Kalanggaman Island, Leyte

Kalanggaman Island is a stunning beach destination that is located in the municipality of Palompon in the province of Leyte, Philippines. It is well known for its rich palm trees, white breathtaking sandbars on both ends, and crystal clear water. The place got its name Kalanggaman (the visayan term for “bird”) because it is similar to a bird when it is viewed from above, in additional the island was a paradise for migratory birds many years ago.

 It started to get international exposure when a MV Europa Cruise Line brought 400 passengers who stayed and enjoyed on the island for a couple of hours. The length of the island is 753m and is still unoccupied. The local government put up basic facilities and made the island secured by a tourist police to ensure safety and comfort to the people. Apart from a police outpost and a couple of huts, there are no privately owned resorts and establishments on the whole island but overnight camping is allowed.  [300 / night (4-Person Tent), 250 / night (2-person Tent)]

If you are wondering where to get food, there are sari-sari stores in Kalanggaman Island that cooks limited food for the tourists. The local market also sells fresh foods that you can buy and use the wooden tables and grilling stations that is free for the tourists. I highly suggest that you bring your own food if you are planning to stay overnight in the island.

You must expect that there are barely any signal in the island and it has no electricity but there are many things to do in Kalanggaman Island such as swimming, camping, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and aqua-biking. It is best to visit the island during the summer season from February to June. Avoid the rainy season which is from the months of July-September.

The surrounding of the beach is really serene and secured. In overall, it is suitable for short weekend trips and it is truly a perfect place to enjoy and relax with your loved ones.

Biri Rock Formation, Samar

In the first place, Biri was an island barangay under the jurisdiction of Bobon, municipality in Northern Samar up until its conversion on June 21, 1969 into a new municipality. It became the 21st municipality of Northern Samar. As referred to in the navigational maps of the Spanish Galleons, the island used to be Tingiao and it was the entry point to Luzon and Visayas. The name “Biri” was originated from the Spanish word to “barrer”, which means to sweep.

The captain would command his men to “barrer” or wash the galleon deck in preparation of their berthing to the Capul Island for their trip to Manila every time the Spanish captain of the Galleon would sight the San Bernardino Isle and Biri of Tingiao. Before returning their navigation trip to Manila, the Spanish galleon would anchor at biri bay on some occasions. The people would often hear the Spaniards naming the island “verey” and that’s why the word “verey” was commonly known as Biri.

The Biri Rock Formations are consisted of six distinct rock islands which are named Magasang, Masapad, Macadlaw, Puhunan, Bel-at, and Caranas Rock Formations. Although Magasang, Masapad, Macadlaw, Puhunan, Bel-at, and Caranas Rock Formations are separated islands you can travel it from the main island during low tides. It has been represented as the outcome of the “battle of the gods” since violent storms, pounding winds, and aggressive waves crashing against the rocks has created its glorious beauty.

What makes Biri Island more fascinating aside from its rock formations are the surrounding open waters which you can see other living sea creatures and its lush mangrove forest. The island became very famous when some of the scenes of the romantic movie entitled “Iisa pa lamang” starred by Richard Gomez, Dawn Zulueta, and Maricel Laxa were taken shot on the Island. If you are tired from exploring and climbing the rock formation then you need take a dip at the Bel-at tide pool. Its calm and cool waters will relaxes your body.

Biri Rock formation has been a spot for surfing, diving, and mangrove tour. It is also an attraction for photography enthusiasts especially in summer when the weather is good. In going in there, bring your own food and drinks as there are no stores in the island. Also use appropriate footwear because the stones can hurt your feet. In conclusion, Biri Rock Formation is indeed a gorgeous destination that will surely give you memorable experiences that are worth coming back for.

Tumalog Falls, Cebu

One of the best things in the province of Cebu is that the island is given with so many special natural wonders. And that is the reason why local or foreigner people are falling in love with Cebu. One of the amazing nature’s gift of Cebu is the Tumalog falls which is located at Oslob Municipality. It is found in Barangay Luka, which is close to the popular whaleshark attraction in Oslob. As a matter of fact, it has gotten a lot of attention after it became a side trip for those tourists who wish to see the Butandings. Tumalog Falls is describe as “gossamer” since it produce very light, smooth, and gauze-like fabric waters as it descends and fall down.

Some tourists and enthusiasts would describe it as “Horsehair” (especially white horses) caused by how the water flows as it creates like a horse tail or neck hair. Some also describe the falls as “white curtain” because it is like a white and transparent curtain that covers the whole rock within the forest. To get to the foot of Tumalog Falls, you need to walk in a really steep road. You will see a series of runoffs or tiers that allow the excessive water from the waterfall’s main basin to flow away when the road comes to a dead end.

You can rent the cottages and tables that is scattered around the falls with a minimum price. The place is protected from being “developed” and essentially well kept. It means that there are no big structures or establishment that are surrounding the falls. You can definitely enjoy the Tumalog Falls not just by observing and taking pictures but you can also enjoy the water dipping into the bottom of the waterfalls. If you can’t swim, don’t worry because the pool underneath the bedrock is mostly, knee-deep.

Also, the pool virtually disappears, when the sun is really hot during the summer times. The water is really fresh and crisp, and by standing behind one of the curtains, you’ll get a nice and relaxing shoulder and back massage! You can also rent a bamboo raft and just ask for the rates. Moreover, the trail to the Tumalog Falls is quite slippery caused by the moisture and moss that’s why be extra careful!

If you don’t want your things to be wet, be sure to waterproof them! Place them inside of dry sacks or dry bags. Lastly, respect our mother nature by not vandalizing the rocks and not throwing our trashes everywhere. Without doubt, its delightful view will never be out of season and you will fall in love with the sound of the falling water that creates a soothing melody to your ears.

Chocolate Hills, Cebu

One of the most tourist attraction in Bohol are certainly the Chocolate Hills. They resemble as a giant mole hills and some people say that it looks like women’s breast. The well-known Chocolate Hills are no less than 1,268 cone-shaped hills that’s why geologists are baffled and most of the people are shock that this hills are not a man-made artifact. They are mostly 30 to 120 meters in height and the hills are scattered over an area of 50 kilometers or more. The hills are covered with grass that turns brown during dry seasons that’s why it looks like giant chocolate kisses. Thus, the name of the hills were derived from its color.

Legends has said that the hills started from the tale of Arogo, a young and very strong giant who was in love with an ordinary mortal girl called Aloya. After the girl passed away, Arogo cried painfully and his tears turn into hills as a proof for his grieve and loss. And other people said that the hills are came into existence when a fight has occurred between two giants who threw stones and sands at each other and their fight has lasted for days. When they were finally worn out, they became friends and left the island but the mess that they did was left behind.

The hills were the outcome of the thousands of years of weathering of marine limestone and it said to be the most acceptable geological theory of the Chocolate Hills. Due to its special characteristics, high scenic value, and uniqueness it has been recognized in the “Seven natural wonders of the Philippines” and on June 18, 1988, it has been declared as the country’s 3^rd National Geological Monument by the National Committee on Geological Sciences.

The towns which the hills are spread at are Sagbayan, Batuan, Carmen, Bilar, Sierra Bullones and Valencia. There are two resorts that are near the hills. One in Sagbayan and known as Sagbayan Peak and the next one is in Carmen town which is called Chocolate Hills Complex.

Although the Chocolate Hills have nothing much to offer, the lovely view of it will absolutely be enough to steal the hearts of the tourists.

The Ruins, Negros Occidental

The Ruins is one of the most popular heritage landmarks in the Philippines. It was also known as the “Taj Mahal” and is located at Talisay City, Negros Occidental. It all started with the love story of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga. Mariano was a ravishing young bachelor who has a 440-hectare plantation in Talisay City, Negros Occidental during the Spanish colonial era. He also loves seeing the world besides working hard for his estate. Maria Braga is a stunning Portuguese lady who lives in Macau and Mariano has seen her through one of his travels in Hong Kong. It is said to be love at first sight!

Mariano immediately met Maria’s father who was the captain of the ship. The father thought that they are really for each other. And Mariano didn’t waste any time and ask the hands of Maria for marriage. After they got married, they live in Mariano’s ancestral house in Talisay and they were blessed with many children. Sadly, when Maria is pregnant with their 11^th child, she had an accident where as she slipped in the bathroom and bleed profusely.

Mariano nervously sent his horseman to get the physician but before the physician arrived, Maria and the baby has already passed away. Mariano was so devastated in the loss of his wife and baby. So he thought to build a mansion to remind him of Maria for the rest of his life. It was well supported by Maria’s father. And when the mansion was finished he told his children that it was theirs to live in for as long as they’re not yet married.

And that is how the mansion was built before in the early part of World War 2 when the United States Armed Forces set the mansion on fire so that it will not be used as a headquarters by the Japanese forces. But the foundations still remained standing due to its meticulous way of pouring the A-grade mixture of concrete. And that is how it became into ruins.

It is open to the public from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm daily. The ruins is available also for special events such as weddings, family reunions, etc. last but not the least, there are camping and picnic grounds, bath houses and a pavilion that you and your relatives can enjoy. To sum up to, you will be amazed not only in its structure but with its history itself.