If you're looking for an adventure near Manila, go for a day hike at Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas. 

It's rated as a minor climb with 80 to 85 degrees assault and difficulty level of 4/10.  The summit is around 811 meters above sea level.   

During our hike, we passed through the new trail going to the summit and traversed through the old trail.  We're actually planning the other way around. Good thing we decided to switch, because the new trail is more difficult (in my opinion).  

The new trail will give you a majestic view of Mt Batulao rolling slopes.  And you'll have to pass several peaks before you reach the summit.  Each peak will give you a different view of the mountain.

On the other side, the old trail will give you a forresty kind of experience and the trail is more shady. So it's more relaxed going back to the jump off point.  













At the summit you will have a panoramic view of Taal Lake, the Batangas and Cavite provinces, the South China Sea and the mountains of Pico de Loro and Mt. Maculot.  At the same time, you'll find a lot of moutaineers too. LOL

How to go to Mt Batulao?

By Public Transport: Take a bus to Nasugbu, Batangas. Let the bus conductor know that you’ll be heading to Mt. Batulao so you’ll be dropped in front of the Evercrest Golf Course in Lemery, Batangas.  Take the tricycle to take you to the jump-off point.


What to wear: 
Light long sleeves 
Jogging pants/leggings 
Disposable Hand gloves (for rappelling)  
Good trekking shoes 
Hat - Because it's super hot. :) 

Planning your trip to Tokyo, Japan?

Here are some frequently asked questions when traveling to Japan.

I normally ask these questions too. And I find the advices from my friends very helpful!! So now I'm doing my part by helping back. :)

Where to stay in Siquijor?  Try Coco Grove Beach Resort.   It's one of the nicest resorts in Siquijor.

How to get there?

From Manila, take a flight to Dumaguete either by Philippines Airlines or Cebu Pacific.  Coco Grove can arrange all transports going to the resort.  But just to give you an idea, a van will take you to the Dumaguete sea port.  And then from there, you'll cross the island by taking a fast craft (which is quicker by the way ) or RoRo.  It will take 1-2 hours depending on which one you choose.    From Siquijor port, a cute jeepney (not the typical ones you see in Manila) will take you to the resort.  The resort charges P800 for round trip transfers.

 The resort has an 800m stretch of white sand beach and has its own house reef which is called Tubod Marine Sanctuary.  They also have in-house dive shop and dive school.  Rates here:  Diving Packages

You can rent a motorcycle, kayak, and snorkeling gears for your adventures.  There's also a souvenir shop in the resort.  You can find anything here! I swear!

There are numerous of rooms to choose from - from standard rooms to pent house. We only got the standard room because our trip was just a spontaneous one. We paid P3,100 per night for the Aurora 2 room.  It's close to the pool area, bar, spa and restaurant.  I was very satisfied and the service was SUPERB (5 star).   We're always greeted with warm smiles wherever we go in the resort. Makes you forget about creepy stories about Siquijor. :)

Thought of going to Siquijor for an adventure.  I heard that tourists can rent a motorcycle to go around the island.  I was totally sold of the idea.


Siquijor is located in Central Visayas.  It's well-known for voodoo, sorcery, witchcraft and all nasty evil stuff that makes you skeptic to go to this island.  Some say that the myth was only created to protect the island from foreign invaders.  But some say that they really exist.

We had some guidelines from friends who went before us:
1. Drink bottled water only
2. Don't make eye contact
3. And don't piss off anyone

They're pretty obvious. :) And it won't hurt if you follow these too.





Things to do in Siquijor?  Pretty much everything is in this post https://ph.news.yahoo.com/12-things-to-experience-in-siquijor.html 

But what's more exciting is to rent a motorcycle and explore the island on your own!   Prior to this trip, our auntie gifted us a map.  It was pretty helpful but still instinct is much needed plus some tips from the locals or from the staff in the resort.

A good friend invited us over to try out his boat.  We weren't really expecting a lot. We actually thought that his boat's just a local 'bangka'.  (We must have underestimated his wealth LOL!) To our surprise, it was a yacht and we also had a Jet ski tagged a long. What a treat! :)

Unfortunately, we didn't prepare for the trip.  We didn't bring sunblock, shades, swimming attire, cameras, etc.  Well, it's because there were news about Taal Lake being polluted as there's overpopulation of fish tents.   So I thought, the water would not be clean and it would be murky.  We expected that it will be just a quick tour with not so much activities besides drinking on the boat ;)  LESSON LEARNED.






The boat was parked at Sta. Maria resort.  The resort's actually nice and not crowded.  I saw this link from the net where you can find more pictures and also location  >>Sta Maria Resort

I think it will be nice to stay at this resort for a picnic with friends and family and you can bring your fishing rods/gears too as there are quite a lot of fish to harvest.

I've always wanted to try The Boutique Bed & Breakfast in Tagaytay because of its reviews.  Our experience was so-so, but it was unique though (that actually rhymes!).  Well, it's because first impression was not good.  Nobody helped carry our bags!

Anyway, the rest of the services were quite good.









1. We were asked to choose our own soaps and scents.  I love that it's personalised.


2. We were served with iced tea and Espasol with chocolate dip as welcome snacks.


3. At night, they delivered hot chocolate made of Tableya (local chocolate). Love it!

4. In the morning, breakfast in bed was served.  I was surprised how big the table was.  The food was good and they have lots of selection - from bread, fruits, hot and cold drinks, main course, etc.  You'll be asked to choose from the menu once you've checked-in so they can prepare your breakfast well in the morning.


5. The room was small but very cozy, lots of pillows.  It also has a great view of the Taal Lake and Talisay.   This is the "iDream room" on the 2nd floor.







6. The room has boom box speakers, DVD player (you can ask for DVDs at the front desk) - things you don't normally find in hotel rooms.

Well, the hotel has everything that you need or more than you need.  It's a good place to R&R rest and relax (definitely, not to rock n roll :P ).

 For room rates, visit their website at: http://www.theboutiquebnb.com/new/rates.html