Stobosa - Colors of Valley: A Living Art near Baguio City

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Stobosa Colors of Valley near Baguio City

A month after I visited Manila to catch up stories with some college buddies, I headed north to Baguio. It was a few days after Valentine’s Day. I and my friends do not have a concrete plan on what to visit in Baguio for two days but then we decided to visit the places we haven’t been before—and those two are the Colors of Valley in La Trinidad, Benguet and Bencab Museum in Baguio.

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Puerto Galera: A Beach Paradise that is Worth Visiting

About four hours away from Manila, Puerto Galera is must-visit beach paradise, especially if you don’t have the luxury of time on your hands. Located in the island of Mindoro, it boasts of beautiful beaches, lush mountains, affordable accommodation facilities, hospitable locals, and so much more! There are so many things that you can do while there and the long list includes island-hopping, star gazing, rock climbing, and so on. Putting all these into consideration and with the prevalence of countless Philippine travel packages out there, it can be said that Puerto Galera is the place to be if you yearn for a summer vacation that is one for the books and light on the pocket. But before anything else, it is best to become acquainted of some of the finest attractions that you can enjoy if your trip to the said beach paradise pushes through. Read on because this is what this write up is all about.

Talipanan Falls

The Talipanan Falls is one of the most famous falls and awe-inspiring attractions in Puerto Galera. It is safe to say that it’s just what the doctor ordered if you’re an adrenaline junkie who wants to engage in an exceptional trekking experience and enjoy breathtaking scenery. To get there, it is best if you are going to hire a local guide that usually charges around PHP 200.00. Also, make sure to leave early in the morning if you want to take pictures of Mindoro monkeys.

Puerto Galera Mangrove Conservation and Eco-Tourism Park

The Puerto Galera Mangrove Conservation and Eco-Tourism Park is a 22-hectare property that is composed of mangrove trees, reefs, sea grass, and so on. While there, you can enjoy a captivating view of a mangrove forest that boasts of a somewhat mystical environment. It is a bit hard to reach, but you can be rest assured that your efforts won’t go to waste, especially after finding out for yourself that the awareness for mangroves is gaining momentum and further losses are slowly (and surely) being prevented.

Underwater Cave

The Underwater Cave in San Antonio is a majestic place that can take your breath away. Located in a small pocket beach, there is a ladder that you can use to enter the mentioned opening. If the tide is low, you can easily exit on the other side, but if it is the other way around, you have to dive to reach the other side. If you’re a good swimmer, you can try reaching the bottom. In the process, be prepared to be mesmerized by its natural beauty that is highlighted by a myriad of limestone walls, different corals, and others.

Bulalacao Municipality

If you want to experience an unadulterated beach that is not overshadowed by mainstream tourism, then the Municipality of Bulalacao is the place to be. It is perfect if you want to indulge in beach activities without sharing it to a large number of people. In some ways, it is like the Tambobong Beach in Pangasinan, but with a twist. What makes the municipality special is the presence of 13 untouched islets that resembles a shooting star if you look at them through a, say, bird’s eye view.

Sinandingan Lighthouse

Being a coastal town, Puerto Galera has its own lighthouse. Located in Sinandingan, the said structure delivers an exhilarating view of Isla Verde (Green Island). On top of this, it is also known for its diving spots that boasts of vibrant underwater plants that inhabit the nearby beaches.

Coral Garden

The Coral Garden, which is located between Boquete and San Antonio, is an attraction that you shouldn’t miss. Though only eight feet deep, it is home to a myriad of marine animals such as starfish, clown fish, sea urchin, sea snake, and so much more. To add, it is also the habitat of rare corals. If you choose to go snorkeling, make sure to hold on the outrigger of your boat. You can bring pieces of bread so you can feed the fish.

Infinity Farm

The Infinity Farm is slowly turning into one of Puerto Galera’s most sought after vacation spots. Located within close proximity to Calapan City, it is ideal if you want to indulge in clean air, mountain-fresh water, and so much more.

Summing up

There you have it, some of the attractions that you ought to include in your itinerary if your Puerto Galera getaway pushes through. By doing so, you can be rest assured that your trip is one for the books and it is fun as well as exciting as advertised. Remember, the beach paradise is well worth your time, money, and effort, especially if you don’t have the luxury of time on your hands and at the same time want to enjoy a summer escapade that is worth remembering.

Did you find this article informative? Do you have other Puerto Galera tips and pointers that you want to share? Give us a shout on our comments page.

Touch the Clouds at Mt. Ulap in Itogon, Benguet

One of the peak areas in Mount Ulap hike, Itogon, Benguet

We weren’t that tired although we visited one of the highest elevations in the greater region of Baguio. That is because the “hike” to Mt. Sto. Tomas didn’t require as calories to burn to reach Café in the Sky. The road to Café in the Sky is already well paved so to get there, you only need to commute via jeepney from Baguio and hire an FX to bring you on top and have a coffee in the café.

A Taste of Coffee and Clouds at Café in the Sky, Mt. Sto. Tomas, Tuba, Benguet

The overlooking view of Baguio City from Cafe in the Sky, Tuba, Benguet

This was my first out of town trip after I set foot in Manila from a very long flight coming from the lands of southern hemisphere. I embraced my longings with my ever loving home province of Tarlac and when a friend of mine planned to visit Baguio City for the nth time again, I did not think twice—I packed my backpack with good old time jackets, took enough cash and got myself ready for another five-hour trip. Not soon enough, I was back to the city where popular pine trees grow and strawberries are celebrated.

Baguio Suggested One-Day Itinerary (Balikan)

For those who are “nagmamadali” or those who have other places to check out aside from Baguio City, one day itinerary will work for you. Although one day is not enough to see all the tourist spots in Baguio, it is already good for people who only have a day to taste the weather, food, and culture of Baguio City.

How to Get to Baguio Attractions: Cemetery of Negativism and Bell Amphitheater

How to Go to Camp John Hay:

To go to Camp John Hay, please read my other post on how to get to John Hay.

How to Get to Cemetery of Negativism and Bell Amphitheater:

From the entrance of Camp John Hay, just walk straight, until you see signage going to Treetop Adventure. When you reach Treetop Adventure, Cemetery of Negativism is just nearby, and the Bell Amphitheater is beside it.

On going back, I do suggest you to ride taxi back to town since you are already tired. Otherwise, you can reach the entrance to Camp John Hay and ride a jeep back to downtown.

Warming Ourselves inside the Historical Core - Bell House (Baguio)

Inside the Historical Core - Bell House in Camp John Hay, Baguio

Bell House is more of a creepy house than a historical museum. It’s because we arrived there already in the evening and the pine trees outside plus the chilly air sum up the setting as something more mysterious. The historical house turned museum should not be missed—if you want more of what Baguio feels like in the time of its beginning.

Check Out the American Remnant—Bell Amphitheater, Baguio

At the Bell Amphtheater, Baguio City

After those fulfilling funeral of our worst nightmares and ill inflictions at the Lost Cemetery of Negativism in Camp John Hay, Baguio; we eagerly checked out the nearby Bell Amphitheater. It was already evening so we need to hurry up, leave the cemetery and take some more photos of ourselves in another historical tourist attraction.

Bury Your Bitter Past in the Lost Cemetery of Negativism, Baguio

The Lost Cemetery of Negativism inside Camp John Hay, Baguio City

When you visit Baguio City, one of the usual spots is Camp John Hay. Surprisingly, many of us do not know that there is one becoming popular tourist attraction here which is kinda weird and unique at the same time since it is a cemetery, or a memorial park. But dead people are absent here, only the bitter past of everyone who dared to bury it in the Lost Cemetery of Negativism.

Strolling the Road to Ayala Technohub in Camp John Hay, Baguio

At the Ayala Technohub in Camp John Hay, Baguio City

Me and my friend enjoyed the cool morning in Baguio by just sipping some coffee, eating noodles and watching TV. It was a lazy morning after all, since we had an unplanned night tour that made us all awake until midnight of the previous day. Here I was in Loakan. We decided to do our tour in the afternoon and the best bet is to go to Camp John Hay. We met a friend in another house and did some fun chats and those undying “how’s life now” thing.

Another Page in Baguio: From Session Road to John Hay and Loakan

Watching the nature at the Bell House, Baguio City

It’s been already years since we have left college. Those fond memories, they will forever be past. I will always remember all those kulitan with the gangs, the beautiful mishaps, the wonderful misadventures, the childishly serious conversations, the indefinable school assignments, the indescribable thesis, the unplanned road trips, the funny food tours and some beer nights in the cold, dreary night. Baguio has always been a part of our lives and will always be.

Tagaytay City Suggested Itinerary (Two Days-One Night 2D/1N)

Tagaytay City Itinerary for two days and one night

A two-day, one-night tour in Tagaytay City may not be enough especially if you want to experience more of the city tour, enjoy bulalo in a cool weather, kayak in the Taal Lake or simply stop time and believe the majestic message of the overlooking views.

The Picnic Grove, Taal Lake View, Leslie’s Bulalo and Coffee Time in Tagaytay

The view of Taal Lake at the Picnic Grove, Tagaytay City

After visiting the Crosswinds in Tagaytay where we had experienced a lush of nature, pine trees, Swiss inspired architecture and Christmas houses; we visited next the Picnic Grove. It is one of the most popular Tagaytay tourist attractions where there are so much activities to enjoy such as horseback riding, picnicking, riding a zipline and buying pasalubong.

Christmas Houses in Tagaytay City

Magazine photo op in Tagaytay Crosswinds (Christmas houses)

The Christmas houses in Tagaytay are well decorated and according to visitors and Crosswinds staff, some of the houses are opened for public viewing during Christmas season. The Crosswinds complex alone is a beautiful piece of land development in Tagaytay City and these Christmas houses adorn it more.

Swiss Architecture and Pine Trees in Tagaytay Crosswinds

Feel the pine trees and Swiss architecture inside Crosswinds in Tagaytay City

It was pretreat before summer time that our team visited one of the most popular tourist towns in the country—Tagaytay. It is the second most popular hill station after Baguio City and most people and yuppies from Manila do a short weekend trip in this city because of its proximity to the nation’s capital. Tagaytay City has still the charms.

Baguio Suggested Itinerary: Three Days, Two Nights (3D/2N)

More tourist spots in Baguio for a three-day tour.

Previously, I sampled a Baguio itinerary good for two days and one night. This time, I’ll be posting more sample itineraries including the other tourist spots in Baguio. Three-day tour is the most ideal Baguio trip because you have to incorporate both fun and relaxation. You went Baguio for the cool winds, and thus you must not exhaust yourself into hiking and walking and everything or else you will get sick after your trip.

Sta. Ana-Cagayan Itinerary (Two Days-One Night 2D/1N)

Different tourist attractions in Santa Ana, Cagayan for 2 days and 1 night itinerary.

A two-day, one-night tour in Sta. Ana, Cagayan may not be enough especially if you want to experience more of the town setting plus the island hopping, beach frolicking, kayaking or even scuba diving. However, two days in Sta. Ana is already enough if you just want to keep some memories for future Facebook posts.

Cagayan Suggested Itinerary (Three Days-Two Nights 3D/2N)

Different tourist spots in Cagayan for your itinerary (3 days, 2 nights).

A three-day, two-night tour in Cagayan province may not be enough especially if you want to visit so many places from Tuguegarao, up to the old churches in the province, the caves, the beaches and the islands. But if you are like us who want a taste of this province, this itinerary might work for you.

How to Go to Sta. Ana, Aparri, Tuguegarao, in Cagayan (with Maps)

Map of Luzon and its cities and towns in comparison with Santa Ana and Aparri, Cagayan

HOW TO GO TO TUGUEGARAO, CAGAYAN:

Reaching Tuguegarao from Baguio City will take approximately 10-12 hours while if coming from Manila, will take about 11-12 hours. To reach Tuguegarao from other cities, it will probably take you 8 hours if coming from Urdaneta, 8 hours from Clark area, and 9 hours from Subic.

The Secluded Gotan Beach in Sta. Ana, Cagayan

The jetski is waiting in Gotan Beach, Santa Ana, Cagayan

To get to Gotan Beach in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, you just need to go straight ahead passing by the side of Anguib Beach. You will get to see the entrance of Anguib Beach on your right side, but do not stop, instead drive straight ahead until you see a forest of aguho “pine” trees in the vicinity. However, if you do not have the pass to visit the area, you won’t be able to see Gotan Beach because the beach is not accessible to general public.