a s t i g !: January 2012

At the heart of Naga, you'll find the oldest and one of the largest food chain in Bicol, the Bigg's Diner. Since 1983, it has been famous for it's cooked to order meals. It's not hard to find their restaurant, it's at Panganiban drive near St. Francis church and Naga Plaza.

Restaurant's 70's inspired interior.

Another nice wall design.

Look at those vintage stuffs and how they arranged and posted it on their brick wall, cool!

Same with their wall hangs.

Paper mats.

Bigg's counter.

Breaded pork with laing in sizzling plate.

We ordered Pork chop with laing and we were so hungry then, but they took so long before they serve it, 30-45 mins. The food is good, but when we ordered again, this time it's just an extra rice and halo-halo. It took again the same minutes before we tasted the extras.

Special halo-halo.

Halo-halo, perfect for Naga's hot weather..

July 29, 2011

Over-all I enjoyed Bigg's diner, maybe next time I'll try their pizzas. :)

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CARAMOAN │ Sabang Port

Ferry boat from Guijalo port Caramoan docked already at Sabang port, 10:00AM.

We left New Crown Hotel Naga around 6AM and came 9 AM at Sabang Port where we took outrigger boats which ferry passengers to the Guijalo, Caramoan Port. Unfortunately, we didn't make it to the first trip which was 6AM and just waited for the next one, 10Am.

Hotel Roa owner in Caramoan, Dr. Ramon Roa who accompanied us said that locals (wearing black shirt in the above photo) used to carry passengers and luggages on their backs to keep them dry to and from the boat. But because of gender difference among lifters and passengers, especially among females, they made this floating wooden bridge to help them cross safely.

Schedule varies depends how long a boat takes to fill up passengers and luggages, but usually hourly boat departure starts at 5 AM with travel time of 2-3 hours.

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CARAMOAN │ Guijalo Port

Guijalo port at high tide

Boat reached Guijalo at 12:15PM from Sabang port, Naga. We were almost near the port then, but I was puzzled why this commercialized ferry boat stopped quite distant. Then after seconds, several small boats came fetching passengers. We're like being attacked by pirates! haha. We'll it was low tide that's why.

Guijalo from afar.

All the passengers' things that time were located on boat's certain area so we can't get it at once, they just asked us to ride the boat first and waited for our baggages at the port. Of course I was nervous about our things, but nothing to worry, all of the locals and lifters were honest, just keep an eye on other passengers, they might carry away yours.

Docked boats at the port.

Our outrigger boat viewed from the port.

When we reached the port, we noticed unusual bigger tricycles offering ride and hotel accommodations. So if you haven't took any tour packages, don't worry, Hotels will make it easier for you and will arrange everything in a very cheap price!

Remember: Boat ride from Guijalo Caramoan port back to Sabang Naga is until 11 AM only.

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1/11/2012

CARAMOAN│Bikal Port

Bikal Port.

Bikal port is one of the ports in Caramoan which is main way to outrigger boats for hire that bring tourists to different islands and cave destinations.

We started our journey to our Caramoan Island hopping upon arriving this port . We spent a several minutes because our tour guide, Kuya Joseph, was fixing something. First we went to a sari-sari store near the port and he had conversation with a man who's the owner of the banka we were going to use, he said. But there was a little problem, it was low tide. Because of this advantageous phenomenon for our Island hopping, our guide had to look for a smaller boat to get into a bigger one parked not quite far; bigger boats tend to be grounded on rocks under so borrowing small boats are really necessary, like we did in Guijalo port upon Sabang boat arrival.

Outrigger boat parking area.

Our guide hand held us the towels he was holding, our towels which were free of charge so no need to bring one, left for more couple of minutes, he was gone again then returned asked if we would like to rent 2 pairs of goggles for our snorkeling activity later on. Of course we said yes coz we don't have any, it was for P150, if my memory served me right.

Elevated nipa house beside the port.

Temperature at the waiting nipa shed area was totally hot, maybe heightened due to much liquids evaporated from the water; was like sauna bath feeling, hehe., but was ok enjoyed taking pictures of us at the area. Well taking advantage of time kuya was still not present, the humid temperature reminds me of too much skin darkening nightmare I might have, it was my time to apply my sunblock spray, woohoo! I forgot to apply one after we enjoyed our lunch. Actually our sched was late, we arrived at Guijalo 12:30, ate lunch, rest a little and rushed ourselves off to Bikal, in tagalog "di pa natutunawan".

While waiting, I notice a nipa house elevated from the ground with some wooden cuttings to lift it, mangroove-like house for me. I asked kuya Joseph why it's like that? Then my guess was right, there's a time of high tide that houses should be couple of inches higher from the ground. But I was surprised when he said that sometimes level reach up to upper thigh level.

Then after waiting several minutes on a very hot shed, we then off to our island hoping adventure. Finally I felt the wind blows as the boat moves.

Mangroves beside the port at high tide.

Of course after the island tour, we returned at this particular port. We noticed that it was already high. Waters got into the cemented path, where slopes were not already visible as to compare to first photo above. All in all, island hopping was amazing and this thoroughfare port opened it's gates to every tourists to experience it.

Bikal at high tide.

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CARAMOAN │Lampikaw Tablet Rock

Lampikaw Tablet Rock.

After that interesting Island hopping experience, we went back to Bikal port and saw this interesting rock form from afar. Lampikaw Tablet Rock might be familiar to those foreign survivor fans not just beacause of nice location but because of memorable challenge happened here.

Closer look.

Lampikaw, the loner rock. :)

It's like an isolated rock, sprouted far from the rock formation beside it.

More closer.

The Survivor Challenge.

July 31, 2011

Like what I mentioned on my previous blog post, this was one of the location of foreign Survivor TV show, but unfortunately, that wooden structure is just a remnant due to a typhoon struck Caramoan and casted it away to another island, the Minalahus Island. Because of it's incompleteness, we weren't able to experience the survivor excitement contestants had before.

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CARAMOAN │Hunongan Beach Resort

Hunongan Island Beach Resort.

Another mesmerizing private beach in Caramoan group of islands is Hunongan beach resort which is also near famous private resort, Gota beach. From afar, while passing here from Cagbalinad Island, we really saw its white, clean beach front adorn with cute hut accommodations and turquoise waters.

Standing on a huge rock from Cagbalinad Island with backdrop of Hunongan Beach.

Hunongan Island hills from afar as background. As you can see Hunongan Beach is quite near our Island.

Looking Hunongan from afar, just passing by.

This great beach sighting happened last 30th of July 2011 upon passing by from Cagbalinad Island to our next Island destination. We weren't able to experience this Beach it's private and just available only for it's own guests, but still I'm contented to appreciate it's beautiful beach front afar.

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CARAMOAN │Matukad Island's Mystical Bangus

Matukad Island Lagoon.

Caramoan has so many hidden beautiful Islands but there's a mystery behind one of it. The most beautiful and the first Island we visited was Matukad Island which has the finest sand and beautiful sedimentary rock formations, but behind these rocks lies a huge mystery.

Another view of the lagoon.

Unveiling the mystery isn't that easy, you should climb approximately 20ft. high rocks to see the lagoon that houses it.

We have to pass this challenge to know the mysterious thing that made people amazed and elude at the same time. It's not that hard to climb these beautiful rock forms. It's not that sharp and there are plenty of branches that you can hold on to. Actually it's an advantage for rock climbers and mountaineers, but if you have the guts, muscle strength and endurance you'll definitely reach the top!

"That's the lagoon"

Finally we're at the site where we saw the mystical creature. The area was full of rock wedges with trees around. Actually, we weren't able to get really closer to the lake because it's really hard, "buwis-buhay" event, so we just waited and enjoy view from afar.

Bangus silhouette.

Mystical creature up close.

Here's the story about the milk fish. According to our tour guide, the story behind this 6 kilos mysterious fish happened about 20 years ago, where 2 Bangus "milk fish" with unknown origin lived in this lagoon. During that time a man with his son went out to search for food for their family. Unexpectedly, they found the said lagoon hidden above those huge rocks. They saw the 2 milk fishes, caught 1, brought it home and ate it. The day after, the whole family died. Since then, no one ever tried to catch the Bangus left anymore. No one also did know what's the gender of the said fish.

The milk fish from lagoon.

I ask our tour guide, why shouldn't they put a couple of Bangus there so it will have some friends hehe, plus they can breed that bangus to other bangus and it will live happily ever after!lol. Well, They just prefer to leave it like that to share the story to tourists.

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CARAMOAN │ Lahos Island

Approaching Lahos Island.

After Matukad Island visit, we went to another Island named Lajos or Lahos which means "overflow" because the sea can wash over a part of this narrow island from one side to the other. Vewing from a far, you'll see a beautiful Island, it's like two separated rocks situated on a flat white sand paper and can be appreciated only during low tide.

This Island also has beautiful rock formations like in Matukad's, but in comparison with the sand consistency and color, Lajos has less finer and kinda yellowish one

Out boat docked at Lajos Island.

This Island is unique for it's appearance because of two prominent rocks act like two towers and passing through the middle will take you to the other side of the Island.

Bluish waters viewed from the beach front.

This is the one side of the Island's beach front where we docked our boat. Kuya Joseph, our tour guide said that this is Island is owned by Bichara family and they let able people to rent it like the survivor show. Sometimes, people just camp there for their accomodation and just hire tour guides for the Island hoping and other possible activities in Caramoan.

Rock forms from Island's left side.

I love this rock formation, Isn't that beautiful? For me it's like a huge coral reef. :) These rocks are not as high as those in Matukad but there are more bushes here.

Other rock forms at the beach front.

Looking up on the sky.

Two sides of the Island.

Here's the two sides of the Island separated by a space of white sand. During High tide, this part of the is unseen, where the term Lajos or "Laho" (gone), Island's name came from.

July 31, 2011:

This visit was fun coz I met tiny creatures under the rocks/sands, and that was interesting. By the way we're planning to have camping here next time, to add excitement on our vacation/adventure and to reduce expenses as well! We could arrange that kind of setting sith our tour guide next time. haha.

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CARAMOAN │ Cagbalinad Island Snorkeling

Cagbalinad from afar.

Another Island explored after Lajos Island, the Cagbalinad Island. Before we proceed to the Island itself, we had snorkeling.

Island is so rich in marine life, you can see how much fish enjoy swimming with you without any feed (bread to attract fishes) and corals beautifully arranged under. It's like 5-10 meters away from the shore where this experience is no way impossible!

Snorkeling on Island's waters.

Vest are provided by our tour guide and goggles are rented for 100 each. Well that cost is cheaper compared to what Island waters offer you.

Flower-like corals.

Scene under the boat.

It's so good to take pictures here because of it's clear waters and well marine life, but be sure to have good cameras as well. Charge it full or bring battery extras, or you'll missed this underwater pic exploration like us. haha.

After snorkeling for about 30-45 mins, we went to the Island proper through hitching the boat's outrigger. It's really fun to be dragged though the water, so relaxing! :)

Island's rocks.

After feeling of sand touching our feet, we walked then to reach the Islands shore. Here it is, the Island. Actually it's beach isn't visible because of high tide. Compare it with the previous photos above.

The huge rock at Cagbalinad's beach front, with Hunongan Island beach resort at the background.

You'll notice this huge rock in the middle once you've reached the shore. Underneath lies many holes, like mini caves, which is more evident during low tides, however in high tides submerging selves in water to appreciate it. Then we climb on the said rock bare footed. It's kinda spiny in texture and might induce injury. Moreover, do not jump on waters if it's not that high tide, you might get injured.

This lovely snorkeling-island adventure happened last July 30, 2011 with my BF. Its a good thing we went there in high tide because we're able to jump and splash into the waters, maybe next time we'll try in low tide so we can take a good picture of it's sand and compared it on other Caramoan's Islands.

July 31, 2011:

This Island is great.It has good marine life and has so clear and bluish waters. I recommend this for a nice snorkeling experience.

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CARAMOAN │ Minalahus Island

Minalahus Island.

Our last Caramoan Island destination was Minalahus Island. This Island is similar to other Islands but compared to others, majority of it is rock formation proportion as to white sand, (about three fourths). It's already quite tiring but we did still enjoy our last Island.

Rock formations.

Limestones here were quite high and sharp, which is greater portion of Island as to it's sand area. Like any other bummers, we had now opportunity to write on the sand! Yey, coz we forgot to do it on the previous Islands.

Nearby islands seen from Minalahus Island.

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a s t i g !

Pages

1/12/2012

NAGA-CARAMOAN │ 2-Day Itinerary

BICOL │Bigg's Diner de Naga

CARAMOAN │ Sabang Port

CARAMOAN │ Guijalo Port

1/11/2012

CARAMOAN│Bikal Port

CARAMOAN │Lampikaw Tablet Rock

CARAMOAN │Hunongan Beach Resort

CARAMOAN │Matukad Island's Mystical Bangus

CARAMOAN │ Lahos Island

CARAMOAN │ Cagbalinad Island Snorkeling

CARAMOAN │ Minalahus Island

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