Awe with Samar

Of all the places that I want to go to, Samar is never in my travel lists. So when my friend (also a travel buddy) approached me in my old desk to join them in taking a trip to Samar, I immediately say YES. This could be my chance to have a glimpse of what Samar has to offer.

 Geographically speaking, we all know Samar is bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean. Well, it made me think that we’re going to experience traveling in a big, deep, blue ocean. I’m afraid because I’m not born to live out of the waters. However this could be fun and exciting, I wouldn’t say YES to my friend if I wasn’t compulsive in the first place. 

Before showing you to our nerve-wracking adventures to Samar, I would like you to meet my fellow traveler, adventure seeker, wanderer and whatever “er” you may want to add.

This is one of my favorite photos with the DORAs.  Don't underestimate these girls you might surprise how far they can go. L-R Tina Cantos (visit her website at www.ilovepilipinas.com ), Lotskie Odron, Yumny Mariot ( visit her tumblr account http://iamne.tumblr.com/ ) and yours truly.

Capul Island

Capul is a 5^th class island municipality in the province of Northern Samar, Philippines. The island itself with its lighthouse built on the island, served as guidepost through the treacherous waters of San Bernardino Straight.

The name Capul came from the word Acapulco, an old trading post in Mexico. Capul is the only town in the province of Northern Samar with distinct dialect Inabaknon instead of Waray-Waray, the native language spoken by locals of Samar Island.

Capul Watchtower

Located on a hill near the Capul, fort overlooking the town harbor, a stone watch tower was erected to serve as an entry or warning system and a refuge for indigents during Moro raids. 

Facing the Pacific Ocean

Capul Church and Fortress

The church of Capul, built during the Spanish Colonial Period, is dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola and is surrounded by a square foot with bulwarks of dissimilar designs.

Sunset at Capul Island

Biri Island

This island used to be ‘Tingao’ as referred to in the navigational maps of the Spanish galleon, was the entry point of Luzon and Visayas. As a navigational landmark, the name Biri was derived from the Spanish word ‘barrer’ which means ‘to sweep’.

·      Rock Formations

A 45-minute boat ride from the town of Lavazares. Just a 5-minute ride on motorcycle or scooter locally names as ‘habal-habal from the town proper, these magnificent, awesome and towering rock formations sculpted through time by the ferocious waves of the Pacific Ocean and tidal currents of San Bernardino Strait.

6 rock formations; Magasang, Magsapad, Macadlaw, Puhunan, Bel-at and Caranas

This rock reminds me of the Pride Rock from the movie 'The Lion King'

It took me how many minutes to decide on whether or not to take a photo on this rock. Man the ocean is so big!

This cat is something. The cat used to be our tour guide.

 

Bangon Falls

Bangon Falls is one of the most beautiful and spectacular scenic spots worth visiting the province. Following the stream by ascending to the upper level, one will be amazed to see a circular pond of about 30 meters in diameter, wide enough for swimming and deep enough for diving.

 The water that falls from above seems to come from an endless stream which flows a swirling path around the falls resulting from the pressure of its disgorge becoming even bigger in volume and noticeable s the time of the day passes.

  

Torpedo: Ulot Watershed Ecotourism Loop

Ulot river is a 520 kilometer river, the longest in Samar Island. It is part of the 87,000-hectare Ulot Watershed rambling in 11 towns of the island where the bigger part of the area is situated in Paranas, Samar. Offers a special interest activiteis such as boating, tubing and kayaking along the rugged waterscape and unspoiled crystal-clear waters of Ulot River. 

All geared up!

The BIG splash!

Definitely my first jump. Photo credits to Tina Cantos.

Doras done with our first jump.

For the last time. 

Photo Credits: Tina Cantos, Lotskie Odron and Yumny Mariot.

Read more

Good Times

After the stardom status and media exposure of Carly's 'Call Me Maybe' music video, here comes Carly who featured on the track 'Good Time' captured my concentration again (Well, I was updating my report while playing this song).

This track is simply perfect for my monotonous and tedious work that I forgot to have a 'Good Time'. Seriously, I'm so occupied with work and work lately.

Hearing the song makes me want to hop into a cab and go anywhere. Drop by Starbucks and get some coffee. Go hit the mall and shop till I drop. Check on some good books and flashy magazines. Hit the beach and get tan. Checked out of my room, hit the ATM. Hands up if you're down to get down tonight. It's always a good time.

It's always a good time is like one way of saying there's always time for everything. This is one of my mantra, actually. There's time to have a good laugh, time to make someone happy, time to dance and sing out loud, time to talk, time to listen, time to cry, time to wander and get lost, time to travel, time to help and etcetera.   

Everyone can have a 'Good Time'. I myself have my own 'Good Time' too you know. Like you're having a good time when you don't want the day to end, having a good time with all your good time friends. Drink my coffee and savor every meal (Sorry if I keep on mentioning about coffee but I really take pleasures in coffee), being happy and satisfied while doing something at a certain moment in time. Having a nice quiet evening either alone with a book, or having quiet conversation with a loved one and a good time at the beach.

Having a good time is simply enjoying oneself greatly. Doesn't matter when, it's a always a good time then. Doesn't matter where, it's a always a good time there.

Read more

When in Kota

Finally, I've got my first colorful stamp on my passport. I'm a "travel virgin" no more. Ha! Traveling alone was not a bad idea. Though, I feel frightened and terrified through the hell of immigration. So I guess this is one of the perks of traveling alone. But good thing, I survived. Case closed.

It was this year that I had this idea of going out of the country every August or at least September. And by going out it means, I want to explore (albeit alone or with friends) and bump into a stranger. This year I had a chance to travel some places in Southeast Asia. I don't know where I get my courage to wander around but I was so desperate to travel. And so my feet landed to Kota Kinabalu.

Kota Kinabalu is one of the most fantastic cities I've ever been to. Like Cebu, they have this warm hospitality that you hardly find in so many places. Just around the corner you have the sandy beaches, tropical rain forests and the mighty Mount Kinabalu is only 90 minutes away from the city. Don’t ask if I climb that Mighty Mount Kinabalu I wasn’t prepared dude. And it’s not in my itinerary so let’s move on. However I’m open to possibilities of experiencing of getting there at the top and shout: I’m the king of the world!.

And how will I forget the food? Man, the food is varied in a way that only a state with 30 ethnic groups can offer. The flavours you will find are delicious! Take note, chicken or beef satay is a must try in Kota and my forever favorite – Roti Canai.

Day one, I went on a city tour. First stop, Gaya Street. Every Sunday, the Gaya Street Fair is open from 6:30am until 1pm only. So you have to get up really early to take a short stroll to the Street Fair. At first, I don’t understand why they only limit the time like until 1pm, maybe because it’s a Sunday? Maybe.

Shop for anything under the sun like sarongs, footwear, antiques and souvenirs, food (drool) even pets and herbs.

Sabah State Mosque.With its majestic dome and stunning gold inlay motifs, the mosque sits a stone’s throw away from the city centre. When inside the mosque, of course you have to obey the General Rules they imposed. Basic rules like tourists are required to be silent all the time, tourist must be properly dressed and the likes. 

 

Signal Hill Observatory Platform.Signal Hill, the highest point in the city.

One of the best places to get a good view of Kota Kinabalu.

KampungWarisan Heritage Village.

There is a Heritage Village on the Museum grounds where you can enter and experience different types of traditional houses on the various indigenous groups of Sabah.

Atkinson Clock Tower.One of the most enduring landmarks in Kota Kinabalu, it stands prominently on a bluff along Signal Hill Road adjacent to the old Police Station.

 
According to the tourism of Sabah, this clock tower has the distinction of being the oldest standing structure in the whole of Sabah that survived the destruction of Jesselton town during World War 2.

Day two.My much awaited day, where I can go Island Hopping! I admit it this is the reason why I chose Kota because I want to step in to their islands. In as much that I want to forget my job of being a Trip Specialist for a while but I couldn’t help but not to enjoy and experience how is it like to go island hopping in Kota you know the “Kota-Kinabalu-Way”. Not too wait long; I went to Jesselton Point Waterfront. This waterfront serves as the only ferry terminal for Labuan-bound passengers as well as the main (and the cheapest) boat terminal.

Aerial view of Jesselton Point

 

Not to brag, it didn’t give me a hard time to get my ticket and figure out the route even though I have my tour guide with me. And just like my regular customer who wants to visit all the islands, I decided to stop over by Sapi and Mamutik Island. I know I can’t accommodate the whole island to visit so two is enough for me to get away and start beaming.

SapiIsland is located off the coast of downtown Kota Kinabalu. From Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, a 2-minute drive or a 10-minute walk will bring you to the jetty at Jesselton Point. The rental is charged per boat, which can range anywhere between RM100 and RM200. One boat can fit 4-6 people.

 

By observing how it works, these boats have corresponding time schedules with their designated route. Imagine like you’re riding a public transportation. Tip: always, always know your schedules and the boat that you will be riding next in line. Don’t be complacent that you have your itinerary with you and follow their instructions please. 

In our case, we went to Sapi Island by 9am. The boat captain advised us to be at the docking station 5 minutes prior to our departure time for our next trip (Mamutik Island). Amazing right? Compared to my island hopping experience in Cebu, the boat is exclusive for you and the group. In Kota, the whole islands is yours baby!

Sun-kissed beach of Sapi Island. The water is extremely lucid. During the day, the beach is vibrant with a hive of beach activities. In terms of snorkeling, one still can do it here although I found out there was not so much of marine life. If not, you can relax down by the sand and worship the sun. Get your sun-tan lotions baby!

Fifteen minutes prior to our next route, we stayed in the docking station and look around the vicinity in Sapi. 

Andso the boat picked us up with the exact time, perfect. Next stop is Mamutik Island – the smallest island that covers six hectares. This is another peaceful island with rich coral and marine life.

 

This island (which is said to be the smallest island) actually has a bigger area compared to Sapi in my estimation. I mean people can host a party in here. Ha! Roaming around I see there’s a camping area, a cafeteria, a clean public toilet, fine showers even a small place for playing volleyball. I'm mesmerized. 

 
This is me hitting the beach. Geez, you don’t know how HOT it is on that afternoon. I couldn’t help to put my sun glasses and my hat on for my protection. Never mind the people looking at you. The weather is times two. My gawwd!!
 

Going back to Jesselton Point

Day 3 - Last day at Kota. This day was spent in my part two of my day tour and went some shopping. Since, it’s my last day I woke up very early to squeeze in my time. I went to the City Mosque – one of their tourist attractions which situated near the sea. By far the largest mosque in Kota is even possible the most beautiful one in Malaysia.

 

Before leaving the city, I couldn’t help but to stop in the middle of the road when I arrived at Tanjung Aru Beach. This place is heaven to me. I really found peace in a jiffy. And the only thing that I did is to smile without any worries! I was closing my eyes and breathe in so deeply. There was a flash back, happy memories kicked in and I smiled. again. Then, slowly open my eyes and exhale calmly. Since, I have 30 minutes left, I walked in the beach and couldn’t believe that I was here,you know that I was able to travel by my own self and gratify for a short period of time. I know that the moment I leave Kota I have to get back to my demanding job. But to say the least, I had fun in my trip, truly memorable. First times are not bad; first time to be spontaneous (travel), talk to other travelers, arguing with the people in the immigration, be independent, etc. And so I welcomed myself to the world of traveling. Can't wait for my next trip, until next time!T

Read more