SUMMER STORY: Confessions of a Wanderlust

WANDERLUST: a strong desire for or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world.

They say every summer has a story and that summer always ends with good memories. My summer this year surely has a lot of good memories I can tell you. This is definitely one of those perfect summer experiences I have ever had. I gained new friends, get to spend quality time with old friends, and make some fun with the current people I’m usually with now. What else can I ask for?

I’m a CERTIFIED Wanderlust I’d say. Shhhhh! Well, that’s nothing new considering that I keep a travel blog myself. This year, I made sure my experience is a series of getaways here and there to make summer more memorable, fun, and exciting. From island tours, waterfalls escapades to simply enjoying the beaches around the islands. Now that summer is about to end, let me share with you all my wonderful moments through this blog.

Officially kicking off summer last April 2015, let’s head out to our first destination, the mystical island of SIQUIJOR! Mostly known as Isla del Fuego or the Island of Fire, Siquijor is an island province located in Central Visayas and known to be the third smallest province in the country in terms of population.

Not that the island is on fire though because of how it’s called. Its moniker started long ago when Spanish colonizers noticed the glow of multitude of fireflies that would gather nightly around the island.

The island maybe small in size and can be toured in just a day, but the activities you can do in the area is definitely unlimited.

Since the island can be toured in a day, you have the option to rent vehicles that you can use around the area. For those who can ride motorcycles, there are a lot of motorcycle for rent in the area as long as you have a driver’s license. For groups, you can rent a multicab (including the driver) which will take you around the places you would want to see.

 

The island has two boat ports. One in Larena and one in Siquijor (capital of the province). If you happen to dock in Siquijor, you will get the chance to take your photo here just outside the port.

Here are the things you can do in once you’re in the province.

1. Fish Spa: A popular landmark in Lazi, Suiqjor.

Fish Spa at Old Enchanted Balete Tree is a must try when you visit Siquijor.

2. Cambugahay Falls: Located in Lazi, Siquijor, Cambugahay waterfall consists of multi-layered cascading falls.

There are many things you can do in Cambugahay Falls. Aside from swimming, if you’re one brave soul you can do waterfall jumping. You can also be like Tarzan where you swing around using a rope and let yourself drop into the cold water.

3. Salagdoong Beach: Located in Maria, Siquijor, this one is one of the most popular beaches in the island. The best thing you can do in Salagdoong? Well take a look at this?

Just stopping over on the long and winding road to Salagdoong Beach in Maria Siquijor. We just couldn’t miss this view.

One thing you can do in Salagdoong to make the best summer memory you can ever have is to do challenge yourself and conquer the cliff jumping experience. There are two concrete jumping boards situated on a cliff. One is a 40-meter high jump while the other is a 25-meter high jump. This is Argey living up to the moment jumping from the higher jumping board.

These and more are the things you can do in Siquijor. I’ll be posting a separate post all about Siquijor in my travel blog (www.adventuristacorner.wordpress.com) so stay tuned.

Now off to our second destination, let’s hit the island of Cebu and discover one of its magnificent waterfalls: Tumalog Falls. This has been a trending destination among my Facebook friends, so the weekend after our Siquijor escapade, we decided to hit Tumalog Falls.

Tumalog Falls is located in Oslob, Cebu which is a few minutes away from my hometown by sea and land. (Specific details will be posted in my travel blog).

 

One of Oslob’s pride is Tumalog Falls aside from its famous Whale Watching. Just a few meters away from the whale shark site, you get to see habal-habal or motorcycle for rent which can take you to the falls.

with the girls

 

Ending the month of April chasing waterfalls, I started the week of May by heading our to Mindanao this time and exploring the beauty of Dapitan. Hopping to our third destination in my summer escapades, I welcome you all to the famous resort of DAKAK!

One thing this experienced gave me is earning new friends and meeting new people. I just happened to join this group knowing only a few and ending the travel knowing everyone. (details will be posted separately in my travel blog).

Wacky pose I guess? 😛

The famous jump shot. You can’t skip summer without getting your own version of jump shot.

Group picture

For the kids and kids at heart, once in Dapitan you can’t miss Gloria’s Fantasyland. Get the ‘Enchanted Kingdom feels’ without having to go that far especially if you’re within Visayas area. Just like their slogan: “Welcome to Gloria’s Fantasyland…Where everyday is a festival!”

The Zimmerman ride. If you have a brave ride then take this 30-second roller coaster ride

 

5D movie experience in the themed park. One thing you shouldn’t miss

The themed park offers a lot of rides and activities for friends and families who visit the place everyday. Details of it will be posted separately in my travel blog. 🙂

Now that we’re down to our last two weeks of the month of May before rainy season officially kicks in, let me take you back to the island of Cebu and back to the town of Oslob. Whe came to visit Tumalog Falls at the end of April, however, the town of Oslob is rich is history and beautiful beach resorts that you can visit to unwind and have fun with your friends and family.

So before the month ends, let me take you back to a little of our country’s history. Hmnmmm, I should say a little of the Oslob town’s history.

Nuestra Señora de la Immaculada Conception is one of the oldest churches in Cebu City.

The ruins of Oslob Cuartel. This serves as barracks for the Spanish armies before. The infrastructure is made of coral stones.

 

 

the ruins of one of the seven watch towers in Oslob called Lantawan or Baluarte

Take a walk along the pavement of Oslob’s Heritage Park and fall in love with its picturesque ambiance

Take a leap and capture that moment in Oslob’s beautiful Heritage Park by the sea.

After learning some history, you can just go anywhere in the many beach resorts around the area. For us, we chose to be in Seafari since most of the people seem to go there this summer. Just curious what’s in the resort and what’s driving people to get there. Details will be posted separately in my travel blog.

Once you get to the resort the challenge is going up and down its long stairs made of 270 concrete steps.

I don’t have to say anything about the beach because Oslob sure has a nice stretch of beach which is obvious in our picture. Take a dip in its cold water and have fun. After all, summer always has a story.

Since we are now down to the last week of May and technically the last week of Summer here in the country, I definitely have that planned out too. And the best way to end your summer? For me it’s going to Apo Island and discover its marvelous underwater view and breath taking marine sanctuary.

This has been Maja. Signing off. Till my Apo Island Adventure! Ciao! 🙂