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.