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- 88 PESOS seat sale to selected CEB domestic destinations!
Cebu Pacific flies Manila–Kota Kinabalu for as low as P499 only.
Posted by Carambs
Reach great heights for an adventure vacation on the lowest fare imaginable! Climb to the highest peak in South East Asia and a UNESCO world heritage site, Mt. Kinabalu for only P499. You might even discover the world’s largest flower, Rafflesia in one of the richest variety of flora and fauna forest reserves of Sabah.
Cebu Pacific, the leading carrier in the Asean Region will operate a direct service from Manila to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia beginning July 18, 2008.
The Kota Kinabalu seat sale will run from April 11 to 17, 2008 and is good for travel from July 18 to September 30, 2008. Fare is exclusive of surcharges and government tax.
Hurry, book now at www.cebupacificair.com.
Adventure Philippines: Trekking or Hiking 3
Posted by Carambs
Here are the other packages included in the Adventure Philippines brochure:
Climb to the “Sacred” Volcano of Sugarlandia
Bacolod City. Mt. Kanlaon, towering at 8,000 ft above sea level, is considered as the sacred volcano of Sugarlandia (Negros Occidental), an abode of the gods worshipped by ancient inhabitants. It is one of the country’s favorite destinations for mountaineering, trekking, camping, research and bird watching. A typical trek takes about 3 or 4 days,, giving adventure tourists enough time to see Buslogan and Oro waterfall, the Samok lagoon and the Margaha valley. You may choose the Mambukal Mountain Resort in Murcia of the Guintubdan summit trail as your jump-off points in climbing Mt. Kanlaon.
Inclusions: guide, facilitation of equipment rental
Booking information: Park Area Superintendent
MKNP Liaison Station, DENR-PENRO Compound, South Capitol Road, Bacolod City
Tel No.: (6334) 4333813
Email: eloibibar@yahoo.com
Zambo Ecozone Highlands Adventure
Upper La Paz, Zamboanga City. Nestled in the midst of a forest paradise of lush green foliage, vibrant flora and exotic fauna, the Zambo Ecozone Agro/Edo-tourism Park is an integrated Eco-tourism and Agro-tourism area in the zone’s Second Development Site. The park caters to camping and eco-trekking activities.
Booking information: Team Kaguang
Zambo Ecozone Authority and Freeport
Tel No.: (6362) 9920409 loc. 121
Email: team_kaguang@yahoogroups.com
Mt. Timolan Protected Landscape Trail (min 20pax)
Zamboanga del Sur. Rugged river trails, lush forests, exciting rock climbs, majestic sceneries, exotic flora and the songs of wild birds in the background, climbing Mt. Timolan gives a new meaning to the expression “getting there is half the fun”. Upon reaching the top of the mountain, experience the sight of clouds slowly descending upon the lake. Activities: bamboo rafting, bamboo pole diving, lake boating and fishing, river trekking
Inclusions: Climb guide fee, swimming fee, climb ID/lamination, certificate, land transportation, meals, DENR permit fee, tour guide fee
Tour Operator: Caberte Travel and Tours
JF Sibugal-Caberte Bldg., Rizal Avenue, Balangasan District, Pagadian City
Tel Nos.: (6362) 2143181 / (6332) 2152412
Fax No.: (6362) 2143182
Email: fscaberte@yahoo.com
Website: www.fscaberte.com
Bulacan Verdivia Falls Tour (Overnight)
Verdivia Falls in Dona Remedios Trinidad is one of the natural wonders of Bulacan due to its cascading waterfalls and wide catch basin. The village is known for its sweetest pineapple in Luzon. Includes the following activities: trekking, swimming, nature observation, and community immersion
Booking information: Bulacan Provincial Tourism Office
Telefax: (6344) 6627635
Website: http://www.bulacan.gov.ph
More tour packages here:
Happy Tripper is not affiliated with Adventure Philippines. All information included here came from the Adventure Philippines brochure. For other information, visit www.wowphilippines.com.ph, www.experiencephilippines.ph, and www.wowpinoy.net
Adventure Philippines: Trekking or Hiking 2
Posted by Carambs
Here are the other packages included in the Adventure Philippines brochure:
Mt. Pinatubo Trek (Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac)
An opportunity to relish the peace and quiet of the 2.5km, jewel-blue crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambales via Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac. Drive on board a 4×4 all-weather jeep along O’Donnell streambed; hike up to the crater for an hour and back.
Inclusions: 4x ride, briefing/conservation fee, mountain guide fee, barangay fee. For overnight tour, includes home stay accomodation
Contact Persons:
Jude Lenon (63) 9208035647
Edwin Manalang (63) 9107227575 for renting 4×4 vehicle
Mt. Pinatubo Trek, via Porac, Pampanga (overnight)
A 7-hr trekking safari to the slopes of Mt. Pinatubo via the Pasig-Potrero River in Brgy. Mancatian while traversing fast streambeds, grand waterfalls and fantastic lahar (volcanic ashfall) landscapes. An optional climb up to the crater takes two hours. Drive on board an all-weather vehicle up to Apu Malyari Gate, trek for about 7 hours to a waterfall, with optional uphill climb to Mt. Pinatubo. Alternatively, one can take the Sapang Uwak route to reach the crater on board an all-weather vehicle. Proceed to Balibago, Angeles City for an overnight stay and city tour. Shop at Nepo Mart before heading back home.
Inclusions: 4×4 ride, briefing / conservation fee, mountain guide fee, barangay fee. For overnight tour, includes home stay accomodation
Contact Persons:
Jude Lenon (63) 9208035647
Edwin Manalang (63) 9107227575 for renting 4×4 vehicle
Mt. Pinatubo Trek and Wellness Spa, via Capas, Tarlac (overnight)
An opportunity to relish the beauty and tranquility of the 2.5km jewel blue crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo. Drive on board an all-weather vehicle for an hour and trek for two hours starting at Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac to Mt. Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambales. Tour options include community immersion with native Aetas or visit to the Mt. Pinatubo Wellness Spa in Brgy. Sta. Juliana
Inclusions: 4×4 ride, trek to the crater or dip in hot sulphur spring pools in Tarukan, foot spa, thermal bath and lunch, hot sand bath, Shiatsu massage
Contact Persons:
Jude Lenon (63) 9208035647
Edwin Manalang (63) 9107227575 for renting 4×4 vehicle
Angelito Mallari, Capas Tourism Office
Tel No.: (6345) 9250154 / (6345) 9250112 local 109 or 124
Telefax: (6345) 9250408
Email: wowpinatubo@yahoo.com.ph / jollypie_2006@yahoo.com
Trek Aurora
Aurora is a prime spot for mountain climbing and nature trekking activities, with its large forest reserve areas, its vast lowlands and foothills, and the presence of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges. The variety of terrain coupled with the abundance of clear streams, waterfalls and vegetation can make for a unique and challenging trekking experience.
Options: (1) Mount Pamaza-pazan peak - 2 day ascend, 1 day descend, Level 3 Climb at Bayanihan, Maria, Aurora, (2) Dibutunan Falls - 2 day ascend, 1 day descend, river trails, and (3) Mt. Udok - maximum of 10 pax per guide
Contact Information: Aurora Provincial Tourism Office
Telefax: (6342) 2094373
Mobile: (63) 9213207015
Email: tourism_aurora@yahoo.com
Wind and Wave
Capurpuraoan is a rugged coastal area in Burgos Ilocos Norte, about 4 kilometers from the national highway. Capture the sight of stunning nature-sculpted white rock, standing majestically, facing the sea like a vanguard of the land. Strongs winds and waves shaped the rock monolith, resulting in an unequated “work of art”. Experience climbing the powdery and relatively soft rock.
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse is the highest elevated lighthouse in the Philippines. The octagonal stone tower is 65 feet high. Established on March 31, 1892, it still continues to operate with new lenses run by solar panel. Access to the lighthouse is through a two-lane narrow concrete road that starts at the north side of the Maharlika Highway. Visitors are allowed to climb a flight of concrete stairs to the perimeter wall, which offers a majestic view of the South China Sea.
Kaangrian Waterfalls is located in Brgy. Paayas, a 5km drive from the Naitonal Highway to the head of the trail. From there, it is a 4km hike to the falls. The falls are everywhere, creating a semicircle of water cascading down multiple layers of rock. Limestone deposits have created hundreds of small sparkling pools around the base of the falls.
Inclusions: Air conditioned transportation, tour guide, entrance fees and permits
Minimum of 3 persons
Tour Operator: Gordion Travel and Tours
Alejandro Bldg., Tupaz Avenue, Laoag city, Ilocos Norte (beside Laoag City Hall)
Tel Nos.: (6377) 7714801 / (6377) 7731734 /
Mobile: (32) 9175680840 / (63) 9193110755
More trekking/hiking tour packages here:
Happy Tripper is not affiliated with Adventure Philippines. All information included here came from the Adventure Philippines brochure. For other information, visit www.wowphilippines.com.ph, www.experiencephilippines.ph, and www.wowpinoy.net
Adventure Philippines: Trekking or Hiking 1
Posted by Carambs
Here are the packages included in the Adventure Philippines brochure:
Mt. Pulag Trekking Expedition (5D/4N)
Conquer Mt. Pulag and enjoy the scenic view of Benguet. Activities include: camping at Babalak Station and trekking Mt. Pulag plateau at 3000 meters. Temperature can go as low as 0 degree Celsius due to high winds at topside. Thermal jackets or windbreakers needed for chill protection.
Inclusions: Two nights hotel accommodation and 2 nights tent accomodation, full board, mountain guide and porter for common camping equipment
Tour Operator: Action Holidays Tour Corporation
555 E. T. Yuchengco (Nueva) St., Binondo, Manila
Tel Nos: (632) 2422001 to 04 / (632) 2430305 / (632) 2433067
Mobile: (63) 9209264911 / (63) 9177924911 / (63) 9228924911
Fax: (632) 2429736
Email: paullimso@yahoo.com / paulso@info.com.ph / actionht@info.com.ph
Nature Trekking
Busay, Cebu City. Take a walk and breathe in fresh air. Relax your senses with the soothing view of trees and mountain, while listening to the sound of nature. It is a worthwhile way to recharge yourself from work-related stress and city living.
Inclusions: Interpreter, trekking equipment (including floating device and tent), full board meal (camping food), adventure facilitator, local guide
Tour Operator: Blue Horizons Travel and Tours Inc.
Unit 1 G/F Zeraus Bldg., Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu city
Tel Nos.: (6332) 2328886 to 89
Fax No.: (6332) 2328890
River Trekking
Barili, Cebu. Experience refreshing trails, trekking, tracing the source of a waterfall and swimming in cool and invigorating water.
Inclusions: Interpreter, trekking equipment (including floating device and tent), full board meal (camping food), adventure facilitator, local guide
Tour Operator: Blue Horizons Travel and Tours Inc.
Unit 1 G/F Zeraus Bldg., Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu city
Tel Nos.: (6332) 2328886 to 89
Fax No.: (6332) 2328890
Mt. Apo Trekking
Conquer Mt. Apo, the tallest peak in the Philippines at 9,691 feet above sea level, the mightiest upward surge of a long mountain range extending from Cotabato, Davao del Sur and Davao City to Agusan and Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao.
Inclusions: Roundtrip airconditioned transfers (Davao hotel - Kapatagan - Davao Hotel), tent, sleeping bag, meals, permit fee, porter, and professional guide
Tour Operator: Mt. Apo Travel and Tours
Corner Monteverde and Guerrero Sts., Davao city
Tel Nos.: (6382) 2218177 / (6382) 2211729 / (6382) 2271657 / (6382) 3008891
Fax No.: (6382) 2218220
Email: mtapotravel@skynet.net / mtapotravel@yahoo.com / wandateo@yahoo.com
Trails and Plains Challenge (5D/4N)
Crater and a Lake Trip (Tagaytay) - Drive upward to Tagaytay. Take a boat to the jumpoff point to start the ascending trail going to the tip of the crater. Experience a breathtaking view of Taal Volcano and the lake within the volcano which is known as one of the smallest in the world.
Manila/River Trail (Angeles) - Trek the mystical and awesome remains of the ravaged Mt. Pinatubo. then board a 4×4 jeep and feel the excitement of crossing the rivers. Enjoy the rolling tour of Clark in the afternoon. Option: Take the extensive tour to the crater. The ashes and the sand deposited by the 1991 eruption created a fabulous landscape, and the criss-crossed ravines molded impressive terrains.
Angeles/100 Islands Hopping Tour (Angeles/Alaminos, Pangasinan) - Go island hopping and enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the islands.
Tour Operator: Annset Holidays, Inc.
Unit 502, Dona Felisa Syjuco Bldg., Remedios St. cor. Taft Avenue., Malate, Manila
Tel Nos.: (632) 4006521 to 24 / (632) 4006527 or 28
Fax No.: (632) 4006526
Email: tours.travel@annsetholidays.com.ph / fina_annset@yahoo.com
Website: www.annsetholidays.com.ph
Ifugao “Banaue Rice Terraces” Heritage Tour (4D/3N)
Manila/Banaue Journey - From Manila, pass through countryside settings such as rice fields surrounding small towns and villages. Stop at Dalton Pass, a historical landmark, on to Bagabag where picturesque mountains and rivers start to ascend.
Rice Terraces and Village Tour - Tour Banga-an Village on board a local jeepney and experience life in a traditional village nestled in a panoramic valley of terraces. The 20-minute walk in a descending trail permits a closer look into the inner lives of the Ifugaos. Mingle and discover their daily lifestyle. Move onto the vantage point to view the Rice Terraces as clouds pass under or over you, an unimaginable experience.
Sagada/Bontoc Discovery Tour - Visit the town of Sagada and see the ancient burial caves and mummified coffins. Proceed to Bontoc where you can find varied collection of authentic artifacts and photos from the tribes housed in a museum founded by a Belgian sister. Before retiring, watch a cultural show by the tribes as they interpret their customs and traditions, through songs and dances.
Tour Operator: Annset Holidays, Inc.
Unit 502, Dona Felisa Syjuco Bldg., Remedios St. cor. Taft Avenue., Malate, Manila
Tel Nos.: (632) 4006521 to 24 / (632) 4006527 or 28
Fax No.: (632) 4006526
Email: tours.travel@annsetholidays.com.ph / fina_annset@yahoo.com
Website: www.annsetholidays.com.ph
More trekking/hiking tour packages here:
Happy Tripper is not affiliated with Adventure Philippines. All information included here came from the Adventure Philippines brochure. For other information, visit www.wowphilippines.com.ph, www.experiencephilippines.ph, and www.wowpinoy.net
Recreational Outdoor Exchange: Adventure Philippines!
Posted by Carambs
I visited Recreational Outdoor Exchange at Bonifacio High Street yesterday and got my fix of Life is Good, buying a pair of pink river shorts. With my purchase, I got a copy of DisPatch, and a copy of Adventure Philippines. It just makes perfect sense that ROX is promoting adventure activities within the Philippines.
DisPatch seems like the official publication of ROX. But instead of just being a brochure and featuring its products, there are articles about personalities, destinations, and other adventure topics. It’s a very interesting paper, but I have 2 complaints. First, the size. It’s too big. Second, some of the pictorials are too “fake”. The models are made up, the clothes are too clean - I just think this contradicts the essence of “adventure” which is the raw soaking up of the outdoors, if that even makes sense. Still, DisPatch is a good supplement for the ROX customer.
Adventure Philippines has a brochure, a result of a collaboration among the Department of Tourism, Recreational Outdoor Exchange, and Wow Philippines. It is “Your Guide to Outdoor Escapes in the Philippines”. It starts with
The Philippines is a perfect place for the outdoor enthusiast. Here’s why!
Variety - There are dozens of extreme escapes waiting for you. We have adventures that will push you to the limit, and also more relaxed pursuits that you’re sure to enjoy. From aquatic sports to hiking and spelunking, the Philippines can satisfy any kind of craving for adventure.
Affordability - Everything in the Philippines is within your budget, from accommodations, transportation and food, especially when you’re out in the provinces. You’ll be amazed at how far your money can go!
Modern infrastructure - All adventure destinations in the Philippines are easily accessible by land, sea, or air. Plus an excellent cellular phone network and convenient pre-paid mobile phone services help keep you in touch.
No language barrier - Almost everywhere you go, English is spoken and understood. Leave those phrase books at home!
Click here for ROX Philippines’ official site.
I will try my best to post all of the tour packages included in Adventure Philippines.
CitySights NY
Posted by ordnacin
Disclosure - The following is a sponsored review.
If you’re planning to take a vacation to New York and are looking for an affordable way to tour the city then check out CitySightsNY.
New York is a great place to go sightseeing with lots of famous landmarks, getting around though can be a problem. Walking is nice especially in Central Park but after a while your feet get really sore, the subway is kinda confusing (plus you only get to see dingy tunnels) and taxis can be quite expensive. This is where CitySights NY comes in, it’s a hop-on hop-off double decker bus sightseeing tour service in New York City.
A couple of years back my officemates and I went to New York where we rode CitySights NY’s Downtown Tour Bus. We got to go around New York City and visit Wall Street (surprisingly small), the Empire State Building, Chinatown, Little Italy, the debris of the World Trade Center and other NYC Attractions. What made it convenient is that if you like a particular area you can get off the bus go around that area then just get on the next bus (usually every 20-30 minutes) at no extra cost. My suggestion would be to ride at the top of the roofless double decker bus that way you have a good vantage point of where you’re going, the only thing was that when we went there New York was experiencing record low temperatures so we were freezing so be sure to bring heat inducing clothes if it’s the winter.
I was disappointed though that I wasn’t able to try their Liberty Helicopter - A Taste of New York Tour. Basically you get to go around New York in a helicopter and get an aerial view of famous landmark like the USS Intrepid, Chrysler and Empire State Buildings. It costs $69 for around 5-7 minutes of air time not cheap but I think it’s something one should do at least once in their lifetime. Oh well hopefully I’ll get the chance to go back in the future. CitySights NY has other tour services including cruises, shopping tours and day trips going to New York, Boston and Philadelphia. Oh and if you are looking at trying out their service book online as they give a $5 discount for online booking at http://www.citysightsny.com.
Casa Rosario, Cebu City
Posted by Carambs
Casa Rosario is a pension house located at Aboitiz Street within Metro Cebu. It was recommended to us by Jovan’s biker friend who lives in Cebu. I actually wanted to try out the new Mango Hotel but because of Sinulog, all the hotels were fully booked by the time we started to plan out our trip.
Casa Rosario turned out to be a really good choice. The location was perfect. It was 2 blocks away from the Redemptorist Church, and 2 blocks away from Maxilom Street, which was part of the parade route. On Sunday, we got up early to hear mass, then we headed straight to Maxilom Street to choose a position for the parade. We didn’t have to go far at all!
The room was very neat. The beddings were very clean. The bathroom, which I’m very particular about, was very clean as well. I was comfortable in using it. The lobby was spacious, and cool, and very welcoming. For the rate, P1,700/night, it wasn’t bad at all. The normal rate was P1,000/night but all rates really go up during Sinulog time.
Tripper Tips: Manila Oceanpark
Posted by Carambs
Here are some tips that may be helpful for your trip to Manila Oceanpark.
1) Go there early. We went in the afternoon and there were so many people! Our friends lined up for 45 minutes just to buy tickets. Then we had to line up for around 20-30 more minutes to get inside. I’m not sure if there are less people in the morning, but nothing could be worse than what we went through.
2) Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. I’m not sure if there was no airconditioning or if there was something wrong with it, but I didn’t feel it at all. Bringing a fan will help a lot, I ended up using the flyer as my fan because it was just too hot!
3) Don’t go there hungry. Have a meal first before you go there. It takes a while to go around, and you can’t bring food inside. There was a bunch of unfinished pop corn and sodas at the entrance because people had to leave them there.
4) Bring a camera! There are so many interesting species that you will not see often so it will be good to take pictures. But please, follow the rules and don’t use flash photography. That’s not hard to understand right? I didn’t understand the other people there who had to be reminded so many times!
5) Bring your kids, nephews or nieces. It’s for everyone really but it’s just so amazing to see the reactions of the kids.
Manila OceanPark
Posted by Carambs
I spent the afternoon at Manila Oceanpark to celebrate a friend’s birthday. It was a very interesting experience, except for the fact that there were a million people there. We got stuck in traffic at Quiapo because of a rally we didn’t know about so we arrived there past 2PM. Which was a blessing for us - we didn’t have to line up because our friends were waiting in line. The line outside was long, the ticket line was long, and the line going inside was long. It was worth it though because what we saw inside was amazing.
It was a huge place! It showcased so many species of marine life, from stingrays to clownfish to sharks… It was awesome! They had an amazing underwater tunnel, albeit short. The kids were all going nuts when the stingrays swam majestically from one side of the tunnel to the other. When we were in the tunnel, 2 divers went into the water to feed the stingray, and my diver friends got all excited. The stingrays were all over the men! Right then and there they wanted to leave and go somewhere to dive. It was an awesome sight! Never mind even if the kids around us were all either shrieking in excitement or in fear.
The fee for adults is P400, and it’s worth it. I just wish they had aircon inside - it was so damn hot! (Or was it on purpose that there was no aircon?) I also wish they could fix the system of the lines outside. It was horrible! Also, I wish they could be tougher on the visitors who don’t follow the rules. There were so many warning signs that flash photography wasn’t allowed, and the guides kept on repeating this, but there were still a LOT of people using flash. Their cameras should be confiscated!!!
When you go there in the afternoon, expect long lines. I’m not sure if the lines are shorter in the morning. But it’s worth it especially if you have kids. Remember, flash photography is not allowed! 
Click here for the complete set of photos: Manila Oceanpark
Philippine Holidays for 2008
Posted by Carambs
Here are the Philippine Holidays for 2008:
March 20 (Thursday) -Maundy Thursday
March 21 (Friday) - Good Friday
April 7 (Monday) - Araw ng Kagitingan (Monday nearest April 9)
May 1 (Thursday) - Labor Day
August 18 (Monday) - Ninoy Aquino Day (Monday nearest August 21)
August 25 (Monday) - National Heroes Day (last Monday of August)
November 1 (Saturday) - All Saints’ Day
December 1 (Monday) - Bonifacio Day (Monday nearest November 30)
December 25 (Thursday) - Christmas Day
December 26 (Friday) - additional special non-working holiday
December 29 (Monday) - additional special non-working holiday
December 30 (Tuesday) - Rizal Day
December 31 (Wednesday) - Last Day of the Year
If you’re wondering about the source, you can check out the PDF file of the proclamation.
Time to plan the major trips!