Tumalog Falls, Oslob Cebu

Experiencing the beauty and wonder of nature is one of my hobbies.  Nothing beats the excitement of seeing nature's gift in front of my very own eyes, words are not enough to explain how magnificent God's creations are. A view over a mountain top, a walk in the beach, a dip in the cold water of water falls...definitely worth it than strolling in the mall!

Tumalog Falls from a far...

I've always loved waterfalls, Cebu is fortunate to have been bestowed with such. I have been to some of these falls such as Kawasan Falls in Badian and Mantayupan Falls in Barili, even reaching Negros just to see there famous Casaroro Falls.  However, one falls stood out from those that I have seen and that is the TUMALOG FALLS in Oslob, Cebu.

Tumalog Falls or "Mag-ambak Falls" is unique in its own way as it contains a number of umbrella-like stone formations from where water cascades from its the source.  You can position yourself under one of its umbrellas and satisfy yourself with the cold water.  It's like a natural shower!!! One thing you   can't easily do in bigger falls.

The water below the falls is just knee-deep...so its safe.

The area is currently managed by the Oslob local government and I'm happy to see that they are exerting efforts to make the place accessible and safe to the tourists.














How to Get There

Oslob is a 3-hour drive from Cebu City. You may a ride a bus at the South Bus Terminal and ride one bound for Oslob.  Upon reaching Oslob, signs along the road will give you an idea how far you are from Tumalog Falls.

This sign will tell you the way to the falls.

This is the road going the falls about, 10-15 minutes from the main road.  You can ride a "habal-habal" for Php 20.00.  Thanks to the local government, the road is cemented all the way to the falls.  Don't forget to enjoy the trip going there.









When we went there, there was no entrance fee yet.  Most of the visitors in the falls are tourists who just finished whale watching and had this visit as a side trip. Nothing to regret though 'coz the experience is one of a kind.

Lesson learned during the trip...always check your camera if its fully charged...I was not able to take nice shots near the falls as much as I want to.

Camotes Island

I would definitely go back to Camotes Island for 3 reasons. First, the white and powdery sand of Santiago beach that stretches so long and wide especially during low tide. Second, the serenity of the place, surely relaxes the mind and the body.  Third, the mouth watering and very affordable seafoods at Pito's Sutukil!!!

I'm glad we decided to stay at Santiago Beach Resort which is a sister resort of Mangodlong Beach Resort because the place is just so wonderful. The beach is outstanding, the swimming pool is overlooking the beach, the rooms are affordable and clean, and there is Pito's Sutukil which is an affordable yet satisfying food place just beside the resort.  You can definitely save 50% of your food budget compared to eating in the resort's restaurant.




Santiago Beach's shoreline...Pito's Sutukil is here.

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Low tide...

High tide...view from Santiago Beach Resort...can't resist the water!!! Looks like an oversized swimming pool!

 

If you're a bit scared of the sun...you can just stay under the cool shade of the trees and satisfy yourself with the great view of the beach.

The island does not have lots of activities like what is offered by other famous destinations such as party at the beach, fire dances, para sailing and others.  Camotes offers nothing but peace, tranquility and nature at its purest.

Summary of expenses:

Fare: Danao to San Francisco Port - 180/each (500 if you bring your own motorcycle including driver)

Fare : San Francisco Port - Resort  - 50/each (habal-habal)

Accommodation                           -1000/good for 2

Food                                           -150/meal

You can do the math!!!

More posts to follow on:

Santiago Beach Resort

Mangodlong Rock Resort

Timubo Cave

Lake Lanao Park

Pito's Sutukil

Wish List of Places to Visit

Busy days means few or worst zero blog posts...This post honestly is just meant to break the silence of my blog.

While driving on my way home, I was thinking of the conversation I had with my younger sister to plan for a family outing this December.  It made me realized that we were not able to decide on the date and the place yet.  I can recall Camotes, Camiguin and Bohol were the choices that we talked but we never really agreed(as always) on the matter. I thought, I really need to talk to my sister!  The idea
 brought me to think of my own wish list of places to visit too. There are a lot, but I will start with most practical to achieve.

These are some of the places that made it to my wish list:


1.Danasan Eco Park, Danao City - we heard it's the first to offer Wake Boarding in Cebu(really not planning to try wake boarding though but just wanted to see the place)

2. Camotes Island - a lot of postponed plans for this island already, I really wanted to see the beach and compare with others beaches I've been to
3.  Malapascua Island - I actually got a bit discouraged by this island upon hearing stories of huge waves and capsized small boats but the huge billboard posted along the highway, "Malaspacua Legend Resort" changed my mind
4.  Baguio City - I have been here last 2008, I really wanted to back.
5. Tagaytay City -  I have seen Tagalog movies being shot here, maybe it's really a nice place
6. Inambakan Falls, Ginatilan Cebu - I've seen nice pictures of this falls, so I wanted to see it for real

I still have more on my list but I'm a bit sleepy already, so I just have to stop for now.

Do you have suggestions??? I'll be glad to hear. Thank you.

Singli Mountain Resort: A Mountain Resort Worth Visiting:

It's when being on top of the mountains that we feel we have overcome our fears...

A beautiful and quiet mountain resort is worth visiting in San Fernando, Cebu City.  If you want to have a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Singli Mountain Resort is a place for you.

Singli Mountain Resort is located in Tonggo, San Fernando, Cebu, which is approximately an hour drive from Cebu City. The resort is nestled atop the mountains and thus, is surrounded by the breathtaking mountain views of San Fernando, Cebu.

Singli has two pools, for kids and a lap pool which is about 20 meters.  In addition, they have another pool which is more private situated in another mountain just a walking distance across the entrance of the resort.

We were fortunate on the day we visited Singli because unexpectedly we were able to meet and talked with  Mrs. Lilia  Abella, wife of Architect Arsenio Abella, the owners of the resort.  Such a strong, humble, honest, funny and most of all dog loving person.  Yes, she has lots of dogs and calls them her "babies".


Intrigued by its name, I was not hesitant to ask the owner the reason behind it's name and that is, it's a combination of: Sing(Arsing, the husband) and Li(Lilia, the wife).  Sounds good right?
Mrs. Abella was not hesitant at all to tell us the story of how the resort was born.  She narrated that the resort was supposedly a rest house for the family until it was used as a wedding venue for her daughter. From then on, they received request to use the place and eventually they decided to open it for the public.  I'm glad they did because I love their lap pool! 

 This is the lap pool. Approximately 20 meters, 3-5 ft.

Kids pool. 1-5 ft.

This pool situated separately from the other pools. The whole area can be rented privately. It has a very  nice view.

After a long conversation, we then started to roam around the place.  I am so amazed with the resort's designs, from the cottages, to the function area, to their room accommodations.  Truly you can see the hands of a real architect working.

One of the cottages.

Visiting Singli Mountain Resort was once of those trips that draws smile to our face upon heading home, a sign of satisfaction and enjoyment.

How to get to Singli Mountain Resort will be posted later.

Uragay Mountain Spring Resort, Carmen Cebu

One very hot afternoon, we decided to check out Uragay Mountain Spring Resort
located in Barangay Corte, Carmen, Cebu.  We heard of this Mountain Spring Resort from a local guy I spoke of the last time we went to Carmen who boastfully talked about this famous cold spring.  According to the staff that we talked in the resort, this spring has been the source of the bottled water of Nature's Spring Water until the company bought another spring source of their own.  The resort is privately owned, has two pools, for kids and for adults.  The very accommodating staff told us that they drain the pools every Wednesday, change the water and brush the floors and walls.  Must be true(hehehe) because the water was clean and clear.  The pools are fed by a flowing water from a spring or "tubod" so expect the water to be fresh and very cold. There is no restaurant in the resort, no corkage fees, cottages cost 300.  They have also accommodations for overnight stay, 1500 for two persons.

 This is the adult pool, 5-9 ft.

Feeling cold???

How to Get There

Carmen is located in the northern part of Cebu and approximately 1.5 hours travel from Cebu City. If you have your own vehicle, you can travel by the main road from Cebu City passing by Mandaue City-Consolacion-Liloan-Compostela-Danao City and finally Carmen. Uragay is just a few meters away from Carmen Public Market. Just watch out for the sign beside the road, pointing the direction of Uragay.  Reaching Uragay Mountain Spring Resort is easy and enjoyable.  From the main road, you will have to travel for 10-15 minutes to reach the resort.  On the way, you will pass by banana plantations, orchid garden of Mhuiller, Mhuiller farm, poultry farms and mountain views of Carmen.  The roads are asphalted, but be careful in the curves and in going down especially if it's raining.

Another option is to take public transportation to reach the resort.  You can take a bus from North Bus Terminal to Carmen, fare is 40 pesos.  Go down when the bus reaches Carmen Public Market. From the market, ride the "habal-habal" for 25-30 to take you directly to Uragay Mountain Resort. 

When you reach Carmen Public Market, a few meters from the market you will see a sign on the other side of the road pointing to the direction of Uragay Mountain Spring Resort.

This is the welcome sign for Uragay Mountain Resort.

Entrance fees.

 

It was raining and the cold was unbearable. So, we decided to call it a day.

Forest Camp, Valencia in Negros Oriental

Part of our Dumaguete trip was to visit Forrest Camp, one of the known tourist spot located in Valencia, a 15-20 minutes drive from Dumaguete City.  It is a mountain resort with pools made up of natural water from the Mt. Talinis.  The fresh and cool water, complemented by lush-green trees, truly a perfect combination to soothe the weary body needing a quick refreshment. Forrest Camp has a restaurant as well as accommodations for overnight stay.  Entrance fee is Php 80.00 only. Bringing of food from outside is allowed.  It is advisable to bring own food and drinks to lessen  the expenses.

Forrest Camp's hanging bridge...

 

This is one of the open cottages, beside the pool.

Taking a dip in the pool situated in the highest part of the resort. The water here is cascaded to the lower pools. (Must be the cleanest pool. hehehe).

Budbud sa Tanjay, Negros

One of the typical Filipino snack food is the local known "Budbud" which is made of sticky rice, coconut milk, sugar and other ingredients added to give it a varying taste.  Tanjay, Negros is known for their tasty "budbud" commonly referred to as "Budbud sa Tanjay".  This delicacy is best tasted with their delicious hot chocolate made of pure cocoa.  Don't forget to grab a piece of this tasty delicacy if you visit Tanjay.

Php 15.00 for a pair of budbud.

Cup of hot chocolate Php 15.00.