I Heart Travels

The Wet Tour: A Siquijor Day Drenched in Adventure (and Rain)   Day two in Siquijor was a testament to the island's unpredictable charm. We dubbed it "The Wet Tour" for good reason - the heavens opened up with a ferocity that would make Noah jealous. But let me tell you, even a torrential downpour couldn't dampen our spirits (pun intended).   Our day began with the usual suspects: sunrise, beach, and a healthy dose of caffeine. But the moment we stepped out of our hotel, the sky unleashed a deluge that would make even the most seasoned sailor reach for their life jackets. Undeterred, we hopped into our trusty jeepney, a rickety chariot that braved the onslaught with the gusto of a seasoned warrior.   First stop: Pitogo Cliff. The panoramic views were breathtaking, even through the misty rain. We braved the wind and the downpour, snapping photos with the gusto of a group of kids on a sugar rush. Our next destination, Cambugahay Falls

Siquijor: Where the Cross is Diamond... or Not   Siquijor. The name itself whispers of mystery, magic, and maybe a touch of the supernatural. It's a tiny island in the Philippines, known for its stunning beaches, lush forests, and a certain air of enchantment. We were there in 2024, armed with sunscreen, good intentions, and a healthy dose of skepticism, ready to soak up the island's charm.   One of our stops was the Lazi Convent and Church, a historical landmark perched atop a hill overlooking the town. We arrived, camera phones at the ready, eager to capture the beauty of this iconic structure. But alas, fate had other plans. The church was closed, a sign informing us of its temporary closure. Disappointment? Sure. But hey, we were in Siquijor, where even a closed church could be an adventure.   We circled the building, snapping pictures of the ornate facade, the imposing bell tower, and the surrounding grounds. Our tour guide, a jovial man

The Enchanted Balete Tree: Where Fish Nibble and Tourists Gamble   Siquijor. The name itself conjures images of mystical rituals, ancient magic, and perhaps even a touch of the uncanny. It's a place where folklore whispers of enchanted trees, where spirits dance in the moonlight, and where the air crackles with an energy that's both alluring and unsettling. So, naturally, when I found myself in Siquijor in 2024, a pilgrimage to the famed Enchanted Balete Tree was a must.   Now, I'm not one for spooky encounters, but I'm a sucker for a good story. And let's be honest, the Balete Tree is a bit of a legend. It's a behemoth of a tree, over 400 years old, with roots that sprawl like gnarled, ancient fingers, reaching into the clear pool at its base. It's a sight to behold, and the locals claim it's imbued with supernatural powers.   The entrance fee was a mere 50 pesos, a small price to pay for a glimpse into the mystical. As I walked

Siquijor 2024: A Journey Through Limestone and Sunshine (and a Little Bit of Rain)   Siquijor, the island of fire and magic, lived up to its reputation (at least partially) during our recent trip. While the remnants of a typhoon still lingered in the air, we, the "Sunshine Girls," were determined to soak up every bit of island charm, even if it meant a few splashes of rain.   Our next stop was Salagdoong Beach, a place that promised stunning limestone structures and a dose of adrenaline-pumping cliff jumping. But alas, the typhoon's aftershocks had other plans. The waves were a bit too rough for a dip, and even the most daring of us "Sunshine Girls" (a self-proclaimed group of positive energy emitters) weren't quite ready to tackle those churning waters.   The beach itself was a sight to behold, though. The limestone structures, towering like ancient guardians, were truly impressive. They gave the beach a unique, almost ot

Pitogo Cliff: Where the Waves Crash and the Sunshine Girls Shine   We, the Sunshine Girls, are blessed with a peculiar kind of magic. We attract sunshine like moths to a flame, and even the most formidable typhoons seem to bow to our optimistic spirit. So, when a storm threatened to dampen our Wet Tour Day 2 in Siquijor, we held onto our belief that the sun would eventually peek through the clouds. And, wouldn't you know it, our wish manifested!   After conquering the whimsical broomsticks of Hapitanan and the cascading beauty of Cambugahay Falls, we found ourselves at Pitogo Cliff, our first stop on the itinerary, but one we had to postpone due to the torrential downpour. As the rain subsided and the sun timidly emerged, we were greeted by a sight that was both awe-inspiring and a little bit terrifying.   Pitogo Cliff, with its 50-peso entrance fee, is a quirky and otherworldly place. The alien landscape, carved by the relentless force of th

Hapitanan: A Whimsical Whirlwind of Broomsticks and Mud   Siquijor, the island of enchantment, is a tapestry woven with natural beauty and quirky charm. While Cambugahay Falls stole our breath with its cascading grandeur, Hapitanan, a small tourist spot nestled amidst the island's magic, offered a different kind of adventure – one that tickled our funny bone and challenged our balance.   Imagine this: you're standing on a rickety platform, clutching a broom, attempting to strike a pose that would make even Harry Potter envious. The wind whips through your hair, the rain threatens to dampen your enthusiasm, and the surrounding laughter fuels your determination to capture the perfect "flying" shot. This, my friends, is the essence of Hapitanan.   The "flying on a broomstick" experience, a whimsical nod to the world of Hogwarts, is undoubtedly the star attraction. It's a testament to the island's ability to embrace the absurd and

A Wet and Wild Adventure at Cambugahay Falls: Sunshine Girls Conquer Siquijor, One Rope Swing at a Time   Siquijor 2024. The rain was relentless, a constant downpour that threatened to dampen our spirits and our meticulously planned itinerary. We, the Sunshine Girls, were determined to make the most of our fully paid trip, even if it meant embracing a little bit of wet adventure. Our first stop, unfortunately, was a bit of a let-down, but we weren't about to let that ruin our trip. We pressed on, our hearts set on Cambugahay Falls in Lazi.   The rain was still pouring as we made our way to the falls, a cloud of doubt hovering over us. Would the tour be canceled? Would we be forced to retreat back to our hotel, defeated by the elements? But the Sunshine Girls are a force to be reckoned with. We held onto hope, our positive vibes radiating outwards, manifesting a break in the clouds.   It took us almost 30 minutes to reach the falls, battl

Sunshine Girls, Rain or Shine: A Siquijor 2024 Adventure (Day 2)   Day two in Siquijor dawned… well, it didn’t really dawn. It was more like a “drenching.” A tropical typhoon was making its presence known in the Visayas, and Siquijor, our island paradise, was unfortunately in its path. The sky was a gloomy gray, and the rain was coming down in sheets. But, as the Sunshine Girls, we were not about to let a little rain dampen our spirits (pun intended!). We had paid for this tour, and we were determined to make the most of it, rain or shine.   We started the day with dry clothes and a positive attitude, hoping the sun would eventually break through the clouds. We met our tour guide, Ryan, a friendly guy in his 30s with a wife and kids. He was a bit of a comedian, and our introduction was a bit… unexpected. He looked at us with a twinkle in his eye and asked, "Why visit Siquijor?"   Now, Siquijor is known for its mysteries and paranormal activity. It's the k

Siquijor 2024: Day 1 - From Manila Mayhem to Island Bliss 🌴☀️   Okay, so let's rewind to Day 1 in Siquijor. It was a long, chaotic, but ultimately rewarding journey! I'm talking about a 4am wake-up call, a crazy commute, and a whole lotta caffeine. But trust me, it was all worth it for the island paradise that awaited.   My adventure started in Imus, where I was up at the crack of dawn, ready to conquer the world (or at least, conquer the journey to Siquijor). First up, a 50 peso jeepney ride to PITX, the new bus terminal in Manila. I was already feeling the travel vibes, surrounded by people heading to different destinations.   After a quick breakfast at Jollibee (because who can resist those Chickenjoy!), I hopped on a Angkas Ride to NAIA for 90 pesos. I had a couple of hours to spare, so I just relaxed and soaked in the pre-travel jitters.   Finally, it was time to board my flight! I was so excited to finally be on my w

Siquijor: Day 1 - Sunset, Inasal, and Unexpected Karaoke! 🎤🌅   Okay, so Siquijor, you're already winning me over. Day one was a total blast, and I'm not even exaggerating. Let me tell you all about it...   We finally arrived in Siquijor after a long journey, and I was SO ready to ditch the suitcase and explore. We checked into our hotel, and then it was time to hit the road! We decided to head straight for San Juan, the main tourist area, and hopped on a tricycle for a measly 200 pesos.   The ride was a total eye-opener. We cruised along the highway, passing by all these cool bars, restaurants, and hotels. It felt like every place had its own vibe, and I was already dreaming about trying them all. It was almost 5pm, and the sky was turning into a masterpiece. We stopped at a bar, grabbed some iced coffee, and just watched the sunset paint the sky in all these amazing colors. It was seriously beautiful.   With our caffeine fix in hand,

Siquijor Bliss: Our Amazing Hotel Experience 🌴   Rainbow Bay Beach and Dive Resort - A Review Okay, so after that super welcoming arrival, we were ready to settle in. We checked into our hotel and decided to grab some lunch while we waited for our room to be ready at 2 pm. We went for a classic Filipino feast: pork, pancit bihon (thin rice noodles), chopsuey (stir-fried veggies), and rice, all washed down with a 1.5 liter Coke. It was delicious!   And guess what? They let us into our room 15 minutes early! Score! The hotel is pretty big, but they only have 10 rooms, so it feels really exclusive. Our room was amazing! It had a king-size bed and a single bed, perfect for us. The design was modern rustic, with stone floors and big open windows – so tasteful! I was blown away by how big the bathroom was. Seriously, it felt like a spa! However, the bathroom had a silhouette glass, which meant you couldn't really have any privacy inside.