📍Dampalitan Island

Blue water, fine sands and gigantic formations of rocks is what you can see in Dampalitan Island. This is a not so well-developed beach resort. It is not crowded and you can really enjoy the salty water. Last time when I went there, we had our boating experience that I really enjoyed. There are a lot of things that you can do. The scenery is beautiful and natural. There are jellyfish, starfish and other kinds of fish that you can see in a zoom lens motion when you are snorkeling.

Dampalitan Island is an ideal retreat to escape the hassle life in the metro. The island has a laid back charm that will capture the heart of every backpacker that is looking for a relaxing vibe. The long creamy white sand is a picture-perfect spot for overnight camping and for endless summer nights.

The island is enclosed with tropical blue waters with rich underwater life. Palm trees and agoho tres dotted the whole island and provided a nice shade from the scorching heat of the sun. The atmosphere in the whole island is simple yet mesmerizing. A perfect alternative for its much visited neighbors such as Borawan Island and Puting Buhangin at Kuwebang Lampas.

The water level had subsided when we decided to come out of the water. We realized that a rocky islet (more like a rocky bar) emerged so we decided to check it out and once again, take #selfies. It was perfect timing because the sun was just about to kiss the horizon.

List of Expenses
Entrance Fee: P60
Tent Pitching Fee: P100
Hut Rental: P850-P1000
Water: P40 per 5 gallons, P400/drum

How to get there: Board the bus to Lucena Grand Terminal (P250-P260, 3.5 hours) and another bus to Unisan (P35-40, 45-75 minutes). Get off at QCRB Bank in Padre Burgos and take a trike to Aplaya (15 minutes). You’ll find tour boats here for P1800, good for 8 pax.

That is my whole experience in Dampalitan Island. My favorite part in this trip is the snorkeling. I got to experience to see the different types of corals ang fishes under the sea. I was amazed by the beauty of nature. I am hoping that I can visit again this beach resort and try to explore morw things about it.

Thank you for your time in reading my blog! So, this is my last blog article, it was a great journey and accomplishment that I was able to feauture the 7 wonders of Laguna and Quezon. Special thanks to Miss Angel Mata for encouraging us to do things like this that helped us in boosting our confidence and enhance our skills in English. That was all and may God Bless us all!!

📍Marian Orchard

“A perfect place to go in this coming Lenten Season.”

Another place to visit in Balete, that is just 1 hour away from San Pablo. If you are looking for a place where you can unwind, relax and escape the life from the city, Marian Orchard is a perfect place for you to go.
The Marian Orchard is a pilgrimage site found in Brgy. Malabanan, Balete, set amidst sprawling land reminiscent of European gardens. They are open every day, from 7 am to 7 pm.

The Marian Orchard shall serve as a spiritual oasis that will promote the Roman Catholic religion through the propagation of Marian devotion and other religious activities that will inspire a renewal of FAITH.

This sprawling is host to a chapel, a huge rosary and several European-inspired gardens that will surely give every visitor a quiet time. If you plan to visit it during holy week, they also have life-size stations of the cross where you could do your reflection.

If you wish to reflect..Unwind..Refresh..or just simply pray, Marian Orchard is the place for you to be solemn.
Parking areas are available, Outside the gate and the sides of the street. Awesome bougainvillea plants sorrounds the place, a chapel in which the mass is held is so classic and quite. Structures are of classic motiff designs. A great place also for Classic structures lovers.

If you may want to roam around the wilderness, it would be great seeing the stations of the cross beautifully sculptured. The apostles row is really amazing as to the sculptures quality.

WAYS TO ENJOY THIS PLACE:

• Get up and go with your friends, family or relatives in this solemn place.
• Enjoy the beautiful view that is created by our Father.
• You can walk around in the Stations of the Cross.
• You can visit the mini Museum inside with a lot of historic and holy/sacred things.
• It has a bonus instagram-worthy backgrounds and views.

Come and Visit the Beauty of this Hidden Garden! There’s an entrance fee of Php 50.00 and a parking fee of Php 30.00.

Thank You for your time and effort reading my blog! See you in my next blog.

📍Borawan Beach Island

Boracay and Palawan in one place? This is Borawan! The towns’ waters are freckled with islets that until recently were hardly known to the travel-thirsty Manila-dwellers. In Pagbilao, a favorite among beach-lovers is Puting Buhangin, a short stretch of white sand that fringes a nook of the mainland.
Borawan beach in Pagbilao Chica Island is the nearest among the three from the town of Padre Burgos. You can reach the island in less than 10 minutes by boat. It is home to fascinating rock formations reminiscent to that of Palawan’s. Its sand, though white, is not as fine as Boracay’s. There are cottages for rent and camping is allowed. Shower rooms and toilets are also available. The beach is suitable for swimming. You may swim at the netted areas to protect yourself.

Tucked in the southern edge of Quezon, the towns of Padre Burgos and Pagbilao face Tayabas Bay, a channel that separates mainland Luzon and Marinduque. This side of Quezon is only four to five hours away, even shorter than it would take to reach Pangasinan and Baguio.

Our boatman said as-a-matter-of-factly that the name Borawan is a portmanteau, a blend of two words — Boracay and Palawan. The island was named so, he claimed, because it possesses white sand similar to that on Boracay and rock formations reminiscent of Palawan’s limestone cliffs. Sounds like a name and an explanation hacked within the confines of a meeting room in a marketing office, but we took it in the meantime.

Borawan is perfect place to beach bum, swim, go camping and just forget about the worries you left behind.

Jellyfish has been reported to abound in the area so you might want to ask your contact (boatman, tour operator) if it’s a good time to swim.

Bring enough cash for your trip, especially small bills to pay for boat rentals, motorcycle taxi and items bought at stores.

Bring extra batteries or a battery pack for your gadgets. Bring your own flashlight for going to and from the toilet at night and tent if you don’t want to rent.

Bring food and water for camping or picnics by the beach; however, make sure to leave no trace of trash.

Other disappointed travelers also complain about murky water, which might be due to overcrowdedness. If you wish to dodge the crowd, visit outside the peak season (April-May).

Budget Breakdown

Boat tour rates (Good for 8 pax)
P800 – Borawan Beach only (round trip)

P1800 – Borawan + Dampalitan + Puting Buhangin

Borawan Beach
Entrance Fee: P80

Tent Rental: P500

Cottage Rental: P700-P850

Tent Pitching Fee: P200

Shower Use Fee: P20

Restroom Fee: P10

Puting Buhangin
Entrance Fee: P80

Tent Rental: P300-400

What are you waiting for? You can now travel on a budget-friendly manner. I recommend this for you, especially when you are a beach lover. It is not yet well-developed but I can assure you that the scenery will not disappoint your eyes.
I hope you enjoy reading and learned something from this article of mine. See you in my next blog. Thank you

📍San Pablo City, Laguna

Farmville Resort is located at San Pablo City, Laguna near the Sampaloc Lake. It is a private resort owned by the Cortez’ here in San Pablo. The place is very cozy and exhilarating. You can enjoy fresh air and the view of the biggest lake in San Pablo City, the Sampaloc Lake.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS PLACE?

Well, you can enjoy their infinity pool with jacuzzi bath. This is perfect when you want to beat the heat.

It has a total of 4 rooms with comfy beds that you, your family and friends can stay overnight.

This resort is a modern-like hotel, that’s why you can take a instagram-worthy pictures in this place.

It is also a nice place for any event like debut, wedding reception, christening and many more because it has a function hall that can accomodate your guests.

Here are the other ammeneties that this resort can offer.

You can check their facebook page https://m.facebook.com/Cortez-Residence-457283257761617/about

They serve different beverages that you’ll surely like. This is perfect get-away experience especially in summer. The crews and owner is very accomodating and approachable so you can be able to move comfortably.

This is a perfect place especially when you are thinking of a place when you can use as a venue in different special occasions like birthday, reunion, wedding, and etc.

I hope you enjoy reading and learned something from this article of mine. See you in my next blog. Thank you! 💜

📍Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Enchanted Kingdom often abbreviated as EK is an amusement theme park in the Philippines. It has a land area of 25 hectares.

1.) There are 7 themed zones and 30 rides and attractions.

THEMED ZONES:

• Victoria Park (includes the main entrance)

• Portabello
• Boulderville (small ride area for children)
• Midway Boardwalk (features most of the rides)
• Brooklyn Place
• Space Port
• Jungle Outpost

RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS

• 7D Interaction Motion Theatre
• Agila: The EKsperience
• Air Pterodacty
• Air race
• Anchors Away
• Boulderville express
• Bouncing Boulder
• Bumbling Boulders
• Bump N Splash
• Dino-soar-us
• Disk-o-Magic
• Dodgem
• Ekstreme tower ride
• Flying Fiesta
• Fun Kart
• Jungle Log Jam
• Kinder Magic
• Laser Mission
• Rialto
• Rio Grande Rapids
• Roller Skater
• Space Shuttle
• Stone Eggs
• Swan Lake
• The Ghostbusters Adventure Live
• The Grand Carousel
• Up up and a way
• Wheel of Fate
• Xtreme Paintball Philippines

2.) Game stands where you can try your luck

3.) Perfect place to have fun and bond with your loved ones and friends.

Just a friendly reminder:

✔ Bringing foods and drinks inside the amusement park is not allowed. There are restaurants and food stalls available but it’s a little bit pricey so I suggest you bring an extra money in case of emergency.

✔ There are souvenir shops that you can visit. Shirts, mugs, slippers, pillows, stuffed toys and many more are available.

✔ You can witness the magical fireworks at 8:30 pm (also depends on the schedule)

✔ Entrance fee is ranging from Php 600 to Php 900 pesos per head. (Ride all you can plus an Agila Eksperience)

So what are you waiting for? EKsperience the magical treat that you would cherish forever!

The Magic Lives Forever!

📍Rizal, Laguna

Tayak hill is located right beside Mt. Cristobal. The hill was also dubbed as the Biker’s Haven of Laguna, as the place was once known only within bike enthusiasts and pilgrims who trek the area during Lenten season.
Tayak Hill is being groomed to become the next tourist draw not just in Rizal, but the whole of Laguna. Aside from being an Adventure and Nature Park, talks on making the place the paintball and airsoft capital of Laguna as well as proposed zipline, cable cars and construction of hand gliding facilities are all in the pipeline. As of writing, there are facilities already constructed if you want to spend a day or two at the area.

Things that you can do/experience:

✔ Hiking

✔ Biking

✔ Picnic ( I suggest that you bring your own food and drinks because there’s no available store yet but be mindful that you must take the responsibility in your own trashes.)

✔ Trekking

Climbing up the hill is may be a bit tiring but when you reach the top you are greeted by the cool wind and refreshing view. The sunset view from Tayak Hill is one of the best I have seen and on clear days you can even see San Pablo’s seven lakes.

If you are an adventurous person, this is the perfect place for you!! You can bring your family and friends here and enjoy the refreshing vibes here at Tayak Hill Nature and Adventure Park.

How to get there:

First Choice (Commuter)

1. From San Pablo, take a public jeep routing Rizal-Liliw. It is located right beside the fire station.
2. Tell the driver that you’ll go to tayak hill.
3. From there, you can rent a tricycle going to tayak hill *Php 100 each. (It is your choice if you will rent a trike or you’ll walk until you reach the hill.

Second Choice (Non commuter)

What are you waiting for? Visit and experience the adventurous hiking, feel the refreshing view of Mt. Cristobal in Tayak Nature and Adventure park.

For those who wish to go at this place, I suggest that you bring your own food and tumblers because there is no available store or restaurant yet. There is also a thirty-peso environmental fee that is collected before you take the stairs going up to the hill.

TAYAK HILL: TO VISIT ✔

Thank You for your time in reading my blog. Hope you learned something from it. See you in my next blog!!

📍Majayjay, Laguna

Costales Nature Farms, nestled at the foothills of mystical Mt. Banahaw in Majayjay Laguna is one of the major single producer of organic high value vegetables and herbs for the different famous restaurant who wish to lead a healthier life.

A perfect place to unwind. Far away from city noises and pollution. Get your barkada or family together, pack your bags, and go on a roadtrip to Costales Nature Farm.
Costales is the place where you can indulge without guilt, as all their food is healthy. They have crisp, fresh green lettuce, a staple of organic farms indeed, and healthy but delicious green juices, arguably a staple of wellness retreat centers.

Activities that you can do or experience:

✔ Organic Farming

✔ Farm Tour

✔ Harvesting vegetables

✔ Eating inside the refreshing bahay kubo

Different variety of healthy dishes were served. That’s why if you are a health-conscious person, you will definitely love this place and their food.

HOW TO GET THERE?

First Choice (Commuter)

1. Take bus from San Pablo Plaza to Lucena.
2. From Lucena ride a jeep or van to Lucban Quezon
3. From Lucban, Quezon take jeep or tricycle that would bring you to Costales Nature Farm.

Second Choice (Non-commuter)

1. From San Pablo Plaza, take Rizal-Nagcarlan Rd.Head east toward Inocencio Barleta St.
2. Exit the roundabout onto Inocencio Barleta St
3. Turn right onto Gen. Miguel Malvar
4. Continue onto Werner Schetelig Ave. Turn right after Acci Hardware (on the right)
5. Continue to follow Nagcarlan-Liliw Rd. Turn left toward Liliw-Majayjay Road. Continue onto Liliw-Majayjay Road
6. Liliw-Majayjay Road turns slightly left and becomes Bridge
7. After Majayjay town proper, take road toward Lucban. Several directional signs point to the way to Costales Nature Farm.