travel

Travel Banaue, Ifugao on a Budget

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Banuaue in Ifugao Province, Philippines is the home of the beautiful Bangaan, Banaue and the majestic Batad Rice Terraces.
The amphitheater-like Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao, Philippines
The famous Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao, Philippines

                                                 Bangaan Rice Terraces, Ifugao, Philippines

If you are a budget solo traveler or with a group of 2 to 3 persons, the best and cheapest way to explore Banaue is via motorized tricycle.

Motorized tricycles are a common means of passenger transport everywhere in the Philippines, except on busy major highways and very busy city streets, where they are used as public utility vehicles either plying a set route or for-hire. 

Since I didn’t had any inn/hotel reservations and did not avail any tour package prior to my trip to Banaue, I was clueless how would things turn out when I arrive in Banaue. Luckily, my bus seatmate (from Manila to Banaue) who is also a solo traveler did not have any reservations. We partnered and decided to explore Banaue together.

                                  Me and my Banaue travel buddy- Jana, a solo traveler from Spain

Finding The Perfect Service Around Banaue
When we arrived in Banaue proper, we asked some locals where to find inns in the area. We were advised to walk to the town proper where inns and tourism office are located . While walking, there was a tricycle driver (his name is Martin) who approached us and offered to take us to the Banaue center where most of the inns are located. He offered the ride for free and later offered if he can be be our guide during our stay in Banaue. He initially offered 800 Pesos to drive us around Banaue.

                                                               Martin, Banaue tour guide

Just to make sure that we are getting the best deal, Jana and I decided to visit the Banaue tourism office to check the rates.

Option A

Price: 600 Peso tour / person
Two way trip (Banaue proper – Batad)
transportation (van)
Pro: cheap
Con: you will join a group of tourists, thus will only have a limited time and will not have the freedom to stop anytime you want 
The tourism officer also informed us that if we are not joining the tour and will rent for a two way tourism accredited tricycle service (Banaue proper to Batad) it would cost us 1000 Pesos. Once we reach Batad, we will have to pay another 600 Pesos each for the guide who will accompany us to the Batad rice terraces. Note that the price varies on the guide. The tourism officer advised that these are government accredited transportation services and guides and we may opt to avail offers outside the tourism office.

Option B

Price: 1000 Pesos (for tricycle) + 600 Pesos per person (tour guide to Batad Rice Terraces)

Two way trip (Banaue proper – Batad)

transportation (tricycle)

Pro: Tourism accredited service/guides

Con: Pricey as it would cost us 2,200 Pesos (1,000 for tricycle + 1,200 for guide to Batad rice terraces)

                                     

                                                           Banaue Tourism Officer

Since Jana and I are on a budget travel, considering the price and the perks of having your own service, we decided to take Martin’s offer. His 800 Peso offer to drive us around Banaue is way cheaper than 1000 Peso rate which will only include two way Banaue proper-Batad transportation.

Option C (Martin’s Offer)

transportation (tricycle)

Drive and tour us around Banaue’s Rice Terraces (includes Batad Rice terraces and Bangaan Rice Terraces)

Price: 800 Pesos

Pro: Cheap, you will not have to follow the timelines of a package tour

Con: Arranging a tour with a non-accredited service/guide may be risky . In Martin’s case, Jana and I felt safe and really enjoyed the tour.

For the complete itinerary of our tour with Martin, please visit my post – Banaue, Ifugao Tour Guide and One Day Tour Itinerary.

How to Get to Banaue Rice Terraces from Manila

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
If you are planning to visit the postcard perfect views of Banaue’s rice terraces, the only way to get to Banaue from Manila is via land transportation. There is no direct plane flights from Manila to Banaue, Ifugao province.
Banaue Rice Terraces, Ifugao, Philippines
Batad Rice Terraces, Ifugao, Philippines
The only bus lines catering direct trips from Manila to Banaue is Ohayami Transit.
How to get to Ohayami Trans
Ohayami trans is located along Lacson road and is near España.

If you are coming from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, just inform the airport cab that you will be going to Ohayami trans along Lacson avenue corner Fajardo St. in Manila City.
Trip Schedules from Manila to Banaue
During off-peak season, there is only 1 to 2 trips from Manila to Banaue which departs at 10:00 PM.
During peak season and Fridays, there are numerous trips where the first bus also departs at 9:00 PM

          Bus Trip schedule during peak season

Fare 
One way trip costs 450 Pesos.  It is highly recommended to reserve a ticket and your way back to Manila. There were instances, especially during peak seasons, that trips from Banaue to Manila easily get fully booked.
What to expect
Ohayami buses are quite smaller than the usual buses travelling long trips. I find the seats quite small compared with that of other provincial tourist buses in the Philippines.

The trip from Manila to Banaue is 8 to 9 hours which includes 2 stopovers. The first stopover is in San Miguel, Bulacan and the second one is in Nueva Vizcaya. Passengers are given ample time to have their snacks and take restroom breaks during these stopovers.

As for the safety, I should say that the bus trip is very safe. There are two drivers during the entire trip. The first one will drive during the first half of the trip and the other one on the remaining hours of the trip. Being seated at the back of the driver, I witnessed how careful they were during the entire trip.
How to get to the Banaue Rice Terraces from Ohayami bus terminal in Banaue
Once you arrive in Banaue, the Banaue Rice terraces is 2.1 km from the Ohayami trans bus terminal. You can walk from the terminal to get to the terraces or you can simply wait for tricycles or jeepneys leading you the Banaue town proper.

 

Trek to Pongas Falls Sagada Mountain Province

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Falls in Sagada
After having a sumptuous breakfast at Bana’s Café, our tourist guide arrived for our first itenary for the day – Pongas falls.  This Sagada tourist attraction is located in Ankileng, Southern part of the province.  Travel time from Sagada proper to Ankileng is only 20 minutes via jeepney or van.
angkileng, sagada, philippines

 

 Rice field in Angkileng, Sagada, Mountan Province.
This is also the drop off area and the starting point of an hour trek to Pongas Falls.

 

 

 

 

From the drop off, the trek started. we passed by the scenic view of Angkileng Elementary School.

 

 

 The trek continues through an approximately 30 meters hanging metal bridge.  The bridge is heading the Angkileng rice terraces.

 

(left photo) Our tour guide Manuel and my friend Cathy

 

 

. Our tourist guide (left photo) was holding walking sticks which we’ll be needing on the latter part of the trek. We were all  enjoying the refreshing surroundings of Ankileng rice terraces.

 

 

After a long and tiring yet refreshing walk in Ankileng rice terraces, we arrived at the village proper.  We stopped over at a store to rest and had some drinks.

 

Few meters away from the store is the Ankileng Baranggay post. We paid for a registration fee of 10 Php each.  The trek continued in uphill direction passing through the village with friendly locals.

 

After an exhausting uphill walk in the village, we were greeted by steep rocky trails.

 

(Left photo) My friends Len and Ejay.
 (Right photo) Our tour guide and my friend Bert trying to climb a very steep trail.  The trek includes narrow trail and steep cliffs which makes the experience challenging, exciting and a bit dangerous.

 

(Left Photo) Our tour guide kept on telling us that we’ll pass a highway before reaching the falls.  We were all thinking that he was referring to the real highway but it was actually a cemented trail for trekkers.  This highway is approximately 50 to 60 feet above the ground.

 

 (Right Photo) Scenic view from the highway to Pongas Falls.

 

 Spectacular view from the highest point of the highway.  Who says that Rice Terraces can only be seen in Banaue?

 

 

At the end of the highway comes the scenic view of Pongas Falls.

 

Pongas falls perfectly creates a picture perfect scene.

 

 Yes! The view is truly amazing but the trek doesn’t end here. We are yet to pass trough a rocky and slippery trail to get to the falls itself.
The real challenge faced me when I had to climb a 5 foot wall of rock perpendicular to the ground.  Thanks to our tour guide and my friends for helping me out.

 

Finally, we arrived at the falls. The views are amazing. The sound that water creates while it pours and smashes to the ground is perfect and very relaxing.  Rhythm that is way better than ones in ambient music. Well, the water is cold and clear too.
We had gone a looong way and reaching at this point was already fulfilling.
(Left photo) My friends wanted to climb more.

 

Okay, my friend Ejay was convincing me to climb.
I gave it a try and did it with his help. (Thanks Ejay)
We stayed in Pongas falls for about an hour and a half and headed back to the drop off site safely.The trek is truly an adventure, a test of one’s courage and determination.  Despite of the challenging trek, it was really fulfilling that we all made it safely to the falls.  The amazing landscapes on our way to the falls, friendly Ankileng locals, our wonderful tour guide, my very encouraging friends and of course the beauty of Pongas Falls make the experience thrilling, fun and memorable.

How to Get to Sagada from Manila

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
If you are planning to visit Sagada, the most favored route from Manila to Sagada is via Baguio city.Manila to Sagada via Baguio City, Benguet
Take a bus ride from Manila heading to Baguio via Victory Liner.  Victory Liner buses in Cubao, Quezon City departs every hour.  Ticket fare is 445Php and travel time is 6 hours.  It’s recommended to reserve your tickets especially during summer where too many tourists visit Baguio city.Upon arrival to Victory Liner Baguio terminal, take a cab and tell the driver that you are going to GL Trans bus terminal in Dangwa market. Cab fare is approximately 60Php and travel time from Victory Liner terminal to GL Trans terminal is about 20 minutes.

There are only 7 trips from Baguio to Sagada, first of which departs at 6:30 AM and succeeding trips depart every hour.  Last trip is at 1:00 PM.  Note that that most GL trans buses are non-air-conditioned.

GL Tans Bus Terminal, Baguio City

GL Trans Bus Liner Philippines –  Baguio to Sagada Bus Schedule
Bus ride from Baguio to Sagada costs 220Php and travel time is approximately 5 to 7 hours depending on the weather condition.  There are two stopovers during the entire trip where travelers can eat or go to the restroom.  Since I missed the 11:30 AM trip, I took the last trip at 1:00 PM and arrived in Sagada at 6:00 PM.  The travel was a breeze and the scenic views are truly a feast for the eyes.

 

 

Crocodile Farm Tour in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, travel

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Palawan’s Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center was the first stop of our Puerto Princesa City tour. Founded in 1987, this Puerto Princesa tourist attraction well known for its Crocodile Farm and Nature Park. 

Palawan Wildlife and Conservation Center in Puerto Princesa

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (Crocodile Farm) Location

This interesting tourist spot is located in National Road in Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City and just 30 minutes away from Puerto Princesa city proper.

Crocodile Farm Entrance Fee

Basic Tour (30 mins.)

Child – P 10.00

Adult – P 40.00

Privileged – P 20.00 (senior citizen, disabled, students)

Group Tour – P 20.00 (min. of 20 pax)

Crocodile skin and skeleton welcome guests and visitors at the lobby.
Crocodile skin at the lobby of Crocodile Farm Puerto Princesa
 
Crocodile skeleton at crocodile farm in Palawan
 
Crocodile farm tourist guide shares info about the farm. The guests also learned from her that croc skin used in bags and purses are usually that of younger crocs. 
Tour guide at crocodile farm
 
The tour continues and guests were taken to the “Hatching House” of the farm.
hatching house at crocodile farm
 
Guests are busy taking pictures of baby crocodiles
tourists strolling and taking pictures at the crocodile farm
 
Baby crocodiles.. Aren’t they cute?
baby crocs
 
Hatching house is where baby crocodiles are born, bred and taken care off until they become adults.  I was a bit disappointed that we did not witness live crocodile egg hatching. lol
young crocodiles
The tourist guide advised us not to put our fingers on top of the croc dens.  Even baby crocs can be aggressive and cut one’s fingers off.
crocodiles
 
After the hatching area, guests were then taken to the adult crocodiles. There’s a metal bridge approximately 20 feet above the  crocodile den.
 
We crossed the bridge and we were able to check out these huge and scary adult crocodiles
palawan crocodilemore crocodiles
Perhaps the largest crocodile in the farm is “Valentino”, 16 foot and 500 Kilogram a male saltwater crocodile captured on Valentines Day of 2012 in Bataraza, Palawan.
valentino croc in palawan Valentino, a 16 foot crocodile in Palawa, Philippines
 

 Right after the exciting ‘crossing the bridge with huge crocodiles below’ part of the tour, guests were headed to a photo opportunity with a young crocodile.  There’s a professional photographer and you may have your picture taken and printed for only 150 Php.  Apart from this, you can also have your pic taken with your own camera for free.

 
Photo taken from my iPhone.  A friend helped me since I couldn’t carry the croc with two hands. I just realized that I was holding the croc on its neck (I’m sorry). 
 
After the photo op with the croc, guests can freely stroll around the Nature Park.
 

 

 

 
The shy Palawan Bear Cat.
Palawan Bear Cat
 
Crocodile farm and nature park entrance
 
Palawan Binturong that smells like “Pandan”.  You may also have your picture taken by a photographer with this cute, love, tame friendly Binturong.  Printed photo costs 150 Php.
Palawan Binturong
  
White Bellied Sea Eagle
White Bellied Sea Eagle
 
There’s also a mini zoo in the farm but we decided to leave after a short walk since we still have to visit Mitra’s Ranch and Baker’s Hill that day.
 
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center is a must visit!  I super enjoyed seeing crocodiles of all sizes. I loved Palawan Binturong, very friendly and good smelling creature.

Baker’s Hill Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
 

Baker’s Hill is one of the tourist attraction in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.  Baker’s Hill is literally on top of a hill where a number of bakers work together to offer deliciously baked goodies for tourists and visitors.

Baker’s Hill Location Map
Mitra Road, Barangay Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines.

 
Tourists and visitors say that Baker’s Hill Hopia is a must try. In fact, it’s one of the bakery’s best seller. Small box of Hopia costs only 40 Php.

 Since I’m not a fan of Hopia, I opted to taste their Spanish bread instead. It was delicious!!

Apart from the freshly baked breads and snacks, you can also stroll around the area for free. This privately owned parked is open to the public.  Thanks to the extremely generous owners.

 
 
Huge modern houses welcome visitors of Baker’s Hill.
 
Statues of Marilyn Monroe

 
 
Baker’s Kitchen – Restaurant in the heart of Baker’s Hill
 
 
Baker’s Hill Restaurant menu
 
Beautiful floating local flower petals are everywhere. 

  
 A mini playground for kids
 
Baker’s Hill garden is a perfect place to simply sit and relax.
 

 
There are also several birds in the garden including Myna, Peahens and Peacocks. Well, the latter is my favorite! 

My Take on Baker’s Hill
Reviews say that Baker’s Hill is a theme park.  I just don’t get its theme.  There’s a bakery, then beautiful huge and modern houses, not so Filipino statues, a Filipino restaurant, a relaxing garden with a number of lovely birds. 
 
Anyway, Baker’s Hill is still a perfect place to eat, relax and take pictures.  The area is very clean and well maintained. Well, at the end of the day, there’s no place like Baker’s Hill in the Philippines – bakery with delicious breads plus a park with beautiful garden! What more can you ask for?
 
 

 

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Bilao at Palayok Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Aside from the breathtaking Underground River, white sand beaches, exciting zip line adventures and friendly locals, Palawan vacation would not be complete without dining in the city’s restaurants.

Bilao at Palayok Seafoods & Native Restaurant is located along Rizal Avenue and just about 5 minutes away from Puerto Princesa Airport.  This Filipino restaurant is one of Puerto Princesa’s finest restaurants. 

Bilao at Palayok Puerto Prinsesa City
 
 
A huge “Palayok” or Earthen Pot outside the restaurant. We visited Bilao at Palayok for our first dinner at Puerto Prinsesa.  Since I’m only using my smart phone for photographs, pictures are dull due to lowlight conditions.
 
Huge Palayok outside the restaurant
 
 
Bilao at Palayok’s interior is very native and “Filipino”.  I was impressed and amazed by the overall design and feel of the restaurant. Tables, chairs and even flooring are made up of wood mostly bamboos.  Too bad that we were the last guests that night and lights were dimmed on other areas of the restaurant. 
Short bridge heading to the main dining area of Bilao at Palayok.
 
 
 
At the heart of the restaurant are wooden crafts.  Bilao at Palayok looks like a mini Filipino art gallery to me.  I highly recommend visiting this restaurant during daytime to appreciate the ethnicity and beauty of the area.
 
 
We ordered “Bulalo” – kneecap, a famous dish in the Philippines. 
 
 
 
Boodle feast at Bilao at Palayok.  We were all shocked by the generous serving of this group meal for five persons.  Food presentation is perfect!
 
  
This group meal we ordered consists of Sisig, boneless Bangus, Inihaw na Pusit, Inihaw na baboy, fried danggit, Adobo, Hipon, Laing  etc.  I should say that their rice is the most tasfeful and delicious rice I’ve ever tasted!
 
My friend wanted to bring home this water pitcher covered with a woven rattan.hahaha
 
 
Bilao at Palayok Puerto Prinsesa Menu

Aside from the menu below, the restaurant also offers sizzling, fish, pork and vegetable dishes ranging from 170 Pesos to 450 Pesos.  Desserts are also available starting at 70 Pesos.

 

Puerto Princesa’s Bilao at Palayok is a must try to those who will visit the city.  The resto’s interior, ambiance and feel looks expensive but for the delightful and delicious food, Bilao at Palayok dining experience is actually affordable!

 

 

[Updated] Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa: Lola Itang

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
Lola Itang Pension House Palawan

Lola Itang Pension & Restaurant is located in Roxas St. corner Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa, Palawan.  This affordable accommodation is 15 minutes away from Puerto Princesa Airport and is walking distance to baywalk, plaza quartel, The Cathedral and other commercial areas.  It is also very accessible to  the city’s numerous tourist attractions.If you have booked prior to your vacation, Lola Itang will provide a free transfer from Puerto Princesa Airport to the pension/hotel.

 January 3, 2016 – Updated the post title, room and rates.
Lola Itang Pension House in Puerto Princesa
Aside from being an affordable pension house/hotel, Lola Itang also has a restaurant which is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM except on Sundays.  The restaurant is less fancy but very clean and decent.
Lola Itang Entrance
Lola Itang restaurant in puerto prinsesa
The pension house area is very quiet and pleasantly comfortable and cozy.  Unlike typical hotels or pension houses, Lola Itang’s unique atmosphere which I should say very “Filipiniana” makes it a must stay hotel in Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan.
Native wall decors at lola itang
Lola Itang Pension House Hallway
Refreshing and relaxing athmosphere at lola itang pension house
Lola Itang Hotel
Although the rooms we stayed in are a bit modern and deviate from the “Filipiniana” feel of the hotel, we were very satisfied for the cleanliness of the room and its toilet & bath.
Room at Lola Itang
Clean toilet and bath at Lola Itang
All rooms are air conditioned and has Cable TV.  Room service is also available. We even had our room cleaned while we were out touring the city.

Lola Itang Palawan Room Rates

Single Room (1 matrimonial bed): 950 Php per night for 1 person or 1,100 Php per night for 2 persons  toilet does not include hot shower
Twin Room (2 single beds): 1,200 Php per night for 2 persons – toilet does not include hot shower
Executive Room (1 matrimonial bed and 1 single bed): 1,350 per night for 2 persons
Solo Villa (1 matrimonial bed): 1,500 Php per night  for 2 persons – room includes refrigerator
Suite Room (1 matrimonial bed and 1 single bed): 1,500 per night for 2 persons

For inquiries, you may contact Lola Itang’s Pension house at this number, +63916-233-3652 or e-mail them at [email protected]

Lola Itang’s staff  are very friendly and accommodating.  During our 5 day stay at the pension, we experienced superb customer service – from the security guard, room cleaners, restaurant servers to front desk officers.  Less fancy rooms but are reasonable for the price, very secured and homey. A must stay for budget travelers.

 

Ark Avilon Zoo

Posted on by One Armed Wanderer
I’m pretty much sure that you’re familiar or at least have heard of Noah’s Ark story in the bible where Noah put pairs of animals in his Ark.  Well, there’s an interesting zoo in Pasig City, Philippines – the Ark Avilon Zoo.  Although this 2-storey Ark-shaped zoo is far from the real Noah’s Ark, still, it is one of the perfect places for kids and kids at heart to see animals up close.

Ark Avilon Zoo Location Map / How to get to Ark Avilon Zoo
Situated in Frontera Dr corner Road D, the zoo can be reached by foot from a nearby shopping center Tiendesitas.  Just right beside the zoo is Fun Ranch, an attraction complex for kids.


View Larger Map

Ark Avilon Rates
Regular rate is 300.00 Pesos
Children 3.5 ft. and below is 200.00 Pesos
20% discount for senior citizens and PWDs

Entrance area of the zoo

Zoo Hours
Ark Avilon is open everyday including holidays
Weekdays at 9:00 AM to 6: 00 PM
Weekends at 10 AM to 7:00 PM

The interior of the zoo is amazing. It seemed that the layout was carefully planned for a great “zoo” experience for kids and adults alike.  Although the birds are in rope perches, it’s a relief not to see them in cages.


The super friendly and cute Jenny the Bornean Orangutan


Old English Sheepdogs

More photos below:


Wild animals like Tiger, Panther and Puma also reside in the Ark.

Farm animals and some caged birds are in the second floor of the zoo.

Guests can also feed the animals (except for the wild ones lol)

Overall, the zoo is clean and well maintained. Animals seem to be loved and well taken care of.  Zookeepers and staff are friendly.. and not to mention my favorite animal – Jenny the Orangutan.  Being the Philippine’s first indoor zoo, Ark Avilon may lack real estate to accommodate huge animals like Giraf and Elephant, however the way the zoo let’s its guests interact with some of its animals makes the experience fun and memorable.