Travelogger

We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.

Conquering Mount Pinatubo

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Many Filipinos still remember that fateful day in 1991 when a relatively unknown volcano erupted north of the capital. The eruption caused a lot of damage and killed hundreds of people. Its effects were felt far and wide, even affecting the global climate. Today, this volcano has become a destination for many a tourist.

The fact that it erupted fairly recently and that you can hike right up to the crater is too tempting to resist. Even more so, the sight that greets you at the end of the trek is enough to entice anyone – even those who wouldn’t normally go hiking. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

That’s my first view of the crater. The eruption created this gorgeous lake, the depth of which is currently undetermined. I had seen pictures of this view so many times before but nothing prepared me for the real thing.

Yes, you can go swimming in the lake. The water is perfect! At first it may seem too cold but the sun is hot enough to keep you warm.

There are different routes you can take to the crater – we chose the easiest one. We drove all the way to Capas, Tarlac, where the famed Pinatubo Spa is located. We met our guide there, who took us near the crater on a 4×4. That ride lasted about an hour (rough road all the way!), while the trek lasted about 30 minutes. According to the sign below, we’re way older than senior citizens!

I say who cares? The experience was worth everything!

Philippine Travel Alert Extended By US State Department

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Before any of my fellow Filipinos react, let me say that I am in no way in agreement with this extension. In fact, the reason for my writing this post is to express my disagreement with it! This travel alert against the Philippines was issued late last year after the egregious issue of the Maguindanao Massacre hit international headlines.

We all have to admit that that was a horrible affair and that it did nothing to improve the image of the Philippines. Everyone condemned – and continues to do so – that incident. However, that does not mean that the Philippines is an unsafe country. In fact, in the past months, I have interacted with numerous foreign visitors – and each one of them have all their hair in their heads untouched.

For one, Maguindanao is in the southernmost island of the Philippines. There are many tourist attractions in other parts of the country that are totally safe – both for foreigners and locals alike. That massacre is not an ordinary happening in our country and not everyone is like whoever those people behind that massacre are.

Indeed, I went on a trip in December – to a province that is not very touristy. This weekend, a group of my friends are on a weekend trip to another isolated island in the northern part of the country. They are perfectly safe.

This travel alert is a prime example of how the news can be exaggerated and how mountains are made out of mole hills. Primary lesson: don’t believe everything that you hear or read. Not even when it comes from the government. Maybe especially when it comes from the government.

More Island Hopping In Caramoan

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Island hopping is the main reason one should go to Caramoan. I was really quite disappointed with the beach front at the resort we stayed in. The sand was brown and looked dirty. Dried seaweed littered the beach. I thought I would not enjoy myself, but I was proven wrong. Two days of island hopping showed me just what this place has to offer.

There are two main groups of islands that are usually visited by tourists – one to the south and one to the north. The southern islands are farther, but a whole lot more beautiful. Manlawi, which I wrote about in the previous post, is located in this area. Another island in this area is Cotivas. It is also beautiful, but smaller than Manlawi. When we got there, there were a small group of people lunching under the shade of a small tree. It was so serene!
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Sabitang Laya is also a must visit. The beach is much smaller, but the rock formations are astoundingly beautiful! There is a small cove – if you can call it that – with more rock formations. I could spend a whole afternoon there just breathing it all in!
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Islands in the northern part worth visiting are Lahus Island and Matukad Island. Lahus has a relatively long beach in the middle of two groups of rocks.
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Matukad is smaller, but has some interesting plants. There is also a lagoon which is accessible by climbing a steep “cliff.” There is supposed to be a “guardian fish” in the lagoon, which cannot be caught by anyone.
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Isn’t this place just magical?

Things To Do And See In Caramoan

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Umang Cave 2This time and day next week, I should be lounging at the beach – soaking in the sun! For now, I have to deal with work for three more days. That does not mean that I cannot keep thinking about what I will be doing for the five days that I’ll be in Caramoan.

The main thing for me, really, is the beach. I will probably spend most of my time just relaxing and swimming. I already have books and some TV shows lined up. Just give me food and drinks and I’ll be fine. Of course, I cannot pass up on the famed island hopping tours. Caramoan supposedly has 7 islands – all of which have to be discovered by the visitor. From other travelers’ experiences, a tour will take at least a day. Boats can be rented for PHP1,500 to PHP1,800 (about $30), and they can accommodate about 5 people. Not bad!

Spelunking or caving is also a popular activity in this part of the world. I am not sure I will try this as I have an aversion to dark enclosed places, but it sounds interesting. They say that you can hire guides for less than PHP500 ($10) to take you to Omang Cave. We’ll see how I feel when I get there.

Fishing – now this is something I would LOVE to do! My dad’s an avid fisherman and I guess he passed that on to me. Imagine having fresh fish for lunch – something you caught yourself. As long as I don’t have to clean it, I’ll be good!

Photo courtesy of caramoan-paradise.blogspot.com

Caramoan Islands: How To Get There

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guijalo_7I may not have been to the place yet, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been making plans. Well, technically, it’s not me who has been planning the whole thing, but I do know what is going on. In case, you do get enticed to pay this neck of the woods a visit, here is some useful information.

How to get to Caramoan Islands
First you need to get to the Philippines, which I assume is easy enough for those who are in other countries. From Manila (other cities may have flights to Bicol but Manila is your best bet), you can take a Cebu Pacific flight to Naga City. This is one of the major cities in the Bicol Region.

From Naga City, you need to go to either Sabang Port. The trip will take about an hour and the cost will depend on the mode of transportation. Public transportation such as buses and jeepneys are available; the cost anywhere from PHP 65 to PHP85 (less than USD2).

From Sabang Port, you need to go to Guijalo Port. Travel is by boat and it takes about 2 hours. This will cost around PHP120. From there, you can get to Gota Village or wherever you are staying.

Here’s the better alternative for those who do not want to worry about all the transfers. Just make sure you get a flight to Naga City and let your resort handle all the transfers! Both Gota Village and La Playa will gladly do this for you for a reasonable price.

Up Next: What to bring