Discover Leon, Iloilo: Bucari Campsite and Pineridge Mountain Resort

I am a poor traveler. I went to these places and spent at most 700 pesos only. I went to Leon last April with my good friend Finny. She's proabably one of the last persons I expected to come with me. We've been friends since high school and I know how her mom is overprotective of her, (heheh), and I kept on telling her I can't believe we were together during our Bucari exploration. Bucari has become popular since it's been called "Little Baguio" of Iloilo. We wanted to experience this ourselves so we set on a journey to find out. Just like my other blog entries I am writing this as my travel diary.

Finny and I met up at Jaro Plaza and rode the van to Leon, then we took some pictures at Leon
church and plaza.

Aside from canned goods, instant noodles and biscuits we brought, we went to the local market to buy cooked rice, water and 1 whole roasted chicken from Chooks to Go. The rice we bought and chicken was actually good for lunch and dinner that day. Afterwards we rode the jeepney to Bucari. It was a rough ride and the driver was definitely skilled. I don't remember how much we spent for the fare though. The jeepney didn't bring us to the campsite so we had to ride a motorcyle to Sitio Tabionan, that's where the campsite is. We can already smell the pines and it was so fragrant and refreshing. It was about past 1 pm when we arrived at the camp and we set up our tent before trekking. The locals were very friendly and helpful. It costs 300 for hiring a tour guide to guide us from the campsite to Imoy falls and back. It's kinda expensive since there were just two of us. Finny can afford but I can't (too stingy I guess) , it was a good thing that she agreed to do it with just the two of us.

I think we got lost twice before reaching the falls, the track was kind of confusing. When I browse at our pictures sometimes and realize that somehow it was a crazy adventure done by two girls alone in the mountains through the rice terraces, across the rivers, and back to hiking the mountain again to the campsite

We had to go through two bridges before reaching the falls. 

This is the Imoy Falls, oh yeah, we were disappointed. We paid a some sort of entrance for this, which was okay, and there was actually one guy who made himself our tour guide in the falls and Finny gave her 100. Such a kind person. It's not that I can't afford you know, I just choose not to pay for things I can do myself.

Finny is a Mountain Dew addict so we rested for a while and had a snack after seeing the falls.

It costs 150 pesos per person to ride on a motorcycle back to the camp site and again, as stingy as I am, I did not want to pay for that. Finny agreed was well, she was very understanding of her poor friend. We realized that we need a trekking stick to go back coz our knees were wobbling when we climb down the mountain and we thought that we need it more that we're climbing back up. There was actually a motorcycle accident that we witnessed when going back to the camp. They came from Imoy Falls as well, probably they were locals, all boys. They fell on the motorcycle when they were climbing up the really steep road. Walking back was kind of reassuring and we took some awesome photos with just our camera phones.

It was during this time that we first knew that sayote or chayote grow from vines. We passed by the sayote farm.

Finny having her moment. They plant a lot of vegetables here, from carrots to cabbages, cauliflower, etc. Maybe those which you can find in Chopsuey. It helps to greet the locals when trekking, it gave us some sort of security since dusk is nearing.

We did not walk  to the camp entirely, on the way, a motorcycle came by and offered us a ride for free since he lives near the camp. Of course we paid him, there were two of them, so Finny and I paid them 50 each.


We were the only ones camping that night, one of the camp caretaker gave us a walkie talkie and gave us instructions on how to use it.


We made fire using lots of paper and alcohol because it drizzled that afternoon the charcoal was wet and so are the fallen pine leaves. Our food was barely heated. HAHAH!

This is us inside our tent, we brought our own. They also have for rent I think but the size is for big groups. I was afraid to go out to pee that night. HAHA! But we slept alright.

Our tent at dawn, we woke up early to climb the hill near the site to see the sunrise. They said there are edible wild berries at the top, but we weren't able to try tasting them. We don't know how it looks like, so better be safe than get a stomachache.

It wasn't an easy climb as well. But the view was AWESOME! 

Finny said that if she becomes richer (she's already rich) she'll hire an helicopter to take her to the peak of those mountains. LOL!

Way down, we were not able to take photos going to the top because we were in a hurry. There was actually a cow watching the sunrise with us and a farmer and carabao plowing the hillside.

We ate breakfast upon coming back, the locals lent us water heater and mugs. They are very hospitable and accommodating. We packed up our stuff, we only had half bath because the water was chilly, I wouldn't dare. My cousin said that they asked the camp personnel for hot water to mix with chilly water so that they can take a bath. But we wouldn't cause them so much inconvenience for that. Our bodies might have ached but we still smell good. Afterwards we head to our next destination, Pineridge. We don't have access to the strawberry farm and the locals said it was a private farm .One camp personnel offered us a ride to Pineridge since he was on his way to the town.

There are vegetables and flowers that are grown in the resort and they are growing happily because of the cool climate and fertile soil. The next set of pictures are taken from upstairs.

This is Finny's next target the range is called Aqua Colonia. She took this picture using her ipod and the telescope.

The entrance is 100 pesos but if you want to enjoy snacks while having a good view just add 50 pesos. The caretaker served us imported coffee and crackers with jam, yeah, we were hungry but the view was filled our eyes so much that that our stomach was filled as well. Hahah!

They have a bar and kitchen inside on the second floor. You should make reservations if you plan on coming so that they can serve you better, just check their website http://www.casafiammetta.com/.

 

Finny and I taking a selfie, till our next adventure together. We went home very tired but happy.

Discover Brgy. Asluman: The Scallop Capital of Carles

I am not one of those people who can afford luxurious travelling so I stick with what I can afford. It's a good thing that I have friends who too are up for an adventure with a little amount of budget. I do love travelling the most. It is a hobby that can be a bit expensive but worth the effort and money you spend. So last summer, my friends and I went to the famous Isla Gigantes. We choose the cheapest form in every way in spending our vacation there. So this is how it went.


My friends and I are from the City of Love, Iloilo City, so our transportation expenses were quite cheaper compared to those who want to go to Carles from outside of Region VI. About 6 am we arrived at Jaro Terminal to board for the bus going to Estancia. I forgot how much it cost though, probably about 200 pesos. The scenery along the way was nice and I always take the window seat and I don't let my self fall asleep.

This is the port of Estancia. That covered area is actually where they trade their local catch with fish brokers.

We arrived at the port about 9 am. We ate breakfast at one of the carinderias, the price is quite average. The bus didn't go here directly, we had to ride on a tricycle to get here from the bus terminal.

There is only one boat that serves the commuters from Brgy. Asluma to this port. It has two trips only in a day, the first one if from Brgy. Asluman in the morning, it leaves the island about 9 am in the morning and arrives at the port about 12 pm or earlier depending on the condition of weather and the sea. The second one is about 2 pm from the port. Some of its passengers from the morning trip have business to attend to and the boat waits for them to come back before leaving.

I was actually quite surprised to find out that there is a boat from Masbate that come and go from here. I was thinking of trying this route to Masbate.Yes, it is inconvenient, but there are perks to travelling through modes less preferred by travelers and I enjoy it.

                            

We had to board the boat so that we can take seats that are convenient for us. I brought my crocheting stuff with me so that I will have something to do while waiting.

This is the the scene that can be seen from the back of the boat. The front closed and very crowded too. There were a lot of cargoes and passengers during that day.

This is the beach where the boat docked. The guy at the back is Mr. Benjamin Uy Jr. He is our host for 2 nights and 2 days. The back view is in a bit of a wreck due to the typhoon the hit the area in the last year. If you want to contact Manong Jun-jun, his phone number is 0907689383, phone signal here is really weak, so sometimes they get the message when they travel to Estancia.

 Brgy. Asluman is the Scallop Capital of Carles. As you can see at the back, the hill like structure is composed of scallop shells. The locals are very thankful to that hill of scallop shells because it served as their defense against huge waves when Typhoon Yolanda hit the area. The smell of the shells can be a bit strong, but you'll get use to it.

The front beach in the island is not a good place for a swim. When low tide comes this is what the shore is made off. So make sure to always wear protective footwear when having a stroll. Scallop shells can hurt your feet as well.

                            

This is the sunset that you'll witness at Brgy. Asluman. This is actually just a reflection of the setting sun since the west side is covered with high mountains.

 

We actually went afterwards to the local tour guide to discuss our itinerary the following day. When we came back an exciting dinner awaits us.

The crabs were very fatty and delicious, freshly caught from the sea. The secret to the freshness of the crabs is that they are kept alive in a cage submerged in the sea until they are ready to be cooked or if customers requests for crabs. The other viand is buttered scallops, KC is a picky eater so we ordered Chicken Bilog for her, sort of like a salami. Anyway, the deal we had for our food was that we pay for the price of the raw ingredients, we paid 200 pesos per day for the cook and the assistant to cook them, and we brought our own rice. Rice is very pricey in this island so we bought a lot actually and we just left the excess to our host. It was a fulfilling meal and very affordable. The scallops worth 120 per kg and the crabs are probably about 200 per kg.


After dinner we rested for a while and slept early because we have a lot to do the following day.


At about 5 am 2 motorcycles came to the house we're staying at. The drivers also served as our tour guides for the first 2 activities of the day. The first activity was to witness the sunrise at the old lighthouse. It was about 15 minutes from the inn to the light house.

The front of the old building was actually a good place to camp but camping there wasn't allowed.

The second activity was spelunking. As you can see the picture below is a part of the mountain where the cave is located.

The climb to the top was of course not easy, all we had to hold on to were roots, stones or whatever our hands can grab on to.

This is Glenn, holding on to that bamboo hand rail.

This is the view from the top. 

And this is the entrance to the cave.

This is how it looks like from the inside. There are still a few things to see so I suggest you try coming here. I tell you, it wasn't an easy caving experience for newbies.

This is the exit, our tour guide teaching us how to climb, he actually mentioned that many of those who tried coming here went back to the entrance instead of going through the exit.

Glenn going out first.

Believe it or not, this hole is the exit. 

This is the view upon coming out of that hole. Actually, it seemed like we just went around the inside of the mountain and came out on the same side.

Going down....

We finished doing all of these at about 9 am. We spent about 150 per person for our morning activity. The motor ride was 50 per person I think, but we gave extra money to our tour guides.  We ate breakfast and prepared for the most exciting part, ISLAND HOPPING!


The boat we hired was actually good for 8 person, since there were just 4 of us, we split the rent. It would have been a bit cheaper per person if there were more of us. I guess we paid about 500 per person that day.

This is KC at the our first stop, they call it The Sandbar.

This is in the second island, Cabugao, I don't know why do we have to climb through this, there was actually an easier way up around.

This is the usual photo of Isla Gigantes when you search online but it was badly devastated by Typhoon Yolanda.

We had out lunch at Antonia Island

This is one is Sisig made from the flesh of a really big sea shell. These may not be as presentable as those from expensive resorts here, but I tell you it tastes as good and way cheaper. We weren't able to finish all of these so instead, we gave them to our boatmen, though they also brought their own packed lunch.

Our view while having lunch.

This was on the way to the famous lagoon or the Tanke.

It was summer time, so there were a lot of tourist. We had to line up outside the lagoon to enter.

We weren't able to enjoy the lagoon so instead we went to other islands which has less people to have an exclusive swimming experience.

We were actually done with our island hopping at about 3 pm.

We spent the remaining afternoon strolling around.

We went to the local seller of halo-halo, because we felt like eating some.

This cost us 15 pesos only, there was no electricity back then due to Typhoon Yolanda, some people there rely on power generators, so the ice that was used for this came from Estancia.

These are actually the locals cleaning the scallops to sell at the local scallop broker. Manong Jun-jun, the owner of the inn we stayed at is also a scallop broker.

They don't wash it soap in case you're wondering why there are bubbles.

Now, they are actually segregating the scallops, big ones from small ones.

This was our simple dinner to end the day.

Nobody goes on a vacation without a drink. A friend gave us GSM Blue before departing for Isla Gigantes but we gave it to the Captain of the passenger boat from Asluman to Estancia, and in exchange he gave us this. They consider these rejects because these are too small to be sold in the market. But they were fresh, delicious and fatty. Yum. This were very good "pulutan" with Red Horse beer.

Alas, morning came and it was time for us to leave the simple but very abundant in seafood, Brgy. Asluman. This is what we had for breakfast.  Oh yes, these are puffer fish, they are edible, some parts.

The eggs are edible.

See how fatty the crabs are, I even brought home for my Mom.

 The boat is actually far from the shore so we had to ride on a bamboo raft to the boat, quite an experience, when all the passengers had to keep their balance. I wasn't able to take a photo.

Yes, the port of Estancia.

The guy in gray shirt is our boat captain, taking off the boat was fun when we have to transfer from our boat to another boat till we reach the other side, due to lack of docking space.

 All in all, I spent about 2000 pesos, that already includes scallops and crabs I brought home, the local market also sells fish tocino, Gershom bought a lot of those.