Patrik Lord Travel Blog

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​A deliciously Mexican in Dumaguete

There are two branches of Moon Café in Dumaguete. This is the bigger one of the two, located at Robinsons Place. They have a wide selection of dishes all from salads, pasta, fish, different kind of meat and of course also Mexican dishes like for example the Nacho Supremo. I ordered the Nacho Supremo which is a gigantic portion of corn tortilla chips, jalapeño, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, bolognese, melted cheese all for PHP 260. This dish is definitely good for two persons. The food is delicious and the staff is service minded and friendly.
Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
4 Food 
4 Service
4 Value
4 Atmosphere
I was here many times in January- March 2017

Mooon Café Robinsons Place
Robinson's Al Fresco Area, Real Street, Dumaguete, 6200 Negros Oriental, Philippines
Phone: +63 35 421 1377
Note! Click on images to see slideshow and captions!
Review of Mooon Café Interior Robinsons Place Dumaguete Negros Oriental Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

A nice and warm interior welcomes the visitors

Review of Mooon Café Menu Robinsons Place Dumaguete Negros Oriental Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

The are many dishes to choose between, here the Mexican style

Review of Mooon Café Nachos Robinsons Place Dumaguete Negros Oriental Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

If you like to be full you should go for the Nacho Supremo

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Apo Island famous for its sea turtles

Apo Island is most famous for its sea turtles. Before I went there I didn’t know what to expect, I had read good and bad things. Some wrote it was crowded, the beach full of garbage, they hadn't seen any sea turtles, overexploited… and others wrote, it was the paradise of snorkeling, they spotted many sea turtles, the scenery was amazing, Apo Island is a must in your bucket list… Well I guess the truth is somewhere in between. Anyway I decided to go there. 
Sea Turtle Apo Island Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Apo Island is famous for its amazing sea turtles

Note! Click on images to see slideshow and captions!
When you are going down to the shore to rent the boat you will pass the Malatapay Market. The market is open on Wednesdays and the entrance fee is 5 PHP. Among other things they have a big live stock market here. It can be worth a visit if you have the time. It's lively and noisy and be prepared, some animals are not treated very good. Lava instead of white sand ​The main beach where you have the sea turtles is nothing special. Yes, a little bit crowded with small huts where you can rent equipment, eat and relax. There is no white sand, the ground consists of lava so the beach is a little bit rocky. But hey, it’s in the sea you experience the sea turtles, right? Apo Island tourist office where you pay the environmental fee 100 PHP The beach from where you snorkel to experience the sea turtles Divided in three different areas ​The sea near the beach is divided in three different areas. First the common area where you can snorkel freely. Of course if you are lucky you can spot the sea turtles here also. The second area is only allowed for snorkeling with a guide. It's here you are supposed to swim with the sea turtles. The third area is intended only for the sea turtles so no swimming is allowed there.  ​I saw several sea turtles ​I was lucky, I saw several sea turtles. Some of them were really near the shore line feeding on the algae in the shallow water. Others were farther out. Apart from the sea turtles there were not many fish and corals in this relatively limited area. There is another beach located at Apo Island Resort which is more suitable for relaxing and sunbathing.  Another beach located at Apo Island Resort which is more suitable for relaxing and sunbathing. Just a few minutes walking from the port. ​​So what’s my conclusion then? I didn’t see any garbage on the beach. It was not crowded but of course there were other tourists roaming around the place. Apart from the sea turtles there were not many fish and corals to see in this limited area. And yes, it’s definitely a beautiful scenery around the island specially if you visit the light house. Next time I would like to stay for at least a couple of days so I really can explore the island.  ​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. ​Fees: Upon arrival, head to the tourist information office and pay 100 PHP. It’s an environmental fee, which will be used to maintain and preserve Apo Island. You need also to pay 300 PHP to a tour guide (good for 4 people) at the tourist assistance center. You’re not allowed to enter the protected area where the turtles swim without a guide. An additional 300 PHP if you like a table to put your stuff when you are in the water. 100 PHP for a snorkel and mask and 100 PHP for a life vest.  A 60 seconds video clip: 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
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Just a video clip showing the friendly side of the Philippines.  
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​A nice day trip to do

Grab a pedicab to Sibulan from the wet market in Dumaguete. Fare PHP 12 per person. Get off at Sibulan near the port. From there take a Habal Habal to the drop off point for Puncak Tanawan. Expect to pay the driver of the Habal Habal around PHP 30-50 per person. Total travel time from Dumaguete to the drop off point is around 40-60 minutes depending on the traffic. From the drop off point you will hike for around 90 minutes before you reach the Puncak Tanawan.

Rewarded with an astonishing view

It's relatively steep uphill but nothing special if you are relatively fit. Height over the sea level is around 750 m. Once at the summit, you will in clear weather be rewarded with an astonishing view over the sea and the nearby islands. There is like a little café where you can buy water, coffee and biscuits if you need to refuel some energy. With some coffee and bisquits you can then enjoy the quietness and beauty of the nature.
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Good snorkeling near Dumaguete

Going there

Marine Sanctuary in Dauin, is about 15-30 minutes travel from Dumaguete City. For those taking the public transport, you can find jeepneys to Dauin at the bell tower in Dumaguete City or near the Robinson's Mall. Fare is PHP 13.00. Inform the driver you are getting off at the corner leading to the Marine Sanctuary. It’s a couple of blocks away or a good 4-5 minutes brisk walk. The entrance fee for the sanctuary is PHP 150 with a table included. Without table it will be less.

Many fish to see

The beach with its brown sand may not look like much but wait until you get in to the water. The Marine Sanctuary starts a few meters from the shore and remains fairly shallow for about 20-50 meters before it slopes down into the deep. It's best to start snorkeling in the mid-morning until lunch, as the water gets shallower towards the afternoon. It said you can expect to see parrot fish, clown fish, anemone fish, neon damsels, hump-head banner fish, some baby black tip sharks, boulder coral, giant lobe and whorl bowl corals at the center. I myself saw most of the fish mentioned and also spotted a muraena. I didn't see any black tip sharks though. 

Definitely worth a visit

The conclusion is that the Marine Sanctuary is definitely worth a visit either for snorkeling or just relaxation.
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Going there

Casaroro Falls is located in Valencia roughly 10 km from Dumaguete. It’s considered to be the most photographed waterfall in the entire Negros province. To get there, take a jeepney from Dumaguete to Valencia Plaza, it takes 20-30 minutes depending on the traffic. The fare is 12 PHP per person. At Valencia Plaza take a Habal Habal up to Casaroro falls. Ask the driver to wait for you. The fare should be around 200 PHP per person and back and forth. Always try to negotiate. Travel time is around 20 minutes.

350 steps but worth the effort!

From the drop off point you need to hike. There will be steep stairs going down at first, it’s said to be 350 steps. I haven’t counted them but it might be true. Additional hike is required after the stairs. Be prepared for wet feet and to stumble around among slippery rocks. Depending on your fitness level the hiking time to the falls would be from 15 minutes and plus. The waterfall is mighty, beautiful and really worth the effort.
​Note! Click on images to see slideshow and captions! 
Hiking to the actual fall may take around 15 minutes The foliage is dense Sometimes there are many tourists here The water flows and drops at a height of 30 m Related links: Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant, Dumaguete Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place, Dumaguete Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant, Dumaguete ​Review of San Rival Bistro, Dumaguete ​Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant, Dumaguete ​​Review of Gabby's Bistro, Dumaguete ​Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete​ ​Visit the Marine Sanctuary in Dauin ​​Hike the Puncak Tanawan, Negros Oriental ​Tempura, takoyaki and balut​
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​Gangsters in Dumaguete

Café Mafioso has a central location downtown near the Rizal Boulevard. The overall theme of this place is inspired by the mafia. Like the interior of the place and how they named the menu "The hit list". And of course don't forget the outfits of the staff. They are all dressed in black complete with gangster hats like how you would imagine gangsters would look like.
I chose the "Bacon overkill panini"  from the "Hit and run snacks". The food and the cafe latte was good. Although I wished they had put some veggies together with my sandwich. Little bit of tomato, cucumber and lettuce hadn't hurt. Anyway the staff was service minded and the place had free WiFi.

Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
4 Food 
5 Service
4 Value
5 Atmosphere
I was here in January 2017

Café Mafioso
Corner Sta. Catalina and Noblefrana street, 6200 Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines
Phone: +63 915 263 5857
Note! Click on images to see slideshow and captions!

​Bacon overkill panini

The hit list I ordered a bacon overkill panini Clearly inspired by the mafia style View from my table (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Related links: Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant, Dumaguete Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place, Dumaguete Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant, Dumaguete ​Review of San Rival Bistro, Dumaguete ​Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant, Dumaguete ​​Review of Gabby's Bistro, Dumaguete ​Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete​ Visit the Casaroro Falls, Valencia ​Visit the Marine Sanctuary in Dauin ​​Hike the Puncak Tanawan, Negros Oriental ​Tempura, takoyaki and balut​
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Osmña Peak Cebu Island Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

​Osmeña Peak

The rooftop of Cebu Island. Osmeña Peak, rises 1,013 meters above sea level and is nestled between the southern towns of Dalaguete and Badian.
Casaroro Falls Negros Oriental Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog
Casaroro Falls in Valencia, Dumaguete. 
Sibulan Negros Oriental Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

​Balinsasayao Twin Lakes

A nice little lake on the way the ​Balinsasayao Twin Lakes. Located in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.
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​Always more fun in the Philippines!

I was sitting with my coffee at the Bean Connection in Dumaguete when suddenly...
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​Sizzling Sisig

Yesterday we were at the Atong Kamalig, near the sea and the pier. The place is popular with a nice ambience. We ordered Sizzling Sisig and Sizzling Squid. Sizzling Sisig is a traditional Filipino dish which is made of chopped pig's head parts (e.g. face, snout, cheeks, and ear) and chicken liver, usually served in a sizzling platter garnished with chopped onion, chili pepper, and slices of calamansi fruits. The sizzling squid is the same style but the main ingredient is squid.
Sizzling Sisig, chopped pig's head parts (e.g. face, snout, cheeks, and ear) Atong Kamalig Restaurant Sizzling Squid Note! Click on images to see slideshow and captions! ​​Don't confuse Sizzling Pork with Sizzling Sisig! The Sizzling Squid had a nice taste but it was too oily. The Sizzling Sisig on the other hand, where the ingredients were scraps from a pig head, was honestly not what I had expected. I had confused the Sizzling Sisig with the Sizzling Pork! My mistake though. The Sizzling Pork is a delicious dish made of chopped pork meat. Conclusion the Sizzling Sisig was not my cup of tea, lesson learned! Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent 2 Food  3 Service 2 Value 4 Atmosphere I was here in January 2017 Atong Kamalig Restaurant Katada St, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines Phone: +63 35 422 0088 Related links:​ Red Rock Hot Spring, Valencia Dumaguete​ Going to La Verna with the girls​ Happy birthday Jas​ ​Sexy mama The Japanese Shrine​ Shopping spree​ 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