Tuasan Falls - Catarman, Camiguin

Supposed to be our next and last stop would be the Sto. Nino Cold Spring Resort. While we were enjoying the water in Bura Soda Water Park an old guy told us that there is another falls just near and it is called Tuasan Falls. We asked our tour guide/driver if we could go there, he said it’s not part of the itinerary because the road to that area was under construction and there were debris falling specially that it was raining. We told him we can check because it might be passable at that time, lol our persistent soul attacked. Eventually he agreed to our request.

  

 Tuasan Falls can be reached through the main coastal highway from Mambajao to Catarman. Before there was a jump off point, where tourists would trek to the falls through luscious green trail. But now and good for us there is a road straight to the area where the falls is. It is under construction but passable already.

Tuasan Falls is a raw, rugged and unspoiled waterfall located in Catarman , west side of Camiguin. It has 25-meter high strong water cascading, it is possible to swim in the pools surrounding the falls but one should be careful with the quick but clear water.  At that time that we were there the surging water was too strong that we were not advised to get near. The area is surrounded by huge ferns, trees, wild orchids and the boulders make it more rugged.

When we were on our way we lost sight of neither houses nor people walking, it was like endless road and wilderness. No tourists too in the area so we took time enjoy the place even it was raining a bit. We had time to frolic.

Don’t forget to bring your own food, no store yet in there. If you are going to swim bring along a Malong or something that would cover yourself in changing clothes. No bathroom in the area.

According to our tour guide the government is going to put some amenities for the enjoyment of the public. No entrance for now, so feel free to enjoy the unadulterated place.

Katibawasan Falls - Mambajao Camiguin

It was a rainy day when we reached Camiguin, windy and cold but didn’t stop us from exploring the province born of fire. Our first stop was in Katibawasan Falls, which is located 5 kilometers from the capital of Camiguin the town of Mambajao.

 

We were hungry so we looked for something to eat and our eyes were caught by the native delicacy Kiping.  It is a must try when one is in this area, Katibawasan falls.

While we were enjoying the kiping, we heard the sound of the surging water. The people in there said that there was a flood and we couldn’t swim. They told that we can just enjoy the view if we want to. From a far we could see the chocolate colored waterfalls cascading. Even we knew we couldn’t bathe nor swim still we got inside to see and enjoy the spectacular view of majestic waterfalls of the Katibawasan.

We were in awe while watching the surging of water cascading 250 feet. The natural rock pool of chocolate colored water surrounded by trees, wild ferns, boulders and flowering plants gave us the feeling of enchantment.

Katibawasan falls is under the maintenance of the provincial government that’s why the entrance fees are minimal:

Adults – P 20.00

Children – P 5.00

Students – P 15.00

Picnic tables, chairs and comfort rooms are available for use. I wished there was a cafeteria so we could enjoy the place while resting. After taking pictures we had to leave because we just had a day to explore the Province of Camiguin.

Till then Camiguin.

A day in Camiguin-The province Born of Fire

It’s our third day of our Cagayan de Oro-Bukidnon-Camiguin tour.  Camiguin is the second smallest island of the Philippines in both area and population with almost 240 square kilometers in land area. This island is known for lansones fruit, volcanoes and its diverse ecosystem.

We left our hotel in Cagayan de Oro around 2:30 in the morning to catch the first trip to Camiguin Island through ferry. It was a rainy night and we were worried that we wouldn’t enjoy the day tour.

Our river tour guide from the CDO water rafting adventure recommended a tour guide with multi cab in Camiguin, that’s why we had set the tour ahead of time. When we arrived in Benoni port the driver and tour guide was already there. Our tour fee including the rent of the multi cab was 2,000.00 pesos that’s for the whole day tour.

First stop was the Katibawasan Falls; at that time since it was raining the color of the water was brown. There was a flood, the caretakers refrained us from going down. We enjoyed the view of the 75 meters water cascading. Stayed there for few minutes took some pictures and rest a bit.

Ardent Hibok-hibok Spring Resort was our second stop. It’s a hot sulfuric spring. We enjoyed the warm of the water soaked for 20 minutes. There were tourists too enjoying the place. It’s a perfect place to sooth the aching muscles specially for the old ones.

We wanted to explore white beach, a sand bar, our tour guide told us that it was not possible at that time due to bad weather but still we went there and checked if we could. Sorry for us, we couldn’t even see the sand bar; it was high tide, rainy and windy.

The fourth stop was the Mt. Volcan or it is known as Old Volcano, where the Stations of the Cross are located. The statues are life size. This is where some of the Catholic devotees do there Stations of the Cross during holy week. Trekking upstairs is a challenge but worthy because while walking I was enjoying the view top of the island. We didn’t finish the trek just half way, all were hungry didn’t have breakfast. Our tour guide told us to have a lunch in our next stops where we could indulge in native chicken food.

After the trek we went to the Sunken Cemetery, it is the remnant and the landmark of the town that was wiped out during the volcano eruption in 1800. The weather and time didn’t permit us to explore the area because of the bad weather. This area can be explored during good weather and low tide. Since we couldn’t do anything we took pictures and bought souvenirs instead.

Our sixth stop was the Old Curch Ruins, as the name says it’s just a ruin. It is a reminder of the earthquake and volcanic eruption during the 1817. I couldn’t believe that it could be toppled down, because the thickness of the wall and its posts are so huge. Works of nature, human cant do anything. I love this place so green and peaceful that I almost forgot I was hungry. We bought boxes of lansones in this area, it's cheaper.

Soda Swimming pool is a natural soda water. I tasted the water there is a zesty taste.  Natural cold and refreshing water. While we were waiting for our food to be served we enjoyed the water and talking with the locals. An old man told us that we could go to Tuasan Falls. After we had our lunch we talked to our tour guide if he could bring us to Tuasan Falls. He told us that it was not part of the tour because no amenities in that area yet, the road were still under construction. After few minutes he graciously agreed to have a side trip on that area.

Tuasan Falls is a located in the area where there were no amenities for tourists. There were construction equipments in the area. The construction of the road was on going. It was amazing place, it was like we own the place. Rich vegetation, beautiful view of cascading water. Since we were the only tourists in there we had the time to have more wacky pictures.

Our last stop was the Sto. Niño Cold Spring Resort. We were already tired, no much energy to get inside. But since we were already there we grabbed the opportunity to drag ourselves to explore the place. Before we got in we ordered buko (young coconut )and rice puto (rice cake). When we got inside our tiredness lessen. The coldness of the water made us get better plus the greener view and clean and fresh air added to make us relaxed.

Around 3:30 pm we were already in the port ready to go back to Cagayan de Oro City. It was a hectic but fulfilling day. Worth the time and effort to explore the island of Camiguin. If you want to explore it, especially for the divers, stay here for more than a day. This small island offers a lot more for everyone to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature. Salamat Camiguin. 

Cagayan de Oro City-Bukidnon-Camiguin Tour

It’s been awhile that we were looking for the Cagayan de Oro-Bukidnon-Camiguin-Iligan tour but we couldn’t find the best time for it. We had lots of things to consider, budget, time and work. Then one night an email coming from Airasia prompted on the screen, so I checked it then I found out there was a 99 base fare for CDO. My sisters and a friend decided to go for it. The airfare was 1,5++ each.

When we landed in Laguindian Airport we were so enthusiastic, everybody was looking forward what CDO would offer. We looked for a transportation to bring us to our hotel, St. Nicholas Inn, Hayes St., CDO. Some van offers for 199 per head, some say taxi would be better since we were four so we could save. One guy told us that he could take us to the city for 600.00 opppss that is not allowed by Land transportation office. Riding a taxi should always be by meter. We happened to hire a taxi driver, who agreed to a meter. Sad to say his meter ran so fast that we didn’t reach the hi-way the meter reader showed 103.00. And the worst of it he didn’t know the St. Nicholas Inn that we had to drop off then look for ourselves. I used google map thru my tablet and asked some locals where we could find the hotel. We took rela (motorela), it’s a local public transportation, a tricycle but with a different body. Finally we found the hotel then we left our bags in the hotel to go to Bukidnon and experience Dahilayan Park Adventure and Delmonte Plantations.

After our Bukidnon escapade, we booked for whitewater rafting adventure. My sister booked us in the Red rafts whitewater rafting. Early in the morning we prepared to conquer the rapids.

The river guides from Red whitewater rafting referred a guy, Jojo, who operates a tour in Camiguin Island. We had to leave our hotel at 2:30 in the morning to catch the first trip in Balingoan Port going to Benoni Port, the gate to Camiguin. Camiguin Island can be explored in a day. Around 3:30pm we were done with our tour and were in the port to go back to Cagayan de Oro. We reached our hotel around 11:00pm.

We wanted to visit Iligan but mostly that we talked with, they said we should skip Iligan. Hopefully someday we could go and visit Iligan. 

Taytay Falls - Majayjay Falls, Majayjay, Laguna

One Sunday we decided to visit Taytay Falls also known as Majayjay Falls in Majayjay, Laguna. I was fascinated with name of place called Majayjay. According to some folklore “ma” was from the word marami, which means plenty in English. And the word “jay”(pronounced as hay) was from “hay”, which means sigh in English. So the word is full of sighs from appreciating the gift of nature. We had no car of our own so we just commuted to go here. We left at 7:00am in our place then we reached Brgy. Taytay past 12pm already. The trip was long because we had to cut trips. But the trip was really awesome. We met the old ways of Filipinos in accepting guests. The locals were very warm. They let us feel safe. One of the passengers in the jeep where we rode invited us to go to their place in Brgy. Bukal tovisit the water falls there called Bukal Falls. We promised to visit her someday.

The entrance to Taytay falls is 20 pesos per head for day tour. Before we proceed to do the trek we decided to order pancit habhab, a local delicacy but the small restaurant or turo-turo in the local term, had no available noodle for pancit habhab. So we ordered Pancit Bihon(rice noodle) instead. One order of pancit bihon cost 70 pesos. We could not eat all of them; one order could feed 4 to 5 persons. After eating we toke out the remaining Pancit Bihon and brought it to the water falls.

Trekking to the water falls was easy. The path way is already cemented so it so easy to trek. Actually this is the easiest trek that we had. The visitors were all Filipinos. I did not see any foreigners there unlike in Pagsanjan Falls. It’s good to know that more locals are helping the tourism in propagating the local tourism. The visitors in this water falls are dominated by the youth. They put up tent and camp there.

The water is too cold. We couldn’t stay in the water for long. The place is really awesome. The vegetation is still rich. It’s a safe place there are civilian guards everywhere, who remind everyone not too litter and be careful with exploring the place.

The water falls height is more or less 20ft., clear and cold.

We stayed there for just a couple of hour, it was short but we explored the place. The trip was awesome and worth of our time.

Sagada, Mountain Province-Home of Natural Wonders

When we planned to visit the Banaue Rice Terraces, we planned to go to Sagada, Mountain Province, too. It is located 275 km. north of Manila, 140 km. from Baguio. The Trip itself to Sagada is more on an adventure. Long, rocky and winding road.




Mt. Polis-very foggy

"Hanging coffins" is the trademark of Sagada. This is a traditional way of burying people that is not in use anymore. Trekking, explore caves and waterfalls, spelunking, bonfires, picnics, rappelling, visit historical sites, nature hikes, and participate in tribal celebrations are among the popular activities. Guides can be found upon registration at the tourist-office in Sagada Proper (the main town) for a small fee. You can choose a tour package at the registration office.


Lumiang Cave


The Hanging Coffins

We were lucky because we found a family of 6 persons and we formed as a group so that we could minimize the payment for tour guides and jeepney rental. We chose the tour package to explore Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves, where hanging coffins can be seen. At the back of a transient house where we resided, there is a rice terraces. The climate and crops are like those of Baguio and Benguet: cabbage, tomatoes, green pepper, potatoes, carrots, beans, and other temperate products.


Entrance of Sumiwang Cave

There are many places to stay in Sagada but when we arrived the hotels and houses were already taken. We met a woman by the Name of Rose, her family was very willing to accommodate us but her house was already full of tourists. She was the one who found a shelter for us. Her friend Rose Agpad was not accepting transients because her house is under renovation but because we couldn’t find a place, she was willingly accept us and even those who arrived after us. The people here are very accommodating and warm. They treat their tourists nicely and they even go for extra miles just to make their tourists comfortable.

The tourists said that you have to eat in Yoghurt House when you are in Sagada because this restaurant will complete your tour. True enough this restaurant is really a nice one to dine-in. I love the food but we had to wait for an hour in order for us to be served. There was a long line of waiting tourists to eat. Nevertheless the foods were worth the wait.


Dinner at Yoghurt House

Sagada has many natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists can enjoy the waters of Bokong and Bomod-ok Falls. Other places that can be visited are: Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves, Bomod-ok and Bokong Falls, Rice terraces, Echo Valley, Kiltepan Tower, Underground River, Lake Danum.