Baler: Camp, Bike & Surf (Journeyingjames Tour)

This month, we decided to celebrate our 2nd Anniversary in Baler again so we joined journeyingjames' budget tour and it was, in fact, our second (and hopefully not the last!) time to visit Baler. We were hyper-excited! 

For only 2,800 PHP each, we were able to enjoy a weekend of fun activities such as camping, surfing, biking and trekking! The tour included private chartered service Manila-Baler-Manila (AC),1 hour surfing lesson, 4 meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast, lunch), 1 night accommodation at Tent City, Baler (Non-AC, Kubo-style cottage and tents), guided Bike Tour of Baler Town and a visit Ditumabo Waterfalls and Balete Tree!

Camp & Surf

Jm & I used to camp even before we started taking traveling seriously. It was refreshing and somewhat sentimental to experience something that we used to do before (oh yes, it's been a looong loong time).

our love nest. haha

After setting up the tent, Jm decided to surf (he's always talking about surfing and how he wanted to be good in surfing). As usual, I was the "photographer". He only started surfing this year and I can honestly say that he improved quite well.

He loves this!

Because I don't know how to use a bike, it was Jm who joined the biking tour. They visited the Hanging Bridge, Museo De Baler and Aurora Quezon's House.


The "Boodle Fight"

Boodle fight is a style of eating where long tables are prepared and food are on top of banana leaves. You have to eat using your hands! It's a fun way to meet new friends while having lunch together. 


Ditumabo Falls and a trek to the new falls

We were supposed to visit Ditumabo falls on our last day in Baler but the local authorities said the path to the falls was closed due to heavy rain. A local suggested another option and according to him, it is the newly-discovered falls in Baler. 

Crossing the river!

On our way to Ditumabo Falls... not! 

The "newest" falls (I forgot the name!)

According to our local guide, it will only take around 10-15 minutes trek to the "newly-discovered" falls, however, it took around 30 minutes for us to reach the falls and mind you, the way to the falls is really very steep!

Meeting James of Journeyingjames.com

And finally, this year won't be complete without meeting the love of my life, er, I mean, my favorite blogger, James Christel Betia. As most people know, this "young" and "very charming" traveler has traveled around Philippines for 100 days. I guess he's been to every single islet and island in our country! It's been such a pleasure to meet him and sure as hell I'll be joining his tours in the future!

ayeee yeee yeee!!!!

Thanks James my dear for such a wonderful experience! See you sooner!

For other information about journeyingjames tour, like his page:
https://www.facebook.com/journeyingjamesFB?fref=ts




PS: I personally feel the need to improve my writing skill, so if there's anything you can suggest or if you happen to know any writing seminar/workshops, please e-mail me at franciscojoni@gmail.com. Thanks!

Read More

Fun Activities You Should Try In Boracay

There are various land and water activities you can try in Boracay. There's cliff diving, helmet diving, parasailing, banana boat, island hopping, sailing, zorbing, bike tour, ATV rental, motorbike riding and many more! We actually had less sleep because we woke up early in the morning to do some fun activities before heading back to Iloilo. 

Helmet Diving

This activity allows you to climb down a ladder until you reach the seabed while wearing a helmet glass which makes it possible for you to breathe underwater. Imagine being able to walk 10 ft. under the surface! We paid 350 PHP each (there were four of us) and it includes the boat ride to the site, assistance from diving instructors, helmet dive equipment and free souvenir pictures and video! 

our kind diving instructor took photos

Helmet diving may seem scary and unsafe at first, but once you're underwater, you will enjoy feeding fishes and walking on the seabed! Don't be frightened, the dive instructor will make sure you're safe underwater.

Our head looked smaller. Hahahaha!

ATV and Buggy Car

We paid 350 per person for this activity and it includes 1 hour tour, sight seeing at Mt. Luho, entrance fees and shuttle pick up from the hotel, tour at the butterfly museum and a ride at the Sky Cycle. We used the ATV since we wanted to drive on our own. It was my very first time to drive a buggy car and it felt like I was driving a motorcycle! This activity is perfect for adventurers!

It's pretty natural to feel nervous at first!

Uphill drive to Mt. Luho

Take note that you have to pay a specific amount (sorry, I forgot!) for the entrance to the viewing deck.

Sky Cycle

This ride looks like a roller coaster and you have to pedal along a track to make it move. I guess this is better compared to the terrifying roller coaster ride. The cost is already included in the package that we got (350 PHP). 

Lovely couple Ashley & Rodney riding the Sky Cycle! (photo from Rodney's Facebook)

You don't have to feel scared because all the activities I mentioned are safe, you just have to follow the guide's instructions and be a little more behave, or else..

We fought over a piece of plastic! This creature's tough!

Read More