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Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Life begins where WIFI is weak

Published on: March 14, 2018

Bantayan road trip

A longer road trip this time

Inspired from our previous road trip to Sipalay we decided to go for an even longer one this time. So why not make it big and go roughly 600 km back and forth, like from Dumaguete to Bantayan island!

The need of travel light

When you are two persons on a regular scooter you need to travel light. There are many considerations you need to think about and one thing is not to bring too much clothes.

Someone really needed to rethink the amount of clothes to bring

Go with the flow

We hadn’t made any detailed plan for our route. Our motto was to be spontaneous and go with the flow. We took the ferry from Tampi over to Bato to Cebu island.

The ferry over to Bato on Cebu island went smoothly

We took our lunch here and witnessed a motorcycle accident. A reminder for us to take it easy. By the way no one was hurt except maybe for the self esteems.

Overnight in Malboal

Our first stretch was not that far. We arrived in Malboal when it started to be dark so we realized we had to stay there for the night. Some consultations among the booking sites and we ended up at the T Breeze Coastal Resort which was nicely located by the sea.

Life could be worse

Breakfast was not included in the price but at least the view was for free

Doing FaceTime with the daughter

Hit the road again

The T Breeze Coastal Resort was really a nice place but we were bound for Bantayan island after all, so we had to hit the road early the next day.

A friendly hotel dog accompanied us at certain moments (when we were eating) at T Breeze

Buko juice

Aside from dogs, buko juice is the man’s best friend when it comes to drinks. Refreshing and healthy at least if it’s fresh and comes without sugar. Strangely enough it’s sometimes hard to find fresh buko juice... despite there are so many coconut trees everywhere here.

Buko means young coconut in Filipino

I have this weird thought that one day someone will chop the hand off while preparing the Buko juice...

The buko stand had many satisfied customers

Gathering energy for the next stretch on the scooter

The last stretch to Bantayan island and our first lunch at the Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

Tuburan city

It took longer than expected to drive so we had to stay overnight at Tuburan city. Still around 80 km from where we would take the ferry over to Bantayan island. Tuburan hadn’t much to offer but we found a hotel and a 7/11. That’s all we needed!

Tuburan was a sleepy little town which hadn’t much to offer

We were lucky, we found the only hotel in town just in time. It offered a simple accommodation and a nice sunset from the balcony.

Breakfast was not included in our hotel stay but we had a 7/11 just nearby.

First time ever I had breakfast at a 7/11 and to be honest the sausages are warmly recommended

Tired of driving

The next day we started early after breakfast. This last stretch up to Hagnaya port went fairly smooth. But I started to feel tired of driving so I wanted us to reach the ferry as soon as possible.

Here we took a short break

Hey I just want a small ice cream... cege nahh...??

Finally at Hagnaya port where we took the ferry

Someone was seasick again

Finally Bantayan island in sight!

Pamilacan island Philippines

Something special

Since we had two friends from Sweden visiting us here in the Philippines we wanted to show them something special. So we decided to go to Pamilacan island.

A beautiful house with an astonishing view located inland on the island

And of course there were amazing sunsets here as well

Boat from Baclayon

At Baclayon we met with Mam Elvie who had arranged our stay at Enas cottages. The weather was good and the sea looked calm. Mam Elvie told us that it normally takes 45-60 min to go by the boat to Pamilacan.

Going from Baclayon to Pamilacan island

Someone was still seasick after the boat trip

Free coffee was included in the room rate

I wanted to extend

After an hour or so we reached Pamilacan. The sea was calm in the beginning but later on it became quite rough. Nevertheless we made it and as soon as I sat my foot on stable ground I realized I wanted to extend our stay to two nights instead of only one night. Hey, it’s not everyday you pay a visit to the paradise, right?

A visit in the paradise

Accomodation

The accomdation at Enas cottages was simple but nice. No AC, tv or hot water. But a fan, a mosquito net and a private toilet with a bucket of cold water were available. This accommodation is not for everyone but it was good enough for us. Three meals per day were included in the price.

Pancakes with coco jam for breakfast

Bonding with the guys

Snorkeling

The main activity here at Pamilacan is snorkeling aside for just unwinding and contemplateing about how good life is after all. You have at least two beaches where you can swim and snorkel freely. Then you have the Coral garden and the Marine sanctuary where you need a guide to accompany you. We did both the Coral garden and the Marine sanctuary. We were more lucky with the Coral garden since the weather was better and the sea was more clear.

Highlights

We also did dolphin watching in the morning. It was a long ride with the boat but the only thing we managed to see were the tails of a couple of dolphins. We were also supposed to see sea turtles just outside Enas cottages but we didn’t see any. My highlights were the spectacular sceneries of the island specially under the water and the quietness at night time.

The highlights of our trip to Pamilacan island

Facts

Boats are available from Baclayon on Bohol. Expect 60 min to go with the boat to Pamilacan. We paid 300 PHP per head one way. Inquire at the pier in Baclayon.
Accommodation was 850 PHP per head and night with three meals included at Enas cottages.
Snorkeling guides 250 PHP per hour. 150 PHP for renting snorkeling gears.

Another breathtaking sunset

Published on: March 10, 2018

Snorkeling at Pamilacan island

One night became two nights

At first we were supposed to spend just one night here at Pamilacan but I immediately felt that I at least needed two nights to satisfy my cravings for the touch of paradise. Pamilacan island is the perfect getaway from the bustling city to ease down and just enjoy life to the fullest.

There are only simple accommodation here at Pamilacan... ;-)

Snorkeling

Obviously you can do snorkeling here. There are the Coral garden and the marine sanctuary where you need a guide to accompany you. We paid 250 PHP per head and hour for the guide. We went out in a small paddle boat and did the snorkeling from the boat. There are other beaches also where you can do the snorkeling for free and with easy access from the shore. If you are lucky you can see sea turtles here but we didn’t.

This our experiences from the snorkeling. The clips are mainly from the Coral garden.

Published on: March 9, 2018

Alona Beach, Panglao

Alona Beach where everything happens

Alona beach together with Chocolate hills and the Tarsiers might be the most popular tourist attractions here in Bohol. If you come to Alona beach you can expect many restaurants, lively nightlife and many other tourists to bond with... and of course a white sand beach.

And hey, don’t forget to watch video at the bottom!

Kids playing in the sand

There are palm trees here also

You are always welcome at the Outback Grill

Which one would you like to have for dinner?

Sometimes it’s hard to find parking

If you don’t like to walk and if you don’t have your own motor bike you will probably end up in a tricycle.

An afternoon when we visited Alona Beach

Published on: February 24, 2018

Apo island the pearl of the Visayas

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

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!

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.

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 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.

Published on: February 5, 2018

Outing with the girls

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

Someone gets lot's of attention

The mothers helping hands are always there

Sometimes the attention can be too much for someone

Published on: February 4, 2018

Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin

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!

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

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

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

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.

Published on: February 2, 2018

Road trip to Sipalay

Travel to Sipalay, Negros, Philippines © Patrik Lord Travel Blog

Sipalay is famous for beach resorts with astonishing views and the mythical Sugar Beach.

Going by scooter to Sipalay

We decided to make a road trip on the scooter to Sipalay. The distance is roughly 180 km from Dumaguete to Sipalay one way. Either you can go along the coast which is a little bit longer and with more traffic or you can take the way through the mountains and Pamplona. We decided for traversing the mountains. The road was in very good condition, incredible beautiful and not much traffic.

Well equipped with shades, helmets and face masks we were ready to go.

We traversed the mountains and passed Pamplona.

The mirror is the girls best friend.

Sometimes we needed to ask for directions.

The video shows the first stretch going from Dumaguete to Bayawan. We ended up having a huge barbecue dinner at Maricel's place.

We stayed in Bayawan, coming halfway

On our way we were surprised by heavy rainfall so we decided to stay overnight in Bayawan. We arrived like drenched cats at the sleepy little C & L Top View Inn centrally located. It was a nice budget hotel with a simple filipino breakfast included.

Quick stop for a quick bite!

Yes I never eat ice cream... Huh?

The way to a woman's heart goes through her stomach...

Hey! Noo picture now... I haven't had my breakfast yet!!!

The video shows glimpses on our way to Sipalay and from the Jamont hotel. We also tried to get to the Sugar Beach but instead we ended up in the beach next to it.

Sipalay

We stayed at Jamont hotel downtown. It was near to the market and near to the beach. We had a nice spacious room and they served good coffee in the restaurant. Later we went out to look for the Sugar Beach that we heard so much about. The road going there was a little bit tricky so eventually we ended up at the beach next to the Sugar Beach. It turned out we had to take a boat the last bit to get there. But time was late and it was beginning to be dark so we skipped it, for this time.

We stayed at the very nice Jamont hotel.

You could buy all basic ingredients for Filipino cooking of this lady.

Sniffing on shrimp paste, smells bad but tastes good in cooking!

New Sipalay Government Center, the building was impressive but they had forgot to asphalt the road going there...

Sunsets are for free in Sipalay.

Small smiling faces

Someone is eager to have her dinner...

Our search for the Sugar Beach ended here...

Tinagong Dagat Island Resort and Perth Beach Resort

The next day we went on beach resorts safari. First we visited Tinagong Dagat Island Resort and then Perth Beach Resort. Both are located south of Sipalay, easy accessible if you have a scooter. Perth Beach Resort is famous for its pool with an incredible beautiful view overlooking the archipelago of islands. Both of these resort offer nice and simple accommodation to very reasonable rates.

The hanging bridge going to Tinagong Dagat Island Resort.

View from the observation deck at Tinagong Dagat Island Resort.

Nice views everywhere

We met the smiling beer man on the bridge.

The breathtaking view from the pool at Perth Beach Resort

The video shows our beach resorts safari with clips from the beautiful Tinagong Dagat Island Resort and from the pool of Perth Beach Resort with the totally astonishing view (!) overlooking the whole archipelago of islands.

Downtown Sipalay. The Sugar Beach is located north and the resorts we visited are located south of downtown.

Published on: January 25, 2018

A day of exercise

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

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...?

On rare occasion I can smile for the photographer hehe

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

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.

The view from here is breathtaking

A table for four

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

Published on: January 22, 2018

The fine art of eating an ice cream

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!