DOT Announces 3rd Leg of Phil. Kayaking Series 2009
November 20, 2009
Following the successful first two parts of the Philippine Kayaking Series 2009, Kayak Explore Hundred Islands and Kayak Explore Cavite-Corregidor-Bataan, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is urging all kayak enthusiasts and novices to join the 3rd leg of the series which will be held in Cebu and Bohol on December 4-6, 2009.
Entitled Kayak Explore Cebu-Bohol crossing, the 3rd run will follow the route of Mactan Island to Bohol, where paddlers will cross the 125-km scenic route passing through a motley of islets, coves, mangroves and river deltas. The DOT together with the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) is supporting the event.
“We have 7,107 islands, with infinite possibilities for kayaking adventure. Exploring the span of our clear waters surely opens travelers to the unique splendor of our country,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.
The tourism chief also commended different sectors for their active participation in boosting the eco-adventure package, “The Philippines can undoubtedly become the Kayaking Capital of Southeast Asia with these overwhelming support from the private sector and local communities.”
Eduardo Jarque Jr., Tourism Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions highlighted the country’s bountiful natural waterways, “This unique eco-adventure allows tourists inside secret coves, inlets, channels that lead to stunning views of our mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, unspoiled coastlines and other exciting mysteries around our islands.”
One of the world’s best kayak sites and trails found in the Philippines include, Pinacanauan River, Hundred Islands, Cavite-Corregidor-Bataan, Caramoan Peninsula, Northern Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Samar, Siargao Island, and Samal Island.
The Caramoan Peninsula offers a view of limestones, rugged coastlines, and white sand-ringed islands, complemented by a stunning view of underwater marine life by snorkeling around shallow waters.
For the high-spending market, the DOT offers Luxury Kayaking in Palawan. Known for its idyllic beaches, lagoons and caves, Palawan enjoins travelers to kayak in El Nido and Coron.
Cebu draws attention to paddling in Hilutungan Island and Marine Sanctuary, Sulpa Island, Olango Island and Mactan Island for moonlight kayaking.
In Samar, the unspoiled waters of Marabut, and Sohoton Natural Bridge Park are featured. While Siargao has Guyam Island, Sohoton Cove, and Del Carmen Lagoon. Samal Island in Davao is likewise a kayak site, promising reefs, mountains and caves along the way.
For inquiries, call (02) 4687091; 0915-435-9321; email philkayaking@yahoo.com or visit www.justgo.ph/kayak; www.kayakphilippines.com.
Tagaytay Food Tripping & Kayaking in Nasugbu
October 4, 2009Sept. 20, 2009… a week before typhoon Ondoy devastated Luzon. It was a quiet, sunny and wonderful day. Peter and I thought it was a good day to go out of town and spend some quality time together. Since we only had two days to spare (Monday was considered a holiday), we decided to go somewhere near and fun. So we thought of heading to Tagaytay and Nasugbu.
Upon reaching Tagaytay proper, we noticed that the sky was getting dark, cold and foggy. Our first reaction was a big “OH NO!!!”. It also began to drizzle so we decided to stop somewhere for lunch to think about whether we’re pushing thru with our plan to kayak in Nasugbu or not.
We found this nice looking restaurant, BALI SEAFOD PALUTO. It was cozy with native and wooden designs. And they offer delicious Pinoy dishes too.
It took a while for our order to be cooked so we spent some time just hanging out, with me reading my book and Peter tinkering with the camera.
At last, our food arrived! I was sooo hungry!
We ordered Sinigang na Tilapya. For only Php195, the serving was quite huge and more than enough for the both of us!
Next stop was Munting Buhangin beach in Nasugbu. The waiter I spoke with at the restaurant said that Nasugbu’s weather is always different from Tagaytay’s. So if it was drizzling in Tagaytay, it’s most probably sunny in Nasugbu. True enough, it was!
Late as it was (around 3pm) we still managed to enjoy the water and do some kayaking. Yay!
We originally planned to stay overnight and pitch our new tent. However, my agant texted me that afternoon saying that I have a VTR the next morning. Oh well.
Before heading home that night, we stopped at Army Navy for dinner. Peter was craving for some burger and burrito. I ordered some quesadillas too. ^_^ So that was our weekend before Ondoy. We all know what happened after that. I’m just glad even typhoon Pepeng is now out of the country. Yay!
Travelogue XXXIII: Puerto Galera Series Part II
May 7, 2008Hey guys, it’s almost weekend again! Where are you off to this time? Summer is almost at an end so may I suggest that we all try to enjoy the remaining weekends ahead? Yes? Great! One of the resorts I’d like to suggest is Coco Beach in Sabang, Puerto Galera. For shuttle and boat services contact their office because they use a different route as compared to what the regular boats use in going to White Beach. Usually, meeting place is in Manila Hotel very early in the morning. Their very own coaster or van will come pick you up and bring you to a more private pier near Batangas port in just 2 hours or so depending on traffic . Then their very own boat will cross the choppy waters of Mindoro and in another 30-45 minutes you’ll find yourselves docking at their wonderful beach, forgetting about all the worries the city life usually brings. In terms of the resort’s ambience, the cottages and the stuff you can do, this place is fantastic! They even have their own soap and coconut oil factory which they sell at very affordable prices and they produce their own water. They also have a game room for pool, darts and videoke and TV room with cable, which you can enjoy with your family and friends. However, there was a moment when their staff didn’t deliver their services so well that I had to throw a fit just to get their attention. But that was before (year 2004 to be exact). Other than that, even when we had to climb 200 steps just to reach our cottage, even when we had no choice but to experience brownouts at certain times to conserve water and electricity and and even if we spent around Php 8,000 ++ for our cottage for a 3 days/2 nights stay which already included welcome drinks, lunch upon arrival, breakfasts, toiletries, picnic lunches, island hopping and banana boat rides, I guess they were all worth it…
The Arrival
The Main Swimming Pool with the Revolving Restaurant
Their Huge Playground
The Other Swimming Pool On Top of The Hill
Travelogue VI: Remembering GUIMARAS
August 24, 2006
It’s just been three months ago since we last experienced this piece of paradise and now, it’s being damaged by an oil spill at a very alarming rate. I don’t wanna discuss the details of the damage. It’s too depressing. I know a lot of environmental groups are doing something to help solve this pollution problem and even our President formed a task force to specifically address this oil spill issue. I don’t know how I can help. I’ve got so much in my hands and I don’t have the skill to do some technical oil cleaning or whatever they call it. All I can do is to show you how beautiful this paradise once was and perhaps someone out there with more resources will be inspired to help in a more concrete manner.
This post was taken from my Kodakgallery blog:
“Another long weekend has come. Although Peter had some business matters in mind, we still decided to go somewhere secluded, just the two of us, to spend some quality time together as husband and wife and for once have a “lazy” vacation. We therefore boarded a plane to Bacolod then headed to this island via boat called Inampulugan in Guimaras.
