Detour - Daraitan Tinipak Rock Formation

We were supposed to climb Masungi Rock Formation however, we found out that climbers are not allowed since it is now privately owned. We decided to stay for a few minutes while thinking for plan B when someone asked if we've been to Daraitan. I automatically answered "Hindi pa po," then she suggested why not go there it will be just like an hour away and I asked if we can visit the area given that we only have 3 to 4 hours to spend since we also have another climb tomorrow. She said "Yes," suddenly I can't wait to be there.

The ride was very smooth up to Sampaloc area, where you need to get off and ride another habal-habal that will take you that place. We need to get off because it's cheaper if you do it that way. However, if we didn't get off the jeep we could have saved more.

It was bumpy and almost an hour drive. It was a rough road all the way to Daraitan, I can't help thinking when would this rough road ends. Anyway, glad I have my scarf with me since it was also too dusty.

The driver will take you to the Barangay hall where you need to register and get a guide that will take you to the Tinapak Rock formation. These local guides are trained and polite however, the guide fee is too much compared to other places I've been too especially if you will climb or travel alone.

Below are the guide fees.

Tinipak River/Rock formation - Php 500
Daraitan Summit Climb - Php 800 (dayhike)
There would be additional fees for overnight.
(Maximum of 8-10 packs)

All the hassles encountered are worth it because of this amazing place, thank you Lord for another beautiful creation ^_^

Here's our Itinerary for this trip (excluding Masungi area). 

10 AM - meet up in SM Masinag ride Jeepney to Cogeo
11 AM - ETA Cogeo Market to Sampaloc (look for Jeepney going to Sampaloc) - you need to alight before the foot bridge / before crossing then ask for Jeepney going to Sampaloc
1 PM - ETA Sampaloc Market then ride Habal-Habal that will take you to Daraitan Brgy. Hall
2 PM - ETA Brgy. Hall, register, go to the rest room, buy trail food and water

Budget All IN for 2 pax (Php 1000) that would be Php 500 per pax

Activities:
Swimming
Spelunking/Caving
Climb Daraitan Summit
Visit HotSpring (Laguna area) - with additional fees (cross country)

El Nido, Palawan

I left my heart in El Nido. It took me 2 cancelled flights before I was able to reach Palawan. Getting there seems like forever, however its worth the wait. 

Patience is never a waste of time, when your time finally comes then you'll realize that it worth the wait, and you will credit yourself

Here's my fave so far :)

Big Lagoon - Tour A

Bagac, Bataan Philippines

A friend of mine posted that our next trip would be in Bagac, Bataan - and I was like hmmp never heard of this place before though I was born in Mariveles and my cousins live in Bataan they never mentioned about it. Interesting, I've been to other places in Bataan but never had an idea about this place aside from it became a shooting location of one of the TV programs before. Maybe because I was too busy checking other places instead of my own, lesson learned.

How to get there:

1. Ride any bus company in Manila that will pass by Balanga, Bataan. I took Genesis Bus - Mariveles (will pass by Balanga hi-Way) since I missed the bus that will go directly to Balanga terminal.

I would like to thank the bus conductor since he managed to tell me that I can transfer to another genesis bus that will bring me directly to Balanga when we had a stop over somewhere in Pampanga :D that saved me Php 50 for the tricycle ride. 

2. In Balanga Terminal ride a local bus that says Bagac, the ride will take around an hour. Better to sit near the window area because the seats are not too big. Tell the driver to drop you off in Philippine-Japanese Tower or just tell them Tower this will cost you php 35. Sometimes they don't have conductor so better ask local passenger if you are near the tower :D just like I did. 

3. When you get to the Tower ride a tricycle try to negotiate for the price first normally it is Php50 however they might ask for a higher price if you're traveling alone. You may ask the driver to bring you to the market first to buy some food since the nearest store is only open during weekends and the options are very limited to cup noodles, bread and eggs sometimes 3 in 1 coffee is out of stock so better to buy water and food outside you don't want to walk for 2.5 km to get to the next store :D

A must bring:

Jacket/Fleece Jacket - I feel like I was in Baguio due to the cold wind, I wish I brought my jogging pants instead of shorts hehe

Blanket if you plan to stay overnight

Extra money if you want to go to the bat cave and try cliff diving or to other beach or visit Las Casas Filipinas (Php 800 entrance since this is an exclusive resort)

Camera - I forgot mine good thing I have my phone with me :D

Charging is not a problem in Stella Mariz - there is electricity or socket where you can charge your gadgets /phone.

Here are some photos I took with my phone camera.