A Traveler’s Guide: Why book your transfer rental with us?

Have you ever experienced bargaining or being ignored by taxi drivers, got stuck waiting in long lines for your transfer booked through ride-hailing apps, or dragging your bags around looking for public transport? Well, you’re not the only one. There are still a number of travelers that face this situation and it's driving them crazy. 

So, if you want to save yourself some hassle, then you've got to book your transfers with us! Need some convincing? Read the below reasons: 

Best Price Guaranteed

There are lots of companies around the Philippines that offer transfer services but we ensure that you'll get the best service at the most reasonable price. Why pay more when you can have quality service at a lower price, right? 

Plus, expect great value with our rates that are all-inclusive and you don't have to worry about any hidden charges! 

Safe and Reliable

Roaming around in a place where you're not familiar can be scary since you usually don't know whether if the taximeter will not go sky-high or your booked transfer is safe. 

We give importance to transparency and honesty. Right after you book with us, you'll be contacted by one of our agents thus, all the necessary details will be forwarded to you. You may also contact them ahead of time if you have any queries or travel details you may need. Not only we take pride in ensuring that your smooth journey will be safe wherever you are in the Philippines but we also offer you peace of mind!

Travel comfortably on spacious seats

Whether you got a long flight or not, you deserve to have a stress-free transfer service! Find the vehicle best suited to your needs within our high-quality fleet. Each vehicle enunciates style and has allotted space for your luggage. We provide elegant cars, vans for those with big luggage, and buses for bigger groups. You can also request for luxury vehicles if you want to travel with more class! 

Service of an English-speaking Driver

No more miscommunication and getting lost with our reliable local drivers that’ll happily assist you in your journey!

As part of our transfer service, our drivers will greet you with a smile and guide you to your vehicle. They are also familiar with the city and the different destinations that you'll be going to that's why they'll gladly answer your questions if you have any. As for the airport service, make sure to relay to us your flight details so that our driver knows which terminal you're arriving and can adapt to any changes if there are any delays. 

Save time!

Reach your destination without waiting in long taxi lines or wasting time navigating in unfamiliar public transportation! In just a few steps, you can book your desired transfer and have the details sent directly to your inbox by one of our tour representatives. It's so simple that you can stay relaxed and still got more time to find other interesting things to do around the area.

Having pre-arranged transfers will not only give you convenience but also lots of perks just like the stated above. We will guarantee the best experience for the most affordable rates, without compromising quality! Want to start booking your first trip with us? Click here: https://islastory.com/

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Did we miss something? Share us your thoughts 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) 651-9000.

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!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islastoryph/

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Day trekking in Mount Pinatubo: All you need to know

Mt. Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano that erupted last 1991. During the explosion, it heaved everything with great force, buried the surrounding area with ashes, many lives perished, most locals lost their homes and even caused such change in the Earth's atmosphere and temperature! 

But all these are in the past and what now remains is the stunning landscape resulted from Mt. Pinatubo's wrath. By this time you may be wondering, what's with Mt. Pinatubo that attracts thousands of tourists? 

Well, here's the tea. Aside from the off-road adventure on a lahar terrain and an exciting trek, most visitors are attracted to the famous Crater Lake! Yes, Mt. Pinatubo has a crater filled with color-changing water depending on the season. It turns from blue green or jade to almost black because of the algae and lichens.  

Mt. Pinatubo is not just a volcano; it’s a reminder of a disastrous past but eventually turned out to be something beautiful. Ready to conquer and be astonished by Mt. Pinatubo's beauty? Continue reading so you'll have the right preparations! ;) 

How to get to Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake?

This infamous volcano is located 55 miles northwest of Manila which lies on the tripoint boundary of the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. 

If you’re coming from Manila, make sure to leave early since the drive will take around 2 hours up to Sta. Juliana Tourism in Tarlac. From there, you’ll have to register and hop on a 4x4 ride up to the jump off point. With the scenic view of the lahar trail, most hikers tend to stop by for a quick photo.

Once you reached the jump off point at the foot of Mt. Pinatubo crater, you trek will begin! The travel time from the trailhead up to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo depends on your age. Usually, it takes 1.5 up to 2 hours for the younger ones and well, longer pace for the elderly.

At the top there’s a viewing deck area where you can feast your eyes with the remarkable view of the Crater Lake. You’ll also find a stair leading down to the lake to see it closer but you’re not allowed to touch the water!

At around 11:30 AM to 12 Noon, you’ll start to descend from the crater – Another 2 hours trek and 4x4 ride back to Mt. Pinatubo DENR.

While DIY-tours are very popular these days, it's still better to have your Mt. Pinatubo tour pre-booked so you'll have nothing else to worry about.

What to Expect

Trekking up to the Crater Lake of Mt. Pinatubo can be done in one day. It sure is an activity that’ll need your full physical strength but you’ll be rewarded with an amazing view of nature, and that’s really worth it, right?

During the 4x4 ride, the terrain will vary depending on the weather. When it’s sunny, it will be dusty while during rainy days, it’ll turn muddy and a bit harder to get pass through. Regardless, it’ll still give of an amazing view.

The trail itself is not that hard, in fact, all newbie hikers can try it. What only makes it difficult is due to local weather conditions as well.

Travel Tips

Of course, we want you to have an exciting experience which is why, aside from checking out the weather on your travel dates, make sure to note down our travel tips below:

What To Wear/ Bring:

·         Sturdy Footwear

·         Bring Personal Tumbler/ Water and light snacks

·         Put on sun block and hat/ heat protection

·         Extra clothes and Toiletries

·         Personal medication

Other Information:

·         This activity is not suitable for children, pregnant women, or any participant with heart conditions.

·         There are restrooms at the jump off point where you can take a bath after the hike.

·         The trek will take longer if you’ll have more stops for rest and take photos.

·         The last kilometer distance from the peak offers a rest stop and toilets.

·         No group leaves past 8 AM.

·         At 12 noon, everyone, including the park staffs are required to descend to avoid the risk of getting stranded and get caught of sudden afternoon showers.

Lastly, just like any destinations, listen do what your guide says and enjoy the whole experience!

We know you’re tired after all the 4x4 rides and hour long trek so, how does a mud pack treatment sounds? Book it here: Puning Hot Spring

Watch our exciting experience at Mt. Pinatubo!

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Did we miss something? Share us your thoughts 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) 651-9000.

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!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islastoryph/

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Party the Filipino way by attending these October Festivals!

It’s crazy, it’s loud, and definitely, something that will immerse you on the colorful Filipino culture!

Image by MassKara Festival Official Facebook Page

Attending a Filipino fiesta or festival should always be on the bucket list of everyone whether you’re a visitor or a local. Filipino fiestas are usually for saints, fruits, flowers, fish, roast pigs, and even masks! But, regardless of what they are celebrating, one thing is for sure, tables will be filled with foods and streets will be booming with nothing but singing and dancing!

Image by Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Official Facebook Page

Want to attend one? Check out below the festivals happening this October!

MassKara Festival

Where:  Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

When: October 08-27, 2019

While some cities claim that their festivals are the "most colorful", MassKara Festival in Bacolod City is surely the winner for the "most joyful". 

Image by MassKara Festival Official Facebook Page

It is an annual month-long celebration with highlights every 4th Sunday of October. The word MassKara was coined from the English word "Mass", which means many people and the Spanish word "cara", meaning, faces by the late president of the Arts Association of Bacolod (AAB), Ely Santiago. Hence, the festival is known as the Festival of Many Faces. 

Image by MassKara Festival Official Facebook Page

The MassKara Festival began during a time of crisis - when the world market price for sugar and monocrop went down and the inter-island vessel MV Don Juan sank on its way to Bacolod that took 750 lives in total. Therefore, the main goal of the festival was to bring joy and uplift the spirits of the locals after these tragic events. 

Image by MassKara Festival Official Facebook Page

The main highlight of this festival is, of course, the street dance competitions where everyone gets to showcase their creativity through vibrant costumes and energetic choreography. There will also be beauty pageants, agriculture-trade fairs, carnivals, sports events, and concerts! 

One of the most awaited events this year is the Electric MassKara, a street dancing competition that will be held at night and dancers are adorned with bright lights. 

Check out the MassKara Festival 2019 Official Website to view the schedule of events and updates.

HERMOSA FESTIVAL

Where: Zamboanga City

When: October 12, 2019

Locally known as Fiesta Pilar, Zamboanga Hermosa is one of the biggest and most important festivals in Zamboanga City! The word "Hermosa" signifies their beauty and rich culture.

Image by Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Official Facebook Page

This month-long celebration every October honors the miraculous image of Our Lady of Pillar or the Nuestra Señora de la Virgen del Pilar enshrined at the legendary Fort Pilar. The main feast day is on October 12 where locals will hold novena masses all throughout the day. 

Image by Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Official Facebook Page

Aside from this, it will also feature lively street dancing, various exhibits, ethnic parade, and Mascota de Zamboanga, a gala event that showcases Mascota, formal and elegant gowns, created by local designers. 

Image by Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Official Facebook Page

You may be thinking, it's just the same as the other Philippine festivals, but it's not! The unmissable part of this festival is the boat sailing competition popularly known as Regatta De Zamboanga! During this event, your eyes will never get enough of the vibrant traditional Banca, Vinta. They will hold a race and a display competition to see which is the fastest and the most beautiful Vinta! 

If you're looking for something to eat, they got you covered as well. Zamboanga City is known as the Sardine Capital of the Philippines, so, to acknowledge its rich sea bounty, they will hold a seafood boodle fight called Wow Sardinas.

Check out the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival Official Facebook Page to view the schedule of events and updates.

LANZONES FESTIVAL

Where: Mambajao, Camiguin

When: October 20-27, 2019

If the MassKara Festival is the "most joyful", then we could say that the Lanzones Festival is the "Sweetest"! 

Image by Camiguin Tourism Office Official Facebook Page

Camiguin takes pride in its leading export product which is the Lanzones. It is a well-loved tropical local fruit that's when completely ripe, tastes sweet! Aside from this, it is also rich with several health benefits such as vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. 

Image by Camiguin Tourism Office Official Facebook Page

The Lanzones festival coincides with the harvest season for the Lanzones which is October. Usually, it is held on the 3rd week but the overall festivity lasts up to 4 days or a week! 

The celebration features different activities such as Lanzones eating contest, agriculture and crafts trade shows, cottage and barangays beautification.

Check out the Camiguin Tourism Office Official Facebook Page to view the schedule of events and updates.

So, have you decided which festival you'd go to?  If yes, don't forget these travel essentials – a solid plan ('cause everything might get a little bit cray cray), a camera, comfy clothes, water tumbler, and your very own jolly spirit! 'Cause take it from us, these festivals will be one of the best days of your Philippine Trip!

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Did we miss something? 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!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islastoryph/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/IslaStory

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+IslaStory