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Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Life begins where WIFI is weak

Published on: February 4, 2018

Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin

Baslay Hot Spring, Pools, Dauin, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

We came and they went. Btw this was the pool which was not suitable for bath.

The unknown pearl

This is one of the more unknown hot sulphur springs in the area around Dumaguete. The place is located remotely in the rainforest so expect no shops, changing rooms or comfort rooms here. The hot spring basically consists of five pools where one of the pools is not suitable for bathing due to no maintenance. So that leaves us four pools, where another one is by far too hot, more suitable for boiling egg. So what remains are three pools with hot, medium and a little bit cooler water. The water is not clear but I guess it depends on the minerals... hey this water is volcanic and comes directly out from the mountain after all! The area is quiet and peaceful and if you are resonable fit and are not dependent of shops and changing rooms this is the place for you!

In some places the water was so hot so you burned your feet when stepping in it!

The water was not clear but I guess it was due to the minerals from the mountain.

The pools from upper left clockwise: far too warm, medium warm, luke warm and warm.

The medium warm pool suited me perfect. The water had a small scent of sulphur.

Going down to the hot springs. Indeed we saw many people at the turnback, but they were there for cock fights not for the hot springs.

Going there

The sulphur Baslay hot springs are accessed along a bumpy road 10 km off the main highway, best accessed by motorcycle or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi). When you drive south from Dumaguete, pass Dauin proper and when you see the Blue Pearl Minimart you turn the next available road to the right. Then go the bumpy road 10 km until it ends in a turnback. From there follow a cemented path with steep stairs down to the river for about additional 10 min. Expect it to be steep and slippery at some points.

Published on: February 2, 2018

Road trip to Sipalay

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Sipalay is famous for beach resorts with astonishing views and the mythical Sugar Beach.

Going by scooter to Sipalay

We decided to make a road trip on the scooter to Sipalay. The distance is roughly 180 km from Dumaguete to Sipalay one way. Either you can go along the coast which is a little bit longer and with more traffic or you can take the way through the mountains and Pamplona. We decided for traversing the mountains. The road was in very good condition, incredible beautiful and not much traffic.

Well equipped with shades, helmets and face masks we were ready to go.

We traversed the mountains and passed Pamplona.

The mirror is the girls best friend.

Sometimes we needed to ask for directions.

The video shows the first stretch going from Dumaguete to Bayawan. We ended up having a huge barbecue dinner at Maricel's place.

We stayed in Bayawan, coming halfway

On our way we were surprised by heavy rainfall so we decided to stay overnight in Bayawan. We arrived like drenched cats at the sleepy little C & L Top View Inn centrally located. It was a nice budget hotel with a simple filipino breakfast included.

Quick stop for a quick bite!

Yes I never eat ice cream... Huh?

The way to a woman's heart goes through her stomach...

Hey! Noo picture now... I haven't had my breakfast yet!!!

The video shows glimpses on our way to Sipalay and from the Jamont hotel. We also tried to get to the Sugar Beach but instead we ended up in the beach next to it.

Sipalay

We stayed at Jamont hotel downtown. It was near to the market and near to the beach. We had a nice spacious room and they served good coffee in the restaurant. Later we went out to look for the Sugar Beach that we heard so much about. The road going there was a little bit tricky so eventually we ended up at the beach next to the Sugar Beach. It turned out we had to take a boat the last bit to get there. But time was late and it was beginning to be dark so we skipped it, for this time.

We stayed at the very nice Jamont hotel.

You could buy all basic ingredients for Filipino cooking of this lady.

Sniffing on shrimp paste, smells bad but tastes good in cooking!

New Sipalay Government Center, the building was impressive but they had forgot to asphalt the road going there...

Sunsets are for free in Sipalay.

Small smiling faces

Someone is eager to have her dinner...

Our search for the Sugar Beach ended here...

Tinagong Dagat Island Resort and Perth Beach Resort

The next day we went on beach resorts safari. First we visited Tinagong Dagat Island Resort and then Perth Beach Resort. Both are located south of Sipalay, easy accessible if you have a scooter. Perth Beach Resort is famous for its pool with an incredible beautiful view overlooking the archipelago of islands. Both of these resort offer nice and simple accommodation to very reasonable rates.

The hanging bridge going to Tinagong Dagat Island Resort.

View from the observation deck at Tinagong Dagat Island Resort.

Nice views everywhere

We met the smiling beer man on the bridge.

The breathtaking view from the pool at Perth Beach Resort

The video shows our beach resorts safari with clips from the beautiful Tinagong Dagat Island Resort and from the pool of Perth Beach Resort with the totally astonishing view (!) overlooking the whole archipelago of islands.

Downtown Sipalay. The Sugar Beach is located north and the resorts we visited are located south of downtown.

Published on: January 25, 2018

A day of exercise

With more than 30 degrees and a distance of totally roughly 8 km back and forth, where some stretches were pretty steep uphill, would probably be considered as a good exercise. Right? Yes, for sure! We went to Puncak Tanawan today. The purpose was to get some kilometers in our legs. A real bonus was that this place is incredible beautiful and quiet coz it's far from the bustling city of Dumaguete. I really enjoyed it here today. The technical details of hiking Puncak Tanawan is covered in an earlier post: Hike the Puncak Tanawan

Hey! Don't forget to check the video clip at the end!

Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Someone was obviously really enjoying every step she took! Or hm was it in pain...?

On rare occasion I can smile for the photographer hehe

In one moment it's clear and in the next it's cloudy

Carabao, Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

One of the big guys was roaming around here

We were lucky this day, we hadn't any rain

Combo Meal, Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

At the summit there is a kiosk where we bought the Combo Special Meal. Just 120 PHP for two.

The view from here is breathtaking

A table for four

Heading back downhill was worse for our legs than going uphill. But we had the sun in the back so we could really enjoy the scenery.

A short compilation of our exercise up to Puncak Tanawan

Published on: January 22, 2018

The fine art of eating an ice cream

A little girl's own way to enjoy an ice cream, that's happiness to see. But for the mom in charge I guess the feeling is somewhat double-edged. The happiness is mixed with trying to avoid a total mess which is of course often is inevitable! But for me as a photographer, I could just sit, relax and observe.

Hey! Don't forget to watch the short video clip at the end!

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Ube and vanilla ice cream... yummy!

Mom don't worry... I will not mess up

Ouch! Here we dropped the ice cream...

But the help is never far away

Mom is always there with a great patience... most of the time

Now we are back on track again

Baby wipes every parent's best friend

No baby wipes is necessary here!

It could have been worse

Done!

Heey... I want more! I want...

Published on: January 20, 2018

Postcards from the Philippines

Fruit vendor, Bananas, Sibulan, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

You should buy the fruits from the vendors on the streets instead of the supermarkets. It's cheaper, more fresh and you exercise your negotiating skills.

Veggie guy, Bananas, Sibulan, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

This is the Veggie guy and he has his fruit and veggie stand just outside Sibulan. You can buy fresh buko juice there, only 15 PHP each.

Bananas, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Did you know this? That red bananas help combat nicotine withdrawal by fighting off the side effects, and reducing nicotine cravings.

Fruit vendor, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

One of many fruit stands in downtown Dumaguete

Sunset with a plane, Panglao, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Can you see the plane?

Sunset with boats, Panglao, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Good night boats sweet dreams...

Me in the pool, Tierra Alta, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Someone said: Oh my, don't look like a crocodile! Ehh... what am I suppose to answer on that?!

Tambobo bay, Keep our beach clean, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

This is a concern for everybody everywhere!

Dauin, Guy jumps from a boat, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Imagine if you were able to fly... how fun that would be!

Walking down the road

You know how girls can be sometimes, right? Yes moody, and then as a guy you better stand down hehe.

Girls and the motorbike, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The girls and our new space ship

Related links:
Apo island the pearl of the Visayas
Outing with the girls
Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin
Road trip to Sipalay
A day of exercise
The fine art of eating an ice cream
Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete
Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete
Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete
The Christmas House in Dumaguete
Tarbush, a story of love
The boulevard in Dumaguete
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines

Published on: January 16, 2018

Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete

A very affordable place

GK Coffee Shop, Entrance, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Entrance to the coffee shop

GK Coffee Shop, The Lobby, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Lobby of the RM Guest House

GK Coffee Shop, Interior, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Nicely decorated

GK Coffee shop nicely decorated

GK Coffee Shop is located beside the lobby of RM Guest House. It's conveniently near the place where I am currently staying for the moment. So yesterday when it was raining, instead of taking the motorcycle to downtown I walked to The GK Coffee Shop instead. The place is nicely decorated and has warm and inviting colors.

GK Coffee Shop, The Menu, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The menu is nothing out of the ordinary

But the prices are reasonably

Reasonably prices

They offer the usual stuff to reasonably prices. I ordered beef tapas with rice and a caffe latte. I specifically asked if they make the latte without sugar. Yes it should be without sugar. But when I got the latte it had a sweet taste as if they had added sugar despite all. My beef tapas turned out to be a small portion but the taste was good.

GK Coffee Shop, Caffe Latte, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

My caffee latte

GK Coffee Shop, Beef Tapas, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Beef tapas, small portion with a good taste

Conclusion

You get what you pay for I guess, so no complaining here. Since the prices were very affordable you might not expect miracles, right? But if I specifically ask for an unsweetened latte, then I expect to get that. So of course next time I will think twice before I order a latte or maybe I need to ask twice instead just to be sure... hehe.

Rating:
1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
3 Food
4 Service
4 Value
5 Atmosphere

Gk Coffee Shop
Crossing E Rovira Dr and National Highroad
Bantayan, Dumaguete
Negros Oriental, Philippines
Phone: +63 915 110 3114

Published on: January 15, 2018

Where to eat in Dumaguete

Review of The Tres Bistro

The Tres Bistro

This particular day, a Sunday it was closed

Classy touch

I really don't know how to characterize The Tres Bistro, but I guess maybe a combination of Italian and Filipino food I would say. It's located not far from the Silliman University 5-10 min by motorcycle from Rizal Boulevard. The ambience here is nice and welcoming and the interior has a classy touch.

The Tres Bistro, Interior, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Classy touch

The decor is nice and stylish

The Tres Bistro, Menu, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

A mix of Italian and Filipino

Italian and Filipino style

The Tres Bistro offers different kind of meat, pastas, soups and salads in an Italian and Filipino style. They usually have many guest so obviously it's a popular place.

Pasta Tres Putanesca

When I was there a couple of days ago I ordered a Chicken Cordon Bleu but since it was not available I finally ended up with a pasta instead. It was the Tres Putanesca, spaghetti with meat sauce, anchovies, olives, mushrooms and capers. The portion was not really big for me, I could have eaten more since the pasta was very delicious. The spaghetti was "al dente" and the meat sauce had a rich and tasty flavor and had not the sweet taste which is so common here in the Philippines. On the other hand the two slices of garlic bread served together with the pasta had a rubbery and hard texture.

The Tres Bistro, Complimentary, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

A complimentary starter

The Tres Bistro, Pasta, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Pasta Tres Putanesca

Conclusion

The food was great aside from the two slices of bread. Despite the two slices, my impression was that they use good and genuine ingredients for the food. The service was meticulous and they had more stuff on their menu that I would like to try. So I will definitely come back. I would have given a 5 for the food if it hadn't been for the two slices of bread accompanying the pasta.

Rating:
1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
4 Food
5 Service
5 Value
5 Atmosphere

The Tres Bistro
Tubod, Hibbard Ave.
6200 Dumaguete
Negros Oriental, Philippines
Phone: +63 35 422 9507

Published on: January 8, 2018

Where to stay in Tagbilaran, Bohol

Review of Dayview Tourist Home

Dayview Tourist Home

Strategic location near the port and the airport

Dayview Tourist Home is an anonymous little pearl located just in between the Tagbilaran Ferry Terminal and the airport. Just a few minutes ride with tricycle from both which makes Dayview ideal as a starting point for Bohol.

Dayview Tourist Home, Front desk, Bohol Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The front desk

Dayview Tourist Home, Entrance to our room, Bohol Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Our room was nr 11

The best internet ever so far!

Dayview Tourist Home is not a fancy place, there is no beach, no pool and neither a fantastic view. But the place is new, fresh and very clean. The bed was equipped with a spring mattress. Our room had both AC and fan. Breakfast was not included but it didn't matter because you have the Cogon market around the corner where you could buy whatever you want. And last but definitely not least, according to my experience they had the best internet connection so far in the whole of Philippines! Yes you heard right. A stable and powerful connection where you could upload and download heavy files. For some that doesn't matter but if you are working online that's worth its weight in gold.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a fresh and very clean budget accommodation with a central location with good WiFi and if you don't mind taking the motorcycle going to the beach and other attractions this is the place for you. On the other hand, if you like to have the beach just outside the door, near to restaurants, bars and discos this is not the place for you.

Rating for the accommodation:
1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
5 Location
5 Sleep Quality
4 Rooms
4 Service
5 Value for the money
5 Cleanliness

Dayview Tourist Home
269 Lamdagan Street, Barangay Cogon,
6300 Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
Phone nr: +63 917 512 8163

Published on: January 4, 2018

Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete

A new café in Dumaguete

Chapters Café

The entrance

A world of childlike dreams

That's their motto according to the menu. In a way I agree because when you enter the place the ambience is very special. The walls are painted with motifs from foreign places like Venice in Italy, Taj Mahal in India, some place in France I think and Machu Picchu in Peru. The ceiling is like a starry sky ornate with books, playing cards, tea cups, cakes, dolls, chairs and a plane. There are sofas with different colors and chairs with different makes, well to make a long story short it's a mixture with a little bit of everything. But the redline is travel, books, coffee & tea and cakes in a cosy atmosphere created in a playful and creative way. So yes... a world of childlike dreams.

Review of Chapters Café, Interior, Dumaguete, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Creative and playful

A plane in the ceiling

The entrance

A Cheese Sandwich and Latte

On their menu they had a variety of salads, pastas, burgers, soups and Filipino breakfasts. They had many beverages hot and cold. When I was here they unfortunately had ran out of beef patties for the burgers so I ended up order the Bill Chapters Cheese Sandwich and a Cafe Latte.

Review of Chapters Café, Menu, Dumaguete, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The menu

Entrees

Burgers and sandwiches

Soups and salads

Chapters Café approved by me

I was disappointed that they couldn't offer any burgers and the cheese sandwich wasn't really what I had been looking forward to. However the sandwich turned out to be delicious and the cafe latte was also approved. They offered iced service water without the need to ask for it. The WiFi was free and it worked good. I could work without any interruptions. They didn't have many electrical outlets to connect the laptop but the staff was very helpful and let me connect to one of the few outlets which were available. At lunch time Chapters Café quickly filled up with guests so obviously it's a popular place which I can understand. Chapters Café is approved by me and I will be back.

Finally the WiFi gave up

I did this review when I actually was sitting here in Chapters Café. At the end of my session the WiFi finally gave up. So I had to connect thru my 3G connection on the phone to finish this review. This is really a common problem, not just at the Chapters Café. Why is the infrastructure for internet so bad in the Philippines? Grrr!!

Review of Chapters Café, Cafe Latte, Dumaguete, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

I ordered a Cafe Latte

Review of Chapters Café, Cheese Sandwich, Dumaguete, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Bill Chapters Cheese Sandwich

Rating:
1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
4 Food
5 Service
5 Value
5 Atmosphere

Chapters Café
Sta. Catalina Street, Dumaguete
Negros Oriental, Philippines
Phone: +63 995 85 55 888

Related links:
The Christmas House in Dumaguete
Tarbush, a story of love
The boulevard in Dumaguete
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines

Published on: December 29, 2017

Day trip to Isola de Francesco

Beloved island has many names

Pungtod Island or now known as “Isola de Francesco” or Virgin Island, a seventeen thousand square meter privately owned island off the coast of Panglao. It's named after Francesco Forgione, widely known as Padre Pio. The island was conceived by the owners to serve the growing number of Padre Pio devotees in Bohol and promote devotion to the Italian Capuchin monk who is the first stigmatized priest in the history of the Church.

Virgin Island Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Isola de Francesco is a very small island

How to get there

Just take one of the free yellow shuttle boats near the St. Agustin Catholic Church in Panglao.

Isola de Francesco, The pier, Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

At the end of the pier we got the free shuttle boat

This is the moment when you feel you need to keep the balance

Isola de Francesco, Going there, Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Other expectant passengers

60 s video clip

Make sure you go with the yellow boats

Isola de Francesco, Arrival, Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

After 20 min we were near the island

The kids were first on land...

Isola de Francesco, Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Nice views everywhere

Highlights of Isola de Francesco

One of the higlights is of course the long sand reef where you can take a swim or just enjoy the white sand and the beauty of nature. You should also challenge your taste buds with fresh sea urchins directly from the sea. Season with vinegar to taste. Then maybe it's time to visit the comfort room. Don't hesitate, it's clearly one of the nicest comfort rooms I ever been to here in the Philippines. So try it out!

Virgin Island Sand Reef Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The beautiful sand bar

Virgin Island comfort room outside Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Philippines nicest comfort room

Virgin Island kayaks Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

There are kayaks to borrow

Everything is for free but small donations are welcomed

There are also kayaks you can borrow and explore the waters around the island. Or why not just grab a regular Filipino snack near the entrance and relax in the shadow, listen to the doves... there are for some reason many doves here. I guess they have found a quiet refuge here in this peaceful environment. And yes, everything is for free here... boat ride, sea urchins, kayaks and snacks but of course small donations are always welcomed.

Isola de Francesco, Sea Urchins, Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Let your taste buds try the fresh sea urchins

Isola de Francesco, The sand bar, Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The sand bar where you can sun bath and swim

Someone is enjoying the sun

Isola de Francesco, Under water, Panglao Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

There are no corals here, just white sand bottom

Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The unknown pearl

Going there

Going by scooter to Sipalay

We stayed in Bayawan, coming halfway

Sipalay

Tinagong Dagat Island Resort and Perth Beach Resort

A very affordable place

GK Coffee shop nicely decorated

Reasonably prices

Conclusion

Review of The Tres Bistro

Classy touch

Italian and Filipino style

Pasta ​Tres Putanesca

Conclusion

Review of Dayview Tourist Home

Strategic location near the port and the airport

The best internet ever so far!

Conclusion

A new café in Dumaguete

A world of childlike dreams

A Cheese Sandwich and Latte

Chapters Café approved by me

Finally the WiFi gave up

Beloved island has many names

How to get there

Highlights of Isola de Francesco

Everything is for free but small donations are welcomed

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Pasta Tres Putanesca