DINGALAN AURORA / Modern Nanay

Its already summer here in the Philippines and we have long list of beaches, islands and so many destinations to offer. To be honest being here in the Philippines sometimes you cant decide where to start with all the best beaches and tourist spots, but HEY! there is no pressure of visiting all 81 provinces.

So to start with my summer vacation first spot DINGALAN AURORA.

Have you heard about the place? No? I guessed so because even I haven't heard about it. Thanks to my friend for tagging me along to his trip.

ABOUT THE PLACE:

DINGALAN, AURORA is the southernmost town of Aurora; it is separated from the rest of the province by the Sierra Madre mountains. Most of its tourists come from the nearby province, Nueva Ecija. Tagged as Batanes of the East.

We joined a day tour arrange by LU, its very inviting for Php 1,000 pesos you will be able to visit Dingalan View Deck, light house, Tanawan Falls (but instead we went to Lipos Falls) and with sidetrip to Minalungao River. That includes van transfer and food. Surely you will grab that opportunity.

Here is our itinerary:

10:00 pm - Assembly (mcdonald q.ave)
12:00 am - ETD To Dingalan Aurora
3:00 am - ETA To Dingalan Aurora
Breakfast
4:30 am Feeder Port Arrival
5:30 am Boat ride to white beach
6:00 am - ETA to white beach
6:30 am - View Deck
8:00 am - Lighthouse
9:20 am - Lunch
10:00 am - Return to Feeder Port
11:00 am - Lipos Falls
2:00 pm. - I LOVE DINGALAN
4:00 pm. - ETA to minaluangao
6:00 pm. - back to manila
8:00 pm. - dinner
11:00 pm. - ETA IN MANILA

That is the actual itinerary that we follow. But it still depend on your group phase with the timing and also other circumstances might affect.

First stop early breakfast. We enjoyed the porridge here, it has a very unique taste. Meat are grilled instead of boiled. Perfect pair with an egg for only Php 25 pesos.

We arrived at feeder port too early so we have to wait until 530 am. More time to appreciate the sunrise. We have to ride a boat going to white beach it will take 15-20 minutes but you could also trek from feeder point to the viewing deck and it will take you 40-50 minutes.

White beach is not exactly white sand so don't expect too much. (mabibigo ka lang bes). There are several kubo that you could rent to leave your bags or build a tent for those who decide to stay overnight. Lets go trekking!

The path to the viewing deck is not that easy. Its steep and muddy with combination of rocks. Im not a professional mountaineer or hiker. This is just based on my experience. Despite all that, I was still able to manage reaching the top.

After 30 minutes you will feel satisfied. The scenic view of the mountain and the sea will welcome you. My first ever climb, unexplainable facial expression.

Next stop walking to the lighthouse. Its much easier than the other trail since its less muddy and with rope on the steep part. Its more of the grassland so walking took less than 30 minutes and the weather is extremely hot so make sure you place adequate sunblock.

Credit: John Luis Samonte Peña

Getting a decent shot on the area is difficult due to the crowd. But despite all that thanks to our tour guide who serve as our photographer. I suggest to walk early, to avoid extreme sun and build up of crowd.

Included on the arrange tour is the free food. Boodle fight is normal to Filipino culture this is define as eating by hand. Oh by the way try their buko ice candy, its very creamy, Must try to beat the heat.

Leaving the white beach is heart breaking. Here at feeder point you could park your car or van, its the mainport going to white beach and other areas.

Welcome Lipos Falls. We decided to went there instead of Tanawan Falls because its peaked season and its more crowded on that area. Base on our tour guide this falls is less crowded and we can enjoy swimming with no restrictions.

I highly suggest going to this place. Fresh clear water as if you own a big Jacuzzi. Its unspoiled ambiance will make you feel refresh after a long day of walking. You could go cliff jumping with all those rocks. According to the tourist guide its 7 foot deep but as always jump at your own risk.

To end the trip, let me take #selfie

There you go that is our AURORA trip, day tour is not enough to enjoy such a beautiful place but sometimes we have to escape the busy streets of Manila and breathe fresh air. Here is a quick video of my Dingalan Trip