Isla Story

Monday, February 6, 2017

FALL IN LOVE IN BATO SPRINGS, SAN PABLO CITY, LAGUNA

Friends that travel together, stays forever <3!

Welcome to Bato Springs, a resort in San Pablo City, Laguna, located between two legendary mountains - Mt. San Cristobal and Mt. Banahaw. It is a 2-3 hours drive from Manila. The resort came into existence during 1891 and is still open to the public up until now.

Scenic View

WHEN YOU'RE STRESS AND MISSING THE NATURE'S FRESH AIR, JUST SIMPLY TRAVEL.

Do you believe that you can find a paradise in just 2-3 hours travel from the bustling cities of Metro Manila? Of course, you will :). Because this is what we experienced during our visit from Bato Spring last Jan 28 - 29, 2017.

Tip # 1: Don't worry about the expenses. It will only cost you more or less PHP1,000 to be here.

Entrance

Travel Buddies <3

JADE'S ROOM FOR 4-6 PAX

We decided to left Manila and headed to San Pablo, Laguna around 3:00 PM via Jam Liner. The route of the bus was bound to Lucena, so we advised the operator to just drop us off at the terminal where we will be riding a tricycle (approximately PHP150.00/ride) going to Bato Spring. Since there was a bit traffic as we reached the province of Laguna, our travel took us 4 hours before we reached the resort. The time of our arrival is dinner time already, so we decided to just drop our things at our room (Jade's Room) and started to prepare our dinner.

Tip # 2: Travel during dawn or morning so you can have ample time to roam around the resort and to avoid traffic as well.

Jade's Room

Tip # 3: Choose Jade's Room if your company is at least 3 - 6 pax.
A twin room or family room is also available at this resort.

Dinner Time

Right after our dinner, we decided to roam around the area and find a karaoke which is for everyone. You just need to drop PHP5.00 every song that you'll select. After karaoke, it feels a bit hotter so we decided to have a night swimming.
Guess what? I loved to swim but I never expected that I'll just choose to sit and watch my friends enjoying the VERY COLD WATER. Funny fact, I only jump and swam for 3 seconds and then, I find a place to hide.

Tip # 4: Always bring your towel with you so you have something to keep you warm while swimming.

PERFECTLY REFRESHING

Honestly, our travel is quite far and tiring, but no worries, because as soon as we reached the resort, we just end up saying "this is worth the travel".

Cold as Ice Swimming Pool

Falls Area

Down Part Area

Coldest Falls

Tip # 5: Just make sure to wake up early in the morning so you'll see and experience this scenic beauty.

GOOD MORNING PHILIPPINES!

Before we left the place, we decided to see the other side of the resort, and that's the garden / farm-like area (my alias only). It really feels great, very relaxing. The place is simply amazing and breathtaking. In here, you'll remember your province and definitely missed it.

Mine? I missed Matalom Leyte, as always.

Garden

Farm-like Area

FOOD FOR THE WIN

When hungry, no need to cook. You can just simply order in the store and order foods in their menu. Since my travel buddies are very hungry and tired, we ordered chop suey, grilled pork or liempo, fried tilapia, and 5 rice. Their serving was more than what we expected. It was very delicious and too much for our group. The service was really satisfying. The crews were very kind and respectful.

Hi-five for a very accommodating service.

Very Affordable & Delicious Foods

Lunch Time

To sum up my stay in Bato Spring, I felt in love with what nature has to offer. And I considered this experience as one of my amazing encounter with nature.

This is quite a stress-free and relaxing vacation, a good start for this year (2017). Though I can’t bear the coldness of the water, the scenic beauty around the resort is enough for me already, actually not just enough, it was too much.

Plus the fact that the crews in this resort was very hands on and accommodating, surely, we will visit this paradise again, but it must be during summer.

BATO SPRING IS <3!

Just always bring Filipino Hospitality everywhere!

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Wednesday, February 1, 2017

RECONNECTING WITH NATURE - MT. MANABU

Thinking of a chill hike and not so crowded mountain? Well, I recommend Mt. Manabu. This mountain is located in Barangay Sta. Cruz in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. It is also known as Mataas na Bundok which means "alp" or "high mountain" though it is not even that high because it only takes 2 hours to reach the summit. It is an ideal hiking destination not just for professional mountaineers but also for nature lovers who are not into hard-core climbing like me. It is also a must-climb for beginners.

Nature makes me feel alive and fills my soul.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Public Transportation

1• From Alabang take a bus in South Station bound to Lipa, Batangas. Ask the conductor to drop you in SM Lipa. There is also a terminal bus in Buendia if you are from Manila.

1• Take a tricycle and tell the driver that you’re heading to Mt. Manabu. The tricycle driver will drop by at Barangay Hall for registration and environmental fee.

Recently, we went to Mt. Manabu with my sister and friends, it was unexpected. Actually, the original plan was to climb Mt. Maculot with my officemates but I decided not to come because I am the only person who will be coming from the South and I just can't imagine traveling from Laguna at around 2:30 AM, all by myself.

So we are all girls and we started the hike around 8:30 AM and the weather was mild and cool.

Running water from the mountain.

The most exciting part, which was also my favorite was the trail itself because it looks like a rosary. There are 8 stations to reach the summit. You can follow the stations from 1-8 but my friends and I decided to start from 1-4 then 8-5 because of little assault. The tour guide said that many people visit here during Holy Week. You can also do overnight camping but be sure to bring a waterproof mat for your tent in case it rains. There is also a signal even at the summit.

"Let's take a picture or selfie muna" is my way of saying "Can we take a 5-minute rest?" hahaha

You will pass an open area with tall grasses and it's getting hotter because the sun is already up.

So after 2 1/2 hours of having conversations, laugh trip and taking photos while climbing, we finally reached the summit of Mt. Manabu. I can say that this is one of the easiest I've ever climb.

I think it's been months since my last hike and yes, I really miss this.It feels so good to be back. This is my first climb this 2017 and I'm looking forward to more hiking and nature trips this year.

"PANDIN LAKE" - Pristine Paradise of San Pablo, Laguna

The city of San Pablo is one of the oldest cities in the province of Laguna and it is also known as the “City of Seven Lakes” or the “Pitong Lawa” because it has 7 lakes surrounding the city - Sampalok Lake, Bunot Lake, Palakpakin Lake, Muhicap Lake, Yambo Lake, Pandin Lake and Kalibato Lake.

One of the pristine paradise of San Pablo City called Pandin Lake is just 3-4 hours away from Manila. This is most likely the tourist spot among the seven lakes for its El-Nido like landscape. This is a perfect day trip getaway for families, partners, and friends who wants to unwind and relax from their busy day schedule.

Pandin Lake

Last October 2016, we went to Pandin Lake in San Pablo for a day tour. Traveling to San Pablo, Laguna is almost 3-4 hours when you travel by bus. If you're from Manila, ride a Jac Liner or any bus bound to Lucena in Buendia/Kamias Bus Terminals. You can drop off at SM San Pablo then ride a jeepney going to San Pablo proper. Walk from the final stop inside the public market to 7/11 located near the church and ride again another jeepney going to Ilog and tell the jeepney driver to drop you off at Pandin Lake. You will notice a sign board indicating PANDIN LAKE on it. Once you get there, you have to walk around 10-15 minutes down to lake itself.

Welcome to Pandin Lake

We booked in advance before we went to Pandin Lake so they can reserve a slot for the raft when we get there. This includes a lunch with a certain fee around PHP 500 per person good for 2. Your tour within the lake will only lasts for 2 hour ride and you will be accompany by two men each raft. Your food will be served before you go to the other side of the lake where you can have your lunch and go swim.

Bamboo Rafts

A life vest will be provided to each for safety purposes and you can go swim within the lake. The water is clear and very cold but it's worth the try for this is one of the destinations where you can unwind away from the busy cities.

Aside from Pandin Lake, you can also visit the Yambo Lake which is on the other side of the lake where you will only trek for about 5 minutes. Pandin and Yambo Lake is said to be the Twin Lakes of San Pablo for its twin crater that is separated only by a narrow strip of land.

Nature lover will definitely love Pandin Lake as this is one of the best place to chill, relax and have fun.

Start your adventure now.

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Summer Adventure at Laresio

TRAVEL DATE:

June 25, 2016

Summer is coming and all of us want to have a water adventure to escape the busy city of Metro Manila, and Laresio Lakeside Resort and Spa is maybe one of the perfect places to choose from.

This time I will share my own experience with you, but before then let me give you some information about Laresio.

Have you ever heard about the Alligator Lake of Laguna? Maybe some of us only know the Laguna Lake (largest lake in the Philippines and considered to be the third largest inland body of water in Southeast Asia) and the very famous seven lakes of San Pablo consist of Lake Bunot, Lake Calibato, Lake Palakpakin, Lake Muhikap, twin lakes of Yambo and Pandin and Lake Sampaloc. According to biyahenglaguna.com, Crocodile Lake also known as, Alligator Lake or Tadlac Lake, is a freshwater crater lake located in the southern part of Laguna De Bay in Los Baños. It is known for its picturesque sight, clear waters, and recreational fishing and as they said Laresio is the road to Alligator Lake.

Okay! So let me start the one of my so-called “first-times”.

Because my parents don’t usually allow me to go to places besides our hometown it’s difficult for me to have their yes, So when my friends asked me if I can make it I just said no. But the after almost a month of persuading they let me go with my friends (strictly back at home before 6 p.m or else... palo! lol).

HOW TO GET THERE:

FROM MANILA

· - Take a bus ride going to Santa Cruz, Laguna.

· - Get down at Barangay Bagong Kalsada (near 7-11, across Jonel Spring Resort).

· - Ride a Tricycle going to Laresio Lakeside Resort and Spa.

(The three of us (I, Pecapi and Bels) are from Tiaong, Quezon. So we take a jeepney going to San Pablo Laguna then ride a jeepney also going to Calamba, get down at Barangay Bagong Kalsada and ride a tricycle to reach Laresio.)

We got to the destination at around 10 am. We eat first before trying the water activities (I need to get energized for this one, nervousness all over my body haha)


(At the lobby)

All of us decided to availed the 'All Wet Activities' amounting to P600 (if I'm not mistaken) which include activities such as unlimited Cliff Diving (13 ft and 32 ft), Slip and Dip (32 ft slide), Vine Swing (13 ft vine) and Slip and Fly. But during that time, Slip and Fly is under maintenance so we added the Kayaking on the list.

We try first the Vine Swing. At first, I almost cried. I feel like I’m too weak compared to my friends who are brave enough to try all the activities. So I have no choice, I must try it also (nakakaloka bes). As I took off, I just screamed "Papa ko! Uuwi na po ako"!


(I did it mga bes! Para sa ekonomiya! hahaha)

Next up, is the Slip and Dip, Kayaking and Cliff Diving.

And as expected Jonnel is the only one who did the 32ft cliff diving.

(Our "required group selfies")

Before going back home, we took a photo at the huge Instagram post as seen below.

It is not as crowded as we expected so we try all the activities hassle-free. All in all, it is one of the best “first-times” I’ve done with my friends.

FRIENDSHIP GOALS! Yay!

Watch out for more information and website launching of www.islastory.com

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A Must See Masungi

Fresh air, minimal noise and crowd, rich flora and fauna, and breathtaking views, Rizal province never fails to surprise us as this province has really a lot to offer especially for the adventurous ones, from falls, rivers, and mountains.

Tucked in the deep forests of Rizal, just a few hours away from the concrete jungle of the Metro, located at KM 45, Marcos Highway, Baras, Rizal, the 1,600 hectare Masungi Georeserve is a hidden paradise that conserves the rich flora and fauna of the said place to maintain the sustainability and ecotourism of the province.

Masungi derived from the tagalog word “Masungki” or “Spiked” for the place has lots of karsts in the area like a rock garden. As our group started the 3-4 hours hike, the trail seems like a very easy and manageable, but as we go different challenges and twists come along the way, from climbing climbing ropes, and going down on a 90-degree cliff using only a tied rope. The limestone Karsts and the rich forest can be witness with an aerial view by the guests through their Discovery Trails, through these trails our group with our tour guide explained the deeper mission and history of the place and make us appreciate the environment even more, from being a constant threat of illegal logging and quarrying, Masungi Georeserve as well as their staff, which are also a local/native in the province, do their part to achieve their aims and mission to cover up those past threats and maintaining and developing its present beauty.

The Sapot, web-liked steel cable wire structure on top of the steep and sharp set of rocks which can hold approximately up to 50 persons is one of the highlights of the tour, offering a 360-degree view of the area, including the Laguna de Bay, and the Sierra Mountain Range.

Duyan, is the giant hammock made of ropes over the deep forest of the area which connects the Sapot to another karsts or mountain. Aside from the Sapot this large hammock is one of the great places to take pictures, and relax with the group.

©Shane Pascual

Masungi also has caves, one of them is the “Yungib ni Ruben” or “Cave of Ruben”, which is discovered by one of their local staff, Ruben.

©Shane Pascual

Tatay is the highest peak in the area, also has the perfect view of the deep forests.

Nanay, 2^nd to the highest peak, at the opposite side of Tatay.

After the tour, Masungi Georeserve offers complimentary frozen towels and snacks to their guests, which is ready at the time you arrive in the Silungan or the canteen.

Masungi just open its door to the public last December 2015, and only cater guests with booking at least (3) days before the intended visit, but from the time of its opening, its booking is always full especially on weekends, so I suggest you book your visit months and months before your target date. Groups must be 7-14 members and must be 13 years old and above.

As of January 2017 rates are PHP 1,500.00/guest for weekdays and PHP 1,800.00/guest for the weekends.

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Masungi Georeserve
Garden Cottages, Kilometer 45 Marcos Highway,
Baras, Rizal, Philippines, 1970
E-mail Address: trail@masungigeoreserve.com

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Watch out for more information and website launching of islastory.com