Included on our itinerary is a sidetrip to Minalungao National Park.
ABOUT THE PLACE:
Minalungao National Park is a protected area of the Philippines located in the municipality of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija in Central Luzon. The park covers an area of 2,018 hectares centered along the scenic Peñaranda River bordered on both sides by up to 16-meter high limestone walls in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range.
We were surprise that there is an entrance fee of 100 pesos per head and it was effective the day before we arrive, how unlucky.
When we arrive its already late afternoon, we have plans on going for a deep but we lost interest when we saw the crowd.
Its weekend when we visited and so as expected there are loads of tourist as well. We didnt explore much of the place because of limited time but we are able to capture few photos.
Two kinds of bridge. The hanging bridge, this is nerve rocking because it shaky specially if loads of people walking. The bamboo bridge its less scary.
Puro bato ditto bes, ipose na lang natin yan.
Overall I would still love to comeback here in Minalungao but I will make sure its either weekdays or not during summer for me to experience other amenities.
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
If you want to experience arrange trips and more DIY travels:
Kindly contact FB account: John Luis Samonte Peña
That's it hopefully everyone will experience Batanes of the East.
Looking for a quick getaway that is near the metro and a kid friendly resort.
Look no further, AMANA WATERPARK in Pandi, Bulacan is one amongst the many resorts in Bulacan.
Its a great place for your family bonding, team building and let your inner kids inside out.
ABOUT THE PLACE:
Amana Waterpark - adjudged by Google as the 2nd Fastest-rising summer destination of the Philippines. It caters for the customer's total fun and enjoyment with its best amenities, world class services (with distinctly Filipino hospitality), comfort and convenience for a reasonable cost --- giving worth for your hard-earned money.
FEATURES:
3500-square meter wave pool
Gigantic waves
Infinity pool with Jacuzzi
500-square meter kiddie pool with life-sized Dragon Ball characters
Twin pool with slide
Themed pools ( world of minions, is the newest attraction)
VIP rooms, souvenir shop and a restaurant. Also with recreational facilities for billiards, videoke and mini zoo.
Life sized character
Cave pools
4D Max rider
ENTRANCE:
Time schedule may varies during summer
You can choose your desire cottages price starts from 600 pesos to 2500 pesos
There are several room accommodations as well price range from 2500 pesos to 3500 pesos
NOT ALLOWED:
Bringing of pets
Bringing of firearms and deadly weapons
Bringing of softdrinks and alcoholic beverages
SWIM ATTIRE:
Men: Garterized shorts, white shirts, cycling shorts and trunks.
Women: Garterized shorts, white shirts, cycling shorts and bathing suits.
OUR EXPERIENCE:
We really wanted to go to the beach but unfortunately the weather is unpredictable either super sunny or extremely wet. Since we have limited time planning we have chosen a resort near Metro Manila. After several searching we both agree to go to AMANA it was recommended to me before by our van driver.
We quickly pack our bags and head to the resort, as usual we always wanted to spend whole day rather than a short stay. We check-in to the Vigan Room for us its the best location since it was in front of the wave pool and accessible to all amenities.
Here are some of the picture of our accommodation.
VIGAN ROOM
WINDOW VIEW FROM OUR ROOM
THE BED
BEDROOM AMENITIES
It has kitchen facility and its own toilet. Unfortunately the toilet is downstairs which is a disadvantage specially for our 7 years old kid because its narrow and stiff, so if your bringing kids with you better keep an eye on them.
Following morning we received our complimentary breakfast for two and to be fair it taste good.
TOCILOG, TAPSILOG, COFFEE AND MILO
You could actual bring your own food and cook or grill in the resort but they don't have refrigerator so better bring food cooler to keep it fresh but for those who don't like to cook there are several food places that sells food but make sure to note the operating hours specially during off season. I guessed during summer its open longer periods.
WE ARE LATE FOR DINNER AND TOO EARLY FOR BREAKFAST
FLAVOURED SHAKES TO BEAT THE HEAT
AMANA WATERPARK has a lot to offer to us and we are able to experience almost every pool that is available but since its not peak season there are several pools that are not available. Don't weep 8 out of 11 pool are open and surely it will satisfy you.
Check this out:
AMANA WATER WORLD
THE MINI ZOO
THE WORLD OF MINIONS
THE WAVE POOL
LIFE SIZE ACTION FIGURES
HOW TO GET THERE:
What we took:
From abad santos we ride a bus bound to Norzagaray
Drop off area Walter Mart Sta. Maria
From there ride a tricycle to Amana Waterpark
Drop off Amana Waterpark
Approximately 1.5 - 2 hours ride from Manila time varies due to traffic.
This summer bring your family and friends and have the most amazing experience.
