Top 5 Freak Out on Camping Apps

In the Philippines we are blessed with amazing white sandy beaches, idolised by tourists and available year-round for us. What can be better than heading to an idyllic island, like the Hundred Islands National Park, and setting up camp where you can kick back in hammocks or spend days fishing in the clear blue waters? Can’t think of anything? Well, it’s time to pack your tent and get out into the fresh air.

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Travel Photo Friday: Boardwalk at Cloud 9 in Siargao

Siargao's famous boardwalk at Cloud 9

Siargao is world-famous for surfing due to its waves that barrel up to nine feet high, making it known as the "Surfing Capital of the Philippines".

Guimaras: Pawikan or Turtle Island

The third stop in my Guimaras island hopping tour was the popular Turtle Island which is known to be the sanctuary of sea turtles or pawikan. The island is located just across Ave Maria Islet but unlike it, Turtle Island is inhabited. 

Beach in Turtle Island, Guimaras

Guimaras: Ave Maria Islet

Ave Maria Islet was the second stop in my island hopping tour in Guimaras and my most favorite. It is one of the smaller islands that features some rock formations and a white-sand beach located in Lawi, Jordan. As compared to SEAFDEC, Ave Maria Islet is near from the jump-off point of island hopping which is the Alubihod Beach.

A beautiful patch of beach at Ave Maria Islet

Guimaras: SEAFDEC at Igang Marine Station

SEAFDEC or the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center was my first destination during my Guimaras island hopping tour. Since this was my first island hopping experience in Guimaras Island, this was also my first time to visit the SEAFDEC facility. The research center is where they breed and study different species of fishes and other marine life--including the biggest Grouper or Lapu-lapu I have ever seen!

One of the cottages at SEAFDEC in Guimaras

Island Hopping Tour in Guimaras

Island hopping was the highlight of my solo trip in Guimaras Island. Aside from being known as the home of the sweetest mangoes in the world, Guimaras has a handful of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Some of the best-kept secrets Guimaras Island has to offer include white-sand beaches, waterfalls, springs and off-shore islets. Eager to explore these natural wonders, I grabbed the opportunity to do island hopping in Guimaras when I had the chance to visit the island from Iloilo City.

Island hopping starts from Alubihod Beach, Guimaras

Getting from CDO to Camiguin via Balingoan Port

The trip to Camiguin was one of the highlights of our Northern Mindanao adventure. Camiguin is also called as the “Island Born of Fire” as it is believed to have been created from volcanic eruptions. It is the second smallest province in the country yet it boasts plenty of natural attractions and historical sights.

Pulo Islet found in front of Balingoan wharf. There is a big white cross on top of it.

Divisoria Night Market: Food Trip and Ukay-ukay in Cagayan de Oro City

Part of our Northern Mindanao trip was to experience the Divisoria Night Market in Cagayan de Oro City. On our second night, right after our ziplining experience in Bukidnon, we walked down to Plaza Divisoria, a mere 15-minute walk from Budgetel Inn. CDO City downtown looks similar to my home city in Iloilo, where it's fairly easy to walk around. The Plaza Divisoria located in the downtown area is just a typical city park but it transforms into a night market every Friday and Saturday night.

We passed by this monument of "Tribute To The Slain Members of the Press" on our way to the night market