Tambobong White Beach, Dasol, Pangasinan | Pangasinan's Secluded Beach Paradise

Tambobong White Beach and Colibra Island has clear calm waters and creamy white fine sand beach that can compete with the best beaches in the country.

Photo by: Chris | Colibra Island

Though located in a very remote location, Tambobong White Beach doesn’t disappoint travelers who are beat from the 9-hour drive (7 hours if non-stop). The group of 4 friends took a Toyota Yaris for a spin and it delivered perfectly without issues. Just be sure to pass through the paved roads in Dasol. Bobonot Barangay hall is the key landmark to remember because it is only a few meters away from the entry to the long road that leads to Tambobong. Also, gas up in Alaminos to be sure you won’t run out of gas for emergencies. The Dasol route will let you drive through rolling hills and sharp blind curves but it being the paved way makes it better than driving through Burgos. The Burgos route leading to Tambobong is still a rough terrain and is not recommended to tourists even by the locals.

Your home away from home is Tambobong White Beach Resort (09105641382). Nanay Benilda, the owner, wasn’t around to meet the group but her staff was more than accommodating. They will cook for you at a very minimal fee and even take care of your every housekeeping need while you’re there. It’s just like you are staying in with one of your far relatives –very homey. (Tip: Bring your own toiletries and bring a mosquito repellent, there’s too many mosquitoes at night)

Tuguegarao-Sta. Ana, Cagayan | Day 2. Surviving Cagayan

Day 2 was planned for the trip’s highlight. Everyone had to make sure they rested well to keep up with all the island hopping, hiking and spelunking that was in store for them.

Engano Cove, Palaui Island, Cagayan

Securing that green pass for the island hopping tour was a hassle. Avoid negotiating directly with boatmen or anyone presenting themselves as tour guides. Just go directly to the ‘Visitor’s Center’ located in San Vicente Port and ask assistance from there. The standard tour which will bring you to the destinations listed on this blog will cost P3,500 for the boat rental for a group of 6 persons. There will be other fees on top of the boat rental (i.e. island passes, guide fee). You can also skip the fee for the snorkeling guide and snorkeling gear. Just bring your own snorkel gear. After all, there isn’t so much reef life to experience at least in the places the Stokedtraveler’s group visited. Do not leave the visitor’s center without that ever so important ‘green pass’ and remember to bring it with you on the day of your tour.

Here’s the breakdown of the whole day island hopping itinerary:

Day 2

8am-5pm – Island Hopping (Cape Engano, Punta Verde, Crocodile Island, Anguib Cove)

5pm-6pm – Boat ride from Anguib Cove to Sun City

6pm – Check-in at Country Inn and Resort

Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas Islands, Camarines Norte | Bicol Region’s Not-so-hidden Paradise

Calaguas is a group of 17 islands in the province of Camarines Norte. Tinaga Island is where the famous long beach called Mahabang Buhangin Beach (locally known as “Halabang Baybay”) is located. The secret to its beauty is probably its ability to protect itself from man-made destruction. Being one of the provinces in the Bicol region, Camarines Norte in general is one of the most storm beaten provinces in Luzon.

This photo doesn't give justice to the actual beauty of the island

A shot of paradise. The water is sooo clear and blue!!

What to expect:

• Turquoise clear waters and powdery white sand partnered with green hills and lush landscapes.
• Long and tiring travel by land and sea. (Sea travel can be death defying depending on the season)
• Sumptuous seafood cooked fresh. Ask your bangkero or tour operator in advance.
• Not-so-comfortable tent accommodations.
• If you plan to travel DIY style, bring everything you need (i.e. wet bag for gadgets, gallons of water, light, food, mosquito repellent, tents, umbrella, safety kits etc)
• Cellphone signal is almost negligible. There are claims that there is cell signal on the island. There may be but it is so weak that it will just drain your device’s battery trying to connect to it. Just keep your devices turned off or in airplane mode when not in use.
• There are claims of a market on the island (must be verified on next trip)
• Get sunburned! You know you can’t resist swimming on those waters for hours!

Boracay Island, Aklan | Self-Exiled in Boracay: 5days/4nights Trip!

Boracay Island is one of the best known tourist destinations in the Philippines. It was even ranked as the best island in the world in one international travel magazine. Most people go there to relax while others go there for the party scene. Whatever you’re up for, Boracay is ready for you.

The Stokedtraveler and a few friends hastily booked a flight to Boracay via Zest Air. It wasn’t really that rushed because it was planned atleast a month ahead. The plan was to go for a 4-day trip. By Zest Air’s doing (they cancelled both flights 2-days prior to D-day!) the group had to cram to call Zest Air’s hotline to reschedule the flights. Least to say, the process was appalling enough to swear that this will be the first and last Zest Air flight the stokedtraveler will be taking (until they fix their act). When the rescheduled flights were released, the 4-day stay had to be extended one more day. The dilemma? What to do in Boracay for 5 days and 4 nights with a limited travel budget. 

Here’s the multi-part blog series on things to do and watch out for when self-exiled in Boracay for a week!

• Top 5 Boracay Activities You Shouldn't Miss

• Boracay Activities You'll be Better Off Not Doing

Boracay Island, Aklan | Self-Exiled in Boracay: Top 5 Boracay Activities You Shouldn't Miss

There’s so many one can dream of doing in Boracay. One trip to Boracay is never going to be enough. It is very rare to find someone claiming that he/she is tired of going to Boracay. True that a lot has changed over the years but Boracay will continue to please for as long as people will continue to care for its beauty.  A lot of new stuff have come to Boracay since it began attracting hordes of foreign/local tourists.

Here’s 5 things that the stokedtraveler liked best during his 5 day stay on the island.