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The beach full of garbage!
Nice pic right? My version of The Little Mermaid (Danish: Den lille Havfrue) in Copenhagen. Ok, that’s a joke! But anyway it looks nice, the blue sea, palm trees, white sand and nice rocks in the clear water. So what’s the problem then? Just 10 m away, a little bit further up on land, there were lot’s of garbage everywhere. Hey! This is a remote quiet island, Karimun Jawa. You are not suppose to see this here. Karimun Jawa is located 5 hours by boat north of Central Java in the middle of the Java Sea. This island is off the beaten track, not many tourists here to talk about. But still the beaches are full of garbage. It makes me really depressed. What’s wrong with people? Why don’t they bring their own fucking shit back to where it belongs? ???
Please! Check out the 9 tips below how to reduce your plastic waste!
Please! Check out the 9 tips below how to reduce your plastic waste!
My version of The Little Mermaid (Danish: Den lille Havfrue) in Copenhagen
Garbage on the beach
9 tips to reduce your plastic waste
Making just a few small changes can have a big impact on the amount of plastic we use on a day-to-day basis. Source: Greenpeace UK
1. Carry a reusable bottle
In the UK they use over 35 million plastic bottles every year! Carrying a reusable bottle is a great way to cut your plastic use and save money too! There’s even an app that tells you where you can refill your bottle for free!
2. Say no to plastic straws
Plastic straws are bad news for our oceans. Next time you order a drink, think about whether you need a straw – and if you don’t, just say no! You can also ask your local pub to stop adding straws to drinks as standard and offer paper straws to those who want one.
3. Take a reusable coffee cup
2.5 billion coffee cups are thrown away every year in the UK – and less than 1 in 400 are recycled. Carry a reusable cup with you – some cafes even offer a small discount if you use your own cup (and if they don’t ask them why not!)
4. Avoid excessive food packaging
Whether it’s making different choices in the supermarket or choosing a different place to shop, we can all try and cut down the plastic we buy. And as an added bonus, loose fruit and veg is often cheaper than pre-packaged alternatives!
5. Use refill stations for detergents
There are some products where it’s difficult to avoid a plastic container (for example washing up liquid or laundry liquid) – the good news is that there are an increasing amount of places where you can refill your old bottles.
6. Say no to disposable cutlery
We’ve all been there – caught out in a cafe or at a train station when we’ve bought a salad or a yogurt but the only cutlery on offer is plastic! Whilst it’s hard to plan for every opportunity, consider carrying a spoon or fork (or spork!) in your bag or keeping cutlery in your desk at work.
7. Get your milk delivered
Although the early morning sound of a milk float is not as common as it used to be, there are still lots of places in the UK where you can get milk delivered in glass bottles – which are then collected and reused.
8. Avoid microbeads
The good news is that the UK government have announced a ban on microbeads! However until the ban comes into force in 2018, there will still be products on the shelves, so keep checking those labels before you buy and avoid products containing polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and nylon.
What are microbeads?
Microbeads are manufactured solid plastic particles of less than one millimeter in their largest dimension. They are used in exfoliating personal care products, toothpastes and in biomedical and health-science research. Microbeads can cause plastic particle water pollution and pose an environmental hazard for aquatic animals in freshwater and ocean water.
What are microbeads?
Microbeads are manufactured solid plastic particles of less than one millimeter in their largest dimension. They are used in exfoliating personal care products, toothpastes and in biomedical and health-science research. Microbeads can cause plastic particle water pollution and pose an environmental hazard for aquatic animals in freshwater and ocean water.
9. Carry a shopping bag
Since the plastic bag charge was introduced in England, there’s been a massive 85% drop in their use. Many of us are used to carrying an extra bag with us – if you still find it hard to remember, try a foldaway one that you can carry in your normal day bag.
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Water comes in different shapes, big and small, fresh and salty. We are water beings who all belong to the water cycle, depending on it for our survival. But I have too often seen things which make me depressed. Like for example in pristine environments on remote islands which at first sight look so beautiful with white sand beaches and clear water. But in the next moment I discover something else. Tons of plastic bottles, old fishnets, ropes and other stuff. It's like I feel ashamed to be human when I see that. We should be intelligent enough to bring our own shit back where it belongs.
The Mekong River in Laos
A water stream in the rainforest, this is in Bicol, Philippines
A beautiful stream near the Casaroro Falls, Negros Oriental, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog
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Felt almost like home!
When coming to Calayan Island the options for accommodation are limited. There are no hotels here. But one very good option is TPS Homestay, owned by Mam Tessie. The homestay is located at J.P Rizal Street not far from the pier. Just walking distance. Her helping hands are Medy and Arlene. Medy can assist you as your tour guide and driver around the island. We paid total 500 PHP per day for going around with Medy. The gasoline was included. With Arlene you can arrange so she will cook all your meals under your stay at an additional cost of course. There are some sari sari stores around where you can buy your own food and use the kitchen at no extra cost.
Limited electricity and sporadic cellphone coverage
Since we were here under low season we were the only guests at the homestay. We were very well accommodated and well taken care of. It almost felt like our home. The surroundings around the homestay were quiet so in night time we slept very well. The electricity was limited, there was only electricity in the evening from 5 to 10 PM. Beware also about the cellphone coverage and that the access to Internet can be sporadic. Hey! This is a remote island out in the middle of the sea after all.
Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
5 Location
5 Sleep Quality
4 Rooms
5 Service
5 Value for the money
4 Cleanliness
I stayed here in January 2014
TPS Homestay
J. P. Rizal Street, Calayan Island, Philippines
Phone: +639399158667 or +639298375737
Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
5 Location
5 Sleep Quality
4 Rooms
5 Service
5 Value for the money
4 Cleanliness
I stayed here in January 2014
TPS Homestay
J. P. Rizal Street, Calayan Island, Philippines
Phone: +639399158667 or +639298375737
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Big casino and a Chinese restaurant
If you for some reason happen to be in Santa Ana, the almost northern tip of the whole Luzon you are really off the beaten track but probably heading for the ferry going to the Babuyan Islands. There are not much here in Santa Ana, but you have the Cagayan Holiday & Leisure Resort here. This is a big casino and a Chinese restaurant with accompanying bungalows. When you pass by on the road outside it looks really anonymous like a big quiet warehouse or something. It's only the signpost which tells you there is something going on inside the compound.
The signpost
The entrance
A surrealistic place
But don't hesitate. Just proceed through the gates and walk along the big warehouse wall until you reach the front and you will be amazed! A big entrance with fountains and nice plantings welcomes you. But it's a little bit of a surrealistic experience, in the middle of nowhere, in this small town Santa Ana you find this place and there is almost no people around. By the time we were there having dinner there was only one other guest present.
The reception hall
Conclusions
However the food was delicious and the portions were huge. We ordered hot and sour soup and beef with mushrooms. The food was price worthy and they also had a good WiFi here.
Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
4 Food
4 Service
4 Value
4 Atmosphere
I was here January 2014.
Cagayan Holiday & Leisure Resort Philippines
Brgy. San Vicente, Santa Ana , Cagayan Valley Philippines, 3514
Phone: +639088907646
Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
4 Food
4 Service
4 Value
4 Atmosphere
I was here January 2014.
Cagayan Holiday & Leisure Resort Philippines
Brgy. San Vicente, Santa Ana , Cagayan Valley Philippines, 3514
Phone: +639088907646
Only one other guest present
Hot and sour soup and beef with mushrooms
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Mt Pinatubo, the Sleeping Giant
If you are in Manila, why not enjoy the magnificent view of this once dormant volcano? Named as the "Sleeping Giant”. Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991 altered global climate and caused mudflows to cascade down its slopes, destroying everything along its path and leaving behind a labyrinth of towering lahar cliffs. The Crater Lake within the mouth of the volcano has a halcyon shade of blue that contrasts with the black, strombolic fury it exhibited years ago.
A perfect day trip!
There are tour operators which arrange day trips from Manila to Mt Pinatubo and back. Expect an early pick-up at around 4-5 am, drive for a couple of hours to Capas, where your local guide will meet you. Upon arrival, transfer to a 4x4 jeep and experience a 2-hour ride and almost 2 hour-trek to the crater.
See the complete story here: Mt Pinatubo day trip
See the complete story here: Mt Pinatubo day trip
I finally made the hike and now posing for the photographer at the Pinatubo Crater Lake. © Patrik Lord Travel Blog
Related links:
UCC Good Coffee Smile in Manila
Where to eat the fiery style in Manila?
Visit Intramuros in Manila
Manila American Cemetery & Memorial
Visit the Manila Chinese Cemetery
Review of Jatujak Thai Restaurant, Manila
Review of hotel Isabelle Royale in Makati, Manila
Review of Kyochon restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Arya Persian Restaurant in Pasay
Hiking trip to Mt Pinatubo
Review of Casa Verde Boutique Hotel and Gardens, Imus, Manila
Review of Chili's Restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Burgoo, American Bar and Restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Pinoy Pamilya Hotel in Pasay
Review of 88 Courtyard Hotel in Pasay
Video clips Manila Ocean Park
UCC Good Coffee Smile in Manila
Where to eat the fiery style in Manila?
Visit Intramuros in Manila
Manila American Cemetery & Memorial
Visit the Manila Chinese Cemetery
Review of Jatujak Thai Restaurant, Manila
Review of hotel Isabelle Royale in Makati, Manila
Review of Kyochon restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Arya Persian Restaurant in Pasay
Hiking trip to Mt Pinatubo
Review of Casa Verde Boutique Hotel and Gardens, Imus, Manila
Review of Chili's Restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Burgoo, American Bar and Restaurant in Mall of Asia
Review of Pinoy Pamilya Hotel in Pasay
Review of 88 Courtyard Hotel in Pasay
Video clips Manila Ocean Park
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A part of the Babuyan Islands
Calayan Island is a part of the Babuyan Islands located in the Luzon Strait north of Luzon Island. To come here you need to go to Tuguegarao. From there you can take the bus to Santa Ana where you take the ferry roughly 4 hours out in the sea. The best time to go here is during April. Although you can go here other times of the year, but there is always the possibility that you can get stranded because of the unpredictable weather.
Off the beaten track
There are a few Sari Sari stores where you can buy necessities and some homestay to accommodate you. Either you can cook your own food or arrange so they can cook for you in the homestay. Calayan Island is off the beaten track and perfect for enjoying the beauty of nature but not for a bustling nightlife.
Cliffs overlooking the sea at Calayan Island
Sibang Cove Beach
You are not likely to meet other sunbathing tourists here at Sibang Cove Beach
A majestic cliff all alone, standing as a sentry on the beach
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View over Samal Island, also known as Island Garden City of Samal
Located on Samal Island
The Red Parrot Inn is located on Samal Island, one of the pearls of small islands just outside the city of Davao. To get there you can take the bus from Sasa Wharf in Davao going to Peñaplata on Samal Island. It includes a short ferry trip between the ferry terminals. In Peñaplata you switch to the bus heading for Kaputian. From the busterminal in Kaputian it's only five minutes walk to The Red Parrot Inn.
Short ferry trip between the islands
The Red Parrot Inn
The Red Parrot Inn, a wonderful getaway with sea view
The view from the room is awesome!
This is the strait between Samal Island and Talikud Island
The Red Parrot Inn is beautifully situated by the sea. It has rooms fronting the sea and also four cottages at the back with no sea view. The AC was a little bit old but still possible to adjust the temperature ok. WiFi was only available in the main building. We had one of the cottages in the back and the room was a little bit worn but everything was nice and clean.
The breakfast was not of my taste, it was too sweet!
You could cook your own food
Breakfast was not included in the price for the cottage. But you could order breakfast and other dishes in the little restaurant nicely located with a beautiful sea view. I didn't mind that the breakfast was not included because it was too sweet for my taste anyway. There was a kitchen available so you could cook your own food. We used to buy fresh fish in the market and then let the staff cook it for us for a smaller fee.
The staff at the reception
Can you cuddle me... please!
My feet are enjoying the view
They had parrots here
Everybody in the staff were very friendly and helpful. The beach just outside the main building was clean and perfect for swimming and snorkeling. As a curiosity they actually had parrots here. Two red ones and one white Kakadu with the name Oskar. He was both naughty and funny and he loved to talk!
The parrots
Lunch at the nearby canderia
Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
5 Location
4 Sleep Quality
4 Rooms
5 Service
5 Value for the money
5 Cleanliness
I stayed here several times early 2015
The Red Parrot Inn
Kaputian, Samal Island, Davao
Landline: +63 82 286 1658
5 Location
4 Sleep Quality
4 Rooms
5 Service
5 Value for the money
5 Cleanliness
I stayed here several times early 2015
The Red Parrot Inn
Kaputian, Samal Island, Davao
Landline: +63 82 286 1658
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Perfectly located in Toril
Monclair Suites has a very good location in the center of Toril. It's near to everything. Just walking distance to the wet market, G-Mall or the jeepney terminal. The room was small but clean and fresh. AC was the modern style and the temperature was easy adjustable. Free WiFi was available in the room. Breakfast was not included.
One highlight of Toril is Eden Nature Park & Resort
Toril is is the 3rd District of the City of Davao, located 40 min by car from city center of Davao. So if you visit Davao it's probably more likely you stay near the city center of Davao instead of staying in Toril. But one highlight of Toril is Eden Nature Park & Resort which is a fantastic getaway beautifully located on the slope of Mount Apo. So Eden Nature Park & Resort might be the reason for you to spend the night in Toril and then you should check out Montclair Suites as an option.
Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
5 Location
4 Sleep Quality
4 Rooms
4 Service
5 Value for the money
5 Cleanliness
I stayed here a couple of times in May 2015
Monclair Suites
RCFI COMPLEX (Infront of Shell Gasoline Station), Agton St., Toril, Davao City
Phone: 09498323034 (smart), 09433045380 (sun)
Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
5 Location
4 Sleep Quality
4 Rooms
4 Service
5 Value for the money
5 Cleanliness
I stayed here a couple of times in May 2015
Monclair Suites
RCFI COMPLEX (Infront of Shell Gasoline Station), Agton St., Toril, Davao City
Phone: 09498323034 (smart), 09433045380 (sun)
Monclair Suites
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The ending of a day... sunset view from CocoHuts Inn (Karimun Jawa, Indonesia)
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Samal Island, for those who prefer a more quiet island life
Bangka is the name for boat in Tagalog. I found this beautiful boat on Samal Island which is one of those incredible islands found just outside the city of Davao. Samal Island is easily accessible from Davao by ferry and offers a wide variety of nice activities from the most obvious, swimming and snorkeling to hiking in the forrest. The infrastructure for the tourists is well developed for those who prefer a more quiet island life than what Davao has to offer.
Here you are overlooking the strait between Samal Island and Talikud Island in the horizon.
Related links:
Traditional dances in Philippines
My rental apartment in Toril
The Uso-Uso Experience in Davao
The jumping kids of Talikud Island
Review of The Red Parrot Inn (Samal Island, Philippines)
Review of Monclair Suites (Toril, Philippines)
Review of Chow King Restaurant (Davao, Philippines)
Traditional dances in Philippines
My rental apartment in Toril
The Uso-Uso Experience in Davao
The jumping kids of Talikud Island
Review of The Red Parrot Inn (Samal Island, Philippines)
Review of Monclair Suites (Toril, Philippines)
Review of Chow King Restaurant (Davao, Philippines)