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 
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
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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
Related links:
Review of TPS Homestay (Calayan Island, Philippines) Review of Eva's Panciteria (Tuguegarao city, Philippines) Review of Cagayan Holiday & Leisure Resort (Santa Ana, Philippines) 
View over Samal Island, also known as Island Garden City of Samal
The Red Parrot Inn
The Red Parrot Inn, a wonderful getaway with sea view
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.
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 Monclair Suites (Toril, Philippines) Samal Island (Mindanao, Philippines) Review of Chow King Restaurant (Davao, Philippines) 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) 
Monclair Suites
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) Samal Island (Mindanao, Philippines) Review of Chow King Restaurant (Davao, Philippines)
The ending of a day... sunset view from CocoHuts Inn (Karimun Jawa, Indonesia)
The Paguriran Island Beach Resort
Here is the view from Paguriran Island on to the mainland at high tide. The distance over to the mainland is only a couple of hundred meters and you can easily wade here even in high tide. The small huts among the palm trees is Paguriran Island Beach Resort, a perfect getaway for picnics and some relaxing at the beach with white sand. This beautiful place should be on your bucket list if you are visiting Sorsogon. Just take a 20-30 minutes ride from the city center with a tricycle.
View from Paguriran Island at high tide
Related links:
Ligñon Hill in Legazpi The rolling landscape of Bicol Mt Mayon, Philippines View from Paguriran Island (Sorsogon, Philippines) Review of Una Pizzeria Restaurant (Sorsogon, Philippines) Review of Jollibee restaurant (Sorsogon, Philippines) Review of Casa Dominga restaurant (Sorsogon, Philippines) Review of Santa Clara Park Hotel (Sorsogon, Philippines) 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) |
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