Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Life begins where WIFI is weak
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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I am sure many men have encountered themselves in this situation...
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A walk downtown Dumaguete... and who said a mum can’t be sexy?
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Going to Apo island

​When you get visitors all the way from Sweden, what can be better than show them the little pearl of the Visayas, Apo island. Apo island is probably most famous for its sea turtles. Wednesdays is a good day to go there because it's market day at the Malatapay market just near the port for Apo island. There will be many locals going back and forth Apo island and the market so it will be easy to get seats on a boat. Facts about how to get there, fees etc see here >>>
Sea Turtle, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Apo Island is known for its many sea turtles.

The Rollin Pin, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

It was empty at the Rollin Pin today where I had my breakfast.

Knives, Malatapay market, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

They have everything at Malatapay market...

Dried fish, Malatapay market, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Dried fish

Livestock, Malatapay market, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Here the livestock market. 5 PHP to go in there.

Fisherman with his catch, Malatapay market, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The fisherman with his catch

A short clip showing the lively livestock market

Never sit under a coconut tree!

Instead of hiring a boat we had arranged a transfer through Liberty lodge where we were going to stay. We shared the boat with two other tourists and some locals. We were waiting over an hour for the boat to show up and get ready for the trip back. When we patiently were sitting there waiting we suddenly heard big THUMP! A big vicious coconut had fall from the palm tree and hit the woman in the striped t-shirt. She was very lucky since she wasn't hit in the head. The woman fainted by the shock and was carried away by some helpful people. Obviously she missed the boat but I guess, at least she survived the incident with just the fright and some minor bruises. 
The port, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

A few minutes after this pic was taken the woman in the striped t-shirt was attacked by the coconut!

The port, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Unloading and loading our boat.

On our way to Apo island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Finally on our way and I managed not to get sea sick!

Liberty Lodge, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Liberty lodge and our room was at the very top of the building.

Liberty Lodge, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

We had to climb many stairs to get to the Top 1 room.

View from our room, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Our view from the room was not bad. We paid 3700 PHP for one night with the extra bed included.

We were lucky, we swam with the sea turtles

We arrived at lunch time so we had the afternoon for snorkeling with the famous sea turtles. At first we didn't see any of them but later on we were lucky. That time of the day it was relatively many tourists and the snorkeling guides were busy towing around tourists who were not able to swim and snorkel by themselves.
A video clip showing the sea turtles

Life is wonderful

In the afternoon most of the tourists went back to mainland and only those who would stay over night were still on Apo island. After dinner we went up to the lighthouse at the top of the island and enjoyed the sunset. At 10 PM the electricity was shut down in order to conserve energy and the whole island got totally quiet. It was an almost surreal feeling to sit there on our balcony star gazing and contemplate about the all the wonderful things in life.
Going to the lighthouse, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

350 steps something and 600-700 m to walk to the lighthouse.

Lighthouse, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The lighthouse and the new construction at the top of Apo island.

Sunset, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The view from here was very rewarding.

Sunset, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Sunset at Apo island.

A compilation of pictures from our trip

Don't expect to sleep long in the morning

At roughly 4 AM the first rooster was calling good morning. Even the dogs were still sleeping at that time. 30 minutes later all roosters on the whole of Apo island were calling good morning together with the dogs which were barking. I guess they were also awakened by the roosters. 6 AM the boatsmen started up their boats. The good thing was that we took an early breakfast and plunged in the sea snorkeling before all the tourists were coming from the mainland. Time goes fast when you enjoy so already at 1 PM it was time to take to boat back again. 
Going home, Apo Island, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

After 24 hours on this beautiful island we were heading back to mainland.

The budget

The budget for us on this trip was:
​A double room with an extra bed at the Liberty lodge 3700 PHP with three meals included.
600 PHP per head back and forth with the boat, ask Liberty for the transfer.
100 PHP an environmental fee upon arriving to Apo island.
28 PHP with bus from South Terminal in Dumaguete going there.
​20 PHP with jeepney going back to Dumaguete.

Not included in our budget, but available if you need it: Rent of life vests (when snorkeling), renting a table ( to put your stuff), snorkeling gear and snorkeling guides. 

​Going there:

Take a jeepney from Dumaguete city centre, around 20 PHP. Tell the driver to let you off at the Malatapay Market in the town of Zamboanguita, around 40 min from Dumaguete. Go down to the shore and rent a motorized boat that will take you to Apo island. The round-trip boat ride costs 2500 PHP (good for 4 passengers), 3000 (good for 6 passengers) or 3500 PHP (good for 8 passengers). Solo travelers may join other groups, and share the costs for the boat rental.

​Or you can let the lodge arrange with the transfer as we did on this trip.
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An afternoon at Sans Rival in Dumaguete

At a Sunday afternoon, what can be better than taking the girls for an outing. Bonding, having a nice time and relaxing... oups maybe someone will not agree about the last statement hehe. Well check out the short video clip at the end and you will see what I mean...
Outing with the girls, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The beautiful ceiling in Sans Rival

Outing with the girls, The Little Cookie Monster, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The cookie monster

Outing with the girls, Caffe Latte, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Cutie overload

Outing with the girls, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Someone gets lot's of attention

Outing with the girls, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The mothers helping hands are always there

Outing with the girls, Dumaguete, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Sometimes the attention can be too much for someone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
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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

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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...?

Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

On rare occasion I can smile for the photographer hehe

Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

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

Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

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.

Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The view from here is breathtaking

Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

A table for four

Puncak Tanawan, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

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
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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!

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

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

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Ouch! Here we dropped the ice cream...

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

But the help is never far away

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

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

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Now we are back on track again

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Baby wipes every parent's best friend

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

No baby wipes is necessary here!

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

It could have been worse

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Done!

Eating an ice cream © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

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

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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!

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

Walking down the road

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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

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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

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

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