Valencia is one of the closest towns in Dumaguete so getting there wouldn't be a problem.

I've actually mentioned that a hundred times in my previous posts. 




I know, but I have a point to make. There's an imaginary guarantee that since it's close to the city, getting to Casaroro Falls shouldn't be a problem. Especially if you were promised by the tricycle driver that it's not too far from Forest Camp, where I spent the first 3 hours of my day. There's a much shorter route, I was told, but it's currently impassable because the road was badly hit by Typhoon Sendong.

The road where the cement ends is the start of a 5-kilometer hike to the jump-off point to the waterfall. It's a narrow dirt road (like a dry river littered with small rocks) that's yet to be constructed. Only habal-habal can pass there. The slope isn't very different to the road I used to walk on when I was young (we live uphill in the province) so I thought the trek's pretty much manageable. I just had lunch too. Still, I found myself sweating and panting.

So how was Casaroro?
I wasn't able to see it.

I paid Php150 just to see it but I didn't actually see it. Rip off?
Definitely not. And I have no regrets. Let me set the record straight though that such amount was only for the tricycle. There's a 10 peso entrance fee in Casaroro Falls which I didn't pay because there's no one there to collect it. When I came back after surviving the 600+ steps, I understood why no payment was required.

The descent starts here...

The trek down was a memorable experience in itself. Not to mention very challenging and exhausting. Imagine going down a stair with 367 steps and going up again using the same stair. One wrong step and you'll find yourself falling down the cliff. I'm glad I did it because it somehow prepared me for my first mountain climb in Mt. Pico de Loro a week after.

Apologies for the shaky shot. I was apparently shaking...

Why wasn't I able to see it?
I was just about 200 meters away from the waterfall when I decided to back out. I could already make out the crashing sound the falls made. The foreign guy ahead of me was going back. He told me it's quite difficult to get there. He's a tall dude, possibly more fit than I was. If he weren't able to do it, how could I? Mang Enie, my tour guide/ tricycle driver was able to make it though. He's a good driver but not a very tour guide, left me on my own.

He didn't make it either..

Big rocks were splayed in the river bed. Rocks that were not originally there in the first place. Mang Enie, was a bit surprised to see them there. "It's the typhoon (Sendong) that dislodged these rocks from the cliffs," he said, pointing at the high walls above.

Bridge badly damaged.

There used to be a concrete bridge that connected the steel stairs to the viewing deck in the falls. You could still make out the bridge under the boulders. Judging from the damage the typhoon caused, it'll probably take time before the bridge way will be reconstructed. Until then, anyone who hopes to see the falls will have to brave the difficult trek. The experience will be surely much sweeter and rewarding because not everyone can do it.

Rock wall This post is part of my Solo Backpacking Adventure in Dumaguete.

Miley Cyrus was wrong. It's not just about the climb. There are a few other things that are just as essential as the climb itself. Here's a few tips from a first-timer, who still has lots to learn when it comes to hiking and trekking.
1. Clear your stomach. Unless you want to drop your babies in the mountain, you better make sure your tummy is happy before the ascent. You don't really want to cause delay should your stomach act up along the way.

You don't wanna 'drop your babies' here.

2. Bring trail water and food. You can't compromise these two. Any seasoned mountaineer will tell you that it's important that you keep a good stock for your own and peer consumption. Boys must take 4 liters of water; and 3 for girls.

I only had 3 liters because I didn't think I could carry 4. It's my first mountain trek anyway so I guess I was exempted. Anyway, my share was enough for the trek. I was able to 'donate' 1 liter for the 'community' (a term used by mountaineers to refer to the group) and I still had enough for the trek down.

Food can come in various forms. Jelly ace is a good trail food and three packs are still a lightweight. Chocolates can cure hunger, which is inevitable even if you had big meal prior to the trek. Bananas are good source of potassium, mineral needed to sustain energy. Remember that there are no convenience stores atop the mountain.

Base camp. (Photo credit: Mark Gonzales)

There's a base camp, which is a good 1.5 hour hike from the jump-off point, where you can refill your water supply.

3. Do some endurance exercise. You don't just climb a mountain without proper physical preparation. Run. Walk. Exercise. There's a mandatory stretching done at the jump-off point but that's just not enough for the 4-hour trek. But if you're fit as a bull, no need to worry about endurance.

The only exercise I had prior to the climb was the Casaroro trek I did in Dumaguete a week ago. It wasn't enough but I believe it went a long way.

4. Join the front runners (self-devised term to describe the hikers who lead the pack) or at least stay behind them so you can get enough legroom (to rest). There were 23 of us in the group, almost half were experienced mountaineers, and the rest were beginners. We decided to join the guys who led the way. It wasn't a strategic move, but later on, we realized that we were in the best spot (order) simply because we got to have enough time to rest while we waited for the others. The second group took time to keep pace with us so came rest time, we enjoyed an extra 5-10 minutes.

5. Pack smartly. The bag you carry during the trek can either make or break you, so it's very important that you pack your stuff efficiently. To reiterate, you can't compromise food and water, which take half of your bag space. But clothes and other things, you can actually live without. A pair of trek or swim shorts, and two-three pieces of tops (preferably rashguard) will do. Every weight counts, so leave those things that you don't really need.

Carrying things other than your bag is advised against. You should keep both hands free. Any item that won't fit inside your bag can be hung on your back instead.
6. Bring tent. Or make sure you know someone in the group who has a tent and is willing to adopt you inside their camp.

I didn't have a tent but my good friend, Jhyng, had one - a really big one - but it still didn't save me the hassle of carrying one. You want to share a camp, share the burden of carrying too.

7. Don't forget your windbreaker or jacket. It's chilling cold up there, with coldness that seeps its way inside the tent, so if you don't want to freeze your ass off, bring a piece of clothing (sarong or malong) that will shield you against the cold.
8. Be a responsible mountaineer. Keep your own trash. Don't litter.

9. Other essential things to bring: a.) wet wipes (for your face and ass); b.) medicine kit (meds for headache, band-aid, and betadine in case you cut yourself); c.) camera (for documentation); d.) off-lotion (optional); e.) cooking equipment (more often than not, you can pass the buck to the mountaineering guys).

10. Wear comfortable footwear. Rubber shoes are good hike shoes as well as sturdy sandals (Sandugo types). Flip flops will do as long as they have spikes.

I was the only one who wore flip flops because I couldn't find sandals, but I still survived the climb. I brought an extra pair though, just in case.

11. Have fun. Another essential part of the trek is having fun. Enjoy your company, share stories, laugh, enjoy the trees and the view atop. I realized that a good conversation with friends can actually make you forget the weight you're carrying on your back, literally. Music can keep you going too. Miley Cyrus' song can be a source of inspiration, you'll see.

Special thanks to Ascend for making this trek possible.

Dumaguete is not only a quaint town, it's also charming and bustling. 

Take a refreshing dip in the man-made pools with cool natural water in Forest Camp and order grilled seafood or native chicken tinola (generous serving!) for lunch.
Rest for a little while and head over to Casaroro Falls, which is a few kilometers from Forest Camp. If you're taking a trike, prepare yourself for a 10-15 minute walk up the dirt road because tricycles can only go as far as the cemented road. Make sure to bring bottled water as the hike alone to the entry point is dehydrating.

This is the beauty of solo travel - in the absence of a companion, you'll eventually make a few connections,  and in most cases, gain friends.

Want to travel to Thailand for free?


The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in partnership with Visa recently came up with an online contest that involves an internet dance sensation featuring the global travel ambassador Matt Harding inviting tourists and travelers to visit the Kingdom.


Considered as one of the major Asian destinations, the tourism industry of Thailand suffered a dwindling number of foreign visitors due to the recent political upheaval in Bangkok. Those riots and sporadic strifes surely turned off prospective travelers and the travel advisories further discouraged visitors from flying to the Kingdom. To add insult to the injury (so to speak), the recent flooding in Southern Thailand left thousands of tourists stranded.


Now, that everything has returned to its normal state, Thailand is ready to invite the world to visit the country.


To join the contest, simply watch Happy Matt in Thailand and answer a few questions found at www.visagoexplore.com/gothailand. You still have until March 23, 2012 to join this exciting promo.


Only answers submitted to the official go thailand webpage that followed the mechanics are eligible. The winner will receive Thailand travel vouchers worth up to $5,000 Singaporean dollars.


For full terms and conditions of the contest, go to: https://www.visa-promotions.com/gothailand/includes/uploads/GoThailand_termsA23Dec2011.pdf


So what are you waiting for, join na!

Of all the travel plans-cum-projects I have in the works right now, Romblon Challenge 2012 has to be the most exciting. I've been thinking about it for a few weeks now after reading Sole Sisters's very interesting blog post entitled 21 Day Pilipinas Challenge : Promote Your Hometown. They're looking for beautiful places in the country. 

Travel insurance: simple & flexible

Lame photos but they're rather mouth-watering

Pistachio Ice Cream from Dessert Factory

Ayala Mall at night.

San Carlos City, Negros Occidental (2010)

Nagsasa Cove, Zambales (2011)

Capones Island, Zambales (2011)

Camiguin (2011)

Odiongan, Romblon (2011)

Camiguin (2011)

Sunken Cemetery, Camiguin (2011)

Camiguin (2011)

Want to create your own? Check out this site for instructions: http://abuggedlife.com/2012/01/07/how-to-make-your-own-its-more-fun-in-the-philippines-meme/

Stairs. But there's an elevator.

 We got two Family Executive Rooms, each of which is good for 4 persons. Both rooms have 2 double-size beds, private bath with hot and cold shower, 21 inch cable TV, dresser and a personal buddy refrigerator. There's also free wifi. The rooms are clean and spacious and since we're on the 5th level, we had a nice view of the sea. At the boys' room had a nice view. The girls' room unfortunately had nothing but vacant lots and walls. But they were most welcome to hang out inside ours. 
The staff are friendly and courteous. Upon learning that we're two towels short, we got their attention (they're in the hallway doing some cleaning) and asked if we could have two extra towels. Without any question, they came back after a few minutes with two towels in hand. I know it's their job to attend to the clients' needs but I've had a few encounter in the past in which the crew wasn't a bit happy being asked for something.