Mt. Batolusong

One of the mountains in Rizal province with the highest success rate of viewing the sea of clouds which is situated in the Sierra Madre mountain ranges in Tanay. The name "Bato-Lusong" when translated, literally means "to ascend through stones or rocks", true enough there are some parts of the trail where one has to trek through stones and rocks. It has proven itself as a great destination for hikers because of it's accessibility from the Metro who are looking for a quick jaunt in the countryside. 

The trail that leads to the summit passes through rice fields, before commencing on a steep but relatively quick ascent to the mountain slope that goes past a forested areas and beautiful rock formations. After a further ascent, one will reach the "Mapatag" plateau with an elevation of 2116 ft. which is composed of grassland slopes that are excellent for camping and picnics. One will be rewarded with the astounding view of the surrounding landscape that includes the Laguna Bay, the Sierra Madre ranges, the "Laguna Penta" mountain ranges and even the great "Banahaw Trilogy" can also be seen from afar.

Upon further ascent, the trail leads to "Rangyas" peak with steep ascent and some portion requires some rock scrambling skills that has a total elevation of 2560 ft. above sea level.

 

How to Get There:

1. From Cubao ride a jeep bound to Cogeo.

2. Once in Cogeo, ride a jeepney bound to Sampaloc (tell the driver to drop you off in Sitio Batagas, it also shares the entry point for Mt. Maynoba).

2. Ride/Hire a Tricycle and tell the driver to you off in Mt Batolusong Registration

***I joined an event organized by Adventurous People Travel & Tour

Paoay Sand Dunes

The Ilocos Region is abundant in natural attractions like mountain ranges, rock formation, beaches and of course the "Sand Dunes".

Sand dunes is a hill or ridge of sand that lies along or near the part of the beach that are affected by tides. According to geologist, it was formed over many years when windblown sand is trapped by beach grass or other stationary objects and often found along the coastal regions.

The Ilocos Sand Dunes stretches in the towns of Currimao to Pasuquin in Ilocos Norte. Then there is also the La Paz Sand Dunes which is located in Laoag City. And recently, the Paoay Sand Dunes is quickly gaining popularity among tourists who are travelling the north.

My sister who visited Ilocos shares her pictures and narrates her experience with regards to her trip, thus it was based on her account that this write-up was made. She stated that the sand dune tour starts with a 4x4 vehicle ride at the jump off site which passes through seemingly endless sand ridges and dunes. Some portions goes as high as 10-20 ft. through a series rolling terrain of sand hills. Then, another great activity that anyone can try is the sand boarding in which a plank of wood is used to slide down  the sand hill, it requires the same balance in Skate boarding and Surfing except that sand boarding is the safest among the three. (unfortunately my sister didn't try sand boarding).

How to Get There:

1. Ride a bus bound to Laoag via Farinas, Florida and Partas.

2. From the bus terminal, you can flagged/hire a tricycle which is just a 20-30 minutes ride.

Flat Rocks (Mt. Makiling)

Flatrocks is one of the must visit attractions in Mt. Makiling, according to geologists it was formed years ago when Mt. Makiling was an active volcano. The rocks with a layered texture was formed by molten lava that flowed in the area possibly from the numerous eruption of the mountain years ago. On the other hand, the rocks that look like blocks were formed by the action of various forces in combination. Cracks formed on the large rocks are due to the the action of water, gravity, earthquakes and vegetation. Over time these cracks enlarged to form fissures which eventually led to the formation of large blocks of rock. 

Take a moment to sit and marvel at the beauty of the rock formations. 

***(Some wordings were not my original writing, I copied it from the tarpaulin in Flat Rocks).

How to Get There:

1.) Take a bus bound to Sta Cruz, Laguna (DLTB or Greenstar), their terminal is in LRT Buendia.

2.) Tell the conductor to drop you off in Olivarez/College.

3.) You can then ride a jeepney bound to UP College Forestry

4.) You can walk to the Registration area. One ID is required.

Zoobic Safari

Situated in the forested part of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Zoobic Safari boast itself as the "First and only Tiger Safari in the Philippines". Visitors are treated to an eleven unique attractions via the Zoobic Safari's tram ride that includes the Zoobic Park, Forbidden Cave, Savannah, Aetas Trail, Bone Muzooeum, Tiger Safari, Animal Muzooeum, Croco Loco, Serpentarium, Tiger Close Encounter, Lion Close Encounter, Eggziting Story, and animal shows. 

The theme park is ideal for school trips and offers a fun-filled family activity which boasts of exotic and diverse animals in their simulated natural habitat. Everyone can have a close interaction with these remarkable creatures while communing with nature.

***We bought a promo ticket in Metro deal for Zoobic Safari

Dampalit Falls

Nestled between the ranges of Mt. Makiling's rocky portion that is situated in it's forest reserve, lies Dampalit Falls in Los Banos, Laguna.

According to the locals, it was once considered as one of the main attractions of the said town, some even say that it was mentioned by Jose Rizal in his journal when he visited the Niagara Falls that "Dampalit Falls" were more mysterious and charming even though it’s much smaller than the Niagara. The falls used to have clean and pristine waters, but now  the place is showing signs that it was not properly maintained, with dilapidated structures as a proof that it has lived it's former glory.

Nevertheless, it is still a nice side trip whenever you are in Laguna, because of the soothing breeze and calming gushed of the falls.

The short walk from the jump off point is more or less 20 minutes approximately 1km. through a cemented pavement of Brgy Dampalit, to which the Falls was named after.

How To Get There: 

1.) Ride a bus bound to Sta.Cruz, Laguna. Tell the conductor to drop you off in Lalakay Elementary School.

2.) Lalakay Elem. School is the jump off point, just follow the cemented pavemaent which leads directly to Dampalit Falls. Just ask the locals when in doubt.

Ding Hao Chinese Cuisine

"Ding Hao" means excellent or very good in Mandarin language, true enough this resto offers a good Chinese food at an affordable price that Calambeños has loved through the years.

It is a common place for wedding reception and baccalaureate dinners in Calamba City due to it's ambiance and feel good athmosphere. They have a wide array of traditional chinese menu which also includes set meals for a group of 6 to 12 person.

We ordered a set meal that includes a roasted chicken dish with it's meat being tender and juicy, and Chop Seuy with it's fresh and crispy vegetables.  Their main specialty is the "Pansit Bihon" which has not lost it's touch after many years, and is served best with the "Camaron Rebosado".

Food portions are large and is truly a real value for your money.

Food Rating: 7/9