I must admit, Iligan City is one of those cities in Mindanao that sees little tourist because of its smeared reputation from past “bombing” incidents in the city. I even remember a friend telling me that “I have to dodge bombs there before I can visit the waterfalls”. But I learned many times already from past visits to Tawi-tawi, Basilan and even Cotabato to not hastily judge a place by how media perceives it. One thing I know for a fact, Iligan City has plenty of waterfalls, 23 of them documented, and for a waterfall chaser like me, I know I’m gonna have a field day in this city. More apt this time is that Iligan Bloggers Society, organised a Waterfalling Adventure Tour event, where in 5 days, we get to explore 7 waterfalls, experience the festivities and culture of Iligan. I only have to shell out a minimum amount, my flight ticket and I don’t have to trouble myself in logistics . How can I resist that? I signed up immediately and was lucky to be one of the participants to this year’s tour. It’s time to experience Iligan!
Tag: Transit
The Roads to Tinglayan Kalinga: From Tabuk and Bontoc
It was one of those spontaneous trips I wasn’t sure it would push through. The Philippine habagat (southwest wind) has been whipping up mean rains in the metro it takes some effort to bypass the floods and the traffic. But I had my eyes set on Kalinga province for sometime, particularly to see their supposedly dying Batok (tattoo) art. So when the rains abated, we got a signal from our guide in Tinglayan of good weather there. I quickly packed my bags and prepared for the long road to Tinglayan, the jump-off for exploration on the province of Kalinga.
Singapore Changi Airport, A Destination in Itself
I’ve always been used to airports as a place I just usually drive in and fly out. It’s not a place I would stay too long unless I end up with a long layover in between flights. Singapore Changi Airport is a lot different though. While I have been to this airport several times already throughout the years it was on my recent visit that I got to know it more. I got an invitation from Samantha Lee, Corporate Communications Manager of Changi Airport, last year about a tour of Changi when I’m in the Singapore. Fortunately, the invite was still open so I took it up on my recent visit there. She and her associate made us discover that there’s a lot more to see in Changi Airport enough for me to say that it’s definitely a destination in itself.
Transit: Off to Sibaltan, Where the Sun Rises in El Nido
Like George Mallory was saying, “Because it’s there!”, is there any other good reason to explore? A lot of people mainly see the EL Nido town and the islands of Bacuit Bay, but that’s only a small part of the El Nido Municipality. Slowly the northern regions of El Nido are getting some good exposure but I’ve always wondered what the eastern part of El Nido looks like. Does it have some magnificent islands and beaches as the eastern side? Curiosity got me going, coming a long with a friend, we were off to Sibaltan on the eastern side of El Nido.
Transit: Roro Bus to El Nido from Puerto Princesa Palawan
“…you can feel that Palawan is ready to hit the big-time in 2013” says Lonely Planet as it recommends this vast archipelago of Palawan islands as one of the Top 10 Best Regions to Travel in 2013. I couldn’t agree more as things are looking bright now in the region especially in the El Nido area. Despite the 6-hour bus ride from Puerto Princesa, it doesn’t stop people from discovering this wonderful destination even now that the Roro Bus to El Nido made travel a lot easier and comfortable.
In Transit: Flying from Jakarta to Yogyakarta then a Prameks to Solo
It was only my second time to Indonesia and I was really excited since I’ll be traveling independently. I was fortunate enough to travel to Indonesia a month before, prior to my trip. It was an on assignment to cover an event for a magazine in the North of Sulawesi Island. The trip was a great introduction to Indonesia and made me familiarize myself with the airports and transportation. But then again, traveling independently is a different thing, no guides to point the direction. I was traveling to Central Java this time. I’ll be flying from Jakarta to Yogyakarta then a Prameks to Solo. A trip which I would consider as my first venture to Indonesia.
In Transit: Kuala Lumpur to Perhentian Islands, Terengganu
It was the onset of summer in the Philippines and I was yearning for the beach! “But why go Malaysia? You have plenty of great beaches there in the Philippines!” an American backpacker asked me. That’s true but somehow this was different and unexpected. It felt like cheating, I know I love the Philippines and its beaches but somehow, Perhentian Islands in Malaysia is so homey and relaxing I quickly fell in love with it and yes even if some Travel Magazine dubbed our very own Boracay Island as the best in the world, this one is a lot closer to me as a perfect beach island getaway. And it all started when I was looking for an offbeat place to visit in Malaysia and this picture of a beautiful island with torquiest water and a promise of unspoiled underwater haven sold me to fly to Kuala Lumpur.
