El Nido Palawan (DIY 5D4N)

El Nido was always one of the beaches we wanted to visit. Our dreams finally came true last June 30 as we travelled to El Nido via Puerto Princesa with our Cebu pacific flights.

Our flight was scheduled to depart at 340pm but due to delays we left for Puerto Princesa at 530PM.

Time	Day 1 Friday	Rate per person
15:00:00	Check-in NAIA Terminal 3
18:30:00	Arrival at Puerto Princesa City Airport (Batch 2)
	Ride tricycle to Bona's Chaolong	8
19:00:00	Dinner at Bona's (Beef Stew Chao Long, Liter of Pepsi, Cheese and Garlic Bread)	120
20:30:00	Pickup by Van bound for El Nido at Bona's Chaolong	450
	Total Cost	578

Upon arrival at Puerto Princesa Airport a lot of tricycle drivers will offer to bring you to your destination. We walked outside the airport and rode a tricycle to Bona's Chaolong for only P8 per head.

Bona's Chaolong was filled at the time we arrived there as it was already dinner time. We ordered Buto-Buto with Noodles SBS, Beef stew with Noodles, Garlic and Cheese bread and a liter of Pepsi all for P240 only. The price and food serving was reasonable. The taste was similar to Pho Noodles served in Vietnam. They also had their own restroom so it was a plus since this was our final stop before starting our van trip to El Nido.

We were supposed to ride the bus to El Nido but one of our companions was able to haggle a van trip for P450 only. The van was spacious, with TV and has reclining seats so we agreed to take the van. 

The travel to El Nido will get you dizzy. It is recommended to bring candies. I also have my neck pillow and balabal (small blanket) so this really helped me have a comfortable travel. Travel time was just 4.5 hours going to El Nido. There were 3 stops if you want to rest your feet or go to the restroom. The van brought us to our accommodation in El Nido (RicGem Resort). 

	*Island Hopping Tours includes snorkeling set, life vest, buffet lunch and tour guide
Time	Day 2 Saturday	Rate per person	Group Rate
0:30:00	Early Check in RicGem Resort	192	1150/for 6 pax (1 Family room)
	RicGem Resort Rate for succeeding days (4Days/3nights)	862.5	2300/night for 2 family rooms (8pax)
8:30:00	Pay environmental fee and boat fees at Northern Hope	200
9:30:00	Start Island Hopping Tour B Entalula Island Snake Island Codugnon Cave Cathedral Cave Cove Tree Pinagbuyutan Island	800
15:30:00	Back to El Nido Town proper
16:30:00	Tricycle to Las Cabanas Beach (Max 4 pax per trike)	75	300
	Dinner Altrove (Pizza, Pasta & Drinks)	300
	Total Cost	2429.5

Our guide from Northern hope (Kuya Lito) came to fetch us at around 8am. Distance of RicGem resort to the port is just a 5minute walk. We went first to Northern hope to pay for the environmental and boat fees.

We waited at the port for 5 others who were joining the tour. We opted to not have an exclusive trip as it costs P1000 per head for 6 pax compared to the rate of P800 which was offered if they will be getting other guests to complete the max 12 guests capacity per boat.

Our first stop is Entalula Island. It was a snorkeling site and part of it is privately owned so we just had to stay at a specific area to snorkel. Not much to see during snorkeling here. Most corals are dead and not much fishes are seen.

Second location is Snake Island. It was already raining hard when we reached here. We were not able to swim that much here as we were more concerned on taking pictures. Lol! 

After Snake Island we were off to our next stop were we will be having our lunch. Our third stop is Codugnon Cave. There were no vacant cottages upon reaching the island so the boatmen had to setup their table near the shore. The island has hammocks where you can rest and they offer coconuts for P70. While waiting for the food to be prepared we went to see the cave. 

Cave Entrance

Cave Interiors

Lunch Buffet

After our sumptuous lunch, we took some pictures at the Cathedral Cave which was the fourth stop. There was nothing to do here but take a picture with the cathedral-like background.



Kuya Lito gave us a bonus snorkeling site to visit. We went to Cove Tree and saw a number of corals and fishes. I was still not impressed with the fishes seen underwater but the beaches were all great.

Our last stop was Pinagbuyutan Island. The island was a nice spot for our photo ops. This was the island were we spent the most time during the trip. 

We reached El Nido port at around 3:30pm so we decided to go to Maremegmeg Beach or poupularly known as Las Cabanas before the sun sets.

Maremegmeg beach is so nice. The path going to the beach is a bit muddy and slippery but the walk was worth it. The beach shore was wide and there were no stones or pebbles that would hurt your feet when swimming. It was a bit cloudy that time so the sunset was not much seen. I would still recommend going here even without seeing the sunset. There are beachfront accommodations available if you choose to live on this area of El Nido.

Pathway to Las Cabanas

Tricycle ride is P300 for round trip transfer for 4 pax. Tell the driver to wait for you as there are no other tricycles passing through the area.

We went back to RicGem resort around 630pm to change and have dinner.

We tried the famous Pizza at Altrove Trattoria. The prices were reasonable but they do not serve water. Serving size is  good for 2-3 for the pizza. So for all those who are fond of eating pizza with lots of chili or hot sauce you should think twice before pouring that in your pizza.

Time	Day 3 Sunday	Rate per person	Group Rate
9:00:00	Start Island Hopping Tour A Inside Big Lagoon (Pictorial) Shimizu Outside Big Lagoon (Snorkeling) Small Lagoon  7 Commando	800
	Kayak Rental (2 pcs)	125	1000
17:00:00	Back to El Nido Town proper
19:00:00	Dinner (Bought cup noodles, ate leftovers)	50

Since all 8 of us are present on Day 3, we decided the most popular tour in El Nido which is Tour A.

We went to the port at 9am and was joined by 4 other guests. We rented 2 kayaks for the group as this would be useful on this specific tour.

Our first stop is the big lagoon. We were not allowed to swim inside the lagoon as sharks were said to be nesting here. The water here was very serene.

Entrance to the Big Lagoon

Inside the Big Lagoon

After our pictorial, we went ahead to our second destination - Shimizu Island for much snorkeling. This is also were we had our lunch. I couldn't help but compare the fishes in Bohol, Coron and other places to the sites in El Nido. The corals were we swam were mostly dead. Fishes were very minimal and not that colorful. Maybe I expected too much from El Nido but nevertheless the beaches still amazed me.

Shimizu Beach

Swimming with the fishes

Our Lunch!

After having lunch, we went back to Big Lagoon to do snorkeling near the entrance of the Lagoon. This is were I finally saw a Nemo in El Nido.

Our third stop is the small lagoon. This is were we used the kayaks we rented. The water was clear and the water was also great for swimming. It could be tiring to swim the whole lagoon so it is recommended to rent a kayak prior to doing this tour.

Entrance to the Small Lagoon

Our fourth and last stop is 7 commando. The rain poured when we reached the island but it did not stop us from enjoying the place. The waves were huge since it was raining hard. The place offers drinks for tourists going to the place but we were still full from our lunch so we did not inquire on the rates. 

Time	Day 4 Monday	Rate per person
9:00:00	Start Island Hopping Tour C Hidden Beach Star Island Matinloc Shrine Cadlao Lagoon Helicopter Island	800
17:00:00	Back to El Nido Town proper
	Buy Bread at Midtown Bakery	20
20:00:00	Dinner at Squidos Hilltop (250 buffet dinner plus 30 drinks)	280
	Tricycle ride back to RicGem	15
	Total Cost	1115

El Nido coastguards have cancelled Tour C for the past 2 days that we were in El Nido because of the weather. Lucky for us, it was permitted on the last full day we have in El Nido. Yey!

Our first stop is hidden beach. I regret not wearing my aqua shoes this day. The boat was too big to enter so we needed to swim or walk going inside. Walking was not very much advised as there were stones and corals that you might step on.

Entrance to Hidden Beach

Inside Hidden Beach

Our second stop is Star Island were we had our lunch. The island was very picturesque.Its a nice spot to swim. One of my favorite islands in El Nido so far.

After lunch we went to Matinloc Shrine. This island is very historic for the people in El Nido. The view once you reach the top of this island is amazing. We were lucky that we were the first group in the island as only 8-10 people can go up at the same time.

View from the top of Matinloc Shrine

Our last stop for the tour is Helicopter Island. The island literally looked like a helicopter from afar thus the name. I was so tired of swimming for 3 days so I just rested on this island. 

Helicopter Island

Time	Day 5 Tuesday	Rate per person
11:00:00	Buy Pasalubong
12:00:00	Lunch at IBR Eatery (Chicken Curry with Rice)	150
13:00:00	Van pickup to Puerto Princesa Airport	400
19:00:00	Arrival at Airport
	Pay Terminal Fee	150
	Total Cost	700

For our fifth day, we were supposed to rent a van off to Nacpan and Calitang beach at 6am. Unfortunately, the winds and rain did not permit us. We then decided to rest as it was our last day in El Nido. We checked-out at 12 pm to have a quick lunch at IBR Canteen. Serving size per viand which costs P120-180 is for 2 pax (rice not included). 

Our van for Puerto Princesa fetched us at RicGem around 1pm.

It is advisable to get a budget-friendly place in El Nido. You won't be staying long in your accommodation since you will be on tour most of the day.

Electricity in El Nido is only from 2pm-6am.

Feedback On RicGem Resort:
Family Room Rates is only P1150  per night for an Aircon Room for 4 pax

PROs

• They offer WIFI which is available 24/7

• They have a common area were you can eat, watch TV and chat with the group

• Kuya Richard targets to include a TV on all rooms

• They offer free coffee and tea in the morning

• Drinking water is provided

• They have a generator so you can ask Kuya Richard to charge your gadgets in the morning if you forgot to charge the night before

CONs

• They do not offer food so you need to go out to eat

• We stayed there for 4 days but no one offered to clean the rooms while we were out.

Reception area with Kuya Richard's grandchild

Reception and Dining area

Family Room

Total Cost for the stay for 5days 4nights (excluding airfare/ Group of 8pax): P5797.50/ head

Airfare (via Cebu Pacific seat sale): P1100

Contact Numbers:
Van to El Nido: 09066484602
Northern hope Tours: 09277353221

Abu Dhabi Theme Parks in Yas Island

In my recent visit to the Middle East 3 out of 8 days were spent exploring the city of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is the capital of UAE it is an 1 hour and half drive and approximately 120kms from Dubai.


On our first day, since its my sisters off from work, we planned our trip to Abu Dhabi. We went to the famous Ferrari World which is the largest indoor theme park in the World. It also has the world’s fastest roller coaster called Formula Rossa.

    


The ambiance of the park is very cozy since it is fully air conditioned. You will be amazed with all the actual Ferrari Cars displayed especially if you are a car enthusiast.





Most of the rides are related to the history and creation of Ferrari, it was named after the founder Enzo Ferrari. There are rides specifically for kids where they can practice driving their own miniature F1 car and drive in a small race track. Aside from the Formula Rossa, don’t miss the Speed of Magic which is a 4-D ride just like the Transformers in Universal Studios in Singapore. Other must try rides are Fiorano GT Challenge, this is a roller coaster as well. Tyre Twist, Ferrari’s version of the traditional tea cup ride and V12, a flume ride through the heart of a Ferrari 599 engine







Aside from the rides they also have shows called the RED: A Theatrical Spectacular of Speed and Passion. They have pas de deux performances, scarf dances, choreographed trampoline displays, juggling acts, German wheel sets, stunt skating and racing antics. You will surely enjoy the show.




The next theme park is the Yas Waterworld, in local version it is like the Splash Island but bigger and better rides, it is a must try for fellow travelers like me. It has 43 rides, slides and attractions in four thrill level. When visiting the park make sure to bring a towel or you can also rent a towel for a fee. Lockers for are available for rent in small, medium and large sizes. Maong shorts, sandos and shorts with zippers are not allowed on some of the rides so better wear the right swimming attire.


All the Extreme rides Dawwama, Liwa Loop, Hamlool’s Hump and Jebel Drop is a must because it gives you the adrenaline rush. I’m a huge fan of water rides but while waiting in line I was kind of hesitant and thinking twice but I did it anyway and it was worth the adventure. The weather is hot but the water in the pool is cold and very refreshing. If you don’t want to stay on the queue for a long time you can easily go to the Lazy River or Yadi Yas for an instant ride.



To have a better idea of the water rides try to watch their videos in YouTube.

Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld is just beside each other but it is not advisable to do it the same day so you can maximize both parks.

Expenses:
Ferrari World – 240 AED but they have resident promo which is less than 40 AED. So we got the ticket at 200 times 12 (12 Pesos = 1 AED) or 2400 pesos each.
Yas Waterworld – 240 AED each but they have a buy 4 pay 3 promo. So we got it for 180 each or 2160 pesos each. Locker Rental 35 AED.
Food – Around 55 AED per meal with huge serving size.
Total: P6300 for both parks with meals.

They also have promo where you can enjoy both parks for 365 AED instead of 480 which is valid 14 days from first use. - Cara

8 Days do it your own Itinerary in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

I have a sister that works in Dubai for 5 years now, so when Cebu Pacific recently offered flights from Manila-Dubai it didn’t took much time to plan our next family trip there and visit her. When Cebu Pac offered there piso fare to Dubai me, my mom and sisters booked for a flight for next year.

May 30, 2014, the long wait is finally over after 1 year of advanced booking. My sister who works in Dubai, prepared our itinerary for our 8 day trip to the Middle East. I would like to share my experiences and few tips on what I learned and discovered on this trip.

Here is our complete itinerary. (I have already edited the itinerary based on what happened on our trip) I will expand further and try to give the estimated cost in my next posts.

ARRIVAL: (May 30, Friday) Departure: 2:20PM
Flight Arrival in Sharjah: 7:20 PM via 5J7990 (Note: No flights to Dubai International Airport (DXB) due to runway closure from 01-May-14 to 20-Jul-14) So we had to re-route our flight to Sharjah 1 hour away from Dubai.

8:30 PM – Pick up at Sharjah Airport to
9:30 PM – Dinner in Shimmers Restaurant in Souk Madinat
11:30 PM – Go home to Dubai Investment Park (Accommodation)

Day 1: (May 31, Saturday)
07: 30 – 09: 00 Travel Time to Abu Dhabi plus stop over to have breakfast
10:00 – 07:00 Ferrari World
07:00 – 07:30 Travel time to St. Regis Saadiyat Island
07:30 – 10:30 Dinner in Turquoiz Restaurant St. Regis
10:30 – 11:45 Travel time to DIP
Day 2: (June 1, Sunday)
09:30 – 10:00 Travel time to Burj Al Arab (With Lou and Camil)
10:00 – 12:00 Burj Al Arab site visit
12:00 – 02:40 AT.MOSPHERE Lounge at Burj Khalifa for Lunch
02:40 – 04:00 Drive to Sofitel Downtown Dubai to leave the car and safari pick up from there
04:00 – 10:00 Desert Safari
10:00 – 10:45 Travel time to DIP

Day 3: (June 2, Monday)
08:00 – 08:30 Will drop you in the Big bus tour station
09:00 – 07:00 Big Bus Tour
7:00 – 10:30 Dinner then Shop at Dubai Mall
Day 4: (June 3, Tuesday)
09:20 AM – 11:00 AM – Continue with the Big Bus Tour (Jumeirah Mosque and Public Beach)
11:00 AM – Lunch and Shop at Dubai Mall
07:00 PM – Pick up at Dubai Mall after work and go to Mall of Emirates to shop and have dinner

Day 5: (June 4, Wednesday)
10:00 – Rest and Woke up Late
03:00 – 04:00 – Go to Dubai Mall
04:00 – 06:00 – Shop in Dubai Mall while waiting for Me
06:00 – 08:00 Coffee, Walk through Souk Al Bahr plus watch Dubai Fountain
09:30 – 10:00 Travel time to DIP
Day 6: (June 5, Thursday)
09:00 – 10:00 Travel time to The Palms Jumeirah
10:00 – 02:00 The Lost Chambers in Atlantis
02:00 – 03:00 Travel to Jumeirah Beach Residence for Lunch
06:00 – 09:00 IBN Battuta Mall for Shopping and Take Out
09:00 – 10:15 Travel Time to DIP

Day 7: (June 6, Friday)
07: 30 – 09:30 Travel Time to Abu Dhabi plus stop over to have breakfast
10:45 – 07:00 Yas Water Park
08:00 – Dinner at Montazah Tower
11:00 – Check in Hotel Mercure

Day 8: (June 7, Saturday)
08:00 – Check out at Hotel go to Montazah
08:30 – 09:00 Emirates Palace just to take pictures
09:00 – 10:00 The Grand Mosque Visit
10:00 – 11:30 Travel Back to DIP for final packing with your luggage’s
12:00 – Go to Mall of Emirates for last minute shopping and early dinner
04:00 – Travel to Sharjah Airport Flight Departure in SHJ: 08:50PM via 5J7991

DEPARTURE
Need to leave before 2 half hours before flight departure
Flight Departure in SHJ: 08:50PM via 5J7991

My sister works 5 days in a week from 9AM – 6PM so in order to save fare on Taxi we hitched to go out of the house and waited for her after work so we can get a ride back home. She placed notes after days where it is her Days Off so we can plan ahead.

I hope this itinerary helps you to plan your own tour in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Hit me if you have any questions.

Calaguas Island (Perks and Disadvantages)

We came to conquer the island of Calaguas last May 29-June 1. It was one of the best and worst islands I have ever been to. Travel tips to be provided once your read the whole experience.

Day 0
	Itinerary	Group Cost	Individual Cost
20:30:00	Meet-up DLTB Cubao (Ride Deluxe bus via Daet)		650
	3 Stopovers in between (bought siopao)		25
21:00:00	Departure to Talobatib

We left for Daet Thursday evening to avoid the Friday traffic and bulk of people expected to visit Calaguas on a summer weekend.

It was a blessing in disguise that only Deluxe tickets were available. Travelling for 8 hours at night time would require sufficient leg space and leaning chairs for a more comfortable sleep.

Day 1
5:00:00	Arrival at Talobatib
	Breakfast		50
5:30:00	Ride tricycle to Paracale	360	90
	Stopover to market		400
	(Buy food, drinking water, ice)
7:00:00	Ride a boat to Calaguas	3500	875
	Tourist assistance	100	25
9:00:00	Hello Calaguas
	Beach bumming, Put up tent, Eat, Sleep/ Dinner Socials
	Entrance		100
	Cottage	350	25
	Bought fresh fish for dinner at the island	250	37.5
	Ice (10/pack)	120	30
	Charcoal (10/pack)	40	10
	Liquor/additional food	400	100

Once we reached Talobatib, a lot of tricycle started to approach us to offer their services. It's a good thing that I read that standard rate is at 200. Drivers were offering to bring us to Paracale for 300 and advised us that we need 2 tricycles since there were 4 of us. We immediately declined then a nice driver approached us and offered to bring us to Paracale for P300 for 4 of us.

Travel from Talobatib to Paracale will take 30-45minutes. Advise the driver to drop you off the market before going to the port. Make sure to buy all necessities as prices triple once you reach the island. We gave a tip of P60 since the tricycle driver was so patient waiting for us finish marketing.

We headed to the boatman's (Mang Boy) home after buying stuff, much to my dismay he handed us over to another person. The boatman said that there is a line and he could not accommodate us. All requests I asked from him (cooking stuff, utensils, plates, sleeping bags, etc) which he agreed on bringing were no longer provided. He could have advised us earlier. Mang Boy could be confident to lose customers now that his name is always brought on different blogs when asked for Calaguas boatmen. I think it is just respectful to advise customers ahead of time if he cannot commit to the trip.

The water was very calm as we traveled to Calaguas. I was highly anticipating waves as this was the feedback I have read. Luckily, we didn't even pass through one single wave. The weather was perfect.

Upon reaching the island, the boatman brought us to the rightmost portion of the beach. The boatman referred us to Mang Errol who will take care of us during our stay at the island. The boatman left us and headed back to Paracale. 

Mang Errol led us to a cottage but advised us that someone will be using it the next day. We still agreed to occupy the cottage since a lot of cottages are in the area. That decision would affect our stay, this will be pointed out later.

The sand is comparable to Boracay's Station 1 fine sand. Since it was a Friday, only a few people were camping and we had the area to ourselves. 

We started to set up our tent and cook lunch. The sun was scorching hot so we decided to stay in the cottage to rest after eating. We started swimming at 4pm when a fisherman approached us and was selling the fishes he caught. The rate he provided us was P150 per kilo. The rates for residents is at P70 per kilo so you should haggle before buying.

Electricity is available in the Island from 7pm to 12pm. I asked one woman in a store to charge my phone and she gladly agreed. This was free of charge. At last something free in Calaguas! A water pump is available for bathing and restroom use. The water is free during weekdays but costs P10 per pail during weekends.

Day 2
	Itinerary	Group Cost	Individual Cost
6:00:00	Trekking to see view of Calaguas Island		25
	Bought fresh fish for lunch at the island	150	37.5
11:00:00	Cook lunch
14:00:00	Transfer to Balagbag Island	400	100
16:00:00	Trekking to see view of Pacific Ocean
19:00:00	Dinner/ Socials

After the usual drinking socials we all look forward to on every beach travel, we slept on the sand due to the humid weather that night. The next morning, we missed the sunrise but view of the crystal clear waters that morning was spectacular. 

We were all set to trek that day to see the top view of the island.

Cost to see the view of the whole island is P25/head. Entrance can be found on the leftmost portion of the beach. There is no receipt provided meaning we do not know where all money being collected will go. 

After climbing the top and having some pictures taken, we went down to see the back portion of the island. The view was again picture perfect. 

Once reaching our cottage, a lot of tourists where already coming in and we were advised to vacate our cottage since another set of people reserved the cottage before hand. We then got to know that Calaguas prioritizes those who take the tourist package instead of DIY travel.

We decided to leave the island when Mang Errol offered us  to stay at another remote island which is a 5 minute boatride away. Boat ride will cost P400 for one way trip to the island. Costly but since we had no shade + scorching sun + hundreds of new tourists in the island, we agreed to move to Balagbag. 

Balagbag Island is known as a snorkeling site. There are also cottages available. Downside of this island is there is no fresh water to use and shore is mostly stones and pebbles.

We still enjoyed the island and decided to climb uphill to see the Pacific Ocean. We stayed here overnight and was assisted by the caretaker. We also asked Mang Errol to ask our boatman to fetch us here the next day.

Day 3
	Itinerary	Group Cost	Individual Cost
6:00:00	Fix things
	Cottage	200	50
	Entrance		100
7:00:00	Boat pick-up back to Paracale
9:00:00	Wash up at Aling Nimfa's house
11:00:00	Lunch at Carinderia		60
12:00:00	Trike pick-up
	Sidetrip at Paracale church
14:00:00	Ride DLTB bus bound for Manila		450
23:30:00	Arrival at EDSA-Boni		3240

We left Balagbag Island around 7am and washed at Aling Nimfa's house. We had lunch at a nearby Carinderia before leaving for Manila. We also passed by Paracale Church for some pictorial before leaving for Manila.

Travel time back to Manila reached 12 hours as we had to pass by every town in Quezon province lol! 



Travel Tips:
1. Go to Calaguas during summer, on a weekday.
2. Buy everything you need before reaching Calaguas Island. 
3. Try to contact a boatman who would vouch to bring you to Calaguas and help provide all camping things needed.
4. Bring sunblock, hat, battery packs and even extra slippers in case it gets misplaced or stolen.
5. You can ask your tricycle driver to get bus tickets for you.


My Thoughts: The island is starting to get popular that residents use this as their main source of income. They prioritize campers who get the tourist package (inclusive of boat fare, catered food, tent, etc). If you are a DIY traveller like me, it would be better to go on a weekday  to make sure that you won't lose your boat, cottage or anything  else to another group.

Total Cost of the Trip for a group of 4pax: P3240/head for Calaguas 3days/2nights