Sam Fury's Blog, page 56

Buho Rock Review, Camotes Island, Philippines – Survive Travel

This post is a Buho Rock review.

Buho Rock is found in near the town of Poro on Poro Island which is in the Camotes Islands in the Philippines.

This Buho Rock review includes directions, pictures, costs and my personal rants which may or may not contain useful information.

Cost: 10php.

Address: South of Rizal near the Camotes Diesel Power Plant, Poro Island, Camotes, Philippines.

Buho Rock Review, Camotes

When I first walked into Buho Rock I though “I paid 10php for this?” (then I quickly thought, “it’s only 20c”), but after a little look around I was pretty happy with it.

As with most places I went in the Camotes Islands there was only one other group there.

There is a Buho Garden which isn’t very spectacular, but then you go more towards the sea and it is really quite nice.

I bet in high tide you can jump into the water from the platforms.

If my parents brought me here when I was a kid reckon I would have loved playing along the shore line and looking through little caves.

I only spent about 20 minutes at Buho Rock but the other group had a BBQ there. Contrary to my first impressions it is quite a nice little spot.

Get all the information on the Philippines you need with arguably the best travel guide books on the planet.

Getting to Buho Rock

As with all things in the Camotes ride a motorcycle or hire a driver for a day or two and cruise around.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Camotes Islands in the Philippines? Find your perfect accommodation no matter what your budget.

Have you been to Buho Rock in Camotes before? Help out other readers and leave your Buho Rock review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

The post Buho Rock Review, Camotes Island, Philippines – Survive Travel appeared first on Survive Travel.

Mactang Beach Review, Camotes Islands, Philippines – Survive Travel

This post is a Mactang Beach review.

Mactang Beach is found in the Camotes Islands in the Philippines.

This Mactang Beach review includes directions, pictures, costs and my personal rants which may or may not contain useful information.

Cost: Free.

Address: I think it is near the town of Esperanza on Pacijan island.

Mactang Beach Review, Camotes

I was just riding past and saw the sign to Mactang Beach so I went to check it out.

I’m not really a beach goer so I was not disappointed.

It was a weekend and the beach had a big group of teenagers having a BBQ.

The beach itself did not look very inviting and there are supposed to be some ruins there. There was like a broken down brick structure, maybe that was the ruins.

For me Mactang Beach was not worth seeing. Even if for some reason I was just passing by I would still not see it again, especially since Santiago Bay is so close and about a billion times better.

Get all the information on the Philippines you need with arguably the best travel guide books on the planet.

Getting to Mactang Beach

Either hire a motorbike and drive your self or hire a driver to take you.

Unfortunately I forgot to pinpoint this on my GPS and can’t seem to even find it on googlemaps, but I had a stab at where it is.

If this isn’t it then chances are it is a better beach anyway.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Camotes Islands in the Philippines? Find your perfect accommodation no matter what your budget.

Have you been to Mactang Beach in Camotes before? Help out other readers and leave your Mactang Beach review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

The post Mactang Beach Review, Camotes Islands, Philippines – Survive Travel appeared first on Survive Travel.

Lake Danao Review, Camotes Islands, Philippines – Survive Travel

This post is a Lake Danao review.

Lake Danao is found in the North of Pacijan Island of the Camotes Islands in the Philippines.

This Lake Danao review includes directions, pictures, costs and my personal rants which may or may not contain useful information.

Cost: 15php.

Address: North of Pacijan Island, Camotes Islands, Philippines.

Lake Danao Review, Camotes

I was not impressed with Lake Danao.

The lake itself is fine, it’s a lake, but the “Lake Danao Park” was a let down for me.

Rent a boat, or a horse.

You can hire all sorts of boats there, or even ride a horse.

They were building a zip line so that will probably be ready soon.

They have a small restaurant/cafe type thing.

And a pool you can swim in (not the lake).

What let everything down was that you can’t walk around the lake, or even get a good view.

Maybe I went to the wrong part.

Get all the information on the Philippines you need with arguably the best travel guide books on the planet.

Getting to Lake Danao

As with all places on Camotes Islands either hire a motorcycle and drive yourself or get a guide/tricycle or motorbike guy to take you.

I went for the “hire your own” option which cost me 400php for the day (from Bella Vista Mare Beach Resort). I do not know how much to hire a driver would be, it would depend on where you are starting from.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Camotes Islands in the Philippines? Find your perfect accommodation no matter what your budget.

Have you been to Lake Danao in Camotes before? Help out other readers and leave your Lake Danao review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

The post Lake Danao Review, Camotes Islands, Philippines – Survive Travel appeared first on Survive Travel.

Bukilat Cave Review, Camotes, Philippines – Survive Travel

This post is a Bukilat Cave review.

Bukilat cave is found on the far East side of the Camotes islands close to the town of McArthur.

This Bukalit Cave review includes directions, pictures, costs and my personal rants which may or may not contain useful information.

Cost: 10php entry + 5php to park your motorbike.

Address: Near the town on McArthur, Camotes Islands, Poro Island, Philippines.

Bukilat Cave Review, Camotes

I just happened to be driving by Bukilat Cave so I decided to have a look.

When I arrived there was a group of people leaving. After they left I was the only one there.

It was nice that I had the place to myself, but the cave wasn’t amazing. I mean, its was good (most caves are good), but nothing special as far as caves go.

Later on in the day I bumped into the guy that I hired my motorbike off (from Bella Vista Mare Beach Resort) and he informed me that the cave on Pacijan (the other island) was much better, but unfortunately it was coming to dusk so I wouldn’t have enough time to see it.

Get all the information on the Philippines you need with arguably the best travel guide books on the planet.

Getting to Bukilat Cave

You can get a guide to take you there, or just hire a motorcycle and see most of the sights on Poro Island in one day.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Camotes Islands in the Philippines? Find your perfect accommodation no matter what your budget.

Have you been to Bukilat Cave in Camotes before? Help out other readers and leave your Bukilat Cave review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

The post Bukilat Cave Review, Camotes, Philippines – Survive Travel appeared first on Survive Travel.

Bella Vista Mare Review, Santigao Bay, Camotes Islands, Philippines – Survive Travel

This post is a Bella Vista Mare review which is a beach “resort” in Santiago Bay.

Santiago Bay is found in the Camotes Islands in the Philippines.

This Bella Vista Mare review includes directions, pictures, costs and my personal rants which may or may not contain useful information.

Picture Right: View of the beach which is literally just down the stairs.

Cost: 850 php /night for a fan room. 1350 php/night for Air-conditioned room.

Address: Santiago Bay Camotes Island, San Francisco, Cebu, Philippines.

Bella Vista Mare Review, Santiago Bay

Staff

Staff were nice enough. The girl at the front desk helped me sort out my toothache.

Size

Not a huge room but big enough for my needs.

Bed

Bed was comfortable.

The bed was comfortable enough.

Bathroom

Bad water pressure but I suspect it is due to the location of the town in general. Everything else seems to work as it should. No hot water.

No hot water but no big deal.

Amenities

Has somewhat of a desk to do work. Not ideal but better than nothing.

Not an ideal study desk but better then nothing.

Contrary to the sign posted on the wall there where no interruptions in electricity or water.

Contrary to this note there where no interruptions to water or power over the weekend.

Very basic amenities. I got a fan room which was fine for me.

Wifi was the best I have experienced in the Philippines.

No TV.

I think you can get food from them but I never tried.

Sitting / eating area.

You can hire a motorbike for 400php/day. It is in very good condition, the guy looks after it well.

Location

If you want to be on the beach then the location is great.

View from balcony.

Get all the information on the Philippines you need with arguably the best travel guide books on the planet.

The Bella Vista Mare Beach Resort is not on any booking websites that I could find, and I think I was lucky they had a room.

If you don’t want to risk not getting accommodation while visiting the Camotes Islands in the Phillipines then you can book ahead.

Getting to Bella Vista Mare Beach Resort

A tricycle or motorbike from Consuelo port will cost you 50php.

Alternatively you can hire a motorcycle for about 400php and drive yourself there.

Perhaps a jeepney goes past also, but I think for the hassle and time it takes then spending the 50php is worth it.

Get all the information on the Philippines you need with arguably the best travel guide books on the planet.

The Bella Vista Mare Beach Resort is not on any booking websites that I could find, and I think I was lucky they had a room.

If you don’t want to risk not getting accommodation while visiting the Camotes Islands in the Phillipines then you can book ahead.

Have you been to Bella Vista Mare Beach Resort in Camotes before? Help out other readers and leave your Bella Vista Mare review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

The post Bella Vista Mare Review, Santigao Bay, Camotes Islands, Philippines – Survive Travel appeared first on Survive Travel.

Getting From Bohol to the Camotes Islands, Philippines – Survive Travel

This post explains getting from Bohol to the Camotes islands in the Philippines.

It also includes costs, pictures and my own personal little rants which may or may not include information you find useful.

Picture Right: Danao Church.

First, the short version of getting from Bohol to the Camotes Islands. For more details please read the rest of the post.

* First get to either Tagbilaron or Tubigon. These are port towns in Bohol which can take you to Cebu. The Tubigon port is a shorter ferry.

* Once in Cebu do to Danao port either by bus or taxi.

* From Danao Port catch the ferry to Consuelo Port which is the port in the Camotes Islands.

* From Consuelo Port you can get to any town in Camotes by tricycle, jeepney or motorbike.

Timetable and Prices from Danao to Consuelo and Vice-Versa

Getting from Bohol to the Camotes Islands, Philippine

This more detailed version of getting from Bohol to the Camotes Islands assumes you are leaving from the Tubigon port, which I think is the better choice.

From Tubigon to Cebu, although this is not the only company so other times/prices are available.

Tubigon to Cebu

Catch the ferry from Tubigon to Cebu.

Buy the ferry ticket from the market, not the port. Pay the terminal fee at the port.

The journey is only about 90 minutes.

There are a number of different companies but the ticket price is all around the same give or take 50php. My ticket cost 230php.

From Tubigon to Cebu, a different company.

Cebu to Danao

From Cebu get yourself to the North Bus terminal. I caught a cab. I can’t remember how much it cost exactly but it was not much as it is within 5km.

From the North Bus Terminal catch the bus North towards Danao Port. Just ask someone to put you on the right bus. It is wise to follow it on your GPS cause if the bus is crowded and/or you have never been there before you may not recognize where to get off.

The journey is not very far but it still takes about 90 minutes, most of which is fighting traffic out of Cebu City.

The Ceres bus costs 50php. Other buses cost 35php.

Danao to Camotes (Consuelo Port)

Ferries from this port only go to one place (I’m pretty sure, but I could be wrong).

The journey is about two and a half hours and will set you back 180php + 5php terminal fee. No ticket, no terminal fee, no entry.

From Cebu City to Danao

Get all the information on the Philippines you need with arguably the best travel guide books on the planet.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Camotes Islands in the Philippines? Find your perfect accommodation no matter what your budget.

Have you been from Bohol to the Camotes Islands before? Help out other readers and share you experience in the comments .

The post Getting From Bohol to the Camotes Islands, Philippines – Survive Travel appeared first on Survive Travel.

Kawasan Falls Review, Bohol, Philippines – Survive Travel

This post is a Kawasan Falls review in Bohol.

It includes directions, pictures, costs and my personal rants which may or may not contain useful information.

Image Right: I saw this sign and decided to pursue the two items. Unfortunately I couldn’t find the caves, although I did not look too hard.

Cost: 5php for kids, 10php for adults.

Address: Near the towns of San Miguel and Trinidad in Bohol.

Kawasan Falls Review Review, Bohol

Yep, another waterfall named Kawasan, but unlike the one in Moalboal, this one was very quiet.

This item is what I would rank as off the beaten track, in fact, I just happen to “stumble” upon it while riding through some villages.

I saw a Cock-fight on the way in. Well, I didn’t actually watch the fight because I think it is cruel, but I saw the gathering. Actually, I saw another one one the same day in a totally different area. Is Thursday afternoon the standard cock-fight time in the Philippines?

Cock Fight.

When I arrived there was only a small group of kids that had just arrived also.

The way down to the falls.

The kids jumped off about two thirds up the waterfall. I wish I had caught it on camera.

They also left as I did. If I had stayed another 5 minutes I would have had the whole place to myself.

Just because of the serenity I liked this Kawasan falls better than the one in Moalboal.

But the water is not nearly as inviting, color wise.

It was lovely to swim in though.

I’m glad I stumbled upon the Kawasan Falls in Bohol, but I do not know if I would go out of my way just to visit it. It was a bit of a mission to get there.

Get all the information on the Philippines you need with arguably the best travel guide books on the planet.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Bohol in the Philippines? Find your perfect accommodation no matter what your budget.

Getting to Kawasan Falls in Bohol

The easiest way would be to rent a motorbike.

Alternatively you could catch a bus to San Miguel or Trinidad and then ask a tricycle driver to take you there, although I am not sure if they would. It is a bit far from any of the towns mentioned. If they did agree you would have to get them to wait for you also.

Get all the information on the Philippines you need with arguably the best travel guide books on the planet.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Bohol in the Philippines? Find your perfect accommodation no matter what your budget.

Have you been to Kawasan Falls in Bohol before? Help out other readers and leave your Kawasan Falls review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

The post Kawasan Falls Review, Bohol, Philippines – Survive Travel appeared first on Survive Travel.

Anda Beach Town Review, Bohol, Philippines – Survive Travel

This post is an Anda beach town review.

The beach town of Anda is found on the far East side of Bohol, Philippines.

This Anda beach town review includes directions, pictures, costs and my personal rants which may or may not contain useful information.

Cost: Free.

Address: Anda, Bohol, Philippines.

Anda Beach Town Review, Bohol

I really only spent one full day to sightsee in Bohol and going to Anda was my main mission for the day.

The ride in was awesome. It took me about two and a half hours from Tabilon going the route that passes through Carmen.

Scenic views on the ride in.

The beach is pristine, but I did not go in.

Beautiful beach. Pristine and quite, even on a Sunday.

They also have fresh water showers next to the beach bar which are free to use.

I got a feed of fried chicken and vegetable coconut soup which was pretty good.

Anda Public Market

My original intention was to bus it all the way to Anda and stay there for a couple of nights. Actually I am glad I didn’t. Spending an hour there was enough for me.

Get all the information on the Philippines you need with arguably the best travel guide books on the planet.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Bohol in the Philippines? Find your perfect accommodation no matter what your budget.

The beach from afar.

Getting to Anda Beach Town

A rode a motorbike in but you can probably get buses to there, not that I saw one. You might have to get it to the town before it veers off the highway and then get a tricycle in the last 8-10km.

Get all the information on the Philippines you need with arguably the best travel guide books on the planet.

Need somewhere to sleep while visiting Bohol in the Philippines? Find your perfect accommodation no matter what your budget.

Have you been to Anda in Bohol before? Help out other readers and leave your Anda beach town review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

The post Anda Beach Town Review, Bohol, Philippines – Survive Travel appeared first on Survive Travel.

Chocolate Hills Review, Bohol, Philippines – Survive Travel

This post is a Chocolate Hills review.

The Chocolate Hills are found on the island of Bohol which is in the Philippines.

This Chocolate Hills review includes directions, pictures, costs and my personal rants which may or may not contain useful information.

Cost: Free.

Address: Around the towns of Carmen and Danau in Bohol, Philippines.

Chocolate Hills Review, Bohol, Philippines

The day after I got to Tabilon I rented a motor bike from the guy at the TMR Pension House (where I stayed) and went for a big ride around Bohol.

The first place I headed to was Carmen to see the Chocolate Hills.

In the town of Carmen.

The ride in was nice.

I think I saw the Chocolate Hills on the way in, but they are not Chocolate by any means. They are in fact green.

The Chocolate Hills are not chocolate colored.

Also the hills were quite far away.

I got to Carmen and decided it was not worth pursuing it any further so I headed to Anda which is a small beach town on the far East of Bohol.

From a distance.

At the end of the day I decided to go through Danau to give the Chocolate Hills another go.

The road was not as pleasant as I had been getting for most of the day and it was getting dark.

The road to Danao was not in operation.

Just before dusk I came about as close as you can get to the Chocolate Hills while staying on the road. Danau is the place to go to see them up close.

A little more Chocolate looking.

Get all the information on the Philippines you need with Lonely Planet Guide Books..

Getting to the Chocolate Hills in Bohol

Unless I missed something in Carmen then I say go to Danau. You can catch a bus there form a number of towns. I didn’t actually do this so I am unsure of details, but perhaps you will even see the Chocolate Hills from the bus window. If not I am sure you can get a tricycle to take you there.

Alternatively, hire a motorbike and drive there yourself.

Get all the information on the Philippines you need with Lonely Planet Guide Books..

Have you been to the Chocolate Hills in Bohol before? Help out other readers and leave your Chocolate Hills review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

The post Chocolate Hills Review, Bohol, Philippines – Survive Travel appeared first on Survive Travel.

TMR Pension House Review, Tubigon, Bohol, Philippines – Survive Travel

Reception.

This post is a TMR Pension House review which is found in a small port town called Tubigon on the island on Bohol in the Philippines.

This TMR Pension House review includes pictures, directions, costs and other information which you may or may not find useful.

Check at the bottom of the post if you want the short version of the review.

Cost: 650php / night with fan. 750 with air-con

Address: Pooc Occidental, Tubigon 6329, Philippines

TMR Pension House Review , Tubigon, Bohol, Philippines

First Impressions

It looks like “my kind of accommodation”. Nothing flash about it, but not too dodgy either.

Staff

Very nice lady runs it. Turns out she is also the friend of the place I went to eat at. Small town, go figure.

Size

Good sized room, I was happy with it.

Bed

Bed was comfortable enough, and two pillows.

Decent sized room and with a work desk.

Bathroom

Good water pressure but no hot water.

Toilet works.

The shower hose isn’t long enough to put up into the shower holder. No hot water but everything else was fine.

Location

Good location, in fact it is the reason I chose to stay there.

It was basically the first place I saw coming off the ferry.

But the town is so small that everywhere is going to be a good location.

View from the roof.

Amenities and Other

Had a little study desk which was great for me.

I opted for the fan room. The fan was good.

Soap, towel and toilet paper provided, but that is about it.

At night vendors sell BBQ on the street out the front.

No WIFI but there is an internet cafe immediately next door.

You can get access to the roof which has a nice view. Actually, the balcony from the room has a decent view also.

The church seems to have mass at 0530am every day, which actually is quite a nice way to wake up. Better than the roosters I’ve been getting everywhere else, although I am sure if I stayed for a couple of weeks I would want the roosters back, just for a change.

View of the church from the. Nice 0530 wake up call for morning mass.

You can rent a motorbike there. The guy is also very nice. 500php per day which is more than I have been paying at other places but there isn’t much option in Tubigon. There are some guys on the corner that will rent their bike to you for the same price (if you bargain) but they seem dodgy. The TMR Pension House also rents out boats.

No booking site for the TMR Pension House or for any accommodation choice in Tubigon so just rock up and try your luck. I’d be very surprised if nowhere had any rooms, and if for some reason all the choices in Tubigon are booked, just go to the next town.

Get all the information on the Philippines you need with Lonely Planet Guide Books.

Getting to TMR Pension House

You can catch the ferry from Cebu directly to Tubigon.

Alternatively, maybe you landed in Tagbilaron, in which case you can catch the bus up to Tubigon which costs 55php and takes about an hour and a half.

Once you are in Tubigon just follow the map below, or ask any local. Tubigon is small, the locals will know most of the accommodation options around.

Get all the information on the Philippines you need with Lonely Planet Guide Books.

Have you been to the TMR Pension House in Tubigon, Bohol before? Help out other readers and leave your TMR Pension House review below, and if you know of more or updated information or even if you just want to say hi then please leave a comment .

The post TMR Pension House Review, Tubigon, Bohol, Philippines – Survive Travel appeared first on Survive Travel.