Friday, June 3, 2011

Tukuran River, Puerto Galera, Mindoro

my adBENtiyur
2006

About the place

How to go here
Going to Tukuran River, Puerto Galera is simple and has many ways. You can either contact a travel agency or go to there with only the guts and some advice from what you are reading now.

If you plan to go here, it is nice to go there during the off peak season specially on weekdays, the place is very crowded during the summer and it tends to make the prices go off the roof.

To go there first catch a bus going to Batangas City Pier, Upon arriving the port you have to get a ticket for a boat ride going to White Beach or Sabang, don’t worry there are plenty boats to choose from.

You will then dock at White Beach/Sabang where you can do your canvassing for rooms/ and accommodations. The boat trip is quite a ride and it has many schedule to choose from but it is better that you get there early by riding the bus early.

From Puerto you can either hire a jeepney or tricycle to take you to tukuran. From the jump-off point you can either ride a carabao that tows a cart or you can walk and pass the rivers by foot. The bus ride from Buendia to Batangas Pier will be about 1 ½ to 2 hours which is pretty much the same for the boat ride, so it will cost you around 3 hours to get to White Beach Puerto Galera plus 45 minutes more to go to tukuran.

Tips
If you plan to go to Puerto Galera, I suggest that you insert this place in your itinerary. A 45min jeepney ride from town of Puerto Galera to the drop off. A real fun and hiking that you need to pass the four (4) rivers and see the natural made wonders of stream rivers. This also gives you the chance to cross the half kilometer infamous hanging-bridge. If you're a nature lover this is a must activity for you. Last January 2006 there is a new water fall flowing near Tukuran, residents tell me that after the storm the water made a new path way flow, thus creating this new waterfall.

paMITCHyur

Daraitan River, Tanay Rizal

adBENtiyur
2006


me
Mitch
Mar
Marie
Geru
Nick


This is the most important trip for our group, this is where we decided to go to trips regularly. Our trip here is made possible by some research at the internet and our strong mindsets that we will go to this place.


After waiting for hours for the jeep going to daraitan to finally start its engine we are greeted by fellow hikers going to the same place. I'm thinking now we are in good hands, for some of the hikers had already gone to this place and they will serve as our guide.


Upon arriving to daraitan the driver told us that because of the recent rains, the water level in the river is much higher making it impossible for the jeep to pass through, not to worry there are few bangkeros around and are more than willing to help us cross for a small price.

Upon crossing the river, we gone straight to the brgy hall were it is a practised for all mountaineers to registered for safety purposes. After waiting for almost an hour for the brgy representative, we finally started our trek to the daraitan river systems.  

It took us around 2 hours going to the campsite and I can say that although the trip is very tiring the view and scenery compensates for it. First time did I see marble stones in their natural forms, cave systems and a river with such strong current up close.

After setting up  our tents, we then proceed to preparing our dinner/lunch for the day. We did not managed to goofed around coz it was fast turning into night,  but what better to do is set up a camp fire not to mention some roasted marshmallow's on a stick.

In the morning the girls prepared our breakfast while us guys played in the waters, with the help of our trusted rope of course.


About the place
Daraitan is one of the places you have to go in Tanay Rizal, aside from its river system it has peaks to conquer and cave to explore. It is advisable to go here during the summer for sometimes in the rainy season the water of the river overflows that makes it impossible for jeepneys to cross. Hurray for the banceros… for it will only cost you 5 pesos to cross the river riding a very thin banca that accommodates 5 to 6 persons including their backpacks. Just be careful cause the river sometimes flows very strong (reminds you of the movie river wild). Well from there you can the go to the barangay hall to register that will cost you around 5 to 10 pesos from there it’s a walk in the park.

How to go here
First go to Crossing at Shaw Blvd., catch a ride going to Tanay, Rizal. You will then get off at the Tanay’s public market which is also the terminal for rides going to location like Siniloan, Pililia and etc..

You will then catch a ride going to DARAITAN it will be easy to find this ride cause this jeepneys are bigger than most of the other jeeps and it has a bigger set of wheels, maybe for crossing the river. From here sometimes you have to wait until the jeepneys are full cause they won’t really go without a full jeepney and I think that they even let people ride the at roof.

Depends on the condition of the river, sometimes the jeep will cross the river and from there you can start your hiking.

Tips
Don’t forget to go first at the barangay hall to register it’s for your own safety. From there it’s a walk in a park, plus you can get potable water and it’s safe.  Go here during the summer cause the river sometimes is not safe during rainy seasons.

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paMITCHyur











Wawa Dam, Montalban, Rizal

my adBENtiyur
2006


me
Mitch








About the place
The Montalban Gorge better known as the Wawa Dam is supposedly the place where the legendary Bernardo Carpio who is the one responsible for separating the mountain here. Also according to legends, that because he is trapped inside the mountains, that when it earthquakes, it means that he is trying to escape.


If you’re a rock climbing enthusiast, both the north and south faces of the gorge, as well as the surrounding areas, have a lot of numerous climbing paths that you can try. It is even featured in pinoy movies and teleseryes.


In addition, there are a few caves in the area that the Katipuneros supposedly used as hiding places during the Philippine Revolution and then by Japanese soldiers during the final years of World War II.


The Wawa Dam itself is interesting. It was constructed by the American colonial government on the upper Marikina River back in 1909 and it served as the primary water source for the Manila area. Then in the 1960s, the La Mesa–Ipo–Angat watershed system was established. The new water source and the increased siltation and pollution upstream from the Wawa Dam led to its decommissioning in the 1970s.


How to go here
There are three ways to go here, from Quezon City by means of public jeepney.First is the route of Philcoa-Montalban jeepney, just look for the jeep going to Montalban in front of Jollibee. Fare is 26 pesos (as of May 2006). As you arrive in Montalban, look and ride a jeep going to Wawa and don't forget to pay 7.50 pesos as your fare.


Second route is by means of Montalban-Cubao jeepney near or in front of Sogo Hotel. As you arrive in Montalban, look and ride a jeep going to Wawa .The last route is a jeep in Litex-Montalban. Fare is less than 17 pesos and just tell the driver to unload you in loading area going to Wawa. From here look and ride a jeep going to wawa.


From Wawa you can either go to straight to the dam, Its about a 10 minute walk from the drop-off point to the dam. You can also ask assistance from the barangay who are pretty much willing to assist and guide you to the trip ( I just don't know if there is money involved).


Tips
There are  lots of stalls here that are selling snacks and drinks. If you are going here by public transport, make sure that you know the last trip going to Montalban. (5-6 pm).





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paMITCHyur

Corregidor Island, Cavite

my adBENtiyur
2005

me
Mitch

Our trip to corregidor is quite exciting, due to the fact that it was our first time to go there. Plus the fact that it is both historical and a beautiful place. Made us more eager to go to the place where history is written everywhere, a place once become a graveyard for hundreds of soldiers fighting for our freedom.

About the place
Corregidor island is just a few kilometers from Manila (48 Kilometers to be exact), Its is the first line of defense of Manila during the war.

This island fortress stands as a memorial for the courage, valor, and heroism of its Filipino and American defenders who bravely held their ground against the overwhelming number of invading Japanese forces during World War II.

Also known as "the Rock," it was a key bastion of the Allies during the war. This is also where the legendary bataan death march started. Alot of captured soldiers both filipino and americans here in corregidor was transported to bataan to joined the death march.

Today Corregidor serves as one of the tourist spot of this country.  Also some travelers going to bataan choose to travel to corregidor island, from there they will catch a banca ride going to bataan, to save travel time.

How to go here
One can go to Corregidor Island all year round, just make sure it is not storming cause you have to ride a boat to go there. But if you are not familiar with the place it is better to avail of the Corregidor Day tour packages at CCP. The package is inclusive of Lunch, Boat Fare and the Tranvia ride with tour guide.

But you have to pay extra if you want to watch the Malinta Tunnel Lights and Sounds Show.

Tips
It is also allowed to bring food to the trip and I have to say that the food here is expensive so if you can bring some. They don't allowed overnight camping here if your not staying in the hotel.


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paMITCHyur