Tuesday, June 19, 2012

How to get to Kawasan Falls, Cebu

KAWASAN, a word synonymous to FRESH, CLEAN, CLEAR, COLD, and of course the most famous of all the WATER FALLS in Cebu.




Cebu is home to so many scenic and fresh nature spots in the country. One of which, is the famous Kawasan Falls which is situated on the southwest part of the island. Cebu's southern towns are known not only to have warm hearted hospitable people, but also to their magnificent white beaches, diving spots, and overly fresh, clean and cold water falls making it a perfect destination for local and international tourists who want to experience nature's beauty at it's best.





Now what are you waiting for?


Ready na Ka?

Let's get wet and wild!




KAWASAN FALLS


 Getting ready

Kawasan Falls is located at Matutinao Badian, Cebu. Getting to the Water Falls is a 1+ kilometers hike from the main road. There are no vehicles that would take you there, as the local government is trying to protect the area from things that could destroy it's natural beauty.

Badian Town is also known for it's beautiful white beaches, so you might want to check out it's beaches as well.

* As always, iTravelskiks recommends to pack your things light as you'll have to hike to get there.





How to get there

Best starting part is Cebu City Area


1. From any part of Cebu City

First step is to get to the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT).

- If you are not familiar with the city and doesn't know where it is located, you can always take a taxi for convenience in travel.

- If you know the place, hid down to the Cebu south Bus Terminal (CSBT) via jeepney.

Fare:         Taxi                   =                Php 80.00 (+ -)

                 Jeepney             =                Php 7.50



2. Arrival at Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT)

- Upon arriving at the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT), you can always choose from the three Bus Companies plying for the Badian route where the falls is situated. The CERES BUS, LIBRANDO BUS, and the ROUGH RIDERS BUS. I personally recommend taking the CERES Bus Lines, but you can take any of the three.

Note: Ceres Bus and Rough Riders Bus can be found inside the Cebu South Bus Terminal, while Librando Bus can be found at it's own terminal located right across the Cebu South Bus Terminal.


Fare:   CERES BUS                     =      Php 120.00 ( + - )
           LIBRANDO BUS                =      Php 120.00 ( + - )
           ROUGH RIDER BUS          =       Php 120.00 (+ - )


3. On the road

- The trip usually takes 2 hours or more depending on the traffic and how fast the bus goes. So while you are on the road, relax and take time to enjoy the scenic mountain and seaside views. You might also want to try out some of those delicacies from the towns you pass your way.


Some delicacies you might want to try :

  • Car-Car Chicharon
  • Barili's Otap - Shamrock
  • Mantalungon's Bibingka

4. Where to stop

- You will have to stop at Matutinao Badian Church. Just to give you more specifics on the church's location, you will have to pass the Badian Public Market for about 10-15 mins. Passing through the road going to Green Island.

- If you really are a bit unsure of it's location, no need to worry as the Bus Conductor and Drivers are very accommodating and would be happy to drop you off at the exact location. Just ask and tell them with a smile.

( Tell Bus Conductor to drop you off at the Matutinao Church Badian for KAWASAN FALLS



5. Arrival at Matutinao Church

- You will be met by tour guides who would offer to walk you through the water falls or help you in carrying your things. If you packed yourself light, there is no need for one, as you would never get lost just by yourself if you'll just follow the super easy trail. - If you need one, just give him a little tip later.


6. Get walking

- Follow the trail and enjoy the Fresh, Cool, Rejuvenating sound of the fresh cold flowing water while the birds sing their things at the background.

Entrance Fee  :    Php 10.00 ( + - )
























 7. Arrival at the falls

KAWASAN  has two ideal water falls to check out. The best one is the first falls which has a wider swimming area. The second water falls can be found a climb up the first one and is a little smaller and a little more developed than the first one. Sad to say, that due to it's development, the area's natural beauty has been compromised.


 
8.Get crazy!

- Get crazy and enjoy the super cold fresh water of the KAWASAN FALLS.

*iTravelskiks recommends : That if you don't know how to swim, rent a life Jacket. If you do know how to swim, rent a life jacket as well for safety. The cold water can easily cause you leg cramps while swimming.
























9. Rentals and things you can do at the falls


               Cottage :                      Php. 400.00 ( + - )    Depends on the size.

               Life Jacket :                 Php. 30.00 ( + - ) 

               Overnight Rooms:         Php. 1000.00 ( + - )

               Bamboo Raft:               Php.  400.00 

















 Swim Swim Swim...



























Get wet and wild!        



 










 

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

How to get to Papa Kit's Marina and Fishing Lagoon - Poblacion Liloan, Cebu

Want to get away from the Craziness of the City, and just be one with Nature + Adventure?



Head up to one of my favorite hang-out places in just 40 - 1 hr. travel from the City.



Papa Kit's Marina and Fishing Lagoon




Ready Na Ka?


Larga Na Ta!
 

Papa Kit's Marina and Fishing Lagoon is located at Poblacion, Lilo-an, Cebu. Getting there only takes about 40 - 1 hr. travel from Cebu City area, which makes the place ideal for family, friends, and lovers who look for a break from the usual crazy activities and lifestyle in the city.




How to get there

1. Transportation

- If you have your own ride

From Cebu City area, head up to Poblacion Lilo-an, Cebu. When you get there, you would not miss the place that is located on the right side, just before you reach the Lilo-an Municipal Hall. If you missed it, and you've reached the Lilo-an Municipal Hall already, turn right from the crossing, to the side of the Basketball Gym, as their Gate 2 is located there.


- Don't have your own ride?

From Cebu City area,  take a jeepney going to SM City Cebu. As soon as you've reached SM City Cebu, go to the left side of the mall going to the APM Shopping Center. You should be able to find the jeepneys going to Lilo-an Cebu. 


Jeepney Fare :     SM - Lilo-an = Php. 15.00


 - Can we take a Taxi?

Of course you can, but always remember that some taxis will no longer use their meters going here because it's beyond city area. It's gonna be (PAKYAW) and it might be pretty expensive when it happens.


- How about Bus?

Yes, buses can be an alternative, but, you'd have to go all the way to the North Bus Terminal (NBT) and wait for it to get filled with passengers to go. - Takes more time.


2. Gate Arrival

As soon as you have reached the gate, ask for the security guard or any Papa Kit's personnel to  get you a ride. 


- Papa Kit's have small jeeps that will take you anywhere in there place for free.




3. Entrance Fee

Entrance Fee  =  Php. 100.00 ( Per Person ) - Consumable

- The best thing about this Entrance Fee, is that, it is consumable at their restaurants.



4.Food

Papa Kit's has a very relaxing main restaurant located right in front of it's fishing pond

You can also find other food places at Zip line adventure area.  





























5. Things you can do


 - Fishing  

You'll have to rent for a Fishing Rod + the bait

Fee: Php. 80.00 (+ -)





























- ZipLine


Fee: Php. 200.00 ( Per Person )






- Wall Climbing

Fee: Php. 100.00 (Per Person)


  

























- Hanging Bridge

Fee: Php. 50.00 (+ - )




























- Horse Back Riding

Fee: Php. 100.00 (+ -)



- Mini Zoo

Fee: Php. 20.00 (+ -)
































-  All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)

Fee: Php. 400.00


IMPORTANT!  * All fees excluding fishing and horse back riding, are discounted up to 50% when you have taken the Zip Line already.

Other attractions are under construction and will open very soon.

- Swimming Pool



*NOTE: Some fees and charges may have changed since the last time we went there.


What are you waiting for?


Head up there Now!






Papa Kit's Marina and Fishing Lagoon

Phone Number : (032) 424-9501


Monday, June 4, 2012

How to get to Baguio City, from Cebu,Philippines

Ever wanted to get to The summer Capital of the Philippines but don't know how?



Feeling a bit unsure on the what's, the how's, and the where's in getting to the Summer Capital of the Philippines, Baguio?


Here's a very easy guide on how to get there from Cebu.



Ready na ka?


Larga na ta!


Important!

If you are going to Baguio for vacation, best times to go there would be in the summer season. During these days the city tends to get hot in the day, but in the afternoon expect the temperature to drop big time. Depending on the location from where you are staying, temperatures might be different.


If you are going there on the rainy season (June - January)  these are the days where you can expect to experience the coldest days of the place. The advantage of this is you'll get the chance to experience something new, if you are from the hot areas the Philippines, but the other side of it, is when it rains it really rains, and you wouldn't want to be outside when it happens or else you'll be soaking wet with a jaw dropping temperatures in the afternoon or late evenings.



iTravelskiks Suggests

- That if you are going to Baguio for vacation, best number of days to stay there is only 3-4 days. Why? Because most tourist spots in Baguio can be visited in just a day. After that, you wouldn't have something new to do or to go to.

Baguio is all about the weather, it's not all about the place.  - Personal Opinion :)



Here we go!


How to get there


1. Have everything  ready


Have everything ready for long haul travel. Again,don't bring too much stuff, just the things you really need as you wouldn't want to get stuck at the airport or having a hard time carrying things walking getting a taxi or to a bus. You know what I mean. 

There are no direct flights going to Baguio from Cebu, so you'd have to take CEBU-MANILA  flight.

Don't forget about the items not allowed to be hand-carried in the airplane as this might cause you to get stuck at the airport inspection lines. (Gel, Liquid, Paste, flammable, alcohol, etc...) put them in your baggage and have it checked-in. 

*It is so much better to get an airline ticket  2-3 weeks before planned departure, as it would be a whole lot cheaper compared to the coming days or on the flight date.


2. Get a Taxi 

When you have all the things ready and all set, go get a taxi going to the airport. Never think of taking a jeepney as it would really tire you out and you'd have to transfer from one jeepney to another. It's not gonna be too convenient especially when you traveling with some hand carries with you.


Taxi Fare : Cebu City Area to Airport  = Php. 250.00 - Php 300.00 


*Be at about 2- 1.5 hours before your flight because the traffic of the area going to the airport is very unpredictable.

*Don't forget to tell the taxi driver to drop you off at the domestic flight entrance.




3. At the airport

Have your ID, ticket, and your Php 200.00 ready for the terminal fee. Have your valuable things in a safest part of your bag as you would have to submit them for an X-ray scan or the usual manual checking by the security guards.


Airport Terminal fee:  Php. 200.00




4. Go Check-in

Go and check-in with your chosen airline carrier and after that, head to the final checking going to the pre-departure area.

If this is your first flight, don't you worry. Always remember to stop and think when you are not sure where to go next.

*You can always ask the ground airline personnel or the security guards on where to go next if not sure.  Always remember, it doesn't hurt to ask for directions. DON'T MIND THE OTHERS...


5. Airplane

There are several air carriers plying for the route Cebu-Manila but base from personal experience, the best plane to take going there is The Philippine Airlines. Why? Hmmm... Comfort in flight and I think they're using a bigger plane compared to the others. Not sure, but I really cannot feel the same discomfort I can feel when taking the other airlines.


 
For  Flight Schedules and Bookings check the respective airlines' website below:
  
 *iTravelskiks recommends: Taking either Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific Air.


 6. Arrival NAIA

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is a biggy. It can be a confusing and intimidating place for first timers. - No worries, be confident, stop, think and ask airline ground personnel for directions or better yet follow the crowd and read airport signs to get your baggage.


*Be Cool Man, You're almost there! :)



Don't know where you are going next?  


Head out and follow the crowd. for the exits, you'll be at the ground exit. The taxis you'll find there are the yellow metered taxis.(Expensive ones but a little safer for me)

If you want to get the regular white metered taxis head up using the elevator or stairs to second floor and on the exits you'll find them.

Important: There is nothing bad about asking directions or any form of help from anyone when traveling, but always remember my rule, never trust anyone. Be SMART!



7. Taxi from the Airport

Once you have the taxi already, tell the driver to take you to the VICTORY LINER PASAY TERMINAL. It is very important that you follow this instructions very carefully. 


Taxi fare:    Yellow Metered taxi = Php 130.00 (+ -) will not go over Php 150.00
   
                   Regular Metered taxi = Php 100 (+ -) depending on traffic will not go over Php 120.00


Travel time:     20 - 30 min.   -     depending on traffic



8.  Victory Liner Terminal

Why Victory Liner? Simply because their terminal is the closest from the airport and, when it comes to comfort in travel, I believe it's the best there is. There buses are clean, most are brand new and record wise, their drivers are really good at it.


Try sitting at the front side area of the bus to get a better view of your 6 - 7 hours travel.

Bus Fare:            Deluxe    =        Php 750.00 

                           Regular   =        Php 455.00 (+ -)


For more info, visit their website  click here  : Victory Liner Inc.


*Victory Deluxe buses tends to be very cold inside while traveling so if you have some jackets or sweaters it would be very handy.

                      Travel Time:           6  - 7 Hours W/ 3 Bus stops in between


9. Victory Liner Terminal Baguio

Once you've reached the Victory Liner Terminal Baguio, then you are in for a new weather experience in a lifetime.

  

 10. Where to stay?

Don't know where to stay?  There several hotels worth checking that are just a walk a way from SM Shopping Mall, Burnham Park up to Session Road. You might have to check them out first from here and book a room reservation in advance through their websites.



Some Baguio Hotels Click Here :        -  Hotel Venice
                                                          - Paladin Hotel Baguio 
                                                          - Microtel Baguio


*I cannot recommend any of these hotels, as when I go to Baguio, I stay at my Mom's House.

There are also many transient houses for those people on the go with less budget. They're a whole lot cheaper compared to staying in regular hotels. 



11. Transportation

For transportation, as always you can get a jeepney, but if you have no idea where to go, better get a taxi.  Their taxis are cheaper compared to Manila and Cebu which is one thing I love about the place.


If you are planning to go and explore Baguio city on a jeepney which is way much cheaper than a taxi, you don't have to worry as you would never get lost so long as you know where to go from Session Road. All jeepneys go back to the City's center.


Places to visit in Baguio

Burnham Park 

- at the heart of the city you'll be able to find the all famous Burnham Park where you can see the boat rides from Tagalog Movies and it is where the Boxing Champ Manny Pacman Pacquiao sometimes jogs in his training.














Session Road 

- the iconic road of Baguio that when you walk up, would lead you straight to the main shopping mall of Baguio which is the SM Shopping Mall. (Human traffic can be found here)


Mines View Park


- an old mine mountainside



The Mansion


- the Philippine President's residence when in Baguio



The Philippine Military Academy (PMA)

- the top Philippine Military Academy where Philippine Military officers are trained (You'll find some old airplanes, helicopters, thanks and canons.)


The Baguio Domestic Airport 

- it's an airport where jeepneys pass through the airport's runways





























The Lions Head

- The lions head along Kennon Road


The Strawberry Farm ( La Trinidad, Benguet)

- just a jeepney ride away from Baguio City 


The Ultimate Camp John Hay

- old US Military camp that is now under local government control where you can find beautiful US Military Cabins, Old US Officers Houses, Left Behind US military training areas, Golf Course, some cool restaurants and some adventure experience for rent.

There are still other things worth checking but these are the common ones I have here...

















Want to take an airplane going to Baguio?  

There are flights from manila to Baguio but I do not recommend you taking it. If you really want to,try checking Asian Spirit Airlines if they still have the flights going there.

Now what are you waiting for?

















Head up to Baguio Na bai!


Did I mention that in all the places I've been to in the Philippines, you'll find the most beautiful women in Baguio?
 



Have questions?  Ask it here through comments or e-mail me : dieter.rabadon@gmail.com

Thanks!