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Monday, March 27, 2017

MINALUNGAO NATIONAL PARK

Minalungao National Park is located at Barangay Pias, General Tinio, and a part of Macabaclay in the city of Gapan, Nueva Ecija. It is a vast area of remarkable beauty and exciting adventure with an area of 2,018 hectares. The park has navigable river surrounded by 16-meter high limestones and sparsely dense forest, ideal for a picnic or a brief escape from the hustle and bustle life in Manila. It can be reached for relatively 4 hours by car or through commute.
The park is truly an exciting site that people with different ages will surely enjoy. The navigable part of Sumacbao River is a stretch of emerald water along Sierra Madre mountain ranges which can be enjoyed by a raft (balsa). It is made of sturdy bamboos, spacious enough to accommodate 6-8 tourists.  It has a small hut which serves as shade,  a small table  where you can put your things and food, and some benches entirely made of wood. Cruising along the river takes about 5 minutes from the docking area. If you are early, you can choose the best part of the river where you can dock your raft during the entire stay in the park. You might think that bamboo raft ride is the only thing  you can enjoy. In fact, the place has many exciting activities to choose from. Of course, the river is perfect for swimming or just floating along its water. Just be sure to wear your life jacket to avoid any forms of accident. After traversing the river, you can try exploring the limestones all the way up to the cave. Trekking experience has never been this exciting. The site has built some easy-to-follow trails that even beginners can enjoy. However, if it’s your first time to visit the caves, I would suggest you to hire a guide. They can be found to almost everywhere of the place and  at times, they stay along the trail or at the entryway of the cave. Exploring the cavern  takes for approximately 20 minutes, but would take longer if the group will have some selfies. Afterwards, you can try zipline. Well, for me this is my favorite part of the park. It was actually my first time to try a zipline on prone position and I could not wait to see the Minalungao at its perfect spot.
The ride was worth it. The view from the top was breath-taking! And it’s more spectacular if you are able to capture the place using your mobile phones or Go pro. What’s fascinating about this ride is its very affordable rate compared to other parks in the country. Imagine, it only costs P100 per one-way ride. If you think, taking video is not satisfying, you can try it again capturing your best shots while going back to the starting point. Anyway, the cost is very affordable. 
Right after this exhilarating ride, you can go straight to the Towering Cross at the peak of Mt. Pinaltakan. With this attraction, I must say that you have enough energy because you’ve got to walk more or less 1000 steps all the way up to the top. Brace yourself to have a wobbly experience at the last attraction. The park’s hanging bridge is more than 50 meters in length and supported by steel cable. Here, you get to see the bamboo rafts on bird’s eye view and take some daring selfies at the middle of the bridge.
Never think of any hassles at the site; shower rooms, restrooms, cottages, and accommodation for overnight stay are always available. But bamboo raft service ends at around 5pm for day tour.
Minalungao National Park is protected by the city of Cabanatuan under Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Protected Area Management & Biodiversity Conservation Section (PAMBCS) and in order to preserve its biodiversity, everyone has to take the following important reminders into consideration.
* Littering is strictly prohibited so each bamboo raft has a trash bin made of either a rice sack or plastic. This bag is collected after the tour.
* Jumping off the limestone and the hanging bridge is not permitted. There were many recorded accidents in the past which sometimes were cause of death of few tourists.
* There’s no way for the authority to permit the tourists and locals any forms of exploitation, destruction, and pollution to the park.
* Vandalism on the limestones especially inside the caves is impermissible.
* Bringing any portion of limestones, plants, anything from the river and the forest is also not permitted.
Although the site is few hours away from Manila, preparation is utmost essential to fully enjoy the park, so I listed down the things you have to bring:
* First and foremost, you should not forget the proper swimming attire. I advise you to wear rashguard up to ankle in length and with long sleeves. Most often than not, the weather there is hot. And please include your goggles.
* Food and beverages- Make sure to prepare and bring enough food and fluids to replenish you from hunger and thirst respectively because the activities might be energy-consuming and tiring. Besides, the market and other major stores are kilometers away from the park.
*Fully-charged gadgets such as your mobile phones, digital cameras, or Go Pro for taking selfies and videos. Plus your powerbank for extra battery.
* Extra clothes
* Sunscreen lotion for skin protection.
* Disposables: paper plates & cups, plastic spoon and fork, plastic container for food storage. But please, dispose them appropriately.
Early birds
Itinerary
03:00 am Call time
03:30 am ETD Manila area
07:30 am Arrival at the park
08:00 am Start of the tour
12:00 noon Lunch time
05:00 pm Pack-up
05:30 pm Leave the park, then visit Pasalubong store
06:30 pm Dinner time
07:00 pm ETD Nueva Ecija
11:00 pm ETA Manila Area
 
Expenses
Total expense per head: Approximately P1,300
* Park’s admission fee          P 50 per person
* Parking fee                         P 50 per vehicle
* Raft service fee                  P 500 per raft
* Zipline                                 P 100 per person (one way)
* Van rental fee                     P 6,500 (for 10 people)
(including the gasoline, driver, and toll fees)
* Food and drinks                  P 400 person
(including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and morning and afternoon snacks)
Note: It doesn’t include the budget for pasalubong yet.
 
Contact Information
Location
          Minalungao National Park
          Barangay Pias, General Tinio
          portion of Macabaclay, Gapan City
          Nueva Ecija 
* Provincial Environmental & Natural Resources Office
Telephone #:
          (044) 940-1973
E-mail:
          denr_nuevaecija@yahoo.com.ph 
* Protected Area Management & Biodiversity Conservation Section (PAMBCS)
Telephone #:
          (044) 940-5695
E-mail:
          cenro_cabcity@yahoo.com
          pambcs_@yahoo.com.ph 
Note: You can visit DENR office for further information located few meters away from the parking area. You can ask for a brochure or flyer free of charge.
For tour package inquiry, you may contact the numbers below and get some discounts and freebies for group tour (min of 10 pax, but max of 12 pax).
Mobile #:
          +63917-4222-816 (Globe)
          +63932-5462-273 (Sun)
Note: for travelers who will directly visit the park, you don't need to book for balsa (raft). It's first come first serve basis. To avail the raft, be there as early as 7 am.

Blogger's Note
Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise you to visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

PALOMPON - THE GATEWAY TO A PARADISE

We were back in Palompon before the lunch started and had an early check-in at PACCI House. If you’ll be extending your stay in Palompon, this accommodation is the right spot for you. It is located right next to the town’s church and across from the public market.
At first glance, the entire building seems like the office of Palompon Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PACCI). The entrance is on the left side of the building, right next to its caféteria. It has function halls, which can accommodate from a few to large number of guests. For a worry-free gathering, whether it’s a birthday or wedding, you can rent their tables and chair. The cafeteria is available for catering as well.    
Schedule
Check-out time           12 noon

Rate
* Seaview
Type                                       Price
Single bed (w/ cable tv)          P 800 per person
Twin bed (w/ cable tv).           P 1,000 for 2 people
Additional person                   P 200 per person
Additional bed                        P 500 per person
1 hour stay                             P 150 per person
(w/ soap & towel)
Transient (10pm – 6am).       P 600 per person
                                              P 700 for 2 people
* Non-Seaview
Type                                      Price
Family Room (w/ cable tv)    P 1,800 for 3 people
(3 beds)
Dormitory Type                      P 400 per person (capacity of 6 people)
(w/o cable tv)
3 bed bunk (double deck)     
Non air-conditioned               P 250 per person
Transient (3 hrs w/ cable tv). P 400 for 1 person
                                              P 500 for 2 people
Excess hour                          P 100 per hour

Contact Information
          PACCI House
          Rizal Street, Barangay Ipil 1
Palompon, Leyte
Philippines 6538
Telephone #:
          (053) 338-2051
          (053) 338-2051
Mobile #:
          +63935-279-1300
E-mail:
          phmchostel@gmail.com 

In front of PACCI House, there are some fruit stands that sell mangoes, apples, oranges, dalandan (local citrus fruit), bananas, and many more. You will never be starved here for sure; you can see lots of bakeshops or bakeries found almost every corner of the town.
There are good places where you can have your breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. Most of the eatery or restaurants are few meters away from PACCI House.

Next Topic:

Blogger's Note
Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise you to visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.

Monday, March 20, 2017

KALANGGAMAN ISLAND - THE PARADISE OF LEYTE

The widest and the longest sandbar of the island
Palompon is the 4th district of Leyte. It is established in 1620 with 50 barangays and total population of approximately 59,000.
Well, you might think that this province is far from the concept of being modern or city. It’s true that the place is more of a countryside, laid-back, and antiquated. In the contrary, the municipality has its ongoing projects. During our visit, we saw the construction of a gymnasium beside the public market, and reconstruction of some roads. In addition, the city has made stricter rules in tourism to entirely protect Kalanggaman Island from sudden flock of tourists and inexorable exploitation. 
The unfeigned commitment of the government is seen on how serious it implements the municipal ordinance among local and foreign tourists, service boat owners,and crew. Then the staff in Eco-Tourism’s office ensures the tourists that the boats are safe and never overloaded. The island is secured by few cops who intended not to be in uniform. 
Also, before the boat starts its journey, the police officer will conduct a brief orientation about the island. Afterwards, one Eco-Tourism staff will explain important reminders for those who will stay in the island. These are the important things you have to bear in mind:
1. Collecting sand, corals, stones, and other seashells, and fishing are prohibited under the law.
2. All tourists or guests must maintain the cleanliness of the entire island. Hence, people are given 2 kinds of big plastic bag: black for non-biodegradable materials and one transparent for trash made of biodegradable materials. One should bring these bags with all the rubbish collected back to Palompon.
3. Swimming along the sand bars are not allowed due to accident that ripcurl causes.
4. Water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, or paddle boarding must be done along the main shore of the island.
5. If in case, something bad might happen, don’t hesitate to call for help or assistance from some of the staff in the island or the authority.
Kalanggaman Island is a true paradise- untouched and very distant from the congestion of people and establishments such as private resorts, bars, and restaurants that are commonly seen in among other islands in the Philippines. Apparently, the quality of water is as clear as distilled water compared to Boracay Island with a presence of slimy algae along its shoreline. Perhaps, you might expect its sand as fine as in Boracay. It may not have a powdery quality, but it’s still white and pristine. One may think that it’s arduous to stay in the island overnight due to absence of electricity, water supply, and markets or stores to buy your food. Actually, it may be challenging or impossible for others, but in our case, we were able to endure those inconveniences. You just need to plan ahead and prepare yourself to at least once in your life, you won’t have the things that you can’t live without. I suggest you to prepare and bring the following:
1. Cooked food that don’t get spoiled easily even if you don’t put it in a cold container. For instance, you can bring adobo, boiled eggs, fried hotdog or pork. Avoid bringing food with soup or too much sauce.
Our lunch- Pork adobo with boiled egg & fried hot dog
and desserts like mangoes and oranges
2. Buy mineral water available in the nearest water station located in Palompon. For one blue container, it costs only P 40 with a deposit of P 150. This deposit can be refunded upon returning the container. 
You badly need this water for drinking, boiling water if you have coffee or instant food, then for bathing. Yes, for bathing. Deep well water is available in the island but it’s still salty, so I suggest to use mineral water for your last rinse when bathing.
Mineral water
3. If you want the thrill or sense of adventure, you can bring your own tent to save money as well, or you can rent one available in the area.
Our tent
Rate
Capacity                     Rate
Good for 2 people       500 per night
Good for 4 people       1000 per night
Contact Information
        Jeter Tent
        Kalanggaman Island
Mobile #:
        +63917-587-4984 (Globe)
4. Initially, bringing a portable butane gas stove is dispensible, but I was wrong. It was really useful because we were able to boil water and cook rice.
5. Instant food! Some will think having instant food is very unhealthy. Well for me, you’ll just consume them for a very short time and it’s for your own convenience.
6. Don’t forget to bring your swimwear. Definitely, they must be in your things-to-bring list. These days, travelers who engage in water activities, might it be simply swimming or snorkeling, you really need something to protect your skin under the scorching heat of the sun. Just imagine, how very damaging the UV rays will be without any protection resulting to irreversible impact to your skin.
Here are the essentials you need to keep in mind for a worry-free stay in the island.
a. Rashguard- preferably with long sleeves
b. Swimwear- ankle length.
c. Goggles- to see the beauty that lies beneath the water of Kalanggaman Island.
d. Snorkeler- sharing it with someone is unhygienic, so you must have your own.
7. Rechargeable equipment or gadgets- remember, there’s no electrical supply in the island round the clock. Please take note of these essentials:
a. Flashlight or small lamp- actually, I used the light from my Iphone 5s, it just that I needed to save its battery for other uses.
b. Powerbank-  a capacity of 10,000 Amp is enough. It can charge an Iphone, and a portable speaker.
c. Small or portable  bluetooth speaker- it’s optional, but if you want to chill and have fun in the island, it’s good to bring it.
8. Disposables- Since there is scarcity of water in the area, it’s not a good idea to wash your utensils. This will save your space and lessen the burden of bringing things back to Tacloban. 
a. Paper plate and bowls
b. Paper cups
c. Plastic spoon and fork
d. Wet tissues
9. Liquids- Everything you bring when you travel must be in liquid and can be consumed easily.
a. Shampoo and conditioner
b. Liquid soap instead of bar soap
c. Hand sanitizer
d. Body lotion and sunscreen lotion in small plastic canisters
e. small tubes of toothpaste and foldable toothbrush to save space
10. Comfortable clothing- it’s better to wear tank top or shirts with thinner fabric because the weather will be hotter at times.
These are basically, the things you need to bring in the island. Pack light and you’re ready to go for this adventure.
Kalanggaman Island at dusk
The municipality of Palompon built a few structures that guests can use free of charge while the natural beauty of the island is still preserved. You can use the toilets and the dressing or changing rooms. Both for men and women are available. There is also deep well beside the toilets where you can get the water. It was just disheartening to see some people who don’t have the concern or care for the place. You can find styropore, plastic materials, and empty cans and bottles at the shore or even underwater. Putting toilets and changing rooms is a brilliant idea but maintaining their cleanliness is very disappointing. I couldn’t believe my eyes to have discovered sanitary napkin inside one of the changing rooms and sachets of shampoo and used tissues in most of the toilets. I can feel that the municipality is doing its best to protect the biodiversity of the island, but it’s we, the people, who must have the initiative to fulfill its vision. We just have to remember that we are all visitors of the island, who by no means, have the rights to devastate its beauty. Undoubtedly, Kalanggaman Island has bigger potential to be acknowledged locally and internationally in the long run. And there is no doubt that it can be the number island in the world.
The weather in the island is unpredictable. It might be windy and dry today but hot and humid the next day. We were lucky to have windy but overcast weather during our stay there. I just lain my back on the bench the entire noon and read my an inspirational book. What a perfect way to unload yourself from stress and calm your body and soul.
If you are lucky enough to depart Palompon in the morning, you can have a good chance of witnessing dolphins swimming along your way to the island. An additional attraction that everyone is excited to look forward to. And don’t forget the picturesque view of the sunrise and sunset from the shore.
The island at dusk
It’s more mesmerizing if you’ll spend your morning along the 2 sandbars. 
A breath-taking view at sunrise
Nothing compares the inner peace and joy that the view brings you. The place is tranquil and undeniably relaxing. What a good way to start my summer.

On the lighter note, with this kind of place, you can no longer ask for more; comfort and convenience are merely secondary. 
Here are some of the photos taken and these remind me of my adventure in the island. 


Blogger's Note
Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise you to visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.

Friday, March 10, 2017

HOW TO VISIT kALANGGAMAN ISLAND

If you plan to visit Kalanggman Island in Palompon, Leyte, here are the steps.
Step 1:
If you’ll be coming from Tacloban City, you can take a van to Palompon for only P150 per passenger. They are available in Tacloban’s new bus terminal located in Barangay Abucay. You can have the first trip at 6:45 in the morning. Each van leaves a 45-min interval until 6 pm daily.
Palompon's Van & Jeepney Terminal
Schedule
Name of Van                Time of Departure
Jas Tours                             06:45 am
Jas Tours                             07:30 am
E.R.JR.                                08:15 am
Gee-Rhaim Tours                09:00 am
E.R.JR.                                09:45 am
Rand Tours                          10:30 am
Gee-Rhaim Tours                11:15 am 
E.R.JR.                                12:00 noon
Gee-Rhaim Tours                12:45 pm
Gee-Rhaim Tours                 01:30 pm
Esoy-Esoy                            02:15 pm
Molafcor                               03:00 pm
Jovinprime                            03:45 pm
Rand Tours                           04:30 pm
Rexen Tours                         05:15 pm
Ron Cars                              06:00 pm
Tip: Be at the terminal few minutes before the departure. The van usually leaves at the exact time or earlier if it’s completely filled with passengers.

Step 2:
It takes roughly 3 hours to reach the province of Palompon. Upon arrival, you can go directly to Eco-Tourism’s office inside St. Francis Inn. It’s located at Liberty Park, just right behind Palompon Town Hall.

Step 3:
Then register yourself and pay the entrance and conservation fees. Rate varies according to length of your stay in the island. The following rates are as follow;
Rate
Category                        Day Tour      Overnight
International Tourist        P 500             P 750
Non-Palompon Tourist    P 150             P 225
Non-Palompon                P 40               P 60 
(College Student)                     
Non-Palompon                P 30              P 45
(High School Student)
Non-Palompon                P 20              P 30
Elementary Student
Non-Palompon                P120             P 180
(Senior Citizen)
You’ll be issued a temporary receipt to be presented at the cashier.
Tip: Don’t lose the receipt. You’ll need it when paying for the boat.
 Outrigger that will bring you to and from Kalanggaman Island
Contact Information
          Eco-Tourism Office
          St. Francis Inn
          Palompon, Leyte
Telephone #:
          (053)-555-9731
Mobile #:
          +63926-816-4005
          +63926-816-4007
          +63998-555-1421

Step 4:
Next, pay for the boat transfer fee at the counter.
Rate
Capacity             Rate           Cottage
15 people           P 3,000       P 250
16-25 people      P 3,500       P 500
26-30 people      P 4,000       P 700
Tip: Don’t lose the receipt. You’ll present it to one of the staff in Kalanggaman Island for verification.

Step 5:
Once you’re done with all of the payments and the registration, ask your group to decide on what time the pumpboat will pick you up and bring you back to Palompon the next day.
The downside of sharing the boat with other travelers is deciding on the length of your stay in the island. It would have been much fun if we stayed a little bit longer, but sadly to say, the entire group had to leave at exactly 8am because 3 from the group needed to go back to Tacloban for their flight at noon.  
Now, if you are really on a tight budget, going to Kalanggaman Island in a group is much advisable. You can share all the expenses including the food, tent, and even the boat transfer fee. However, if you think that there’s no way to find    people and share your expenses with, don’t lose hope. There’s still a possible way. Like what I mentioned in my previous page, I was able to fulfill this tour with just a friend. But here’s the catch. When we were on our way to Palompon, I was eyeing for travelers who were also bound for Kalanggaman Island and would be staying there overnight. Until I met a couple, Marge and her boyfriend whom I asked to share the expenses. Without any second thought, they agreed on our deal. Still, our dilemma was the rate. Even 4 people were sharing, the fee was still pricey. In fact, the maximum capacity of the boat was 15. Then after a few minutes, it was such a big relief to hear that 3 were on their way to Palompon and joining us and another guest came and we made a group of 8. Each person only spent P 375 for a two-way boat transfer to the island. Finally, we were able to reach the place for about an hour and now ready to explore the beauty that lies on this virgin island. 

Next Topic: Kalanggaman Island - The Paradise of Leyte


Blogger's Note
Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise you to visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.