Month: November 2017

Affordable Restaurant in Davao City – Lachi’s

November 23, 2017 / One Armed Wanderer

Apart from the Philippine Eagle Center, Crocodile Park and the beautiful Samal Island, Davao City is also a perfect travel destination for foodie lovers. It has various food places and restaurants to fulfill one’s gastronomic adventures. One of which is the local food place – Lachi’s.

Location

This must visit restaurant in Davao City is located along Ruby St., Marfori Subdivision. It is near Bankerohan Public Market, Davao Crocodile Park and Gaisano Mall Davao. Lachi’s is accessible from any point in Davao City via taxi.

Simple and Cozy Ambiance

Lachi’s Sans Rival Davao City Philippines

interiors

From outside, there is an indication that Lachi’s stood the test of time. It reminds me of old local restaurants I’ve visited during my travels. However, once you go inside, you will be surprised by its interiors. The furnitures and fixtures look new and the interiors are modern. Overall, the entire restaurant is very clean and well maintained.

Lachi’s Menu

Originally, Lachi’s started as a bakeshop and has become popular for its sans rival. If you have a sweet tooth, Lachi’s is the perfect food destination if you travel to Davao City. Apart from their mouthwatering deserts, on their menu are sandwiches, sausages, pastas and rice meals.

For Lachi’s Menu, click HERE.

Unforgettable Grilled Pork Ribs

I was very lucky to be with Jen who grew up in Davao City. She told me that Lachi’s has the best grilled pork ribs not only in Davao City but in the entire Philippines. We did not hesitate to order the Unforgettable Pork Ribs (180 Php per serving).

Unforgettable Grilled Pork Ribs

Lachi’s Unforgettable Pork Ribs is the best I’ve ever tasted! It is juicy and perfectly cooked. For the price, I should say that this particular dish exceeded my expectations. The serving of pork ribs coupled with rice is generous. The presentation and taste is truly at par with high-end and pricey restaurants in Manila.

Durian Cheesecake and Carrot Cake

For our desert, we ordered slices of Durian Cheesecake (72 Php) and Carrot Walnut Cake (60 Php). It’s surprising that their deserts particularly the cakes are very affordable!

Durian Cheesecake

I personally loved the Durian Cheesecake topped with a sweetened durian. It is something new to my tastebuds. The Durian flavor is a perfect combination to the cream cheese. Again at only 72 Php, this Lachi’s signature desert is truly a must try!

Carrot Cake

The Carrot Cake topped with cream cheese and walnuts was also delicious! Jen and I are fans of Carrot cakes. We find their version of carrot cake better as it is delicious and cheaply priced.

Affordable Restaurant in Davao City

If you are visiting Davao City and searching for the best local restaurant, I am highly recommending Lachi’s. It is accessible from any point in Davao City. The entire restaurant is clean and cozy. Customer service is good too. And more importantly, with their delicious and affordable meals and deserts, Lachi’s will both satisfy your taste buds and pocket!

Cheap Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City – Win Min Transient Inn

November 20, 2017 / One Armed Wanderer

Cagayan de Oro City is the capital city of the province of Misamis Oriental in Mindanao region of the Philippines. Cagayan de Oro City is a famous for its white river rafting. It also serves as a gateway to several tourist destinations in Mindanao such as Bukidon, Iligan and Camiguin island. If you are visiting Cagayan de Oro City and is looking for an affordable hotel, Win Min Transient Inn is the perfect hotel for you.

Win Min Hotel Cagayan de Oro City

Good Location

Win Min Transient Inn is located in Agora Bus Terminal. This affordable Cagayan de Oro hotel is perfect to those who are traveling to nearby cities and provinces. It is located right in the heart of Cagayan de Oro city’s largest integrated bus terminal. Win Min Transient Inn is also few minute taxi away from various malls such as Limketkai and Centrio. If you are going to Laguindingan airport, there are also vans just few steps away from Win Min Transient Inn bound to the airport.

Check-In at Any Time of the Day

Apart from its location, what sets Win Min Transient Inn apart from other hotels in Cagayan de Oro is that you can check-in at any time of the day. Unlike in typical hotels where check-in is at 12:00 PM or 2:00 PM, you can check-in as Wes Min Transient Inn at any time of the day. Check-out depends on your check-in time and hours of stay.

Win Min Transient Inn Cagayan de Oro City Philippines

Affordable Room Rates – Win Min Transient Inn

Win Min Transient Inn offers affordable room rates. The hotel is ideal to backpackers and travelers as they offer short-time room stays. They offer a per hour rates with a minimum of 3 hour stay. They also offer 24 hour stay at affordable room rates.

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For some reason, Wes Min Inn Transient’s published room rates are already discounted.

Tip: Get huge discounts if you book your Wes Min Transient Inn HERE.

Standard Room

After enjoying my 2 day stay in Camiguin island, I immediately headed to Cagayan de Oro. I arrived in Agora Bus Terminal at 8 PM and had to look for the nearest and cheapest accommodation in the area. Luckily, Wes Min Transient situated within the terminal. Since I’m leaving Cagayan de Oro City the next day and found out that there are vans bound to the airport just outside Wes Min, I did not hesitate to check-in in the hotel.

Since it was past 8 PM and my flight to Manila the next day is 9 AM, I opted for a per hour rate. The receptionist advised that the per hour basis is more expensive than their 12 hour rate. I then availed for their 12 hour room rate.

Win Min Transient Inn CDO City

I must admit that I did not expect something grand about Win Min Transient Inn. Firstly, it is located right in the bus terminal. Second, it offers short time rates like motels. And third, I did not experience warm welcome from the receptionists and the staff.

I was surprised that the room was very clean. The ambiance was good and a bit cozy for an accommodation within a bus terminal. The bed, pillows and linens were okay. There is a small television with cable channels. There is also a mini work area in the room. The air-conditioning unit works perfectly. The big surprise is the rain shower in the spacious toilet and bath. I just felt like the room and the entire hotel is a bit old but the cleanliness compensates the rusty feeling. As for the security, there is a guard manning in the entrance.

Highly Recommended Cheap Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City

Overall, I would highly recommend Win Min Transient Inn. If you are coming from or going to nearby Cagayan de Oro provinces, you will definitely see Win Min Transient Inn within the Agora Bus Terminal. This cheap Cagayan de Oro hotel is perfect for backpackers and budget travelers who are always on the go!

Win Min Transient Inn Cagayan de Oro City
Contact Number: (088) 856 8043
Online Booking HERE

How to get to Camiguin from Manila, Butuan, Cebu, CDO, Bohol + Itinerary and Budget

November 14, 2017 / One Armed Wanderer

Camiguin Island is located in Bohol Sea and is 10 kilometers off the northern Mindanao coast. In terms of population and land area, Camiguin Island is the second smallest island in the Philippines. Also known as the “Island Born of Fire”, this province is truly a promising tourist destination not only in Mindanao but in the entire Philippines.

Camiguin Island, Philippines

How to get to Camiguin from Manila, CDO, Cebu, Bohol or Butuan

Manila -> Cebu -> Camiguin

Unfortunately, there is no direct flight from Manila to Camiguin Island. The only airline catering direct flights to the Island is Cebu Pacific Air which only flies from Cebu province. With this, you may fly from Manila to Cebu and Cebu to Camiguin Island.

Manila -> Cagayan de Oro City -> Camiguin

Geographically, Cagayan de Oro City’s Laguindingan airport is the nearest airport to the island if you are not flying from Cebu. Fly from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City.

Laguindingan Airport

From Laguindingan airport, hail a taxi going to Agora bus terminal. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes. In Agora bus terminal, ride a van or bus going to Balingoan Port. Travel time is approximately 2 hours. In Balingoan Port, ride a ferry bound to Benoni Port.

For ferry schedule and fare, please see Balingoan Port to Benoni Super Shuttle Ferry Schedule section of this blog post.

Manila -> Butuan City -> Camiguin

If you are coming from Butuan City’s Bancasi airport, ride a multicab going to Butuan integrated bus terminal. Travel time is approximately 10 minutes, In the terminal, ride a bus going to Cagayan de Oro City. Inform the driver to drop you off to Baligoan Port. Bus ride from the terminal to Balingoan port is approximately 2 hours. In Balingoan Port, ride a ferry bound to Benoni Port.

Butuan airport

For ferry schedule and fare, please see Balingoan Port to Camiguin Super Shuttle Ferry Schedule section of this blog post.

Bohol -> Camiguin

Super Shuttle Ferry in Bohol caters Bohol-Camiguin route. Go to Jagna seaport and ride a ferry going to Balbagon port in Camiguin.

Super Shuttle Ferry Contact Number: +63 927 9386686 or +632 4127688

Balingoan Port to Benoni Port Super Shuttle Ferry Schedule and Fare

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Note that most of the resorts are quite far from Benoni port. The transfer rate from the port to your resort depends on the vehicle and proximity of the resort. Van transfers range from 500 Php to 700 Php. For multicab, transfers cost 350 Php to 550 Php and 500 Php to 700 Php for Jeepneys. Since I was alone, I arranged a transfer to the resort with a habal-habal driver for 500 Php.

Cheap Camiguin Tour Rates

If you are visiting Camiguin, forget the expensive tour packages being offered by various tour agencies. It is way cheaper to directly go to Benoni Port and arrange your island tour with the locals.

Below are the Camiguin tourism office accredited tour rates:

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The above rates cover 8 hour island tour and are exclusive of entrance fees. A rate of 150 Php applies for every hour in excess.

*Since I was traveling solo, I opted for a cheaper alternative. I arranged a motorbike (habal-habal) tour for only 700 Php. Same as with the tourism accredited rates, the tour covers 8 hour island tour.

One Day Island Tour Itinerary

If you are pressed of time, the island can be toured in one day. Note that the entrance fees in the itinerary and pump boat fees in White Island and Mantigue Island are exclusive of the tour rates indicated in the Cheap Camiguin Tour Rates section of this blog post.

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Since I arrived in the island at 5:00 PM, I just checked-in at Marianita’s Cottages and had dinner at a nearby restaurant. I decided to have my island tour the next day. Below is my itinerary during my next day in Camiguin:

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Camiguin Travel Tips

Book your resort ahead of time to prevent the hassles of looking for one once you arrive in the island. Book your discounted Camiguin resort HERE.
If you are traveling solo, you may rent a motorbike for only 500 Php. This is cheaper but you will have to tour the island without a driver/guide.
It is highly recommended to allot 1 day for White Island and Mantigue Island. If you are a couple or a solo traveler, it is advisable to find someone to share with the boat.
Visit White Island early in the morning as it tend to get crowded before lunch time until the afternoon. pump boat trips going to White Island starts at 5 AM. Last trip from White Island going back to mainland is at 5 PM.
Since the White Island is a small sandbar, there are no trees or any human structures in the area. Huge umbrellas can be rented for 100 Php.
There is a number of restaurants in the island to fulfill your gastronomic adventures. Don’t miss Camiguin’s famous pastel!