Archives for May 2015

Boating in Puerto Galera

May 31, 2015 by John Grant Leave a Comment

I have a good friend here Chris who has spent a few months making an old fishing boat into something really special.

One of the major pulls to live in the Philippines is to look at the beautiful beaches and beautiful Islands that the Philippines has to offer. There is no doubt that some of these havens are the most beautiful places in Asia. I am lucky as over the last months I have moved out of the chaos of the Manila to the calmer and friendly Puerto Galera. To be precise I am living on the Whitebeach and there is NO POLLUTION-NO TAXIS-NO McDONALDS.

There are of course other challenges, but most of them can be overcome by dropping your expectations or just improvising.

I have a good friend here Chris who has spent a few months making an old fishing boat into something really special. Now, this boat has turned into a boat that can travel around to and onto the local Islands. There is nothing more enjoyable than spending a few hours looking at the stunning Islands and feeling the blue sea at your feet as the boat speeds through the water.

On our last trip with a few friends we stopped over at a beautiful deserted beach on the Island of Mindoro, not that far from Whitebeach. We enjoyed a picnic on the beach and a relaxing afternoon which turned into an evening barbeque and a fire on the beach. Now, that is what I call living.

As far as I can see the beach was not possible by any road, and apart from a dog we had the place to ourselves for many hours. The barbeque was delicious and as the light faded Chris put on the lights of the boat, which patiently waited for us to return later.

About 8pm after a few drinks and a good time the crew of the boat loaded everything back on the waiting vessel and we paddled in the still warm water and boarded our boat for the return trip.

There is something amazing about a ship at night passing close by to the shore and watching the occasional local in their wooden homes or passing a beach bar with two or three happy customers. The journey home allowed us to pass Whitebeach where we could see the fire dancers trying to attract clients to the bars and we could hear the distance thud of music coming from those same bars.

The bars seemed to be so far off, and it was just the lights that made me even understand where we were. The noiseof the engine and the spraying night sea made this a perfect end to the day and withing a few more minutes we were mooring the boat in a tranquil bay.

Now that is what I call a perfect day on a perfect form of transportation.

Ferry Fun

May 12, 2015 by John Grant Leave a Comment

We have to remember it is not just humans that get transported, these vessels carry everything from livestock to rice, to essential machinery to beer.

The joy of getting on a ferry and traveling between Islands is huge. I have been on many ferries in the Philippines and some seem to have come out of 1920 films. The safety on board is not as high as some other country standards, but they do a great and necessary job getting people around so many islands. Not everyone can afford to get a plane, and in many cases planes are just not available anyway.

I remember once I had to travel by ferry to a friends remote Island, I was amazed that I had to sit on tonnes of coconuts. We have to remember it is not just humans that get transported, these vessels carry everything from livestock to rice, to essential machinery to beer.

There are always shock news reports about ferries sinking in the Philippines and huge loss of life. No matter what laws are put in place the staff have to take into account commercial pressures all the time.

When it works well it is fun. Take a look at some videos of ferry fun in the Philippines.

There are two main types of ferries here in the Philippines. A roll-on roll-off (or RoRo) ferry is a larger, more commercial liner built to transport vehicles, semis and large numbers of people. You’ll find these the norm for any trips longer than an hour or so. For these, you typically have an option between getting an economy ticket where there are bunks in a large, open bay, or reserving a bunk in a smaller room with only 6-10 bunks. Bancas are the local boats built for more short distance travel and come in many sizes. With a banca, it can easily be delayed during less than ideal weather, and you might get wet if there are any significant waves.

Before heading anywhere new, it’s always a good idea to do a little research about the trip you’ll be taking and get some information. You’ll want to do some research asking locals the best company or ferry to take to get from where you are to where you need to go. The biggest way people get scammed is them not understanding how the system works so get yourself up to speed before showing up. If anyone offers you a ‘private trip’ or a ‘short cut’, don’t trust them.

Manila to Puerto Princesa

May 11, 2015 by John Grant Leave a Comment

The City of Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Philippines is located 306 nautical miles southwest of Manila

There are only a few international airports in the Philippines that run to exotic locations, so, in the main to get to anywhere in the Philippines you have to pass by the airports located in Manila.

The City of Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Philippines is located 306 nautical miles southwest of Manila, 205 nautical miles from Panay and about 250 nautical miles from Zamboanga. It is bounded on the North by the Municipality of San Vicente and Roxas and on the South by the Municipality of Aborlan. Its western side faces the South China Sea while in its eastern coast lays the Sulu Sea

By Air
From/To Manila
Air travel from Manila to Puerto Princesa takes less than an hour and is available daily viaAir Philippines, Cebu Pacific, Zest Airways and Philippine Airlines .

From/To Busuanga/El Nido
South East Asian Airlines flies to Puerto Princesa from Manila two to three times a week, oftentimes via Busuanga, Cuyo, and El NidoFrom/To Cebu/Iloilo
Cebu Pacific operates flights from Cebu / Iloilo / Puerto Princesa

By Sea
From/To Manila
It takes 18 to 22 hours from Manila on board the Superferry and Negros Navigation. Superferry calls on Puerto Princesa once a week.

From/To Coron
It takes approximately 10 hours from Coron to Puerto Princesa on board Superferry.

From/To Cuyo/Iloilo/Cebu
Travel on board via Montenegro Shipping once a week

Onwards Travel Arrangements
Your lodge, resort, or travel agent will be glad to help you arrange onward travel arrangements.

Getting Around
When traveling within Puerto Princesa proper and on short trips to the suburbs, tricycles can be easily available at a minimal fare or on hire basis. Multicabs and jeepneys move around the city on specified routes. Travel to the outskirts and outlying villages can be jeepney or mini-bus.

Car rental service by air conditioned vans can be availed when traveling to most tourist destinations in the city. Bigger tour groups may arrange for coaster or bus service through a travel agency or a tourist transport operator. Sea transport to islands and coastal beaches in the city is usually by a motorized outrigger boat.

Driving Time in the Philippines

May 1, 2015 by John Grant Leave a Comment

Having said that there are some places that driving in the Philippines can be such fun and a pleasure. Honest.

Many of you will know that driving around the Philippines can be very frustrating and sometimes a little dangerous too. Manila in particular, is not a place you would choose to drive in and some of the provinces have beautiful scenery, but the roads literally collapse on you or do not even exist. Why are the roads so bad in the Philippines? Well, mostly down to corruption and skills and materials.

Having said that there are some places that driving in the Philippines can be such fun and a pleasure. Honest.

Zambales

The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the 90s made the rocky shores of Zambales even prettier. Have you seen the Agoho-trees-surrounded Anawangin, Capones and Nagsasa Coves in Pundaquit yet? These will certainly give you a Baguio-Boracay vibe! Bring your tent with you and appreciate the complete disconnection from the weekday vibe. Plus, there are perfect surf spots in Pundaquit if you’re the rough surfer type and meet hikers all over the place. If you are with your kids, Zoobic Safari is a nice go-to in Subic instead, or shop with the grannies at Duty Free, the rough surfer type and meet hikers all over the place.

Laguna

With the rainy season and work-related stress in full swing, taking a dip in the infamous hot spring resorts of Calamba and Los Baños could turn your week into a very relaxing one. Or if you’re up for some challenge, go to the 320-foot Pagsanjan falls – the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines. One of the ways of reaching the falls is through the falls – the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines. One of the ways of reaching the falls is through the falls – the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines. One of the ways of reaching the falls is through the Shooting the rapids boat ride where you will cruise against a backdrop of waterfalls; another one is through hiking the falls from the town of Cavinti. Lake Caliraya is also a top destination for water sports, outdoor recreation and beautiful scenery. But if you want the real-thrill, the rides at Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa are for you – it’s just an hour of drive away.Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa are for you – it’s just an hour of drive away.Enchanted Kingdomare for you – it’s just an hour of drive away try a hop in Malinta Tunnel built by the US Army Corps Engineers as a bomb-proof storage but later used as a hospital during the World War II. Or go to the away try a hop in Malinta Tunnel built by the US Army Corps Engineers as a bomb-proof storage but later used as a hospital during the World War II. Or go to the storages but later used as a hospital during the World War II.

Try a hop in Malinta Tunnel built by the US Army Corps Engineers as a bomb-proof storage, but later used as a hospital during the World War II. Or go to the equally-historic Dambana ng Kagitingan or Shrine of Valor, also in Corregidor Island was built in honor of the Filipinos who fought and died during WWII. It was conceived with a Hall of Fame and a Memorial Chapel. The Bataan peninsula is also known for its popular beaches in Mariveles which give the romantic feels.

Batangas

All of us can share a Batangas beach story as it is so near and affordable without giving the fun an expense. Name what you want and the province can give you its best beaches. If you want a unique diving experience, Anilao in Mabini is a perfect spot. If you want the white beach and a relaxing shore walk, go to Laiya in San Juan; but if you want it rocky and mountainous, Calatagan, Lian and Nasugbu is the place to go to sighting Mt. Batulao. If you don’t want the beach yet, enjoy the church-hopping from the non-beach-front part of Batangas. The magnificent Lipa Cathedral to the massive Taal Basilica which is biggest in Asia and the churches along the road from one point to another are grand whether you’re a believer or not. There old and majestic ones when you continue to Calaca and Balayan.Mt. There old and majestic ones when you continue to Calaca and Balayan.Mt. Batulao. If you don’t want the beach yet, enjoy the church-hopping from the non-beach-front part of Batangas. The magnificent Lipa Cathedral to the massive Taal Basilica which is biggest in Asia and the churches along the road from one point to another are grand whether you’re a believer or not. There old and majestic ones when you continue to Calaca and Balayan.Mt. There old and majestic ones when you continue to Calaca and Balayan.Mt. Batulao. If you don’t want the beach yet, enjoy the church-hopping from the non-beach-front part of Batangas. The magnificent Lipa Cathedral to the massive Taal Basilica which is biggest in Asia and the churches along the road from one point to another are grand whether you’re a believer or not. There old and majestic ones when you continue to Calaca and Balayan.