Tikling Island

Named as "Tikling" island, because numerous birds such as Buff-Banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis) or "Tikling" in Tagalog were abundant in the past. It may not be as popular as Boracay but it's beauty is mesmerizing, making it one of the beaches that offers a picturesque view of the tides hitting the shores composed of lush vegetation which is deserving to be labeled as a tropical paradise. It is more than an hour boat ride from Matnog in Sorsogon which is located at the southernmost tip of Luzon.

The beach is composed of fine grain, creamy white sand with some crushed red coral particles, giving  it a pinkish color when viewed from afar. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear aquamarine waters and composed of vegetation mostly coconut and other tropical trees in thick clusters.

Tikling Island is a privately-owned property, there are no cottages or huts for rent, but day tour are allowed and surprisingly there are no entrance fees that are collected. 

How to Get There:

1. Ride a bus bound to Sorsogon City (Penafrancia, DLTB and Isarog Lines)

2. Once you get to Sorsogon, ride a jeep bound to Matnog port.

3. From Matnog it is more than an hour boat ride to Tikling Island.

Luk Yuen

Like any other noodle house, Luk Yuen started from it's modest beginning in 1981 and has grown into a household name with it's favored specialties of congee, noodles, dimsum and other Chinese food. The restaurant is a little bit cramped with a little space to spare, but it is clean and always packed with people because of it's affordability and of course it's superb taste.

One of the must-try is their Hainanese chicken dish which is savored with their signature sauce from the meat to the rice which are both seasoned well. Noodle Feast, is also a household specialty  which is richly garnished with beef, pork, seafood, and the noodle that is perfectly cooked.

We ordered a set of meal which was served pretty fast, making it a reliable pit stop for the family especially for it's efficient service and price.

Food Rating: 7/9

Kape-An sa Mt. Kalugong

As a traveler, I cay say that "Kape-An sa Kalugong" is definitely the best way to enjoy a cup coffee when in La Trinidad, Benguet. The view is quite stunning composed of a 270-degree scenic view of La Trinidad Valley consisting of different rock formations composed of karst and limestone similar to that from Coron, Palawan. "Mt. Kalugong" which means "hat" in Ilocano is an eco park with lodges and of course a coffee shop atop a mountain with almost 400 ft. ascent from the main road. 

They brew their own coffee beans (Benguet Arabica coffee) and serve one of the best tasting cakes in the region and of course their coffee is at par with famous coffee brands. They also serve traditional food like "Pinikpikan" (chicken that is prepared in traditional way) and Kini-Ing or smoked pork.

How to Get There:
1. From Baguio ride a jeep bound for Camp Dangwa/Tomay.
2. Tell the driver to drop you off to Mt. Kalugong.
*** I joined John Sarco's event together with the Rock Jockers.

Layong Bilog (Bato)

A nice side trip after a dayhike from Talamitan and Apayang which are both located in Nasugbu, Batangas. "Layong Bato" is also known as "Layong Bilog" which offers a refreshing water where one can cool down and take a splash. According to the locals "Layon" means lagoon and "Bilog" means round which literally means "Rounded Lagoon". It is characterized by a deep and wide portion of the Galo River surrounded by numerous rock formations along the riverbanks, no wonder it is also known  as "Layong Bato".

From the summit of Mt. Talamitan one has to descend about an hour to reach Layong Bilog that passes a forested trail until reaching a rocky portion where one has to maneuver through rocks which are slippery at times. The area has also become a favorite site for rappelling a 30 meter cliff.

How To Get There: 

1.) Ride a bus bound to Nasugbu, Batangas. Tell the conductor to drop you off in Sitio Bayabasan or Km. 83.

2.) Register at the Barangay, it is customary to get a guide, but if you already hike Mt. Talamitan before tell them you are already familiar with the trail, otherwise go get one.

Paguriran Beach and Lagoon

Situated in Bacon District, Sorsogon, according to the locals "Bacon" originated from the word "Bacong" which is a  kind of plant that grows abundantly in the town’s shores. Through the years, Bacong evolved into Bacon. 

Paguriran is the town's hidden gem consisting of a beach and a lagoon situated in an island. The beach itself is a worthwhile destination composed of fine grain white sand, but the real deal is the island where a lagoon is surrounded by various rock and limestone formations with mangroves serving as it's vegetation which is truly a sight to behold. The water is clear and calm, making it inviting for swimming.

How to Get There:

1. Ride a bus bound to Sorsogon City (Penafrancia, DLTB and Isarog Lines)

2. Once you get to Sorsogon, look for the jeepney terminal going to Barangay Sawanga, Bacon which is the drop off point where Paguriran Island is located.

***The following pictures were shared to me by sister, thus it was based on her account that this write-up was made.

Mt. Apayang

Situated in Nasugbu in Batangas, Mt. Apayang stands at 2172 ft. above sea level which is usually climb together with the neighboring Mt. Talamitan and is higher by 32 ft. The name was derived from it's attributes where the fog engulfs the whole summit giving it a vague visibility of the surrounding landscape.

It was also known to the locals as “Matandang Gubat” because majority of the mountain trail is densely forested and teeming with ants compared to that of Talamitan. Upon reaching the summit, one will be rewarded with a commanding view of Calatagan and Nasugbu that includes Batulao, Pico de Loro and Mt. Marami. The summit also has a strong gush of winds and cool breeze comparable to that of Tagaytay.

How to Get There:

1. Ride a bus bound for Nasugbu (DLTB)

2. Alight in Km. 83 Brgy. Aga which is the jump off for Talamitan.
3. If you have plans of trekking Mt. Apayang just tell the Brgy. Registration and guide.

Balayungan Falls

Situated in the densely forested town of Maragondon in the province of Cavite, Balayungan Falls is also known to the locals as "Pantihan Falls" because it is located in Brgy. Pantihan. The falls shares the same dramatic rock formations comparable to that of Pico de Loro and Mt. Marami, which offers a truly breathtaking scenery.

It has an approximate height of 50 ft. cascade which plunges to a wide catch-basin that serves as it's natural pool and is approximately 20 feet deep making it ideal for diving. It then feeds the Maragondon River formerly known as the San Diego River during the Spanish period. 

Several Nipa Huts are available for rent, making it a perfect place for outing and picnic.

How to Get There:

1. Ride a bus bound for Nasugbu

2. Alight in Magallanes crossing, asks for the locals about Pantihan Falls. 

Hiking Tips for your Knees

Knee Pain is a common symptom among hikers, runners and cyclists. One of the most common type of pain is around or behind the kneecaps commonly known as “runner’s knee.” The symptoms of this type worsens when walking up or down stairs, walking uphill, running, jumping or activities that force the knee to bear weight. It is often caused by worn out shoes or muscular weakness in the quadriceps and hamstrings. And for some hikers, the pain is often caused by trauma or overuse.

According to Dr. Vivian Sebastian, physiotherapist and trek leader at Indiahikes “Trekkers usually are scared and put excessive pressure on the knees while hiking downhill, causing their knees to swell. You need to let gravity carry half your body weight. It is a technique that the body needs to learn.” So do not attempt to hold yourself back more than required, as braking too much during a descent causes the knee to have more pressure. Take advantage of gravity and hike down at a rhythmic pace, in my part I usually run during descent most especially if the trail is negotiable.

Here are some helpful tips that I can share to prevent or mitigate knee pain:

Build up your Leg Strength. 

Start doing squats and lunges while gradually increasing repetition, because by strengthening the muscles that stabilize the knee joint, it can make a big difference in preventing knee pain. Make sure that you do the proper form, doing it incorrectly can make your knees worse.

Stretch your Legs Before Hiking

Stretching the leg muscles before you begin the trek is essential as it allows your body to become more pliable and less prone to injuries. It is important to stretch your lower body and legs as these muscles are going to be worked on more intensely during the hike.

Turn Sideways on High Steps. 

This will allow stronger muscles in the legs to help, which in turn helps you step down more stable, so you don't hit the ground with your foot as hard, thereby decreasing the pressure on your knee.

Use Trekking Poles. 

It is beneficial in reducing as much as 25% of the stress on your knees when you are going downhill and also reduces the impact of hiking on leg muscles when ascending.

Wear Knee Support

Personally, I have not tried wearing Knee Support, but it can give your knees additional support most especially in relieving pain and inflammation in knees. 

Wear the right Shoes

What you wear on your feet is probably the most important consideration for any trekker. While choosing a hiking shoe, utmost importance must be given to its quality. Hiking shoes with shock absorbing soles and comfortably fit your feet will negate the impact of any shock endured during hikes.


Reference: https://www.theadventurejunkies.com/hiking-knee-pain/

Juag Lagoon Fish Sanctuary

Situated in Matnog, Sorsogon and part of the island tour itinerary when going to Subic Beach and Tikling Island. Juag Lagoon is a privately owned fish sanctuary maintained by the Geneblazo family. Their native hut was built on a sandbar standing through stilts in the middle of the lagoon, which is surrounded by fish pens spread across the area. It was opened to tourists to give awareness and educate the public about preserving marine life. 

The sanctuary prides itself with crystal-clear blue waters, teeming with a wide variety of sea creatures including lobsters, coral fishes, giant clams, grouper, sea turtles and many others. Visitors can feed the fish in the sanctuary with fish pellets sold at the entrance. 



***The following pictures was shared to me by sister who went on a Sorsogon tour. Thus, it was based on her pictures and narration that this write-up was made.

Bulusan Lake

Situated at the heart of Bulusan Volcano National Park in Sorsogon, Bulusan Lake is nestled between lush green vegetation teeming with rich flora and fauna located at the southeast flank of Mount Bulusan. The whole place offers a picturesque view with Mt. Bulusan serving as it's backdraft, thus it was dubbed as the "Switzerland of the Orient" and making it a favorite place for photo shoot. In fact, this is where Sen. Chiz Escudero and Heart Evangelista held their prenup photo shoot.

Due to it's expansive biodiversity, many locals can be seen fishing in the lake, which is about 60 ft. deep and has a circumference of 1.8km. The lake can also be explored by kayaking and aqua cycles, and there are several waterfalls, springs, and hiking trails that can be arranged if one wishes to explore the whole park at the tourism's office.

How to Get There: 
1.) From Legazpi, ride a GT Express in Tahao Road or Daraga bound for Irosin or Bulusan.
2.) Alight in Irosin junction from where you can get a trike ride to the terminal for jeepneys bound for Bulusan.