Showing posts with label Old Balete Tree. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Old Balete Tree. Show all posts

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Six-Hour Day Tour - Siquijor

10AM we left Coco Grove to start our 6-hour island tour for only Php 1,000.  First stop – Enchanted (Century-Old) Balete Tree




We didn’t only get to see this old Balete tree, but we also had our spa treatment! I found it ticklish when the tiny and even big tilapia-looking fish started sucking our dead skin cells.




Few minutes away from Balete Tree – Cambugahay Falls.

















 One hundred thirty plus steps and you’ll get to see the scenic beauty of Cambugahay Falls.






Next was San Isidro Labrador Parish Church. Fronting the church is this old abandoned convent (damn! I was expecting to see an old convent with nuns! Didn’t know it was abandoned). I guess the local government should do something to make these two more appealing to the visitors.








A bit creepy. I was the only "explorer" at that time. I stopped at the last step of that stairs to take photos.








Final stop, Salagdoong Beach. It’s lunch time when we arrived here. 






While two of my friends were busy swimming after lunch, I preferred to explore the place and find some more interesting spots. I found a quiet corner, a bit dangerous if you’re not careful with your steps, but it has magnificent view of the sea stretching in the horizon. Lovely view!










On our way back to the resort, kodak moment. The oldest house (in the province?)



AT 4PM we’re back to our resort. Though Salagdoong Beach and other tourist spots were amazing, Coco Grove Resort has its own secrets to reveal to its guests who desire to be pampered all day.



Siquijor - Stroll, Dine, and Relax: Budget and Day Tour



Shame! I wasn’t aware that Siquijor’s one of the smallest islands in my country. And neither did I know that it’s famous for its horror-like stories – not until two of my friends decided to have a vacation (goal: to simply relax. Goal achieved!) After that vacation, I realized / learned two things:

1. I have friends who are willing to offer a travel now-pay later gesture just to make me part of the trip and 
2.  Siquijor’s an island which is a home to beautiful natural attractions.



Among the must-see places in Siquijor:


 Sunset @ Coco Grove

















Cambugahay Falls (Town: Lazi)

















The Old Balete Tree (Town: Lazi)


San Isidro Labrador Church (Town: Lazi)
The door was locked/closed when we got there. Super curious to know what's inside.


Fronting San Isidro Church - San Isidro Labrador Convent (Didn't know it was an abandoned place. I was expecting to see nuns! Hahaha!)


Salagdoong Beach (This is my fave part of this beach resort. Quite hidden)



We left Manila at 5AM, Friday to catch the 7AM flight to Dumaguete (Sibulan) Airport. 

Touchdown: Dumaguete





There were tricycle drivers outside the airport who offered a 150-peso ride going to the port. But it’s still quite early so we had some snacks first at what seemed to be the only reasonable looking place in the area. 



The food’s ordinary; even the presentation. Pricey, but the ambiance was comfy. My friend’s not into eateries, but you may try in case you’re on a budget.






















At the port, someone politely asked and “assisted” us in getting the next earliest boat ride. Just before we entered the waiting area, he asked for a little “help”, but since he was polite and helpful, my friend gave him a little tip.

(The guy in blus shirt)






Outside the port, there were accredited tricycle drivers in blue uniforms who offer a “resort transfer” and a whole-day island tour. It’s Php250 from the port to our resort (Coco Grove) and Php1,000 for the island tour. The tricycle can accommodate 4 passengers inside plus two more at the back, provided each passenger only carries a backpack.



Coco Grove Beach and Dive Resort






Island tour lasts for 5 hours, though it depends on your pick up time and the time you’ll spend in each place.

Budget for this 3D 2N trip can be as low as Php5,000 (pocket money not included) per head. Bring Php2,000 when you intend to have your lunch and dinner at the resort.  (We had complimentary breakfast). Average price per meal Php 300-500.