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Saturday, January 17, 2015

Grande Island Resort: Ferry Ride and Overnight Beach Resort Accomodation (Subic SBMA Zambales)

We arrived at the Grande Island Resort ticketing office located at Structure 684, Waterfront Road, Freeport Zone, Subic Bay, Zambales, at around 9 am. 

grande island resort
We were late.  We were advised to be at the ferry terminal 30 minutes before the schedule so its a good thing the ferry hasn't left.

grande island resort
We registered here. They had brochures here which indicated the land and water activities and the corresponding rates.

grande island resort

 This is also where the ferry schedule is posted.  Ferry Schedule as follows:
  • To Grande Island
    • 7 am
    • 9 am
    • 1 pm
  • To Subic Terminal
    • 12 pm
    • 9:30 pm
Ferry Transfer
grande island resort
Our ferry departed at around 9:15 am.

grande island resort
We passed by the SBMA port where lots of containers are stacked.

grande island resort
The staffs at the ferry were very friendly and accommodating.  We were encouraged to explore the ferry with their assistance.  I was able to steer the ferry too.

grande island resort
It was a good day to ride the ferry.  It was a cool day but the sea is calm.

grande island resort
It wasn't long before we could glance Grande Island Resort from afar which got us all excited.

grande island resort
We arrived at around 9:40 am.  As soon as we got there, we were greeted and escorted to our cart. 

grande island resort
We were taken to their Registration Hut to register for our Check-in.  Standard Check-in time is 2:30 pm and Check-out time is 11:30 am.

grande island resort
Kuya Ver served us our welcome drinks.

grande island resort
The hut is very big.

grande island resort
This is the registration desk.

grande island resort
This is a map of the island.  I've been told that Grande Island Resort is established in 2004 and is continuously being developed.

Chalet Rooms
grande island resort
We were then toured around the facilities and taken to our rooms.    I give them plus points for using eco-friendly solar heaters.  As you can see, there are solar panels for every house.  They also adopt the electronic key card system so it was easy to go in and out.

grande island resort
I was awed by the rooms.  I've read mixed feedbacks about the place so I didn't expect much but I must say it was spectacular!  It has two double sized beds and one extra double-sized bed.  All beds have two pairs of pillows and soft fiber-filled duvets.  I loved tucking in those as it provides comforting warmth against the cold.  We had our split-type aircon in 30 degrees because it is so cold.  My companions couldn't help but dose off upon laying down.  

grande island resort
It has a bedside table and study desk with multiple electric 220 AC outlets. We really appreciate them putting power outlets near the beds so you can work on your laptop or charge your gadgets while laying down.

 It also had a tv (3 channels:GMA, HBO and Cartoon Network), refrigerator, phone, electric kettle, complimentary coffee and bottled water. 

grande island resortgrande island resort
I was very impressed with the rest room as it was elegant and clean with two types of hot (solar) and cold (potable) shower:  raindrop and hand-held nozzle shower.  The water supply is very good!  What I like about the room is that the room itself including the rest room is the easy to dry flooring: clay tiles for our bed room and black marble for the bathroom.  Coming in wet from the beach or the pool, it was unavoidable to wet the floor.  Yet, every time we come back, I've noticed that they are once again dry.

grande island resort
There were also more than adequate towels, paper napkin, shampoo, conditioner and soaps provided. There's also a hair dryer.

grande island resort
Each room also has a veranda with a dinning area.  I suggest you get one of the 60 beach-front Chalet Rooms so you can get a good sea view and enjoy some sea air.  Unfortunately, all the 60 beach-front Chalet Rooms were occupied during our stay, so we occupied one of 20 back-part Chalet Rooms.

How to Go to Grande Island Resort Ticketing Office

Public Transport
  • NLEX: Exit at San Fernando then turn right and drive towards Bataan.  After passing through the towns of Bacolor, Guagua, Lubao in Pampanga and Dinalupihan in Bataan, make a right turn towards Olongapo and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Enter the Tipo Expressway and proceed to Rizal Highway. Turn into Burgos Street (all the corners of Subic Bay Yacht Club) and then right on Sampson Road.  Go towards Waterfront Road where the Grande Terminal is located. The terminal is almost across the SBMA Administration Building.
  • NLEX via SC-Tex: Exits of the NLEX and proceed to the SCTEx Clark Logistics Toll Plaza. After crossing the bridge, follow the loop of the ramp towards Subic. Follow the road directional signage going to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ). Once inside the SBFZ, go to Rizal Highway, turn into Burgos Street (at the corner of Subic Bay Yacht Club) then right on Sampson Road and go towards Waterfront Road where the Grande Island Terminal is located.
Private Vehicle
  • Bus (Victory Liner and Saulong Transit) + Taxi
    • Get off the bus at Olongapo City
    • Grab a taxi cab and ask the driver to bring you directly to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and to the Grande Island Terminal at Waterfront Road.
Grande Island Resort
Hotel Address Structure 684, Waterfront Road, Freeport Zone, Subic Bay, Zambales, Philippines
Contact (632) 584-4359 | (632) 463-7868 | (6347) 252-2883 |  (63927) 7240999 | (63919) 366-9999 | reservation@grandeislandresort.com | info@grandeislandresort.com Reservation Required Yes
Payment Options   Cash Public Transport Bus, Taxi
Room Types Room Amenities Price
Chalet Room

  • Good For 2 Persons 
  • 31.7 square meters
  • 2 Queen-sized beds
  • Split type air-conditioning with individual control
  • Electronic key card control system
    220 AC universal outlets
    Solar heated shower 
  • Hair Dryer
  • Cable TV
    Refrigerator
  • Dining Area
  • Electric Kettle 
  • Executive writing desk
  • Welcome Drink
  • Ferry Transfer
  • Bottle Water
  • Coffee
  • Free breakfast
5,500 php  
(+1,800 ph for extra person
+500 php fo child 4-7 years old)
General Amenities
  • Beach
  • Pool with shower area
Parking Yes
Travel Tripsters Hotel Review Rating Grande Island Resort Map
Location
Room Comfort
Cleanliness
Service
Price

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Puerto Princesa City Travel Guide (Palawan Philippines)

Puerto Princesa City is located in the western midsection provincial island of Palawan, Philippines.   It is bound to the east by the Sulu Sea, to the west by the South China Sea, to the north by the municipalities of San Vicente and Roxas, and to the south by the municipality of Aborlan
It is has an area of 2,381.02 square kilometers 919.32 sq mi making it the second largest city (next to Davao City) in the Philippines.  Despite the wide land area, it only has a population of 222,673 people making it the least densely populated city in the Philippines.

Originally, the place was named after Princess Asunción, born in 1864 to Queen Isabella II and her consort, Francisco de Cádiz.   But, when she died, it was changed to Puerto de la Princesa and it was later on, shortened to its name today.


Since it was founded by the Spanish Colonizers, it has been the center of activities in Palawan
The City has gained the distinction of being a beautiful model city in terms of cleanliness,
environmental protection and conservation, and local governance in general.  It is one of the first carbon-neutral city in the Philippines as the carbons are absorbed by its vast forests.
It's natural environment and promotion for ecotourism is the key to the economic development of the city.  Being the eco-tourism center of the Philippines, it has lots of hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and a mall (Robinsons Place Palawan).  It also has a lot of banks and ATMS available. 

Puerto Princesa City Map


Climate
Puerto Princesa has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is usually wet from June to December and with very little rain from February to May.   Although generally, warm and humid all year round, it is warmest on March to May and coldest on November to February.

Puerto Princesa City Trip Budget
The Budget for a Puerto Princesa City Trip  ranges from 3,500 php to 15,000 php.  Your Puerto Princesa City Trip Budget should include allocations for the following:

  • Accommodation (Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa City) - Around 450-10,000 per person
    • A&A Plaza Hotel (National Highway cor. Wescom Road) (048) 434-2274 | frontdesk@aaplazahotel.com
    • Abelardo's Pension (D. Manga Street) (048) 433-2195
    • Albon Pension (Lacao-Carandang Streets) (048) 434-8582
    • Aldo's Residence (Rizal Avenue)  (048) 433-2195
    • Amelia Pensionne (Rizal Avenue) (048) 433-7029  
    • Aniceto's Pension (Reynoso Street) (048) 434-6667
    • Astoria Hotel (North National Hi-way Brgy. San Rafael, Honda Bay) (048) 433-9744 
    • Audissie Pension (Malvar Street) (048) 433-4153 
    • Aziza Paradise Hotel (BM Road, Brgy. San Manuel)
    • Badjao Inn (Rizal Avenue) (048) 433-2761
    • Balai Felicisima (Rizal Avenue Ext. Brgy. Bancao-Bancao) (048) 433–0143
    • Banwa Art House (Liwanag Street) (048) 434-8963 - destroyed by fire on Oct 2014
    • Baragatan Inn (Junction 1, Brgy. San Miguel) (048) 434-5289
    • Bulwagang Princesa (Brgy. Tiniguiban) (048) 433-6079
    • Bundal Inn (Brgy. San Miguel) 
    • Casa Fuerte (Libis Road Brgy. San Pedro) (048) 434-1885 
    • Casa Linda Inn (Trinidad Road, Rizal Avenue) (048) 433-2606
    • Casis Pensionne (New Buncag) (0920) 513-2946
    • Casitas de az Pension (Valencia Street cor. Bonifacio (A. Abueg) Street, Brgy. Bagong Silang) (048) 434-1945
    • Cecilia's Comfort Inn (PEO Road) (0906) 506-7218
    • Circon Businessman's Inn (Rizal Avenue) (048) 433-2738
    • Color Mansion (Rizal Avenue) (048) 434-9406
    • Citystate Asturias Hotel (South National Highway, Brgy. Tiniguiban) (048) 433-9744 
    • D' Lucky Garden Inn, Apartelle & Suites (PEO Road) (048) 433-6576 | (048) 433-2719 | luckygardeninn@yahoo.com
    • Dallas Inn and Cafe (Carandang Street) (0919) 967-8558
    • Dangkalan Inn (BM Road Brgy. San Miguel) (048) 434-9207 
    • De Loro Inn (PEO Road Brgy. Bancao Bancao)  (048) 434-8408 
    • Deep Forest Garden Inn (Abueg Road Brgy. Bancao Bancao) (048) 434-1702
    • Dolce Vita Hotel (Wescom Road) (048) 434-5357
    • Dos Palmas Island Resort & Spa
    • Duchess Pension (E. Valencia Street) (048) 433-2873
    • Edgardo's Place (Rizal Avenue)  (048) 434-2365 
    • EJ Pension (PEO Road Brgy. Bancao Bancao)  (0919) 342-6225
    • Empire Suites Hotel (Rizal Avenue) (048) 434-2290
    • Felix Pension (Rizal Avenue) (0918) 488-3856
    • Ferzal Hotel Palawan (Rizal Avenue Extension, Brgy. Bancao Bancao)
    • Garcellano Tourist Inn (Rizal Avenue) (048) 433-2314
    • GoHotels Puerto Princesa (Puerto Princesa North Road, Brgy. San Manuel) (0922)464-6835
    • Grande Vista Hotel (Malvar Street) (048) 433-6537
    • Hibiscus Garden Inn (Manalo Extension) (048) 434-1273
    • Holiday Suites (North National Highway, Brgy. Tiniguiban) (048) 433-2526
    • Hotel Centro (San Pedro National Highway) (048) 434-1111 | customercare@hotelcentro.ph
    • Hotel Fleuris (Lacao Street)
    • House of Big Brother (Manalo Extension) (048) 723-5088 
    • House of Rose (Abueg Road) (0916) 721-1926
    • Irenea's Country Inn (Rizal Avenue) (048) 434-8581
    • Irma Maria Pension (Manalo Extension) (0915) 980-4971
    • Jeshiela Guesthouse (Malvar Street) (048) 433-4157
    • Jilian Tourist Inn (San Pedro National Highway) (048) 434-2627
    • Kim's Hot Spring Resort & Restaurant (Main Road Brgy. Sta. Lourdes) (048) 723-1608
    • Kokaaburra Travel Lodge (Abueg Road) (048) 434-1580
    • Kuhl-In Pension (Libis Road Ligaya Street, Brgy. San Pedro) (048) 433-3420 | marlonns@yahoo.com
    • La Charica Inn (Abad Santos) (048) 434-2088
    • Legend Hotel Palawan (Malvar Street)
    • Liberty Park Pension (Liberty Road) (048) 434-9782
    • Lola Itang Pension (Roxas Street) (048) 433-2990
    • Mabini Pension (Mabini Street) (048) 433-3311
    • Manggahan Pension (Rizal Avenue) (048) 433-5286
    • Mary The Queen Apartelle (Taylor Road, Brgy. Tiniguiban) (048) 433-4013
    • Matutina Pensionne (Taft Street) (048) 434-2496
    • Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Puerto Princesa (Brgy. San Jose) (048) 723-0977
    • Moana Hotel (Rizal Avenue) (048) 434-4753
    • Niko's Cabanas Inn (Rodriguez Road, Brgy. San Jose) (048) 434-9876 
    • One Rover's Place (Rizal Avenue) (048) 434-1338
    • Oro Bonito Place (National Highway Brgy. San Miguel) (0923) 722-2123
    • Pagdayon Traveler's Inn (Rizal Avenue) (048) 434-9102   
    • Palawan Village Hotel (048) 434-4436
    • Palo Alto Bed & Breakfast (Kawayanan Street, Libis Road, Brgy. San Pedro) (048) 434-2159
    • Payuyo Pension (Manalo Street) (048) 434-3363
    • Princess Inn (Malvar Street) (048) 433-4218
    • Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa
    • Puerto Pension (Malvar Street) (048) 433-2969 | (048) 433-4149
    • RAQ Pension (Malvar Street) (048) 433-2533 
    • Rengel Hotel (Valencia Street) (048) 433-2584
    • Royal Crown Inn (Dacanay Road, Brgy. Maningning) (048) 434-1193    
    • Royal Oberoi (South National Hi-way Esteban Road, Santa Monica) (048) 434-5502
    • San Juan House (Taft Street) (048) 434-1207
    • Seaport Inn (Bgy. Bagong Pag-Asa) (0917) 558-8284
    • Seasons Guesthouse (Roxas Street, Brgy. Kalipay) (048) 434-3388 | (0917) 850-0928 | info@seasonsguesthouse.com
    • Sheena's Cottages (Libis Road) (048) 433-23693
    • Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa (Sabang)
    • Sikad-Sikad Pension (Rizal Avenue) (048) 433-5286
    • Skylight Apartelle (Rizal Avenue) (048) 434-4872 
    • Sunlight Guest Hotel (Malvar Street)
    • The Legend Hotel Palawan (Malvar Street) (048) 434-4270 | (048) 433-9076
    • Tropical Sun Inn (Manalo Street) (048) 433-6493    
    • Venture Ville Pension (Manalo Street) (048) 433-2843
    • Vian Pension House (Brgy. San Miguel) (048) 433-5289 
    • Villa Leonora Beach Resort (National Highway, Sitio Dacutan, Brgy. San Rafael) (0999) 413-3247
    • Vim Pension (Fernandez Street) (048) 433-3190   
    • White View Paradise Hotel (Manalo Ext.) (048) 433-5526 
    • Willy's Pension (BM Road, Brgy. San Manuel) (048) 433-3454  
    • Ysabelle Mansion (Abad Santos Extension) (048) 723-0992
  • Activities
    • Art and Culture Appreciation
      • Galeri Kamarikutan
      • Palawan Museum
      • Palawan State University Museum
    • Dolphin Watching
    • Festivals
      • February 14 - Love Affair with Nature
      • March 4 - Balayong Festival
      • April 1 - Pangalipay sa Baybay
      • April Full Moon - Kamarikutan Pagdiwata Arts Festival
      • April 3rd week - Seafood Festival
      • May 1st week - Karagatan Festival
      • June 3rd week - Feast of the Forest and Baragatan Sa Palawan
      • December 8 - City Fiesta
    • Watersports
    • Kite Boarding
    • Sailing
  • Food (Around 150-400 php per meal)
    • Restaurants:
      • Avegon Bakeshop & Restaurant (048) 433-4344 | (048) 433-2166
      • Badjao Restaurant (Rizal Avenue Extension) (048) 433-2761 | (048) 433-2380 | (048) 433-2180
      • Badjao Sea Front (Circumferential Road) (048) 433-3501 | (048) 433-3503
      • Balinsasayaw Grill & Restaurant (Manalo Street/Rizal Avenue) (048) 434-5804
      • Baker’s Hill (Mitra Road) (048) 433-3501
      • Bilao at Palayok (Rizal Avenue) 
      • Bistro Cabalen (Quezon Street) (048) 433-2817 
      • Bona's Chao Long Haus
      • Bulwagang Princesa Restaurant (Sta. Monica) (048) 433-6079
      • Cafe Arturo (San Jose National Hi–Way) (048) 433-4146
      • Café Loreto Trihouse Restaurant (Libis Brgy. San Pedro) 
      • Captain’s Table (San Miguel)
      • Casa del Jardin Spanish Restaurant & Tapas Bar (0916) 727-8857
      • Chef Tan’s Kitchen (Villarosa Road) (048) 725-3191
      • Coffee Exchange (Asturias Hotel) 434-3851; 3747
      • Club 54 (Malvar Street)
      • Dang Maria’s Bancao (Bancao & Rizal Avenue) (048) 434-6576
      • Divine Sweet (Valencia Street)
      • Dolce Vita Hotel & Restaurant (San Pedro) (048) 434-5357
      • Edwin’s Food Palace (Valencia Street) (048) 433-2338 | (048) 433-4567
      • Elmer’s Pares (Malvar Street & San Pedro) (048) 433-2401
      • Giacomino’s Pizza House (Lacao Street) (048) 434-3036 | (048) 434-3037
      • Haim Chicken Inato (Manalo Extension) (048) 433-2261
      • Hillside Resort Restaurant (Sandiwa) (048) 433-7318
      • Ignacio’s Restaurant (Burgos Street) (048)433-2617
      • Ima's Vegetarian Restaurant (Fernandez Street) (0939) 916-1524 | www.imas-vegetarian-restaurant.com
      • Innerdance Kafe Vegetarian Restaurant (Hagedorn Road Extension, Brgy. San Pedro) (0908) 139-1139
      • Itoy’s Coffee Shop (Rizal Avenue)
      •  Jam's Canteen
      • Ka Inato (Rizal Avenue)
      • Kalui (369 Rizal Avenue Extension) (048) 433-2580; (048) 433-4840 
      • Kamarikutan Kape at Galeri (Rizal Avenue Extension) (048) 433-5182
      • Karaenan (Dos Palmas) (048) 434-3118
      • Kawayanan Resort (Abaa Road Brgy. San Pedro) (048) 434-7078
      • Kim's Hot Spring Resort & Restaurant (Sta. Lourdes) (0921) 580-1997 | (0926) 709-5769
      • Kinabuchs Grill & Bar (Rizal Avenue)
      • Leslies (Mitra Road) (048) 434-1437
      • Loid Vegetarian and Raw Food Resto Vegan Restaurant (National Highway, Brgy. San Manuel) (048) 723-0025 | www.vegetarianpalawan.com
      • Lola Itang (Roxas Street) (048) 433-2712; 2990
      • Mccoy’s (San Miguel) (048) 434-4239 
      • NCCC Fast-food (048) 433-2620 | (048) 433-2630
      • Neva’s Place (Taft Street) (048) 433-2575
      • Nokinocs Savoury House (048) 723-2500
      • Ong’s Maki House (Rizal Avenue) (048) 434-2999
      • Palawan Adventist Hospital Vegetarian Restaurant (National Highway)
      • Pescados Asturias Hotel (048) 434-3851 | (048) 434-3747
      • Phoenix Seafood Restaurant (Abrea road) (048) 434-5689 
      • Pizzito (Rizal Avenue Extension)
      • Puerto Pension Restaurant (Malvar Street) (048) 433-2969
      • Rancho’s Grill (Rizal Avenue Extension)
      • Rene’s Restaurant (Rizal Avenue Extension) (048) 434-5255
      • Rizal Park Coffee/Honey’s Anker Bar (Rizal Avenue) (0921) 433-4661
      • Royal Oberoi (Esteban Road, Sta. Monica) (048) 434-4920
      • Sari’s Baryo (Rizal Avenue Extension) (048) 433-4899 
      • Skylight (Rizal Avenue) (048) 434-7176
      • Suma Ching Hai Vegetarian Restaurant (Cor. Burgos & Manalo Street) (048) 433-6910
      • Sweet House (Malvar Street) (048) 433-2618 | (048) 433-4218
      • Taberna Luna Bistro (Dagomboy Village)
      • Tanglaw Restaurant (Legend Hotel) (048) 433-9076 | (048) 433-9080
      • The Lotus Garden (Rizal Avenue Extension) (048) 434-1132
      • Tiki Bar (Rizal Avenue)
      • Tita Nene’s Restaurant & Catering Services (Rizal Avenue) (048) 433-2168
      • Tom Tom Club (Manalo Extension)
      • Tropical Sun Inn Restaurant (Manalo Street) (048) 433-8288
      • Vegetarian House (Burgos Street) (048) 433-9248
      • Vietville Restaurant (Bgy. Sta. Lourdes) (0920) 220-8694
      • Warehauz 45 Bar (Rizal Avenue)
      • We Be Sushi Bar & Restaurant (Hotel Fleuris) (048) 434-4338 
      • Zaturn (Malvar Steet)

  • Souvenirs (Pasalubong)
    • Baro at Regalo Boutique (Rizal Avenue) (048) 434-6014
    • Cokyroms Souvenir Shop (Rizal Avenue)
    • Culture Shack (Rizal Avenue) (048) 433-2566
    • Footluckers (Valencia Street)(048) 434-2015 | (048) 434-2016
    • Foostep (Rizal Avenue) (048) 433-2255
    • Kamantian Handicraft (Rizal Avenue)
    • Lilyhill (Valencia Street) (048) 434-5091
    • LRC 908 Market Mall
    • Mozo Shellcraft (Lacao Street)
    • Palawan Treasure Shop (Airport Compound) (048) 433-5157
    • Rengel Department Store (Valencia Street) (048) 433-7218

Transportation

Public Transportation
  • To and From Puerto Princesa City
    • By Air
      • Manila (Daily flights with Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific, Zest Airways and Philippine Airlines - travel time: less than an hour)
      • Busuanga/El Nido (3 times a week with South East Asian Airlines)          
      • Cebu (Daily flights with Cebu Pacific)
      • Davao (Daily flights with Cebu Pacific)
      • Iloilo (Daily flights with Cebu Pacific)
      • Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia)
    • By Sea
      • Manila (Once a week with Superferry and Negros Navigation - travel time: 18 to 22 hours)
      • Coron  (Daily with Superferry - travel time: 10 hours)
      • Cuyo/Iloilo/Cebu (Once a week with Montenegro Shipping)
  • Within the Puerto Princesa City
    • Bus
    • Jeep/Multicab (Minimum Fare is 7-8 php)
    • Tricycles/Trike (Minimum Fare is 20-40 php/person)
    • Mini Van
    • Shuttle Service in San Jose Terminal
      • Brooke's Point (200 php bus; every hour - travel time: 1 hour)
      • El Nido (300 php bus; 5am, 7am and 9am - travel time: 9 hours)
      • Port Barton (160 php jeep; 10am - travel time: 5 hours)
      • Quezon (150 php minivan; hourly 7am 6 5pm - travel time: 3 hours)
      • Roxas (120 php jeep/156 php bus; 5:30am, 6:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm - travel time: 2 1/2 hours)
      • Sabang  (150 php jeep/250 php minivan; 7am and 9am - travel time: 3 hours)
      • Taytay (230/237 php bus; 5am, 6am, 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm - travel time: 5 hours)
    • Van for Hire

Puerto Princesa City Itinerary
There are two options in making your Puerto Princesa City Itinerary:

1. Avail a tour with a planned out itinerary from travel and tours companies
2. Plan you DIY itinerary

Tiger Airways-SeaAir Flight to Puerto Princesa and Back to Manila Bad Experience

We Travel Tripsters managed to book with Tiger Airways for a flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa during a seat sale almost a year before our scheduled date.  We were really happy to have purchased our roundtrip for two at 2,200 php.

tiger airways bad experience
Our supposed departure flight to Puerto Princesa is 2 pm. But, 2 months before our suppose flight, we received a notice that our departure time is adjusted to 4 pm.

tiger airways bad experience
Unfortunately, we've already booked our hotel stay through Agoda with no refund options so we couldn't cancel our flight.  Anyway, 2 hours difference isn't such a large gap.  Then, a month before our supposed flight, they emailed us again informing us that our departure time has been moved to 7 pm.

tiger airways bad experience
We were in NAIA 3 since 5:30 pm as we were advise to be an hour before our flight.  But, our flight was delayed so we were able to leave Manila at around 9:30 pm. 

tiger airways bad experience
So we had our dinner at the airport and were so excited to depart.

tiger airways bad experience
A demo for safety was performed as protocol and the light were off as we all slept. 

tiger airways bad experience
I read this for awhile and then slept too since there's no more nice window view to see at such late hour. =(
tiger airways bad experience

tiger airways bad experience
But, the saddest part of our trip was not being allowed to board on our flight back to Manila.  Our supposed flight back to Manila was originally 2 pm moved to 7 pm then to 9: 45 pm.   We were advise to be there 40 minutes prior to our flight.  We were there at the boarding gate at 9:05 pm but were not allowed to board for a reason that the boarding gates closes at 9 pm. Unfortunately for us, we bought our tickets on sale so we weren't entitled to bump our schedule unlike the other bumped passengers nor were we entitled to a refund.  It was New Years Eve and we were stuck in Puerto Princesa without a place to stay. =(  All the airport staff told us that we were supposed to be allowed to board as long as the plane was not arrived yet.  But, the staffs of Tiger Airways rejected us saying they will only accommodate those with reserved seating.  We had to withdraw and go to the cheapest accommodation recommended by the airport staffs who pitied us.  We had to buy a new flight the next day at a very expensive rate since it was New Year's Day.

Overall, I can't say I'm satisfied with Tiger Airways-SeaAir since it was a horrible experience for us.  This taught us a lesson or two though.

Any tips on how to avoid cases like this?

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Cavinti Falls: Trek and Rafting in Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove (Cavinti Laguna)

I'm sure you're familiar with Pagsanjan Falls or Magdapio Falls written in our academic textbooks.  But, little do we know that is also known as Cavinti Falls as it is located in Cavinti Laguna

cavinti falls
Since 2007, the municipal government of Cavinti established the Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove, originally known as Cavinti Eco-Park, in Brgy. Tibatib to offer a much cheaper route by treking, hiking and rappeling to Cavinti Falls for a minimal fee of 270 php/person as opposed to the popular shooting the rapids means.

cavinti falls
Being an adventurer, I was very eager to register and embark on our journey.

cavinti falls
There are several packages available.  You can even include the Cavinti Cave on your package.

Package A - 50 php
  • trekking
  • deck view
Package B - 270 php (our package)
  • trekking and rappelling via metal ladder
  • raft riding
  • entering the main falls
Package C (coming soon) - 1,250 php
  • trekking and rappelling via metal ladder
  • raft riding
  • entering the main falls
  • boat ride exit to Pagsanjan, Laguna (shooting the rapids)
cavinti falls
The pathway is already fully developed and well-maintained so you'll easily find your way through.

cavinti falls
We've been told that the first stair case down to Nakulo Falls.  I wanted to check this out but my companions were too worn out by the time we passed by this again.

cavinti falls
We reached the view deck that has this "El Salvador Del Mundo" statue.

cavinti falls
This is where we geared up.

cavinti falls
We then proceeded to our 589 steps downward.

cavinti falls
I really loved the rappelling part.  The first rappelling is 14 feet or a around 5 seconds to go down to.

cavinti falls
We then continued to the trail which had a bit of a thrill passing through giant trees.

cavinti falls
It was very cool and windy in the middle of the forest so it was quite pleasurable for me.

cavinti falls
The second rappelling part is shorter. 

cavinti falls
We could already see the boats below from here.

cavinti falls
We then had to go down a long and steep staircase but which required safety gears.

cavinti falls
Then, before I knew it, we were finally near.

cavinti falls
There were a lot of tourists flowing from Pagsanjan.

cavinti falls
Together with the other tourists, we all proceeded to Cavinti Falls where we were supplied our life vests. 

cavinti falls
And, we lined up for our turn to raft inside Cavinti Cave.

cavinti falls
It was really cool to see the raft go near the falls.

cavinti falls
And gently fade as it goes inside.  No words can sufficiently depict the sensation we felt as we went near the falls.  It was a surge of cool air and water combined like a whirlwind around us.  Be sure to have waterproof gears as none will be spared from wetness at that point.

cavinti falls
We didn't have the time to change.  We quickly trekked up.  The rappelling parts were a new experience for me since I've never climbed up a ladder so high in the mountains before.  We also encountered a few drizzles.  And, then we all saw a beautiful rainbow at the end of the track which made us all smile. 

cavinti falls
There were huts and tables at the Picnic Grove so we set out our lunch picnic style.  The food was so delicious especially after a 2-hour trek.

Overall, we Travel Tripsters, highly recommends this very affordable adventure in Cavinti Falls.  It is so near Metro Manila that a day-trip is easily manageable. 

For More Information:
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How to go to  Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove:

Public Transport: 
  • Take bus to Sta. Cruz Laguna - ETA 2 1/2 hours
    • Cubao ( (HM Transport): 180 php or 140 php regular
    • Pasay/Buendia/Gil Puyat (Jac Liner, DLTB, Greenstar):  140 php
  • Upon reaching Sta. Cruz Laguna, take jeep to Cavinti: 15 php - ETA 30 minutes
  • Upon reaching Cavinti, take tricycle to Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove, Brgy. Tibatib: 40 php - ETA 30 minutes
Private Vehicle:
  • SLEX: Take the Calamba exit going all the way down to the town of Pagsanjan. Upon reaching the public plaza of Pagsanjan, you either turn right from the municipal hall heading to the municipal proper of Cavinti or turn left taking the Lumban-Caliraya route.
  • Eastern Route (through Antipolo or Tanay, Rizal): Turn right upon reaching Municipality of Mabitac-Famy going to the direction of Pagsanjan, passing through the towns of Siniloan, Paete, and Lumban.  When you reach Brgy. Bagong Silang, Lumban, you either make a u-turn and start ascend going to the direction of Caliraya Lake or go straight to the Pagsanjan Hall and start ascend going to Cavinti Proper.
Things to Bring:
  • Sunblock
  • Comfortable clothes 
  • Rain or Trekking Jacket (it might rain or drizzle) or Windbreaker (against the wind)
  • Swim Wear
  • Waterproof Trekking Footwear
  • Waterproof camera and dry bag
  • Drinking water
  • Towel and change of clothes (the lighter the better)
  • Food (for your picnic after the trek)  
Disclosure:   Our participation is partt of the #CavEAT: Cavinti Eco-Adventure Tour, a Tourism Advocacy Campaign to help generate online buzz for the upcoming Cavinti Water Sports Olympics: 1st International Competition happening on February 8-14, 2015.

The #CavEAT: Cavinti Eco-Adventure Tour is organized by Herald C. Bebis for the Municipality of Cavinti headed by Hon. Mayor Milbert Oliveros. The event is fully supported by the Municipal Tourism Office, DigitalFilipino, Pelikula Padayon, Caliraya Lake Mountain Resort, Camarin Resort and Lago FishingVillage.
Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove
Address Cavinti, Laguna, Philippines
Budget Per Person 150-800 Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove Map
Payment Options Cash

Operating Hours Monday to Sunday:
(even holidays)
7am-5pm
Reservation Required No (encouraged)
Contact cavintitours@gmail.com

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