Places to Visit in Mindoro

Mindoro Island is divided into two provinces, Oriental and Occidental. Its main products are mostly agricultural but they also have beautiful and stunning tourist destinations that they can be proud of. From the historical sites to the beautiful white beaches, underwater richness, rain-forest from the mountains, and the people. I have tried solo-backpacking to Mindoro several times and I can say that the people here are one of the hospitable and friendly in the country.

The Untouched Beauty of Romblon

Romblon  is my home town and I am very proud that I was raised in this small archipelago. My early years was surrounded by rice field, trees, and marbles, I thought the province of Romblon is composed of such but I was wrong. When I started traveling that's the time that I discovered that my home town has a lot to offer. From the untouched beaches, unexplored caves, mountains, underwater richness and may others. This article will show you how beautiful Romblon is. Allow me to introduce to you the gorgeous tourist destinations in Romblon.

Places to Visit in Rizal

If you want to distress and just want to enjoy the beauty of nature, then you visit Rizal which is a neighbor province of Metro Manila. This province has a lot to offer, from history, nature, extreme sports, foods, places to stay and many more. Transportation is not a problem at all because it is accessible from Cubao, Robinsons Galleria and SM Megamall. Below are few of the must visit in the province.

Places to Visit in Quezon Province

Quezon is one of the provinces near Manila with a lot of tourist destinations to offer, either mountains, water and historical landmarks. It is very accessible because transportation is much easier and travel period is 2 to 3 hours. It is still part of southern Luzon region.

Places to Visit in Laguna

Laguna is one of the tourist destinations in southern Luzon because it is just a two hour travel from Manila. This province has the great combination of historical sites and nature that attract tourist from the Metro and other nearby provinces. First, Bunga falls located in Nagarlan, Laguna. According to the residents, there were plenty of bettle nut (bunga in local dialect) in the area,  so they derived  the name of this water falls from this vine. You can read our itinerary, Click Here >>>

Places to Visit in Cavite

Cavite is one of the most accessible provinces in southern Luzon, two to three hours travel from Metro Manila. It contributed a lot to Philippine history and few of the standing witnesses are those historical sites in Kawit and other parts of the province. Aside from those historical sites, if you’re into nature, don’t worry Cavite also has few. Here are some of the tourist attractions and destinations in Cavite.

Memories with my Olympus Tough

My Olympus Tough digital camera is now five years. With this span of years I was able to capture beautiful, stunning, and vibrant memories because of its lens. Regardless of scenes, either mountains, historical sites, beaches, underwater, nature, and many others, Olympus Tough is really strong in bringing a great outcome. Photos below are just some of the dramatic images taken outdoors using my Olympus Tough TG-320.

Welcome! Camiguin!

Everytime I hear Camiguin, I usually think of the best lanzones in the Philippines and the underwater cemetery. But during our visit, we found the hidden wealth that Camiguin can be proud of. It is truly that the province is one of the best tourist spots, tourist destinations and tourist attractions in the Philippines. Backpacking is not a big problem here because at the port of Camiguin, multi-cab, with a driver, can be chartered for the whole day tour (that’s what we did).

A Place to Stay in Camiguin

We stayed at Pabua’s Cottages for 1,500 pesos overnight. The room is wide, with own clean rest and shower room, TV with cable, terrace, and three queen size beds. Since we were in a tight budget, we went to the market and bought our supply. Cooked, served with happiness and then rested. You can contact them at 09064152557 or 09173210449.

Ardent Hot Spring Resort at Mt. Hibok-hibok in Camiguin

Ardent Hot Spring was our last destination for that day; it is situated at the base of Mt. Hibok Hibok. Ardent has a wide land area composed of trees, plants, cottages, and other structures. Tourists usually make this hot spring as their last destination to soothe their tired muscles and it is really true. Spent an hour here and had a relaxing feeling while my body is submerged in the warm water.

Camiguin Underwater Cemetery – Must Visit

Camiguin Underwater Cemetery is one of the must visit tourist spots, attractions and destinations in the province. Before, it was a resting place but now it's a tourist place that gives money to the government and jobs to the locals. This spot has a huge cross perched in the water. Tourists can cross and step on the base of the cross using boats, of course NOT for free. Souvenir shops and stores are available by the entrance.

Check  our Itinerary here >>> A Safe DIY Backpacking in Northern Mindanao

Historical Old Church Ruins in Camiguin

Another tourist destination in Camiguin is the Old Church Ruins (photo above). This church was damaged by the volcanic eruption happened centuries ago, damaging the other structures in Camiguin island. The ruin is composed of a meter wide walls and huge columns. These walls and columns are made of coral stones and are now covered with mosses and plants.

Spring Water that tastes like a Soda in Camiguin

Soda Swimming Pool is also by the highway. I know you're wondering why they call it Soda, correct? It is simply because the water coming out from this spring tastes like a soda and it is safe to drink. Like Sto. Nino Cold Spring, Soda swimming pool also has cool, refreshing and crystal clear water (photos below are proof).

Crystal Clear Waters of Sto. Nino Cold Spring

Sto. Nino Cold Spring is one of Camiguin’s top tourist destinations. By its name, you can easily expect for a fresh and cold spring water. I no plans to get wet, especially with the temperature of the water, it was really a NO NO. Because of its super dupper clear water, I dipped into the water and experienced how great this cold spring is. I was also stunned by the bottom of the pool, there are no silts because it is made of concrete.

Reasons Why You Should Visit Mindanao

 Our original plan is to hike Mt. Dulang-dulang and Mt. Kitanglad, but because of the question: “gusto nyo ba?” it was changed to backpacking in Northern Mindanao. It happened for a very very short time. So from Malaybalay, Bukidnon, we rode on a bus with Cagayan signboard and alighted at Agora Terminal. At the terminal, we rode in a bus with Butuan signboard and alighted at Butuan Terminal. Then, another bus ride to Mangahoy, Bislig, Surigao del Sur. Here are some of the Mindanao’s finest, from days 1 to 5.

Relics Inside Butuan National Museum

Butuan National Museum is one of the historical structures in Butuan City that houses and protects the relics discovered in the region. It also holds several objects used by the locals for their daily life, such as jars, ceramic and earthenwares, hand woven clothe, and many more. Photos below are just some of items inside the museum:

Balangay Shrine houses the Oldest Watercraft

The Filipino word Baranggay came from the word: Balangay or Balanghai which is watercraft used by the ancient people in the Philippines for transportation and for barter and trade. If I am not mistaken, it was discussed when I was in the fifth grade, in HEKASI. I am happy that today, it’s time to see the actual relics of Balangay, discovered in Butuan. Since the guard did not allow me to use my DSLR or digital camera, photos below were captured using my mobile camera:

Butuan City and the ancient Balangay

Backpacking in Butuan City is easy because all the historical sites are located just within the vicinity, accessible to both public utility vehicles like jeepney and tricycle. During our visit in Butuan, at the intersection of the Narra Road (where Jollibee, McDonalds and KFC are located), we chartered a tricycle to visit these two museums in the city. Below are two of the museums that can be found in the city:

A Stretch of White Sand at Hagonoy Island, Surigao

Be transformed as you meditate at the garden of vines that heals every soul’s weary at the Hagonoy Island – that’s their slogan here. This islet is really small, just a hundred meters long or maybe less but has a fine white sand shore and surrounded by crystal clear waters. Hagonoy is an islet with few coconuts and trees, so expect for a darker skin tone after your visit because of the sun rays. It is the cutest among Britania Group of Islets.

Shirtless at Naked Island, Surigao

 Experience this Naked Paradise at the Naked Island. It is not what you think, I know you’re thinking of something green but its name is derived from its characteristic – naked, meaning nothing can be found on this islet, just fine white sand and it is also small, maybe 10 meters or less. Check the photos below will explain more:

Dala-dala'y Boslon Island, Surigao del Sur

 Walk with happiness on the fine white sands that cover the Boslon Island. This islet is like a huge boulder dropped in the water, because of the pressure the fine white sand exploded and became Boslon Island. Well, that’s only my own story. Anyways, this islet is circular in shape, with the plants and trees hanging on top of the islet creating a cool atmosphere in the area. Here’s what you can see at Boslon Island:

Hiyor-hiyoran Island, a souvenir island in Surigao

 Hiyor-hiyoran Island is one of the Britania Group of Islands in Surigao del Sur. It is also called the souvenir island because among these islands, Hiyor-hiyoran is the only one with souvenir shops built, by the beach. Same as the other islands, it also has fine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and gorgeous limestone formation. Here’s what you can see at Boslon Island:

Tanned at Britania Group of Islets, Surigao

 Britania Group of Islets is just one of the prides of Surigao del Sur. These are like huge boulders dropped into the water  and the fine white sad exploded from the sea bed. There are several islets but only few can be reached because of the high tide. If you're in Surigao, add Britania in your bucket list.

A Multi-million Worth of Dolls at International Doll House

International Doll House was mentioned by John, our guide, and first time to hear about it, though we already saw it on TV. John encouraged us to visit this doll house by giving us details of what are displayed inside. According to him, there’s a doll with gold on the head, there’s a doll with a hair from the original Rose of Titanic, there’s a toy motorcycle with a value of 2.5 million pesos and many more. So there, we were all curios about these and here are photos:

Time to Dip in Libuacan Cold Spring

Libuacan Cold Spring is part of our Must Visit tourist destinations in Surigao del Sur. We felt sad because the famous Enchanted River was closed due to its renovations but its fine, there will always be a perfect time for us; anyways, let’s go back to Libuacan Cold Spring. Libuacan is a river system with cold and crystalline water, free flowing, and surrounded by relaxing greens. Since the area is surrounded by trees, the ambiance is really cool and relaxing; everything seemed to be fresh.

Beautiful Tinuy-an Falls in Surigao del Sur

Tinuy-an Falls is one of tourist spots, attractions, and destinations that Surigao del Sur can offer. Tinuy-an is a huge water fall with cool and crystal clear waters, and is surrounded by relaxing greens, creating the area a gorgeous landscape. The ambiance is so cool, with the fresh air blowing. Most part of the Tinuy-an falls is accessible, including the pool area. Water rafts, with a guide, can be rented.

Overnight at Crystal Beach Resort in Zambales

Crystal Beach Resort is situated in San Narciso, Zambales, a 3 to 4 hours travel from Metro Manila. Crystal Beach has a long fine sand beach which is good for camping and sun bathing. The water is cool and crystal clear perfect for the summer. As what you can see on the photo above, the area is surrounded by pine trees covering the camping area for a relaxing camping experience.