2012 Travel Series No. 6: Mt. Pinatubo Adventure Trek

Destination: Mt. Pinatubo, Sta. Juliana, Tarlac

Date: 19 May 2012

With: Officemates

Provider: ePhilippines Adventure

Rate: 2000 per person inclusive of transfer from Manila-Tarlac-Manila, 4x4 ride, guide

I was envious of a group that went to Pinatubo nearly two months ago.  It's one adventure I'd been wanting to do but thought of going with a group was best.  So I invited four of my office mates to do the trek using the same provider that the first contacted.  Until the word spread about the trip so I had the invite fanned out.  Four became 10, in a few days 25 confirmed, until we reached 45.

We left ADB, around 3am of 19 May en route to Capaz in Tarlac.  First stop was breakfast at McDonald's.  By 6am, the bus was on its way to the jump off point in Sta. Juliana in Tarlac.  A few minutes of getting our 4x4 assignments we were off to a dusty, and bumpy ride to Pinatubo.

Our 4x4 group...Nica, Rio, Sibesh...Lyndon and myself not in the pix :-(

Our 4x4 was a pick up.  At first I wanted a change in transport.  I wanted a real 4x4 truck.  Luckily I did not complain, the pick up was the best - since we had an obstructed view of the surroundings.  The open ride provided the best view of the mountains, the lahar, the rocky and muddy river, just all the amazing sites.

The 4x4 ride

The 4x4 traversed through a river bed negotiating rocks, humps, and bumps.  30 minutes after we reached the mid-point of the 4x4 ride.  Took some photos, rested for a while and 10 minutes after we were off to complete the ride.  Another 30 minutes and we reached the drop off point since no vehicles could negotiate the terrain anymore.  The riverbed was slowly climbing.

Group picture mid-way to the 4x4 station

Our group photo op with another group

And the trek starts passing by mountain gorges of lahar, which with a downpour can change the terrain in an instant.

And the trek begins...the Energizer group

What's with the ray of light? :-)

 There were 9 groups of 5 altogether.  We thought we were at the back of the pack so we hurried on.  We reached the rest area a little past 9am.  The rest area signals the uphill climb to the crater of the volcano.  A sign   saying 15 minutes trek to the crater gave us new energy.  45 minutes after we reached the crater - must be the sign was for the locals :-)

First sight of the crater - MAJESTIC!

Me and the volcano :-)

At 10:15am we finally reached the summit.  The majestic sight of the crater washed away all the soreness and pain I was feeling from the long walk.  It was such a glorious sight - unarguably one of God's best creation.  

After some picture taking, our group went downhill to take a closer look of the crater.  After searching the place, we concluded that we were first.  And indeed we were as the rest of the groups arrived a little later.

We settled on the rightmost section of the crater, took a plunge in the cold, sulfur-smelling water of the  crater.  I couldn't care less of my body fats and the scorching heat of the sun.  

Just before plunging into the cold Pinatubo water

And swim I went...

I stayed in the water for nearly an hour while we waited for an available boat that will take us to the hidden side of the island.  It was almost noon when we finally got a ride.  It was a relaxing boat ride for about 15 minutes traversing through the serene waters of the Pinatubo.

The hidden side of the crater was more majestic and picturesque.  There weren't many people who brave the boat ride.  Again, I took a plunge in the sulfuric water.  Lo and behold, it was like bathing in a sauna.  We stayed for nearly an hour - me enjoying the lukewarm water while the rest went into scenic photography.

The Energizer group...the real explores...adventurers

Boat ride to the hidden side of the island

The more serene side of the crater

Enjoying the warm water

We left the summit around 2pm.  The trek back was faster.  A little past 3 we already reached the 4x4 station.  There was a downpour that made the river crossing more difficult.

The group posing before the trek back to Sta. Juliana

By 430pm we were back in Sta. Juliana.  There are two places where one can shower.  One, a public toilet that charges 50pesos per person.  But I preferred the shower area at a nearby spa for 100pesos - including a towel, soap, shampoo, and best of all the place was clean and there's an ample space to move and your very own secured locker.

The spa has a restaurant that offers set Filipino and Korean meal from 150-250pesos.

By 630pm we left Sta. Juliana and by 9pm we were back in Manila.  This adventure will go down in my blog as one of the best thus far.  I'll return next year :-)

NEXT ADVENTURE: June 1-2, Pearl Farm, Davao

MT. PINATUBO ADVENTURE ITINERARY

3AM - leave Manila

5AM - reach Capaz, Tarlac.  Breakfast at Jollibee or McDo (whichever is open)

6AM - leave for Sta. Juliana

7AM - start 4x4 ride

730AM - reach midpoint of 4x4 ride, picture taking

8:30AM - arrive at 4x4 station and start trek

9:15AM - reach midpoint

10:00AM - reach the rest area. start trek to the crater

10:30AM - reach the summit. first sight of the majestic crater

10:30-AM to 2:00PM - free time

2:00PM - start descent

3:30PM - reach 4x4 station

4:45PM - arrive at Sta. Juliana

5:00PM - 6:00PM - shower, dinner

9:30PM - reach Manila

 

2012 Travel Series No. 5: Part 2 - Malapascua Island, Cebu

Day 2 - Malapascua Island Adventure

I woke up feeling excited for what the day has to offer.  The agreed schedule with Dennis was 8am.  I woke up around 6am and pleaded for my breakfast to be served while I took a morning swim.  By 730am we were off to explore Malapascua's underwater beauty.

First stop, the CORAL GARDEN.  It was about 5 minutes away from the resort.  I was very much disappointed to see not a garden but more like a CEMETERY.  There were corals all over - left, right, back, front, around but they were not teeming with life.  They all sported the same gloomy gray and black color.  The sight drowned my spirit.  I wondered how beautiful the place was before the locals started dynamite and cyanide fishing.  What a waste.  It was a disheartening sight.  I couldn't bear it.  I asked we moved.

Little fishes from the Coral Garden

A giant hermit crab from the Coral Garden

 Next stop, the pristine waters of Bantigue Cove.  Bantigue is located in the northern part of the island.  The place is owned by the Bantigue clan.  The resort is well recommended for visitors wanting a lot of peace and quiet.  The waters and the sand on this side of the island is better than the coarse sand and coral rocks in Bounty Beach. I'll definitely stay in this resort in my next visit.

The pristine waters of Bantigue Cove

The boatmen barbecued chicken, which I asked Dennis to prepare.  I was hoping for fish but ironic I was told that there's no delivery for the day.  Yes, fish was delivered to Malapascua not caught.  The barbecue chicken was included in the 1200 boat rental.  The taste was pleasantly good.

Waiting for barbecue :-)

After a hearty mid-morning barbecue we were off to check a Japanese shipwreck.  I was happy that somehow the dive will compensate the poor sight from the Coral Garden.  At first plunged, my heart jumped in excitement.  There it was lying under the ocean floor 5 meters from the surface - the famous Japanese shipwreck of Malapascua.  An added treat were a group of divers seemingly having class underwater.

The site near Pilar Pilapil's rest house

This part of the trip was definitely the highlight.  Normally, island hopping will not include a stop on this site.  Negotiate with the boatmen to include this in the itinerary.

A diver getting a breather

A section of the Japanese shipwreck

Underwater class

Last stop, was snorkeling near Dakit Dakit Island.  Too bad we finished the bread in the Coral Garden.  The corals on this part of Malapascua is better, more variety of fishes ready to pose for some pictures.  If only we had bread :-(

Growing Corals

By 11am I was back in the resort.  All 3 and 1/2 hours of island hopping well worth it.  I frolicked in the waters some more before preparing to depart.  12 noon I was in a ferry boat back to Maya Port via a non-airconditioned Ceres Bus to Cebu.

Beachfront of Mike & Diose's Resort

Next time, I'll make sure I'll wait for the air-conditioned bus to avoid millimeters of dust on the face and the scorching heat of the sun.  By 530pm I was backed in Cebu City.  I checked in at Sampaguita Suites, ordered room service and slept until 2am as I catch my 330am flight back to Manila.

TIPS:
1/ make sure to negotiate the itinerary with the boatman to include the visit to the Japanese shipwreck
2/ bring a loaf of bread and make sure to leave some for the fishes in Dakit Dakit Island
3/ take the air-conditioned bus back to Cebu for a more relaxing ride

NEXT ADVENTURE: Mount Pinatubo Trek

2012 Travel Series No. 5: Part 1- Malapascua Island, Cebu

Destination: Malapascua Island, North of Cebu City

Dates: May 5-7, 2012

With: Solitary Adventure

PART 1 - The first glimpse of Malapascua Island

NOTE: Malapascua means "mal" bad/unlucky "pascua" Christmas...direct translation - "Unlucky Christmas".  The term was coined by the Spaniards who reached the island one stormy christmas morning.

Friends have always question the intent of my frequent travels to Cebu.  Well the reasons being, one I have quite a number of Cebuano friends.  Two is because there's more to the Magellan's cross and the Sto. Nino Church.

Before this trip, I've only visited one island within Cebu province - that is Bantayan Island.  I have heard and read about Malapascua but I never had the courage to plan a visit as I had the impression that it would  burn my pocket.  And boy, I was wrong! So here's goes my full account of my solitary travel to the beautiful island of Malapascua.

I booked a 4am flight from Manila to Cebu via Cebu Pacific.  One has better chances of avoiding flight delay when traveling during the very early morning.  I reached Mactan Airport just before 6am and hopped on a cab to the North Bus Terminal in Mandaue City.

To reach Malapascua one can take the almost 4 hour bus ride - 160pesos non zircon; 180pesos zircon bus (Ceres Bus Lines), commute with other passengers via an air-conditioned van (170pesos/passenger max capacity of 18), or travel in style by renting a cab for 2500pesos.

There was no aircon bus traveling very early in the morning so I squeezed in an air-conditioned van.  The travel was far from smooth as 3 other people were squeezed in the same row as I was.  There was a chicken cooking under the front seat.  And most contributing to the agony of the ride was the stretch of ongoing road construction that tested the vans suspension and my cushion behind (it was sore when I finally reached Maya port).

I tried hard to slept it out during the ride but I just couldn't.  Good thing, the countryside scenery provided relief.  If there are passengers traveling to Hagnaya (for the ferry boat to Bantayan Island), the van will first side trip to Hagnaya first before taking the nearly one hour route to Daang Bantayan to reach Maya port.

Maya Port is the jump off point to Malapascua Island.  Ferry boat leaves every 30 minutes starting at 7am until 2pm.  With 850pesos one can travel express by renting one ferry boat.  I opted to commute paying 80pesos.

Alas!  After 15 minutes we finally landed in Malapascua Island.  The travel was smooth.  En route, I was greeted by flying fishes.  It was a sight!  From afar, Malapascua Island looked like a lump of earth in the middle of the open sea with glimmering white sand beach.

Bounty Beach

The ferry boat anchored in the main beach - BOUNTY BEACH near the Blue Coral resort.  I was a little disappointed when I landed - the beach was not as white as I hoped it would be, the beach was not sand but coral stones, the resorts were not flashy.  I had Malapascua painted on my mind like some high class Boracay.  But as I stroll along Bounty beach, the myriad of better looking resorts came into view.  The resort I was billeted on was located at the farther/southern side of Bounty Beach, almost 15 minutes walk from Blue Coral Resort.  

Mike & Diose Cottages and Beach Resort is one of the oldest resort in the island.  Founded by Mike Wieland some 15 years back who married a Filipina and put a few huts.  I occupied half of the original bungalow, the only remaining one in the resort since they have put up a new building (adjacent to the old cottage) and named it Aabana Resort.  The room was modest, with two single beds with a balcony and a shared bathroom - all for 600pesos a night.  Not bad, right!  Not really, since I contracted "contact dermatitis" caused by the linens.  Anyway, I'll not detail that in this article :-)

The entrance to Mike & Diose's resort.d

In general, Malapascua's hospitality service badly needs improvement.  It seems that the locals are still not used to getting visitors or they prefer foreign tourists.  This is noticeable in the resort where I stayed, the restaurants, the motorbike drivers, etc.  

Going back to my story - while waiting for the staff to "clean" my room, I went looking for lunch.  Ging gin's restaurant came in well recommended.  So I search in a maze of houses within the village.  It was about 15 minutes from the resort in the middle of the island.  The place looked more like a canteen than a restaurant.  Open air with not so welcoming attendants.

All for 250pesos.  The good taste compensated for the long wait. However, I hope the service can be improved.

The problem with the place is not the food.  The food tasted very good.  Beside the poor customer service is the long wait.  Customers were all complaining, including me, for the food to arrive.  It's a test of patience and tummy discipline as you have to wait between 30-45 minutes for your food to be served.

Around 1pm, I went back to the resort and took a very shallow afternoon nap.  Around 4pm, I decided to go explore the island.  I was wasting time being in my itchy bed.  Near the Malapascua Legend I was greeted by a local who offered to take me island hopping.  I ended up getting him to take me around the island using his motorbike and island hopping the following morning.

Mike & Dioce's beach front.  One of the best in the island.

The driver, Dennis, was more than accommodating.  We literally drove and visited every corner of the island - from bantigue cove, to the bamboo islands, and yes, the light house.  Malapascua is really a charmer.  I fell in love with the place that I had to come back soon.

Malapascua lighthouse

Entrance to the Bantigue Resort

Sunset at Bantigue Cove

My ride :-)

Buffet dinner.  Lechon all you can :-)

Tour was over after a little over one hour.  I went back to the resort, washed and started to find the best restaurant for a hearty suffer.  Bounty Beach is indeed a high class Boracay interns of food prices, one set meal of a slice of grilled fish, rice, soup costs 650pesos - WOW!  So I ended up walking back to Blue Coral Resort where a restaurant serves buffet food at 250pesos.  Not bad with the variety and taste (including a hefty serving of Cebu Lechon).

I ended my day by plunging into the cold Malapascua water.  I was very much looking forward to the following day - snorkeling over Coral Garden.

 GETTING THERE:

1/ Take a Manila-Cebu flight via Cebu Pacific, Zest Air, AirPhil Express, or Philippine Airlines

2/ Take a cab from the Cebu International Airport to the Cebu North Bus Terminal.

3/ Take a bus to Daang Bantayan or squeeze in an airconditioned van for 180pesos.  If you have the budget, take a cab for 2500pesos.

4/ Take a ferry ride for 80pesos from Maya Port in Daang Bantayan to Malapascua Island

Check out this website of Mike Wieland for a map of Malapascua Island and more info re lodging and accommodations.