#ITSMOREFUNINTHEPHILIPPINES

If you're looking for some cheap thrills or a relaxing trip to somewhere you don't know yet where well here are some ideas and some places in the Philippines that are worth checking out.
Notes:
Travel Time is estimated with Manila as the starting point.
Click on the title for details.

POTIPOT

Location: Candelaria, Zambales

Travel Time: 6 hours via Van and 15 minutes Boat

Budget: Around PHP1500

Masungi Georeserve

Location: KM47 Baras Rizal

Travel Time: 2 hours via Jeepney

Budget: Around PHP1500

Burot Beach

Location: Calatagan, Batangas

Travel Time: 4 hours via Van

Budget: Around PHP2000

Tierra Salva

Location: Tanauan, Batangas

Travel Time: 2 hours via Van

Budget: Around PHP2500

Surfin' in Baler

Location: Baler, Aurora

Travel Time: 6 hours via Van

Budget: Around PHP3000

Unforgettable Boracay Experience

Location: Malay, Aklan, Visayas

Travel Time: 1h Plane and 2h Bus (via Kalibo)

Budget: Around PHP10000

Note: via Caticlan for less travel time

A Quick Escape to Puerto Galera

Location: Oriental Mindoro, Luzon
Travel Time: 2h Bus and 1h Boat
Budget: Around PHP5000
Note: Near Manila

Calaguas Island Package Tour

Location: Camarines , Luzon
Travel Time: 9h Van and 2h Boat
Budget: Around PHP3500
Note: Take a plane for shorter travel time

Bohol Tour Highlights

Location: Bohol, Visayas
Travel Time: 1h30m Plane
Budget: Around PHP5000 not including transpo
Note: Near Cebu

Swimming with the Sharks in Oslob

Location: Oslob Cebu, Visayas
Travel Time: 1h30m Plane and 3h Van
Budget: Around PHP1000 not including transpo
Note: Near Sumilon Island

Cagbalete DIY Tour

Location: Quezon, Luzon
Travel Time: 4h Bus and 1h Boat
Budget: Around PHP2000
Note: Near Lucena

Subic, Zambales

Budget: Around PHP2000
Note: Near Manila

El Nido, Palawan

Location: Palawan, Visayas
Travel Time: 1h20m Plane and 6h Bus
Budget: Around PHP5000 not including transpo

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Location: Palawan, Visayas
Travel Time: 1h20m Plane and 20m Boat/2h hike
Budget: Around PHP2000 not including transpo

Hotsprings at Laguna

Caramoan
Location: Camarines Sur, Luzon
Travel Time: 9h Van and 2h Boat
Budget: Around PHP5000
Note: Take a plane for shorter travel time

Palawan: Puerto Prinsesa: Underground River

If there's one thing you shouldn't miss while in Palawan, it's the Puerto Prinsesa Underground River (PPUR). How could you when it's named as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and New Seven Wonders of the World?

Puerto Princesa Underground River

There are 2 ways to go to the underground river. First is via 20 minutes boat ride from Sabang Beach or via 2 hours of trekking (one way) to the underground river.

 

 Sabang Beach

The sun was shining brightly, the clouds clear and we were ready to take the boat ride to PPUR... or not thanks to the not so calm waves that prevented the boats to set sail. And so our 2 hour long journey begins.

We walked along Sabang Beach for a few minutes until we reached a river? which you have to cross. It looks like you can walk to the other side but the middle portion is actually deep.

And that was just a warm up. The 3.56km trail starts after you cross the river XD. I have a history of asthma so this is really a big deal for me. 

The trail reminds me of the mobile game "Temple Run" because there are a lot of tree roots you have to get pass. It's not that hard but it feels like forever when all you see are trees.

When your tour guide tells you that you're just 20-30min. away from the underground river DO NOT BELIEVE HIM!!! because he will probably say that a dozen more times.

Now when you see this cave, Congratulations! you are already half way through the trek XD.

Half way marker

There are a lot of signs and the trail is pretty clear so there's a very slim chance of getting lost.

If ever you do get lost, look for red/orange markings on trees and you will find your way back to the trail.

You know you're already near the underground river when you see monkeys along the road. Cute as they are they are cunning little creatures so be careful with your belongings because they might just snatch them away.

Finally, the board walk to the underground river.

Entrance to the underground river.

Before we go deeper into the cave, let's talk about permits and fees. We bought a package which includes the tour to the underground river, environmental fees and permits, transportation and lunch for just PHP1060 (Jan2015). So everything was already taken care of when we arrived.

Now back to the cave. The underground river is about 8km long but the tour only covers around 1.5km (back and forth? sorry can't remember). If you want to go deeper into the cave, you'll have to get special permits. These are usually given to those who study the cave.

 

Inside the cave, you will find different rock formations, your imagination is the limit.

Of course there are also a lot of bats inside so be sure to close your mouth when looking up.

The water level is around 30-40meters inside the cave or at least that's what I remember the boatman said. XD

 Boatman smiling while his guest takes a picture of him

There may be other caves as much or even more captivating than PPUR but I think one of the selling points of PPUR is the Filipino humor through manong bangkero (boatman). Where else can you find a boatman who can greet you in multiple languages and make you laugh? Now for me that's priceless :)