Exploring Dumaran!

Undeniably, the Philippines has so many beautiful places to explore and to enjoy that are not yet commercialized, explored and recognized by many. In short, pag na mention ang name sa place maka ask ka ug, huh? Asa na? Hehehe BUT,  their natural products and resources can also compete to what other tourist destinations may offer just like Dumaran, Palawan.

This municipality is located in the northeastern part of Palawan. It takes more or less 5 hours by van or 6 hrs by bus from Puerto Princesa City's North bus terminal. Yes, it's a pretty long journey, wherein you can have a one of a kind experience especially when you take the bus (no air-conditioned bus available) plus the more or less 1 1/2-hour-rough road trip from Taytay, Palawan going to Sta. Teresita (a barangay of Dumaran where the docking area going to town proper is located). Perhaps, you're wondering of its geographical location.😁 The Municipality of Dumaran covers the southern part of the namesake Dumaran island and a portion of Palawan mainland. Its town proper is in the island. :) I find it quite unique. Hehe

Imagine?!? Dito po naga daan ang mga vans at busses.😆 But the good news is, the constructions of the roads and bridges have been started. 👏👏👏

My first trip to Dumaran was so memorable. It was rainy season, so the rough roads were very slippery and muddy (no photos available) . My friends and I took a bus from So. Itabiyak, New Agutaya, San Vicente (the only available transport at that time). It was my first time to take a bus with so many people inside, sacks of animal feeds, chickens, etc. It was fun at first, but I got scared already, when we were on the muddy roads. It made me cry. Hahaha But, at least bawing-bawi ang mga luha ko sa daan pag dating namin ng Dumaran.😃 

However, my second time in Dumaran was smoother and more fun. It wasn't muddy anymore. My friends and I were all on motorbike. Woooh! 

Here are the best things to see in Dumaran:

#1 Coral reefs 

Its coral reefs are amazing!!! As in the best among the reefs I've ever been to. (I've never been to Tubbataha, anyway.😊) Snorkelers and divers would definitely love this place. As in! This is not an exaggeration, but see it for yourself. :) However, ito lang po nakuha kong photos sa corals nila. Huhuhu Sobrang nag enjoy talaga ako, di ko na naisip mag took ng maraming photos. Dumaran underwater beauty

I took the photo (below) while I was still on the boat.

#2 Calampuan Island

#2 Renambakan Island

#3 Encantasia Island

This islet has so many oysters, and the corals around it are even visible while you're on the boat.

It was raining by the time we got on this islet. Kaya, ka pangit ng kuha. Hehe

Well, as you have seen the above photos, their beaches are also enticing particularly their island beaches, white and very fine! 

So, ano na guys, arat na sa Dumaran and experience an epic ride!👍🏻 

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

Life's Thrills

What makes life more exciting? 

Beer? 

Coffee? 

Job? 

Money? 

Boyfriend/girlfriend? 

Adventures?

For me, apart from the bondings with my family, friends, and loved ones, here's the top ten (10) things that thrill my life even more:

#1 Travels

One of my investments in life. 😅

I always believe that experience is the best way to understand the world and the life in it. I cannot think of anything else that will make my whole being flutters to the moon and back, but traveling. 

I come back home penniless after a travel, but the memories and new experiences it brings are priceless. No regrets at all. 

#2 Reading 

There goes the usual saying... "Reading is my religion."

Definitely, I can stay at home for days or weeks just to read books and novels. That's why, the lockdown due to pandemic didn't affect me much.hehe 

I have collections of books, pocketbooks and novels that are so valuable to me that if you want to ask one I'd better give you money.😬 Joke! I don't have money. 

 

*One time in my English class, I covered the pocketbook with our English book so I could read it even in the class.😆 Bad...

#3 Beaches, waterfalls, and snorkeling 

Yes, I am both an indoor and outdoor person. ☺️

I lost count how many beaches, islands, and islets I have visited, explored, and enjoyed, but I have never lost my appetite for them. Hahaha Ironically, I don't know how to swim. 😳 I was almost drowned in a spring when I was fourteen, and that was the beginning of my fear of deep water.

However, that fear doesn't stop my love for snorkeling. So, what i do? I always snorkel with someone who's really good at swimming.😄 

Sa waterfalls naman, I enjoy it the most with friends especially when it is not famous and only few people know the area. Ka creepy man kasi if ako lang maga lakad sa kakahuyan o kabundukan, then pag dating sa site baka dalawa o tatlo lang kami dun. Hahaha Di bah? 

#4 Mountain Climbing/Trekking

I just realized how wonderful mountain climbing/trekking is when I was able to fight my fear of heights. After that, every climb/trek has been surreal. 

Being on top of the mountain makes me feel like I am wonder woman. Haha

I am not a pro though, I haven't climbed/trekked for more than 3hours (one way). However, my goal this year is to climb Mt. Capuas in Taytay, Palawan. I've heard that the ascent and the descent will be approximately 8 hours in total, so that will be more than my usual trek. Good luck to me! I'll share that to you if I could make it. Hehe 

#5 Writing

I've always loved writing since high school that's why i love pens, notebooks and stationeries.☺️

Yes, I am an old school. 😊

 

Surely, the love of writing pushed me to start blogging. I had my first blog 8 or 9 years ago, but due to some reasons I forgot the password of my blogging churvaness, until I got sick and completely stopped. But here I am again, exploring the world of blogging for the second time. Hehe

* I am thinking of exploring vlogging but I have no confidence yet. 😁

#6 Online shopping 

Who doesn't like online shopping?!? 😂 

I've been an online shopper for 16 years. I am not into shopping in the malls. Tamad kaayo ko ana! I can walk for more than 2 hours in a forest, but not in a shopping mall.😆 Before  Lazada, Shopee, Alibaba, etc., I shopped on Friendster. Yes, Friendster, the very popular Friendster before  Facebook dominated the world. Hahaha 

#7 Drama Series

Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, Turkish, Spanish, Mexican, English, Thai,....... I like them all!😄 

I believe many can relate this even Filipino celebrities. Hahaha Well, especially KDramas, they have really touched the hearts of the Filipinos just like KPop. (I am not into KPop, though.😁) 

#8 Photos

I am not a pro in taking photos, but I love taking and collecting photos. I also collect photos of my travels (very precious). I remember when my brother accidentally deleted all the photos in the camera that  weren't saved yet in the hard drive, I had been crying the whole night.😭😅) 

My favorite subject is nature, and my gallery and hard drive are already complaining. Haha 

#9 Sunset watching 

Sunset lover here! 😍

Definitely, I am so glad I am living in the western area of Palawan, but I don't get to watch the sunset every day. I also have another life aside from sunset watching oi. Hehehe Truly, my eyes are like this "😍" when I see sunsets. :) 

#10 Rice, Bread, Chocolates and Pizza

Haaayyyy... It's so hard to imagine life without these four! Huhuhu

*The best pizza for me is in Maharaja Restaurant located in Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand.  I can eat their one whole 14" pizza in one sitting. Hehehe

* I love breads, but Danish bread is perfect!🤤 

There is a Danish bakery in Krabi town. The owner/ baker is pure Danish. Omgeee I miss their bread.huhuhu I can't imagine how fantastic it would be if I could go to Denmark and have a bakery hopping.🤤😅

Ohhh by the way, I'm not into cookies, but Danish cookies are fine with me. 

How about you? What makes your life more thrilling? 

I would be very glad to know and read yours.☺️

Until then.. Stay safe and healthy! 🙏 ❤️ 

Trick or trip?!?

Since cemeteries were close during All Saints' Day, my fiancé and I had a road trip. We went to the municipality of Roxas, Palawan and we visited some of its tourist destinations that are unpopular and not yet really known to many. :) 

First, we visited New Rizal Falls. 

It is situated in Bgy. Dumarao, which only takes more or less 5 minutes from the highway by motorbike, and you don't have to hike going to the falls. 

Its basin is wide, and it's really high, but no one could tell us its height. 😬 Best thing is,,,,There is NO ENTRANCE FEE.😃

Our second stop was at the wooden pathway in Bgy. Tumarbong, too. 

It is nearby the mangrove, but I think it would be more beautiful if it was high tide. Well, since it's a private area, eh "Bawal magtambay." 

Our third stop was Rufino's Place. 

I never knew Roxas mainland has its good beaches, too. :) This beach is located at Bgy. Tumarbong, which takes approximately 35 minutes from the junction by motorbike or by car, and approximately one hour from New Rizal Falls.

Note: Not all the roads going to this place are concrete, but they're very manageable. :) 

     (Watch out in my YT channel.) 

While we were on our way back to San Vicente, we tried to find some small stores that were selling veggies. Theirs are really cheaper than in the supermarket, and by that we can also help small businesses. 

 (We weren't able to take a photo, but we got videos of the veggies.😊)

I always believe that buying in a small store can help the community more.👌

*This trip will be our first try to vlog, 😁 and I will try to edit as soon as I can so I can upload our first vlog slash first video on Cebuanang Palaweña YT channel. :) 

Please subscribe to my channel and look forward to some of my journeys especially here in the last frontier of the Philippines that I will be sharing with you as soon as I can edit.😆😀

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

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! 🙏 ❤️