A travel & adventure blog by Kara Santos
Catanduanes is an island province of the Philippines, located in the Bicol Region. In the past, the province was known as the “Land of the Howling Winds” because typhoons would made landfall here before hitting the rest of the country. It’s second claim to fame was purely as a surfing destination. A more fitting tagline is its moniker now, the “Happy Island.”
Caramoan, a group of islands in the north-eastern portion of Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region is best known for being the filming location of several seasons of the hit reality show Survivor. The international TV show often chooses exotic locales with stunning scenery. With the clusters of islands lined with white sand beaches, deep gorges, limestone cliffs, coral reefs, diverse marine life, serene lagoons, subterranean river and caves, it’s easy to see why the production crew keeps choosing to film here.
Sabtang Island is one of the three main inhabited islands of Batanes, the northernmost province in the Philippines. With its well-preserved culture, beautiful natural landscapes, and friendly people, this remote island is such a refreshing escape. Sabtang is one of the most laid-back and peaceful places I’ve been to in the country.
It’s the kind of place where you’re torn between switching off your phone completely and putting your camera down to just enjoy the view or trying to capture every single spot you come across because it’s just so beautiful. Most people will opt for the latter especially if they’re just visiting Sabtang Island on a day trip to see the main tourist spots. But if you want to really savor the place and disconnect, I recommend you stay here for a few days.
Continue reading “Travel Guide: Sabtang Island, Batanes”Port Barton is a quiet fishing village located in one of the sheltered bays of San Vicente, a town on the north-western side of the main island province of Palawan in the Philippines. Compared to the top tourist hubs in Palawan like El Nido and Coron, San Vicente is still pretty laid-back, peaceful and uncommercialized.
Tablas Island is the largest of the three major islands that make up Romblon Province. While many visitors travel via sea to Odiongan, a major port on the west central coast of the island, that can be very time-consuming. It can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours from the Batangas Port to get to the main islands of Romblon. Thankfully, there are now direct flights from Manila to Tablas. The only airport in the entire province is located in Barangay Tugdan in the municipality of Alcantara on the eastern coast of Tablas Island.
When anyone mentions Palawan, most people usually think of three main spots: Puerto Princesa (the capital and gateway via the international airport), El Nido (the backpacker paradise on the mainland) and Coron (a separate island from the main Palawan Island). Busuanga is the largest Island of the Calamian archipelago in the Northern part of Palawan province generally known for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes and snorkeling and diving spots.
One of the things I love the most about traveling to new destinations is trying out new things, particularly beer. You could always drink the same old thing you’ve gotten used to, but why should you when there are so many other beers to try out, right? The Philippines is in the midst of a craft beer revolution and if you haven’t tried any of these local beers, you’re missing out on a lot! If you’re curious about the whole craft beer scene or are just starting to appreciate the variety of beer styles and flavors available in the country, you might want to ease in with some (or all) of Nipa Brew’s beers.
Continue reading “Nipa Brew Craft Beers: Brewed for Adventure”
The Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary is a small islet and mangrove area that can be found just off the coast of Masbate City, the capital of the province of Masbate. Located in the middle of seawaters of two barangays – Nursery and Tugbo, this 250-hectare marine sanctuary offers an easy and refreshing getaway very near the city. I didn’t expect to find such a beautiful destination just 15 minutes away by boat from the mainland.
Continue reading “Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary & Sandbar, Masbate City”
Masbate City, the capital of the province of the same name, is known as “The Rodeo Capital of the Philippines.” Mention Masbate and images of cowboys, rolling hills and the laid-back haciendero type ranch life come to mind. Largely agricultural, main activities here revolve around industries such as large farming, livestock and poultry raising.
If you’re into motorcycles, surfing or steampunk, you will probably want to make STKD Zeppelin your office. STKD Zeppelin is an eye-catching social coworking and event space in Kapitolyo, Pasig City. Run by the same guys behind surf and moto company Stoked Inc. Philippines and La Union’s Flotsam and Jetsam Hostel, this work and events space just breathes creativity and imagination.
Continue reading “STKD Zeppelin: Coworking + Events Space in Pasig”
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