Iloilo and Guimaras Travel Guide

Iloilo and Guimaras Travel Guide

Concepcion, Iloilo

Iloilo is one of the provinces occupying the Panay island in Visayas. It is known for its old Spanish churches where one is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, island destinations and of course the origin of La Paz Batchoy.

How To Get There

Iloilo can be reached by plane from Manila and travel time takes 1 hour. There are also flights from Cebu, Davao, Hong Kong and Singapore via Cebu Pacific. For the flight schedules, visit cebupac’s website.

Note: Iloilo guide maps are available at the Tourism desk inside the Airport.

Where To Stay

We stayed at a budget hotel, Urban Inn, located near the La Paz Public Market. We chose this hotel due to its accessibility to public transportation. It’s also decent and very affordable; we got our room for 560/night/person with free breakfast. The room was clean, so are the sheets.

What To Do

Island hopping in Concepcion

Bulubudiangan Island

Agho Island

Lumpatan Island 

Guimaras Day Tour

Alubihod Beach

Iloilo City Walk and Jeepney Tour

Molo church

Iloilo Eats

Netong's La Paz Batchoy

How To Get Around

As compared to other provinces in the country, getting around Iloilo by public transportation is easy and convenient.  We roamed around the city via jeepneys and used the bus to get to Concepcion.

Tranpo Tips:

Airport shuttle

There are airport shuttles (vans) bound for SM Iloilo located in the parking lot of the airport. Fare is Php 50 and travel time is 30 minutes.

Jeep to Ceres Terminal (Tagbak)

Walk across the street from SM Iloilo and look for Leganes bound jeepneys. Tell the driver to drop you off at Ceres Terminal in Tagbak. Fare is Php 10 and travel time is around 10-15 minutes.  

Jaro-CPU Jeepneys

Jeeps with this signboard pass along Jaro Plaza (which is a walking distance to Jaro Cathedral and Belfry), Gaisano Mall, Museo Iloilo and Calle Real.

-goodnight-

donna

Cebu-Bohol Travel Guide

Cebu-Bohol Travel Guide

Cebu and Bohol are two of the most visited provinces in the country by local and foreign tourists. I love Cebu for its beaches, waterfalls, Butanding and lechon. God, I love their lechon! As for Bohol, I love its marine life.

How To Get There

Lapu-Lapu International Airport is the gateway to Cebu.  Cebu Pacific and PAL fly daily to Cebu from Manila.  On the other hand, Bohol can be reached via boat from Cebu with two hours travel time.

Visit this link for ferry schedule from Cebu to Bohol. 

Where to Stay

There are a number of hotels/hostels in Cebu. No need for fancy hotels, you will be sleeping the moment you arrive at your hotel because there are many activities to do in the area.

*We stayed at Capitol Central Hotel and Suites in Cebu and Matig-A Seaside Pensione in Bohol. Matig-A is just a walking distance from downtown of Tagbilaran City.

What To Do

South Cebu

We only managed to visit Cebu City and South Cebu.

- Swim with whale sharks in Oslob.

- Chase waterfalls.

- Trek the highest peak in Cebu - Osmena Peak.

Visit the Heritage Park in Oslob.

Bohol

Bohol has a very established tourism industry. We purchased a tour package for the countryside tour and ocean adventure from Angelbert Tours.

- Bohol Chocolate Hills (not chocolatey anymore)

- Balicasag marine life. 

Itinerary:

Day 1:

- Arrive at Mactan International Airport

- Eat lunch at Manna STK Foodhouse

- Visit Mactan Shrine ( there’s nothing exceptional to see here)

- Ride taxi to Cebu City

- Hotel check in

- Dinner

Expenses (2pax):

Taxi to Mactan Shrine: Php135 (walking distance to Manna Foodhouse)

Lunch at Manna STK: Php620

Taxi to Cebu City: Php330

Day 2:

- Depart for Oslob at 5 am via Ceres Bus (South Bus Terminal)

- Drop off at Brgy. Tan-awan

- Whale Shark Watching

- Breakfast

- Ride habal-habal to Aguinid Falls. Trek and swim.

- Lunch

- Ride habal-habal to Tumalog Falls. Swim.

- Ride habal-habal to Heritage Area.

- Ride bus back to City.

- Dinner at Zubochon (because lechon).

Expenses (2pax):

Taxi to South bus terminal: Php90

Bus to Oslob: Php310

Whale Shark Watching: Php1200

Tourguide with transpo in Aguinid/Tumalog/Heritage: Php900

Tip at Aguinid Falls: Php200

Lunch: Php114

Bus to Cebu City: Php310

Dinner at Zubochon: Php490

Day 3:

- Depart for Dalaguete at 6 am via bus (South Bus Terminal)

- Drop off at Dalaguete Town Proper

- From town proper, ride habal-habal to jump-off of Osmena Peak.

- Trek. Pak na pak ang scene sa taas!

- Ride habal-habal to Kawasan Falls (Skip this.)

- Ride habal-habal to Mainit Spring and Montaneza Falls. Magpainit ka muna dito.

- Ride habal-habal to Inambakan Falls. Rest and swim.

- Ride habal-habal to Hidden Falls/Haden Falls(nakatago talaga sya).

- Ride bus back to City.

- Dinner at Buddies.

Expenses (2pax):

Taxi to South bus terminal: Php73

Bus to Dalaguete: Php210

Tourguide with transpo: Php2000

Entrance to Kawasan Falls: Php60

Entrance to Mainit Spring: Php40

Entrance to Inambakan Falls: Php40

Entrance to Hidden Falls: Php50

Bus to Cebu City: Php262

Taxi to hotel: Php75

Dinner at Buddies: Php290

Day 4:

- City tour and rest day.

- Visit Fort San Pedro

- Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino/Sto. Nino Museum

- Magellan’s Cross

- Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

- Buy souvenirs at Shamrock.

Expenses (2pax):

Lunch at Zubochon: Php685

Taxi to Fort San Pedro: Php93

Entrance to Fort San Pedro: Php60

Entrance to Sto. Nino Mueseum: Php60

Shamrock: Php2000 (mine)

Day 5:

- Depart for Bohol, 5 am ferry trip

- Countryside Tour and Loboc River Cruise

Expenses (2pax):

Taxi to port: Php100

Countryside Tour and Loboc River Cruise: Php1800

Ferry (Oceanjet): Php1300

Souvenirs: Php500

Day 6:

Ocean Adventure (Dolphin watching at Pamilacan Seas, Snorkeling at Balicasag Island, Virgin Island sandbar)

Expenses (2pax):

Ocean Adventure Package: Php3500







-goodnight- 
donna

Calayan Travel Guide

Calayan Travel Guide

Calayan, sometimes called Babuyanes Islands or simply Babuyanes, is a municipality of Cagayan surrounded by Balintang Channel on the north, which separates the islands from Batanes, West Philippine Sea on the west, Pacific Ocean on the east and Babuyan Channel on the south, which separates them from mainland Luzon. Due to the abundance of pig in the area, locally known as Babuy, the islands were called Babuyanes.

Babuyanes is composed of small islands: Calayan, Camiguin, Dalupiri, Fuga, Babuyan Claro and Didicas with Calayan being the town center. Ilocano is the native tongue of the locals of Calayan while those living in Babuyan Claro can speak “Ikarog” which originated from Ivatan dialect from Batanes.

According to some records, Calayan is called such because of the abundance of ginger, known as laya in Ilocano. The place was called Calayaan and was later shortened to Calayan.

*Calayan was a part of Batanes during the 19th Century. It became a part of cagayan in the early 20th. I got all this information from a local paper provided by tita Tess.

How To Get There

Calayan is a remote island in Cagayan (Valley) thus it is not easy to reach. The island can only be reached via boat (lampitaw) from the port of Claveria. It is best to contact someone from Calayan (Tita Tess or Tita Connie) before going there so they could arrange for your boat ride. Fee is Php 500 pesos per person.

Good to know: The boat is an ordinary boat that carries goods from Claveria to Calayan. The number of passengers it can accommodate depends on the size of the boat. There are no seats, no sun shade and you have to bear with the engine’s noise. Bawal ang pabebe sa Calayan. There’s a chance that you’ll get wet. Boat ride to Calayan takes around six hours and that is if the weather is nice.

*After our boat ride my friend and I talked like we’re 10 meters apart.

To reach Claveria Port from Metro Manila, you could ride a bus bound for Claveria or fly to Laoag City then take a van bound for Claveria.

Contact numbers:

Tita Tess – 09399158667 / 09298375737

Tita Connie – 09215349231

Where To Stay

San Jose Inn

There are two inns in Calayan: TPS Homestay owned by Tita Tess and San Jose Inn owned by Tita Connie. We stayed at Tita Connie although we were supposed to stay at Tita Tess’. Both hostels are decent and clean but not air conditioned.

What To Do

I can’t comment on the island’s marine life since we did not snorkel. It wasn’t recommended by Tita Tess and Tita Connie but I think the island has a good snorkeling site. Ask the locals, they’re nice and friendly.

The beaches are beyond beautiful and peaceful. Some offer white sand beach with clear blue water while some have sand darker than the shade of gray. What I love about the beaches is the absence of unsightly restaurants and hotels nearby. It’s just you and the beach and some hermit crabs.

The island has three scenic coves: Sibang, Caniwara and Cababaan coves. Sibang and Cababaan have white sand beaches – Sibang is also a good camping site. Caniwara on the other hand has a rocky shore.

The Nagudungan Hill, which requires a short hike, gives an amazing view of the three coves. You could also watch the sunset from the hill.

Roam around Calayan and hike up to Canawaan and Bataraw falls. I don’t really recommend going to Canawaan unless you like adventure. First, it was hard to reach the waterfall since there is no well-established trail and it’s not a place locals love to visit. Our two guides don’t know where Canawaan is when we asked them so we asked some of the locals around who, apparently, aged around 9-10 year-old. It was frustrating because the way to the falls looked inaccessible; there were big boulders and fallen trees blocking way. Somehow we managed to cross the blockages. 

Canawaan Falls

Visit Tita Tess and buy wild berry wine. She is one the most accommodating people I have met. She has a little room where she makes wild berry wine. She invited us into her house where we drank wine – a lot of wine. We drank different blends, from low to high alcohol content.

Lastly, eat lobsters.

How To Get Around

There are few tricycles available but the best way to travel around is via motorbike. Again, you could ask Tita Tess, she’s the tourism head on the island (as of June 2015). Other parts of the road in Calayan are still underdeveloped so expect a bumpy ride.

Best Time To Go

The best time to go to Calayan is during summer (March to early June) when the weather is good. The waves get dangerously big during the wet season.

Good To Know:

There are no ATMS or banks in Calayan. Bring lots of cash and don’t worry about getting robbed because Calayan is safe. Zero crime rate. During our stay, we leave the door (in the veranda) and windows of our room open when sleeping.

Due to its isolated location, Calayan has limited electricity which is 12 pm – 12 am.

Summer in Calayan is very hot (like Zac Efron hot). That’s why we leave our door and windows open.

Bring waterproof bags or garbage bags (like we did) to protect your belongings from the waves. Even though the weather is nice, the waves get pretty big sometimes. Just waterproof everything! 

The locals understand and speak Tagalog.

For the food, there is one eatery in Calayan  but I forgot its name; our food was prepared by Tita Connie's cousin. 

How Much To Bring

The money you will bring actually depends on how many wild berry wine you’re going to purchase. :D Kidding. 

Below is the list of our expenses in Calayan for your reference.

Description	Cost
Bus to Claveria	Php750.00
Tric from Claveria Market to Port	Php70.00
Lampitaw	Php500.00
Tric from Calayan wharf to San Jose Inn	Php100.00
Motorbike rent: from San Jose Inn to Sibang and	Php300.00
Nagudungan Hill
Motorbike rent: from San Jose Inn Bataraw and	Php750.00
Canawaan Falls
Room rent/night	Php250.00
Food (for 3 days at San Jose Inn, yes including lobsters)	Php1,000.00
Boat rent (roamed around the whole Calayan Island)	Php4,000.00
there were two of us so Php2000/pax
Wild Berry Wine/bottle	Php180.00
Honey/300 mL bottle	Php150.00

That's all for today. Here's Zac Efron :D

-good day!-


donna

Kyoto Travel Guide

Kyoto is one of the most well preserved ancient cities in the world. It was the capital of Japan before the Imperial Court transferred to Tokyo. What I love about Kyoto is that I got to experience what Japan feels and looks like in the ancient times while offering me the convenience of the modern world. For instance, inside a temple built in 16^th century is an ultra-modern toilet facility that has more buttons than your cellphone.

Speaking of temples, Kyoto has thousands and if I’m not mistaken 16 of them are listed as World Heritage Site. But wait, there’s more! Kyoto is also known for its stunning landscapes and traditional houses known as “Machiya”. I almost forgot, if lucky enough you’ll get to see Geishas and Maikos walking around Gion area. Although I find their make-up weird I still find them attractive. 

The City of Kyoto was our  first destination in the Kansai region. Well my first impression of Kyoto was it was mountainous. If you're coming from Osaka you know you're approaching Kyoto when you start to see farms and mountains especially when you're riding the Hankyu Line.

We allotted three days for Kyoto and on our first day it was snowing. I was wearing 4 layers of clothes but I was still shivering! Guys, I'm from a country where the sun feels like it's just meters away. Also, this is my first time to experience winter. It was hard. 

HOW TO GET TO KYOTO

Read Kansai International Airport entry.

KYOTO ITINERARY

Kyoto is one of the cities that offers wonderful places and experiences. I listed here the details of our three-day itinerary which could help you with yours. Read more...

Kiyomizudera Temple

GETTING AROUND KYOTO

The most convenient way to move around Kyoto is by bus. The city has a very extensive bus system which could be complicated and overwhelming at first, but they can get you anywhere as long as you know which bus to board. Read more...

Kyoto Bus Terminal just outside the Kyoto Station

HOTELS

February is a good time to travel to Japan (Kansai Region) though you have to prepare yourself for the cold winter. My friend and I are both budget conscious so we opted for a budget hotel, the Shin-Osaka Sunny Stone Hotel (will make a review on this). We decided not to stay in Kyoto because the rates are higher and besides, Kyoto is just 30 minutes away from Osaka via JR Special Rapid Services and 15 minutes via Shinkansen (but this is expensive). 

In general, check Tripadvisor, Airbnb and Couchsurfing. They have some of the best deals. 

BEST TIME TO GO

During winter when prices of airlines and hotels are cheap. On a serious note, you can visit Kyoto anytime of the year - every month’s weather offers a unique experience. It all depends on you what you want to see and experience. As for us, Japan is the nearest to the Philippines that have snow, so we went here during winter.

Higashiyama Area. Snow :)

TIPS

• You can buy baked goods at family mart or any convenient store. For 100 yen you already have a decent bread for breakfast. Our hotel is just a couple of steps away from family mart so I buy food during the night and eat breakfast in my room before going out. Also, if you're on a tight budget, try all the food samples you'll see. :)
• We eat breakfast and dinner in Osaka, it's cheaper and more convenient to us.
• For day 3 (Arashiyama area), eat a heavy breakfast 'coz you'll be walking a lot. Bring a bottle of water and candies. Also, you don't have to visit all the temples I mentioned on Kyoto Itineraries but you need to see the Bamboo forest and the Togetsukyo Bridge. They're just charming.
• Supposedly, our first stop (for Arashiyama) is Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple but we didn't know that we were right in front of its gate; it's exactly the last stop of the bus. It sucks because we walked pass the temple. Well, the first person we asked didn't know it existed. Too bad for us. :( Even if you have read all the articles and blogs on the internet and googled every travel guide, you will still get lost.
• During winter, Arashiyama is colder than in any other part of Kyoto (I guess) so dress appropriately.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring a map. Maps are available at the airport, in stores and tourist spots. They're practically everywhere.  For free!
• Don't be afraid to ask for directions. The locals are very much willing to help you out.
• There are a lot of other places to see in Kyoto like the Fushimi Inari, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and  Museums. Plan ahead. 
• The Kyoto City Bus is your best friend. 
• Use Hyperdia for railway timetable.

-goodnight-

donna

Kyoto Itineraries

Kyoto is one of the cities that offers wonderful places and experiences. I listed here the details of our three-day itinerary which could help you with yours. If you got only one day for Kyoto you could follow our first day and for two days our first two days and so forth. We were coming from Osaka so I also included here the time of departure for Kyoto and what train and bus to ride. 

We opted to stay in Osaka because it would be an inconvenience to transfer hotels. But it's important to note that the hotel must be near to train stations; walking distance near. Our hotel, Shin-Osaka Sunny Stone Hotel, is just a walking distance from the Nishinakajima-Minamigata Station of the Hankyu line and Shin-Osaka Station of JR line.

We didn't follow our plan for day 1 because we woke up very late.

Kinkakuji Temple

Day 1, Higashiyama Area

• Depart for Kyoto around 7 am. 
• Take the JR line at Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto.
• Arrive at Kyoto Station around 7:30 am.
• Take City Bus 100 or 206 and drop off at Kiyomizu-michi.
• Walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Explore temple. In case you get hungry, outside the temple are food stores and shops lined up with free tastes!
• Walk through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Slope.
• Head to Kodai-ji Temple. Explore the temple.
• Stop by at Yasaka Shrine. 
• Eat lunch at Gion.
• From Gion, take City Bus 12 going to Nijojomae. Walk to Nijo Castle. Explore Castle.  
• From the castle, take City bus 12 and get off at Shijo-Kawaramachi. Walk to Nishiki Market. Walk straight (along Shijo street) then turn right. Shop and eat at Nishiki Market. 
• From Nishiki Market, walk to Hankyu Kawaramachi Station (bound for Osaka) or take City Bus 5 going to Kyoto station. 
• Bound for Osaka.

Expenses:

JR line, Special Rapid Services (Shin-Osaka to Kyoto)	JPY 560.00
City Bus flat rate	JPY 230.00
Hankyu line (Kyoto to Osaka)	JPY 400.00
Food	JPY 2,000.00
Entrance fees
Kiyomizudera Temple	JPY 300.00
Kodaiji Temple	JPY 600.00
Total	JPY 4,090.00

Day 2, Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji Area

• Depart for Kyoto around 7 am. 
• Take the Hankyu line at Nishinakajima-Minamigata Station to Kyoto (Saiin Station).
• Arrive at Saiin Station (Hankyu line has a lot of stop overs) around 8:00 am.
• Take bus 26 bound for Ninnaji Temple.
• Explore temple. There are vendos inside in case you get thirsty.
• Take bus 59 going to Ryoanji Temple.
• Explore temple then take bus 59 and head to Kinkakuji Temple. This is my favorite, maybe because it's gold. Kidding. It's just beautiful. 
• Eat lunch at Kinkakuji area. 
• After lunch, take bus 204 going to Ginkakuji Temple. 
• Explore temple.
• Walk through the Path of Philosophy.
• Walk to Honen-in temple. 
• After exploring temple, take bus 5 (or 17 and 100) to Kyoto Station.
• Bound for Osaka.

Expenses:

Hankyu line (Osaka to Saiin, Kyoto)	JPY 370.00
City Bus One-Day Pass	JPY 500.00
JR line, Special Rapid Services (Kyoto to Osaka)	JPY 560.00
Food	JPY 2,000.00
Entrance fees
Ninnaji Temple	JPY 500.00
Ryoanji Temple	JPY 500.00
Kinkakuji Temple	JPY 400.00
Ginkakuji Temple	JPY 500.00
Honenin Temple	JPY 0.00
Total	JPY 5,330.00

Day 3, Arashiyama Area

• Depart for Kyoto around 7 am. 
• Take the JR line to Kyoto station.  
• Walk to the bus terminal outside Kyoto Station and look for C6 bus stop or you could ask the police on guard at the station (ask for "Otagidera mae" or just show them the map and point Otagidera mae). 
• Once you get on to the bus, tell the driver you want to get off at "Otagidera mae". 
• Travel time is around an hour.
• Supposedly, our first stop is Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple but we didn't find it. Read my post on Adashino-Nenbutsuji Temple.
• Walk to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple and explore.
• Walk to Gioji Temple and explore (and rest too).
• Walk to Nison-in Temple and explore.
• Walk to Bamboo Forest. 
• Walk to Tenryuji Temple and explore. 
• Eat lunch.
• Walk to Togetsukyo Bridge and rest.
• Take bus 72 or 74 going to Kyoto Sation.
• If you still have the energy, walk to Kyoto Yodobashi and shop.
• Bound for Osaka. 

Expenses:

JR line, Special Rapid Services (Shin-Osaka to Kyoto)	JPY 560.00
City Bus	JPY 460.00
JR line, Special Rapid Services (Kyoto to Shin-Osaka)	JPY 560.00
Food	JPY 2,000.00
Entrance fees
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple	JPY 500.00
Gioji Temple	JPY 300.00
Nison-in Temple	JPY 500.00
Tenryuji Temple	JPY 500.00
Total	JPY 5,380.00

Total Expenses for three days: approx. JPY 15,000.00 (around PHP6,000)
*Breakfast, dinner and souvenirs not included.




-goodnight-
donna

Applying for Japan Tourist Visa (for Filipinos)

Applying for Japan Tourist Visa

Anything could happen.

It’s not true that Filipinos are exempted from getting a visa when visiting Japan. The good news is, for those of you who wants to apply for a tourist visa, Japan has relaxed its visa rules for Filipinos which started last 2014 (around September I guess). But this doesn’t mean that the process will be very easy. You still have to accomplish all the requirements to be able to get a visa.

Below are the requirements you need to accomplish when applying for a Japan visa.

1.) Philippine Passport.

Of course this is the basic-est of all the basic requirements when applying for a visa. Make sure that it is still valid for at least 6 months and should be in the best condition. And remove those fancy passport holders please. 

2.) Accomplished Visa Application Form.

Japan Visa Form (PDF)

Note: Do not leave anything blank, put N/A for those that are not applicable to you.

3.) 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm photo in white background and must be pasted on the application form.

4.) Birth Certificate issued by NSO.

For those sloths like me, you may request for a copy online at e-Census. And it will be delivered at your door, no need to queue at the NSO office.

NSO Birth Certificate

5.) Marriage contract if married. If you’re single like me, then skip to #6.

6.) Daily schedule in Japan. 

This doesn’t need to be very detailed; a simple itinerary would be fine.

Below is a sample itinerary.

7.) Bank Certificate.

Yeah! Show them what you got babe! You really don’t have to have a hundred thousand in your bank account for you to support yourself in Japan; you just need to show them that you have that amount before going there.

Tip: Be very friendly and nice, and then borrow from friends. J

8.) Income tax return (form 2316). Original and photocopy.

Once you completed those, you’re 80% done. Why? If you want the visa, try to provide all additional proofs that you think will make them give you a visa! Below are the documents I provided along with the requirements stated above:

1.)Certificate of Employment/Approved leaves. This is to prove that your main purpose of visiting Japan is purely entertainment. And to let your boss know that you are still going back to work and won’t be applying there.

2.) Roundtrip tickets. I only recommend this if the tickets are on-sale (piso fare). Regular fare is kinda expensive, it would be best to inquire for reservations. Then proceed on buying the ticket once you get your visa.

3.) Hotel Reservation. 

Search through tripadvisor, airbnb, and couchsurfing.

4.) Lastly, statement of account (postpaid plan, credit card etc.). I don’t know why but my friend highly recommends this. 

Now, you’re all set. The next thing you should do is to file your application through an accredited agency.

List of accredited agencies to process your application: 

Accredited Agencies

We chose Reli Tours at SM Megamall to handle our application; the handling fee was Php 1200.00. I’m not sure if the applicant is required to submit the requirements in person but in my case I was asked to appear in person.

Once you submitted all the documents, go home and drink coffee or tea to reward yourself for what you have accomplished. Do not think of anything that has to do with your visa application because you’re just going to have a bad time. Just relax and wait and be optimistic.

Visa application process usually takes 3-7 days. Waiting for my visa was one of the longest 2 weeks of my life. We applied the week when the Pope visited the country so the processing time took a bit longer. A week after we submitted our applications, we were asked to submit a bank certificate again. Our travel agency told us that our account balances might not be enough. So I borrowed from my office mates and submit my bank certificate again. After three days of waiting, we finally got our visa. And of course, I returned the money I borrowed from my friends.

And that kids is how I got my Japan visa. Hoping for the best on your application!

-goodnight-

donna