Hiking up Mt. Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin

Those who have been to Camiguin often rave about its stunning white-sand beaches, freshwater springs, and sweet lanzones. But there’s a lot more to love in this tiny island province. For motorcycle riders and bikers, doing an island loop on two wheels is a real treat. The food scene is surprisingly good and varied. For mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts, the island’s volcanoes, particularly Mt. Hibok-Hibok, offer a challenging but rewarding hiking destination.

Continue reading “Hiking up Mt. Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin”

Food Trip: Camiguin

When it comes to natural wonders, there’s a lot to love in Camiguin. But aside from the white sand beaches, springs, and waterfalls and volcanoes, I find the food scene here pretty interesting. There are currently no fast-food joints or malls in the tiny island province because locals really want to preserve homegrown restaurants and cafes.

Here are just a few notable dining destinations in Camiguin where you can grab a bite to eat in between island-hopping, hiking or sightseeing.

Continue reading “Food Trip: Camiguin”

Hike to Mt. Yangbew & Mt. Kalugong in Benguet

If you’ve traveled to Baguio City, you’ve probably already been to the typical tourist spots like Camp John Hay, Burnham Park, Session Road, BenCab Museum and the Strawberry Farm. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure relatively near the city, Mt. Yangbew and Mt. Kalugong in nearby La Trinidad offers two pleasant hiking trails accessible from Baguio City. The trails are beginner-friendly and easy to navigate even for newbie hikers and solo travelers. They’re bike-friendly too!

Continue reading “Hike to Mt. Yangbew & Mt. Kalugong in Benguet”

Interactive museums to visit around Manila

I’ve always thought of museums as typically boring destinations. Most museums I grew up with were just buildings that exhibited historical artifacts. Items are usually just displayed behind glass cases and shelves while paintings are hung up on walls for people to just admire from afar. Usually, photography isn’t even allowed inside museums.

Continue reading “Interactive museums to visit around Manila”

Ride to Mauban and Cagbalete Island

Cagbalete Island is a quiet island getaway that has been rising in popularity among backpackers and budget travelers. Located just off the coast of Mauban town proper in Quezon just a few hours from Manila, this island offers beautiful beachfront campsites and a wide white-sand beach.

Continue reading “Ride to Mauban and Cagbalete Island”

Travel Guide: Sibuyan Island, Romblon

Sibuyan is one of the three main islands and the second largest in the archipelago comprising the province of Romblon in the Philippines. It’s often described as “the Galapagos of Asia” because of its rich biodiversity and how it has remained in isolation from the rest of the country since it was formed. Beyond the moniker, Sibuyan has one of the most unspoiled ecosystems in the Philippines and is home to the world’s densest forest, making it an amazing destination for travelers looking for unspoiled places and raw adventures.

Cover photo at Cresta de Gallo, waterfalls shots & group drone photos all by Ironwulf
Continue reading “Travel Guide: Sibuyan Island, Romblon”

Romantic Getaways near Manila

February is love month! If you’re looking for alternatives to dining out in mall-based restaurants in the city, nothing beats a scenic road trip for a romantic getaway. If you’re not the type who likes sleeping under the stars and camping outdoors, how about staying overnight in a cozy Bed and Breakfast or boutique hotel just a couple of hours from the metro?

Here are just a few romantic dining destinations and B & Bs I know of near Manila ideal for Valentine’s weekend, date rides with your significant other, intimate family getaways, girl’s day out bonding with friends or solo trip getaways where you can relax and recharge.

Continue reading “Romantic Getaways near Manila”

Active Volcanoes in the Philippines

With Taal Volcano’s ongoing eruption, everybody’s on edge. Thousands of residents who live near the lake have been displaced and animals have been abandoned on the island. The landscape of Taal’s Volcano Island will probably never be the same again.

View of Taal Lake from Tagaytay (pre-2020 eruption)

It’s scary to think of what could happen in the future. It makes you wonder how prepared we are considering that the Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,100 islands, most of which are volcanic in origin. In fact, there are at least 300 volcanoes in the country.

Continue reading “Active Volcanoes in the Philippines”

Bike Ride to Wawa Dam via AFP Housing

Wawa Dam in Rodriguez, Rizal is a favorite weekend destination for mountain bikers based in Manila. Situated in the 360-meter high Montalban Gorge or Wawa Gorge, a water gap in the Sierra Madre Mountains, these headwaters of the Marikina River used to be the primary water source of Manila before La Mesa Watershed. The scenic destination is roughly just an hour’s drive away (depending on the traffic) from the big cities in the East of Manila.

Continue reading “Bike Ride to Wawa Dam via AFP Housing”

Travel Guide: Romblon Island, Romblon

Romblon is one of the three main islands and capital of the province of the same name in the Philippines. Formerly a trading post during the Spanish period, Romblon Island is popularly known as the “Marble Capital of the Philippines.” It’s also a rising ecotourism destination home to stunning white-sand beaches and uncrowded diving spots.

Continue reading “Travel Guide: Romblon Island, Romblon”