this mountain is Ecology's Club adoptee, a high school club where i was a member, and the first time they brought us here, i enjoyed the bonding of the group more than i appreciated the oneness of nature with us. After 11 years, i finally came back. there was a kick in me aside from the excitement. it was an awareness of how connected we are to the environment and how we live coindependently. Mt. Maculot (830MASL) is a fairly easy hike, with moderate ascents except for the hot cogon area up before the shoulder. With well-threaded paths and easily identifiable markers, this mountain is witness to many mountaineer wannabes' initiation, it being safe for beginners even on a night climb.
The hike began with registration at the brgy post, then at the mountaineers store for last minute buys, then through a dirt road. It was actually a leisure climb. Along the path were many resting stops, some just poles placed atop small branches, and others complete with make-shift tables which I had of course taken advantage of.
Of the highlights of every Maculot climb is the superb vista on the ROCKIES (635 MASL). From the campsite on the shoulder it was only 10-15 minutes toward these rocky hill, but beware since the slope was steep and the rocks were hard to navigate. Once you got here, you will be taken by the scenic and breathtaking Taal Lake protecting the tiny Taal Volcano.
To get here:
1.Take the Lemery-bound bus from Cubao (Php 150) on to Cuenca Municipal Hall or a Bus to Lipa (Php 130) then to a jeepney from lipa on to Cuenca (Php 30)
2.Take a tricycle from Cuenca Municipal Hall to the registration post then to jump-off (Php30)
Others:
there is a mini sari-sari store on the campsite by the shoulder were you can have one 1.5L coke ice-cold at (Php90), sadly, the trash were not managed properly and you can see candy and snack wrappers all around the area.
"TAKE NOTHING BUT PICTURES, LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS, KILL NOTHING BUT TIME." Practice leave no trace policy, we all want to enjoy nature. Don't be selfish with the coming generations, do not abuse our environment.
As arranged, Mamang Tiday was back for an early island hopping.
It was only few minutes after 7am, the best time to enjoy the sightseeing and the ride towards the park's hidden beaches and caves. I had first braved the silent strength of the sea, swimming away with the help of a life vest to sight one family of planted giant clams (taclobos). After which is an enjoyable ride through calm waters.
to get here:
ride a victory liner bus from cubao (368.00 aircon)
have a snack stop-over in tarlac and stretch a bit (45-90/pax)
ride a tricycle at alaminos town (50.00-100.00)
find yourselves a nice boatman at lucap wharf (8oo/day, 1400/overnight/ 1-5pax)
have a nice tour of the islands (an additional of 600-800)
(mamang tiday-the banca and our banceros)
Of the 123 islets in the park only three have basic facilities and accomodations. Herewith are the rates:
CHILDREN's Island:
Overnight
Nipa 1 (4-6 pax) w/ room 1500
Nipa 2 (4-6 pax) w/ room 1500
GOVERNOR's Island:
Governor's island ha a view deck located in it's highest point where one can have a good view of the whole park.
Overnight
Cottage for 4 2000
Guest house(w/water,generator 6pm-10pm) 10,000
Day Tour Overnight
Entrance Fee 20 40
Tables 200 300
Picnic Area 100 150
Picnic Shed 200 200
Tent Space 200 200
QUEZON Island:
Day Tour Overnight
Nipa A (2 pax) w/ room 500 900
Nipa B (2-4 pax) w/ room 600 1100
Nipa 1(6 pax) w/o room 350 500
Nipa 2 (6 pax) w/o room 350 500
Nipa 3 (6 pax) w/o room 350 500
Nipa 4 (8 pax) w/o room 500 1000
Other Rates used both for the Governor's and Quezon Island:
Motorboat Rates
Day Tour Overnight
Small (1-5) pax) 800 1,400
Medium (6-10) pax) 1,000 1,800
Large (11-15) pax) 1,100 2,000
Equipment Rentals
Day Tour Overnight
Salbabida 50 100
Life vest 25 50
Snorkel(tempered) 100 175
Snorkel(w/ fins) 175 200
Tent Rentals
Small (4 heads) 500
Medium (6 heads) 700
Large (8-10 heads) 1,000
And if you don't want to spend the night in any of the islands, there are accomodations on the wharf: Seaside Haven, Maxine by the Sea(striking view of the sunset) and Sweet Honey Hotel (from where you can have a shower for a minimal fee and sumptous meals at budget price with personalized service from the owners)are among the popular choices.
So come hither, and claim for yourself an island you can partially own one lucky day in your life.
Linked Posts:
--1.Pangasinan's Hundred Islands
--2.Dayout and Daybreak inQuezon Island
Quezon Island - one among the hundred+.
This trip to the hundred islands was the first trip i planned for a camp beside a beach and i am terribly excited about it. I wanted it a private encounter with the less visited one but seeing all the islands soaked to the depths of one open sea, i had my second thoughts. My great fear is to be left alone in the midst of the sea and to be in an island i know not the risks, my fear took control of me. So when it was mentioned that Quezon island is among the only islands which has facilities and almost always, visitors, we started our boatride towards the island.
Upon arrival, we immediately inquired for camping. We were politely informed that pitching tents are only allowed from 6pm until 6 am of the next day. Although i was worried where to put my belongings, i was glad that the park authorities are strict on their policies to maintain the park.
Since it was almost lunch time, there were about 30-40 people picknicking and starting to prepare their lunch in the pavilion.They were griling seafoods on one side and i felt my appetite awakening my hunger. So we lose not one minute and started to grill some fish and meat too.
A fresh lunch with one beautiful view, it was simply delicious.
The sun was too proud yet for us to start frolicking so we just decided to find a shady place where we thought we could nap for a while. Lying down, i couldn't help but wonder with the awesome art that nature has presented me at that time. Although the gentle breeze was fanning me towards sleep, i decided to just sit comfortably and let the time pass so lazily.
When the afternoon felt friendly on the skin, we ran towards the beach. We did a little snorkeling and seen some underwater action. i slipped once and unfortunately sat on the corals and got myself a bruise but this did not keep me from playing with the waves.
And as the dusk started to bathe the whole island with such a beautiful island hue, i found myself waiting for the sunset.
And when the night came to a close, when i knew that i'd be spending one sweet sleep, i looked forward to a beautiful daybreak in the island.
And i had the most tasteful instant coffee on the beach, my feet on the sand, and the sea greeting me the gentlest morning.
Linked Posts
--1. Pangasinan's Hundred Islands
--3. Hopping on Hundred Islands' National Park
two things
1. there were actually more than a hundred of these beautiful islands
2. the experience here can be as magical and as interesting as the legend that has these small beautiful islets of paradise made by the giants.
i was so excited putting my clothes into my bag despite that it was 12midnight and i just camefrom work. but who wouldn't be? after all, it was going to be my first time to visit the famous hundred islands.
after two hours of packing and six hours travel via the victory liner, i had stepped a foot on the town of alaminos. from the bus terminal, we have hailed a tricycle to get us to the market where we bought some supplies and food, then to the lucap wharf, where we haggled for a tour of the islands and a pick up the next day.
at 10am, i was barely aware of the lucap wharf. my attention was completely taken by the distant sight of the giant green mallows. so tastefully designed while they rested on the depths and stillness of south china sea.
it has been a while since i was really active posting a blog here. about nine months almost.
and now that i came back, i am giving birth to another subject for this blog. In between my posts of my own travel activities, i'd be mingling in itineraries through the Philippines and beyond which i had already researched for everybody's reference. I had also put up links on my sidebar for easier access to each blog.
so there! let us begin our journey once again..
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