Two weeks with Meg in the Philippines.
I almost called out my sisters name when I picked Meg up from the airport in Tacloban, Leyte. It was like stepping back in time.
We had two weeks to travel in the Philippines together. Here is our story.
We drove into the night the 2 hour distance between Tacloban and Catbalogan Samar, where I live. The night was cool and the sky was clear but there are no streetlights on the highway in Samar so we really didn’t see that much.
We made plans to head up to Donsol in the Bicol region of Luzon the following morning. (to see the whalesharks).
We got up early and bought a kilo of pisayan – Warray for shrimp. (180 pesos – around 4 USD)They were steamed with garlic, onion, and kalamansi. yum! marasa!
Catbalogan fish market-youtube video
The locals really got a charge out of seeing a blond haired girl in the market. Meg towers over most of the Filipinos and they just loved her.
We headed out from my place in Catbalogan around 9am.
It looks a bit awkward with the two backpacks on the gas tank, but here in Samar traveling that way is very common.
We had the snorkel gear tied on the back and Meg wore a backpack with the laptop and camera.
We did get a flat tire near Gandara. The valve stem ripped out of the tube.
We were a long ways from any town, and this stretch of road doesn’t get much traffic. I didn’t want to drive on the rim so we just decided to wait and see what happened.
When Meg took off her helmet, 5 vehicles appeared from nowhere and one offered to take us and the motorbike to a tire repair shop 8 kilometers up the road. They would not accept any money. The Filipino people are very kind!
Fortunately, we brought along two spare tubes so the mechanic replaced the bad one for 40 pesos.
Barefoot Tire Repair – youtube video
My bike usually get a flat every 6 weeks because of the rocky roads in Samar.
Note – the highway is in final stages of being re-surfaced and is going to be a dream when it’s done.
The people just loved Meg! She seemed to have a blast every stop of the way.
Our unplanned stop turned out to be a great way to interact a bit with the locals.
Sometimes you just have to go with the flow and take things as they come, rather than let minor mishaps spoil your day.
We got something to eat at the ferry terminal in Allen.
The trip across the water from Allen to Matnog on Luzon takes about an hour.
We were running a little late but that’s the way it goes sometimes. In this country they have what is commonly known as “Pilipino Time” – that means always running behind schedule!
So we were actually on time – Filipino time.
Early the following morning we went down to the whale shark watching tourist center and got on the next boat heading out.
park fee – 300 pesos – good for a week
boat fee – 500 pesos each – 7 people split the 3,500 rental fee
snorkel and fin rental – 300 pesos
The fins began to aggravate Meg, so she swam with bare feet – and was still way ahead of me!
Whale sharks in Donsol – youtube video
We stayed at the Hernandez Guesthouse in Donsol proper. Santiago Guesthouse across the street is another good value for the budget traveler.
Here too, Meg was a big hit.
We also saw 23 whalesharks.
What a memory!
Mt. Mayon near Legaspi.
We took a quick trip to the Cagsawa ruins. 1200 people got buried by hot lava when the Mayon Volcano had it’s last major eruption! Wow.
Meg
Getting some gifts!
The steeple of this church survived but the rest of the town was buried under lava.
Haven of Fun Beach Resort
On our return trip we stopped at Dalupiri Island off the north end of Samar. It is a peaceful place to relax on the beach for a day or two.
Octopus getting dried on Buri Beach in Samar.
Meg, the karaoke queen, belts out a tune.
It costs 5 pesos per play and is one of the most popular activities in the Philippines. It doesn’t matter how bad you sing, but it must be loud.
Volume trumps quality every time!
The Filipinos love volleyball!
The players try to keep the ball in the air as long as possible instead of trying to slam each other.
We be jammin!
We were back in Catbalogan and Mr and Mrs Pacoli had invited us for dinner.
Mr and Mrs Pacoli tearing up the dance floor!
Prony the Python in Bohol below
Huge Python – youtube video
While in Bohol we stayed at the Nuts Huts – a funky backpacker resort on the Loboc River.
We did stop at one of the tarsier farms!
Tarsier farm
The next stop was Cebu Island but we only stayed one day because Meg was flying back to Manila from Dumaguete.
Traveling by air is the best and cheapest option if you are short on time and patience!
Above – eating at the “Why Not” Restaurant in Dumaguete
Dumaguete – Night Waves – youtube video
Casaroro Falls – youtube video
Whale shark watching – youtube video
…gotta love the philippines!
fruit stand
Climbing Mount Apo
General Santos
Growing Orchids
Judy's Resto Bar
Logging with Motorcycles
Mount Mayon
Balabac Island
Biri Island
Calbiga Cave
Capul Island
Mangrove Swamp Palawan
Mikes's Resort
Looks like you guys made some great memories. I think we all would rather sit in our future rocking chairs remembering and not wishing.
Very nice narrative and video’s of Meghan’s time in the Philippines… Good job Dutchpickle!!
Back in Alberta….still 2 feet of snow.
Hi Aunt Grace and Uncle Jack,
I really enjoyed traveling with Meg. She has been a joy, and brought back memories of her mom when we were young!
cheers
dp
hi! its a different whole lot of experience!! i juz dropped by and read your best memories here in the Philippines.. im happy the way you treat Filipinos..
Gudluck!! GODSPEED!
Hello jhong,
Thanks…
I really love living and traveling in the Philippines! It’s a beautiful country and the people are are a lot of fun!
cheers
dp
I love to ride bikes and i see you can rent xr 250 in palawan in pp or el nido have you done any riding on this island or busuanga and do have any any tips for places to see. is it a long haul from el nido to pp. i would like to start in coron at the kokousnus than take a boat to el nido is there a boat that does this run.
Thanks patrick stuck and slowly dieing in manila
Hello patrick,
Motorbikes are available in both El Nido and Puerto Princessa.
It is a long day from El Nido to Puerto as you infer.
The gravel road between the two is not that interesting but the road to Sabang from PP, 2 hours,is very scenic.
I don’t think any rental companies will want you to leave the island with the bike, and am not sure of boat connections.
I have gone by ferry from Manila to Puerto Princessa and from El Nido to Manila on the fish boat last year.
Palawan would be a good break from Manila.
Happy trails!
dp
Thanks for the information your travels around the phil looks like its been great fun and adventure. I would like to do some of the same when im done here in manila.
i was in busuanga a couple weeks ago and you can rent the xr200 there for 800.
ill get back in the saddle there for a warmup ride then try to get a boat to el nido.
ill rent there and maybe just ride local there for a couple days and hook up with martin for some island hopping. is there some good riding in the area. i like off road mostly.
Not sure if you have been to busuanga before but coron is a cool little town with lots of island hopping from the pier for 200 to 400 on a shared boat for the day.
twin lagoon at coron island is a must, theres hikes into a couple lakes that are nice. theres also several nice beaches you can go into.
there’s great wreck diving there if you like wrecks. tex captin manny he has a nice boat you can have on your own for 1500 if you sweetalk him his cell is 09296783948.
kokosnuss resort has great nipa huts for 450 fan room with shared bath great chow its owned by a father son team from germany that have traveled palawan for a year then settled here. staffed by extra friendly all female staff. kokosnuss.info/ has a great website for all the info of the area.
You can fly pal for 1000 one way from manila.
Thanks much your story’s have been fun to read Patrick
Hello patrick,
Thanks for the info about Busuanga / Coron!
The circle route around the northern end of Palawan might be interesting to you. (It’s mostly gravel road)
My take on the ride from El Nido to Puerto Princessa,is that it is a tad bland. A stop off at the fort in Tay Tay might be interesting, but I think the road to Sabang from Puerto is much more scenic.
The road from El Nido to Roxas is gravel and then it is hard top the rest of the way to Puerto.
cheers
dp
Thanks again dp Stephanie and i will be in purto princess next Wednesday thou Sunday for her birthday.
I’m trying to talk her into a bike ride to sabang to see the river but its been hard to convince her. Cant blame her after watching the way the locals ride here in manila.
Or it may be the large scare on my shoulder from my run in with a huge deer on my yamaha in northern Minnesota in 07.
There are more deer on the roads there than there are dogs down here. of coarse wild life is rare in manila, most of it is dead on the side of the road. I did see a bird last week, he must have been lost.
I think the ride to el nido would be to long. do you no if the public buses run up there from sabang or pp.
We spent a few days in narra at the paradise beach resort in january but a little spendy at 2500 for the standard room at the prom rate but it was very private and peaceful. Not many people head south from pp so after three months in manila it sounded perfect.
The place would be worth a visit for some chow, they have a good restaurant. Check out the extensive grounds and take a stop at there spa. 500 for a kick ass massage and 300 for a whirlpool tub that will surly wash off your road grime. Its 10 min south of narra look for the sign by the s store. twenty minutes past that heading north there’s a nice little falls look for the sign.
Thanks much for the info Patrick
Hello patrick,
There are many many vans that make the day trip from Puerto Princessa to Sabang. They wait in the shade ’till everyone s ready to go back to PP.
There are also public jeepneys that go to Sabang. Your idea of going by bike is good because the ride is so scenic and you can stop along the way at places such as Ugong Rock.
There road s in very good condition with the exception of perhaps 5 kilometers that is still rough gravel – take it slow in that area.
As you mention – the ride from Puerto Princessa to El Nido by motorbike is very long and not fun at all for the passenger. That run is much more dusty because the road is gravel from Roxas to El Nido. It is also more slippery if you are not used to riding on gravel.
I suggest taking the van to Puerto from El Nido (maybe 8 hours?) . You can rent a motorbike n PP or take the van to Sabang (only 2 hours each way)
I enjoyed staying on the beach at Sabang for a few days. Most of the tourists just go to the underground river and then return to their hotel in PP the same day.
take care
dp
THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL THE GREAT INFO. I LEFT A MESSAGE A COUPLE DAYS AGO BUT I FORGOT WERE. WE WILL RIDE UP TO SABANG, HOPE IT WILL BE ON THE BIKE.
IF NOT WHERE DO YOU GET THE SHARED VANS AND DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH THEY ARE PER PERSON.
THE TOURS ARE 1500 PER PERSON FOR THE PACKAGE OF RT VAN AND PARK AND BOAT FEES. I THINK WE CAN DO BETTER DOING OUR OWN THING BECAUSE WE ARE ONLY GOING ONE WAY.
ITS STEFFS BIRTHDAY THE DAY WE GO UP TO SABANG AND SHE SAID IT BAD LUCK FOR PHILIPINOS TO DO SOMETHING DANGEROUS ON THERE BIRTHDAY SO WE WILL SEE.
I WOULD LIKE TO OVERNIGHT THERE BUT COULD NOT FIND MUCH INFO ON THE ACCOMMODATIONS ON THE BEACH THERE IN SABANG. I SEEN A YOU TUBE VIDEO OF A NICE LOOKING PLACE WITH A BUNCH OF WHITE TWO STORY BUILDINGS THAT LOOKED NICE, DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA.
I AM ALREADY PLANNING MY NEXT TRIP FOR 10 DAYS STARTING IN CORON THEN HEADING SOUTH BY BIKE OR BOAT. IM GOING TO TRY TO GET TO SEE AS MUCH AS I CAN. I BOOKED RT AIR FOR 2300 FROM MANILA TO BUSUANGA ON THERE PROMO RATE ON PAL.
STEFF WILL BE AT HERE MOMS SO ILL HAVE FREE RAINS FOR THAT TRIP
THANKS PATRICK
Hello patrick,
If you do go by bike, you will find several places on the beach that still have nipa huts for around 500 pesos a night.
Be advised the towns electricity goes out around midnight. My feeling is that the high end resorts will completely take over the beach as Sabang grows, but you still have time to enjoy the simple life now.
I rented a nipa from Robert’s and it was one of the nicest places that I have stayed in the Philippines. We had the entire beach to ourselves on our midnight swims.
There is a restaurant on the main road that has good meals, we ate there at night, but went to the carinderia where the van drivers eat during the day.
I was surprised how nice Sabang was because there are hoards of tourists but most go directly to the cave and then zip back to Puerto Princessa. There is a nice waterfall and a mangrove forest within walking distance and you can even walk to the entrance of the underground river,
I hope that the bike works for you because it will be an easy stop at the Ugong cave too. hint-my girl was wearing high heal sandals so had to borrow sandals to do the cave thing. Maybe your girl can wear flat shoes.
There are endless vans going to Sabang but am not sure the cost because I never took one – sorry.
Should be in Coron in 2 weeks myself. Maybe we can meet up for a beer.
ps I am on Cuyo Island right now on the way to Puerto Princessa at 3pm.
cheers
dp
DP
THANKS FOR THE INFO ON SABANG, I DID FIND INFO ON ROBERTS ON LINE AND I THINK THAT WILL WORK OUT WELL. THE PRIVACY WILL BE NICE AND I HAD BEEN PLANING ON THE MANGROVE FOREST, WATERFALLS AND THE BEACH. THE 500 A NIGHT SOUNDS GOOD ALSO.
I LIKE THINGS SIMPLE AND THE LESS PEOPLE THE BETTER.STEFF LIKES THE NICE PLACES, BUT I CAN BLAME HERE SHE HAS NOT BEEN TO MANY.
YA THE GIRLS REALLY LIKE THERE HIGH HEELS AND ALL THE OTHER GIRL CLOTHS THAT MAKE THEM LOOK GREAT,DON’T THEY. STEFF HAS SOME GOOD WALKING SHOES ILL HAVE HERE BRING.
I HAVE BEEN TEACHING HER HOW TO SNORKEL, AND SHES DOING REAL GOOD. THIS SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD PLACE FOR HER TO PRACTICE. MAYBE SHE WILL DIVE WITH ME SOMEDAY.
SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE IN PALAWAN NOW, WE FLY IN AT 700 PM WEDNESDAY ON CUBU PACIFIC, IF YOUR STILL IN TOWN WHEN WE GET IN CHECK US OUT IF YOU WANT. TEX STEFFS CELL AT 09153648199 SHE ALWAYS HAS IT ON HER.
I DONT ALWAYS HAVE MINE WITH ME. WE HAVE THE FIRST NITE AT THE PUERTO PENSION AND LATE DINNER AT KA LUIS. IF YOU WANT TO HOOK UP.
I FIGURE YOUR ON THE ROAD ALREADY, IF SO ENJOY YOUR RIDE AND RIDE SAFE. LOOK OUT FOR THE DOGS. THE GUY IN NARRA DIDENT LOOK TO GOOD AFTER HIS RUN IN.
LASTLY, ILL FLY INTO BUSUANGA ON MARCH 10 AND I HAVE HAVE A COUPLE OF WEEKS TO DO MY OWN THING.STEFF IS GREAT, SHE KNOWS HOW MUCH I LOVE TO RIDE.
I PLAN ON RENTING BIKES IN CORAN, EL NIDO, AND PP AS I WORK MY WAY SOUTH.THERE IS A BOAT FROM CORON TO EL NIDO.
HOOKING UP FOR A BEER SOUNDS GOOD LET ME NO WHEN YOU THINK YOU WILL THERE. ILL BE STAYING AT THE KOKOSNUSS IN CORON, OGIE PENSION IN EL NIDO THE REST ALL BOOK ON THE FLY.HAVE FUN ON YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE IN PALAWAN.
THANKS PATRICK
I EMAIL THE KOKOSNESS ABOUT A BOAT FROM
Hello Patrick,
I just arrived in Puerto Princessa from Iloilo this morning by boat.
Planning on stopping in Port Barton and San Vicente before heading up to El Nido. The plan is to take a boat from there to Coron.
Keep in touch!
cheers
dp
HI DP
WE JUST ARE LEAVING TO THE AIRPORT NOW. ENJOY PORT BARTON AND EL NIDO CANT WAIT TO SEE THEM ALSO
PATRICK
HI DP
JUST GOT BACK HOME LAST NIGHT, MAN FOUR DAYS WAS NOT ENOUGH BUT THAT’S ALL THE TIME STEFF HAD OFF FROM WORK.
WE GOT OUT OF PP EARLY THE NEXT MORNING AFTER ARRIVING THE NIGHT BEFORE, CARLO HAD A BRAND NEW 150 ENDURO WITH ONLY 350 K ON IT. PAYED 2700 FOR 3.5 DAYS. WHAT GREAT LUCK A NEW BIKE. THE RIDE UP WAS NICE. I LIKE THE WINDING ROAD THREW THE MOUNTAINS.
WE STAYED AT THE VILLA LEONORA BEACH RESORT IN SAN RAFAEL, ITS 25K NORTH OF THE SABANG TURN OFF. ARTHER A BRITISH GUY JUST REBUILT IT AFTER IT AFTER HIS NIPA HUTS HAD BURNED DOWN. HE HAS BEEN THERE FOR 22 YEARS AND HAD ENDLESS STORYS TO TELL AFTER A FEW SHOTS OF HIS JOHNNY WALKER BLUE. HIS PLACE WAS REAL NICE WITH AIRCON OR FAN ROOMS ON THE BEACH.
HE HAD A NICE BOAT AND CREW FOR THE HONDA BAY ISLAND HOP THAT LEFT RIGHT FROM THE BEACH. THE UNDERGROUND RIVER TRIP WAS ALSO ARRANGED AND STARTED FROM THE RESORT. BOTH WERE WELL DONE AND SHORTER STARTING THERE INSTEAD OF PP.
THE GROUNDS AND LANDSCAPING WERE WELL DONE AND VERY NICE ALSO.FAN ROOM 1350 AND NICE AIRCON FOR 1950 INCLUSIVE OF VAT AND BREAKFAST.
I ROAD EVERY MORNING FOR A FEW HOURS WHILE STEFF SLEPT. I LIKE STARTING AT SUNRISE WHEN IT WAS COOL. I ROAD FROM THE RESORT TO SABANG THE FIRST MORNING, IT WAS I SWEET RIDE LIKE YOU SAID. DAY TWO RESORT TO ROXAS AND BACK I LIKE THIS RIDE AS WELL. LAST DAY JUST RODE AROUND THE AREA CHECKING OUT THE LOCAL STUFF AND LATER THE RIDE BACK TO PP.
HOPE YOUR TRIP IS GOING WELL AND YOUR ENJOYING YOUR YOURSELF. IF YOU HAVE ANY BOAT INFO BETWEEN CORON TO EL NIDO AND FROM EL NIDO TO SABANG PLEASE LET ME KNOW ON THE SCHEDULE AND PRICE.
PATRICK
DP
ALMOST FORGOT FOR THE VILLA LEONORA HAS TWO LIKE NEW HONDA’S FOR RENT FROM THE OWNER FOR 500 FOR 24 HOURS MAYBE BETTER PRICE IF YOU RENT both. CHECK HIM AT +639162225720 or +639289041392. or villaleonora @ gmail.com website villaleonoraresort.com
wow…. impressive. you know the movie “the motorcycle diaries” ??? you could do the 2nd part. :)
i travel a lot myself and love when people do things like you…
ciao christoph
Hello Christoph,
I enjoyed your blog as well – thanks.
dp
nice pics. but wish i can zoom in a little bcause your pamangkin looks like a white version of my crush when i was in highschool. :D I’m 3rd yr. college now. :D hehe
btw your blog is such a great find. i didn’t noticed i spent 3 hrs already reading your blog entries.. keep it up.. =]
Dp
Are you still in ormoc?my hubby will be here next week and I’m looking for some foreigners for him to have a few round of beers so he wouldn’t be bored.
Hello Irisdiane
I am not in the Philippines right now but should be back in a month or two.
dp
Damn, your website is a resource goldmine of roro experiences and traveling by motorcycle. I’m a resident of Manila and I’ve only started motorcycling two years ago. I’ve scoured over a few articles here in your blog site and found very useful insights for my plan on a motorcycling trip from Manila to Cagayan De Oro on January 2012. Thanks a whole lot.
I’m not sure if you’re a fan of MCP (Motorcycle Philippines), it’s also got a great resource for traveling around the country using motorcycles. motorcyclephilippines.com/forums/. My username there is loloyd.