March 2019 - Isla Story

Isla Story

ISLASTORY is a brand powered by Rakso Travel. Intended for those who want to design their own trip to the Philippines in a more special way. It features exciting and comprehensive listing of tours and activities such as diving, kayaking, hopping tours, zip lines, parasailing, horseback riding, spa and many other activities you can enjoy book within just seconds. The 7107 islands of the Philippines come to you with 7107 different stories! Design the trip YOU always want with IslaStory!

Friday, March 29, 2019


Decathlon, Europe’s number 1 sports retailer just opened its first outlet here in the Philippines located in the 2nd floor Bridgeway Exit of Festival Mall, Corporate Avenue, Alabang, Muntinlupa, the massive Decathlon store is filled with sports gear and apparel.




It’s dubbed as one of the biggest sports retailers in the world as it aims to make sports, fitness and wellness more accessible to every wellness-conscious individuals. If you want to get your fitness and sports gears on as soon as possible, pay a visit to this store as it offers you everything related to sports with super affordable prices.





The store has everything a sports and fitness enthusiast needs to help them live their active lifestyle like fitness, team sports, cycling, swimming, water sports, eyewear, golf, walking, climbing, mountain sports, fishing, running, rackets sports, skateboarding, rollerblading, electronic gadgets, target sports, winter sports, nature sports, nutrition, horse riding equipments, etc.





Decathlon encourages its customers to test their products. They are also very generous with a return policy. Also, membership is free with benefits such as an extended two-year warranty on goods and exclusive invitations to Decathlon-organized events.



Whether you are a sporty type or a lazy person, you will surely enjoy Decathlon's overwhelming wide range of products as it will motivate you to be even more active.



The store is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, and you can also buy their products online via www.decathlon.ph.

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Did we miss something? Share us your thoughts by commenting below or send us an email at tours.ph@raksotravel.comIf you'd rather talk to one of our travel representatives call us at +63 (2) 651-9000.

For other tours and travel needs,  check out our website at www.islastory.com.

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It is not surprising at all if you see a lot of tourists venturing out in El Nido. With its breathtaking natural landscapes, this place already sets the bar high as one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines!
You'll find El Nido at the northern tip of the mainland Palawan where dramatic rock formations, steep karst cliffs, cerulean waters, impeccable white sand beach, and breathtaking caves are waiting for you to be discovered.

Planning to experience this piece of paradise? Check out below how you can get there budget-wise and hassle free:

BY AIR
Just a few minutes away from the town is the airport serving El Nido known as Lio Airport (ENI). But as popular as a destination becomes, more and more ways on how to reach it emerges.

Option 1, you can book a direct flight from Manila (MNL) via a local carrier that’ll take about an hour and 15 minutes, but it’ll cost you probably more than your accommodation.

Option 2, you can book a flight bound to Puerto Princesa (PPS) via Philippine Airlines which will take about an hour and 25 minutes, then another 35 minutes flight going to El Nido via a local carrier. This option is also kind of expensive but not that tiring at all.

Then there’s option 3, where you’ll take the Puerto Princesa flight…followed by a six-hour van transfer from Puerto Princesa City going to El Nido. This option is cheaper but admit it, this one can be really exhausting and a waste of time!

Luckily, there is option 4 where you can fly with Philippine Airlines (PAL) from Clark (CRK) to San Vicente, Palawan (SWL) that will only take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. This route was just recently opened by PAL aiming to provide a worry-free flight to all its passengers and a cheaper seat rate for those who can’t afford the direct flights.

Imagine, paying a cheap flight but still having the same heartfelt quality service?? That’s how they do it in PAL.  
Check out below flight details:
Airport Code
Origin
Flight No.
Frequency
Schedule
Depart Time
Arrival Time
CRK
Clark International Airport
PR 2662
Daily
11:00
12:30
Click this link to check flight availability: RAKSO TRAVEL AIRLINE TICKET RESERVATION

Then, from San Vicente, catch a two hours van ride to El Nido town. To lessen your worries, why not let us take you there, right? Let our friendly drivers drop you off your hotels with ease. Just leave us a message on our Official Isla Story Facebook page.

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Did we miss something? Share us your thoughts by commenting below or send us an email at tours.ph@raksotravel.comIf you'd rather talk to one of our travel representatives call us at +63 (2) 651-9000.

For other tours and travel needs,  check out our website at www.islastory.com.

Don’t forget to follow & subscribe to get updated with Philippines travels!


It is already known that Subic Bay offers a plethora of comfortable accommodations, unique parks, and exciting activities. But what most people tend to miss out is the wide array of that serves delightful meal… making your vacation complete!
No matter what you're craving for any time of the day, just step outside your hotel and you'll see various restaurants offering Asian, European, American, and authentic local dishes. And with lots to choose from, you'll probably have a tough time deciding which should you munch first, right? We also hate that feeling that's why we narrowed down your options. *wink*

If you see yourself as a serious foodie, pack your appetites now and check out our top pick restaurants in Subic Bay:

4 .
GERRY’S GRILL
Waterfront Rd, Olongapo, Zambales
Type: Filipino and Asian | A la Carte
Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM daily
Must Taste: Beef Kare-kare, Bulalo, Crispy Pata, Sizzling Pork and Seafood Sisig, Inihaw na Pusit, Luchon Kawali, Seafood Gambas, Gerry’s Fried Chicken

As they say, you’d still rather be at Gerry’s!
With numerous restaurants all over the country, this restaurant has already built its reputation and it’s not hard to see why many love this restaurant. They will surely satisfy your Filipino cuisine cravings such as Sisig, Inihaw na Pusit, Crispy Pata, and Beef Kare-kare. The place itself is so inviting and vibrant that it attracts lots of diners every day.

Plus, you can easily spot them as they are located along the SBMA beach! So after a tiring day of trying out various water activities, just step inside Gerry's Grill, and feed that hungry wanderer in you!

 3 .
FORTUNE HONGKONG SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
727 Dewey Ave, Olongapo, 2200 Zambales
Type: Chinese | A la Carte
Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM daily
Must Taste: Peking Duck, Rock Lobster with Noodles, Fried Spare Ribs, Fortune Crab Dish

Got a bit of tough luck finding the best seafood restaurant in town? Then worry no more ‘cause this restaurant is every seafood lover’s dream!

Located at the ground floor of Best Western Plus Hotel - the only international branded hotel in Subic, Fortune Hongkong Seafood Restaurant will truly fulfill your appetite. The authenticity of the Chinese food here is so good that you'll wanna try out everything from their menu. Make sure to order their Peking Duck or your whole Chinese food experience will turn into nothing.

Aside from the meals, the whole place has this charismatic aroma making you feel like you've traveled all the way to China!

 2 .
TEXAS JOE’S HOUSE OF RIBS
Mc Kinley St, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales
Type: Southwestern American | A la Carte
Hours: 10:30 AM to 10 PM daily
Must Taste:  Texas Tornado Wings, Barbecue Quesadilla, Chopped Pork Platter, Hickory Smoked Spare Ribs, Hickory Smoked Spare Ribs, Smoked Chicken Sandwich

Texas Joe’s is one of the most popular authentic American smokehouses in Subic that knows exactly how a real barbeque should be made. Their menu ranges from salads, BBQ platters, BBQ sandwiches, steaks, and the classic sides. For our personal favorite? The Hickory Smoked Spare Ribs, slow cooked over hickory woods and char-boiled before served the dipped on their homemade BBQ sauces.

Did we get you mouthwatering over that one? Then put on those cowboy boots of yours and prepare to eat your heart out Texas-style!

 1 .
XTREMELY XPRESSO

#1 Dewey Avenue corner Sta Rita Street, SBFZ
Type: Italian | A la Carte
Hours: 6 AM to 12 M.N. daily
Must Taste: Big Ben Pizza, Spaghetti Pomodoro, Parmigiana, Spaghetti Puttanesca, Chicken Oriental Salad

Of course, Subic Bay has something for everyone especially for all the caffeine junkies out there!

Fill yourself up with a good dose of coffee at Xtremely Xpresso. This café is a casual bistro-restaurant known for serving Italy’s no.1 coffee mix, Lavazza. And aside from that, they also serve a unique collection of Italian menus like pizza, pasta, and ribs.

For big groups, you should try their Xtreme pizza also known as Big Ben! A large pizza topped with garlic, onions, peppers, mushrooms, black olives, pepperonis, sausages, bacon, beef, and two kinds of cheese enough to feed 10-15 persons!

One trip is all it takes to experience all the flavors of Subic Bay. You know the drill, take note of these restos, grab your food buddies, and join the local gastronomic scene!

Don’t have a hotel yet? Check out our recommended hotels & resorts: 7 RECOMMENDED HOTELS TO STAY IN SUBIC BAY AND CLARK
Doesn’t have any idea what’s your itinerary should be? Fret no more we got you covered, check our blog:  SUBIC-TACULAR GUIDE FOR YOUR FAMILY GETAWAY
If you're on the hunt for adventure and Instagram worthy spots, then click right away on these links: 4 MUST-DO WATER ACTIVITIES IN SUBIC BAY and COLOR-FUN SUMMER AT INFLATABLE ISLAND

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Did we miss something? Share us your thoughts by commenting below or send us an email at tours.ph@raksotravel.comIf you'd rather talk to one of our travel representatives call us at +63 (2) 651-9000.

Don’t forget to follow & subscribe to get updated with Philippines travels!



For other tours and travel needs, check out our website at www.islastory.com.

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Palawan is popularly known for its natural wonders and numerous islands. Among these islands is Coron, a major municipality of Palawan that harbors the most exciting and pristine islands therein,  one of which is the alluring Black Island.
Black Island or locally known as Malajon Island is located northwest just offshore of Busuanga Island.  Its popular name was adapted from the islands menacing look. Being made out of a massive thousand of years limestone karts, the island looks dark in color from afar, hence Black Island. But in contrary to its color, the island has a blinding white sand beach and hides interesting spots, such as a cliff, caves, and shipwrecks just by its shoreline, for the adventurous ones.
We embark to our Black Island adventure right after our lunch at Buluang Fishpond Restaurant.

For private tours,  this is the usual lunch stop which is actually a good destination, not only because they serve the best Filipino favorites but this restaurant is nearby a beach with a docking area. Our private gateway to Black Island. Though the docking area is underdeveloped, there are only a few private outrigger boats and are docked far from the shoreline so we had to walk through a semi-swampy sea just to get to the boat.
Our boat ride was hailed with strong waves since its seawater is connected to the vast China Sea, so our boat captain had to stop every now and then. It took us about 30 minutes until we get to the beach which was already gleaming from afar!
It was low tide by the time we arrived so you could easily notice the shipwreck by the shoreline. During high tide,  you’ll have to dive deep just to get up close, but we are lucky to actually touch it without even swimming in. It’s so amazing how shallow the wreck was, Coron is also known for the many shipwreck dive site,  so being closer to one is already cool enough for me! 
Next thing we did was to play at the beach,  even the sun was so high up and strikingly hot. Of course, why would I miss the sand’s soft texture and the crystal clear azure water that is oh so inviting! As usual,  the wave current was too strong so  I had a hard time snorkeling around, but I only needed just enough effort because the vivid coral garden is almost along the shore. It’s like they were waiting for us to dive in! The coral garden was so vast that you’ll never notice that you’re already far from the beach. If it wasn’t dangerous on the other side,  we’d probably went there already.
Afterward, we rest in our cottage. There are a few ones for rent, huge enough to accommodate at least 10 people per cottage and restrooms for showering. And amazingly,  though far from the mainland, the phone reception at the island is outstanding!!  So millennials who can’t get off the phone won’t have to worry about losing a signal here
Just before we leave our guide invited us to check out the cave. Knowing where caves are usually located, we thought we’ll be going over strenuous activity just to get to the cave so we were hesitant but then he said that it’ll be just 5 mins walk. Curious where this was, we followed our guide just behind the cottages... there you'll find a cavern with two pool pockets of fresh water where you can cool off for a quick dip.
I would say, the Black Island is indeed one of a must go destination in Coron.    Our afternoon there may be quick but it seemed to last all day.  With only a few people to bother you, lazing around the beach and getting a quiet time is very easy.  I would’ve loved to stay but at around 3 pm we head out back to the mainland.

Watch Isla Story's afternoon at Black Island’s pristine white sand beach!



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Wanted to know more? Let us know by commenting below or send us an email at tours.ph@raksotravel.com. If you'd rather talk to one of our travel representatives call us at +63 (2) 651-9003.

For other tours and travel needs, check out our website at www.islastory.com.

Don’t forget to follow & subscribe to get updated with Philippines travels!

Monday, March 25, 2019

Davao City is not just the home of the Philippine President or a sprawling metropolis in the island of Mindanao, it is a place blessed with both natural and man-made attractions. Not to mention, that this city stands out from the rest in terms of safety for everyone.

Now that Davao City got your attention, seeking places to visit must be your next step and we're here to be of help. Here are the 6 sites waiting for you to be explored on your next Davao Adventure:

6.
LON WA BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Culture: Mid
Physicality: Low
What to wear: Rubber shoes or comfortable walking sandals, shorts or pants, shirts
What to bring:  Extra cash, light bag, water, Camera, light snacks

What to expect?
Marvel in one of the biggest Buddhist Temple in the Philippines! Popularly known as Longhua Temple, which means "Temple of the Dragon", the Lon Wa Buddhist Temple showcases an intricate architecture, serene surrounding, and a rich history. 

There are lily ponds, a big smiling Buddha, lion statues, and wood carvings featuring the life of Buddha. Just a simple walk thru this place will surely give you peace of mind. Before leaving, do offer a prayer or simply make a wish.
5.
EDEN NATURE PARK
Culture:  Mid
Physicality:  Mid
What to wear: Rubber shoes or comfortable walking sandals, shorts or pants, shirts or jackets
What to bring: Extra cash, light bag, water, Camera or action camera, light snacks

What to expect?
If you're looking for the best place for nature-tripping, then head on to Eden Nature Park. It is an 80-hectare resort located on the outskirts of Davao City offering new adventures and peace of mind at the same time.

Not only you get captivated by the cool breeze here but you also get to enjoy numerous recreational activities for you, your family, and friends. Go for a leisurely swim, horseback riding, or even a zip line ride… the excitement here is boundless!



4.
D’BONE COLLECTOR MUSEUM
Culture:  Low
Physicality: Low
What to wear: Rubber shoes or comfortable walking sandals, shorts or pants, shirts
What to bring: Extra cash, light bag, water, Camera, light snacks

What to expect?
Brace yourself for a tour with lots of bones! Founded by American Bone Collector, Darrell D. Blatchley, D'Bone Collector Museum is the first and only of its kind in the Philippines.

It was opened in 2012 and now houses over 700 specimens!  In this three-story building, you will find a large collection of skulls, bones, and skeletons believed to be the biggest in the country. All the animals that are displayed in here died thru natural causes like some of the marine animals who died due to ingesting plastics. There are snakes, crocodiles, birds, dolphins, and many more. But what will truly amaze you are the assembled skeleton of the 41-foot sperm whale!

3
DAVAO CROCODILE PARK
Culture: Low
Physicality: Low
What to wear: Rubber shoes or comfortable walking sandals, shorts or pants, shirts
What to bring:  Extra cash, light bag, water, Camera or action camera, light snacks

What to expect?
From hatchlings to massive crocodiles, see them all at Davao Crocodile Park, a place where state of the art crocodile farming is being showcased to educate people about the importance of these reptiles. This park is also the home to various endangered and endemic animals such as Philippine deer, tall ostriches, giant snakes, and a Siberian Tiger and many more. They offer various shows and exhibit a thrilling crocodile frenzy!

For the highlight? Meet "Pangil", 18-feet long saltwater crocodile believed to be the oldest and biggest in captivity after the death of "Lolong", the 20-feet long crocodile that was hailed biggest in the world!

2
PHILIPPINE EAGLE CENTER
Culture: Low
Physicality: Low
What to wear: Rubber shoes or comfortable walking sandals, shorts or pants, shirts
What to bring:  Extra cash, light bag, water, Camera or action camera, light snacks

What to expect?
Located at the foot of Mt. Apo, the Philippine Eagle Center serves as a conservation and breeding facility for the country's critically-endangered National Bird, the Philippine Eagle also known as Monkey-eating eagle or “Haribon”.  It was established to prevent the Philippine Eagle’s extinction.  The goal is to breed and eventually release them in the wild where they truly belong and to raise awareness to all its visitors about the importance of saving the National bird.

Plus, the whole area has this tropical rainforest vibe with flourishing trees and plants which attracts more other species of birds making it a great site for a bird-watching activity.

1
DAVAO RIVER RAFTING ADVENTURE

Culture: Low
Physicality: High
What to wear: Slippers/Sandals/Aqua shoes, Shorts & Shirt, Swimwear, Rashguard
What to bring:  Change of clothes, Light towel, toiletries, Extra cash, Drybag, Camera or action camera, sunscreens

What to expect?
Who would have thought that you don't have to go all the way to Cagayan De Oro just to experience white water rafting? Yes, you've read that right, get the thrill you're looking for at Davao River!

Either you’re a professional or a newbie, you’ll definitely have a good time. Before the activity, there will be a short briefing where you will be taught with basic rafting and drifting skills and since safety is a must here, you'll have to wear life vests and helmets.

When you're ready to go, pick your best buddies and enjoy the ride! Throughout the whole course, drift, paddle, and go with the flow with the strong currents. So what are you waiting for? Don't be a scaredy-cat and try out this thrilling activity!

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Did we miss something? Share us your thoughts by commenting below or send us an email at tours.ph@raksotravel.comIf you'd rather talk to one of our travel representatives call us at +63 (2) 651-9000.

Don’t forget to follow & subscribe to get updated with Philippines travels!