Mimbalot Falls of Brgy. Buru-un, Iligan City

Iligan City is well-known for its falls as this city homes to no less than 30 waterfalls. Some of the famous waterfalls of Iligan are Tinago Falls and Maria Christina Falls (which I always came across on my elementary and high school textbooks). Moreover, this blog post will feature Mimbalot Falls. Another waterfall in Iligan with undeniably beautiful cascading water.

Our visit to Mimbalot Falls was actually unexpected and unplanned. Our group should be visiting Maria Christina Falls and Tinago Falls but due to landslide because of Typhoon Agaton, we were unable to visit those iconic falls. So we ask our driver of that tour an alternative as we do not want to leave the city of Iligan without visiting any of its falls. Then he mentioned Mimbalot Falls. Though we don't have an idea what Mimbalot Falls looks like, we all agreed to his suggestion.

How to get there?
From the city proper, you can ride a jeep with a "Buru-un" signboard. If you are near the NPC Park, the area of Mimbalot Falls is just 15 minutes away and the fare is 10 pesos per pax. Inform the driver to drop you off at Miguel Canohoy Memorial School. Then from the school you can just walk going to Mimbalot Falls. There are locals living along the way to Mimbalot Falls. Locals here are very approachable so you can ask for directions going to the falls. When you reach the welcoming sign of "Iligan City School of Fisheries", just continue walking on the left. After 10 minutes of another walk, you'll be able to hear the strong sound of falling and running water. Yes! You're now in Mimbalot Falls!

Shot at one of the viewing deck of Mimbalot Falls

After being stopped by landslide with our supposedly trip to Maria Christina and Tinago Falls, seeing Mimbalot Falls that day brought us happiness and charge our spirit up! Mimbalot Falls is covered with trees and plants from its foot until on its top. It stands at 90 feet and cascades into a series of drops because of its water path has lots of large rock that divides the water in rivulets. How I wish it was a fair day during our visit because I found Mimbalot Falls photogenic. Unfortunately, it was raining had that day and its too risky exposing my camera out in there. But I did tried taking photos to have something to post in here.

Aside from taking photographs and dipping into the water, visitors can also enjoy zip lining and trekking as Mimbalot Falls is part of a Paradise Resort and Eco Park. The Eco park is located on top of Mimbalot Falls so you have to trek up to be able to reach it. Take an extra caution when trekking up as the steps are quite slippery. Don't worry as it will only take10-15 minutes of trekking to reach the Eco park.

Way going to the Eco Park

Upon reaching the Eco park, the environment has changed. It is already developed as I saw cottages and different rides above Mimbalot Falls. Some of the rides were zip lines, cable cart, hanging bridge walk, trampoline (on the edge of a cliff) and a swing (swings its passenger to the cliff back to the edge). I also heard they also offer horse back riding, ATVs and dirt biking.

Cable Cart trip that will cross along Mimbalot Falls

This activity will swing you back and forth to an edge of a cliff

Try walking across this hanging bridge

Right away, our group did tried their zip line. The unique thing of zip lining at the Eco park is you've got to see the full view of Mimbalot Falls as this line will cross you from it. Yes, we were on top of Mimbalot Falls. I couldn't hold myself to be amazed on its beauty and all that surrounds it. It is really a must try guys! It costs us 150 pesos per pax for the zip line. If you want to do it in a superman way, you'll have to pay 200 pesos. Aside from that, you also have a choice if you want to do it alone or with a partner. If there is something I regret that day, it was the thought that I should have brought my camera with me during my turn on the zip line. Zip lining here will gives you the perfect angle and view of the waterfalls. Ugh! I should have find a plastic to cover my camera from that rain!

Yap and Baron enjoying the ride

Note: If you have lots of spare time, you can also do river trekking at from Tinago Falls going to Mimbalot Falls. Yes, this two falls are connected to one another. Just make sure you have dry bags or any waterproof bags as you'll be expected to get wet during this trek.

Though the rain didn't stop that day, we still did enjoy our trip to Iligan... to Mimbalot Falls. This unexpected trip really brought us unexpected happiness!!!

Breakdown of Expenses:
Jeepney ride - 10 PhP per pax
Zip line (two-way) - 150 PhP per pax
Zip line Superman way (two-way) - 200 PhP per pax
Trampoline - 120 PhP per pax
Cable Cart - 120 PhP per pax
Hanging Bridge - 50 PhP per pax

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White Island: The Naked Island of Camiguin

I've been to Naked Island of Britania Group of Islands in Surigao del Sur and even though I am not fond of staying (long) under the sun, I enjoyed my stay there. That's why I was very excited when I visited Camiguin and got the chance to visit its own version of the naked island, named White Island.

White Island is just like any typical naked island where there are no trees, plants or grass above its sand bar. However, Camiguin's White Island offers a 360 degree picturesque view featuring Mt Mambajao, Mt Hibok-hibok and Old Volcano. Plus, if the weather is fair, islands of Bohol and Leyte are also can be seen from White Island. A great backdrop for photo op and an ideal subject for landscape photography.

How to get there?
If it happens that you are from Mambajao (Camiguin's Capital), you may take a multicab ride going to Brgy. Agoho. Just politely ask the driver to drop you at the nearest beach going to White Island. White Island is a popular tourist destination in Camiguin and therefore, drivers knew where to take you. Multicab ride takes 15-20 minutes. Upon reaching Agoho beach, ask the locals where you can find rent a pump boat that will take you to White Island. Usually, they are near Paras Beach Resort. Boat rental costs 450 Pesos which can carry up to 6 people. Trip usually takes less than 10 minutes.

Approaching White Island

This sandbar of White Island is in the form of a horseshoe, letter C or letter I, depending on the height of the tides. It is surrounded by rich and clear water which makes it a perfect site for snorkeling. There are lots of untouched corals and innumerable species of fishes living underneath the island. Too bad because when we visited White Island, there was a LPA in Mindanao and its not that safe if we push snorkeling. So what we did was swam near the shore, take photos on this beautiful sandbar, and just explore and run around on its 700 meters of fine sand.

We still push through despite the LPA advisory

Baron and Pola reviewing our jump shots at White Island

Market and Business are also present in White Island. Some locals who stayed there including some boatmen sell fresh Swaki (or Sea Urchins) to tourists. I have an empty stomach before I went to White Island so I did not try to eat one. I just didn't want to ruin my stay on the island due to stomachache. And if you forgot to bring your umbrella, there are umbrella rentals in the island itself at the cost of 50 pesos. I can say it is pretty worth it if you'll be going there in the late morning or in the afternoon. Since there are no trees in the island, shades are also not available. These umbrellas can help to protect you from direct heat of the sun. Life jackets and goggles rentals can also be availed. Just ask your boatmen before going to White Island

Pola and Jing using that umbrella as their prop

We stayed in the island for about 45 minutes. The LPA gave us a cloudy weather and away from the rays of Mr. Sun which is I can say favorable to us since we don't need to rent for an umbrella anymore. Though White Island is just a small island lying across the water of Camiguin which can be explored for about 20-30 minutes, our visit had been memorable and really fun.

Century Tuna bodies of Jing and Julius

Yap photo bombing this shot

The boys of this trip!

Happy Pips at White Island

Breakdown of Expenses:
Multicab (Mambajao to Brgy. Agoho) - 7.00 PhP
Boat ride (2 way trip - Agoho to White Island) - 450 PhP / 6 person = 75 PhP per pax
Food - **
Umbrella - 50 PhP(optional)
Life jacket - 40 PhP(optional)
Goggles (for snorkeling) - 40 PhP(optional)

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Taytay Falls [or Imelda Falls] of Majayjay, Laguna

Three names yet referring to one beautiful spot in Laguna. That's how I recall this waterfall...

Taytay Falls is a two-story high waterfall which others call it as the Majayjay Falls and even the Imelda Falls. The reason why it has so many names is because of its rich background. Its famous name is actually Taytay Falls but since it is located at Brgy. Gagalot, Majayjay, Laguna, people has started calling it Majayjay Falls. Another story is, it got its other name (which is Imelda Falls) from the First Lady of the late Ferdinand Marcos named Imelda Marcos, as she financed the promotion of tourism in this place and because of this, there was a time where the World Bank has sponsored the promotion of tourism in Taytay Falls. With those stories, I hope I eliminated the confusion when I use these 3 different names to refer the place for this post.

Off to Majayjay Falls!

How to get there?
Take a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna at Buendia (Gil Puyat - LRT) bus terminal. Fare is around 150 - 160 pesos. Notify the bus conductor that you are heading to Taytay Falls and to drop you off at the terminal where jeepneys going to Majayjay are located. Afterwards, take one of those jeepneys that bound to Majayjay which costs for about 40 pesos. Then from Majayjay proper, take a direct trip to Taytay/Brgy. Gagalot where you'll be needing to register first at the Barangay Hall before you can proceed to the location of the falls. Jeepney fare is 16 pesos and registration/entrance fee is 35 pesos per head. It was approximately 3-4 hours of travel time from Manila to Majayjay.

As soon as we finished paying our fees at the barangay hall, we started trekking all the way down to Taytay Falls. You need to walk for about 10-15 minutes in order to reach its location. Don't worry because you'll be breathing in and out fresh air since the way to Taytay Falls is surrounded with plants and trees. I can say that it is almost like a forest but with a concrete path way for the visitors to walk in.

All were excited as the splashes of falling water gets louder and louder

Upon reaching the Taytay Falls, every one of us got excited and astounded with the beauty of this waterfall. It is tall, wide and beautifully surrounded with nature on the side. Not to mention how clear the water running on Taytay Falls. Perhaps this is the clearest and cleanest waterfall I've been through. We could all say that the long travel was really worth it.

Presenting... the Taytay Falls [aka Majayjay Falls/Imelda Falls]

Water that came all the way from Mt Banahaw

After we found a spot where we can settle and put our things into safety, its time to dive on that water. Wait! I have to warn you that Taytay Falls water is cold... i mean very cold... what i really mean is, it is freezing cold,  like icy cold. To prove this, we even put our bottled drinks into the water to make it cold and it was effective. It was like a big refrigerator. Well, we just put stones around our drinks so that it wouldn't flown away down to the river. All I can say is, although the water is freezing cold, it is also refreshing. It didn't stop us from diving on it.

Photo op before the actual swimming

Its not cold [Mind over matter]... oh well, its not working because it is really cold

We pause from swimming to have our lunch and it was great. We are all hungry and all our canned goods tasted like lechon of Cebu. I guess that was because of the long travel we've been through. This adventure releases all our stress. It was nice to take a break away from the pollution of the city.

The best! Eating after diving into the waterfall

Tents are the only means of lodging in Taytay Falls. Expect no services like electricity and phone coverage. There are toilets and bathrooms available but don't expect too much. There were lots of campers the day we visited Taytay Falls. I can't blame them. If only this place is near my place, I'll definitely camp here most of my nights and drink out with a bonfire. Too bad we only planned for a day visit. I didn't experience an overnight. I bet it will be colder than during the day... feels like a fully air conditioned room at its maximum.

Down stream part of Majayjay Falls

Well, that's the end of our adventure. We departed at around 4:00 PM to go back to Manila. I hope the local community authority continues on enforcing strict rules on waste management in the area. In that way, the beauty of this waterfall will be remain and preserve for the future generations.

Breakdown of Expenses:
Bus ride (Buendia - Sta Cruz) - 160.00 PhP
Jeepney ride (Sta Cruz - Majayjay) - 40.00 PhP
Jeepney ride (Majayjay - Taytay) - 16.00 PhP
Registration Fee - 35.00 PhP
Jeepney ride (Taytay - Bus terminal) - 50.00 PhP
Bus ride (Bus terminal - Manila) - 170.00 PhP
Food - **.**

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Tour at Britania Group of Islands in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur

I never thought that the province of Surigao del Sur has a bunch to offer in terms of tourist destinations. Ranging from beautiful falls, rivers, caves, beaches, islands and islets, Surigao del Sur is a perfect place for people who adore nature tripping. And to add up another spot in Surigao del Sur that people should not miss when visiting the said province, let me tour you to a famous destination in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur - the Britania Group of Islands.

Honestly speaking, my visit in Britania Group of Islands was unexpected. It just happened that we already accomplished all the spots written in our itinerary and we still have another day to stay in Surigao before we fly back to Manila. For the past 2 days, we've been asking the locals for a must-see place in their town. The popular answers were Enchanted River, Siargao, Tinuy-an Falls and Britania Group of Islands. 2 out of 4 answers were already visited by us. But we decided to go to Britania Islands because that time it is nearest place from where we are (yet it is still 4 hours away lol).

Islands and islets are already visible from the beach shore of Brgy. Salvacion (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Port where our Britania island hopping starts! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

How to get there?
From Butuan City, commercial buses and vans are can be hired going to San Agustin. Travel time is 4-5 hours. Then from San Agustin proper, one can take a tricycle. Just inform the driver to drop you at Salvacion Tourism Office. As you hit at Salvacion, hire a habal-habal (motorcycle) to reach the Britania port in which adventure to Britania Group of Islands will start. But for us who started the trip in Bislig, we took a bus in a terminal in Bislig (near a gasoline station) going to Barobo Bus Terminal which cost 103 pesos. From Barobo, we rode again a bus with a signage of Tandag. We informed the bus conductor that we are going to Britania and to drop us  at Brgy. Salvacion. Bus ride from Barobo to Brgy. Salvacion is 40 pesos. Then from Salvacion, we rode a habal-habal going to the port of Britania Group of Islands. Fare is 20 pesos per head. From there, we paid an environmental fee which is 25 pesos.

Perfect weather! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

From the entrance of Brgy. Salvacion, we have been commissioned by a local "bangkero" (boatman) to take his service and let him tour us in Britania Group of Islands. His initial offer were 1,500 pesos. This is actually the regular price of the island hopping in Britania. However, since we were only 2 two in this trip, we negotiate if we can get it in a much lower price. Thank God that he agreed on 1,000 pesos for the whole Britania Island hopping. He's very courteous to tourists like us. He let us change our clothes in their house and lend us dinnerware since we are going to take our lunch in one of the islands. Their family also sell fresh seafood so we bought from them our food for lunch. They even give us discount and free rice! Thanks a lot Kuya Andy (the name of our bangkero).

3 out of the 24 islands and islets of Britania Group of Islands (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Lets GO! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Going back, Britania Group of Islands is composed of 24 stunning islands and islets. 6 of which are can be explore by visitors. So, let's start island hopping!

Hagonoy Island

Hagonoy Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

First off is Hagonoy Island. A pear-shaped island found in Bislig Bay that is characterized by white sand and clear blue water. I fell in love with Hagonoy because of its tropical atmosphere and simplicity. Simple that mostly seen on this island is its sand (yet not that white but fine and kind to the feet) and a portion of coconut trees that serves as a shade to visitors when the sun settles high.

Paradise here I come! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

(Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

This island also serves as our picnic area as we ate our lunch here. We also use that time to get to know more our bangkeros, their stories and way of living. We learned a lot from them most specially with Kuya Andy's stories. With all those stories I heard from him, I know that he really care for nature and also to his ka-baryo. He knew the rules and abide to it. Clearly, a good citizen of Brgy. Salvacion. It was a good talk with the locals but we have to continue with our trip. So after lunch, we got back to our boat and head to our next destination.

Off to our next destination (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Naked Island

Naked Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Don't be mislead by the name of this island. Naked Island got its name from its looks. No trees nor huge boulders. Its just a plain sand floating at Bislig Bay. If I find Hagonoy Island simple, then this island is bold. Though it doesn't have much in here, it still has a charm for those who sees Naked Island. Even though I am not fond of staying under the sun, I still enjoyed my visit in this island. Just simply look at the photos below on how crazy we are during our stay in Naked Island.

Our version of Look-up | Ryza Mae Shoooowwww! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Foreground, Naked Island. Background, Hagonoy Island. (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

(Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Buslon Island

Buslon Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Next in line is Buslon Island. Which is for me, the most beautiful island among the 24 islands in Britania. It has a striking look that I find it very heavenly. It is also characterized by powdery white sand that is comparable to Boracay. A perfect island to chill and stay for a while. 

Look at that fine Background! (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

It has a huge boulder which gives preferable shade to visitors but it still leaves enough portion of the island for the sun can share its heat (This is my kind of island!). Aside from the big boulder, no structures can be found in Buslon island except for the statue of the Virgin Mary.

Images of Mary (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

One can walk around the island to see a 360 degree view of Britania islands. During low tide, one can do island hopping with bare feet. Yup that's right! Walking from Buslon Island to another island - Panlangagan Island. Indeed a new experience!

Baron - Author of Baron the Explorer (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Panlangagan Islands (twin islands)

Panlangagan Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

During high tide, no coastline nor sand bar are visible to connect Buslon Island and Panlangagan Islands. So I recommend visitors to talk to your boatmen to bring you here during low tide so you can experience walking from one island to another island. 

This sand bar only appears when low tide (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Island hopping using your "feet" From Buslon to Panlangagan Island

I don't have much to say in this island since we only stay here in a few minutes because we don't want to get stuck in here when the water sets high again. Haha. But one should visit this to complete your Britania Group of Islands experience!

Hiyor Hiyoran Island

Hiyor Hiyoran Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

I thought that our island hopping at Britania Group of Islands end in Panlangagan but Kuya Andy still brought us to another island - Hiyor Hiyoran Island. Hiyor Hiyoran Island is what I can say, a perfect spot for photoshoot. Yeah! It has sand, trees, big rocks and chops of tree trunks. All elements that can be use as props and background for a shoot. Too bad that we didn't stay long here because we're running out of time already. But good thing that we got to see and capture some shots of this island. It's time to bid farewell to Britania Group of Islands. 

(Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Yup, my site header was shot at Hiyor Hiyoran Island (Photo From Byron Cantonjos)

Before the sun sets down, we already reach Brgy. Salvacion. Kuya Andy directed us to a house where we can bath and change our clothes. The owner of the house also sells "iron wood chopping boards" which is very popular in their town. It is a chopping board made of Magkono tree.  A tree that is only found in Surigao and considered as the Philippines hardest tree. We got our iron wood for only 100 pesos. I bought 2 pieces of it. One for my family and the other is for my girlfriend's family. It weighs at almost 3 kilos which cost me excess baggage (by airplane) but it's fine, this thing is not common in Manila so this will now serve as my memorabilia of my Surigao trip. Lol!

And so our adventure in Britania ends as we travel back to Butuan City. My island hopping experience in Britania Group of Islands has been a great one. This place is really a must-see spot not only in Surigao del Sur but in the Philippines.

Kuyan Andy's contact number: 09305353703
Update: September 29,2013 - I received a personal message on my FB Page from one of my reader whose been to Britannia and rented Kuya Andy's service also. The message was:

Your blog about your Sirigao trip was very helpful to us. With your blog kuya andy has customes texting him for the boat ride however kuya andy has a concern. All of those who saw your blog wanted to get 1k for the ride even if they are 10 in a group. Kuya andy texted me last night to ask help to contact you guys. Please contact kuya andy as soon as you read this. Thank you.

This alarms me so much because even if my blog helps Kuya Andy gain more clients however he is being paid at "lowball" price. The regular price for this island hopping tour costs 1,500 pesos. And the only reason why he gave us a tour at 1,000 pesos was simply because we were only 2 on this trip who will shoulder the said expense. And having read the message above makes me feel bad because I don't think I am helping him back with the kindness he showed to us. So please please please... I hope you pay these guys on a regular price (Iam not just pertaining to Kuya Andy but to every boatmen there), most specially those who are going there in large group. He's a great/cool boatman and I guarantee you an amazing experience when you get him as your guide. They have families they needed to support. So please let's not kill their business instead we should help them.

Breakdown of Expenses:

Bus (Non AC, Bislig to Barobo) - 103.00 PhP

Bus (Non AC, Barobo to Brgy. Salvacion) - 40.00 PhP

Habal Habal (two way) - 40.00 PhP 

Environmental Fee - 25.00 PhP

Raw Squid - 280.00 Php / 2 pax = 140.00 PhP

(1) liter Soft drinks- 50.00 PhP / 2 pax = 25.00 PhP

Bathroom - 5.00 PhP

Ironwood - 100.00 PhP

Boat rental - 1000.00 PhP + 100.00 PhP (tip) / 2 pax = 550.00 PhP (This was just a special offer for us, the regular price for this tour actually costs 1,500 pesos - PLEASE READ MY UPDATE ON TOP OF THIS BREAKDOWN)

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