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Posts Tagged ‘ Philippine beaches ’

Capones Island is one of the main attractions in Pundaquit Zambales. The island is actually a big lump of rock formation with very little soil. Beaches around the island aren’t that homie for the usual tourist mainly because of the sand and rock mixture from the crashing waves of the open ocean.
calm water on the way to Capones Island

calm water on the way to Capones Island

One of the best things to do on the island, aside from just hanging around and not being able to enjoy the beach, is go up and take a tour of the lighthouse. The lighthouse is at the back of the island when you’re facing the open sea.

reference: Pundaquit’s Website

the Capones Island lighthouse on top of a big rock formation, from afar

the Capones Island lighthouse on top of a big rock formation, from afar

Capones Island is 3 kilometers away from its neighboring island, Camara Island. Both islands are side-trip destinations from the more popular Anawangin Cove. offshore).  A Spanish-era lighthouse which visitors can explore lies on top of the Island.

a steep ascend to the lighthouse

a steep ascend to the lighthouse

To get to the lighthouse, visitors would go up a steep hill (but actually is a large rock formation) from the shore.

beautiful rocks that will make your ascend a bit difficult

beautiful rocks that will make your ascend a bit difficult

hundreds of slippers scattered in the rocky shore of the island

hundreds of slippers scattered in the rocky shore of the island

I never found out why but there were a hundred of footwear scattered all over the rocky shore of the island. Maybe the visitors were not careful during their trek that they bust their footwear there. It’s the only realistic explanation, though it wasn’t very hard to trek along the rocky ground. I hope to find out why when I come back.

Before reaching the lighthouse, visitors will enter a forest-like area, then a canopy of trees that will show the gate that welcomes everyone to the lighthouse.

on the way to the Capones Island lighthouse, lush greens

on the way to the Capones Island lighthouse, lush greens

canopy of trees (view of the ocean)

canopy of trees (view of the ocean)

the lighthouse at Capones Island

the lighthouse at Capones Island

Inside, everyone can explore the whole vicinity. Visitors are allowed to go to the top of the lighthouse to view the ocean. There is a beautiful spiral staircase in the main entrance, and some enchanting Spanish floors, walls, doors and windows.

spiral staircase – ornate, rusty and beautiful

spiral staircase – ornate, rusty and beautiful

Spanish window with the view of the sky, the ocean and the hills

Spanish window with the view of the sky, the ocean and the hills

After exploring the lighthouse, we frolicked in the water around the island for a while before boarding our boat to Camara Island.

Related Posts:

Getting to Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 1) – The Beach
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 2) – The River
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 3) – The Open Field
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 4) – The View Deck
Anawangin Cove, Zambales – The Sunset Skies
Camara Island, Pundaquit Zambales

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Camara Island is the closest island from the shores of Pundaquit Zambales. The island, like its close neighbor Capones, is also a big lump of rock with very little soil. Trees aren’t that many but because of the rock formations and angle of the island, it’s not hard to find shade and scenic spots for a great photo shoot.

The island has a great view of the open ocean. It has two sides separated by a white sandbar that becomes visible during the lowtide and disappears during the high tide. Big rocks that dwarf the tourists are plenty on this island. It won’t be long till you find yourself taking photos of them or with them and just be astonished by their size and weight.

reference: Pundaquit’s Website

We were in Camara Island very briefly, less than 30 minutes, coming from Capones Island to see the lighthouse. Camara and Capones Islands were our side trip destinations from staying overnight at Anawangin Cove.

Approaching Camara Island

Approaching Camara Island

It has fine white sand and a sandbar that was not visible at the time we were there, but we knew it was there because there was a group of tourists who were quite far from the shore, but the water’s still knee-level. I wasn’t able to enjoy much though, because on my first few minutes in the water, my foot caught a thorn. Luckily I got my army pocket knife with tweezers. Careful, a lot of areas underwater were a bit thorny.

our boat docked at the white sand beach

our boat docked at the white sand beach

But enjoy it just the same, it’s a wonderful view!

view of the sea from Camara Island

view of the sea from Camara Island

Related Posts:

Getting to Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 1) – The Beach
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 2) – The River
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 3) – The Open Field
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 4) – The View Deck
Anawangin Cove, Zambales – The Sunset Skies
Capones Island, Pundaquit Zambales

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Yes, La Luz is the life.

At least for weekend getaways and short vacations, La Luz Beach Resort will offer you a very relaxing and worry-free stay.

I can’t remember when or where I first heard of La Luz but every time I search for blogs and information about it, a certain image comes up — an image of a pair of lounge chairs fronting the sea. This could be one of the resort’s best features.

Lounge chairs fronting the blue sea

Lounge chairs fronting the blue sea

Since most of the write ups I’ve read says that the place is usually fully booked on weekends,  I emailed La Luz for a booking on Feb 27-28. No one replied at first until I sent an SMS to their mobile phone. A reservation officer named Erna replied to my inquiry. Some of my last inquiries, she did not answered that’s why I had to text their mobile phone again, and call their office to clarify some things. Cherry, another reservation officer replied, until I paid my reservation fee of 50% on Friday, then Cherry sent the confirmation email to me.

It’s another housemates’ road trip, much like when we went to Subic, stayed at the beach and went to Zoobic.

Day 1 at La Luz Beach Resort

We planned to arrive at 12 noon and we were only late by 10 minutes. In the parking area, a staff approached us to help us with our thing, then down to the information and registration desk, we were greeted by friendly staff and a welcome drink (gulaman). Then we were ushered to our room at the Annex, near the day trip area.

Newly opened Annex rooms

Newly opened Annex rooms

The room is for four people and there were only two towels and two pillows set when we arrived so we requested for extra pillows and towels for our room and everything was delivered quickly. The staff at the desk would radio in the requests to the staff that’s probably stationed in the Annex, so service was fast.

Our room at Annex 2-C

Our room at Annex 2-C

There were probably no day-trippers at that time so we were lucky that our side of the resort had very few guests staying in the cabanas and the lounge chairs, unlike in the main area where the rooms where fully booked. Most people were hanging out at that side of the beach.

Junior Premier Rooms at the main resort area

Junior Premier Rooms at the main resort area

There are naughty monkeys tied up in the tree near the dining hall. One of them has an amputated arm, but still very playful and snob at times. He did not like us taking his pictures while he was eating. Maybe he thought we’d take his cookie away.

monkey with the amputated arm

monkey with the amputated arm

We freshened up when we get to our lovely room then charged to the dining hall where the lunch buffet was served. There’s chicken, pork, vegetables and fish, and water and juice. There’s burong mangga and a sweet yam-banana for dessert. We stayed in the dining hall until around 2PM, just chitchatting and having a lazy afternoon. We then went to one of the cabanas and fell asleep. We awoke at 4PM, then it’s already time for snacks, so we had snacks. We were still full from lunch.

Kalai with the ball

Kalai with the ball

Then we played volleyball and was supposed to try out the Kayak and I really wanted to snorkel but Amrei said we can just wake up early the next day for that, since it might get dark anytime. Nick and Kalai took a dip at around 5:30 PM. Amrei and I went to the rock formations at one end of La Luz to see the changing skies because of sunset. Though the sunset is blocked by mountains. These could be what the mountaineers call as Gulugod-Baboy, a mountain area with three peaks.

beautiful sunset sky

beautiful sunset sky

We scheduled a massage at 830 PM, right after dinner. The massage is Php 250, which will be done in the cabanas. After the massage, we got our drinks and got a bucket of ice and played Pinoy Henyo. But a lesser competitive version. We also played “dugtungan” (one player will sing a famous song then the next player will continue with another song using the last word that the first player sang) just to pass the time because it was still early. At 12 midnight, we were all getting ready to sleep.

Day 2 at La Luz Beach Resort

We woke up early on Sunday to be able to kayak, snorkel and swim, since we were so lazy on our first day.

I got all my gears ready — waterproof camera, snorkel and mask, booties and life jacket. I was ready for adventure. I was excited to try the kayak. We were already in the dining hall at 7 AM but food was still under preparation. We ate breakfast — omelet, longganisa, and fish. There’s also cereals and loaf bread and butter. After eating, we inquired for Kayak but the wave’s kinda strong so it wasn’t advisable to kayak. Too bad. We  just headed to the rocks and snorkeled. There are some fishes and corals at shore, but they are not as pretty as I expected, since it’s a marine sanctuary. Maybe if we go a little bit farther, we’ll see more colorful marine life. But it’s wavy and the tide was rising high quite fast so we abandoned the adventure and bought fruit shakes and bummed in the beach lounges and the cabana. Then dipped in the water every now and then. We checked in past 12 noon and drove our way back to Manila.

We had lunch at Pizza Hut, Petron Mamplasan, Laguna and was at home at around 5:30 PM.

The only few glitches in the resort service would be that I think they should serve their breakfast earlier, like in most hotels, breakfast starts at 6AM for the morning people, and that dinner will last until later, like 9PM (dinner is served at 7-8 PM only), since snack is until late afternoon. The facilities are all good, there are trashcans and ashtrays everywhere. There’s hot and cold shower, linens are clean and the curtains of the cabanas are clean too. Only glitch was that our door would not close unless we lock it once.

All in all, it was a lovely trip and a lovely stay at La Luz Beach Resort. I will definitely go back and make sure to avail the marine sanctuary and kayak!

Photos by Amrei Dizon.

Related Post:

Correct Directions to La Luz Beach Resort, Laiya Batangas

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We went to Marinduque some five years back, but the good memories still stay with me. I have never heard of Marinduque until we were planning for a vacation there, but I am so glad that one of my friends knew about the place. So off we went for a vacation that was not so planned, yet turned to be magnificent.

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This was a time when digital and old school cameras ruled the scene, so you’ll have to forgive me if the photos here are not of the same quality as those in the other blogs (I’m sure my husband would want to have that disclaimer). In fact, many of the pictures you see here are scanned. One thing I remember most from this trip is the fact that it was my first time to taste C2 iced tea.

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You can reach Marinduque by taking a bus to Dalahican Port in Lucena (3 hours) then riding one of the fast ferries (less than 2 hours). You need to take a jeepney ride from the Marinduque pier to the town (30mins).

Marinduqe243Marinduque is a very simple town, and in fact it will be hard to find establishments still open after 8pm. It may have changed since we were there last, but there were no bars, no restaurants, and no malls in town. We had a great time, though, talking about ghost stories, as there were rumors of extraordinary incidents in town.

Marinduqe066We stayed at Boac Hotel, the one hotel that we were able to book. It was nice, clean, and most of all, affordable. Though one of our friends swears that he heard people talking in the hallway at 2am, only to find none when he looked out. Creepy!!!

There are gems of places to unwind and relax in Marinduque. Though food was quite hard to find, their beaches were perfect for rest and relaxation.

We went to Tres Reyes Islands, a virgin island that boasts of perfect white sand.

Marinduqe264We went spelunking in Bathala Caves, and saw some big snakes in the process (notice I am not jumping with glee).

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Anyway, here are some traveling tips for you if you ever plan to go to Marinduque:

  • Bring cash! Perhaps it’s progressed now, but back then we cannot find an ATM in sight! For the ladies, bring extra cash! You can buy a lot of good handwoven abaca bags, for very reasonable prices.

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  • Get a friendly driver with his own jeepney to act as your escort service. There are not much public transportation in town, and you would want to be sure that someone is there to bring you back to land.
  • Make reservations in the Boac Hotel. Although it is not the Shangri La, it is quite hard to get rooms if you just walk in. The Boac Hotel is DOT certified, and many workshops and seminars are held there.
  • When you start traveling, bring plenty of food and water to last you through the day. Food is very cheap, but it is not so easy to find.

Marinduqe025

Most of all, respect the culture of the town. Don’t wander around town late at night making noises. You never know what you might find!

Lyn Almario is my older sister and travel buddy. A freelance writer and an Engineer, in no particular order.

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Previous article: Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant

The items in the menu were a bit expensive, especially when our waiter told us that the servings were only good for one person. But when we got our food, i must say that it’s actually worth it, and the orders are ok for two people.

Veggie Enchilada - Php 150 (cooked with melted cheese)

Veggie Enchilada - Php 150 (cooked with melted cheese)

Chicken Sauteed with Cashew - Php 280

Chicken Sauteed with Cashew - Php 280

Plato Mexicano (Platter of java rice, refried beans, enchilada, taco) with Chilli Con Carne

Plato Mexicano (Platter of java rice, refried beans, enchilada, taco) with Chilli Con Carne

Chili Con Carne - comes with the Plato Mexicano

Chili Con Carne - comes with the Plato Mexicano

Seafood Curry - Php 300 (with bacon, raisins, tomato and onion sidings)

Seafood Curry - Php 300 (with bacon, raisins, tomato and onion sidings)

We were very satisfied with our food, and so with our waiter — John, a trainee who was doing a great job serving us and apologizing for delays, since the kitchen is far from where we ate. They have an air-conditioned restaurant in front but we chose to ate at the Playa Seaside Restaurant, fronting the beach. I give John, the trainee a high passing grade!

Photos by Amrei Dizon

Related Posts:

Subic Trip
Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant
Zoobic Safari – The Only Tiger Safari in the Philippines

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Subic Trip

By altumviditur on January 4, 2010

On January 01, my family went to White Cove, Laiya Batangas to jump start a year of lakwatsa. You’ve heard the saying — whatever you have in the first day of the year, you’ll have the whole year round. That’s why we always welcome the New Year with a feast, hope that no one’s sick or broken hearted at the time, and the family is celebrating together. I was not able to come with them because I was not prepared, and I never go to the beach unprepared. I was not informed that we were going out of town that day, and the only clothes I had on my bag were overnight clothes, and this was because I do not live with my parents, so all my gears are in my apartment, far away.

At night, with Laiya on my mind, I thought of a place that I would want to go to. I thought of Subic because Amrei, my travel buddy and designated driver, has been saying that she wanted to drive to Subic and experience the beautiful Subic Clark Tarlac Express Way (SCTEx). We also wanted to go to the zoo and shake hands with some monkeys on the way.

So off we go at 11 AM of the second day of the year. We stopped by at a convenience store in Timog Avenue to pick up chips and water while we fill the gas of the car. At around 1PM, we’re in North Luzon Expressway (NLEx). The first stop over is a Shell Station but we opted to stop at the Petron Station in Balagtas.

Balagtas Shell-Select Stop Over

Balagtas Shell-Select Stop Over

This is our favorite stop over, last time I was here was last November when we drove off to Dagupan.

Road Sign along SCTEx

Road Sign along SCTEx

We entered the Subic Bay Freeport Zone at around 2:30 PM, we followed the signs that said “BEACHES” which was also the same way as Zoobic Safari. We took a left turn after exiting SCTEx and drove until there were signs that said “Beaches”. We  realized that we’re on the wrong route when all we can see was the way to Camayan Cove and Ocean Adventure, after passing by the Zoobic Safari road and meeting some monkeys on the way, and since we’re already there, we went ahead and checked out Camayan Cove. The place was fully booked. We turned back and checked out two other beaches at the other end of the road — Bungaree Beach, at Php150 (3.27 USD) entrance fee, without overnight rooms. Then All Hands Resort, P150 entrance and only one type of room available for overnight stay at Php 4,500 (98.09 USD). Since it seems that this was not going to work, we headed back to where we should’ve come to in the first place — Olongapo’s National Road where most of the Subic Bay beaches are. We checked out several other resorts, where the look, feel and rates vary wildly, before we finally found a nice place. Playa Papagayo. Read more about our fun stay at Playa Papagayo.

SCTEx - beautiful road surrounded by mountains

SCTEx - beautiful road surrounded by mountains

Camayan Cove's Shore

Camayan Cove's Shore

Handsome Monkey on the Road

Handsome Monkey on the Road

Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant

Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant

We were able to catch the last minutes of sun, had a wonderful dinner at Playa Papagayo, rested for a while and went out at night to have a few round of beer and billiards. In the morning, we got our free continental breakfast, enjoyed some more morning beach, and checked out at 1 PM to go to the Zoobic Safari. Read more about our tour in the Zoobic Safari.

Related Posts:

Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant
Cantina Mexicana, Playa Papagayo Beach Inn and Restaurant, Subic Bay
Zoobic Safari – The Only Tiger Safari in the Philippines

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This year at Puerto Galera, instead of the usual Coral GardenBuketeBayanan island hopping, we only went to Coral Garden and Bayanan. We were supposed to go back to White Beach, where we were checked in, but the boatman was nice enough to wait for us while we have lunch at the nearby Aninuan Island. So instead of going to Bukete, we went to Tamaraw Beach Resort to have lunch.

We went to the small dining area and ordered for food.  think it took about an hour before our food was served. While waiting, I took photos around and surveyed the place. They offer different water rides: banana boat, glass bottom boat and wakeboarding, even. But a little pricey for half an hour’s worth.

There are lounge chairs in the shore, and ping pong table beside the coffee shop. The place is full of plants and flowers too.


I asked for their rates becuase Tamaraw Beach Resort seemed a nice place for families and honeymooners. The rooms look nice and clean too. They even have weekly and monthly rates for the units that have kitchennette.

It’s peaceful and quiet, with its quaint own shoreline. I wish to get away to Tamaraw Beach Resort soon!

Related Post:

AMCI Anniversary Weekend

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Though the sun setting and fading out from the horizon is not visible from Anawangin Cove, you will surely appreciate the sky at dawn. As I have mentioned in previous articles about the cove, the sky that one sees from Brgy. Pundaquit to Anawangin Cove has a naturally beautiful blue gradation, fading to white as it touches the horizon.

anawangin cove
As there is no electricity in the cove, no one will miss the vibrant colors of the sky as it changes from blue to warm colors, while the water catches and reflects the hues.

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Related Posts:

Getting to Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 1) – The Beach
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 2) – The River
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 3) – The Open Field
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 4) – The View Deck
Capones Island, Pundaquit Zambales
Camara Island, Pundaquit Zambales

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scenic

scenic

Continued from Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 3) – The Open Field

I wondered why the photos of Anawangin Cove that I see online are shots from the top. I did not know that there’s actually a view deck. No one mentioned it in blogs that I’ve read. It always seemed like an areal shot from hiking Mt. Pundaquit. Truth is, the view deck is only about 5-10 minutes of trekking. Easy, breezy and really pretty. :)

easy

easy

These are what you see on the way to the top:

breezy

breezy

pretty

pretty

The view deck has two levels, the one steeper than the other. We settled for the lower deck. Enough to see the whole cove.

view of the sand, swamp, trees and mountains

view of the sand, swamp, trees and mountains

cove next to Anawangin

cove next to Anawangin

We would have waited for the sunset but we did not bring flashlights with us, and the group’s mainly composed of inexperienced hikers, so going down the hill would be difficult in the dark. Sunrise and sunsets cannot be seen on the cove because mountains and rock formations would obstruct the view. But the blue sky turning red was a wonderful scene.

before the blue skies turn to red

before the blue skies turn to red

Thanks to Reden, Redentor and Dave, our tour guides from Adventure Road Trip for the fun weekend!

Related Posts:

Getting to Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 1) – The Beach
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 2) – The River
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 3) – The Open Field
Anawangin Cove, Zambales – The Sunset Skies
Capones Island, Pundaquit Zambales
Camara Island, Pundaquit Zambales


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From Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 2) – The River / Swamp

Dave took us to the Anawangin Cove’s open field at the back of the island. It’s a nice place to play frisbee! He said wild tamaraws roam freely there. Too bad they were not around when we came. But there were a lot of dungs and mud baths. Since there’s no electricity in Anawangin, and the open field reminded me of the UP Sunken Garden, but much wider, and Jma said it’s like a “party place”, I named the area as “The Anawangin Concert Grounds”. We would have a blast mosh pitting in the mud baths! Haha.

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The open field is like a challenge in Tomb Raider, you can see a vast open field, and the trees that surrounded it. You can run towards the trees, but some are dead ends, some are opening up to unknown forests.

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The golden Mt. Pundaquit more visible in the open field.

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After taking photos, Dave led us back to the beach. Crossing the shallow river once more, I did not pass the chance to experience it more than dipping my feet on it. I laid down the shallow flowing water. It was soothing. I did not want to leave, but we need to go to the view deck to see the whole island.

Related Posts:

Getting to Anawangin Cove, Zambales
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 1) – The Beach
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 2) – The River
Anawangin Cove, Zambales (part 4) – The View Deck
Anawangin Cove, Zambales – The Dawn
Capones Island, Pundaquit Zambales
Camara Island, Pundaquit Zambales

Related Posts with Thumbnails
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