Just when I thought traveling on lean season was purely genius, I totally forgot that in the Philippines lean season also means typhoon season.  The day after I enjoyed my first island tour in El Nido, in came the rain. I was just chilling in my cabin waiting for the coordinators to come and say the tour's postponed but it wasn't. In my mind, I was like "Really? In this ungodly weather?". I just had to ask why. Ate Coordinator's answer was short and simple, "We had to. No tour, no income". I didn't know what to respond. Here I am, worrying about my safety while there they are worrying not about themselves, risking their own lives, thriving to make a living.

The boat ride was one hell of a ride. Whew! Just a little two minutes from the anchorage and we're already soaked, both from the splashes and the rain. Fun and thrilling at the same time. Our boatmen gave us huuuge garbage bags to secure our things. Talk about improvised dry bags. Haha. 

I chose Tour C for today's island hopping trip, with Miniloc Island as its main attraction, is the farthest of all the islands. With no island in sight and seeing those huge waves, it was a challenge to keep my calm. Shouldn't we be bothered or is it just me? I glanced over our boatmen and saw the captain having coffee. Literally! I'm like, okay, this should be no biggie. Haha. (I met them the night before the tour when they saw me running downtown under the rain, in search for shelter. Our guides from yesterday's tour was with them, so I'm guessing they're from the same tour services. BTW, thanks for lending me an umbrella. :) )

With an all island tour, a waterproof camera would be the best option to bring. I kind of learned that the hard way yesterday, so the night before the tour I rented an underwater camera at a local camera shop. I was surprised that the rent for a GoPro was almost the same with an overnight hotel accommodation. Probably because GoPro was not yet that popular here in the Philippines (2013). This wasn't in my budget so I opted for a cheaper alternative, Canon point and shoot with an underwater case for P750.00. Still a bit pricey for me but hey, they have the right to dictate whatever price they want since they are the only rental shop in town. Plus, what choice do I have. Lol.

The pictures were okay. Exposure and colors could've been better if it wasn't gloomy. However, for sun sensitive-skinned people such as myself, you might want to take advantage of the weather and plunge into the water for as long as your time permits without worrying about skin rashes or burns. As much as I want to, I got an open wound on both knees acquired yesterday, not visible in the photos, though. Open wound, not just a scratch or cut, it doesn't bleed anymore but I swear I can see the tissues underneath, lol, and in my book, open wounds and salt water don't go well together. 

Few shots from the underwater cam. 

Overall, everything that happened today was quite an experience. From my stinging wound up to the safety docking of our boat, everything was worth it. 

Shout out to all island tour coordinators and boatmen who uses all their might to make each tour an awesome experience. Especially to the boatmen of Oceana1 and 2 in El Nido, mabuhay po kayo mga ser! :)

xxx

At last, a holiday! No, wait, a five-day holiday thanks to Chuseok! I have been eyeing this holiday since day one  (shh, don't tell my manager) of 2013 (yes, this is a super late post).  Timing that its in September, my birth month, great time for a solo pre-birthday adventure. Though I have been traveling and going on adventures alone before, this is my first solo air travel. 

View from my room at Rico's Cottages.

In the Philippines, September lies in the off-peak season so I was able to get huge discounts on plane tickets and accommodations. Yes, I prepared everything DIY style, from plane tickets reservations to island hopping. It's not that too stressful and  time consuming like everyone thinks (actually it is the research that is stressful) plus its a lot cheaper. 

Compared to Puerto Princesa, accommodations and tours in El Nido are cheaper, still haven't figured out why. For tours, probably because the beach is more accessible here. Just a few steps and you're there. 

Shots courtesy of Keith. Let's get the boat party started!

Time to hit the islands! I picked Tour A (Big and Small Lagoon, Shimizu Island, 7 Commando Beach, Secret Lagoon) for my first day of island hopping and boy oh boy was it a blast: tourists from Argentina, England, Ireland, Canada, Vietnam and Philippines in one boat, like a little United Nations boat. It was fun, we got along well even though we came from different countries. We're not even halfway to our destination and Keith's already starting the boat party. In my visits to Puerto Princesa, I seldom see foreigners. Now I know why. They're either in El Nido or Coron, or at least that's what Keith said. Haha

Gotcha, Xu Yen!

The islands are extremely breathtaking! No wonder its the best island in the world. I bought my DSLR with me but I didn't feel sorry when I ignored it most of the time. Seriously, I'd ditch it anytime. Unless if you're camera's waterproof, of course. The island's marine life to is to die for. No kidding, check it on my next post. 

Thank you Xu Yen for these captures. The tan lines are all worth it. :)

If I'm not in the waters, I'm sipping a drink or two while exchanging stories with my new found friends. I had the amazing opportunity to talk to all of them and caught a glimpse of their lives back home but I especially enjoyed my conversations with Xu Yen (and her sister) and Keith. Xu Yen's Vietnamese, we talked about everything under the sun (literally and figuratively), from travelling to economics. I recently learned that she's also a graduate of Social Science, no wonder why we talked like we did. Yes, we still exchange messages once in while through Facebook. :) Keith, on the other hand, is Irish. Also a solo traveler, he's been to islands here in the Philippines that even most Filipinos haven't been to. He looked so at home already. Haha. 

NOTES:

1. Vans going to El Nido are readily available just across the PPS domestic airport but the trips here are irregular. They'll leave once the van is full. In my case, I had to wait for an hour.  If you're in a hurry, just take a tricycle to the terminal, they have trips to El Nido every hour. 

1. For a nice beach front room, check Rico's Cottages. I booked one of their fan rooms in the second floora for 900 Php per night. The room's good for two and it has a balcony and cr of its own. Not bad, huh. When you're in a breathtaking island like this, I assume you'll spend most of your time exploring, so a luxurious hotel isn't really necessary. 

2. For island hopping tours, I booked through Rico's, too. Their tours ranges from 1, 200 to 1,500 Php depending on the package you'll avail. Please note that tour prices vary from one hotel to another. I've seen  some cottages offering tours as low as 800 Php. The key is to research well and see what suits you best. 

3. The locals are honest and courteous, make sure you'll reciprocate that.  :)

4. Make friends and enjoy! :)

Vrksasana by the first level of Anghalo

With just a few hours from Manila, no doubt that Zambales is one of the sought-after alternative surfing spot to La Union or Siargao.When we say surfing in Zambales, the first thing that comes to mind is either Crystal Beach in San Narciso or Magic Left in San Antonio. During the recent years, however, tourists, foreigners and Filipinos alike, found their little surfing haven in San Felipe --- Liwliwa. Liwliwa has slowly making itself known to the surfing community in the Philippines. Though the waves here in Zambales, are beginner-friendly, they are seasonal. Don't fret yet. If the waves are too flat to surf, you can still swim in the friendly shores of Liwliwa, try paddle boarding and kayaking, OR it could be a perfect time to try something different. Grab some friends and go on a quick hike to Anghalo Falls! 

There weren't much narratives about this waterfall on the internet that's why we were so eager to go, before it gets commercialized. I first read about Anghalo Falls here in 2014. No pictures, just directions on how to go there, Curious-er and curious-er indeed. Finally, last summer we gave it a go. Just a heads up, not all locals are aware of this waterfall (or at least not aware what it is called) so make sure you really know where you're going.  Luckily for us, our Manong trike know about the waterfalls. Unfortunately, he refused to take us there. He said that the waterfall dries up during summer and that we should just go back on rainy season.

Second visit to Anghalo. This time with friends.

Fast forwarding to the rainy season and with all the thunderstorms that hit the province, its about time to pursue Anghalo once again. There are two trails to Anghalo, one is marked by a white flag on the way to the Groto, and the other one is by the stream along the road. We took the trail by the stream.   The trail by the white flag was more popular and according to the locals, its shorter, wider and easier.

We were not disappointed, well, almost. Having no idea that the falls was that popular already (at least to the locals), we confidently went on a saturday and much to our surprise, it was overcrowded. I did not even dare to take a picture of the falls. 

On out third attempt, we came on a weekday because, let's face it, it was quite a shame not to enjoy the scenery as it is. As soon as a heard the gushing waters, I was crossing my fingers and chanting to myself "I hope there weren't much people." I guess I chanted the phrase too much that we were the only ones there. Weee, unlimited photo ops! 

                                                                     

Here's how the first level looks like in real life, minus the long exposure.

In case you're wondering where Anghalo falls got its name, legend has it this three-leveled falls was formed when the giant Angalo (or Anghalo) stepped on it when he was searching for his wife, Aran. Perhaps this falls was one of the series of giant footprints scattered in the country  believed to have made by Angalo. 

The first level of Anghalo is one pretty dramatic waterfall with water gushing at one end and little streams lovely flowing over a boulder. It's pool was just right for its height. What surprised me though is that of all the waterfalls that I have seen, Anghalo has the warmest waters. Not even close to cold and I can't figure out why. Haha. Anyhow, the water's deep on both ends but shallow on the center. You can walk straight to the boulder. Like we did above. ↑↑↑

Second level of Anghalo Falls.

To reach the second level, you need to follow the trail found on the left side facing the waterfalls. It's narrow and a bit steep so be extra careful as is it just beside a cliff. Don't worry its just a short trail. Upon reaching the top of the first level, you need to do a short trek to the second waterfall. There's no definite trail here, just remember to stay on the sides. Trust your instincts, whatever would make the river trekking easier.

Although it doesn't show in the pictures, the second level is much higher than the first, has a stronger current and a narrower  but deeper pool. The water's less warm here, I must say. Haha. The second level is a diving spot. Climb the boulder on the left side facing the waterfall. Be cautious, though. The boulder's steep and slippery, I couldn't get high enough to dive. The locals said that there was a recent death here because of diving so be extra careful.

If you want to take a break from surfing or paddle boarding, or want to go on a simple weekend picnic with friends or family, or just tired of the usual swimming pool scenario, or just simple happen to be around the area, then I highly suggest you visit this beauty. Literally chill hike and voilà! 

We left a cairn for free spirited souls like ours, if its still there, hope you can add more. ☺
TIP BITS:

1. If you'll take the trail by the stream, don't forget to wear long sleeves to protect your skin from being scratched by the tall grasses and insect bites and be sure to have your own guide since this trail is a bit tricky. (Thank you Cousin Irma for guiding me and my friends. )

2. Two to three hours won't ever be enough to enjoy this beauty so better start exploring in the morning. :)

3. Swim/dive at your own risk. There are no life guards nor life vests for rent, no one to save you but yourself. 

4. Leave No Trace. The place is yet to be managed by the local tourist office so there are no entrance or environmental fees, no one to watch over the place and no one to take your garbage for you so please be responsible. ###