My Review of Cabua-an Beach Resort - A Budget Accommodation in Camiguin

Camiguin is  a charming unpretentious province located in Northern Mindanao in Southern Philippines. Its appeal roots from the simple and laid back life of the people. It is considered a small province yet it is home to some of the most famous attractions of the country like the majestic Mt. Hibok-hibok, the therapeutic hot spring of Ardent, the flourishing underwater life in Mantigue Island and the unique experience of snorkeling in the Sunken Cemetery.

I considered several accommodation options for our trip in Camiguin. Although our group had a budget I was trying to meet, I still wanted to stay in a beautiful beachfront property. Thinking there's no possible night activity to do in town, I imagined spending the evening with my travel companions in the seashore while we're sharing stories over a few bottles of beer. I stumbled upon a site with different accommodation options, with estimated rate plus contact numbers however, there's no other information or photo I could use to decide. The resort didn't have a website at that time. Comparing it to other beachfront  resorts though, I decided it's worth a shot. We had our reservation with them.

Cabua-an Beach Resort is about a  30 minute multicab ride from Benoni Port and a 10-15 minute walk from the town center of Mambajao, the capital town of Camiguin. There are also several motorelas that you can ride going here. Fare around town is Php7 (last quarter of 2011). I wasn't really expecting much from this place given the rate but I feel that we got the value of what we paid for.

The main building where the reception area and where our room was located is still a few steps away from their gate, passing by a few fruit bearing trees. We we're provided with our room key and climbed the stairs leading to the second floor where some of the rooms are located. The stairs first led us to a veranda that served as a pathway to individual rooms. It has a beautiful view of the back lawn, noticeably manicured and taken cared of as well as the pathway to the sea. There are wooden tables and chairs set up in front of each room that served it's purpose well. By this, I was already convinced Cabua-an is a lovely place and  could have just set up a hammock in the veranda and sleep there for the night but everybody prefer a bed including me so we opened the door to our room.

The room we got is an air-conditioned  family room. There were 5 single beds  with a weaved rattan headboard with the bedding in my favorite shade. These are things I liked about our room. It is spacious and was entirely clean. The en suite bathroom and toilet are separated and there's an additional sink outside the bathroom.The beds are comfortable and bedding smelled nice. Even without a guard  and with the front desk closing at 10PM, I still  felt really safe. I also thought of some things they can still probably improve on. I mentioned that the room is spacious however I found the bed arrangement  awkward. The airconditioner just cooled one direction therefore guests staying on the corner won't feel that there's an AC at all, sadly I'm the one to experience that. Whenever somebody walked, I strongly felt it while lying on my bed but I'm thinking it might be because of the wooden floor.

The room is basic but is adequate with our needs. The lack of TV in our room is fine with me. I was there to explore and appreciate what's around me. For guests booked for an extended stay, you may opt to book for the cottages, some have TV and hot shower. With the Php950 we paid, I still feel that we got the bang for our buck, honestly maybe more.

The main building also houses the restaurant (where there's a TV) that opens from breakfast up to 10 PM. We didn't try it as well but we bought their home made polvoron. It was delicious. Besides the main building, there are also beachfront cottages but can accommodate fewer number of guests. You may check their updated rates here. They also have WiFi in the main building.

The beach is not a stretch of sandy beach that I imagined but has a pebbled shore. The rocks and stones were smooth if not round. I didn't have a chance to check out the water or what's under it for we left the whole days we were there to check out other attractions. What I remember is the night I'm sitting in the veranda and was serenaded by cicadas that might be residing on the very tall tree in front of our room.

Overall, I would recommend this place to a friend. The room is basic and there's really nothing special but the resort itself is already a retreat, a place to appreciate peace and quiet. I could imagine myself going back to Cabua-an, sitting on the same seat I've occupied in the veranda, sipping a cup of coffee with somebody I love, feeling the light breeze of the wind caress my hair and smelling the fresh fragrance of the surrounding greens. Oh, I must be dreaming now but really, I'm glad to have stayed in Cabua-an and I''ll be happy to stay there again when I go back for a visit.

You might also want to read about the places I've been to in Camiguin.
Sunken Cemetery
Mantigue Island
White Island
Ardent Hotspring

Cagayagan de Oro on Foot

Cagayan de Oro is a bustling city in the northern part of Mindanao. I've met some of the friendliest people here while traveling. Arriving in CDOlate the first day, we didn't have enough time to visit the attractions located on the outskirts of the city so we decided to get immersed with what can be found right at the very heart of the city. There are some interesting things to see and can be reached just by walking and so, our walking tour began.

The City Museum

This is  an old water tank converted into a museum in 2008. It is a product of the city's initiative for "adaptive reuse of a heritage structure". The water tank/tower was completed in 1922 and served as a reservoir of the old Municipality of Cagayan with water coming from Malasag Hills. It is located in the oldest section of the city where a settlement was established by Recollect missionaries. It withstood the heavy aerial bombings by American planes in Sept 1944. (source: a manuscript inside the museum)

The small museum has three levels. Picture taking is only allowed in the ground level where photos of famous Cagay-anons who made a big contribution to the city is on display. It also has some information about DXCC, a radio station of the city. The second and third floor hold photos of the lifestyle and events of the old city.

The City Museum of Cagayan is open from Mondays to Fridays, 9:30 - 5:00 PM. It is closed on Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays.

San Agustin Metropolitan Cathedral

The Cathedral is just a few steps away from the museum, almost beside it. It is a Roman Catholic church and is a sybol of deep faith of Cagay-anons.

Plaza Divisoria

This is probably the busiest area in the city. It is a plaza with several monuments surrounded by shady trees. Our hotel was located in this area and it was very convenient. There are a lot of restaurants built almost beside each other,as well as ukay-ukay stalls. Transportation is always available in this area.

During weekends, including Friday nights, it is the location host for the festive Divisoria Night. There are live on stage performances. A block of the plaza is also converted into an alfresco restaurant serving booze and grilled food. In the other area are tiannges perfect for scoring clothes, shoes and bags at a cheap price.

Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan)

Xavier University was founded in 1933. It is located near the other end of Plaza Divisoria.  Proper attire should be observed when planning to get inside the university for guards won't allow  you when wearing shorts/skirts 3 inches above the knee as well as spaghetti/scowl neck tops. You would have to leave an ID too. There's a chapel inside the university. There's a museum that's undergoing renovation when we were there. The atmosphere inside the university is relaxing.

When you get tire of walking, don't fret. There are several motorellas roaming around that can take you to your next destination. On our case, walking around proved to be a rewarding experience.

Daranak Falls: The Pride of Tanay

I've been planning to visit Tanay, specifically Daranak Falls for the past few years. I happen to pass by the narrow road leading there from the highway going to Momarco Resort in 2008 and I promised to go back and see what Daranak Falls look like. I never knew whatever happened and I haven't gone there, not until after 4 years had passed.

It was a Tuesday morning when I arrived and I expected nobody would be there since it's a weekday. I was surprised that there are quite a number of people (mostly families and barkadas) already occupying the picnic tables and cottages, busy grilling meat and sea shells. It is a far comparison though during weekends, the tricycle driver told us guests would reach even a thousand during weekends.

There was a bridge at the back of the small structure where we paid entrance. It's the start of the water system. The water is shallow with rocks scattered on the riverbed. We walked straight to the falls and was amazed. I've seen pictures of Daranak Falls but it still is different when you're seeing it for real. It was nice knowing there's this waterfall just near Manila, a place that somewhat promises relief from the busy streets and lifestyle of Manila. What's best is it's a public area and the government of Tanay only asks for minimal entrance fee intended for the maintenance of the place. I believe they are doing a good job in keeping the place neat.  :)

It rained the day before we traveled to Tanay so the water, although greenish and clean is not clear. I wore my goggles and couldn't see anything underwater. The cascade of the water is strong and I got to enjoy a water back massage towards the end of my stay in the falls. We started swimming at 3PM after the sun was friendlier. That's when most of the visitors packed their lunch boxes and left the place. The water is cold and refreshing, a welcome contrast to the sunny weather. I waddled in the shallow part of the falls and floated in the deeper part of it. It was like I'm glaring at my childhood memories when I was spending my time carelessly and joyously.

Daranak Falls is one of the many reasons why tourists visit Tanay and I understand why. It is a grandeur that can easily be reached from Manila and definitely would offer a day filled with a bit of discovery and fun. :)

How to Go to Daranak Falls via commute:

There are vans going to Tanay parked in front of Star Mall in Crossing. When you're in EDSA facing the mall, you'd find the queue at the most right corner. Fare as of this writing is Php70. It took about 10 minutes to fill the van when we arrived at 9:30AM. Travel time took about 1 and 1/2 hours and stopped at the terminal in Plaza Aldea. Tricycles are available and would take you to Daranak Falls. Usual fare is Php200 per tricycle maximum of 5 people. During weekends,there are tricycle queues in front of the registration area of the falls to take you back to Plaza Aldea but on ordinary days, there's none and you might want to have an arrangement with the driver for a return trip back to the town. We paid Php300 for the two way trip for the two of us.

The Falls hours are from 8AM to 5PM. No overnight stays are allowed. Entrance is Php20 for adults and Php15 for kids. Picnic sheds/tables are being rented for Php100 for the entire day.

The Blogger Would Like to Share: Tips on Creating Your Do-It-Yourself Travel

Sabang Beach: What Made up for the Failed PP Underground River Tour

As I've mentioned in my previous post, after an almost three hour of uncomfortable but scenic bus ride to Sabang, a sitio of Puerto Princesa Palawan and the gateway to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, we found out from the tourism office that all tours for the day have been cancelled due to bad weather. I was too excited to finally see the Underground River by doing a trek through the Monkey trail so it was truly frustrating that weather didn't cooperate. But then, that's one thing I learned, a traveler should always be flexible with itineraries and make the best out of every travel opportunity.

It was low tide when we reached Sabang. That gave us an even wider shore of gray and very fine sand to walk or run into. The extraordinary high and strong waves on that day extends to the far end of the shore, quickly turning the sand into a mirror, giving a beautiful reflection of the trees nearby. The rain continued to pour, sometimes it's just drizzle and often, it was hard. It didn't change a thing though. Sabang Beach was still beautiful, and looked mystical with sloping mountains partly covered in gray clouds.

The sand was warm and soft to the feel. It's like a comfort to the cold shower of the rains. For hours, I've stayed  outdoors, not really swimming but playing with the high waves, running from it until it finally catch me and immerse me on it's height. When I got tired, I stayed on the shallow part, relatively submerged in the warm water of the beach while feeling the rain drip on my face. It was like my childhood days once again. I was contented watching my boyfriend swim against the waves with other tourists doing the same. Be cautious though, there are warnings posted in Sabang that undercurrent is often strong. It was a good things that's not the case when we were there.

Sabang Beach is very scenic, the shoreline is dotted with towering coconut trees. It's charm comes from the exclusivity and serenity of the place. There's a part where I notice freshwater is flowing from the higher part of the cove to the shore. Surrounding mountains even make the scene even more picturesque. I'll still definitely go back to Sabang to try and see the underground river again but for this trip, Sabang Beach proved to also be a rewarding attraction worth visiting in Sabang.

Accommodation and Dining in Sitio Sabang, Puerto Pricesa Palawan

Sitio Sabang is known to be the gateway to Puerto Princesa Subteranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage. Tourists usually flock the area  from mid-morning to early afternoons and leave the place almost deserted after those busy hours. I'd say that's the perfect time to truly appreciate how beautiful Sabang is. It boasts of a long stretch of beach with clear and warm water and powdery sand. That would be a good reason to consider staying even  for just a night in this lovely and pretty beach.

There are a lot of beach front accommodation options in Sabang. I had the opportunity of checking out some of these places when I commuted to  Sabang to witness the beauty of the Underground River. The weather didn't cooperate and  the area was currently affected by a typhoon that time. Imagine my disappointment when after an almost three hour of butt numbing bus ride, the tourism office in Sabang informed us they cancelled all tours for the day. Trekking the monkey trail was also strictly prohibited for safety reasons and that's what I'm mostly excited about! I understood but honestly, my heart sunk for a moment. Knowing my flight back home is the following day, there'd be no chance of seeing this natural wonder. My companions and I decided to stay for a night though, Sabang beach is hard to resist.

-Penao Beach Cottages and Canteen-
(currently ramaging my things to find their receipt with their phone number)

It was raining and equipped with just one umbrella for the three of us, we settled for the nearest accommodation we can find from the bus/van terminal. That would be Penao Beach Cottages found immediately when you turn right from the terminal (facing the beach). The cottages are decent enough and is a good value for money. We paid Php700 for the three of us. Their three cottages are constructed with native materials. Inside are 2 beds, with a cute round mosquito net hanging overhead the beds. Windows have screens to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside the cottage. The bathroom is quite spacious for a budget accommodation. There's a stand fan and a light bulb that we were only able to use from 6PM to 10PM, the time when resort's turn their generators on for electricity. Sabang doesn't have electricity yet so unless you stay in the upscale resorts in the area that have 24 hour generator available, you'll have electricity just as late as up to 11PM.

Walking towards the end at the right side of the beach, we passed by other accommodation options. Most also have their own restaurants. One interesting fact, all these resorts have at least one dog in their properties. These pets act as the guards of the resorts.

-Robert's Resort-
Contact #: 0927.312.3621

-Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa-
http://www.sheridanbeachresort.com/

-Taraw Beach Cottages-
Contact #: 63.927.450.2984

-Green Verdi Resort Inn and Restaurant-
Contact #: 63.927.350.0289

-Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort-
http://daluyonresort.com/

-Mary's Cottages-
Contact #: 63.919.757.7582

-Tribal Beach Resort and Restaurant-

We had dinner in Tribal Beach Resort's Restaurant. I read several positive reviews about them so I encouraged my sister and boyfriend to try it out. The owner who also runs the place and cooks the meals was ready to please us. Tribal has 2 adorable dogs, one is a puppy who stays beside our table while we're eating. He must be asking for food. We didn't mind her though. She's just too adorable and even knows some tricks like her mom.

We ordered what seems to be unusually served in other restaurants except for the famous calamares and a platter of rice. We paid Php530 for everything.

Tribal has 4 cottages built in their fenced property. It is located at almost far end of the beach (on the right), just before Mary's and is near the starting point for the Monkey trail going to the Underground River.

There's not much to do in Sabang specially at night but I found our stay there worthwhile. The beach is so beautiful and I stayed in the water all afternoon despite the deteriorating weather. The night was so serene, it felt like for hours, I experienced how it was to live in an old civilization. :)

Bohol's Bilar Man-made Forest

Whether you like it or not, everyone who is going on a countryside tour in Bohol would surely pass by the man-made forest found in the town of Bilar for this highway is your gateway to more of Bohol's attractions. On my end, I just didn't like it, I loved it! We got off the car and I was amazed how trees formed a canopy, blocking and screening the  hot rays of the sun from reaching the ground. I was pretty sure that temperature exceeded 32 degrees that very sunny day since the heat awaken my migraine causing me to have a terrible headache. It was different under the towering trees though, it gave me the illusion that it's already almost dusk and the place is just so revealingly relaxing. I wish I could have set-up my hammock and slept on the shade. :D

This forest is admirable knowing that it is a result of  successful reforestation efforts inspired by the National Government and was conducted with the help of the provincial government. During the war period in the 40's, several locals hid on the deep of the forests of the mountainous regions and burned some forested area to plant crops for food (kaingin). Eventually, the war ended and during the 60's, cutting down trees and kaingin were  strictly prohibited and reforestation had been a serious business in the province. It all started with the planting of tree seedlings in a barren area of about 857 square meters which now grew to an area of approximately 800 hectares. Trees are 80% mahogany and the remaining are mixture of other tree species. From what I have been informed, planting trees in the area is still on going, as this is one of the "requirements" for senior highschool students in Bohol before they graduate. They are given options on whether to plant a mahogany tree in the land or a mangrove in the river areas. I haven't validated that information though.

Whenever I think about this forest, I see it as a celebration of Boholano's cooperation and discipline. If only we, who live in different parts of the Philippines can plant at least a ratio of one tree to one person on where we live, and make sure the tree grows fully, then I could already imagine a more beautiful and healthy Philippines. I hope my dream doesn't end here.

Getting to Bilar's Man-made Forest


I won't be able to share how to go to this place via commute since this and all the other attractions I've visited in Bohol is a part of the itinerary for the whole day countryside tour I designed. We rented a vehicle with a driver that served as our tour guide as well. This is a a family get-away and not my typical backpacking trip so comfort is one of my top priorities arranging this trip. If you need information on who you can contact for renting vehicles, please check this link: Cars/Vans for Hire in Bohol.

The Delights and Dangers of Mag-aso Falls

If there is a body of water I always find mystical, it is the falls. I am always fascinated of it's magic, that I never fail to include visiting atleast one on my trips. There's something about swimming in the fresh flowing water that makes me feel wonderful. I usually end up in love with the falls I'm visiting and more often than not, I feel truly refreshed after communing with it.

Arriving Brgy. Can Omay in Antequera Bohol, approximately an hour from Whites and Greens Resort in Panglao Island, we paid a barangay fee. A short distance after, we reached the entrance to Mag-aso Falls. A lady is manning the entrance where we paid an entrance fee. I was really excited specially it will be my family's first time to see a falls. It is my sixth. There are long set of stairs going downwards to the falls. It wasn't steep, I found it friendly maybe even to kids. It's a different case though when you need to climb back to the entrance, it might be tiring for people who are not accustomed in doing physical activities. I almost run in the stairs to my excitement of seeing the falls. Then I heard the gushing of the water. A few more steps and my eyes flicked with the beauty in front of me. It was the lovely falls with three cascdes, dropping rapidly into a pool of teal-colored water. Our tour guide mentioned the drop of the falls is even stronger decades ago that it produces a smokey projection at the bottom of where the cascade is dropping, hence the name Mag-aso. Aso is a local term that means smoke.

As I'm about to swim, the incident of three boys drowning from this falls due to flash flood suddenly crossed my mind. I almost chickened out but after I got the guarantee from Rene, one of the falls' lifeguards that there had been no rain the past days, I wasted no time. Besides, I didn't see any of Bear Grylls warning tips when there would be a flash flood. I'm sad though that my sister decided not to join us in swimming. Whatever her reason is, I never completely understood but maybe, if someone isn't up to something we better let them be.

Walking to the part where I can atleast play in the water, the big rocks proved to be very slippery. I almost slipped even when I'm very careful walking. Then I dipped and the water is very cold but tolerable. I was really having fun. I floated on my back with Nikko swimming around me. Lush trees surrounds the falls and that added to the enchanting experience. We truly have a wonderful world. Trying to swim around, I noticed that the riverbed isn't flat. In some parts where I'm walking on knee high water, I found out that in just one step I could be submerged into a water that's deeper than my height. There was also an instance when I swam in the middle of the pool that I felt the strong current underwater pushing me with the waterflow. I am not a good swimmer so I decided to wear a life vest, and just floated on the side just to be on the safe side. I'd still want to reach more places and blog about them. :D Nikko on the other hand braved swimming near the cascade then swam back beside me shortly, saying the current is so strong that a lot of water entered his ears while swimming.

Having a bit bored with swimming, Nikko decided to have some more fun by riding the flow of the water  which will eventually drop him to a 10 feet high of water. I got worried and tried being a kill joy by asking him not too. He found an ally when Rene, told us it is safe as long as he knows how to swim well. He urged him to wear a lifejacket though. That's a relief for me. After he did it twice, everybody thought that it was perfectly safe then I just found them encouraging me to do it too. Sounds like fun but I'm scared, hahaha! The current is fast and what if I drink a lot of water? Everybody is cheering on me that it dawned on me, Nikko did it, I'm wearing a life vest and two lifeguards are watching me closely so what could be wrong. With a nervous look in my face, I positioned myself near the center part where it's shallow and let go from holding the rocks after Nikko did it again, just before me. I felt myself being carried by the water freely then I plunged. Watching the video, it seems fast but that time, the moment I dropped underwater felt like eternity, hahaha! I did enjoy though that after overcoming my fear, I did it again. It was something unforgettable and pumped up my energy.



                        - a video courtesy of Jing Seguban -

After two hours in the falls, it was time to leave making sure we'd be able to go to all the other attractions for that day. I had a wonderful experience. Even my parents and sister who didn't swim can't stop marveling with the sight of this falls. I just wish somehow that my sister also swam with us so she had a more joyful time, after all, she sponsored this trip. Other than that, I am really grateful that we were able to savor the delights of Mag-aso falls and did so safely without witnessing the dangers it imposes even if we visited during the rainy season.

Random Reminders


*Besides the entrance fee of Php20 for adults and Php10 for kids, they now charge Php5 barangay entrance fee just before arriving the entrance of the falls. Brgy. Can Omay isn't usually flocked by tourists and the barangay fee they collect is the only way they earn revenue for barangay use.

*Mag-aso Falls open as early as 7AM and closes at 5PM.

*There are now a total of 10 volunteer life guards in Mag-aso Falls. They don't have regular salaries but they are there to lower if not totally eradicate the number of accidents. They know the place better so it would be safer if we listen to their warnings.  I was told there are few occasions when local residents from other towns ignored their warnings and it nearly ended in a catastrophe.We can be considerate enough to give them any amount we can.

*The place lacks clean and functional restrooms.


*I won't be able to share how to go to this place via commute since this and all the other attractions I've visited in Bohol is a part of the itinerary for the whole day countryside tour I designed. We rented a vehicle with a driver that served as our tour guide as well. This is a a family get-away and not my typical backpacking trip so comfort is one of my top priorities arranging this trip. If you need information on who you can contact for renting vehicles, please check this link: Cars/Vans for Hire in Bohol.