How far can Bubbles go?

Travel Dates: July 25 to August 2, 2015      By the time we arrived to Maafushi Island, we don’t have a prior hotel booking, but some staffs from nearby hotel were waiting at the port and offered their room to us.  We followed them and stayed at Picnic Inn for 45 USD a night. This is for off-season rate, because it is 2-3 times higher during peak season.  Then we moved to Dhonveli View and Narnia.        Staying in hotel in a local island will save you a big amount of money for accommodation and food.  While a private island resort with beautiful white sand beaches and over water bungalows will cost you about 500-1500 USD a night for a room only.  But we don’t want to get stuck in one island and will not get to experience the daily life of locals.      The next day, we went for snorkelling with a lunch at sand bank.  Riding a speed boat with other tourists, our first stop was Banana Reef. ...

Travel Date: February 7-8, 2015      We decided to visit Calaguas in February, because there was no rain and the weather forecast was good.  But we overlooked to check the gale warning which is how strong the force of the wind during that week.       Our boat sailed the beautiful greenish river with scenic banks going out to the vastness of Pacific Ocean.  From afar before we reach the mouth of the ocean, we can see already the towering raging waves.  We were so frightened and unsure if our boat can pass through.  At that time, you will think of withdrawing or continuing the trip.  But our boat managed to ride the huge waves for an hour.      The fear was gone the moment we came closer to Calaguas Island.  The nearby islands we passed by were so beautiful and virgin.  All beaches boast a long white sand and lots of coconut trees.  The moment our boat approached the beach of Cal...

Front beach of Green Views Resort      Palawan never ceases to amaze me of its many gorgeous beaches, lush green forest, and beautiful limestone formations.  I fell in love with it the first time I visited Puerto Princesa.  And finally, I’m back to this island to explore El Nido.      El Nido is undeniably romantic with its sleepy small town, front beach resorts and restaurants, white sand beaches, amazing landscapes, and beautiful sunset.      We booked our accommodation in Green Views Resort .  Though located in Corong-Corong, the resort’s simple nipa hut cottages with a front beach overlooking the Bacuit Bay offer a feeling of tranquility.  It is away from the noisy bars of El Nido town.      The nicest part is their beachfront restaurant.  While having a meal, you can enjoy the view of the beach.  Staffs are very accommodating too.      El Nido has many bea...

     We flew out of Manila in a gloomy weather but as we landed in Dumaguete the weather was perfectly sunny.  We were greeted by Bethel Guest House free car transfer.  As we arrived in our hotel, we were so happy to know that our hotel is fronting the Rizal Blvd. and the view is perfect for sunrise. City Tour      In the afternoon, we explored the city of Dumaguete.  We walked through the Dumaguete Town Plaza where we saw Jose Rizal statue and some old canons. Dumaguete Town Plaza      A few more steps, was the Dumaguete Cathedral Church or St. Catherine of Alexandria Church .  It is the oldest stone church in Negros originally built in 1754-1776, reconstructed in 1885, and extended with present façade in 1936. Dumaguete Cathedral Dumaguete Belfry      Just beside the Dumaguete Cathedral is the Campanerio  or the Dumaguete Belfry .  It was erected in 1811 as the bell t...

     As we boarded the early flight of Cebu Pacific bound for Davao City, we realized that we were on the same flight with Juris Fernandez and the rest of the crew.  We didn’t get near her because we know that she just came from her last night gig and she was pretty tired then.  So my friends, who happen to be fans, ended up just looking at her.      We arrived in Davao City at 9:40AM and we checked in at Roadway Inn, the same hotel where Juris and her crew stayed also.  The hostel is okay for budget traveler but not that really clean.  There are cobwebs in the ceiling and the paint is already fading.   Good enough that the beddings and towels are clean. Buffet meal at Nanay Bebeng      Known for tourists and locals, Nanay Bebeng located at Dona Vicente Village satisfied our cravings for Filipino food.   Indeed, a very affordable lunch buffet for just Php 295.  Looking at the buffet table, the...

     Is an island in the Philippines located in Aklan Province.  White Beach is the main tourism beach.  It is about four kilometers long with powdery fine white sand and is lined with hotels and restaurants.  How to get there?      Fly via Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia.  You may take Manila to Kalibo flight or a direct flight to Caticlan.      From Kalibo, take a shuttle van or bus to Caticlan.  Then, take a boat from Caticlan Jetty Port to Boracay Island.  Where to Stay?      All accommodation types scattered the islands.  From luxurious resorts located at Station 1, down to the affordable accommodations at Station 2 and 3.  Activities      Activities includes snorkeling, diving, parasailing, windsurfing, kite boarding, and island hopping. --

     Palawan is the Philippines last ecological frontier.  Calamianes group of islands is one of the most beautiful, located in the northernmost part of Palawan.  Busuanga Island is the biggest, which also includes Culion, Calauit, Coron, and Linapacan.  The gateway to the nearby islands is Coron.      We arrived in Busuanga Airport in a gloomy weather.  The summer getaway with friends turned out to be rainy.  But that doesn’t stop our outdoor mode.      From Busuanga Airport we rode a van that took us to Coron.  While traversing the rough road on the way to Coron is a scenic view of green fields, abundant trees and mountains on both sides. Where to Stay?      After the 45 min. ride we reached the Coron town at 11 AM.  We belittle ourselves at Krystal Lodge, with nipa hut cottages right on the water.  Some of the places to stay in are Sea Dive, Darayonan Inn, Discovery Divers, Vil...