Bantog Backpackers

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

When I booked our tickets going to Dumaguete, Oslob was not on my lists to explore. It was originally Dumaguete-Siquijor-Apo Island. But my friends who went to Dumaguete said that waves going to Apo Island was really huge that I have to replace Apo Island with the equally exciting place. And when I looked at the map, I learned that crossing Southern Cebu is less than an hour ferry ride away from Sibulan port in Negros Oriental.

at Sibulan Port, Negros Oriental

ferry fare crossing Cebu Php45

Upon reaching Li-loan, Cebu, bus ride to Tan-awan, Oslob will only take around 15 minutes and AC bus fare at Php30 only.

Tito Arthur who is based in Cebu City had to travel for three long hours going to Tan-awan, Oslob just to see us.

picture with Tito Arthur

excited kami!!!

there are several resorts offering whale shark swimming and watching, I just don't know how much they are charging for this... just go directly to the briefing center for the regular charge

We stayed at the whale watching area from 8 am to 2pm. We noticed that there are only 3 Filipino groups who went whale shark watching during the day. There are more foreign tourists visitors than locals. When they visit Cebu, they may not be aware that there are more interesting places in the southern part of the province. Whale shark watching is so much fun!!! I actually forgot all the stressful things in my life. Being with them will make you smile and laugh all the time. I don't know why but I found it so enjoyable that we are going back here in November this year. Booking confirmed, hehehe =)

some of our photos are owned by my uncle Arthur Ceniza <3

we are so ready!!!

If you do not own an underwater camera, don't worry they are for rent at Php500 only, and the more important thing, it will be the boatmen who will take your pictures with the whale sharks. Sulit!!!

Before swimming with the gentle giants, one needs to attend the briefing. No one is allowed to touch the whale sharks and worst riding them. If you had already applied sunblock on your skin, one needs to shower before going to the water to avoid contaminating them. The whale sharks will bump you a lot of times because maybe they want to play with you but respect them, do not dare to touch them. Whale shark watching and swimming only started in 2011, I am wondering how long will this lasts and what will be the effect of whale interactions with people.

It is also restricted using the flash of your camera, it may distract them. Let us follow this instruction for the giants safety. Discipline is a must!

Whale shark watching is from 8 am until 1 pm only. So be sure to be at Tan-awan, Oslob really really early. Swimming with the whale sharks only costs Php500 for local tourists (Php1,000 for foreign tourists) and Php300 if you will only view the whale sharks. It is a must experience to jump into the water and experience butandings bumping into you a lot of times. I screamed a lot when they got nearer. I guess there are 10 whale sharks during our visit. It was so surreal!!! I never imagined being with these creatures and being so close to them. And if you happen to get hungry after the swim, no worries, the food at the briefing center is so affordable and so delicious too.

big waves at whale watching area

awww!!! so sweet <3 <3 <3 hahaha !!!

the friendly butanding at our back

It was only the two of us who wants to swim, but Joshua was so jealous that he jumped into the water to experience the whale sharks. The kids also enjoyed although the three of them just got contented viewing the whale sharks so close to them.

butanding's food =)

Whale sharks are spotted in Tan-awan, Oslob which is 10 km away from the center of the town. It started last September 2011 and become a tourist attraction and popular all over the world. Local fishermen’s interact with the whale sharks by feeding them by hand while tourists find it entertaining.

(Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslob,_Cebu)

kuya binitawan mo ako, i don't know how to swim, hahaha =)

may favorite shot <3

with 2 whale sharks so near us... ang galing ng cameraman namin ah, may effect pa yung shot nya...sulit na sulit ang Php500 rental sa underwater camera =)

foreign tourists enjoying the view

affordable food can be bought inside the briefing center

souvenir shirts, keychains and necklaces can be bought here

peace!!!

with Tito Arthur

Sumilon Island at the background

Boatmen are offering boat ride going to Sumilon Island at Php2,000 good for 10 persons. It is a good offer already.... considering the amazing beauty of the island. In November we are including Sumilon in our trip.

Sumilon Island is a 24-hectare coral island off the coast of Bancogon, Oslob, Cebu. The island hosts the Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort which developed the island into an eco-friendly haven for those who want to get away from the stress of city living.

The Island of Sumilon is located in the southeastern tip of the Municipality of Oslob in the province of Cebu. The island has an area of 24 hectares and has clear waters with varying aquamarine hues and white sand beaches in different areas of the island.

It is the first marine protected area in the Philippines and was created as a marine sanctuary in 1974 under the guidance of the Siliman University Marine Reserve of Dumaguete City in the nearby province of Negros Oriental.

The island is famous throughout the country and internationally for the exceptional beauty of its dive sites. Sumilon has four major dive sites, which are Garden Eel Plaza, Nikki’s Wall, Coral Landscape and Julie’s Rock. The island’s diving sites are famous for their superb visibility, stunning reefs and abundance of varied tropical marine species that provide an ideal and memorable dive. There are occasional sightings of black tip sharks during dives. A popular attraction in Sumilon Island is its sandbar because of its changing shapes and shifting locations around the island depending on the season. Other places of interest in the island are a natural lagoon teeming with high mangroves and natural caves used by fishermen to seek refuge during storms, and a pristine lake. On the south portion of the island, a lighthouse rests on a protected tree park and beside it is a “Baluarte”, a historical watchtower built as part of a warning system to thwart slavers and marauders in the 19th century.

Besides diving, you can also go bird watching, do beach picnics with the family, fishing, hiking, island tours, paddling and trekking. Located in the island is the Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort, a private beach resort that provides excellent amenities and facilities for tourists and guests.The Island of Sumilon is located off the southeast coast of the Municipality of Oslob, Cebu, and is under the administration of Oslob. The island is about 125 kilometers from Cebu City and separated from the mainland by the Cebu Strait. It is also close to Dumaguete City in the nearby island province of Negros Oriental.

To get to Oslob, you can ride a public bus or a V-hire van from the Cebu South Bus Terminal in Cebu City. The estimated travel time from the city to Oslob is about three hours. The three-hour land trip to Oslob from Cebu City is a scenic ride through the southern coastal towns with fantastic views of the ocean.

From the port of Oslob, there are pump boats or small fast constructs that will bring you to the island. Another route to Sumilon Island is via Dumaguete City since it is also close to the island.

(Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oslob,_Cebu)

Enrique Gil also finds whale shark encounter enjoyable

(Source : http://www.pep.ph/photos/3037/enrique-gil39s-encounter-with-butandings)

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Dahil may Piso Fare ang Cebu Pacific, I tried to find any Philippine destination that I haven't been to... Aside from Bacolod, Surigao, Ozamiz, Pagadian, Tacloban, Tawi Tawi and Dipolog City destinations, Dumaguete City is also on my bucket list. I hope may mag sponsor naman ng plane ticket, libre blog po, hahaha =)

We got out tickets at Php 1,161/person roundtrip inclusive of terminal fee from Manila to Dumaguete. Okay na di ba? Before traveling, do some research on which interesting places are close to your destination. And by touring Dumaguete... Siquijor and Oslob in Cebu can easily be reached just by one ferry ride. We toured these places by just spending Php3,500 each good for 4 nights and 5 days, with Siquijor and swimming with the whale sharks adventure. Impossible? It's possible pag sumama ka sa amin, hehehe =)

Arrived so early at terminal 3

while waiting ...

boarding finally...

and... our flight was cancelled because of zero visibility in Dumaguete!!! ameyzing!!!

overnight sa terminal 3

Thinking if we will be sleeping for a night at a friend's house or will just stay at the airport.... Hmmmmm... food overload na lang tapos matulog sa airport, okay na.... Sa bundok nga sa lupa lang natutulog tapos may limatik pa... Okay na dito, centralized aircon, with CR, with unlimited drinking water at katabi lang ng 7-11, okay na =)

Finally arrived in Dumaguete =)

The City of Dumaguete is a city in the Philippine province of Negros Oriental. It is the capital, principal seaport, and largest city in the province. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 120,883 people. The city is nicknamed The City of Gentle People.

Dumaguete is referred to as a university town because of the presence of four universities and a number of other colleges where students of the province converge to enroll for tertiary education. The city is also a popular educational destination for students of surrounding provinces and cities in Visayas and Mindanao. The city is best known for Silliman University, the country's first Protestant university and the first American university in Asia. There are also 12 elementary schools and 9 high schools. The city's student population is estimated at 30,000.

The city attracts a considerable number of foreign tourists, particularly Europeans, because of easy ferry access from Cebu City, the availability of beach resorts and dive sites, and the attraction of dolphin and whale watching in nearby Bais City.

The power source of the city comes from the geothermal power plant in Palinpinon, Valencia. The city has redundant fiber optic lines and is a focal point for telecommunications. It is the landing point for fiber optic cables linking it to Manila, the capital of the Philippines, the cities south of Luzon, as well as to other major cities in southern Philippines.

(Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dumaguete_City)

inside Silliman University

Dumaguete has earned the distinction of being known as "The center of learning in the South," or a "University town" due to the presence of universities that have made their mark nationally and abroad. The city is a melting pot of students, professionals, artists, scholars and the literati coming from different parts of the country and the world.

Silliman University is the dominant institution of higher learning in Dumaguete, providing the city with a distinct university town atmosphere. It is the first Protestant university in the country and the first American university in Asia. The 610,000 m² campus is adjacent to and intermixed with the city's downtown district. It is ranked among the top 150 universities in Asia in International Students' Review by the QS Quacquarelli Symonds, an institution that ranks the world's top universities. Some of its buildings have likewise been recognized as landmarks. These buildings include the Silliman Hall, Katipunan Hall, the Luce Auditorium, and the Silliman Main Library (considered as one of the biggest libraries in the Philippines)

Other universities located in the city are Foundation University, a private non-sectarian university, it does not only offer college education but it also offers kindergarten, grade school, and high school education. Negros Oriental State University (or NORSU, with two main campuses: NORSU main 1 and 2), and St. Paul University Dumaguete (1904), which is the first Saint Paul educational institution to be established in the Philippines by the Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres (SPC) from France.SPUD is known for academic courses like Nursing , Tourism, HRM ,History and Mass Communication. With the exception of NORSU, these universities also have grade schools and high schools.

(Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dumaguete_City)

I Love Dumaguete City

eateries at Rizal Boulevard selling tempura and balut

tasty tempura sold at 4pesos each at Rizal Boulevard

Before coming to Dumaguete I was often-told that I really have to try the Sans Rival of Dumaguete. We really looked for the store. It is exactly located at No. 3 San Jose Street in Dumaguete City. The store is near the city's Rizal Boulevard. True enough it's really delicious and it's not nakakasawa. The sweetness is just right and the mixture of chopped nuts and butter is so irrisistible. Ang sarapppppp!!! I love it!!!

the city

entering Silliman University

in front of Silliman University

Harold's Mansion popular to backpackers

We also found this in front of our rented place, BONELESS lechon sold at Php440 per kilo

What we discovered in Dumaguete that nobody told us about is the NEVA's Pizza, Pasta atbp food store... They are famous for their "kuripot" pizzas. I asked what's the difference between the special and the kuripot pizzas. Kuya said that they are using mozzarella cheese for the special pizza and using cheddar cheese for "kuripot" pizzas. Pero yung kuripot pizza pa lang sobra na sa sarap!!! Ano pa kaya yung lasa ng special. The dough is yummier than the commercialized and known pizzas, it is still delicious even if it is already cold.

other meals sold at NEVA's

our fav fish fillet at Neva's

NEVA's Pizza, Pasta atbp can be found at Hibbard Ave, cor. Quezon St., Dumaguete City.

Pizza cooked inside the pugon.... Hmmmm kaya masarap yung dough

the super yummy kuripot pizza sold starting at Php93

di na inabot sa lamesa, attack na agad!!!

a peek at the Christmas House

The Christmas House is a one-of-a-kind legacy initiated by Dr. Rico Absin, an anesthesiologist in the city. For the past 18 years, visiting the Christmas House has become a tradition for all Dumagueteños.

Each year for the past 18 years all the young and the young-at-heart flock to the bedecked Spanish mansion of one Dr. Rico Absin, a practicing anesthesiologist in his early 50s, who has successfully created an institution out of a genuine passion for art and decoration.

(Source : http://www.dumagueteinfo.com/dumaguete-sightseeing.php)

True to its name, Dumaguete is really a place of gentle people. No wonder there are more foreign tourists here than in any other places in the Philippines. It is also a place where we really enjoyed eating...delicious yet affordable foods. There are also a lot of nearby places to explore. If time allowed we can also explore Dapitan in Zamboanga del Norte, only 3 hours ferry ride from Dumaguete, Bacolod and Bohol. Time only allowed us to explore 3 provinces in just one tour. Hope to be back here soon because we were not able to swim in Apo Island, one of the top 10 dive sites in the world!!!

inside Dumaguete airport

ending our 6 days vacation =)

Check my previous blog for cheaper room accommodations at http://www.bantogbackpackers.blogspot.com/2014/01/pamela-pension-house-in-dumaguete.html

While we were in Dumaguete, we stayed at Pamela's Pension House located at Brgy. Tubod. From Sibulan Airport, we just flagged a trike going to Tubod and paid Php15/person.

kulitan sa Pamela =)

kulitan moments while taking a rest =)

our room for 4 nights, with 4 single beds, AC with T & B and TV at Php1,000/night

The most popular place for backpackers is the Harold Mansion, near Pamela's Pension House. It's exact location is at 205 Hibbard Avenue, Dumaguete City. Mobile Nos. 0921-6533699 and 0917-3024455. They are offering tour packages such as Dumaguete-Siquijor-Apo-Dauin tour for 3 days and 2 nights inclusive of room accommodations. The package is worth Php10,000 and includes 8 dives with full board, lunch and dinner, mineral water, coffee and tea all day; inclusive of gears, tanks, dive master, boat and transfers (night dives are optional). The package must be in a minimum of 5 guests and maximum of 5 guests.

They are also offering trekking tours at Php800/person for Twin Lakes and Casaroro Falls. Php500/person - Twin Lakes only, Php300/person - Casaroro Falls, Php600/4pax - Mount Talinis.