7.06.2012

Day 2. Pagbilao, Quezon

DAY 2. PAGBILAO, QUEZON

          Pagbilao is a new attraction in Quezon, a home for the dazzling, unspoiled beaches, found in the southwest of Lucena, north of Tayabas Bay. It is known for its bountiful, rich, marine life, crystal clear seas and limestone rock formations, best of such can be found in 'Kwebang Lampas'. Reaching the place is however not easy. But the moment you'll see the hidden paradise, you will definitely got mesmerized and all your tiredness will definitely fade away. 

          If you are commuting, you can reach Lucena by bus via the following:

Bus Route:
Alabang-Lucena
Batangas-Lucena
Candelaria-Lucena
Kamuning/Kamias-Lucena
Laguna-Lucena
Lawton-Lucena
Cubao-Lucena
Pasay-Lucena
Pureza-Lucena
Sariaya-Lucena
Tiaong (Villa Escudero)-Lucena


Jeepney Route:

Lucban-Lucena

Lucena- Pagbilao: How to get there via land

             If from Cubao, reaching Lucena is a 4 hour drive via SLEX. Cost of fare is around 200pesos. At Lucena Bus Terminal, ride a jeep bound to Pagbilao Market Jeep Terminal. Fare costs 10php. 

          There are lots of tricycles there, offering fixed rates at 120-150, one way. However, just continue your walk till you reach the jeepney terminal bound to Brgy. Polo. Fare costs 35/pax. Ask the driver to drop you off to the tryke terminal to Kwebang Lampas. The tryke ride costs 45pesos (roundtrip). He will drop you off to the bay side, where a paddle boat good for 2-4 pax will bring you towards the start of trekking site at 20php (roundtrip). There, you walk along the rough, narrow, sometimes muddy road towards the Puting Buhanginan and Kwebang Lampas or Lukang Beach ( named after Atty. Peter Lukang), the beach owner. 

                   You'll know you have reached your destination, when you see the signage             ' Private Property'. Entrance is Php50. 

Lucena- Pagbilao via boat

         Another option, which we did is to have a Package Tours with Appsline. This is a trusted travel agency for 18 years, which offers a lot of package tours to Quezon, from Cultural Tour to Team Building Tours. 


Package Tour with Appsline
          They gave us our package tour for 6000 Php/ 4 pax, with inclusion of 1 day hotel accomodation, roundtrip transfers and entrance. Details are as follows:


        Inclusions:

          Overnight Accommodation, Bangka Ride with Island Hopping, Land Transfer.

        Itinerary:

               0800                                             Pick-up in Grand Central Terminal Lucena City
               0900                                             Bangka Ride/Island Hopping
                                                                            Patayan Island
                                                                      Power Plant Station
                                                                            Puting Buhangin
                                                                      Kwebang Lampas
               1200                                             Lunch at Kwebang Lampas(on pax account)
               1400                                             ETD from the Island going to Pantalan
               1700                                             ETA to Pantalan
               1800                                             Dinner  at Silangang Nayon 
                                                                            or Butterfly Restaurant
                                                                             (on pax account
              1830                                             Check-in to the resort (Ouan's Worth Farm Resort)

----------------
           You my inquire and contact Mam Yvette ( the owner) at  09226330363 or at (042) 716 - 0067; or you may read more of their Package Tour offers at their sulit.com websiteat http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/5845540/quezon+at+its+best?referralKeywords=borawan+quezon&event=Search+Ranking,Position,1-3,3
             
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OUR TRIP
         We then headed to Silangang Nayon Resort, Brgy. Bantigue, where our motorboat was waiting.  Boat rides are also available here. Just ask the staff at the info booth. 


          A small motorboat good for 3-4 persons drove us.. The ride is around 2 hours. The first hour is a smooth sailing on a calm, non-wavy azure sea, the other half, is cascading with the moderate high waves most specially after passing the Power Plant.


1. POWERPLANT


          That's the Coal- fired Thermal Power Plant, one of the biggest power suppliers in the country. Ah, looks so near, yet so far.....

At last, we are on our 3/4 of our way...

       
2. KWEBANG LAMPAS
                 At last, we reached our destination. After 2 hours of boredom in the sea, I got excited as the limestone rocks of Kwebang Lampas welcomes us. Yahoo! This is it! Lucky Us!..
the entrance to the cave.... looks like a cave house to me...
             Entrance fee- 50/pax
             Cottage rentals- 400-500
             If you are on a tight budget, I suggest you bring some mats, or camping tents.. Don't forget to bring your packed foods, because sometimes, they run out of stocks of snacks and bottled water... 




           Since swimming is one of my frustrations, I just made myself  hop on the rocky shores found beside the cave, with some submersion on around 4 feet water deep holding tightly to the limestones, preventing my body to be blown away by the strong current. Good thing, I wore my Crocs shoes. If not, maybe, my slippers were taken by  the strong waves, or maybe if I'd walked barefoot, I felt aching soles.

3. Puting Buhanginan

          Puting Buhanginan or White Sandy Beach is a Costal cove beside the "Kwebang Lampas". The sand is not fine white, but of off-white to rocky sand, comparable to Boracay's Station 3. 




            A relaxing site, overlooking the emerald sea and cobalt blue skies. Afar is the extinct Volcano Island.

               The beach front offers also a nice camping site. Overnight stay is allowed here for 100php/pax.


           We had our packed lunch from our hotel at Ouan's Farm and Resort... Unknowingly, that we must also brought some for our bankero, whose so nice enough to give us some extra info about their area, and become also our photographer. He even follow us to take some shots inside the rocky cave.


           If u wish to contact our bankero, Kuya Oscar, here's his contact number 09071069933. We just gave him a tip of 100 pesos, and so grateful to receive such...


         It's 1 pm, and we have to go to our next island destination, the Patayan  Island. Waves arenot agaist us, so way back is much smoother and easier.


          Two hours of listening to waves, playing with the fishes and some cam-whoring
          We have no idea what Patayan Island can offer, We have just thought that it's not a nice play for adventures, but we got wronged. I am really awed by its uniqueness! I really enjoyed the place!

          It's like walking in the center of the sea! Super long fine trench of sand... We were able to swim with the fishes, play some friendly marine creatures!...  I can compare it to the White Island of Camiguin, this however had off white to brown sand, but with longer pile of sands between deep seas...


              From afar is the Silangang Nayon Pantalan, where we make our boat ride before and where will we be headed after here


Splendid island destination

4. SILANGANG NAYON

              We take some quick shower,and we ate our early dinner at their well- known Silangang Nayon Restaurant, a restaurant at the bay, overlooking the Tayabas Bay, the Powerplant and Pueblo por la Playa, the first class resort in Quezon.

Pueblo porla Playa at far...


                At Silangang Nayon Restaurant.. Only here, you will meet, the flying waiter! Foods are delivered via a helicopter cabin connected on a pulley from the hill up.... Ayos!


Powerplant and Pueblo porla Playa

Padre Burgos Island

Looks like Bangui Windmills of Ilocos

Silangang Nayon Resort and Restaurant

Silangang Nayon at the Bay. Notice the string like structire at the right.. that's where the Flying Waiter runs =)

          The superb resort serves  Filipino and Chinese foods. A must try is their seafood chapsuey in a crispy noodle basket. We spent 1000 for 5pax (with Mam Yvette) on our bountiful ealy dinner.

        They also offer overnight stay here. For reservations and inquiry, you may contact them at Tel: 042-7160077 ;Mobile: 0922-8867677, 0919-4420042 or email them at silangang_nayon@yahoo.com.ph.

        They offer room for 2-4 persons at 2500php, with free breakfast for two, and for 8 persons worth 4000php with free breakfast for 4.


          It's about 5 in the afternoon, and before we got back to our hotel at Ouan's Worth Farm and Resort, Mam Yvette drove us for another more bonus tour... at Pueblo porla Playa...

5. Pueblo porla Playa
                     This is a 12.5 hectare Mexican- inspired exclusive leisure club located beside Silangang Nayon. Most enticing facilities here are their 2 giant infinity pools, jacuzzi and duplex villas. We are fortunate enough Mam Yvette drove us inside, and we were also offered to take a dip on the pools and beach, but we refused the nice invitation, as we got tired already.


                     For inquiries on their accomodation rates, you may contact them at (042) 373-3808 or 373-6946.


                        Another day was about to end, leaving us memories of experience, to cherish and share...


              Thanks, Mam Yvette Tumacder of Appsline! We really enjoyed our trip to Quezon!

                   Nice AC Bus to Cubao from Lucena Bus Terminal, Fare costs 215/pax.

                     I though the adventures and foodtrips are over, until some vendors sells some unique bread. This is a must taste, their version of little monay- the Pinagong.. We bought some, I think at 25-30/ 4 pieces.. They are pretty delicious! We got so satisfied...

             Not far away from the Bus Terminal, we noticed a common ancestral house ... Yes this is it! The house used in the movie Tanging Yaman.. Wow, seems like I have a non-stop discoveries here in Quezon! =)

         Overall, I really enjoyed the serenity, the calmness, the unspoiled beauty of alluring mountains and seas of Quezon.. Looking forward to go back and have some adventures again! =)))


Read related post:

6.18.2012

Part 1. CONQUERING QUEZON

Day 1. CONQUERING QUEZON
(May 15-17, 2012)

          It's May 14 of this year, a day ahead to the celebration of Pahiyas Festival in Lucban. But that is not our destination tomorrow. With my mother and two colleagues, we will make some side-trips to Lucena, take some sightseeing to the well-visited Pahiyas, known for its colourful kipings and house decors, and we will be off to Quezon, the Seafoods Capital of Southern Luzon.

          To get there to Lucban, we commute by riding an AH Transporation Bus headed to Sta. Cruz, Laguna at Cubao ( near Victory Liner). It's 3:00 am, and we are expecting to have not so many joiners for our ride, but we were wronged. At 3:30 am, a 30-minutes ahead for the expected first trip, our bus is filled.

          To avoid heavy traffic, I recommend to take this route. Another route you may take for commuters is the SLEX to Lucena, then from Lucena, ride jeepneys bound to Lucban. However, traffic within this way is absolutely inevitable, so heavy, sometimes, it consumes your whole day. 

          The ride took us less than 2 hours. Fare costs 150 Php. At Sta. Cruz, Laguna, as conductor shouts "Lucban  Terminal", as expected, almost everybody from our bus rode the jeepneys bound there. Amazingly, all of us fitted the almost truck-sized jeep, with an extra seats for 2 vendors of taho... yumyumyum!..

 ROADTRIP

          About 5 minutes ride to Lucban, the Pagsanjan Arch greeted us. This is the Tourists Capital of Laguna, well-known for its majestic, well maintained Pagsanjan Falls. I planned to go here before, but not so familiar on how to get here, but now, with much know hows, I'll definitely go back here, at soonest time.. Jeepney fare costs Php55..

          
          Before I got here, I've researched on the net, and thanks for the blogs I've read, I am not surprised at all to take the 2 hours narrow and winding road from Pagsanjan to Lucena. Sights however are so nice, and with the early morning cool, strong breeze, I really enjoyed the ride.




























LUCBAN, QUEZON


          Mt. Banahaw welcomes us at Lucban. At last, I've reached Quezon! Yahoo! Well, well, well... Yes this is my first time to take step on Quezon, the reason for my excitement!..=)







           Some more jeeps arrived.. Then we take tricycle to Lucban. Tryke costs 10/pax.. Locals will require visitors to walk around a half-kilometer from the north end towards the area. We take some pictures of the colourful Pahiyas, tasted Pansit Luglog,and Lucban Longganisa, brought some Broas, and other pastries, roamed around the streets, then at 11 am, we walked another 2 kilometres towards the south end, passing the well-visited Kamay ni Jesus, to the Van Terminals to Lucena. Fare costs 90 Php..


LUCENA, QUEZON


           After a tiring 2 hours of travel, we arrived at Lucena City, unknowingly that our resort is far from the city. It takes us another 30 minutes tryke to Ouans Worth Farm Resort, the Number 1 resort in the area. Though the pool is so inviting, and our intestines got irritating, hyper-peristalsis, we chose to take nap to regain our energy... Hay, sa wakas! Anlaki na ng eyebags ko eh.. hehe...





            Tomorrow is another day.. I'll going to conquer you, Pagbilao!=)

5.20.2012

Part 13. Our ILOCOS ITINERARY. NEC TOURS



           I highly recommend this travel agency guys.. You may look at their Open Tour Schedules and posts at Touristas.com.ph at FB. You may also directly contact Sir Troy for exclusive group tours. Not only in ILOCOS, but anywhere in Luzon. They are legitimate travel agency and a member of I travel Philippines, and other networks.

ILOCOS SUR / NORTE TOUR PACKAGE PROMO:
3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS.
Php 3,150.00/PAX (for 12 pax)
Php 3,700.00/PAX (for 10 pax)
Php 4,350.00/PAX (for 8 pax)
Php 5,650.00/PAX (for 6 pax)

Inclusions:
*Round trip van transfer (Manila-Ilocos-Manila)
*Diesel, Driver, Parking  & Toll fees
*2 nights hotel/resort stay (aircon rooms)
*Entrance fees
*Tour Guide

NOTE: FOOD IS ON PAX OWN ACCT.


*SITES TO VISIT*


Batac                                                                                                        Pagudpod
Marcos museum & Mausoleum                                                                 Saud Beach
Currimao Beach & Rock Formations                                                         Patapat Via Duct
Paoay Church                                                                                            Kabigan Falls
Paoay Lake                                                                                               Paraiso Ni Anton
Malacanang of the North                                                                            Bantay Abot Cave
Fort  Ilocandia Resort                                                                                 Blue Lagoon
Sand Dunes                                                                                                Juan Luna Shrine
Laoag Church                                                                                             Vigan
Shirinking Bell Tower                                                                                   Bantay Bell Tower
Bacarra Church & Bell Fry Tower                                                                Heritage Village
Pasuquin Biscocho Bakery                                                                           Calle Crisologo
Salt Making                                                                                                  Burnayan
Cape Bojeador Light House                                                                         Hidden Garden
Kapurpurawan White Rock Formations                                                        Baluarte
Bangui Wind Mills                                                                                        Vigan Cathedral               

SAMPLE  ITINERARY:
                               
                                day 0
                                08:30 pm- Assembly (Mc Donalds North Ave. In front of Tri Noma Mall)
                                09:30 pm- ETD to ILOCOS
                               
                                DAY 1
                                06:30am- ETA Batac / Breakfast ( on pax own acct.)
                                07:30am- Marcos Museum & Mausoleum
                                08:30am- Currimao Beach & Rock Formations
                                09:30am- Paoay Church
                                10:00am- Paoay Lake & Malacanang of the North
                                10:45am- Fort Ilocandia
                                11:30am- Sand Dunes
                                12:00pm- Lunch at Laoag ( on pax own acct.)
                                01:00pm- Laoag Church & Shrinking Bell Tower
                                02:00pm- Bacarra Church & Bell Tower
                                02:30pm- Pasuquin  Biscocho Bakery & Salt Making
                                03:30pm- Cape Bojeador Light House
                                04:30pm- Bangui Wind Mills
                                05:30pm- Check In at Pagudpod
                                06:00pm- Dinner (on pax own acct.)

                                DAY 2
                                06:00am- Wakeup Call/Breakfast (on pax own acct.)
                                07:30am-ETD to Kabigan Falls
                                10:00am- Patapat Via Duact & Paraiso Ni Anton
                                10:30am- Bantay Abot Cave & Timmangtang Rock
                                11:30am- Blue Lagoon (Mairaira Cove)
                                12:00pm- Lunch (on pax own acct.)
                                                    Relaxing/Picture Taking
                                                    Explore Blue Lagoon
                                               Swimming (optional )
                                03:30pm- Saud Beach
                                                    Swimming
                                                    Socials
                                06:30pm- Dinner ( on pax own acct.)

DAY -3
                                06:00am- Wakeup Call
                                                    Breakfast (on pax own acct.)
                                07:00am- ETD to Kapurpurawan Rock Formations
                                09:00am- ETD to Vigan
                                10:45am- ETA Juan Luna Shrine
                                11:30am- Bantay Church & Bell Tower
                                12:00pm- Lunch (on pax own acct.)
                                12:30pm- Explore Vigan
                                                    Vigan Cathedral
                                                    Heritage Village
                                                    Calle Crisologo
                                                    Burnayan
                                                    Hidden Garden
                                                    Baluarte
                                03:30pm- ETD to Manila
                                07:00pm- Dinner
                                12:00md- ETA Manila
                                                   

ETA – Estimate Time of Arrival
ETD – Estimate Time of Departure

NOTE:
Price and Itinerary is subject t change without prior notice.


For more info and other tour destination package
Please call/text:

NORLAND “TROY” CAUSO
Globe Cell No. 09175872705