Apo Island, Negros Oriental

Thanks to Philippine Airlines, we safely arrived in Dumaguete City. We didn't have any hotel reservations, so we went around Rizal Boulevard to choose the best deal.

After taking enough rest, we headed off to Apo Island as planned.

From our hotel in Roxas Boulevard, we rode a tricycle going to Siaton Terminal. We told the jeepney driver to drop us to Malatapay.

A short walk going to Zamboanguita Port

Here's the Zamboanguita Port. We took pictures while waiting for  our medium-sized boat.

Here are the rates and Contact number for boat rentals  to Apo Island.

On our way to the Island, expect the unexpected. It's my first time to ride a boat with huge waves on the sea. We didn't able to took pictures, as we need to hold on to the boat while riding in a "roller coaster" of the sea. My buddy is really worried about her digicam as the water splashed us.

As we go on to the sea, the waves becomes bigger and bigger. After 45 minutes, we safely arrived in Apo Island, and we are literally wet. The first thing we did, is to check our cameras it's still working.  Luckily, yes. :-)

On our way to Marine Sanctuary, we passed by this beautiful lake. 

lake

Unfortunately, corals were destroyed by the earthquake.

Marine Sanctuary was closed, so we just took photos of the beautiful scenery.

This is what the locals called the "small cave".:

One of the resorts in Apo Island

One of my best experience: to swim with the Pawikan (big sea turtle)

Time passed so fast. And now, we need to leave the island. Will ride the "roller coaster" again., hoping that the sea is calmer now.  But no, the big waves are on our way again,
According to the local, those big waves are from the Amihan.

This is the Apo Island. 

Apo Island is great for scuba diving and snorkeling. The locals are very friendly and are willing to assist their visitors.Apo Island is truly a paradise!

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Negros Oriental & Siquijor Itinerary and Expenses

Itinerary and Expenses:

PAL Roundtrip Airfare	2500/head
Terminal Fee	200/head
HoneyComb Hotel	2000/2nights
Day 1: Apo Island
Tricycle to Siaton Station	9/head
Jeep to Zamboanguita	20/head
Boat to Apo	2000/medium sized boat
Environmental Fee	100/head
Apo Island Guide	200/guide
Bus from Zamboanguita to Dumaguete	24/head
Day 2:  Siquijor
Dumaguete-Siquijor Delta Ferry	160/head
Siquijor Tour	850/tour (plus tip)
Siquijor-Dumaguete Jaylann Ferry	120/head
Walking around Dumaguete City (Cathedral, Plaza, Silliman University
Day 3: Valencia
Jeep to Valencia	12.50/head
Habal-Habal to Casaroro	150/head/motor
Habal-Habal to Pulang Bato	400/motor
Hotel to Airport	100/tricycle

Day 1: Apo Island
Day 2: Siquijor
Day 3: Casaroro Falls and Pulang Bato

Casaroro Falls & Pulang Bato, Negros Oriental

On our 3rd day in Dumaguete City, we only have 2 places to visit. The Casaroro Falls and the Pulang Bato Waterfalls. I knew it would be an exciting adventure. From Dumaguete, we took a jeepney going to Valencia. Then we hired a habal-habal ride. And woooah, it was a butt-aching ride.

And we finally arrived at the entrance of Casaroro Falls. We need to take 300+ steps going down to the falls. But the pathwalk was heavily damaged by typhoon Sendong. We need to trek the big rocks, which is very difficult for me.

The typhoon Sendong damaged to the path going to the falls. 

Finally, we've reached the Casaroro Falls. 

The falls is very tall and peaceful. 

And now, we need to trek back. The difficult trek to the big rocks plus the 300+ steps going up to the drop-off point. It's really very tiring.

Our next stop, Pulang Bato waterfalls. On our way, I thought we wouldn't be able to make it. Typhoon Sendong heavily damaged this bridge.

Road construction...

On our way to Red River Valley 

And finally, we've reached the Red Waterfalls. The river was actually divided into two. One path  has the sulfur content (red waterfalls), while the other one has the pure water passing on it.

The small waterfalls with pure water

The waterfalls with sulfur content

There's another waterfalls at the top of this falls, but we are running out of time, too bad we are not able to visit the bigger waterfalls at the top.

Natural pool

Sulfuric gas immersing from the side of the road.

We also visited the Red Hot spring

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Mystical Siquijor

From Dumaguete City, we rode the Delta fast craft going to Siquijor.

This is the Delta ferry we rode going to Siquijor. Big waves are on our way to Siquijor. Another "roller coaster" ride. The crew distributed a plastic bag for whoever will vomit.

Arrived at Siquijor port. Hoping that it wouldn't rain.

Siquijor port

Welcome to Siquijor. 

St. Francis Church and Bell Tower

Capilay Spring

Locals playing at Capilay Spring Park. This is free for everyone who wants  to swim. The water  flows from Capilay Lake. 

San Juan Church

Our Next Stop, Coral Cay Beach Resort

I was really impressed with the relaxing view of San Juanico beach.

during high tide, people can swing on this rope and then jump into the water.

St. Isidore Church

inside the St. Isidore Church

The garden beside of St. Isidore church

Baptismal Room

Inisde of the old St. Isidore Convent:

old pathway

Part of the convent that was turned into classroom

old house

One of the highlight of our trip, the Cambughanay Falls. You need to take a 100+ steps down to the falls. The water is very clear and I was convinced to take a dip.

Enjoying the view of the road and coastline

Feeding the fish at the foot of the old Balete tree.

The old Balete tree

Fish massage. And yes we enjoyed the fishes in Balete tree.

The Siquijor's famous love potion (gayuma)

Scenic view along the way:

On our way back to Dumaguete City (via Jaylan).

One of the smallest province in the Philippines. The island is popular for its witches, shamans, magic potions, black magic and sorcery. But for a traveller like me, Siquijor is the perfect place to relax. The place is very clean and quiet. The locals are very nice and friendly. According to our guide, Siquijor has a zero crime rate. I really had a wonderful time there.

By the way, thanks to Joam, our Siquijor tour guide. Here's his contact# 09276932095.

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