How my Tawi Tawi Trip was Made Possible

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Tawi Tawi Philippine Marine Escorts

Tawi-Tawi is one among the provinces in my to visit list this year. Visiting the southernmost frontier of the Philippines; enjoying its unspoiled white sand beaches; visiting the country’s very first and oldest mosque and seeing the indigenous Badjao tribe on their houses in stilts would be an ultimate travel experience. I started googling about the province and discovered that Tawi Tawi celebrates its annual Kamahardikaan Festival during the last week of September. I then decided that the last week of September is the right time to visit Tawi Tawi.

Getting to Tawi-Tawi

 

A photo posted by Ed Puno (@onearmedwanderer) on


Unknown to many, Tawi Tawi is very accessible if you are coming from Manila or Zamboanga.  However, there are no longer direct flights to Tawi-Tawi from Manila via the budget airline Cebu Pacific Air. Being a budget traveler, I could not afford to book flights to Tawi-Tawi. Getting there requires two flights (Manila to Zamboanga flight then Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi). And another two flights back to Manila (Tawi-Tawi to Zamboanga and Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi). Come Cebu Pacific seat sale, I immediately booked flights that will get me to Tawi-Tawi just right for the Kamahardikaan Festival. I only spent 2,800 Pesos for four flights (Manila to Zamboanga, Zamboanga to Tawi-Tawi and vice versa). I saved a lot compared to booking on regular rates which could cost around 10,000 Pesos.

Travel with A Purpose Project in Tawi Tawi

Travel with a Purpose in Tawi Tawi
Travel with a Purpose in Tawi Tawi. Thank you to Dave, Hope Inc. and the Philippine Marines of Tawi-Tawi.

A month before my Tawi-Tawi trip, I travelled with my girlfriend to Islas de Gigantes in Iloilo. It was Islas when I started my Travel with a Purpose Project. My sole mission is to randomly give gifts to the locals. I started putting up fundraising accounts via various fundraising sites like gogetfunding and fundmytravel. Despite of not getting any donations, we pushed with the plan and just bought 2,000 Peso worth of toys and goodies in Roxas City before visiting Islas de Gigantes.

After our trip to the beautiful Gigantes Islas and after the successful  gift giving, I published some photos on my social media accounts. It was on one of my Instagram post where a fellow Travel Blogger, Dave of Silverbackpacker.com asked me when will be my Travel with a Pupose Project in Tawi Tawi. I said I’ll be visiting Tawi Tawi during the Kamahardikaan festival. He did not hesitate to join. He immediately booked his tickets and helped me raise funds for the gift giving in Tawi-Tawi. Dave also introduced me to the founder of HOPE Incorporated, a non-profit organization whose tag is Helping Others Passionately Everywhere. I partnered with Silverbackpacker and HOPE Incorporated to make the Travel with a Purpose in Tawi-Tawi possible.

Festival No More

A week before our trip, I tried to get in touch with Ms.Marikit, Tawi Tawi tourism officer to ask for their suggested itinerary. I received a sad news that the Kamahardikaan festival. It will be held in Mapun, an island which is a 16 hour ferry ride away from the Tawi Tawi center- Bongao. She also advised that everyone from the tourism will be in Mapun for the festival. I started to lose hope as I really wanted to take part of the festival. Me and Dave will only be in Tawi-Tawi for 2 days and 2 nights. We are pressed of time and going to Mapun will not be possible.

I decided that I’ll go with the plan and will still visit Tawi-Tawi. Witnessing and taking part of the festival would be plus but not necessary. And besides Tawi Tawi is my 2016 ultimate travel destination.

Safety and Security

Tawi Tawi Philippine Marine Escorts
With our security during our 2 days and 2 nights stay in Tawi-Tawi. Thank you Philippine Marines!

When I booked my flight in March, I was aware of the situation in the ARMM specifically the Sulu. The province is known as the battleground between the Philippine military and the terror group Abu Sayaff. Tawi Tawi being near to Sulu did not bother me as there have been a couple of travel bloggers who stepped on the province. All of them were able to tour the province safely and securely. Though there are only a few information about travelling and touring Tawi Tawi, I still did my research. With all the available articles and videos about touring Tawi Tawi, I concluded that it is safe to visit the province.

I also prepared for my Tawi Tawi tour by growing my beard and mustache and tried to be under the sun as much as possible to get my skin tan. I know that I’ll blend in with the locals and will not look of high value.

Come September, encounters of the military with the Abu Sayaff were all over the news. Since we do not have contacts from the Tawi Tawi tourism office as the entire team will be in Mapun. I have to admit that I started to feel worried because I’ll be traveling with Dave, a foreigner who is likely a target of  the terror group.  Not until Ritz, the founder of HOPE Incorporated informed me that she will be coordinating with the Philippine Marines for our security during our visit in Zamboanga and Tawi-Tawi.

 

 

 

1 Day in the Philippines’ City of Love – Iloilo City

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
iloilo convention center

Pegged as the Philippines’ City of Love, Iloilo City is the capital city of Iloilo province in Panay Island situated in Western Visayas. Iloilo City is one of Visayas’ major tourist destination due to its rich heritage and not to mention being the home of the warm and romantic Ilonggos.  The city is also highly urbanized and serves as a center of trade and commerce in Western Visayas region. Thus, apart from its delicious cuisines, old churches and historical buildings, Iloilo City has a wide array of hotels and accommodations for business travelers and backpackers alike. If you’re planning to visit the city, check out booking sites like Traveloka that allow you to choose the best deals and check out reviews.

View of Iloilo from Horizon Cafe
View of Iloilo city from Injap Tower Hotel

During my first visit in Western Visayas, I took a 2GO ferry trip from Batangas to Caticlan. My initial plan was to visit Aklan first before Roxas City and Iloilo City. When the ferry docked in Caticlan port, there was a passenger van route to Iloilo City. I hopped in the van and took that 4 hour trip from Caticlan Jetty port to Iloilo City. Having no concrete plans, I did not have any itinerary or even hotel or accommodation to stay once I arrive in Iloilo City.

I arrived at 2:00 AM. The van driver was kind enough to drop me in front of the hotel across SM Iloilo. Since it was already past 2:00 AM, after realizing that the check-out time was at 12:00 noon, I opted to look for cheaper accommodations in the area. Well, I love spontaneous travelling but I do not fully advise it. It’s fun but it’s still better to plan your travel ahead of time.

Church Hopping

After a long land-sea-land travel from Manila to Iloilo, I woke up late that day. Come noon time, I was excited to visit Miag-Ao church. I have only seen photos of the church on a gallery in National museum and Vigan Museum. I was amazed by its intricate and beautiful architecture.

Molo Church
Molo Mansion

I immediately left the hotel see Miag-Ao. I then realized that it was an hour away from the city center. I proceeded anyway and took a jeepney from the hotel to the municipality of Molo where jeepneys bound to Miag-Ao. I walked in the Molo park and checked-out the Spanish-colonial and heritage site – Molo church.  This national landmark features Gothic architecture is also known as the Feminist Church due to the all women statues of saints situated on the aisle pillars. Across the street is the popular Molo Mansion. Built in 1920, this mansion was believed to have hosted Presidents Quezon and Osmeña during their visit in Iloilo city. This once abandoned mansion has now turned into a Philippine souvenir shop.

Miagao church

I then proceeded with my journey to Miag-Ao church. After taking 2 jeepneys from Molo district. I arrived in Miag-Ao church. The church’s Baroque Romanesque architecture and its intricately designed facade make it one of the most beautiful church in the Philippines. Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, Miag-Ao church has become one of Iloilo’s tourist destination.

Tigbauan Church
Guimbal Church

On my way back to Molo district, I couldn’t help myself but to alight the passenger jeepney every time I see a church in the area.

Molo Soup in Molo District

pancit-molo-iloilo

It was already afternoon when I arrived back in Molo district. I asked several locals where I could eat the authentic Pancit Molo. One local informed me to eat at Tita Paz House of Pancit Molo.

Iloilo City Night Tour

I was lucky enough that I have relatives living in Iloilo. Come evening, they invited me for a dinner at Ayala’s Atria Park District, Iloilo’s relatively new lifestyle hub. Atria looks like a typical Ayala lifestyle center in Manila.

Iloilo Convention Center
Dinner at Atria
The old Iloilo Provincial Capitol

After our dinner, they toured me around the city. We visited the modern and state of the art Iloilo Convention center. Located in Mandurriao, this modern architecture was built-in September 2015. Just in time for the Philippine’s APEC 2015 hosting.  Next stop was the old Iloilo Provincial Capitol. This Spanish colonial architecture was declared as a National Historical Site by the National Historical Commission in 2010.

Esplanade
Calle Real

We then visited Calle Real which means “Royal Street” in Spanish. Located In the old downtown district, this street is home to the art-deco and luxury American neoclassical era architectures. It is said that the street used to be the area of high-end shopping outlets during the early period of American occupancy in the Philippines. We also visited what locals call as Esplanade. This Iloilo river esplanade is a popular destination among Ilonggos and tourists alike.

 

Cheap Hotels in Roxas City: Wallabies Hotel and Novotel

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
facade of Wallabies hotel Capiz

Since we planned to take the Roxas City route to Islas de Gigantes, one of our concerns was to find the cheapest hotel there is in Roxas City where we will stay overnight before heading to Gigantes Islands in Iloilo. During my first visit in Roxas City, I stayed in relatively cheap accommodations. I stayed at Roxas President’s Inn Hotel at 2,217.00 Php for two nights and Premierre Inn motel at 700 Php a night. Since it was already my second time to visit Roxas, I wanted to try other cheap hotels or accommodations. We made a quick research while we were on the Roxas City airport. We found the rates of Wallabies Hotel and Novotel in Roxas City a good deal for budget travelers and backpackers.

Cheap hotels in Roxas City Capiz

Wallabies Hotel Roxas City

Wallabies Hotel is one among the budget friendly and cheap hotels in the seafood Capital of the Philippines. Located along Washington St. Corner Zamora St., Wallabies hotel is just few minute tricycle ride from Roxas City airport and is roughly 5 minute walk from the Roxas City center where restaurants and plaza are located.

 

Facade
Reception
Lobby/Dining Area

 

Wallabies Hotel Rates

Regular Room (Queen Sized Bed) – 699.00 Php
Premier Room – (2 single bed) – 799.00 Php
Deluxe Room (3 single bed) – 899.00 Php
Extra Bed/Person – 150.00 Php

 

 

Our room was a Regular Room at only 699.00 Pesos. Surprisingly, the room was very clean and looks relatively new. The room comes with a very small LCD TV, small dresser, 2 chairs and a mini table mounted beneath the TV.  I felt like the 2 pillows were too small for the queen sized bed. Nonetheless, the bed was very comfortable considering the affordable price of this hotel.  This budget friendly hotel also offers 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi, 24-hour security, daily housekeeping and is also PWD friendly as the hotel is wheelchair accessible.

Wallabies Hotel Online Booking HERE

Wallabies Hotel
Washington St. Corner Zamora St., Roxas City, Capiz
Contact number: (036) 6211489 / 09107512772

Novotel Hotel Roxas City

After our 3 day Gigantes Islands visit, we headed back to Roxas City where we will be staying overnight before our flight back to Manila. We decided to check-in at Novotel hotel Roxas City.

Novotel hotel Roxas City is located along Arnaldo Boulevard and is few minutes tricycle ride from Roxas City Airport, Roxas City center and the famous food destination Baybay. Being along the main road, Novotel is just few steps away from Gaisano mall, Roxas Provincial Hospital and various restaurants and bars. The hotel’s facade is barely noticeable as it shares the same building with its sister company NOVO department store.

Since we were no longer new to Novotel hotel, as expected, the room was decent. The queen-sized bed and the pillows were very comfortable. There is an LCD cable TV. The room was very clean and well maintained. I just noticed that the doors used to be powered by keycard locks but for some reasons were converted to the traditional door knobs. Nonetheless, security will not be an issue in the hotel.

Novotel Roxas City Room Rates

VIP Room- 1,050 Php
Family Room- 1,050  Php
Deluxe Room- 800 Php

Novotel Roxas City is under the hotel chains of Asia Novotel which is also has hotel chains in Caloocan City, Kalibo, Dumaguete, Sorsogon and General Santos City.

Unfortunately, Novotel hotel does not have an online booking facility. You may book other Roxas City hotels HERE. 

Asia Novotel Roxas City
Tanque, Inzo Arnaldo Village, Roxas City, Capiz
Contact Number: (036) 6320869

3 myths about solo travelers and solo traveling

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer

Do you know someone who travels solo?  Now is the time to debunk the three most common myths about solo travelers and solo traveling:

1. Solo travelers travel for soul searching

I am placing this on top of my list as people think that solo travelers are lost souls that need to find themselves by traveling alone. This may be true for first time solo travelers, but not for people who have traveled alone a couple times. In fact, solo travelers have already found their passion – to travel and explore.

If you know someone who often travel solo, please stop asking them if they will go on a soul searching on their next trip. 🙂

Bongao Peak, Tawi-Tawi
Bongao Peak, Tawi-Tawi

2. Solo travelers are rich and solo traveling is expensive

People often think that traveling is a luxury that only those who are financially blessed can afford. Perhaps, this is due to us being exposed to the media promoting luxury travels.  Unfortunately, budget travel destinations are not featured in TV adverts, magazines and billboards. This leave people clueless about the idea “budget travelling”.

People usually think that solo travelers are rich. Traveling solo is expensive is definitely a myth! Traveling definitely require money but solo travelers know how to budget and save as much as they can before and during traveling.

People always ask me where I get the money for travel.  Except for the financially free, like you, I also work for money. I have a 9 to 5 file and rank job and is only free during weekends. Since I started solo traveling in 2015, I learned to be more frugal. I rarely buy clothes and promised myself not to buy expensive perfumes and gadgets (these were my guilty pleasures way back).  I was able to change my mindset and little by little get used to a simpler and frugal lifestyle. Every time I feel discomfort, I always think of my next solo trip as my motivation. Compared to material possessions, the new travel experiences and their memories last anyways.

If you can’t afford staying in a 5 star beach resort, there will always be an alternative. During my Davao trip, since an overnight stay at Pearl Farm beach resort is way out of my budget. I chose to visit Gumasa in Sarangani instead. It was a long travel from Davao but visiting Gumasa which is dubbed as the little Boracay of Mindanao was worth it!

3. Solo travelers and Solo traveling is sad and boring

People think that solo travelers are sad people and solo traveling is boring. Traveling with your family or friends is fun but there are always restrictions when you go on a trip with a group. Solo travelers enjoy the freedom of decision making. When traveling alone, you are your own guide, you travel at your own pace and you decide on your itinerary. These things make traveling more fun and exciting!

Nothing beats the excitement and adventure of traveling solo in an unfamiliar place where no one knows you. You get to discover the place you are visiting, learn their culture and more importantly you get to know the locals and gain new friends. There is one common thing in all places I’ve traveled solo, locals usually get surprised and upon realizing that I was traveling alone. Being a solo traveler, people get curious at you and you end up having a good conversation with a stranger and a possible lifelong friend.

During my Vigan trip, I was walking alone in the famous Calle Crisologo when a stranger suddenly approached me. He along with his friends invited me for a lunch. While inside the van to Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, I befriended locals right before setting my foot in Lake Sebu. While on the bus to Ifugao, I befriended a Spanish solo traveler and became my Ifugao travel buddy. When I travelled to Tawi-Tawi, I gained friends from the military which also served as our security escort while touring the province.

Spent the entire day hiking and exploring #banaue with this beautiful and very nice lady from Spain.

A photo posted by Ed Puno (@onearmedwanderer) on

To conclude, solo traveling is not for everyone but I would highly recommend it. The next time you see a solo traveler, be happy for that person as he is for sure enjoying and having a time of his life.

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6 Things You Should Know Before Going to Islas de Gigantes Iloilo

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
scallops shucking

Excited to visit Islas de Gigantes in Iloilo? Here are some tips and things you should know before going to Islas de Gigantes:

disclaimer: most of the below tips are based on what we have experienced during our visit in the islands last August 2016.

1. Islas de Gigantes is a group of islands

Islas de Gigantes is a group of islands located in the Western Visayas archipelago within the Visayan sea. This must visit Philippine destination is part of the municipality of Carles, the northernmost part of Iloilo province.

Islas de Gigantes is composed of 10 islands. The two largest islands are the Gigantes Norte and Gigantes Sur. In the southeast of Gigantes Norte are the islets Bulubadiang, Gigantillo and Gigantuna. On the south of Gigantes Sur are the islands and islets Antonia, Bantigui, Cabugao, Tanguingui, and Turnina.

A photo posted by Ed Puno (@onearmedwanderer) on

Antonia Island, Islas de Gigantes

A photo posted by Ed Puno (@onearmedwanderer) on

Cabugao Gamay Island, Islas de Gigantes

2. Best time to visit Islas de Gigantes is from December to May

If you want to fully enjoy the Islas de Gigantes experience, the best time to visit is during the months of December to May.  Avoid the habagat season from June to November due to the strong sea waves. To preserve the natural beauty of Islas de Gigante’s lagoon which is also known as “Tanke”, guests are also restricted to visit it during the habagat season.  Sadly, we visited the beautiful Islas de Gigantes during the season and the famous tanke was closed for tourists.

3. Electricity is from 5 PM to 6 AM

Being a remote island in the northeast part of Iloilo, there is limited electricity in Islas de Gigantes’ mainland- Gigantes Sur. Electricity is only available from 5 PM to 6 AM. During our stay in the island, we experienced blackouts even during the 5 PM to 6 AM window. Good thing is that Gigantes Hideway Tourist Inn has generators to back-up in case of power shortage.

The limited electricity will not be an issue during your stay in Islas de Gigantes. You will be touring around Islas de Gigantes during daytime and will be back in the resort before evening. During your idle time, the experience of not having electricity during daytime will make you feel how it’s like living in a remote island with no electricity and cellphone signal (read number 5).

4. Main Industry is Scallops Harvesting and Shucking

Since there is no electricity during daytime, during our first afternoon in Gigantes Sur, we decided to stroll outside the Gigantes Hideway Tourist Inn resort. We noticed that scallops shells are all over the place. We talked to locals and discovered that the primary industry in the island is scalloping. In fact, Islas de Gigantes’ Gigantes Norte is the scallops capital of the municipality of Carles. As we walked farther, we noticed a group of locals shucking scallops. Their leader was kind enough to tell us more about the scallops industry in the island. Most of the shucked scallops are placed on bottles, frozen and exported to Cebu, Manila and even outside the Philippines. Sadly, they only earn a little from scalloping and shucking. That expensive baked scallops you order in fancy restaurants might be a product of these people’s hard work.

We then decided that we will give most of the goodies we bought for my very first Travel with a Purpose Project to these friendly and hardworking Islas de Gigantes locals.

Scallops shucking
Scallops shucking
Travel with a Purpose in Islas de Gigantes

Tip: Stroll around the area during daytime and discover more of Islas de Gigantes.

4. No cellphone signal except from Gigantes Sur’s “call center”, Bulubadiang and Cabugao Gamay

There is no cellphone signal in Gigantes Sur except for a spot they call as call center.  It is where locals visit if they want to use their mobile phones. As for the other islands in Islas de Gigantes, there is also signal in the islands Bulubadiang and the famous Cabugao Gamay. So, while in Islas de Gigantes, do not expect that you will be able to post photos in your Facebook and Instagram real-time.

Tip: Disconnect and simply enjoy Islas de Gigantes. Remember, you are there for the experience. Enjoy first and share your photos later.

5. Limited passenger boat trip going to and out of Islas de Gigantes

Islas de Gigantes can be reached via Iloilo City or Roxas City. Booking a flight is easy but catching the  boat trip a day to Islas de Gigantes requires careful time planning as missing the passenger boat ride from the port to Islas de Gigantes could ruin your itinerary. There are only two daily trips going to Islas de Gigantes. One is from Carles port which promptly leaves at 10 AM and the other one is from Estancia port which leaves at 1 PM.

Same goes if you are leaving Islas de Gigantes, there is also a limited number of trips from the Islas de Gigantes Sur to Estancia or Carles port.

Tip:  If you don’t want to ride a passenger boat, special and private trip from Estancia port to Islas de Gigantes will cost you 4,500 Pesos.

Boat scedule from/to Islas de Gigantes
Boat to the island

6. Cheapest tour package is Islas Hideaway Tourist Inn’s

If you are on a tight budget and wants a complete and memorable Islas de Gigantes experience, I would highly recommend availing a tour package offered by Islas de Gigantes Hideaway resort. Unlike other tour agencies, The Gigantes Hideaway’s rates are by far the cheapest we have seen. And I should say that Gigantes Hideaway did not disappoint us. [Related: Cheapest Islas de Gigantes Tour Package].

Travel with a Purpose Project

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Travel with a Purpose: Gift Giving in Tawi-Tawi

I was born and grew up in Manila and is used to the city life. Coming from a middle class family,  my parents raised us feeling that we had more than enough when we were growing up. I should say that from childhood up to this day, I have been living comfortably.  When I started solo travelling in 2015, my only goal was to experience and explore my beautiful home country – The Philippines.  For every province that I visited, I have seen new places, gained new friends, experience various cultures and learned new things. I always return home with memories that will last for a lifetime.

During my travels, I could not help but compare what I have in Manila realizing how blessed I am for having things that I often take for granted (having a job, a comfortable home, even food on my plate).  It was February of this year, during my first solo travel in Mindanao, where I decided that I need to help (even in my own little and simplest ways) any local/s in the province that I am visiting. Then there comes the idea of “Travel With a Purpose Project”.  My goal was not just to experience and explore my home country but to reach out and do something. Give back to the province I am visiting by helping and bringing smiles to the locals.

Completed Travel with a Purpose Projects

To date, I have completed 2 Travel with a Purpose Projects. One in Visayas and the second was in Mindanao.

  • Islas de Gigantes, Iloilo – August 2016
  • Tawi-Tawi – September 2016

 

Travel with a Purpose: Gift Giving in Tawi-Tawi
Second Travel with a Purpose: Gift Giving in Tawi-Tawi (in partnership with silverbackpacker.com, HOPE Inc., Zamboanga and Tawi-Tawi Philippine Marines)

Travel with a Purpose Partners

I have also worked with the following individuals and groups that made my Travel with a Pupose Projects possible:

  • Jen Montebon
  • HOPE Inc.
  • Dave of silverbackpacker.com
  • Zamboanga and Tawi-Tawi Philippine Marines
  • and of course kind-hearted indivuduals who donated to the projects (Car Gumapon, Aurora Vivero and to a group who requested to remain anonymous)

If you want to take part by donating or joining my future Travel with a Purpose projects, please feel free drop a mail at [email protected].

*Next Travel with a Purpose – Camiguin 

Thank you.

Ed, One Armed Wanderer

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Cheapest Islas de Gigantes Tour Package

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Cabugao gamay

If you are planning to visit the beautiful Gigantes islands in Iloilo, finding a cheap yet complete Islas de Gigantes tour package is quite hard. There are a number of tour agencies offering Islas de Gigantes tour packages. Sadly, these tours can be as expensive as 7,000 per person.

Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Inn Resort’s Tour Package

Being budget travelers, Jen and I were determined to find the cheapest Islas de Gigantes tour package, luckily, we have found Islandgirltraveler’s blog featuring Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Inn Resort, a cheap accommodation in Islas de Gigantes. A commenter mentioned that he booked for a solo traveller tour package at an affordable price.  We immediately contacted Sir Joel Decano, Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Inn owner. We asked for a quote for two persons and were surprised by the 3 days and 2 nights Islas de Gigantes tour package price.

gigantes hideaway resort
Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Inn Resort

2 nights and 3 days full board all in expenses good for 2 PAX package rate is 2,970 Pesos per person. Well, rates can be cheaper than 2,970 Pesos for group tours. Good deal, right?

Islas de Gigantes tour package includes the following:

  • Round trip Passenger boat ride from Estancia to/from Islas de Gigantes
  • private boat for island hopping tour in 5-6 islands
  • islands entrance fees
  • 3 day and 2 night accommodation at Gigantes Hifeaway Tourist Inn
  • local island guide
  • cave guide
  • 5 meals (family service seafood meals/unlimited rice/unlimited coffee),
  • motorbike fare for 3 days time

Basically, once you get to Estancia port or Carles port, gateway to Islas de Gigantes, you will just spend 10 Pesos for the terminal fee. The rest is included in the tour package! See my post on How to Get to Islas de Gigantes From Manila.

Islas de Gigantes Tour Package Itinerary

Day 1:

  • 3:00 PM – Arrival at Islas de Gigantes
  • 7:00 PM – dinner (Meal 1)

Day 2:

  • 6:00 AM – Islas de Gigantes lighthouse
  • 7:00 AM – Breakfast (Meal 2)
  • 8:00 AM – 12 PM – Island Hopping
  • 12:00 PM – Lunch (Meal 3)
  • 12:00 PM – 3  PM – Island hopping
  • 3:00 PM – 5 PM – Caving
  • 7:00 PM – Dinner (Meal 4)

Day 3:

  • 7:00 AM – Breakfast (Meal 5)
  • 8:00 PM – boat leaves Islas de Gigantes
Bakwitan cave isla de iantes
Bakwitan Cave
Cabugao gamay
Cabugao Gamay, the famous Islas de Gigantes island

A photo posted by Ed Puno (@onearmedwanderer) on

Antonia Island Isla de giantes
Our tour guide, Jed at Antonia’s Island

3 Reasons why choose Gigantes Hideaway’s Islas de Gigantes tour package

Cheapest Islas de Gigantes tour package – This Islas de Gigantes tour package is by far the cheapest we have seen online. There are numerous travel agencies offering tour packages, however we find them too expensive. Gigantes Hideaway’s tour package may not include airport transfers from Iloilo City or Roxas City to Estancia or Carles port. Nonetheless, it is definitely cheaper and more fun if you commute from the airport to the ports of Estancia or Carles. See my post on How to Get to Islas de Gigantes From Manila. Additionally, the tour package is inclusive of sumptuous and generous servings of scallops and other seafood! Rice and coffee are unlimited too!    

A photo posted by Ed Puno (@onearmedwanderer) on

Personal guides – Unlike other tours, Gigantes Hideaway’s tour package includes personal guides. The moment you reach the Estancia port or Carles port, someone from the resort will meet and guide you the passenger boat. Once you arrive in Islas de Gigantes, your local and personal tour guide is waiting for you and will serve as your guide throughout your stay in Islas de Gigantes.

cheap tour package islas de gigantes

Private tour – Whether you travel solo, with a special someone or with your friends, you need not to worry about your privacy. You will not be forced to join a group of strangers while touring the islands. You will get to have your private bout during island hopping. A private cave guide. A private habal-habal service throughout your stay in the Islas de Gigantes. What more can you ask for?

Gigantes Hideaway Tourist Inn Contact Number

Joel de Cano – +63 9184685006

 

 

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How to Get to Islas de Gigantes From Manila

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Gigantes Island sandbar

Is posing in Cabugao Gamay, the most popular island in Islas de Gigantes in your bucket list? Here is the cheapest and fastest way on how to get to Islas de Gigantes from Manila:

Gigantes Island sandbar
The famous Cabugao Gamay island in Islas de Gigantes, Iloilo, Philippines

Islas de Gigantes is one among the many tourist attractions that is becoming popular among beach lovers and adventure seekers.

1. Fly from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Roxas City, Capiz Province

Islas de Gigantes is located in the Northern part of Iloilo, however, if you will fly from Manila to Iloilo City, the total travel time (air and land travel) to Islas de Gigantes could take up to 7  hours. Geographically, Iloilo City is farther to Islas de Gigantes compared to Roxas City. Thus, the fastest way to get to the beautiful Islas de Gigantes is via Roxas City in Capiz which could take up to 5 hrs and 30 mins (air and land travel).

Flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport  to Roxas City is 1 hr and 10 minutes. You may book your flight ahead of time thru Philippine Airlines or the low cost and budget local airline – Cebu Pacific .

Tip: Book the earliest flight from Manila to Roxas City to catch the 1 PM boat trip from Estancia, Iloilo to Islas de Gigantes.

2. From Roxas City airport, ride a tricycle going to Ceres bus terminal

Roxas City Airport Philippines
Roxas City Airport

There are no jeepneys or taxis around the Roxas City city airport as the primary mode of transportation in the city are tricycles. Once your arrive in the airport, look for the tricycle terminal and tell the driver that you are going to Ceres bus terminal. Note that there are no standard tricycle tariff rates in Roxas City. In our case, we paid 200 from Roxas City Airport to Ceres bus terminal. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes.

Tips: Roxas City is known as the seafood capital of the Philippines. You may want to spend a night in Roxas City and indulge yourself to a seafood treat in Baybay. To avoid pricey tricycle fares around the city, visit my separate post How to travel like a local in Roxas City – soon.

3. In Ceres bus terminal, take a bus or a van going to Estancia in Iloilo

Ceres Bus Terminal Roxas Capiz
Ceres Bus Terminal

Bus fare from Roxas City, Capiz to Estancia in Iloilo is 81 Pesos and travel time could take from an hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours. Note that there are no air-conditioned buses to Estancia. Alternatively, taking a van to Estancia is faster. Fare is 75 and travel time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Note that vans are non-air-conditioned too.

4. In Estancia Bus Terminal, ride a tricycle to Estancia Port

From Estancia bus terminal, take a tricycle going to Estancia port. Fare is 60 pesos for special trip. If you are on a budget, fare for a single person is 15 Pesos but you will have to wait for other passengers bound to Estancia port. Travel time is approximately 10 mins.

5. Ride a passenger boat from Estancia Port to Islas de Gigantes

Estancia Port Iloilo Islas de Gigantes
Port of Estancia in Iloilo

In Estancia Port, pay 10 pesos for the terminal fee. Inform the tourism officer that you are going to Islas de Gigantes. Fare is 60 Pesos and the total travel time is 2 hours. Note that there is only 1 trip a day from Estancia Port to Islas de Gigantes. The boat promptly leaves at 1:00 PM. If in case you miss the 1:00 PM trio, hiring a private boat to Islas de Gigantes costs 4,500 Pesos.

Tip: Gigantes Hideaway resort’s Islas de Gigantes tour package includes the passenger boat ride fare from Estancia port to Islas de Gigantes. A personnel of the resort will meet you in the Estancia Port and will guide you to the passenger boat. Blog entry about the tour package will be posted soon.

 

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Venice in Manila: Venice Grand Canal Mckinley Hill Taguig

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Venice Grand Canal Mckinley

Located in the 50-hectare Venice Piazza under the development of Megaworld Corporation, The Grand Canal Mall’s Venice Grand Canal is fast becoming tourist hotspot in Taguig City. Inspired by Italy’s Venice Canal and Macau’s Venetian Grand Canal, wandering around the mall will make you feel you are in Venice or in Venetian Macau.

The Grand Canal Mall Mckinley Taguig

The Venice Grand Canal is the center of attraction among the tourists in The Grand Canal Mall. Due to its uniqueness and picturesque views, you will see countless visitors taking selfies and groupies by the canal. For first time visitors like me, it was such a delight to see the beautiful architecture resembling that of Venice. Being a mall, there is no entrance fee to see and enjoy the beautiful Venice Grand Canal.

Venice Grand Canal BGC

The mall itself is yet to be completed. As of this writing, there are still many shops and stalls that are yet to open. Nonetheless, there is already a good number of restaurants in the mall, most of which are high-end and a bit pricey for budget travelers.

Restaurants, fastfoods and shops at The Grand Canal Mall

7 Soles
Alab
Almon Marina
Barenaked
Bench
Bose london
Boulangerrie22
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
Buddy’s
Burger king
Cafe Mary Grace
Cafe Seolhwa
Caramia
Chiara’s Gelateria
Churreria La Lola
Coffee Bean Tea and Leaf
Comfort Tuesday
Cotton candy
Cuesina
Deli cieux
Easysoft
Elements
Empire bar
Erb and chet
Foresight
Galo
Gran caffè
Grand Cafe Lavena
Hearts arrows
Hokkaido Takoyaki
Jollibbee
KFC
Kusè
Little Manila
Man hann (opening soon)
Mati’s Meat and Bread
Milk Cow
Mitsuyado sei-men
Mu thai
Mumuso
Munch roasts and salads
My Thai Kitchen
Nacho Bimby
New Bombay Royal (opening soon)
Office warehouse
Oppo
Pepper Luch Express
Pho hoa
Pie Face
Ponte Rialto restorabte italiano
Ramen Kuroda
Rice and Dough
Rice Paper
S & R Pizza
Sbarro
Serenetea
Holland Tulips
Shakey’s
Shoe salon
Skin station
Sky castle
Starbucks Coffee
Sunglass Haven to
Sweet bites
TGI Fridays
Tgi fridays
The Meatball Revolution
The Travel Club
Toni & Sergio
Toy town
UCC
Watsons to o
Wok2go
World balance
Yellow Cab Pizza

Gondolas at The Venice Grand Canal

Gondolas
Gondola ride pick-up and drop-off point

Just like that of Venice in Italy and Venetian in Macau, the Venice Grand Canal offers gondola ride that will cruise the entire stretch of the canal. The gondola ride costs 500 Php per person. This may be a bit pricey but seeing the mall’s architecture from the canal’s perspective must be a different experience.  Gondola ride only operates during weekends from noon time until the mall closes at 10:00 PM.

Gondoliers

Interestingly enough, to make your Venice Grand Canal gondola ride experience memorable, boat paddlers wear the traditional “gondolier clothing”. While watching gondolas cruising the canal, we have also witnessed one boat paddler singing a classical Italian song to his passengers.

How to get to Venice Grand Canal

Getting to McKinley Hill particularly the Venice Grand Canal by commute may be a bit difficult. Visit this link for the complete instructions on how to get to McKinley Hill.

Tip: Visit the Venice Grand Canal without any hassles. Enjoy 100 Pesos off on your first 2 Uber rides!  Just use the promo code edp1000ue to avail the discount when you sign up here.

Hotels Near Venice Grand Canal

There are a couple of hotels nearby Venice Grand Canal. You may stay choose from Seda Hotel, Ascott or F1 Hotel Manila. (Read my full review of F1 Hotel Manila).

Overall, we enjoyed our quick visit to The Venice Grand Canal in McKinley. The place is unique and is new to Filipinos who have never visited Venice or Macau. Kudos to Megaworld Corporation for bringing a taste of Venice in Manila.

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Little Beijing Restaurant Karuhatan Valenzuela City

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Chicken with Cashew Nuts Little Beijing

Little Beijing is one among the few restaurants in Valenzuela City that is not located in malls or food centers. Located along McArthur highway in Barangay Karuhatan, Little Beijing Restaurant is literally a few steps away from Meaco Hotel and SM Center Valenzuela.

Little Beijing Restaurant Valenzuela City
Facade of Little Beijing Restaurant in Valenzuela City, Parking area is in front of the restaurant

From the name of the restaurant itself, Little Beijing serves Chinese cuisine. On their menu are the typical Cantonese dishes ranging from dimsums, seafoods, century eggs to noodles.

Little Beijing Restaurant Menu

Since we were staying at the nearby Meaco Hotel, we did not hesitate to check Little Beijing Restaurant for our late lunch. As we approach the entrance of the restaurant, we were greeted by the courteous security guard. As we entered, we were immediately assisted by one of the restaurant’s staff.

Staff
Interior
Interior

Little Beijing Restaurant’s interior is at par with that of famous Chinese Restaurants in the Metro. Fixtures look new and the entire place is clean. The cozy atmosphere sets Little Beijing apart from other Chinese restaurants in Valenzuela.

Since we visited for lunch, it was surprising that only a few tables were occupied. Compared to Golden Crown, another Chinese restaurant in Valenzuela, Little Beijing is less busy and more quiet. Perhaps due to the fact that Little Beijing Restaurant is more upscale than the former.

Food

We ordered Chicken with Cashew Nuts (220 Php) and Yangchao fried rice (220 Php) and Siomai (48 Php). While waiting for our orders, tea was served.

Little Beijing restaurant has a dimsum promo everyday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM where dimsums are discounted. This promo is valid for orders placed between the said time. So we only paid 48 Php for the siomai instead of 70 Php.

Chicken with Cashew Nuts
Yang Chao
Siomai

We learned from the waiter that the Chicken with Cashew Nuts is a new addition to their menu. Given that I’m not really a fan of dishes with nuts, the dish was good. I loved the mixed vegetables and the cashew nuts complement to the overall taste of the dish. The Yangchao fried rice was also good and the serving was generous. What I loved the most is Little Beijing’s freshly steamed Siomai. It was tasty and by far one of the best siomai I’ve tasted!

Overall, we enjoyed our Little Beijing Restaurant dining experience. The staff, from security guard to the waiters are friendly. Food are good (especially the siomai).  We are definitely coming back to try their other dishes!

Little Beijing Restaurant Valenzuela City

Contact Number / Delivery hotline: 63-2-4321352 / +63-2-7823924
e-mail: [email protected]
Address: 196 MacArthur Highway, Karuhatan
Operating Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM

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