. After an hour waiting, I decided to check out the other docking areas. I went “Hollywood” (where there are Homonhon bound boats) and “GT” but none going to Dinagat. I was told I can try to go to a certain barangay in Homonhon where there will be a fiesta in the coming 2 days, and catch any possible visitor on boat from Dinagat/Loreto. It was way too much waiting though, not even sure if I’d get there. I decided to take the Southern Leyte Route instead.

hollywood port in guiuan where most homonhon bound boats are

I got to the Van terminal at around lunchtime, and the overly reckless driver got us to Tacloban in just 2.5hours. I decided to rest the night in Tacloban.

The morning after, after brunch, I was told to get to the  Central  Business  terminal and get the van to Liloan. I got a Van to Sogod (this time not as spacious as the GT, Van Van, or Dubtours services). It took us 2.5 hours to get to Sogod. From Sogod, there was a  bus  that go straight to Benit Ferry.  

The bus left in 20 mins time, though in just another 20 mins, it broke down. There was a problem with the brakes.

bus from sogod straight into benit ferry in san ricardo, leyte

Sogod Terminal in Southern Leyte

An hour of waiting, a Philtranco  bus came.  I was hesitant to ride the bus as it might charge way too much for it is supposed to take passengers travelling long distance, so I asked the conductor first for how much it would cost to Surigao. He said it shall be around P100 excluding the ferry.

In an hour’s time, the bus reached Liloan Port. I knew the boat fare in this port is expensive so I thought about paying my fare to Liloan port, and get to another bus headed to Benit Ferry; Anyway, the conductor has not collected my fare. Then again, I was told that since the next boat will be by 9pm, which is in 4 more hours, the bus is instead moving to Benit Ferry. I thought there was no more need to move.

my suite seat in the bus; i have the whole aisle

Indeed, we moved to Benit Ferry, though when we got there, the boat that is due to leave in an hour’s time is already full; Hence, we will have to board the (instead of 9pm), 8pm ferry. The other problem was, the conductor won’t return the change from the collected P300 boat fare (supposedly for Liloan to Surigao).

We moved at past 8:30 and reached Surigao at nearly 10pm. Checked in at SLB Lodging house along Amet St. The next day, I board the 11am trip to Dinagat Islands. At noon... Finally! Finally!... I am in San Jose, Dinagat Islands.

boat bound to San Jose, Dinagat Islands

Dinagat islands

Read More »