VIDEO: Dahilayan Zipline, Bukidnon Philippines

This is the longest dual zipline in Asia! The Dahilayan Adventure Park Zipline
- 840 meters long
- With an elevation drop of 100 meters
- Estimated speed of 60-100 kph
- Located in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon Province, Philippines
- Spent P600 for the All Rides package (they have 3 ziplines in the park, 150m, 320m & 840m)

Baler, Aurora Philippines

Baler is famous as the shooting location of Apocalypse Now, as the birthplace of the Philippines’ 2nd President Manuel Quezon, as the last standing garrison where the Spanish surrendered and ended their rule of over 300 years… but nowadays it’s more famous for one thing - the best waves this side of the country!





How I Got There

• Genesis Bus travels from Manila to Baler daily, trips from 3AM to 7AM
• The Cubao terminal is located in the northbound side, right after crossing Aurora Blvd.
• One-way fee was P395.00 for the standard airconditioned bus
• They also have a roomier deluxe coach, with only 28 seats on the bus!
• We took a special midnight ride, and it only took us 5.5 hours to get to Baler
• Call (632) 7090803 / (632) 4211425 or visit http://www.genesistransport.com.ph/
  

Where I Stayed

• Bahia de Baler I, located on Sabang Beach – the main beach and surfing spot in Baler. A tricycle ride from the transport terminal to the beach is about 5mins, and costs P12/pax for a group of 3
• The Bahia grounds is split into 2 – the beachfront area has cottages, a camping area and a function hall, and across the street you will find the neatly lined rooms with porches fronting a small field
• A twin room was P1,700/night and extra bed costs P300
• It’s the most expensive accommodation in Sabang beach, but still reasonable. You get an air conditioned room, private toilet & bath, hot water, cable TV and free breakfast
• Other good places to stay: Bay’s Inn, Bahia de Baler II, Aliya Surf Resort, Little Surfer Girl

Where I Wined & Dined

• Bay’s Inn: we had breakfast here when we arrived – best location on the beach, in my opinion. Had a good serving of pancakes with bacon, and strong brewed coffee. They also serve your regular Filipino dishes, and a good selection of shakes. Get’s packed lunch and dinner time, get table early. Spent about P150 for breakfast.
• Bahia Bar & Grill: we had generous serving of sinigang and lechon kawali. They also have excellent fruit shakes. Live band plays on certain days as well. Spent about P270 pesos for lunch
• Gerry Shan’s: is the most famous dinner place located in the town proper, a short walk away from the Museum. They have a huge selection of Filipino, Chinese, and American dishes, they also serve pizza and pasta. Spent about P200 for dinner.

Top Things to Do

• Surfing! Board rentals typically cost P200/hour and getting an instructor to help you paddle and push you will cost another P150/hour. Getting an instructor is a MUST for beginners. An hour will get you tired, but won’t be enough. 2 hours per session will be just right.
• There are 3 main surf shops: Aliya Surf Camp, Charlie Does and Maddox. They all charge the same, but ask for a discount from where you are staying, they usually have special rates
• Museo de Baler: located in town, get to see some relics from the town’s history, props from the movie “Baler,” and personal effects of the late Manuel Quezon – like his recently restored presidential Cadillac
• Ermita Hill: take a tricycle and climb a few steps to get a sweeping view of the Bay of Baler
• Balete Park: home to what is supposedly the largest Banyan Tree in the whole of Asia – it’s estimated to be 60meters high and 300 years old.
• Waterfalls: Diguisit and Ditumabo falls are just a short tricycle ride and hike away from town, and will make for a refreshing day trip

How I Got Away

• Took the same Genesis Bus back, trips start at 4:30AM and leave every hour thereafter
• There are only2 buses that leave from Baler directly, the other buses come from Casiguran – so there is no guarantee on availability of seats
• Fee is the same P395.oo per way
• From the 5.5 hours getting to Baler, it took us 10hours to get back to Manila! It was because of the slow traffic in some towns, but mostly because of the numerous stopovers – we must have taken about 8 stops and some were almost 30minutes long
• Another option is to take a van shuttle to Cabanatuan, and from there it will be easy to get an onward ride to Manila with the many bus companies available

Port Barton, Palawan Philippines

The moment I got off the jeep in Port Barton, things started to take a slow turn all around. Must be the way things are, in this small beach town locked between mountains and the sea. This, where the 21st century world is separated by 21km / 60minutes & 100pesos, where electricity is a luxury open only from 6pm-12mn, where nature's awesome presence greets you everywhere you turn your gaze. This is Port Baron, where your system clocks down, without a choice thankfully - perfect conditions to relax, recharge and steep in the island life.




How I Got There

• From the Roxas transport terminal, I took the jeep (it had a big "Lion King" sign)
• From Roxas, it left the terminal at 11am (no fixed sked I heard, but around this time)
• The fee was P100 per way
• The trip was a little over an hour, through a mostly unpaved & beaten road

Where I Stayed

• Elsa's Beach Resort - a little south of center, large grounds dotted with hammocks under tall tree shades, & a wide elevated resto with sweeping sea views
• Paid off peak rate of P500/night for a double bed cottage with own Toilet & Bath
• The cottage had a small porch, a pretty mosquito net swooping down from the ceiling, and the cobblestone walls in the room added a nice flare
• They have cheaper rooms with common toilet & bath, just P300/night
• Elsa's price point more expensive than the average, but well worth the extra cost

Where I Wined & Dined

• Jambalaya: I had the fish fillet steak with jambalaya, and it was fresh, thick & juicy. They serve imported brewed coffee, have ice-cold beer all day (no electricity is not an excuse!), and maintain a book exchange. The place is oozing with character - with the funny and unashamed signs, and the owners who make sure you will want to come back. Spent P280
• Summer Homes: I stopped over for coffee, where they have a generous serving of an entire 500ml press. If you want your coffee strong, ask them not to fill up with water. Spent P90
• Bamboo House: I had breakfast of thick pancakes, served with fresh honey, a side order of bacon strips and brewed coffee. They also have a souvenir shop with shirts, bags and local decor. Spent about P140 for breakfast
• Ysobelle's (now known as Deep Gold resort): had dinner with friends from El Nido, where we ordered some pizza, pasta, fish and a siding of aubergines. I was surprised with the variety of dishes in their menu, they must have a well stocked kitchen. Spent less than P300 each.

Top Things to Do

• I personally didn't do anything much, just lazed around in the beach, had coffee, read my book, walked around. I just wanted time to wind down. Port Barton is perfect for this :-p
• Pamuayan Falls: we tried to look for it without a guide, and it was a total failure! It's supposed to be an hour's hike from the beach, but the path is difficult to navigate with lack of signs and multiple forks along the way. You must get a guide!
• Island Hopping & Snorkeling: it's possible to do this, but operations not as efficient as in El Nido. You have to contract with one of the local fishermen, and they can arrange a tour for you.

How I Got Away

• I took the 8am jeep back to Roxas for the same price of P100
• From Roxas, it's easy to get a bus/jeep/shuttle whether you are heading back to Puerto, South to Sabang, or up north to El Nido or Taytay.
• There is a jeep from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa, it leaves 9am