How to get to Camiguin from Manila, Butuan, Cebu, CDO, Bohol + Itinerary and Budget

Posted on November 14, 2017November 19, 2017by One Armed Wanderer

Camiguin Island is located in Bohol Sea and is 10 kilometers off the northern Mindanao coast. In terms of population and land area, Camiguin Island is the second smallest island in the Philippines. Also known as the “Island Born of Fire”, this province is truly a promising tourist destination not only in Mindanao but in the entire Philippines.

Camiguin Philippines — Camiguin Island, Philippines

How to get to Camiguin from Manila, CDO, Cebu, Bohol or Butuan

Manila -> Cebu -> Camiguin

Unfortunately, there is no direct flight from Manila to Camiguin Island. The only airline catering direct flights to the Island is Cebu Pacific Air which only flies from Cebu province. With this, you may fly from Manila to Cebu and Cebu to Camiguin Island.

Manila -> Cagayan de Oro City -> Camiguin

Geographically, Cagayan de Oro City’s Laguindingan airport is the nearest airport to the island if you are not flying from Cebu. Fly from Manila to Cagayan de Oro City.

From Laguindingan airport, hail a taxi going to Agora bus terminal. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes. In Agora bus terminal, ride a van or bus going to Balingoan Port. Travel time is approximately 2 hours. In Balingoan Port, ride a ferry bound to Benoni Port.

For ferry schedule and fare, please see Balingoan Port to Benoni Super Shuttle Ferry Schedule section of this blog post.

Manila -> Butuan City -> Camiguin

If you are coming from Butuan City’s Bancasi airport, ride a multicab going to Butuan integrated bus terminal. Travel time is approximately 10 minutes, In the terminal, ride a bus going to Cagayan de Oro City. Inform the driver to drop you off to Baligoan Port. Bus ride from the terminal to Balingoan port is approximately 2 hours. In Balingoan Port, ride a ferry bound to Benoni Port.

For ferry schedule and fare, please see Balingoan Port to Camiguin Super Shuttle Ferry Schedule section of this blog post.

Bohol -> Camiguin

Super Shuttle Ferry in Bohol caters Bohol-Camiguin route. Go to Jagna seaport and ride a ferry going to Balbagon port in Camiguin.

Super Shuttle Ferry Contact Number: +63 927 9386686 or +632 4127688

Balingoan Port to Benoni Port Super Shuttle Ferry Schedule and Fare

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Note that most of the resorts are quite far from Benoni port. The transfer rate from the port to your resort depends on the vehicle and proximity of the resort. Van transfers range from 500 Php to 700 Php. For multicab, transfers cost 350 Php to 550 Php and 500 Php to 700 Php for Jeepneys. Since I was alone, I arranged a transfer to the resort with a habal-habal driver for 500 Php.

Cheap Camiguin Tour Rates

If you are visiting Camiguin, forget the expensive tour packages being offered by various tour agencies. It is way cheaper to directly go to Benoni Port and arrange your island tour with the locals.

Below are the Camiguin tourism office accredited tour rates:

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The above rates cover 8 hour island tour and are exclusive of entrance fees. A rate of 150 Php applies for every hour in excess.

*Since I was traveling solo, I opted for a cheaper alternative. I arranged a motorbike (habal-habal) tour for only 700 Php. Same as with the tourism accredited rates, the tour covers 8 hour island tour.

One Day Island Tour Itinerary

If you are pressed of time, the island can be toured in one day. Note that the entrance fees in the itinerary and pump boat fees in White Island and Mantigue Island are exclusive of the tour rates indicated in the Cheap Camiguin Tour Rates section of this blog post.

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Since I arrived in the island at 5:00 PM, I just checked-in at Marianita’s Cottages and had dinner at a nearby restaurant. I decided to have my island tour the next day. Below is my itinerary during my next day in Camiguin:

[table id=6 /]

Camiguin Travel Tips

Book your resort ahead of time to prevent the hassles of looking for one once you arrive in the island. Book your discounted Camiguin resort HERE.
If you are traveling solo, you may rent a motorbike for only 500 Php. This is cheaper but you will have to tour the island without a driver/guide.
It is highly recommended to allot 1 day for White Island and Mantigue Island. If you are a couple or a solo traveler, it is advisable to find someone to share with the boat.
Visit White Island early in the morning as it tend to get crowded before lunch time until the afternoon. pump boat trips going to White Island starts at 5 AM. Last trip from White Island going back to mainland is at 5 PM.
Since the White Island is a small sandbar, there are no trees or any human structures in the area. Huge umbrellas can be rented for 100 Php.
There is a number of restaurants in the island to fulfill your gastronomic adventures. Don’t miss Camiguin’s famous pastel!

Bacolod
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Backpacking 3 Negros Occidental cities in 6 hours (Bacolod, Talisay and Silay)

Posted on May 20, 2017May 22, 2017by One Armed Wanderer

Bacolod City is the capital province of Negros Occidental. Pegged as the city of smiles, Bacolod is home of the famous annual Maskarra Festival held every October. If you are travelling Negros Occidental, make sure to visit Bacolod and its nearby cities as the region is not only popular for warm and friendly people but is also rich in culture and heritage.

Having a limited time backpacking could be challenging. Well, this happened during my Bacolod trip. I had to tour around the area from morning until early afternoon as I had to be in Dumaguete the same day. Coming from Iloilo City, I took the earliest possible fastcraft from Iloilo to Bacolod. I arrived in Bacolod port at around 8:30 AM. (related: How to get to Bacolod from Iloilo)

8:30 AM – From Bacolod Port to Nowhere

I was clueless which way to go when I arrived in Bacolod port. I just rode one of the jeepneys waiting in the port and made sure that it was headed to the city proper. While in the jeepney, I started googling and checking tripadvisor for tourist attractions in Bacolod and nearby cities. I was lucky enough to have seated to very welcoming and friendly locals. They gave me tips on what to visit and where to go in Bacolod. It happens that the nearest tourist spot from the port is the famous “Lacson Ruins” in Talisay City.

As instructed by one of the locals, I disembarked in Bacolod north bus terminal (Ceres Terminal) in Lacson street and took a cab instead of tricycle. A special tricycle trip from the main road to the site of Lacson Ruins would be more expensive than taking a cab. I hailed a cab from Bacolod north bus terminal and arranged a two-way trip from the terminal to Lacson Ruins. 300 Php was not bad for a two-way trip considering that the taxi driver will have to wait for me while touring Lacson Ruins. Note that the ruins is quite far from the main road and there are rarely taxis or tricycles that would bring you back to the main road.

9 AM – Lacson Ruins in Talisay City

I was very excited to check-out the Lacson Ruins as it is one of the most photographed tourist destination in Negros Occidental. I asked the taxi driver to come with me inside Lacson Ruins since he hasn’t been inside the complex. Well, I just couldn’t bear the thought of leaving him outside the parking area while I’m touring around the vicinity of Lacson Ruins. Luckily, the attendant was very nice that he let my taxi driver in for free. I also paid the discounted rate of 50 Php for PWD instead of a 100 Php regular rate.

Lacson Ruins or also known as The Ruins is said to be the Taj Majal of Negros and os one among the 12 fascinating ruins in the world. The ruins is said to be the remains of the burnt mansion of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson. It was built-in 1920s and was burnt in 1942.

A post shared by Ed Puno (@onearmedwanderer) on Feb 10, 2017 at 11:00pm PST

Talisay City to Silay City

Right after touring and taking photos around Lacson Ruins, we headed back to Bacolod north bus terminal. The driver was offering to bring me to Hofilena Museum in Silay city. I refused the offer since it would cost me additional 300 Pesos. Since he dropped me off in the bus terminal, I just asked few locals which bus should I take going to Silay City.

I paid for a 12 Php fare, hopped into the bus and asked the fare collector to drop me off near Hofilena Museum.

A post shared by Ed Puno (@onearmedwanderer) on May 20, 2017 at 12:56am PDT

The bus dropped-me off in along Rizal street just across an old Spanish architecture building of El Ideal bakery in Silay City. Using google maps, I walked to Hofilena museum which is just three blocks away from El Ideal.

10 AM – Hofilena Museum in Silay City

Hofilena museum is located along Cinco de Noviembre street. Hofilena ancestral house is said to be the 1st house in Silay city to be opened to the public in 1962. It is also the first house in Silay, still inhabited, to be declared as a museum in 1980s.

A post shared by Ed Puno (@onearmedwanderer) on May 20, 2017 at 4:21am PDT

Hofilena museum is said to be the home of one of the Philippines’ fine art collections such as antiques owned by the Hofilena family.

10:30 AM – Stroll the street of Cinco de Noviembre, Silay City

Since I was already in Cinco de Noiembre street, I decided to stroll along the street. It was fascinating to see that most of the houses are preserved making Silay city a must visit destination for architecture and heritage enthusiasts.

A post shared by Ed Puno (@onearmedwanderer) on May 20, 2017 at 10:09pm PDT

Cinco de Noviembre (5th of November) street was named as such because it is was in November 5, 1898 on the exact place where locals rose in revolt against Spanish.

11.00 AM – Balay Negrense

Also located in Cinco de November street, Balay Negrense is also known as Victor Gaston Ancestral home. This mansion was built using baling hardwood in 1898 and is said to have the most beautiful exterior of any house in Silay.

A post shared by Ed Puno (@onearmedwanderer) on May 20, 2017 at 1:02am PDT

Balay Negrense entrance fee is 60 Php for adults and 30 Php for children. I paid a 45 Php discounted rate for PWD/senior citizen.

After touring inside Balangay Negrense, I further wandered around Cinco de November and nearby streets. If you are into architecture, culture and heritage, walking around Silay would truly be a delight.

old building

old house

old structure

old house

Spabish influenced architecture

Silly City has 29 heritage houses which are considered today as Negros Occidental’s architectural landmarks.

11:30 AM – Benita Jara Ancestral House, Silay City Hall and Church of San Diego de Alcala

I was ready to head back to Bacolod City and passed by several landmarks.

Benita Jara Ancestral House Silay Negros

A post shared by Ed Puno (@onearmedwanderer) on May 21, 2017 at 5:56am PDT

Church of San Diego Alcala was built-in 1925 with the donation of Don Jose de Ledesma. The Italian architech Lucio Bernasconi is benind beautiful architectural design of Church of San Diego de Alcala.

After checking out the beautiful architecture of old houses and landmarks in Silay City, I took a Jeepney headed to Silay terminal which is just across the Bacolod north bus terminal. From there, I rode a jeepney bound SM Bacolod.

12:30 PM – Manokan Country in Bacolod City

Just across SM Bacolod is Manokan County. If you are a foodie traveller, do not dare to miss eating at Manokan Country. This food complex is the best place to fulfill your Bacolod gastronomic adventures. Manokan Country has a wide array open-air restaurants serving Bacolod Insal.

I visited one of the many restaurants in Monokan Country. For my full review visit Where to Eat in Bacolod City – Manokan Country.

1:30 PM – Rest at SM Bacolod

Right after a sumptuous authentic Bacolod inasal meal, I decided to go to SM Bacold to freshen up and relax. After resting in a coffee shop for about an hour, I hailed a cab and headed to Bacolod South bus terminal where I’ll take a bus going to Dumaguete.

Overall, I enjoyed my short trip to Negros Occidental. I should say that the highlight of my trip was seeing the beautiful architecture of houses in Silay City. Having the authentic Bacolod inasal was also great. I know that there are many tourist attractions in Negros Occidental and I’d definitely return to the province. The next time I visit, I’ll make sure to stay longer and not just wander around the province in 6 hours.

Ilocos Sur
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- Solo Travels

13 Things To Do In Vigan Aside From Walking Along Calle Crisologo

Posted on June 18, 2016June 19, 2016by One Armed Wanderer

Vigan City is the capital city of Ilocos Sur and is one among the new 7 wonder cities

of the world. This historic city is also listed as one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites making it as a must see tourist destination in the Philippines.

Calle Crisologo, also known as Mena Crisologo, is undoubtedly the most popular travel destination in Vigan City. Walking along the street brings you back in the period of Philippine Spanish colonial era. I was amazed that the local government of Vigan was able to maintain and preserve the old houses/structure along this famous street.

If you are travelling to Vigan, aside from walking along the Instagram worthy Crisologo street, here are 13 things you can do in the city:

1. Visit Crisologo Museum

This century old structure is the ancestral home of the Crisologos, a prominent political family inVigan. This home was turned into museum after the assassination of a then congressman Floro Crisologo in 1970.

I was lucky to meet Ms.Remy, daughter of Mr.Floro Crisologo. She welcomes tourists visiting the
museum.

There is no entrance fee but they accept donations for the maintenance of the museum.

2. Explore the city in Kalesa (Karitela)

You will definitely miss half of your Vigan adventure if you will not ride a Kalesa (Karitela). Kalesa is a horse-drawn carriage used during the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines. Up to this day, Kalesas can be seen anywhere in Vigan City.

There is a Kalesa bay/parking area right in front of the capitol. The At 150 Pesos per hour, You can basically tour the entire city in a Kalesa. Coach drivers will bring you to one tourist destination to another.

3 Visit Bantay Bell Tower

Built in 1951, Bantay Bell Tower and the Bantay Church (St. Augustine Church) is actually 10 minutes away from the city proper. One can see the panoramic view of Vigan in this historical tower. I learned from the local that this tower saved Vigan against possible enemies as it used to be the people’s tower during the Spanish and Japanese era.

4. Visit Pagburnayan and Learn How Burnays are Made

Jars made in Vigan are called “Burnay” and visiting the “Pagburnayan” (a place where these jars are made) makes the Vigan trip more interesting. Pagburnayan started during the Spanish precolonial period when Chinese immigrants came to Vigan. Due to the high quality of Burnays, these are also being exported abroad.

I was very lucky to be assisted by one of the potter and had a chance to take a look how Burnays are made, from mixing the clay, molding and cooking the pots.

5. Learn History in Syquia Mansion

According to the tour guide, this mansion was originally the ancestral of home of President Elpidio Quirino’s wife, Dona Alicia Quirino. This well-preserved ancestral home used to be the venue of some of President Elpidio Quirino’s functions during his administration.

The very accommodating and knowledgeable tour guide will let you travel in time when visiting the mansion. When I visited Syquian Mansion, I joined a group of students touring the mansion.

Entrance Fee: 20 Pesos

6. Visit Baluarte ni Chavit Singson

Thank you to the former Ilocos Governor and Baluarte owner Mr.Chavit Singson for opening is property to the public. This must visit place in the city is the home of various animal species from other countries and from the Philippines. Unlike other zoos, there is an area in Baluarte where animals can freely roam around.

An interactive animal show is held every afternoon. There is also a an animal museum which is the newest addition in the 20-hectare property of Mr.Chavit Singson.

Entrance Fee: Free

7. Experience Heritage River Cruise along Mestizo River

This is another Vigan tourist destination that I just discovered during my 2nd day in the city. This 45 minute heritage river cruise will bring tourists to the historical timeline of Vigan. The entire cruise is along the historical Mestizo river where 5 stations are situated. It was very interesting that there is a recorded narrator and music playing during the cruise.

Cruise Fee: 150 Php

My Youtube video of heritage river cruise – Click here

8. Watch the Beautiful Dancing Fountain at Plaza Salcedo

Unknown to many, Vigan’s Plaza Salcedo showcases its dancing fountain every night which usually starts around 7:30 PM and lasts for about 30 minutes. I must admit that I haven’t really witnessed any dancing fountain show, but I was really amazed seeing the extravagant dancing fountain of Plaza Salcedo.

My Youtube video of Plaza Salcedo’s dancing fountain – Click here

9. Watch Vigan’s Traditional Loomweavers

Ilocos region’s traditional woven product is known as abel. These are beautifully handcrafted colorful cloth made of cotton or what they call in Ilocos Sur as “sagut”. The abel industry started during the early Spanish occupation in Ilocos and is still being practiced up to this day. One of the popular abel weaving factories in Vigan is Rowilda’s loomweaving.

10. Visit the old Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail Turned Museum

This centuries old Ilocos Sur provincial jail was also the birthplace of President Elpidio Quirinio. This is probably the newest tourist attraction in Vigan City as it was just opened to the public earlier in 2015. The museum showcases the rich history of Ilocandia.

12. Spend The Night in a Spanish-Filipiniana Themed Hotel

There are numerous hotels in Vigan City most of which are Spanish-Filipiniana themed. During my 4 day and 3 night stay in Vigan, I spent my 2 nights in the beautiful Hotel Felicidad. The hotel is just a block away from Calle Crisologo.

If you are visiting Vigan, especially during weekends, I highly suggest to reserve/book ahead of time as hotels easily gets fully booked. You can book your Vigan hotel here.

13. Experience Vigan locals’ Hospitality and Honesty

Along with Davao City and Iloilo city, I’m definitely placing Vigan on my top 3 friendliest places I’ve been to.

During my first day in Vigan, I was walking along Calle Crisologo when a local suddenly invites me for a merienda. I was really surprised that I was not really expecting that a stranger would invite me to join him and his friends for a merienda. I latter found out that the kind-hearted man owns various businesses along Calle Crisologo.

Later that day, unconsciously dropped my phone and realized that I lost it when I was already riding a Karitela on my way to Bell Tower Church. JR, the Karitela driver, was kind enough to help me call my number and talked to the person who found my phone. Few minutes later, it was returned to me. The guy who found my phone did not ask anything in return.