Surreal, so real.

It was one of the most magical nights in my travels. No moon illuminated the dark waters of Sogod Bay. It was so quiet that we heard every ripple of the sea embracing the pebbles and sand grains. Then out of the corner of our eyes, we saw a slowly looming figure of a canoe. The man onboard paddled with nary a sound. The River Styx crept into my consciousness whose serenity was slowly mangled by this vision. It was so surreal.... so unreal that i kept shaking my head and blinking my eyes. Then i realized that i just got treated to an amazing scene no traveler has perhaps noted into his journal.

Google Map Views of Interesting Places in the Philippines (1 of 3)

Crater lake of Mt. Pinatubo
Getting there: Easy with the use of 4x4 vehicles and a trek of 1-3 hours (depending on the route taken)

With more than 7,000 islands that mostly rose up from the bottom of the sea over the process of 50 million years, its no wonder that we would find a lot of interesting places in the Philippines. And with the help of Google maps, what we will see will astound us!

We could see more (believe me, there are hundreds of them!), but not all areas have clear maps and some are even clouded over. But these ones I got should already make some of you giddy and ready to pack your bags!

Not all of them are easy to reach, though. So I have put some "how to get there" kind of a travel tip.

Islands of Mercedes, Camarines Norte. The one on the right is Apuao Grande and the one on the left is the little brother called Apuao Pequena. There are other islands in this area and you can have an entire day jumping from one beach to the next.

How to get there: Easy. Bus to Daet, jeepney or hired van to Mercedes Port, then hire a boat for island hopping

Banaue Rice Terraces. See that huge building on the left? Yes, that one with a swimming pool? That's the 70's resort hotel (of course, called Banaue Hotel) built by the goverment. But don't let the age of hotel fool you, sit on the veranda in the early morning and you can already see the Kinakin Rice Terraces in front of you. If you opt to stay in an inn instead, there are a lot available in the town proper of Banaue.

How to get there: Very easy. Just be ready for the 8-9 hours land travel.

Batad Rice Terraces. The viewpoint of the rices terraces near the town proper of Banaue is for those who are easily satisfied and don't want to get tired (okay those with limited time to spend). But for those willing to trek through mountain trails, Batad is THE ONE! Its not called the amphitheater for nothing. Plus, there is a bonus visit to the huge waterfall when you're in Batad Village (with more trekking through rice paddies that rise up to 20 feet, with no hand holds!)

How to get there: With effort. Hire a jeepney or a tricycle from the town proper of Banaue to the Saddle, then trek (45 minutes for the fast ones, 3 hours for the potato couches).

Y'Ami Island, Batanes. Yes! This is the ultimate island! The northernmost island of the Philippines.  There are no people living here. It's so isolated and very hard to reach that probably only .0001% of Filipinos could get here.  You could see more Taiwanese fishing boats (hmmm...) when you're standing on its shore. You want a Philippine bucket list entry?

How to get there: Almost impossible. Must have lots of money to hire a boat willing to take you there. Sit on the side of the boat or be ready with your barf bag. A helicopter for the insanely rich should be a better option.

Calaguas Islands, Camarines Norte. I had several opportunities to visit this place since 1999. All of them failed. Now, I drool with envy whenever I read articles of travelers who had great fun in these fairly isolated islands.

How to get there: A bit easy, but definitely a long boat ride.

Caramoan, Camarines Sur. This is a quite old map still used by Google. There are already beach villas in Gota Beach. Spent two nights camped on the beach many years ago with plate-sized crabs crawling beside our tents. Island hopping, snorkeling, the beach life.... you know the rest. Now, you cannot camp on Gota Beach anymore, you have to do it in other beach areas with no people.

How to get there: long boat ride (3 hours, plus 1 hour land travel from Naga City) or a combination of fairly long land travel and a bit shorter boat ride.

Corregidor Island, Cavite (yup, not Bataan). Definitely for history buffs or those who want a combination of real stories and great views. I won't talk about the ghost stories like the company of Japanese ghost soldiers marching on the island.... nope. Take a real close look at the big guns, the bullet holes and try to imagine how horrifying it should be to be in a time of senseless war.

How to get there: A bit expensive to typical Pinoys. Must get a tour package if coming from Manila. Another option is to travel by land to Cabcaben in Bataan then hire a boat for 15 minutes of travel. This is not a regular thing, so be ready for the hassle of finding a boat and haggling.

Fort Drumm or El Fraile (The Priest) Island, near Corregidor Island. Very interesting this thing is. An island boarded with steel and shaped like a ship. With huge cannons that fired at Japanese invaders. With an underground/undersea tunnel that connected it to Corregidor Island! But now flooded.

How to get there: must have kayak or boat to get near it.

Hundred Islands, Alaminos City, Pangasinan. There used to be only three islands where tourists can visit. But have a hired boat then you can visit more!

How to get there: Easy by bus from Manila then by boat.

La Mesa Watershed, Quezon City. See that lake? That's the water that feeds almost the entire 16 million Filipinos living in Metro Manila. See that green area? That's the forest that makes sure that the water level is maintained.

How to get there: Easy, by private or rented vehicle. Just tell the guard you're going to La Mesa Ecopark.

Paoay Lake and Desert, Ilocos Norte. Enjoy sand boarding in the desert, hop on your vehicle then enjoy the view of the lake. That's what life is.

Like feathers and other beautiful things. You want to find out what this is? Just scroll all the way to the top. Then go back here to click the "Next" link and see more great places.
 

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Google Map Views of Interesting Places in the Philippines (2 of 3)

Potipot Island, Zambales. This is a very tiny island surrounded by white sand beaches.

How to get there: Easy. Bus to Candelaria, then hire a boat to the island.

San Roque Dam. I doubt if this is open to visitors. But I got so curious at the beauty of this watershed.

And I even got more curious when I zoomed into this island. Is this somekind of a symbol, or a giant.....?  haha!

Islands in Sorsogon. Many have been wondering if there are islands in Sorsogon that they could visit. Here they are!

How to get there: Easy. By bus then hire a boat

Amanpulo Island, Palawan. Yes, we can dream of staying in an island resort like Amanpulo.

How to get there: Easy and very expensive. You must be a guest of the resort to get there.

Islands of Cuyo. Can't go to Amanpulo? Cuyo has more islands!

How to get there: Difficult and fairly expensive to hire boats.

Twin Lagoons, Coron Island,  Palawan. See those 3 white dots? Those are boats. And their passengers are probably swimming in the lakes or passing through that tiny gap underneath a landmass to reach the other lagoon.

How to get there: Very easy - get on a tour in Coron

Kayangan and Barracuda Lakes, Coron Island, Palawan. Kayangan is the de-facto tourist attraction in Coron. Barracuda is more known as a diving (yes, diving) attraction where you have to lug your air tank over limestone cliffs to reach the lake.

Fraser Island, Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan.  This makes you want to jump out of your plane and straight to any of the two lagoons!

How to get there: Very easy. Van from Puerto Princesa City then hire a boat for island hopping

Snake Island, Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. This is definitely one of the best islands to go to while on an island-hopping tour in Honda Bay. However, this has been "closed" by some.... whatever.... for "development"

How to get there: Forget it. Unless you get somekind of an entry permit from the "owners" Pssst! according to Philippine laws, no private entity can own the beach areas in the country. So if you get on the beach by boat...... uhmmm....... Otherwise, just enjoy the view of the island from your plane window (sit at the right side window when flying in to Puerto Princesa, or the left side window when flying out to get the best views).

 

Starfish Island. Honda Bay, Palawan.  When on an island-hopping tour in Honda Bay, its almost certain that your boatman will bring you to this tiny sandbar.

How to get there: Easy.

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Google Map Views of Interesting Places in the Philippines (3 of 3)

Bais Shoal in Bais City and the town of Manjuyod, Negros Oriental. You want to feel the real elements of nature? Rent any of these houses on stilts which were built on a shoal (meaning, when its high tide, the sand will be completely under water). The boat will leave you for the night and you will be in complete darkness with lots of stars above and the sea waves gently rocking you in your slumber.

How to get there: Easy. Van from Dumaguete City to Manjuyod then rented boat to the shoal.

Calicoan in Guiuan in Eastern Samar. When the effects of typhoon Yolanda (Hainan) finally subsides and tourism gets back on its feet, try to visit this place. See those wild waves on the upper right? Those are perfect for surfing. Don't like surfing? Cross the island and have perfectly serene water for swimming.

How to get there: A bit of a challenge. Van from Tacloban City. Should be easier when the roads are completely repaired.

Crater of Canlaon Volcano in Negros Island. Its great for mountaineering! Mossy forests, waterfalls, and challenging trails before you reach the crater's edge.

How to get there: Difficult. You must be a well-seasoned tropical mountaineer to tackle this one.

Carbin Reef in Sagay City, Negros Occidental. Yes, that shallow reef, white sand bar and the dark, blue sea. Perfect for musings.

How to get there: Easy. Land travel from Bacolod to Sagay City then hire a boat.

This is another sandbar near Carbin Reef

Sandbar in Tubigon, Bohol. Just time your visit during low tide, with great cloud cover, and you should be in this very picturesque destination few people have been to.

How to get there: Easy

Pasig Island. Eastern Samar. This one looks interesting.

How to get there: Should be quite a big effort. By land to Can-Avid then hire a boat.

Cape San Agustin, Davao Oriental. Many Filipinos know this place. But its hard to imagine how this place looks like. Here's the tip view.

How to get there: A bit of a challenge. Van from Davao City. Ask around first if the road leading to the lighthouse is okay for travel.

Kangbangyo Island, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. You go boating in this maze of limestone covered with dense forests. You will see lots of Mindanao Hornbills and get tempted to swim into the waters.

How to get there: Fairly easy. Van to Pilar then hire a boat to reach the island.

Bucas Grande Island with Sohoton Lagoon and Stingless Jellyfish Lagoon, Surigao del Norte. Just looking at the photo could make you feel lost. Then you will find out that you can only reach the inner sanctum of the lagoon during low tide. And if the locals already allow it, they may even let you swim in the logoon filled with stingless jelly fish. Ask around first about this one because they suspect that the sunblock lotion used by the tourists are affecting the population of the jellyfish so they closed the lagoon for sometime.

How to get there: Fairly easy. Two to three hours boatride from Siargao. By land then by boat from the mainland of Surigao del Norte.

Sitangkai and Sibuto Islands. Some people call this the Venice of the East. Really?! Looks really promising for a visit.

How to get there: Quite a challenge.

Turtle Islands. The ones on the left belong to Malaysia. The bigger ones on the right are part of the Philippines. This is a life-changing destination. They're not called turtle islands for nothing. You will learn a lot, you will appreciate so much, and you will enjoy nature, very much.

How to get there: From Malaysia, very easy. 45 minutes by speedboat. From any part of the Philippines, very difficult and very expensive. Better to fly to Malaysia first. But there is no existing immigration gateway yet. So we mortals will have to wait several more years before we can witness the beauty and significance of the turtle islands. Lets hope the turtles are still there.

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Morning Flight Over Mindoro Island

No filter, no photoshop. Just a great view of the coast of Mindoro one fine morning.

A Traffic and Commuting Solution - The Walkalator Commuting System!

Lifted from somewhere in the net. I think this is somewhere in Europe

Many would probably laugh at this idea. But I firmly believe that this could be a major component in solving the traffic problem and commuting woes in Metro Manila -- Why not set up a walkalator system in the metropolis???

Okay, to cut the whole story telling short, just look at these bullet points.

- It will not be very expensive compared to elevated train systems. The load factor is definitely much lighter (pedestrian overpasses do not have to carry cars, trucks and trains, di ba)

- It can tremendously elevate the quality of the communities. Just try to imagine how the elevated walkways transformed the walking experience in Ayala.

- It can earn!! Designed as a commuting choice, people who use it will have to pay.

- I won't be stupid enough to say that the walkalators would have to span several kilometers of EDSA, Espana, etc. It can actually also be a health solution - the walkalators will be cut into probably 100-meter sections interspersed with about 50 meters of space where people have to walk. So they get to exercise while getting to their destinations (so that it won't be a boring experience also). It will also allow the repair of damaged sections without impeding the entire function of the whole system (unlike the train system, yeah we all know this!)

- It will be a bit slow, but it will bring the people safely and conveniently to their destinations. For those who are commuting, it is very common to wait for 30 minutes to an hour for a ride. That amount of time can already bring them much closer to their homes or offices using the walkalator.

- It can decrease the number of vehicles (and traffic!) in major areas. People can leave their cars for short commutes (let's face it, for short travels, you would rather bring your car than ride a jeep, bus or LRT/MRT, di ba?)

- It will bring back the dignity of the commuters who are forced to fall in line for an hour to get to the train platform and lose their wallets/cell phones(!) while packed like sardines in the train boxes.

- It will make the breathing air in the metropolis cleaner!

- It will improve individual and business productivity.

- It will earn more money when extra spaces are used for commerce! Imagine thousands upon thousands of people gliding and walking by your food cart!

This is the time when I wish I were an artist or an architect so I can make a clearer and more convincing urban development concept.

But this could probably only work in Metro Manila where there is a huge density of people, disgusting commuting experience, and depressing lack of movement choices.

The walkalator system is about having a choice for the people and not box them in the traditional, polluting, and dangerous transport (no) choices.

Let's think out of the box!! The walkalator is not only for the malls and airports. It could make a much better community when made into a major transportation option!

Tourism Star Campaign of the Department of Tourism

The Department of Tourism recently launched the Tourism Star campaign which seeks to recognize and give honor to Philippine tourism service providers and champions.

Just click on the photo to go to the website and nominate the chief, bossing or ma'am who you think should deserve this recognition.

Below are the mechanics of the campaign.

MY TRAVEL PHILIPPINES App in TV Patrol!

Got a great news today! Our iPhone and iPad travel app, MY TRAVEL PHILIPPINES has just been featured in TV Patrol!

The app has been in the App Store for more than 3 years now and it has remained the best travel information app on the Philippines.

And get this, My Travel Philippines has been downloaded more than 170,000 times!

We're also talking now with SOME resorts and hotels so that you can get the best rates and value for your your travel money!

If you have an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad device, you can download the free app HERE.


To see the TV Patrol video, you can see it HERE.

And watch out for the Android Version of the app!