Malasag Eco Tourism Village

Malasag Eco Tourism Village is located in a hilly terrain in Sitio Malasag, Brgy. Cugman in Cagayan de Oro City. It can be reached by riding a jeep from the city to Mapawa (Php13 fare) then riding a motorcycle in the junction (habal-habal fare is Php14). The habal-habal ride is exciting, it is an uphill and sometimes curvy ride with lush forests on the side of the road.

There is an entrance fee of Php30 after which, one would be provided a map making it easier to navigate the vastness of the place. Climate is significantly colder in Malasag. It offers a stunning view of  Macajalar Bay. Their al fresco restaurant is the perfect spot to view the lowlands and the sea while enjoying dining.

It is said that this village was created to increase learning about the lives of ethnic groups in the country. Sadly, I didn't experience that when I got there. Roaming around, what I was able to appreciate is how green everything is. Trees, flowering plants and trimmed grass are everywhere. It is an ideal place for picnic and family bonding. They do have a swimming pool with a Php50 entrance fee and an open grassy field perfect for sports like frisbee (Ultimate).

Aside from that, there is also a zoo that based on my observation, although I might be wrong, isn't maintained  well. The animals seemed very hungry. :( I'm thinking maybe because of low tourist visits, the place isn't raising enough funds to fully take care of them. That was late last year though, I'm hoping things have changed by now. The collection of animals are quite interesting and had variety.

There is also a long hanging bridge built under the shade of towering trees. it is wobbly yet  my companions and I had fun crossing it to the end. Talk about the child inside of us. :D There are also different accommodations for guests who would prefer to stay in this tranquil and relaxing place.

The Gardens of Malasag is just a few minutes away from Mapawa Nature Park, in fact you would have to ride thesame habal-habal from Cugman Highway, you'd just need to take the left side of the fork road when going to Malasag. It is a place to consider as a side trip if coming from Mapawa Nature Park.

Mimbalut Falls

Iligan City is not called the City of Majestic Waterfalls  for a reason. One of the 23 falls found in the city is Mimbalut Falls. This falls is in the same route to Ma. Christina Falls which is probably one of the most famous of all the falls here in the Philippines.

The water dropping from the falls is strong, plumetting into a narrow yet deep basin of water surrounded by big and slippery rocks, thus it is not a suitable area for swimming. The sunlight is directly hitting the flowing water that it looks bright from afar. The boulders surrounding the area are rocky with almost sharp edges. I wonder if it is a landslide prone area.

The water flows downwards, into an open space creating a shallow pool ideal for lazing in the water. When I arrived there though, it was Saturday and the locals use that area for doing their laundry. There are tables and benches set up for picnics but was used by the locals for drying their clothes.

I realized that Mimbalut Falls, more than a potential tourist place, plays a more important role in the lives of the people living in the vicinity. I wouldn't really suggest it as a tourist attraction but it is quite beautiful that my visit was worth it. It's a dreamy place and well, a spot in Iligan city where you can appreciate a part of Iliganon's way of life.

Tinago Falls: A Hidden Majesty in Iligan City

It all started when I saw the commercial for a local movie. There was a scene with a backdrop of a majestic waterfall, with cascades flowing right into a vast basin of emerald green waters. From then on, I was kind of hypnotized by the allure that I only saw in the TV so I won't be able to fully describe how I felt when I finally got to see Tinago Falls.

I started researching on how I could go to the falls. I was then amazed to learn that there are 23 falls just in the City of Iligan City, the capital of Lanao del Norte in Northern Mindanao. My mind was in a wishful thinking mode  hoping to have a glimpse of all the falls. As expected though, I have to wake up from my dream. These falls are scattered throughout the city and our limited time visiting wouldn't do any help. The truth is, I was a bit disheartened but my spirits were suddenly lifted upon reading some blogs giving me an idea that atleast three falls are in thesame vicinity and is possible to visit in just one day. Yey! We've then booked a flight to Cagayan de Oro. :)

The side of Tinago Falls where our habal-habal (a motorcycle modified to seat more than two persons) driver led us is the public side of the falls so we were not asked to pay for any fee. The other side is owned by a resort and they were asking for a Php10 entrance fee. We had to trek down to a series of cement stairs built on a sloping terrain. In about 10-15 minutes of walking, I heard a loud gushing of water and in just seconds, I was seeing the most beautiful falls I've seen so far.

Tinago Falls radiates a magnificent beauty. The main cascade is a towering 240 feet. The water drops strongly producing mists that reaches even up to several meters from the falls. It's like you're in an enchanted place. The sun doesn't fully shine as it is obstructed by the surrounding greens and the weather is always cool.  Swimming is truly refreshing for a soul who is thirsty of relaxation. It's also a good place for bonding with people you love.  They have picnic tables and benches set up although I'm hoping the restrooms can be improved soon. The place isn't just enjoyed by admiring tourists but by locals as well. When I was there, a very brave local jumped from the rocks the height half of the falls. Everybody was applauding after he resurfaced from the water. I almost had a heart attack though.

Tinago Falls is a must-see when visiting Iligan City. For me, it's even my reason for traveling to Northern Mindanao. I love the fact that even if it is called "Tinago" (a local word which means Hidden) it can now be easily reached. This is like a majesty of the Philippines that is just waiting to be visited.

Mantigue Island: A Little Piece of Paradise in Camiguin

Mantigue Island is probably a lesser known attraction in the island of Camiguin. Compared to White Island which was established  as a tourist destination by the provincial government way back in earlier years, Mantigue Island has not been receiving a huge and steady flock of tourists yet comparing to the latter.

Mantigue was once a fishing village until the government decided to convert it into a Marine Protected Area, imposing that no one should be living in the island. I read some accounts that villagers have relocated in the main land, either due to the government prohibiting them from staying there or due to a flooding that submerged the whole island in 6 feet deep water few years back. As I roamed around the island though, I saw several locals who seemed to go on with their daily lives. I was so curious that I asked a man, who introduced himself as the tour guide in the island, about the past situations in Mantigue. He told me that currently, there's an ongoing trial between the villagers and the government so villagers are still allowed to stay, but on the other side of the island.

Mantigue is a nature park. It has a forested area rich with different varieties of trees. A trail was established leading to the deeper part of the forest, a 383 meter area where a huge number of bats reside. We were offered by the man I asked about the situation of the island (I couldn't recall his name) to take us there for a minimal guide fee but my travel companions were too busy snorkeling that we didn't have time to do it. I couldn't blame them though since it's too hard to resist the tempting crystal clear water surrounding the island, specially when you see the life under the sea.

The island has 7.22 hectares of marine protected area. That's the part where we snorkeled. A lot of fish species can be found in the island's water. Unlike in other parts of the Philippines I've visited, fish here tend to be shy, not minding the bread we have tried feeding them. That, or the marine life is just too rich that they already get the food they need thus ignoring the bread.

It was mesmerizing to see lots of schools of fish, swimming in different directions, sometimes even bumping with the other group of fish, it was instantly an explosion of different sizes, shapes and  vibrant colored sea creatures. It was indeed fascinating! Corals are also a common sight as well as sea urchins. So be extra careful.

If you're ever tired of frolicking in the water (which never happens to me) you can roam around the island bare-footed and you'd surely notice the fine white sand of the island. It shimmers in sunlight and feels soft to the skin. There are wooden tables and benches built under the shade of pandan trees ideal for picnics and cooling off from the heat of the sun. The island is a smoke-free zone.

How to Go to Mantigue Island


Getting to the island from the main land is a breeze. If you're staying in Mambajao (the capital) and is not renting a multicab, you can ride a jeep going to Benoni Port. There is a queue of jeeps right in the center of the town. Tell the driver you're alighting in Brgy. San Roque and is on your way to Mantigue Island. Fare is Php30. Upon arriving in San Roque, you'd see signs that would point you to the direction going to the boat terminal. You just need to walk for about 5 minutes.

The government has regulated the operations of these boats and they have a fixed boat fee of Php550 for the whole day. The boat can probably accommodate up to 8 people and takes about 20 minutes to get to the island. They provide life jackets for safety purposes.You will be provided a receipt before you board the boat. Upon arriving in the island, you would be asked to pay Php20 for environmental fee and a separate Php50 for snorkeling. You can just retrace your way back to Mambajao. :)

We've got lots of beautiful islands here in the Philippines and Mantigue Island definitely would be one of the finest. When you're in the province of Camiguin, don't miss your chance to experience it. :)

A Walking Tour in Puerto Princesa City

Puerto Pricesa offers several attractions that appeals to every kind of tourists. When you find yourself in the city center with some time to spare, it would be a nice idea to visit these attractions. These are near each other so a walking tour is possible. From Aniceto Pension where we stayed for 2 nights, the cathedral is just few blocks away.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral


This cathedral, although much smaller, somewhat reminds me of San Sebastian Church in Manila, probably because of the pointed arches and the architectural design. The facade's color is obviously inspired by their patroness, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.

The original structure built in this location was erected in 1872. The current church we see today is completed in 1961. The church lacks the ornate details found in most of old churches found in the country but it exudes a solemn atmosphere conducive to praying.

Plaza Cuartel


This is located across the street from the cathedral. There's really nothing to see inside the plaza (park) but this place holds a very significant part of the country's history. This used to be a military camp back in World War II. During the Japanese occupation in the country, about 150 American Prisoners of War  were murdered.  POW were commanded to go under the air raid shelter then were poured gasoline and were set on fire alive. Those who tried to escape from the fiery fumes were even cruelly machine gunned and decapitated. Almost everybody died except for eleven who managed to escape and luckily survived by swimming towards the Iwahig River.

Today, a bronze sculpture and a memorial marker was placed in the center of the plaza that serves as a reminder of the grim event that transpired on that very fateful night of Dec. 14, 1944.

Puerto Princesa Baywalk


This is probably one of the local's favorite hang-out during sun-down. I can't blame them. This is a clean nice place to breathe fresh air and appreciate the clean sea and the silhouettes of the mountains from afar - for free.

In the mornings, I could imagine myself jogging in the bricked pathways with cool breeze of air brushing my skin. The whole stretch of the boulevard is dotted with palm trees and plant boxes with green foliage which makes it even lovelier. It's definitely a nice place where you can just sit down and do nothing but feel empowered.

The Life Born Under Camiguin's Sunken Cemetery

Old Catarman is the first major Spanish settlement established in the island province of Camiguin dating back to 1697. It remained to be a flourishing village until one day in 1871, villagers started to feel earthquakes in the area brought about by a volcanic fissure. Living in an island with several volcanoes, locals were aware of the threats and dangers of an erupting volcano and most moved as far as they could from the Old Catarman area (now called Brgy. Bonbon in Catarman Town). While they were away, the volcanic fissure formed another volcano, Mt. Vulcan which continued erupting destroying the village with the the flowing lava, burying everything of the Old Catarman. The only structure left above the ground reminiscent to the old settlement is a part of the bell tower and ruins of Gui-ob Church. A part of the area is even submerged in sea water, including the old village's cemetery.

After over a century after the wrath of Mt. Vulcan, the place where villagers of Old Catarman relocated is now the center of Catarman town. The place where the Old Catarman once prosperously stood is now called Bonbon - a barangay of Catarman town. In Brgy. Bonbon still stood the Ruins of the Gui-ob Church (also called the Old Catarman Ruins), Stations of the Cross statues were erected in Old Vulcan and the cemetery once submerged in sea water had continually sunk and it now lies deeper into the sea. A cross was built in 1982, a few meters away from the shore  to mark the site that was submerged in water.

Visiting the Sunken Cemetery, I didn't have any real idea on what will transpire. Prior to our trip, a plan was formulated on my mind. I so wanted to see what's underneath the sea. The only way to do that is to snorkel or dive. I'm not sure though on how it works or if it's even allowed so that plan was originally scrapped until the last day of our stay in Camiguin. My travel companions and I decided to press our luck and go there through commute. We only had one and a half hour to spare before leaving for CDO to catch our flight back home so we hurriedly left the resort. On our way there, I even had second thoughts of doing it. Thinking of the graves underneath the water gave me creeps and I could almost feel a spew of cold wind in my nape. The ride from Mambajao town took about 40 minutes and we realized it wouldn't be easy to go back from there to the town. Jeepneys are passing in an hour interval. Even though we're kind of worried not to make it to CDO in time, we still continued with only 30 minutes to snorkel.

The locals informed us that there's a boat fee of Php20 per person to help us cross from the shore to the cross marker. We agreed but upon learning there's a Php100 snorkel fee at the back of the cross (which is a sanctuary) we had second thoughts. Considering the limited time we have, paying Php120 seemed not to make any sense. We were then informed that we will also see a sunken tomb just in front of the cross marker (which is free) but it wouldn't be as beautiful as what's on the deeper part. Hearing that, I lost all my reservations, instead of riding the boat, I started swimming towards the cross. It was a good 5 minute swim. :)

From the hip high water from the shore going to cross marker, I already saw several species of fishes I didn't even see from snorkeling in Mantigue Island the previous day. There's numerous blue starfish that are large, one has even 6 rays. There were scattered corals everywhere. With a very short time left, I didn't bother capturing several photos. My mind is preoccupied with reaching the tomb in front of the cross. So when I saw the tomb, it was a totally different feeling. It wasn't eerie as I was expecting, rather it was a wonderful feeling of amazement. I can't believe I'm staring at a tomb, sunk in this sea 140 years ago and it's actually appears beautiful. Different small corals started to grow from the rock of the tomb. Small yellow fishes are circling one type of coral and it felt surreal that a cemetery submerged in water has this kind of life underneath. It was really priceless. I suddenly felt regret that I will only see that part. Should I had more time, I am willing to pay in triple just to witness how enchanting it would be if I'm already seeing tombs side by side each other. The fact that it is also a sanctuary is a guarantee that Php100 will be totally worth it, I'm certain it's worth even more.

In what seemed to be just a very short time of snorkeling and few pictures, our companion who didn't snorkel with us clapped her hands, an indication it was time to leave. With a heavy heart, I looked at the tomb for the last time and started swimming towards the shore. I know I've only scratched the tip of the iceberg but still, it is definitely the most unique and unforgettable of all my snorkeling experiences. I'm hoping that soon enough, I'll have a chance to travel back to Camiguin to complete discovering the whole of the iceberg. I'd definitely suggest this activity to be included in your itinerary if you're planning on going to Camiguin.

It is a sad thought thinking how the forces of nature covered a beautiful village in lava deposits in 1871 but witnessing the result of this catastrophe, I can't help but wonder in awe how nature has the ability to replace something that died with another magnificent beauty. Nature like life is truly a mystery. The death of something will always mean a birth of another... and it never fails to create it's masterpiece as time goes on.

***This is my entry to commemorate this year's All Soul's Day. Let's all pray for our departed beloved. Happy Halloween!***  

Honda Bay Island Hopping without a Tour Package

Honda Bay is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. It is a group of islands and islets with waters thriving with marine life. The islands itself boasts of rich mangroves and other flora and fine white sand that glistens under the sun. It is an awesome treat to weary souls who long to relax and commune with nature - the sea world that is.

Puerto Princesa Tourism Office regulates and standardized the Honda Bay package tours offered by different Travel agencies for Php1,100 which includes pick-up from and  drop-off to your hotel. It also includes the boat fee, entrance fees to the islands and sumptuous lunch which is usually grilled treats. It is advisable if you don't want the hassle of researching and making your own itinerary and if you have a limited time for the tour. Personally, I think that amount is reasonable. We did the island hopping on our own though because I'd like to save a few bucks and to have the freedom to stay in one island to the other as long as I want. We hired a tricycle and a driver that would drive us to the Lourdes Wharf (jump-off point to the Honda Bay Islands) and would wait for us until our tour ends. There is no regular public utility vehicle passing the area regularly. We paid Php500 for the three of us. We then rented a boat from the Tourism Office for Php1300. We visited 3 islands during a stormy day. The bad weather didn't even influence in the natural beauty of the islands.

PANDAN ISLAND

Arriving in Pandan Island, we were greeted with a white sand that was soft to the feel. I knew right away that I will like it.  After paying the entrance fee of Php50 per person, we hurriedly changed into our swimming clothes. Our boatman served as our guide. He toured us not in the island but under the surrounding water of Pandan Island. He let us hold into a ring buoy attached to a rope that he was holding while swimming. That way, we'd all reach the same part of the sea at the same time plus there's assurance we're safer. We bought few pieces of bread and started to feed the fish. The moment the bread is dipped into the water, fishes would start swarming from everywhere. It was thrilling! Fishes here are also a lot bigger compared to the other sanctuaries I've visited in the country, and they aren't shy at all. I suddenly had second thoughts of still feeding them when out of nowhere, a very big fish (about 1 feet long) attempted to bite the bread I was holding and it's two teeth stuck in my fingers instead. I felt a sharp pain and saw the bites starting to bleed in the water. It's good the fish isn't poisonous. I won't forget that experience though. :D

The water is truly blessed. Corals are very colorful at the deeper part of the sea. Another guide was able to catch a blow fish. We hurriedly snapped a picture of it before it was thrown back to the sea right away. There were also several starfish at the shallow part of the sea. Changing in the island isn't a problem for they have decent bathrooms/restrooms with clean water.

If you can't manage to  bring your own food (although that's advisable) there are some food stores available at a higher price of course. If you're lucky, you might be able to buy fresh catch (sea foods) from the locals in the island and have them cook it for you for a small fee. We bought kuracha (a crab that also looks like a lobster) which we had for dinner that night. It was superb.

SNAKE ISLAND

Unlike Pandan Island, Snake Island is owned by the city government so there is no entrance fee collected. They offer open huts for picnics or where tourist can have their meals. Tourists are expected to donate any minimal amount they can for maintaining the island.

Snake island has a very long sandbar that is winding and looks like a snake from afar, hence the name of the island. The sand is also fine and is creamy in color. The left side of the sandbar is perfect for swimming, and snorkeling with even bigger fish compared to Pandan Island. The other side at the back of the mangroves is too shallow and I saw fishermen harvest mussels and small shrimps. Scattered in the shore are several extraordinary looking shells that according to our boatman are star fish shells. I didn't know starfish comes from a shell. Pandan Island is surely another island to visit in the Honda Bay tour.

STARFISH ISLAND

There's an entrance fee of Php50 in this island if you buy the tickets right in the Tourism Office before island hopping and becomes Php75 when you buy it once you dock in the islands. I'd suggest you pass by the island first before deciding to pay the entrance. In all honesty, I didn't really like Starfish Island. The sand is course and a bit rocky near the shore. There's no fish to see except for starfish during low tide. It was high tide when we went there and it took us several minutes to scout for starfish. Dos Palmas (an upscale Resort in Honda Bay) used to have a structure in this island but was then razed after some problems in the purchase of the island. That is the ruins you'll see near the shore. I think, it's ok to skip this island on your tour and try checking out the others if you still have enough time available. We then left when the heavens turned black.

On our way back to Lourdes Wharf, the rain poured really hard and the wind blew it's best. Typhoon intensified in Palawan and I couldn't be more thankful that at least we were still able to enjoy the islands for the whole day.