Chasing Waterfalls II

To continue our chasing waterfalls, here's another list for you to check out:

#11 Salakot Waterfalls

It is located midway to Napsan, Puerto Princesa City. It's very accessible since it's just a more-or-less-3-minute walk from the highway. 

#12 Pinagbugkusan Falls

This is the farthest falls I've ever been to. It took about 1 hr by motorbike (from the main road) and an hour to walk which includes 11 rivers to cross just to reach the site. 

Yes, going to this falls is quite risky, and it even rained while we were on the way there. 😬 One hour in the forest under the heavy rain was a torture. Hahaha But it was liberating, and it felt so good! (Click this link for a video of our Caruray, San Vicente adventure, Caruray Adventure). 

#13 Bunuangin Waterfalls

I love this waterfalls. The fact that it is a fantastic one and the one - hour trek going to the site is perfect, the site is managed by Indigenous People of the area, the Tagbanua tribe. It is found in So. Bunuangin, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan.

#14 Tuasan Falls

One of the coolests!

I was amazed with this waterfalls, because it's not deep. Hehehe Those who cannot swim (like me😆) would love this waterfalls in Catarman, Camiguin.

#15 Katibawasan Falls

Very high and very cold!

This is the tallest waterfall in Camiguin Island with a height of approximately 70 meters. My neck hurt when I couldn't help to gaze its peak for more than a minute. 😆 And I only took a dip for about 5 minutes. Hahaha I couldn't stand its coldness.  

#16 Pyamaluguan Sabang Waterfall

A very distinct one! 

This is the only waterfall I've seen which is just along the shoreline. Amazing, right?😊 So, Sabang, Puerto Princesa City doesn't only have the very popular Underground River, but also this wonderful waterfall. 

#17 Berong Falls

Nice one! 

This is located in Bgy. Berong, Quezon, Palawan. Going to the waterfall site by a "top down" (photo below) with a road full of rocks is quite an adventure! I had so much fun during our trip to this waterfall, and I enjoyed the water a lot. I got a very good massage. :)

#18 Pamuayan Waterfalls

I can't remember anymore how many times I've visited this waterfall since it is one of the most accessible for me. Haha

This is located in Sitio Pamuayan, Port Barton, San Vicente,Palawan.

#19 Bigaho Falls

Another very accessible waterfalls for me is, this one. So, like Pamuayan falls, I lost count on how many times I visit and enjoy this cute waterfalls in Sitio Bigaho, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan.

#20 Pakpak Lawin Waterfalls

This is also located at Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan. It only takes approximately 10 minutes to trek from the main road.

I wish you enjoy this content. Have a great chasing waterfalls ahead! :) 

Until then... Stay safe and healthy! 🙏 ❤️ 

        

CHASING WATERFALLS

Seeing a waterfall gives me a one of a kind energy particularly when it takes  long for me to trek just to see a wonderful creation at the end of my journey. The feeling is "WOW."  Parang every drop of my sweat is just so worth it especially when the waterfall is surprisingly beautiful.

So, waterfall lovers out there, here's the first batch of waterfalls I've visited that I want to share with you for your reference in your next chasing- waterfall adventure. 😉

#1 Aguinid Falls

This is found in Samboan, Cebu, which takes more or less 5 hours (w/c includes the traffic in the city and in other municipalities😁) by bus from Cebu City Southbus terminal or about 1hr and a half from Moalboal. Just tell the conductor to drop you off going to Aguinid Falls. From the drop-off area, you only have to walk approximately 10 min. and you'll reach the site's receiving area.

This is what makes Aguinid waterfalls a very interesting place to visit, since you have to be pretty brave to take the risk (like climbing up) and push yourself to reach every level of the falls. I must say, by far, this is my favorite waterfalls.😊 

#2 Also found in Samboan is the Hidden Falls or the Binalayan Falls. You can just ride a motorbike or tricycle going there from Aguinid which only takes a few minutes. 

It was my first time to jump off a waterfall. I didn't intend to, by the way, (ka hadlok kay kataas😬 and di ko kabalo molangoy😁) but my guide was sooo makulit.haha He really wanted me to try; he would just wait for me in the water basin daw. So, I told him that I would do it if he would jump off with me. 😅 It felt so liberating anyway, thanks to his kakulitan. Hahaha

#3 Inambakan Falls

This waterfall is found in the municipality of Ginatilan, Cebu. If you're already at Samboan, you can just also ride a motorbike from there but it costs more. So, you better ride a bus going to Ginatilan, and then have a more or less 25-minute motorbike ride going to the drop-off area. From there, it only takes about 10 minutes to trek going to the waterfalls. 

#4 Mantayupan Falls

This very high waterfall is found in Barili, Cebu. It's the highest waterfalls in Cebu with a height of over 98 meters from the peak to the basin. It takes more or less 30 minutes to reach the falls from the town's marketplace by motorbike. 

#5 Kawasan Falls

Probably this is the most famous waterfall in Cebu since it had been one of the first waterfalls being promoted. It is located in the municipality of Badian. It takes approximately 3 1/2 hours from Cebu City's Southbus terminal.

#6 Kawasan Falls

Another Kawasan Falls, but not in Cebu. This is found in Balilihan, Bohol. It's accessible by motorbike or a four-wheel drive from the highway. 

 The moment I saw this, I was speechless for seconds. It's one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen. 😍

#7 Kuyawyaw Falls

This waterfall is found in Taytay, Palawan. It takes more or less 30 minutes to trek going to the falls depending on your pace. 

What i like most of this site is the trekking. :) It's not very long, but good enough for an exercise. 

#8 Estrella Falls

This waterfall is found in Narra, Palawan. This is pretty far from the highway, but no worries, the road is concrete. You can ride a tricycle going to the area and tsadaaannn...no sweat, only few steps away and the waterfall welcomes you. 

#9 Idiosko Falls

This "cute" waterfall is found in Caruray, San Vicente, Palawan, and it's just along the main road of the barangay. So, those who are not fond of trekking, this waterfall is just right for you.😅

#10 Keanna Falls

This is another waterfall located in Bgy. Caruray, San Vicente, Palawan. It only takes more or less 20 minutes to trek going to the falls from the main road of the barangay.

 

It had been raining when we got to Keanna, that's why the water wasn't clear. But still, we enjoyed the water a lot. 

Without our motorbike drivers slash guides, we wouldn't have enjoyed the place, kaya big thanks to them. 😊🙏

Next batch of waterfalls will be shared with you next time. 👌 

Until then.... Stay safe and healthy! 🙏 ❤️ 

Your Guide going to San Vicente, Palawan

Traveling these days is truly quite tiresome and inconvenient especially when you don't have the complete information of your chosen destination. So, for those who want to go to San Vicente, Palawan, here's a guide for you on how to have a fulfilling experience in this unspoiled paradise.

1. Check flights and gateways.

   You have to check the gateways (either El Nido or Puerto Princesa City  Airport) if inbound flights for tourists are available. Sometimes, they have restrictions, depending on their CoViD-19 case situation. 

2. Coordinate with the LGU.

   Coordination with the LGU, which is your gateway, is very important, since your arrival at the airport is the official start of your vacation. ☺️ So, see to it that you have coordinated them well about the requirements needed. Nasa huli ang pagsisisi. 🙄

3. Visit San Vicente's website (sanvicentepalawan.gov.ph/tourism) for the requirements. 

   If you have questions regarding its protocols, drop a message to the town's tourism's FB Page (Office of the Municipal Tourism-San Vicente, Palawan) or you may call them at 09178544481 or 09994001454. Your questions will be definitely answered. 👍🏻

4. Seek requirements. 

  Be sure to prepare your requirements on time especially the RT-PCR or Antigen Test. Many tourists couldn't fly because of that. :( Sayang! 

5. Coordinate with your chosen accommodation.

Once you have booked an accommodation, see to it that you have communicated with them from time to time, because there maybe sudden few changes of the protocols that are missed to be relayed. Wag puro asa.😏

6. Double or even triple check your requirements before the flight. 

Sometimes, we get too excited to travel that we tend to forget the important things we need to bring. Aminin...:) 

7. Be a responsible traveler. 

   San Vicente has a pledge designed for all travelers to be filled out and followed. This way, the town hopes to relay awareness on how to be a responsible traveler. Sana ikaw din, responsable.😉

*Sharing with you the protocols for inbound tourists as of this writing. 

DOMESTIC TOURISTS 

A. Negative RT-PCR Test (72 hrs. prior to departure) for unvaccinated and not fully vaccinated individuals OR Negative Antigen Test result for fully vaccinated individuals 

B. Valid ID

C. Return ticket 

D. Proof of pre-booking accommodation (except those who'll stay with their relatives) 

Note: Your accommodation must be an accredited accommodation and Safety Seal certified 

E. Tour Itinerary 

F. Coordination with the Office of the Municipal Tourism or Emergency Operations Center 

G. Fill out the Responsible Traveler's Pledge at sanvicentepalawan.gov.ph/tourism 

LOCAL TOURISTS (tourists from within Palawan) 

A. Antigen Test (for not vaccinated and not fully vaccinated individuals) 

*Antigen test is still required for kids (4yrs.old and above) even if parents are fully vaccinated or Vaccination Card/Vax cert only for fully vaccinated individuals 

B. Valid ID

C. Proof of pre-booking accommodation (except for those who'll stay with their relatives) 

Note: Your accommodation must be an accredited accommodation and Safety Seal certified 

D. Tour Itinerary 

E. Fill out the Responsible Traveler's Pledge and Health Declaration Form at sanvicentepalawan.gov.ph/tourism 

Note: Accredited accommodations are found in the same website mentioned above.

* Children 3yrs.old and below are not exempted from RT-PCR or Antigen Test since Palawan is on Alert Level 3. 

HAVE A SAFE TRAVEL mga travelistas! 👍🏻

Until then... Stay safe! ♥️🙏

From Cebu to Palawan (Part II)

      On the way to the peak 

So, yun na nga, it was a successful climb.🙏☺️ The feeling was inexplainable. It felt surreal reaching the top. Well, you too, should try to go beyond your comfort zone and be awed with the outcome. Trust me, it really feels good when we do that from time to time. :) 

Then, because I felt like my trip was so kulang, as in bitin kaayo. Hehe I went back to Palawan after 3 months, right after Christmas. But before the flight, I  remembered one of my colleagues/friends in the ESL Academy who had been always visiting Palawan (while browsing FB). I chatted her and the chika chika went on...hehehe She kinda marketed San Vicente to me. Hahaha Of course, I didn't know San Vicente. It wasn't popular yet at that time and it isn't as popular as El Nido and Puerto Princesa at present. (Mind you, it's the next big thing.😉) 

To cut the story short, I went to SV after an island hopping in Honda Bay. 

   @Luli Island (Honda Bay) 

Syempre, aside from meeting my friend and her family in San Vic, ang laag mga dzaiii di mawala.. Hehehe I was able to go island hopping. Wew! I thought only El Nido and Puerto Princesa had beautiful beaches. I was sooo wrong. 

    

        @Inaladelan Island 

    Before trekking going to                  Bigaho Falls

And yes, a waterfall!!! I was able to enjoy San Vicente's very cool Bigaho Falls. 

And most of all, the longest beach in the Philippines, Long Beach. Amazing 14.7 kilometer white beach! 

              Long Beach

Before heading El Nido, my friend asked me if I was interested in applying for a job in San Vicente. I was like... "Huh?" My first thought was, "Hala ka! Ka layo. It's so far from the city. " 😁 It took 3-4 hrs from the city (PPC), roads were not yet completely concrete, business establishments were so limited and mingaw kaayo. Hehehe I came from a town with so many people, kaya na windang ako ng mga ilang minutes sa idea na yun. Anyway, I didn't seriously think about it. I focused on the travel, the lakwatsa. So, El Nido, there i came again. 

I visited Nacpan Beach, Las Cabañas Beach, Corong-Corong Beach, and di nawawala ang island hopping (Combination of Tour A and C).

           Talisay Beach

       Lovely water, isn't it? 

               just tried😅

It was a beautiful day, and suddenly.... Guess what happened? 

The tourist boat I were in was struck by a whirlwind. Take note, we were in an open sea. I hadn't seen a whirlwind before, but that was what the boatmen told us. Yes, the boat capsized, tuma-ob at lumubog po ang bangka namin, lumubog kaming lahat. I didn't know how to swim (I don't know how up until now😁), fortunately I had my life vest. (I always wear a life vest every time I go island hopping because I know I can't swim.) An Indian woman was in panic. I could hear her screaming. I was very nervous, but I tried my best not to panic.  I focused on how I could escape under the capsized boat. Yes, I made it. I didn't even think of sharks at that time. What I only thought was how to save my life. Luckily, one tourist boat from afar noticed us. We were rescued after about 20 minutes of struggling, holding the boat's outrigger. It was only after the rescue that I realized how dark the water was. It wasn't dark blue anymore.  

  That's the only photo I got       after the accident. That         little "orange" below the              cliff was our boat. 

Truly, it was a horrible experience, but I was very grateful we were all safe. Apart from the cuts, the bruises, and the losses, all of us were alive. Praise God! Yeeyyy! What a third life indeed! (I will share with you later on why it was my third one.😀) 

Despite the nerve-wracking experience, I just continued to calm and cheer myself, walked to the Police Station and Coastguard Station together with the other victims with only one slipper. I hadn't mind the body pains anymore. Only two of us left being interviewed by the Coastguard because others had to travel back to Puerto Princesa City for their return flight early the next day to celebrate the New Year with their family, and some just didn't have the strength and will anymore for an interview. 

Life goes on. 😀 The rest of my vacation was still enjoyed. I got to have a short trek and enjoy Kuyawyaw Waterfalls (already in the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Taytay), and traveled back home on the New Year's day. 

With my past experience and that particular experience, I started to feel like being alive is enough. "I may not have all the wealth in this world, but my life is more than enough. He had shown me the eyes of death twice, and it still gives me chill how blessed I am for having this life." 

Anyhow, that accident gave me another discouragement not to apply for that job in San Vicente since that job needed boat travels often. 😳

However, I was already bored and wanted to get a job, but not a teaching job. Hehehe So, I booked again a round trip ticket (Cebu-Palawan-Cebu) after two months heading straight to San Vicente. I told myself, "Okay, try nato sa San Vicente. If you'll be accepted, just try the place if maka uyon ka, and face your fears. If not, fly back to Cebu. Naa nakay ticket pabalik." 😁 

I got hired. 

Now, I am officially a resident of San Vicente, Palawan. And I can't wait to share my fun and adventures here in this best island in the world. 🏝️😍

From Cebu to Palawan (Part I)

   Overlooking Cebu City (It       had rained when I took the                     photo.) 

Hhhmmm… Kinikilig ako promise! Hehehe
Writing this really makes my heart flutters, surely because Palawan has been one of my dream places since I was in college. So, it's always a joy for me to share with anyone how I got here and even became a resident in my dream place.

WARNING! This is quite a long story.😅

Ooopss, before anything else, here's a sad truth, I first came here in Palawan with a broken heart.💔 Aaayyyy… Hahaha! That's ancient anyway.

It was not my plan to travel to Palawan yet, but an angel without wings suddenly chatted me to join her, since her mama couldn't join their supposed three- day, two-night stay in El Nido. A less-than-a-week notice confused me for a while coz' gee… I might not be able to get a promo ticket. Hahaha But your lola wanted to breathe and see another view because you know, brokenhearted lageh… So, I booked a round trip ticket (Cebu-Palawan-Cebu) and hola… Praise God I followed my heart. That trip was one of the most beautiful things I've ever experienced.

It maybe a short one, but we got to enjoy El Nido;
1. Tour A Island hopping - Small and Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commando Beach (Tour A has been already changed, though.)

        @Seven Commando                             Beach

       Lunch with the group 

2. Foods - My first time to eat "lamayo" and you should try that if you haven't. Yummy!😋 (I forgot to take a photo of that.) Then, I was so surprised when I ordered "squid adobo" in a Stopover station. It was served in a very small plate, but not cheap, for me at least. Hahaha Good thing it was tasty enough.😊 And my most favorite in El Nido was the gelato ice cream, yum yum yum!🍦😍 You want to know the ice cream parlor's name? PM me. Haha

             happy me😋🍦

3. The views- Although it was not my first time to see towering limestones, and there were things I least like in the place, but apparently El Nido has its own magic that other places don't have. Let's accept it. :)

      Sunset @ Las Cabañas                         Beach

 And (#4) among all the things we did in there, the climb to Mt. Taraw was the most amazing and liberating. I am just not sure if it is still now open for tourists. I've heard it has been closed even before pandemic. Reason/s? I am not so sure, but that time our guide told us that an accident happened and it was really bad. Well, climbing that mountain wasn't easy at all especially for a first timer and a person who's afraid of heights like me. But I did it!!! 💪 Oh my! I thought I wasn't going to make it, but I pushed my limit and conquered my fears. Take note, my overlap surgery was still a year and 4 months at that time and I didn't know if what I did was okay for my tummy. Hehehehe.. All I knew was, it was time to conquer my fear of heights. At nilagnat lang naman ako the next day tsaka keri lang ang muscle pains-from head to toes.😅

             Ngiting wagi😀

        Team First Time😄 

Indeed, sometimes, we think we cannot go for more, and we limit ourselves on how much we can take and how long we can fight. However, giving our worries and doubts to God and trusting ourselves reward us more than we can imagine.

To be continued.. :)