My Travel Map

Perhaps almost everyone has gone to many famous tourist destinations all over the world - the US, Europe, the Carribean, Southeast Asia, Australia, and so many other countries to mention. But how many of you has conquered and traversed the entire Philippines?

Review my travel map and see how many of these places you've been missing. Else, isn't it time to think of packing your bags, hit the road and enjoy the wonders these places could offer as much as I did?

WESTERN MINDANAO - On Foot For Five Days

Ask anyone about Mindanao, particularly Zamboanga and Basilan, and you’d surely get odd responses mainly because there were so much unpleasant issues to read and hear about this part of the second largest island in the Philippines. Similarly when I told my folks about my plan to travel there, their first reaction was about safety. It may sound like a severe weather forecast but I was still determined to go and discover this side of Mindanao on my own. For me, what could be worse than the traffic, the floods, the rat race, the pollution and political rallies here in Manila?After confirming my flight schedule and looking through existing websites, I finally completed my travel itinerary. With my backpack, map, digicam, handycam, enough money, and moral fiber, I was indomitable to cover as many places and provinces for 5 days.

Day 1 - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

I took the first flight from the Centennial Airport and arrived 1 ½ hours later at the Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City, the capital of Misamis Oriental, which is the perfect departure point to most parts of Mindanao. This is where my journey down to Basilan would start.
Taxi from the airport to the city proper costs P120. I noticed, as I enjoy my tapsilog in a restaurant along Velez St., the city is generally unimpressive with noisy mixture of busy streets, tiangge and restaurants, hardly enough to tempt anyone to stay for a day or two. With the Cagayanons speaking in native Cebuano, I felt I was in a foreign land. But these locals were friendly enough to offer assistance, and always mistaken me for a Korean. The city is generally safe with policemen patrolling the entire city.

I opted to stay at the Hotel Ramon (P400/day) with a view of Cagayan River, had lunch at the Only In Cagayan Restaurant along Coralles Ave, and came across the ethnic culture of the Lumads in the Gardens of Malasag Eco-tourism Village, located in Cugman and 20 minutes away from the city center. For mall rats like me, Gaisano and Lim Ket Kai Malls are the most convenient places to look for souvenir items. Later I ended up strolling along D. B. Soria, a long strip of park with lots of tiangge, food and DVD stalls, where Xavier University and Freedom Park were located on opposite ends. After a delicious barbecue for dinner while enjoying the music played by a local band right in the middle of the park, I ceased the day.

Day 2 - CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY to ILIGAN CITY

6am – I was off to Bulua Bus Station, bought a ticket P80 for an aircon bus to Iligan City, the capital of Lanao Del Norte. 11/2 hrs later, I reached Iligan City and checked-in at the Maria Cristina Hotel (P600/day). From the hotel, I hired a taxi for P500 to take me where the city is well known for - its majestic waterfalls. First stop, the Tinago Falls. Literally hidden in a deep ravine, the falls cascade into beautifully into a basin-like pool – clean, deep and icy cold. One has to painstakingly descend a concrete stair of 500 steps or so down the basin, and up again. It has an elevation of approximately 420 feet. It is 14 kilometers away from the city proper. Access to the falls is through the Iligan Tinago Mountain Resort. Entrance fee is P10.00.

Next stop, Maria Cristina Falls - the greatest heritage and landmark of Iligan City - located 9 kilometers away from the city proper. It is 320 feet high, spews 130 cubic meters per second of water and the source of industrial power in the city. It was a Thursday and I wasn’t able to experience full grandeur viewing of the waterfalls. This event happens only every Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 am. It was past noon, starving and exhausted, I checked out lunch at a carinderia along the highway as recommended by my taxi driver. Food was simple, delicious and inexpensive.

My day won’t be complete without cruising downtown Iligan City. All the basics are there - bazaars, fastfood chains, and tiangge. The city is generally peaceful and clean, and predominantly populated by Christians. I concluded the day with a light meal at the Big Ben and a visit to the Saint Michael Archangel Cathedral before I headed back to the hotel and retired.

Day 3 - ILIGAN CITY to OZAMIS CITY to DAPITAN CITY to DIPOLOG CITY to ZAMBOANGA CITY

Got up very early again, settled my bill, grabbed my backpack – and headed to the bus terminal to catch the bus to Dipolog City, the capital of Zamboanga del Norte. The trip took 5 hours for P180, en route Tubud RORO Port to Ozamis Port and a few minutes stopover in Ozamis City and Oroquieta City, the capital of Misamis Occidental. Both cities were peaceful and evidently clean. Along the way, I got acquainted with my seatmate who was so surprised to know I was traveling all by my self. He suggested I should drop by Dapitan City and visit the Rizal Shrine, which I did.

A visit to Dapitan City in Zamboanga Del Norte is a must for all tourists. Going around the city, I enjoyed the sight of old houses still preserved to their original designs and likewise the view from the pirturesque Dapitan Bay. Inside the Rizal Shrine, where our National Hero was exciled, the security guards were pleasant enough to show me around. The city plaza is likewise awesome. The old Spanish-era City Hall, St. James Cathedral, the relief map of Mindanao crafted from soil by Dr. Jose Rizal, are adjacent with one another and are must-see attractions. Another local guy I met suggested Dakak Resort, but since I had no plans of beach-ing, and that entrance fee alone is a hefty is P200, I disregarded the idea. Instead, I indulged myself to hearty halo-halo and pastry at the Corazon de Dapitan Restaurant before I moved to Dipolog City, which is 15-20 minutes away drive via mini bus for P17.

It was already late in the afternoon when I reached Dipolog City and my intent to climb the 3003 Steps to Linabo Peak – a famous tourist attraction in the city, was definitely unattainable. With nothing else to do, I decide to walk down the main road towards the newly-built Dipolog Boulevard. There I stayed for a few hours, watched the sun set, tried the native Soriso and Biko Dipolog, and had a little chat with some Dipolognons who are fairly warm yet restrained.

After a delectable dinner at Grandma’s Restaurant located in the downtown area, I was off again to the bus terminal to cathch the bus for my next destination – Zamboanga City. I will be a 300-km 8 hour aircon bus ride for P350. It was 10:00 pm and expected to arrive in Zamboanga City before dawn.

Around midnight, the bus stopped over at Ipil, the capital town of Zamboanga Sibugay, which was once set on fire by the Abu Sayyaf in 1995. I noticed the town had left its violent past and is now heading towards being a viable business center in the region.


Day 4 - ZAMBOANGA CITY to ISABELA CITY, BASILAN

It was 4:00 am and very dark when I reached Zamboanga City, 2 hours ahead of schedule. Disoriented by lack of sleep, I asked a driver of one habal-habal or motorcycle to take me to a nice coffee shop to where I can kill my time before my nephews arrive in Zamboanga City by plane. All together, we will catch the early morning ferry to Isabela City, the capital of Basilan. The only restaurant open that time was the one near the airport, and this Zamboangeno here was so nice to sit down with me, chat with his Chavacano accent, and share a large bowl of hot lomi soup while I told him of my odd travel agenda.

A trip to Basilan requires a local guide or military escorts for safety reasons since the conflict between Abu Sayyaf and the military hasn’t been resolved.  We were able to catch the 9:30 a.m. fast craft to Isabela City. The fare for a first class ticket was P130. We arrived in Basilan about an hour later.

Greeting us as we entered the port were villages on stilts, and the minarets of mosques at the center of these communities. From the port, we took a short walk up to the provincial capitol and I was so surprised to see a Jollibee store across the city plaza. I could still feel the turbulent past of this side of Mindanao since we passed by several military check points in addition to presence of military personnel all over the city proper.

MALAMAWI BEACH

First stop is to the beach. There were a lot of run down beach huts and picnic tables all over the place; but just a small group of tourists and locals enjoying the white sand. Upon entry, some of them even greeted us warmly and to my surprise, some of them were friends of my nephews' relatives here. We were offered lunch, one was very hospitable enough to offer his house for me to stay for the night. This made me realized that sometimes there are so many underrated places all over the country worth visiting, little pieces of paradise secretly tucked away for those diligent enough to search for them and enjoy the serenity they offer.

When visiting Malamawi White Beach, one must make arrangements with the motorcycle to come back for you at a later time. After a few photos, it was back to Barangay Carbon, and then back to the port of Isabela just across. We took a habal-habal to Farmland Resort in the forest outskirt of Isabela City. The trip costed P100. I was expecting to see bad roads and I was impressed that the roads here are very well-paved, and not any sign of the publicized hostilities can be felt.

Day 5 - BASILAN to ZAMBOANGA CITY to MANILA

As early as 6:00 am, we headed back to Zamboanga City and prepare for the late afternoon flight from Zamboanga International Airport back to Manila. We spent the remaining hours touring the city - Port Pilar, Zamboanga City Hall, Pasonanca Park. There are fast food places on almost every corner in town where you can enjoy the delectable curacha.

I was leaving with a heavy heart yet fulfilled. The opportunity to explore, observe and socialize with the people relieved me of any notions concerning the paradoxical conflict in Mindanao. These people are impressive in that they combine an infectious enthusiasm to show the true Mindanao. Their effort is one important way Mindanao can truly become the Land of Promise.

DAVAO CITY - Getting Around The Safest Place In The Philippines

Davao City is considered the safest city in the Philippines. There is a 24-hour police visibility in the entire city and being the friendliest people I've known, Davaenos will help you find your way around in case you get lost.

Davao is possibly the third most important Philippine city after Manila and Cebu. As one of the major tourist destinations and economic zones in the country,  all domestic airlines fly multiple times per day to Davao, as well as a number of ferries, and even buses from Manila via the Maharlika Nautical Highway.

Flying to Davao, you will arrive at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, proper name of Davao International Airport, which was completed in 2003. I would say it is much much better than the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. 

Upon exit from the arrival area, you will notice the magnificent symbolic Giant Durian sculpture by Kublai Milan, a prolific artist from Davao. 

Taxis are always available right outside the airport building and will take you anywhere in the City. Don't worry about the fare, Davao drivers are so friendly, honest and do not haggle if they notice that you are a tourist. They will charge you by the meter and would even give you an exact change up to the last peso. Galing noh!

By air, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines all have Davao on their flight networks. Avail of the promo fares. Depending on the season, you'll surely get the best affordable airfare.

By sea, you may choose to take any of the following sea vessels. Twice weekly, WG&A Superferry takes you to Davao (Sasa Whaft) from Manila (Eva Macapagal Port) every Mondays and Fridays, trip takes more than 2 days in total. Likewise twice weekly, Sulpicio Lines takes you to Davao from Manila every Thursdays and Sundays, usually via Cebu.

Getting around:

Everything is here in Davao City - malls, local shoppes, fine dining restaurants, bars, coffee shops, internet cafes, fresh fruit market, museums - you name it, Davao has it.

The simplest way to get around is by hopping on a taxi. Alternatively, if you opt for more adventure, then do as the locals and catch a jeepney or what they called 'multicab'. Simply ask around for which route to take. They are available 24 hours and cover every street in the city. This is the cheapest option for getting around as a typical fare cost about 7 pesos. Another alternative ride aside from the jeepneys and taxis, is the habal-habal, or a motorcycle. However, habal-habal is not allowed on main thouroughfare, only in some minor streets or subdivisions.

The normal cost for a jeepney ride is 7.00 pesos. Taxis go from 26 pesos and will add 1 peso per kilometer with a non-airconditioned taxi. Airconditioned taxis start at 30 pesos and will add 2 pesos per kilometer. Normal fare for a habal-habal is ten pesos and fare gets higher during late hours at night.

Going out late? Again, Davao is the safest city in the Philippines. Police vehicles roam every street. I always feel safe walking around even during midnight.

Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere and anyone who get caught will surely be apprehended.

Where else can you find a place like Davao City? I guess nowhere.

DAVAO CITY - A City Like No Other

Of all the places in the Philippines I've been, Davao City is my most favorite and the most number of times I've visited, 10 times since 1998 to be exact.

Davao City is a sprawling metropolis of over a million people located in the Southeastern part of Mindanao. It is one of the largest cities in the world with a land area of 2,443.61 square kilometers.

There are a lot of words to enjoy and celebrate in Davao City. Aside from being the country's melting pot of diverse cultures, the city offers a wide array of modern urban amenities such as shopping malls and an active night life that readily complement its accessible beaches and abundant supply of fresh seafood and fruits including the Exotic Durian. It is situated in a typhoon-free zone. It is one of the most peaceful cities in Asia. Almost everything of quality in Davao City costs cheaper compared to other major cities in the country.

The Most Livable City in the Philippines - according to Asiaweek, the City was ranked among the top 20 livable cities in Asia and number one as the most livable city in the country.

Home of the Philippines' Highest Peak - Mt. Apo - the tallest peak in the country at 10,311 feet above sea level.

Orchid Capital of the Philippines - City in Bloom - the City is specifically known among florists all over the world for its famous waling-waling, considered as one of the most beautiful orchids.

Fruit Basket of the Philippines - the City of Durian - all the freshest tropical fruits are here to find - watermelon, mango, pomelo (suha), rambutan, banana, mangosteen, lanzones, strawberry, pineapple, avocado, langka, buko, you’ll definitely have your fill in Davao City. To top them all is the exotic Durian (the King of the Fruits or the Fruit of the Gods) serving as the fruit of good and evil with its strong aroma (or pungent odor) overpowered by its heavenly taste which you would not want to exchange for anything.

Home of the Great Bird of Asia - the Philippine Eagle - the City has become it's breeding ground and contributed to the birth of more than a dozen eagles (hatched in captivity). Better known as the monkey-eating eagle, the Philippine Eagle is considered as the 2nd largest eagle in the world and was threatened for extinction as early as the 70’s.

About me...

The idea of travelling never occured to me as something feasible because I thought of it as a luxury, pasttime for the rich and famous, an expensive activity, or even a waste of our precious time spent long hours of travelling sitting on a bus eight to ten hours or even longer. Not until a a decade ago.

The first time I took a plane was in 1998, when I went to Davao City. I was really very excited to finally know how it feels to be in an airplane and experience to fly amidst the clouds and see the world in a bird's eyeview. The first time I stepped foot in Davao, I became fascinated with the place, the people, and, by large, the entire community. I never thought that would be the start of an addicting habit - travelling, that is.

Since then I make it a point to travel at least once a year. And most of the time, alone.

By travelling around the Philippines I developed the ability to communicate and connect harmoniously with the people with various cultures, provide means to influence and impart knowledge to make meaningful contributions as I continuously learn about the technology, the culture, the language, and the entity by the way they live.

I created this blogspot to be able to share my travel experiences in different places, people, and situations. I hope that everyone, whether a traveller like me or not, Filipinos and foreigners alike, would be able to learn and realize the rewards of being able to explore our country and see for themselves the wonders of the Philippines.