5 Best Things to Do in ORIENTAL MINDORO

(Image Source: comtech-tricks.blogspot.com)

Looking for a place to travel and visit? Are you itching for the beach vibe? Yearning for an exotic place for a nightlife? Or are your soles ready for the next big hike? Yes! Travel is so exciting and fun! BUT... you're worried that you'll never find a place that has it all; or worse, it might be too far and too expensive.

WORRY NO MORE for Oriental Mindoro is just six to eight hours away from Metro Manila! From Private Transporation to buses to Ro-Ro's, Oriental Mindoro is very accessible. It is a favorite for most weekend travelers who desires for the beach that's close enough to the city, of course with the right amenities for the ideal beach destination: 1) Food Adventure; 2) Parties and Nightlife; 3) A Cultural Impact; and 4) Nature Experience, whether it's a waterfall or a mountain. Oriental Mindoro surely has what you seek for!

Here are five places and activities that any thrill-seeking, adventurous kind of tourist can explore and indulge in while in Oriental Mindoro:

1. MT. MALASIMBO: Trekking and Hiking

(Image Source: Pinoy Mountaineer)

Mt. Malasimbo is located in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. The days required for this activity are 1-2 days and hours to Summit is 4-5 hours. According to pinoymountaineer.com, the Puerto Galera Mountain Trail cuts along these mountains, making it the most exciting climb in Puerto Galera. The hike to this amazing and thrilling place is best when accompanied with a beach trip, and traditionally, it is seen as a destination in itself.

Malasimbo has a dome-shaped summit, which is another sight to see. The trails go steep initially and beyond the watersource; otherwise there are no major obstacles in the climb.

When reaching the summit, Puerto Galera coast and Verde Island can be seen as a whole. Also, Batangas' mountains and southern coastlines can be seen whilst on top.

And unlike other descents from other mountains, going down from Malasimbo is quite a breeze! Puerto Galera's beach and nightlife awaits!

2. GO BEACH HOPPING!

(Images Source: ivanhenares.com)

There are so many beaches to choose from: Sabang Beach, White Beach, Aninuan Beach, Bulabod, Aplayang Munti, Bayanan, Haligi Beach on Boquete Island, and Long Beach on San Antonio Island. Where can we even start?!

The Sabang beach is teeming with dive resorts, and it is tourists' favorite for it serves as a jump-off point from the numerous dive areas along the coast of Mindoro. White beach is the most popular--many accommodations and restaurants, and a teeming and active nightlife. There are so many beaches to choose from, you won't even know where to start! Good thing there are available beach hopping tours around the area. They are available at Minolo Port.

3. TAMARAW FALLS: Fall in Love with Nature

(Image Source: wowmindoro.com)

(Image Source: lalamercado.wordpress.com)

There are plenty of natural landscapes in Oriental Mindoro. The most popular waterfall, being that it is the most accessible, is Tamaraw Falls. It is located in Barangay Villaflor, Puerto Galera. It is covered with lush green plants which adds an aura of freshness and naturalness to the area.

Taking pictures along the bridge is for free, although there are other amenities besides that. There are man-made pools below the bridge where the water from the falls cascades on. The pools are not as developed and is divided into 3-4 layers of different water levels. The water is also tinted greenish due to the moss, but as sources say, it is very refreshing to swim in these pools. The entrance fee is at 30php for adults. There are cottages (140 php) and tables (30php) that are also available for rental. (Geejay Geologo, March 2014)

If you'd like, you could also visit Tukuran, Aninuan and Talipanan Falls as well. They are also some beautiful recommended waterfalls found in the area.

4. MALASIMBO ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL: Let's Party!

(Image Source: interaksyon.com)

(Image Source: practicalpinay.blogspot.com)

The Malasimbo Arts and Music Festival is a DOT-certified yearly event held at the foot of Mt. Malasimbo, Puerto Galera. It's a celebration of music, arts, and of nature in the outdoor natural ampitheater in the area. It is held every Black Saturday and offers a night or nights of reggae music.

Malasimbo has gained popularity since the first installment back in 2011. It also reached full capacity a year later in 2012, boasting a mountaintop with 3,000 people who are having fun and are unified by good vibes and party spirits.

Many festival-goers says: "It is life changing!"

The festival plans to promote adventure, ecotourism and harmony, in the music of amazing local and international music acts.

5. MT. HALCON: Trekking, Hiking, and Shopping

Mt Halcon is 2505 m in height and is considered by many to be the most challenging big peak in the Philippines. It stands over Calapan from the west. Authorities frequently close access into the mountain because of environmental concerns, but it was open at the time of research.

There is also a shop nearby called the Apâk Outdoor Shop. The owner of the small shop is a member of the Mt. Halcon Mountaineering Association and can give you tips in trekking along the mountain.

The basic things that you’ll need are 1) to secure a tourist guide; and 2) get a permit from the municipal office in Baco, the next town north from Calapan. Mt. Halcon might be the biggest adventure and challenge for thrill-seeking tourists, but it's always better to come prepared than to regret not having to later.




REFERENCES:

• Henares, I. (2012, June 07). Oriental Mindoro: Things to do in Puerto Galera. [Blog Post] Retrieved from: http://www.ivanhenares.com/2012/06/oriental-mindoro-things-to-do-in-puerto.html
• Geologo, G. (2014, March 10). Tamaraw Falls and Virgin Island of Oriental Mindoro. [Blog Post] Retrieved from: http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2014/03/tamaraw-falls-and-virgin-island-beach-oriental-mindoro.html
• InterAksyon.com. (2012, December 18). Now on Sale: Tickets to Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival 2013 in Puerto Galera. [Online News] Retrieved from: http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/now-on-sale-tickets-to-malasimbo-music-and-arts-festival-2013-in-puerto-galera
• PinoyMountaineer. (2007, November 1). Mt. Malasimbo (1,168+). [Blog Post]. Retrieved from: http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/11/mt-malasimbo-1168.html
• http://www.philippinetraveler.com/mindoro-philippines.html
• http://www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines/mindoro/activities?abv=current
• http://www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines/mindoro/activities/hiking-trekking/mt-halcon/item-a-1449565-id?abv=simple
• http://www.wowmindoro.com

5 Best Things to Do in PALAWAN

(Image Source: camillejoven.wordpress.com)

It is truly undeniable that the province of Palawan is an astounding sight to see. Blessed among the best nature reserves, heritage sites, and  of the world, the island has a lot to offer -- from beaches, caves, mountains, cliffs, and rainforests that are absolutely exciting and breathtaking. Palawan won't disappoint in the set of excellent activities that kind any tourist can indulge in.

Water is the key factor in the numerous set of attractions in this breathtaking island. From swimming to snorkeling to diving, Palawan has it all. It is surrounded by colorful coral gardens and reefs with an abundant marine life.

Here are five places and activities that any thrill-seeking, adventurous kind of tourist can explore and indulge in while in Palawan:

1. PUERTO PRINCESA: Exploring the Subterranean River

(Image Source: cityarttravelinc.com)

St. Paul's Subterranean River National Park holds pride of having the longest underground river in the world. It has been nominated as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

The underground River is 50 km away of Puerto Princesa. There are paddle boats that take visitors to an hour-worth of exploration inside the river cave. All kinds of tourists can take delight in the awe-striking limestone formations found in the walls, and be quite surprised with bats flying above the cave. It is truly an Indiana Jones-kind of adventure. How exciting, right?

2. CORON: Diving and Snorkeling

(Image Source: coralbay.ph)

Coron Bay is located in the western-most part of Philippines, in North Palawan. It's situated between the amazing Busuanga and Culion Islands. The area is famous for its extravagant diving areas, but what separates Coron Bay from the others that it is very well-known for having the best wreck diving spot in the world. Having the underwater visibility reaching up to 20 meters, the wreck site and various rock formations are great for activities like snorkeling and diving. It has also been alleged that the Forbes Magazine placed Coron Bay as one of the 10 best dive sites in the planet.

3. HONDA BAY: Island Hopping

(Image Source: dogsbreedpicture.com)

The reefs and islets in Honda Bay is rich in colorful and vibrant marine life. The shallow waters cover and lengthy stretch of pristine white sand. These islets are suitable for activities like swimming and snorkeling. Honda Bay is admired for its clear waters, having the visibility that reaches into the floor of the seas.

4. EL NIDO: Be One with Nature

(Image Source: lakas.com.ph)

There are numerous activities one must do when in El Nido: sunset viewing, food tripping, hiking and terkking along the cliffs, swimming, island hopping, beach visiting, and so much more. These are just a few of what El Nido has to offer.

The El Nido Marine Reserve is 238 km north from Puerto Princesa. It is a treasure hidden in the center of Bacuit Bay. It has the country's largest wildlife preservation area as well. El Nido is extremely proud of its diverse ecosystems such as mangroves, white beaches, coral reefs, limestone cliffs and vast rainforests.

The beaches of Bacuit Bay is rich in beautiful sights and places being that Eld Nido is home for many kinds of species and animals. Divers take delight in the massive marine life in this area. Manta Rays are very common. When in season, divers may catch a sight of the world's rarest marine mammal, "dugong" (the sea cow). The water is also serves hawksbill turtles for their nesting sites.

5. TUBBATAHA REEFS: Diving

(Image Source: triportreats.com)

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is located in Cagayancillo, Palawan. Since its discovery in the late 1970's, it has been recognized as one of the most remarkable coral gardens in the world. The CNN travel website ranks it among the top 8 diving sites in the planet. Its isolated location makes it only accessible via liveaboard boats.

Divers would be thrilled to experience a one-of-a-kind scenery for the Tubbataha Reefs is considered to be the mecca of diving. They can experience the reefs' underwater terrain, vast marine life and extravagant biodiversity. As visiting divers, the tourists play a key role in Tubbataha's future. Conservation fees provide the funds they need to protect the park from illegal exploitation. Tubbataha is the Philippines' first national marine park and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

REFERENCES:

• http://www.gopalawan.travel/travel-info/top-5-things-to-do-in-palawan
• http://www.lakas.com.ph/2013/09/my-top-things-to-do-in-el-nido-palawan-philippines/
• http://www.gopalawan.travel/Honda_Bay
• http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/puerto-princesa/
• http://www.tubbatahareef.org/home