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Patrik Lord Travel Blog

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Published on: September 14, 2018

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Negros Oriental

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park

I had my two Swedish friends visiting me here in the Philippines, so I wanted to show them how beautiful the nature can be in Negros Oriental. I decided to take them to Balinsasayao Twin Lakes not far from Dumaguete. We had our own transportation so the ride from Dumaguete went smooth as silk. Every time when I drive up that mountain slope of Mt Talinis I get stunned how beautiful it is.

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com

My two friends from Sweden were also impressed of the views on our way up the mountain

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Visitors center, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com

Before we arrived at Balinsasayao Twin Lakes we needed to register and pay at the visitors center. After registration we needed to drive for additional 5-10 minutes to reach the actual park.

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Landslide, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com

Sometimes when going up in the mountains you can see the effects of landslides

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Habal Habal, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com

If you don't have your own transportation you can ride a habal habal, a motorcycle taxi. Room for 4 passengers and a driver!

Behind the visitors center...

Behind the visitors centers we took some stunning pictures. There is this lake which I don't know the name of which is really beautiful. The surface of the lake was like a mirror. After registration and paying the entrance fee we saddle up again and drove for another 10 minutes before we came to Lake Balinsasayao.

A small fishing boat

Fishing net

Picture picture time!

The lake was like a mirror

Walk or rent a boat

When we arrived at the Lake Balinsasayao I presented the two main options for my friends. Walk or rent a boat. We wanted to go to the watch tower between the two lakes so either we could walk the trail along the shore or rent a boat. But since we all needed a little bit exercise they decided that we would walk the trail. The trail itself is not long, only maybe around 600-700 m to the watch tower.

One of the twin lakes, the Lake Balinsasayao. Depth 90 m and around 850 m above the sea level. From here you can rent small boats for roaming around in the lake.

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, The trail, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com

Off we went on the trail! Not advisable to walk here when it's wet, then it will be very slippery for sure!

The winding trail made the distance felt longer than it actually was...

View over Lake Balinsasayao along the trail

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Ants, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com

The ants were marching smoothly up the tree

The watch tower

Our walk to the watch tower went well and took about 20-30 minutes. I was amazed by the fresh air and how quiet it was. We only met a few other visitors here. We stayed for a while and just enjoyed the scenery before we started going back. If you are the sporty type of person, I recommend the trail if not go for the boat.

They were also admiring the view over Lake Balinsasayao, but they came by boat

This is the bigger lake of the two, Lake Balinsasayao

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Lake Danao, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com

This is the Lake Danao, the smaller lake.

This little guy was very curious on me and likewise I was curious on him

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes, Two Fishermen, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines © travelblogonline.com

When we came back after our walk we saw these two guys fishing... I didn't see them catching anything though.

The video is a compilation of our walk back and forth the watch tower

Facts:

Description
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park is a natural park surrounding Lake Balinsasayao and Lake Danao in the province of Negros Oriental, 14.5 km west of Dumaguete. Lakes Balinsasayao and Danao are two small crater lakes separated by a narrow mountain ridge. They are located on the eastern slope of the Talinis mountain range which are volcanic in origin. Lake Balinsasayao has maximum depth of around 90 metres (300 ft). The smaller Lake Danao, on the other hand, has a maximum depth of around 58 metres (190 ft).
Entrance fee
The entrance fee to the park is P100 for foreigners and P50 for Filipinos.
A restaurant also
At the Lake Balinsasayao there is a restaurant that offers variety of dishes at an acceptable rate.

To get there:

Own transportation
The far most convenient way is to have your own transportation. Beware of that the road going up the mountain is very steep at some points, means slippery when it's raining. It's possible to drive your own car all the way up there but motorcycle is preferable.
Public transportation
With public transportation you can go by bus or jeepney to the Lalaan junction for Twin Lakes, 7.5 km from the Sibulan town or 13.5 km from Dumaguete. Around P10-15 per person. From the Lalaan junction take a habal habal up the mountain an additional 13 km until you reach the Twin Lakes. You find the drivers at the junction. Standard rate is P300 for a solo passenger and P400 for two back and forth. You will probably need to pay the entrance fee for the driver as well since after registration there is an additional distance to cover before reaching the lake. The driver will wait for you until you like to go back.

Hiking in Corella, Bohol

Breakfast before hiking

Before you go hiking you need to eat a real breakfast, right? So this morning Danica went out and bought the breakfast... I usually advised her not to buy so much food, but as usual it was more than we could finish. For just around P100 we got noodles, chicken livers, vegetables, some kind of pork meat, soup and of course the mandatory rice!

Bohol, Breakfast, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

Danica prepared the breakfast, means she went out and bought it.

Noodles, veggies, chicken liver, some pork meat, soup and all served together with rice of course

Corella, Bohol, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

Now happy with a full stomach Danica was ready to go

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

One of the starting points for the hike is the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary. We had decided to make a combo, first visit the Tarsier Sanctuary and then do the hike since the hiking trail starts just behind the sanctuary. As usual we were assigned a guide who took us along some narrow trails around the sanctuary. Despite the dense vegetation I was able to spot several of the shy tarsiers and I regretted deeply that I had been lazy and hadn't brought my big camera with me. Grrr...

Corella, Bohol, Tarsier sanctuary, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

We were not allowed to talk loudly or use the flash on the camera

Our guide showed us the way through the dense vegetation

The tarsier is very shy but we spotted several of them.

After tarsiers then hiking

Our main objective this day was the hiking. We easily found the beginning of the trail behind the actual sanctuary but after a couple hundred meters into the rainforest the trail wasn't that that clear to follow. We had been told it was easy to "just follow" but suddenly it didn't feel obvious. Danica was more concerned of the potential "monsters" hiding in the rainforest but I was afraid to get lost.

Corella, Bohol, Hiking, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

Hmm just follow the trail...

We were relieved when we spotted the first signage but hmm... we were heading for viewing deck one and this was viewing deck two (!)

We decided to walk in the opposite direction of viewing deck two and 10 min later we finally discovered something on the ground...

Yess we found the direction to viewing deck one! So yes... easy peasy just follow the signs!

The trail was slowly getting steeper and steeper...

When we approached the viewing deck the trail become even more steep

The rewarding view

Soaked in sweat with empty water bottles we finally came up to the viewing deck one. The view was breathtaking! We had almost a 360 degrees view over Bohol. It was worth all the blood sweat and tears to come here. A perfect spot to take photos from or having a romantic picnic or why not do both! Maybe even stay here overnight to experience the most awesome sunset and the sunrise... in that case I guess I have to convince Danica that there are no monsters hiding in the bushes beneath...

Corella, Bohol, Hiking, Amazing view, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

Ohh the view was really rewarding!

Snack time! But we had ran out of water so be sure to bring some extra bottles of water

The mandatory picture picture time!

Finally before it got dark it was time to go back!

Facts:

How to get to Corella

It's about 13 km going to Corella from Tagbilaran City.
Via public transport: From Sikatuna Jeepney Terminal, (This is right infront of Island City Mall) get into a jeepney bound to Sikatuna via Corella. This jeepney drops you off at Philippine Tarsier Foundation. Fare is P17.00. Tell the driver of the jeepney that you are headed to Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary in Corella. Upon arrival there is a huge signage and rough road, take it and walk for 300 meters to the research building.
Going back, just take a jeepney headed to Tagbilaran. And yes it is safe to hitch hike here. Fare is P15.00 for jeepney.
If you have your own motorcycle it's very easy to go there, just follow Google maps.

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary and the Sikatuna Tree Park

You can start your hike either at the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary or at the Sikatuna Tree Park. There are two viewing decks to visit and the hiking trail connects the Tarsier Sanctuary with the Tree Park. Just follow the signs. Viewing deck one is closer to the Tree Park and the viewing deck two is more close the the Tarsier Sanctuary. Hiking from the Tarsier Sanctuary, visiting both viewing decks and end up at the Tree Park should take around 2-4 hours depending on your fitness level.

Comfortable shoes and water

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, it can be very slippery. Bring lot's of water. Plan ahead so you will be out from the rainforest before it gets dark, unless you intend to spend the night there. When it's dark it will be very hard to negotiate the trail.

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is worth a visit

If you begin your hike at the Tarsier Sanctuary you should take the opportunity to visit the sanctuary itself. The entrance fee to the sanctuary is P60. If you just go for the hike, it's free of charge whether you start from the Tarsier Sanctuary or the Tree Park.

Click this link to see other posts about Bohol:

Bantayan road trip part 4

A real Filipino breakfast is never wrong!

What can be better than salty bangus (fish) fried to crispy perfection, scrambled eggs, rice together with spicy sawsawan sauce? Did I hear crispy bacon and eggs?? Well, I guess nothing excludes the other, right?

Bangus breakfast, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

Salty bangus (fish) fried to crispy perfection, scrambled eggs, rice together with spicy sawsawan sauce

Why are mangroves so important?

Fully loaded with protein, good healthy omega 3 fats, carbohydrates and caffeine we headed for Oboob Mangrove Garden. Maybe you have heard that mangroves are important...? So why are mangrove habitats so important? Basically Shoreline protection. Mangroves protect shorelines from damaging storm and hurricane winds, waves, and floods. Mangroves also help prevent erosion by stabilizing sediments with their tangled root systems. They maintain water quality and clarity, filtering pollutants and trapping sediments originating from land.

Oboob Mangrove Garden, The Entrance, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

Welcome to the Oboob Mangrove Eco Park

Oboob Mangrove Garden, Walkaway, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

The Eco park has a bamboo walkway through the mangroves which makes for a refreshing stroll with good photo opportunities

Oboob Mangrove Garden/Eco Park

It was easy peasy for us to go there with our beloved scooter. We paid the entrance and then attended a short lecture about the Eco park. In my opinion they are doing a great job preserving this sensitive habitat. We were assigned a guide who told us more about the Eco park and of course she even helped us to take some pictures according to Danica's directives.

Oboob Mangrove Garden, Lecture, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

We had a short briefing about the Eco park

Oboob Mangrove Garden, The Guide, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

Our guide who showed us around and helped us with some picture picture!

Oboob Mangrove Garden, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

Along the walkaways there were spots suitable for picnics, not visible on this pic though

The Eco park is relatively big and this is the utermost tip towards the ocean

Dannica is pointing a finger... hmm

A walkaway back to land

Park Entry Fees:

How to get there:

Adults – 50 pesos
Students and Children – 20 pesos
Kayaking – 150 pesos
Boating – 350 pesos

From Sta Fe: travel west on Bantayan Sta Fe road. After roughly 7 km turn left on Obo-ob Road. There are a couple of signs there that mention the eco park.
After additional 2 km The Mangrove Eco Park will be down on your right.

Tropical storm Basyang

This morning at breakfast it had been quite windy. So later when we came back to our resort we heard about the tropical storm Basyang. There were rumors that the ferry would be cancelled for going back to Cebu Island. So of course we became a little bit worried. It was not the first time we had been stranded on an island. We had already been away for two weeks and it was time to go back to Dumaguete. In the evening we clearly noticed that the wind gained strength. Me: What's the problem it's romantic to be stranded on an island, right? But Danica: I am longing for my daughter huhu...

Tropical storm Basyang, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

In the afternoon we really felt the weather was changing

Later on in the evening the wind increased in strength

Stranded

The typhoon luckily became degraded to a tropical storm but still with hard winds and lot's of rain. The result was that the ferry going back to Cebu island was cancelled. We decided to move from the somewhat remote Bantayan Nature Park and Resort in to the more central located Adelaida Pensionne. We were lucky, we got the last room! There were many other guests with the same strategy, staying near the ferry terminal and wait for the ferry to resume.

Adelaida Pensionne, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

In Bantayan Nature Park and Resort we had no tv... but here at Adelaida Pensionne we had so someone was very happy for that!

Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

After a few days the tropical storm faded in strength and the sea became calm again

The ferry was resumed

After a couple of days the ferry was resumed. That day we had a quick breakfast at the Boulangerie Francaise and off we went. We reached Cebu Island at lunch time and then we had roughly 300 km to travel from north to south to our second ferry over to Negros. We had our dinner break at McDonalds in Toledo. I was beginning to be stressed. Time was already 5 pm and in one hour it would be dark.

Boulangerie Francaise, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

It was like a meeting point at the Boulangerie Francaise for the french speaking guys on the island... I wanted to join but my french was too bad

The driving went awkward

Around Barili the the driving really went awkward. The tricky road crosses the mountains and the traffic was horrendous. Big trucks and buses speeding and overtaking each others and not to mention it was pitch black! We took a short break at a little sari sari store and I swept two Coca Colas to regain some energy. We still had roughly 60 km to Alegria where we had booked a room at Lucci Pension House for the night. Slowly I realized my mistake, 60 km is very far when driving in the Philippines specially when it's dark and you are drop dead tired. Lesson learned, be sure to plan ahead so you can avoid to drive long stretches in the dark.

Lucci Pension House, Cebu Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

After Barili we soon reached the coast again and the road got straighter with less traffic. Around 11 pm we arrived at Lucci Pension house where we spent the night.

Coffee with creamer, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

A quick coffee in the morning before saddling up on our scooter again.

Dulot Eatery, Cebu Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

We had our lunch break at Dulot, an eatery with true Filipino food. No fancy Jollibees or McDonald's in sight here... Hey we were still in the province after all!

Fish soup, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

Nutritious and healthy fish soup, full of good Omega 3 fats!

Back to Dumaguete

From our lunch stop at Dulot we just had a couple of hours more to go before we came to the ferry over to Negros and back home. We had been away for roughly 2 weeks. We drove 600 km back and forth and maybe at least 200 km on Bantayan Island.

Road trips are fantastic!

Making a road trip is really a fantastic way to experience the true Philippines. You see a lot and have full flexibility to go and stay wherever you want. But beware of that the traffic might be very different from what you are used to from back home. In my experience you need to adjust yourself to the Filipino way of driving otherwise it might be difficult. Always bear in mind that there are many accidents daily in the traffic so driving a scooter in the Philippines is certainly a high risk activity. Use your common sense and follow some basic guidelines and you will be less likely to get in serious trouble.

The guidelines:

1) Be sure you rent a scooter in good condition and with all paper works in order
2) Don't drink and drive and always wear helmet
3) Don't drive fast and furious, better to be safe than sorry
3) Avoid driving in the dark. You don't want to collide with a stray dog...
4) Plan ahead, out in the province it can be far between the nice places you want to stay at
5) Don't bring too much stuff, travel light and easy is part of the freedom!

Bantayan road trip part 3

Madridejos, Bantayan Island

One beautiful morning we decided to explore the north side of the island. We were heading for the very north tip, the Kota Park in Madridejos. So off we went with our scooter. As usual I kept one eye on the road and the other eye on Google maps. There were basically two main roads going north so that shouldn't be complicated, right? But crazy as it sounds we ended up going south instead of north... oh my gosh! Anyway after a big roundabout I got the bearings right.

Madridejos, Kota Park, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

Parking among the big guys

Old Kota Fort

Finally we reached our destination, the Kota Park. We found a parking spot just near the Old Kota Fort. Obviously there had been some kind of meeting among the big guys equipped leather vests, tattoos and bigger bikes than our cute little scooter! But they left at the same time we arrived.
The Kota Fort is just adjacent to the parking. When we reached there and read the signage outside the Fort you could really feel that this was a historical ground. I could lively imagine the dramatic scenes which have been taken place here over the years.

The Old Kota Fort

Madridejos, Kota Fort, Bantayan Island, Philippines, © travelblogonline.com

My thoughts went to those soldiers who were executed here during the Second World War...

The pier down the beach

The beach

Where there is a sea there is a beach or at least a shoreline. So we went down to the pier and walked along the beach. The water was really seductive, clean and clear. Farther down they were playing music as loud as they only can do in the Philippines. Though it was my kind of music I can only hope that the neighbors in the hood liked it too, otherwise it would be impossible for them to live there...

We made lot's of friends

As always in the Philippines the kids are very curious. They came and asked us where we came from, what we were doing there etc etc and Danica did her best to keep up with all their questions. We saw some kids playing in the water and they had such a nice model of a fishing boat.

We soon got company from the kids in the hood. They were curiously asking all sorts of questions about us.

At first the boys were shy but Danica made them feel comfortable for picture picture!

Look at that beautiful model of a fishing boat!

As always Danica is popular among the guys!

The two fishermen

We also met two fishermen which just had come back from the sea. They had a really nice catch of big squids. If it hadn't been for our poor cooking facilities at our place I had bought one squid. Mmm... super fresh squid directly from the ocean cooked in it's own ink, so yummylicious!

Two fishermen just arrived from the sea with a fresh catch

Super fresh directly from the ocean

A friendly hug is never wrong!

The buko stand

I use to say, buko juice is the travelers best friend, at least in the Philippines where it's available almost everywhere. With that being said, so just before we started our trip back to our hotel we refueled ourselves with fresh healthy buko juice (coconut juice). Danica was hungry as usual so she even scraped the coconut meat out from the shell and ate it.

Paradise Beach, Bantayan Island

Nothing wrong with the view!

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is for sure one of the best beaches on Bantayan Island, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. It comes with nice crystal clear water and clean white sand. It’s a perfect setting to work on your tan because you are away from any foot traffic passing through. With that said, you should know it's really lack of shadow along the beach. So if you don't like to be burned by the unforgiving sun you need to be there relatively early in the day to find a spot with some shadow.

Paradise Beach heading west

Paradise Beach heading east

Not what it looked at first

When we came there the first time we thought the beach was located just near the camping site. It wasn't much to be called a beach to be honest! Just a small tiny strip of sand. But luckily we discovered that we could walk along the shore and when we turned around some cliffs we suddenly came to the actual Paradise Beach. And by the way, the sunsets here are amazing so just stay and enjoy the sunset before heading back to Santa Fe. The video clip shows our confusion at first, before we found the actual Paradise Beach.

Small fishing boats

Many came here more or less for the sunset

Facts

You can easily get here on motorbike, just a 15-20 minutes ride from Santa Fe. There is safe parking at the camping site where you also can buy snacks, sodas and water. You have showers and comfort rooms there as well. From the parking you need to walk for about 10 minutes. The entrance fee is 50 pesos for adults and 25 pesos for children and the beach is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. We always left the beach after the sunset and it was no problem more than that the reception at the camping site was closed.

Another evening at Paradise Beach

Seagulls

Shooting Seagulls - with a camera

Today I tested the camera for fast flying objects, Seagulls. I took 1K+ photos and I actually cheated a little bit... I had an assistent who threw bread to attract some attention from them. And yes! We got attention and the competition for the bread was fierce.

Fiskmås, Sea gull, Larus canus © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Sea gull - Larus canus (Fiskmås)

Silltrut, Lesser black-backed gull, Larus fuscus © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Lesser black-backed gull - Larus fuscus (Silltrut)

Skrattmås, Blackheaded gull, Larus ridibundus © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The competition about the bread was fierce. Blackheaded gull - Larus ridibundus (Skrattmås)

Blackheaded gull - Larus ridibundus (Skrattmås)

Ok enough now...Good bye!

Published on: May 13, 2018

Red Rock Hot Spring, Valencia Dumaguete

Bringing the girls to Red Rock Hot Spring

Going to Red Rock Hot Spring is a perfect getaway for a day, specially if it's cold weather since the water in the pools are nice and warm. The water is volcanic and comes naturally from the mountain. There are now two pools, they added a kids pool since last year. Well I know everything is relative, but some days can actually be colder than others even in the Philippines and then it's really cozy to slide down in the warm water.

It's easy to get here, just around 30 min from downtown Dumaguete if you have your own motorbike.

If you don't have your own transportation the option is to take a Habal Habal (motorcycle taxi) from Valencia proper.

Clean and well maintained

We paid 25 PHP per person to get in and 150 PHP for a table with chairs. They had a kiosk where they sold crisps, biscuits, soft drinks etc and they also had a menu with some simple dishes. We ordered Pancit Canton (noodles), and deep fried fish with fries. Everything was clean and well maintained.

The entrance

The main pool with nice warm volcanic water. The new kids pool is behind this one.

When I was in the water I didn't want to get up...

After being in the water it felt almost cold in the air

A great time!

To bath and swim in the warm pool was really enjoyable specially for the little one, she had a great time. She behaved almost the whole time... so check the video!

For more info, visit their Facebook page:

The Red Rock Hot Spring Facebook page

Published on: April 18, 2018

Going to La Verna with the girls

Visiting La Verna Resort in Valencia (late post)

Both were excited when we were going to visit La Verna Resort.

The pool with the big fish

Many pools, some with fish!

La Verna Resort is located 20-30 min with tricycle from Dumaguete in Valencia. The resort had several pools in different sizes. The special thing here was that some pools were with fish, one with bigger fish where you were not allowed to swim and one with smaller fish where you could swim. The water in the pools with the fish looked a little bit dirty so we preferred without fish where the water was clean.
Hey, don't forget to watch the video at the end!

There was a pool for everyone here

On exploration among the many pools

Kids friendly

La Verna Resort seemed to be well maintained and was kids friendly. There were a pool for everyone, young, old or adventurous if you like to swim with the fish. There was a little kiosk where they had basic stuff like coffee sticks, crisps and sodas. But if you like to eat real food then bring your own picnic.

Our visit concentrated as a 1 minute video clip

Published on: March 26, 2018

Tumalog falls, Cebu island

Tumalog falls is easy to find

Tumalog falls is easy to find. About 1 km north of Oslob Whale Shark Watching you find the signage along the highway which tells you where to turn. Drive additional a couple of kilometers. The last bit to the falls you have to walk 5-10 min. Eventhough the road is good I was surprised because it’s pretty steep walking down to the falls.

We were lucky. Time was late around 4 PM and they close already at 5 PM so there weren’t many other people there.

There were pools where you could swim in. But the water was very cold.

Check out the video

Struggling with steep roads and get amazed by the beauty of mother nature

I hadn’t that much of expectations but I was impressed. The falls was bigger and more beautiful than I expected.

Conclusion, it’s well worth a visit

The reality exceeded my expectations and that’s not bad. The falls is easy to find and we had fun going there so according to me it’s well worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood.

Published on: March 24, 2018

The Japanese Shrine

Japanese Shrine in Valencia

This historical monument called the Filipino – American – Japanese Amity Shrine (Fil-Am Japanese Shrine). It stands on a sacred battle ground where an encounter during the World War II actually took place. It was built to remember the many lives taken by the vicious war.

The Japanese shrine is beautifully situated and well worth the effort to visit

Erected 1977

The pillar has three angles, making it appear 3 sided similar to a triangle. These three sides represent the three countries: Philippines, United States of America and Japan. In 1977 it was erected and unveiled by the war veterans, the surviving families of the water veterans, and the descendants of those who marched and died in the same war.

The view from the shrine is really amazing

We hiked there

We hiked from Valencia proper heading in the direction of the more well known Casaroro Falls. After roughly 4-5 kilometers the road divides and there is clear signage, Casaroro Falls to the left and the Japanese shrine to the right. After the signage the road soon gets rough and it’s more suitable for hiking rather than driving unless you are an experienced driver. Going from Valencia to the shrine and back is around 14 kilometers.

The road uphill to the shrine offered nice views over Dumaguete

Hot and sweaty

It was hot, sweaty and tiring to hike uphill. On our way up and down we encountered amazing views, barking dogs, the pure sound of the jungle and people singing karaoke.

Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park

Behind the visitors center...

Walk or rent a boat

The watch tower

Facts:

To get there:

Breakfast before hiking

​Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

After tarsiers then hiking

The rewarding view

Facts:

How to get to Corella

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary and the Sikatuna Tree Park

Comfortable shoes and water

​Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is worth a visit

Click this link to see other posts about Bohol:

A real Filipino breakfast is never wrong!

Why are mangroves so important?

​​Oboob Mangrove Garden/Eco Park

Park Entry Fees:

How to get there:

Tropical storm Basyang

Stranded

The ferry was resumed

The driving went awkward

Back to Dumaguete

Road trips are fantastic!

The guidelines:

Related links

Madridejos, Bantayan Island

Old Kota Fort

The beach

We made lot's of friends

The two fishermen

The buko stand

Related links:

Paradise Beach

Not what it looked at first

Facts

Related links:

Shooting Seagulls - with a camera

Bringing the girls to Red Rock Hot Spring

Clean and well maintained

A great time!

For more info, visit their Facebook page:

Visiting La Verna Resort in Valencia (late post)

Many pools, some with fish!

Kids friendly

Tumalog falls is easy to find

Check out the video

Conclusion, it’s well worth a visit

Japanese Shrine in Valencia

Erected 1977

We hiked there

Hot and sweaty

Archives

Categories

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary

Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary is worth a visit

Oboob Mangrove Garden/Eco Park