Traveling can be inspiring or relaxing or a way to run away form the world in search of peace. Some of us travel for fun while for some traveling is there passion. Be it anything, we’ve got 3 fascinating things to do for all the travel freaks out there!
1. Go on an excursion:
If your destination includes only one city, then add another one to your list and on a free day take a short trip to the nearby town or city. This can be a great and an overwhelming experience to enjoy and leave with more memories to cherish.
2. Go the unplanned way:
Get inside your car, carry a map along and have a phone with good internet connection. Just choose a place and keep going where the road leads you to, because unplanned trips are the best. These trips are the most thrilling ones. Getting lost is a great way to become familiar with a place and stumble upon unexpected things.
3. Face your fears:
Scared of heights? Go sky diving. Scared of water? Go scuba diving. Scared of rides? Well.. Then try them all. Face your fears and feel them and then let go of ‘em. Make the most of all the opportunities that come your way and live free and lively.
While I’m traveling and the travel blues strike me, I like to play online bingo as it enlightens my mood and cheers me up making me feel fresh and I can start my journey again.
STAYING HYDRATED
Often, caught up in our busy schedules we forget something basic- consuming enough water during the day. With winter fast approaching, it’s easy to forget to consume water without the heat to motivate you. Summer is incidentally the period when most people end up being dehydrated without realising it.
Here are a couple of tips to stay hydrated even when you are
not thirsty!
1. Keep an alarm
It’s just that simple. Set alarms every three hours to
remind yourself to consume water. Many people consume the required two litres,
but at a time when they remember. This does not help much, as all the water is
immediately drained out. It is better to consume small amounts intermittently
to ensure hydration.
2. Make a rule
If you are a person who follows a certain routine- whether
it is taking out the trash at a certain time, or walking to the bus- use this
as a reminder to drink water. Something I follow is to drink a large glass or
water right after I wake- and then drink half a glass every time I use a
washroom.
3. Every morning and night
A glass of water right after waking up has shown marked
improvements in people who suffer from constipation. Use a rule from their book
and adopt this yourself. Consuming water through the day becomes easier if you
consume the first 400ml right after waking up.
4. Avoid Salt
While reducing salt is always a good idea, watch the amount
of salt you consume especially during winter. We do not sweat out as many salts
and a buildup of these salts is damaging to the body. It not only dehydrates
the body, but also increases muscular water retention- a painful prospect.
5. Juices
If drinking plain water doesn’t appeal to you (you’d be
shocked at the number of people who do not like the ‘taste’ of plain water!)
then just juice your favourite fruits. Juicing is a great way to get enough
water in your system. However, take this with a figurative pinch of salt
because water is essential in its direct form, and juicing and other sources
of hydration act only partially in hydrating the body.
I personally like to sip on a nice cup of warm water, honey
and a slice of lemon while playing my afternoon session of bingo. Click for more info on online bingo
games.
My List of Best Beaches in the Philippines
updated last 11/05/2016
How's your summer? I hope you already had some good tan lines to showcase.
In case you still don't have that sun-kissed skin: pack your things, drag your friends with you, choose among the best beaches in the Philippines - and go!
jobs fill our pockets, adventures fill our souls. ♥
Again, to each his own. What's outstanding for me could be ordinary to you, and vice versa. I've only listed the top 10 for I think these beaches really have the most stunning view, finest sand, clearest water, and smoothest sea bed. Sorry but the beaches of Camiguin, Caramoan, Palaui, Guimaras, Zamboanga, and Zambales aren't included in my list.
Anyway so based on my own experience, the amusement level, the wow factor, the quality of the sand, and everything else - here's the list of my best beaches in the Philippines (as of Nov 05, 2016).
11. El Nido, Palawan
This beach area fronts most of the resorts and restaurants in El Nido. The water is nice and is definitely above any other beaches in the country. Wow factor is high specially when I consider the stunning limestone formations as its background. There are 2 other beaches in El Nido that is worth visiting: namely Marimegmeg and Nacpan.
10. Blue Lagoon, Ilocos Norte
I cant agree more why this is called Blue Lagoon or Maira-ira of the locals in Pagudpud. The water is really crystal clear and blueish. I love how simple this beach is. The sand may not be very fine, but it is white. Wow factor is still high. Since it's located on the upper left most island in the country, this beach doesn't get very crowded, well except on Holy Week.
9. Sumilon, Cebu
To be honest, I only went to Sumilon just to experience this so called glamorous camping. I can't describe how amazed I was when we approached the island of Sumilon. I was breathless. The sandbar is unbelievably beautiful. It was another "I'm a proud Pinay" moment.
8. Malcapuya, Coron, Palawan
If I would choose just 1 beach for the entire province of Palawan, then this would be Malcapuya in Coron. The sand is so pristine. The water is so clear and clean. And as a big bonus, the underwater kingdom is awesome as well. I have to admit, Coron is an annual thing for me. My go-to-place every holy week.
Updated 11/05/2016 - not the best beach in Palawan anymore
7. Malamawi Beach, Basilan
This beach is I think the most unspoiled among the beaches I've been to. Only the locals and the adventurous ones can ever reach this place and see the serene beach of Malamawi. Every risk has a reward, and Malamawi Beach just didn't disappoint as it boasts its white and fine sand + clear water. I almost forgot that I was in the terror town of Basilan. ^_^
6. Apo Reef, Occidental Mindoro
For me, a great beach must have a white sand, fine seabed, clear water, and a rich underwater kingdom. Apo Reef seems to be very blessed to have all of these. The 40-min airplane ride to San Jose Mindoro, then a 2-hour bus ride to Sablayan, and another 2-hour boat ride to Apo Reef could be exhausting - but I assure you it's all worth your ride. This could have been in a higher spot if not for some garbage around the island and a lot of sea mosquitoes at night time.
5. Dako Island, Siargao, Surigao Del Norte
All this time I thought Siargao's beaches are only made for surfers. I was wrong! Im very delighted to see this paradise island after a 45-min boat ride away from the mainland and the surfers' haven Cloud Nine. I love the purity of sand, the water, and the simplicity of the place. I so love the beach that Im willing to bathe under the striking sunrays for the entire day. Actually, Dako Island could have ranked 3rd in my top beaches list only if I wasn't biased. Haha!
4. Panglao, Bohol
Forgive me Im biased. Bohol will always be a personal favorite. As of 2012, I've already visited Bohol thrice, and every single visit just made me love Bohol more. Who wouldn't be attracted to see a place with a wonder of nature, historic site, river cruise, rare animal, organic food, great beach, and superb underwater world! Bohol is simply a complete family getaway.
3. Boracay, Aklan
Surprise, Boracay ranks 2nd in my list! As much as I wanted the hard-to-reach places and back-to-basic setups, I also wanted a beach that's very accessible and convenient. Given the white sand and the very picturesque beach - Boracay is constantly offering new activities to try, from reef walking, parasailing, cliff diving, zorb, and a lot more. I've been to Boracay thrice and it never failed to show me why it's still the Philippine's premiere tourist attraction. The best part why I love Boracay- the pride that it brings me whenever I see tourists from all around the world cross the oceans just to reach this little gem (of course, more visitors = more jobs).
2. Calaguas, Camarines Norte
Each island has its own beauty but there's really one beach that stands out among the others. 3 years ago, I had the privilege to see Calaguas for the first time. It was an untouched beauty. Wow factor is extremely high. The sand is creamy, the water is so clear and swim-able (meaning i dont have to go far just to be in a 7-feet deep area), and the whole place is peaceful. The water is so irresistible that i didn't mind having sunburns! It's a priceless moment to have this beach all by ourselves- the sand served as our ground sheet and the stars as our light. I can still remember the way I felt when it's time to go home. It's just hard to leave (and Im not even a fan of exaggerations and drama lines).
Calaguas used to top my list until I reached Balabac, Palawan.
1. Balabac, Palawan
If you think you've seen the best of Palawan, think again. El Nido, Coron, and San Vicente are the more popular options, but if you hassle your way to the southwest-most edge of the Philippines, you will be rewarded with the endless swimming pool-like beaches of Balabac.
When I used to have my list of best beaches in Pinas, I would carefully deliberate to come up with the best beach before I decide. But after I saw the beaches in Balabac (specially Onuk), I was in complete shock. I had high expectations before I reached the place and to my surprise, Onuk was even more stunning upclose. There's no contest. This is indeed the best beach in Philippines.
Care to share your best beaches in the Philippines?
Im looking forward to try some Mediterranean Cruises someday but since Im still jobless then an El Nido trip would be a cheap alternative! Im positive this beach would make it to my list.
How's your summer? I hope you already had some good tan lines to showcase.
In case you still don't have that sun-kissed skin: pack your things, drag your friends with you, choose among the best beaches in the Philippines - and go!
jobs fill our pockets, adventures fill our souls. ♥Again, to each his own. What's outstanding for me could be ordinary to you, and vice versa. I've only listed the top 10 for I think these beaches really have the most stunning view, finest sand, clearest water, and smoothest sea bed. Sorry but the beaches of Camiguin, Caramoan, Palaui, Guimaras, Zamboanga, and Zambales aren't included in my list.
Anyway so based on my own experience, the amusement level, the wow factor, the quality of the sand, and everything else - here's the list of my best beaches in the Philippines (as of Nov 05, 2016).
11. El Nido, Palawan
This beach area fronts most of the resorts and restaurants in El Nido. The water is nice and is definitely above any other beaches in the country. Wow factor is high specially when I consider the stunning limestone formations as its background. There are 2 other beaches in El Nido that is worth visiting: namely Marimegmeg and Nacpan.
10. Blue Lagoon, Ilocos Norte
I cant agree more why this is called Blue Lagoon or Maira-ira of the locals in Pagudpud. The water is really crystal clear and blueish. I love how simple this beach is. The sand may not be very fine, but it is white. Wow factor is still high. Since it's located on the upper left most island in the country, this beach doesn't get very crowded, well except on Holy Week.
9. Sumilon, Cebu
To be honest, I only went to Sumilon just to experience this so called glamorous camping. I can't describe how amazed I was when we approached the island of Sumilon. I was breathless. The sandbar is unbelievably beautiful. It was another "I'm a proud Pinay" moment.
8. Malcapuya, Coron, Palawan
If I would choose just 1 beach for the entire province of Palawan, then this would be Malcapuya in Coron. The sand is so pristine. The water is so clear and clean. And as a big bonus, the underwater kingdom is awesome as well. I have to admit, Coron is an annual thing for me. My go-to-place every holy week.
Updated 11/05/2016 - not the best beach in Palawan anymore
7. Malamawi Beach, Basilan
This beach is I think the most unspoiled among the beaches I've been to. Only the locals and the adventurous ones can ever reach this place and see the serene beach of Malamawi. Every risk has a reward, and Malamawi Beach just didn't disappoint as it boasts its white and fine sand + clear water. I almost forgot that I was in the terror town of Basilan. ^_^
6. Apo Reef, Occidental Mindoro
For me, a great beach must have a white sand, fine seabed, clear water, and a rich underwater kingdom. Apo Reef seems to be very blessed to have all of these. The 40-min airplane ride to San Jose Mindoro, then a 2-hour bus ride to Sablayan, and another 2-hour boat ride to Apo Reef could be exhausting - but I assure you it's all worth your ride. This could have been in a higher spot if not for some garbage around the island and a lot of sea mosquitoes at night time.
5. Dako Island, Siargao, Surigao Del Norte
All this time I thought Siargao's beaches are only made for surfers. I was wrong! Im very delighted to see this paradise island after a 45-min boat ride away from the mainland and the surfers' haven Cloud Nine. I love the purity of sand, the water, and the simplicity of the place. I so love the beach that Im willing to bathe under the striking sunrays for the entire day. Actually, Dako Island could have ranked 3rd in my top beaches list only if I wasn't biased. Haha!
4. Panglao, Bohol
Forgive me Im biased. Bohol will always be a personal favorite. As of 2012, I've already visited Bohol thrice, and every single visit just made me love Bohol more. Who wouldn't be attracted to see a place with a wonder of nature, historic site, river cruise, rare animal, organic food, great beach, and superb underwater world! Bohol is simply a complete family getaway.
3. Boracay, Aklan
Surprise, Boracay ranks 2nd in my list! As much as I wanted the hard-to-reach places and back-to-basic setups, I also wanted a beach that's very accessible and convenient. Given the white sand and the very picturesque beach - Boracay is constantly offering new activities to try, from reef walking, parasailing, cliff diving, zorb, and a lot more. I've been to Boracay thrice and it never failed to show me why it's still the Philippine's premiere tourist attraction. The best part why I love Boracay- the pride that it brings me whenever I see tourists from all around the world cross the oceans just to reach this little gem (of course, more visitors = more jobs).
2. Calaguas, Camarines Norte
Each island has its own beauty but there's really one beach that stands out among the others. 3 years ago, I had the privilege to see Calaguas for the first time. It was an untouched beauty. Wow factor is extremely high. The sand is creamy, the water is so clear and swim-able (meaning i dont have to go far just to be in a 7-feet deep area), and the whole place is peaceful. The water is so irresistible that i didn't mind having sunburns! It's a priceless moment to have this beach all by ourselves- the sand served as our ground sheet and the stars as our light. I can still remember the way I felt when it's time to go home. It's just hard to leave (and Im not even a fan of exaggerations and drama lines).
Calaguas used to top my list until I reached Balabac, Palawan.
1. Balabac, Palawan
If you think you've seen the best of Palawan, think again. El Nido, Coron, and San Vicente are the more popular options, but if you hassle your way to the southwest-most edge of the Philippines, you will be rewarded with the endless swimming pool-like beaches of Balabac.
When I used to have my list of best beaches in Pinas, I would carefully deliberate to come up with the best beach before I decide. But after I saw the beaches in Balabac (specially Onuk), I was in complete shock. I had high expectations before I reached the place and to my surprise, Onuk was even more stunning upclose. There's no contest. This is indeed the best beach in Philippines.
And just so you know, there are other beaches in Balabac which have their own charms too. Punta Sebaring and Candaraman made us breathless as well.
Care to share your best beaches in the Philippines?
Im looking forward to try some Mediterranean Cruises someday but since Im still jobless then an El Nido trip would be a cheap alternative! Im positive this beach would make it to my list.
5 Travel Tips for First Timers in India
India is one of the fastest growing countries in the world and is also becoming an increasingly popular travel destination. While you can save money on your hotel and airfare by using Hotels.com coupons from Discountrue, there are a number of crucial tips that you'll need to know beforehand to get the most out of your initial India trip. If you are heading to India for the first time, be sure to read on and learn more!
1. Be Realistic
There is no way that you will see everything that there is to see in India on your first trip and those who try tend to end up experiencing severe burnout as a result. India is a vast and colorful nation, but those who try to bite off more than they chew are typically too fatigued to maximize their time. Just calm down and think that you can make return visits as often as you'd like, so pace yourself and make the most of each experience!
2. Exercise Caution With Food and Beverages
If you've never been to India before, it is important to know what you can and cannot eat or drink. While some people are adventurous enough to eat street food, this can lead to severe stomach problems if you are not careful. Stick with fresh fruit that has already been peeled and don't eat street foods that were fried or boiled. Salads and ice also need to be avoided, while bottled water is your best bet.
3. Prepare To Have Your Space Invaded
Personal space is not a concept that you should allow yourself to become accustomed to during your India travels. When you use public transportation, be prepared to cram in closely. Citizens of India may also ask the sort of personal questions that you would find to be intrusive. This is their culture and you will need to adjust to them, not the other way around.
4. Pay Attention To The Dress Code
First and foremost, India is a culture that frowns on those who refuse to dress modestly. Arms and legs are expected to be covered and this is not the time to take a political or feminist stand. While Indians are somewhat forgiving of those who do not know better, this is not an excuse that can be used in perpetuity. You should also remove your shoes before entering a home and if you see shoes outside of a store, this is a sign that you must remove your own.
5. Remain Safe
Pick pocketing is a prevalent problem in India's largest cities, so don't carry around a massive wad of cash with you everywhere you go. While it may be tempting to haggle with vendors in the marketplace, this can lead to a tense and heated exchange. In any case, remain calm, cool and collected at all times.
1. Be Realistic
There is no way that you will see everything that there is to see in India on your first trip and those who try tend to end up experiencing severe burnout as a result. India is a vast and colorful nation, but those who try to bite off more than they chew are typically too fatigued to maximize their time. Just calm down and think that you can make return visits as often as you'd like, so pace yourself and make the most of each experience!
2. Exercise Caution With Food and Beverages
If you've never been to India before, it is important to know what you can and cannot eat or drink. While some people are adventurous enough to eat street food, this can lead to severe stomach problems if you are not careful. Stick with fresh fruit that has already been peeled and don't eat street foods that were fried or boiled. Salads and ice also need to be avoided, while bottled water is your best bet.
3. Prepare To Have Your Space Invaded
Personal space is not a concept that you should allow yourself to become accustomed to during your India travels. When you use public transportation, be prepared to cram in closely. Citizens of India may also ask the sort of personal questions that you would find to be intrusive. This is their culture and you will need to adjust to them, not the other way around.
4. Pay Attention To The Dress Code
First and foremost, India is a culture that frowns on those who refuse to dress modestly. Arms and legs are expected to be covered and this is not the time to take a political or feminist stand. While Indians are somewhat forgiving of those who do not know better, this is not an excuse that can be used in perpetuity. You should also remove your shoes before entering a home and if you see shoes outside of a store, this is a sign that you must remove your own.
5. Remain Safe
Pick pocketing is a prevalent problem in India's largest cities, so don't carry around a massive wad of cash with you everywhere you go. While it may be tempting to haggle with vendors in the marketplace, this can lead to a tense and heated exchange. In any case, remain calm, cool and collected at all times.
Hotel Bookings in the Philippines: 4 Tips That Will Save You Money
While going on a vacation is a very relaxing prospect, polishing the details of an out-of- town trip can cause quite a bit of stress. No amount of planning can deter bad weather and traffic hang-ups, but you can always make sure that your holiday home is ready to welcome you after a long journey. Here’s how you can score a convenient and affordable hotel accommodation without breaking a sweat:
1. Always plan your trip way ahead of time.
You can cut a sizable portion of your transportation and accommodation budget by booking your flight and room before everyone else does. Reserving early increases your chance of getting first dibs on long-running or off-peak promos. In addition, taking the time to get an advance booking also ensures you of a room in one of the top cheap hotels in Boracay Island — or any other favorite beach or mountain destination — even if your trip is scheduled right in the middle of summer.
2. Or better yet, schedule your holiday during the low season.
If your image of a perfectly relaxing seaside holiday does not include crowds of fellow beach-lovers, then steer clear of the peak tourist season. Aside from sharing a spot in the sun with a lot of people, you’ll also have a hard time finding an affordable accommodation as these holidays tend to bring in a lot of business to resorts and hotels. If you value discounted rates over sunny days by the sea, then set your vacation during the low season. You can also get the best of both worlds by booking your stay very, very early into the summer, mid-semester, or Christmas holidays.
3. Impromptu getaways? Look for last-minute deals.
Life sometimes calls for sudden breaks. If you feel like spending yours in a top local destination, look around for last-minute deals. Many beach resorts and city hotels offer this kind of promo to boost room sales during the off season. If you’re quick and thorough enough, you may even spot hotels that provide discounted room rates with breakfast and day tours, meal discounts, or free use of leisure amenities. Time is of the essence, though, so make sure that you’ve mastered the art of speed-packing if you’re thinking of taking advantage of any last-minute deal.
4. Always read the fine print.
Reading the terms and conditions of your hotel booking is a must, especially if you’re still a bit unsure about your vacation dates. It’s easy to forget this when you stumble upon a ridiculously convenient hotel deal at the tail end of its booking period. The first impulse would be to book, then check later if you’re actually ready to go on a trip on that date. It is useful to note that most promos only allow cancellations and modifications at the cost of the prepayment or the first night of the stay. However, some do allow these actions for free up until a few days before the check-in date. Remember these policies and finalize your vacation dates before you can be charged for any changes in your reservation.
1. Always plan your trip way ahead of time.
You can cut a sizable portion of your transportation and accommodation budget by booking your flight and room before everyone else does. Reserving early increases your chance of getting first dibs on long-running or off-peak promos. In addition, taking the time to get an advance booking also ensures you of a room in one of the top cheap hotels in Boracay Island — or any other favorite beach or mountain destination — even if your trip is scheduled right in the middle of summer.
2. Or better yet, schedule your holiday during the low season.
If your image of a perfectly relaxing seaside holiday does not include crowds of fellow beach-lovers, then steer clear of the peak tourist season. Aside from sharing a spot in the sun with a lot of people, you’ll also have a hard time finding an affordable accommodation as these holidays tend to bring in a lot of business to resorts and hotels. If you value discounted rates over sunny days by the sea, then set your vacation during the low season. You can also get the best of both worlds by booking your stay very, very early into the summer, mid-semester, or Christmas holidays.
3. Impromptu getaways? Look for last-minute deals.
Life sometimes calls for sudden breaks. If you feel like spending yours in a top local destination, look around for last-minute deals. Many beach resorts and city hotels offer this kind of promo to boost room sales during the off season. If you’re quick and thorough enough, you may even spot hotels that provide discounted room rates with breakfast and day tours, meal discounts, or free use of leisure amenities. Time is of the essence, though, so make sure that you’ve mastered the art of speed-packing if you’re thinking of taking advantage of any last-minute deal.
4. Always read the fine print.
Reading the terms and conditions of your hotel booking is a must, especially if you’re still a bit unsure about your vacation dates. It’s easy to forget this when you stumble upon a ridiculously convenient hotel deal at the tail end of its booking period. The first impulse would be to book, then check later if you’re actually ready to go on a trip on that date. It is useful to note that most promos only allow cancellations and modifications at the cost of the prepayment or the first night of the stay. However, some do allow these actions for free up until a few days before the check-in date. Remember these policies and finalize your vacation dates before you can be charged for any changes in your reservation.
Summer Memories in Onuk, Balabac, Palawan
Hola people! I'm alive, still traveling, yet stopped blogging.
What keeps me busy lately is my fitness goal. I just woke up one morning and I realized I wanted to lose my excess fats. So ayun, I've been doing suspension and body weight training, running, yoga, and swimming. I started to eat clean too, with cheat days on weekends of course. No drugs, no slimming pills, and magic coffee shit. All natural way to a long term reward. It trained my mind to stay focused and disciplined. Oha, pang miss universe answer! Seriously, it's so nice to live strong and healthy.
So anyway, for my birthday I invited my friends for a south Palawan adventure. I ticked another item off my bucket list. And FYI, that epic trip was ended but my heart is still pounding each time I browse our travel photos.
First Things First...
I'm writing this entry NOT to encourage you to go. I wrote this entry for the sake of documenting this experience in my online diary since. For the record, I think I might not get lucky to experience Onuk again.
○ Why not?
Onuk is a privately-owned island in Balabac group of islands. As of this writing, the current mayor owns the island. You don't have to pay anything but you need to secure a permit from them before you can go.
○ So why not?
Not everyone gets an approval. It depends on the current situation, mood, and other factors which only them know.
○ OK, so I will ask permission in advance?
In reality, that's not how it works. In our case, and most of the time, you will know the final decision a day before your Onuk trip. Ganito, may barkada ka. Meron silang resort at gusto nyo mag overnight dun. Matutuloy lang kayo pag walang biglaang event or inuman ang tatay ng barkada mo. Gets?
○ So why did we still go?
Because there are still a lot of jaw-dropping beaches in Balabac group of islands which are open to the public. Our hearts desire for one thing, that is Onuk, but we managed our expectations in case things won't go our way.
...and yes, it was all worth it! I've never seen anything like this before.
It's like Palawan, but South!
I learned about Onuk thru Carla. According to her, scrap all the other beaches in Balabac because the only beach you need to see is Onuk. Well that's according to her and I'm not a fan of hearsay. I always want a first hand experience before comparing, so obviously I didn't take Carla seriously. Haha Sorry na teh.
So when we reached Onuk, I just have to agree that Carla was right. Before, I used to have my list of best beaches in Pinas. I would carefully deliberate to pick the best before I decide. But after I see this Onuk, I was in complete shock. There's no contest. This is indeed the best beach in Pinas.
Based from the pictures on the blogs, we expected Onuk to be gorgeous. To our surprise, Onuk is even more stunning upclose. The place is so serene and charming and has a different vibe. We are just so lucky for the sunny weather, the opportunity to go here, and the privilege to be the only guest that time. Happy birthday to me!
Must Know, Tips, Realizations, and More
If your heart is pounding and you cannot control your wanderlust anymore, then just remember these things prior to your Balabac trip:
○ Two words: Manage expectations. This is very vital for this trip.
○ Educate yourself. Balabac is in the southernmost tip of Palawan. Don't ask stupid questions like an itinerary which includes a day trip to El Nido or Coron after your Balabac escapade.
○ From Puerto Princesa, take a van going to Rio Tuba. Last trip is 9PM. Trip takes 4 hours and fare is P350. From Rio Tuba, take the passenger boat to Balabac. The only trip is set at 9AM. Be at the port as early as you can. If you miss this one, you need to wait for the next day. Going back, the only passenger boat that leaves from Balabac to Rio Tuba is set at 6AM. Fare is P350. Travel time is 4 hours.
○ Balabac town is not ready yet for flock of tourists so please don't ask for hotels in the area. Only pension houses are available, with limited supply of electricity. We stayed at MLK lodge - 0939.517.6169. Rate is 400 per night, for 2 pax. I assume it won't be a problem sleeping in the bare sands of the island as well. You want adventure, don't ask for comfort.
○ Electricity only runs from 4PM to 6AM. Enough time to charge your gadgets and arrange your things for the next day. Bring cash. Self explanatory.
○ The most important thing you need to secure is your permit to Onuk. You need to coordinate with the LGU of Balabac.The key person changes from time to time so naming the person which helped us got a permit is not worth mentioning anymore.
○ Our trusted boatmen is kuya Fidel. Boat rental rate is 4,000 per day, boat capacity is 6 pax. This rate includes basic food, but you can give extra money for him to prepare the food of your choice. Just so you know, P100 lang ang kilo ng crab sa Balabac. P5 ang isang piling ng saging. OMG!
○ Balabac town to Onuk island takes around 2.5hours of travel time. Expect heavy waves or if you get lucky, you will experience a calm sea.
○ Our group asked for the prohibited things in Onuk and the LGU officer just answered - pork. Caretakers and owners are Muslims. In everything else that you know is prohibited, please leave a comment.
○ Some guests get luckier to be allowed to stay overnight. Again, don't look for an accommodation and prepare to sleep in any available dry area you see.
○ As for our group, we were already extremely grateful for the privilege of having a day trip to Onuk. We stayed from 9AM to 6.30PM. The caretakers are all nice and friendly. We were the only guests at that time.
○ Aside from Onuk, there are also other islands which we visited on a different day. Punta Sebaring and Candaraman are also breath taking!
○ If you are able to swim, you will really enjoy this Balabac adventure even more. The underwater world showcases a rich coral garden and giant clams sanctuary. You can swim with the sea turtle and huge fish too. Bring your own snorkel and mask if you must. If you don't know how to swim, bring your own life vest.
○ In our case, we choose to be picked up by kuya Fidel from Rio Tuba and went straight to Punta Sebaring. We enjoyed 3 whole days of island hopping. Sulit!
Onuk, Balabac Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly to Puerto Princesa and take 9PM van to Rio Tuba
Day 2 - Arrive in Rio Tuba around 2AM. Meet kuya Fidel. Sail at 5AM to Punta Sebaring. Travel time is 3-4 hours. Overnight in Sebaring island. No accommdation. Just basic open cottage. Restroom is available.
Day 3 - Island hopping. Candaraman, Punta Sebaring, Mansalangan Sandbar. Overnight in Balabac town.
Day 4 - Onuk
Day 5 - Take passenger boat by 5AM. Depart Balabac. Arrive in Puerto Princesa at late afternoon.
Day 6 - Fly to Manila
It was a very memorable summer getaway in the southernmost tip of Palawan. If you think you've seen the best of Palawan, then think again. Balabac now tops my list of best beaches in the Philippines.
Hope your summer story is as awesome as mine.
Stay healthy, happy, and free! ♥
What keeps me busy lately is my fitness goal. I just woke up one morning and I realized I wanted to lose my excess fats. So ayun, I've been doing suspension and body weight training, running, yoga, and swimming. I started to eat clean too, with cheat days on weekends of course. No drugs, no slimming pills, and magic coffee shit. All natural way to a long term reward. It trained my mind to stay focused and disciplined. Oha, pang miss universe answer! Seriously, it's so nice to live strong and healthy.
So anyway, for my birthday I invited my friends for a south Palawan adventure. I ticked another item off my bucket list. And FYI, that epic trip was ended but my heart is still pounding each time I browse our travel photos.
my summer story in Onuk, Balabac, Palawan
First Things First...
I'm writing this entry NOT to encourage you to go. I wrote this entry for the sake of documenting this experience in my online diary since. For the record, I think I might not get lucky to experience Onuk again.
○ Why not?
Onuk is a privately-owned island in Balabac group of islands. As of this writing, the current mayor owns the island. You don't have to pay anything but you need to secure a permit from them before you can go.
○ So why not?
Not everyone gets an approval. It depends on the current situation, mood, and other factors which only them know.
○ OK, so I will ask permission in advance?
In reality, that's not how it works. In our case, and most of the time, you will know the final decision a day before your Onuk trip. Ganito, may barkada ka. Meron silang resort at gusto nyo mag overnight dun. Matutuloy lang kayo pag walang biglaang event or inuman ang tatay ng barkada mo. Gets?
○ So why did we still go?
Because there are still a lot of jaw-dropping beaches in Balabac group of islands which are open to the public. Our hearts desire for one thing, that is Onuk, but we managed our expectations in case things won't go our way.
...and yes, it was all worth it! I've never seen anything like this before.
atoll - a ring-shaped coral reef
ecstatic to see this body of water, in 360 degrees!
this even looks better in person
one extra fine summer day in Onuk
meet and greet with mr. sea turtle
kaya pala naka collar ang mga kasama ko! haha
It's like Palawan, but South!
I learned about Onuk thru Carla. According to her, scrap all the other beaches in Balabac because the only beach you need to see is Onuk. Well that's according to her and I'm not a fan of hearsay. I always want a first hand experience before comparing, so obviously I didn't take Carla seriously. Haha Sorry na teh.
So when we reached Onuk, I just have to agree that Carla was right. Before, I used to have my list of best beaches in Pinas. I would carefully deliberate to pick the best before I decide. But after I see this Onuk, I was in complete shock. There's no contest. This is indeed the best beach in Pinas.
jaw dropping backdrop from Onuk
abundant supply of seafood
that's Penggay smiling excitedly when we reached Onuk
gorgeous wooden walkway added more charm to this place
Based from the pictures on the blogs, we expected Onuk to be gorgeous. To our surprise, Onuk is even more stunning upclose. The place is so serene and charming and has a different vibe. We are just so lucky for the sunny weather, the opportunity to go here, and the privilege to be the only guest that time. Happy birthday to me!
feel na feel ko lang ang haciendera hat at round towel
Balabac buddies Rod and Ray
"May
all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words,
and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and
to that freedom for all." ♥
Must Know, Tips, Realizations, and More
If your heart is pounding and you cannot control your wanderlust anymore, then just remember these things prior to your Balabac trip:
○ Two words: Manage expectations. This is very vital for this trip.
○ Educate yourself. Balabac is in the southernmost tip of Palawan. Don't ask stupid questions like an itinerary which includes a day trip to El Nido or Coron after your Balabac escapade.
location of Coron, El Nido, Puerto Princesa, and Balabac, fyi
○ From Puerto Princesa, take a van going to Rio Tuba. Last trip is 9PM. Trip takes 4 hours and fare is P350. From Rio Tuba, take the passenger boat to Balabac. The only trip is set at 9AM. Be at the port as early as you can. If you miss this one, you need to wait for the next day. Going back, the only passenger boat that leaves from Balabac to Rio Tuba is set at 6AM. Fare is P350. Travel time is 4 hours.
○ Balabac town is not ready yet for flock of tourists so please don't ask for hotels in the area. Only pension houses are available, with limited supply of electricity. We stayed at MLK lodge - 0939.517.6169. Rate is 400 per night, for 2 pax. I assume it won't be a problem sleeping in the bare sands of the island as well. You want adventure, don't ask for comfort.
○ Electricity only runs from 4PM to 6AM. Enough time to charge your gadgets and arrange your things for the next day. Bring cash. Self explanatory.
○ The most important thing you need to secure is your permit to Onuk. You need to coordinate with the LGU of Balabac.The key person changes from time to time so naming the person which helped us got a permit is not worth mentioning anymore.
○ Our trusted boatmen is kuya Fidel. Boat rental rate is 4,000 per day, boat capacity is 6 pax. This rate includes basic food, but you can give extra money for him to prepare the food of your choice. Just so you know, P100 lang ang kilo ng crab sa Balabac. P5 ang isang piling ng saging. OMG!
Balabac boatman, sir Fidel - 0999.561.4998
○ Balabac town to Onuk island takes around 2.5hours of travel time. Expect heavy waves or if you get lucky, you will experience a calm sea.
the breathtaking ocean view to Onuk
○ Our group asked for the prohibited things in Onuk and the LGU officer just answered - pork. Caretakers and owners are Muslims. In everything else that you know is prohibited, please leave a comment.
○ Some guests get luckier to be allowed to stay overnight. Again, don't look for an accommodation and prepare to sleep in any available dry area you see.
○ As for our group, we were already extremely grateful for the privilege of having a day trip to Onuk. We stayed from 9AM to 6.30PM. The caretakers are all nice and friendly. We were the only guests at that time.
my summer story in Onuk, Balabac, Palawan
the sea turtle roams around the island
a long stretch of white pristine sandbar
○ Aside from Onuk, there are also other islands which we visited on a different day. Punta Sebaring and Candaraman are also breath taking!
endless and clear water of Punta Sebaring
back in Balabac
irresistible waters of Candaraman island
one giant swimming pool of Candaraman
my swimming pool of the day
○
Among the many island hopping trips I had in the past, this is the only
time I swam in all the stopovers. The water is just so irresistible.
It's like an endless swimming pool! As expected, the underwater world is
so awesome too! Sayang lang, my underwater camera got drained.
another endless and clear water of Punta Sebaring
chill in Punta Sebaring
○ If you are able to swim, you will really enjoy this Balabac adventure even more. The underwater world showcases a rich coral garden and giant clams sanctuary. You can swim with the sea turtle and huge fish too. Bring your own snorkel and mask if you must. If you don't know how to swim, bring your own life vest.
○ In our case, we choose to be picked up by kuya Fidel from Rio Tuba and went straight to Punta Sebaring. We enjoyed 3 whole days of island hopping. Sulit!
Onuk, Balabac Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly to Puerto Princesa and take 9PM van to Rio Tuba
Day 2 - Arrive in Rio Tuba around 2AM. Meet kuya Fidel. Sail at 5AM to Punta Sebaring. Travel time is 3-4 hours. Overnight in Sebaring island. No accommdation. Just basic open cottage. Restroom is available.
Day 3 - Island hopping. Candaraman, Punta Sebaring, Mansalangan Sandbar. Overnight in Balabac town.
Day 4 - Onuk
Day 5 - Take passenger boat by 5AM. Depart Balabac. Arrive in Puerto Princesa at late afternoon.
Day 6 - Fly to Manila
It was a very memorable summer getaway in the southernmost tip of Palawan. If you think you've seen the best of Palawan, then think again. Balabac now tops my list of best beaches in the Philippines.
Hope your summer story is as awesome as mine.
Stay healthy, happy, and free! ♥
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