Return to Mabini

Last 2012, my trip to Anilao, Mabini, Batangas is one of the best travels of my life and one of the highlights of my 2012 travels. It was just a simple trip with friends and colleagues at work but it turn out to be the best day-off ever of my life! It wasn't just about the place and friend bonding that we had but with the place, our "samahan" grew stronger alongside creating the best travel memories that we will never forget. So to return to Mabini, a year after is something sentimental to me. 

Return to Mabini, a year after.

I was invited on a birthday trip of one my co-workers at work. I accepted it since Mabini is now quite a special place for me and it is going to be one of the last out of town trips I will have before the year ends. I also see it as an opportunity to reminisce the best travel I had before in the place. Yes, I'm getting sentimental because of the travel memories. Because honestly I still got a "hangover" of the Anilao trip I had last 2012. I still not forget that trip even I had a latest trip to Mabini. And having a different set of people on this trip it only made miss my 2012 trip.

I leave early morning for the trip. At 2AM, we leave. My birthday celebrant colleague rented a private vehicle that will fetch me and their company to Mabini, Batangas. It was four and half hour trip before we reach our intended destination - Sea's Spring Resort. The resort is situated in Barangay Mainit of Mabini municipality of Batangas. It is a Korean owned resort so doesn’t surprise if most of the guests are Koreans. The resort is notable for using seawater as a water source for its mineral pools with 3 seawater pools, one with 2 slides and a hot spring pool for body therapy and relaxation. It also provides diving activity for those who are diving enthusiast and fond of underwater marine life of Batangas.

 Chasing sunrise - one of the best activity I had on my return to Mabini.

It's so wonderful to return again to the place where I had best travel memories...

One of the main activities in Sea’s Spring Resort is swimming at it seawater pools with one being a hot spring pool. The main pool’s attraction is its two long slides perfect for water fun activity. While, the hot spring pool is perfect for body and mind relaxation. Just be cautious when dipping at the hot pool since the temperature varies up to 42 degree Celsius. There is a temperature indication at the top of the pool.  The resort provides diving lessons and activities for those who want to dive the waters of Anilao since it is reach in marine life and underwater biodiversity. There is also a sport center hall where you can play billiard. 

Sea's Spring Resort facade.

Hot pool.

The main pools of Sea's Spring Resort made of seawater.

The view from top of the slides.

 If you’re not fond of these activities, you can try to stroll around the resort as Sea’s Spring Resort has hilly landscapes, grassy ground, rocky beach and nipa huts to explore. One of the memorable activities I did was sunrise viewing at the beach. It was the first activity I did since we arrived early in the morning. The wide space and shoreline of the beach in the resort was a perfect spot for sunrise viewing. Find a perfect spot among the nipa huts and just watch the sun rises from the sea and move against the clouds in the sky. I find it relaxing. It led me into in-depth thinking and reflection – which is mainly reminiscing my past travel to Mabini, a year before.

Batangas seascape at its best!

No one would feel tired if you would stroll on this place everyday.

The rocky beach in front of the resort. Unfortunately, not recommended for swimming but highly recommended for photo shoots.

Since the rocky beach is not advisable to swim, I opt to have photoshoot instead!

I tried swimming into their pools for the rest of the day. Swimming into the resort’s beaches is not advisable because of its rocky seabed. You may opt for photo shoot and landscape photography which I did. By night time, we celebrated my colleague birthday by having a barbeque party and drinks near the main pool. The resort allows bringing in food and usage of kitchen utensils for a fee. They also have a free breakfast inclusion in their package. The resort has an ideal space in Mabini (facing the beach) and accessible via road. Their rooms are clean and nice. Their facilities are clean too and landscapes are perfect for travel souvenir shots. Actually their surrounding landscapes made them an ideal place to stay. The resort’s landscapes are winner in my travel books. (I will have a separate post regarding my accommodation and resort review of Sea Spring Resort.)

Kwentuhan and kulitan before going to sleep with my travel mates.

Witnessing the wonderful Batangas sunrise again...

Chasing Mabini sunrise!

It was an overnight trip. The following morning I get to witness again Batangas sunrise. I swam into the pool for the last time before packing up my things for a road trip home. By noon, we leave Mabini and headed to Manila. I was a short trip yet it is a wonderful trip full of reliving travel memories.

 

Throwback memories - In 2012, it was Batangas sunset 
and in 2013, it was Batangas sunrise.

Throwback memories - In 2012, the original cast of Anilao trip and 
in 2013, just like a movie sequels, only 2 of the casts to return.

Ending thoughts as I go home from Mabini… Fast forward. December 2013. It’s the last month of the year and exactly 2 weeks to go before 2013 ends. I unexpectedly had a chance to return to Mabini again. But this time with a different set of people and in a different place of Mabini.  Even though, this time my trip here is the opposite of last 2012, I'm still happy and felt thankful to return to this place where I had great travel memories. Because returning to Mabini now brings me so many memories!

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Return to Mabini is my last travel trip of 2013 that happened last December 18-19, 2013 in Sea's Spring Resort, Mainit, Mabini, Batangas. I initially thought that the resort is located in Barangay Anilao which prompt me to agree right away to go on the trip since I still had a "hangover" of my Anilao trip in 2012. But later I discovered it was in Barangay Mainit yet still in Mabini municipality where Anilao is also located and we passed by as we travel to Mainit. It's still a return to the place where I had a best travel to date - a return to Mabini. 

Tagaytay Revisited

If you are looking for a mild cold weather on a hot weekend, I will recommend you to revisit the famous relaxation and vacation place in Cavite – Tagaytay. I called this a “revisit” because I know most of us have already been to this famous destination of Cavite province. I myself have been in Tagaytay for a countless times but I still find it worth to have a revisit to this place. Definitely because of the mild cold weather but with some new sights, good old cuisine to taste and the ever-charming overlooking scenery of Taal Lake and volcano, Tagaytay will always be worth for a revisit.

In Panorama: The famed postcard photo of Taal lake and volcano overlooking view from Tagaytay.

The proximity of Tagaytay from the metro makes it an ideal quick escape for those like me who are looking for a short vacation. So after my work shift together with my workmates, we hop on the earliest bus ride to Tagaytay, Cavite. Travel time is just one and a half hour coming from Pasay area and at the early hours of the morning. We arrived early in the morning and to enjoy the most our quick visit; we planned to do what Tagaytay visitors normally do like food trip and sightseeing.

Since we arrived in the morning, we sample first the famous Bulalo (Beef Shank Soup) to refresh our senses at Green Ats Bulalohan and Restaurant which is open for 24 hours. Bulalo is made of a hot stew from beef shank with beef meat, corn cob and vegetables like cabbage and potatoes. Just the aroma of Bulalo is perfect enough for withstanding the cold weather of Tagaytay so what more in indulging its hot stew. It was perfect for the cold weather of the place!
 

Tagaytay's famous Bulalo!

The sun starts to shine...

Cavite sunrise...

Green Ats has a perfect terrace view deck of Taal Lake and volcano so we waited until sunrise to enjoy the popular view of Tagaytay. After enjoying our Bulalo meal and dawn has passed, the sun started to rise. It slowly lighted the beautiful view of Taal Lake with Taal Volcano, known as the world’s smallest volcano in the center of it. I know this view has always been popular in postcards and travel magazines already but this view of Tagaytay is it timeless charm. And though, Taal lake and volcano geographically belongs to Batangas province, you will never get tired of this beautiful view from the ridge of Tagaytay. For me, this view of Tagaytay is a view that every visitor will never forget.

It's more fun in Cavite!

Overlooking view of Green Ats Bulalohan and Restaurant.

Each one of us dreams to fly.

We were still full from Bulalo, yet we continue our food trip at Mushroom Burger. It is 10 minutes away from Green Ats Bulalohan and Restaurant and along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway. Mushroom Burger is famous for its burger made of organic mushroom! For me, it was a perfect breakfast treat in combination with hot coffee. The burger patty seems to be like an ordinary meat patty burger but very mushroom in taste! And I find it healthy too! Since it is made of mushroom and organic vegetables, it promotes good digestion. After finishing our “heavy” breakfast and a few chats, I usher my travel mates to proceed to our next destination in Tagaytay.

Perfect combination for breakfast - Mushroom burger and coffee.

Pine trees around Tagaytay City.

Located in Barangay Asisan is Puzzle Mansion. The mansion is a museum that boasts a Guinness Book of Records for the most number of collection puzzles on display. The museum has two floors of halls of collected puzzles of different pictures that will fancy, entertain and amaze the visitors.  Some of the most attractive puzzles found inside Puzzle Mansion are portrait of famous Philippine politicians like President Aquino, famous paintings like Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh and world famous landmarks like Taj Mahal of India and Red Square of Russia. The museum facilities also boast hotel accommodation for its visitors, a wishing well and souvenir shop full of puzzles, of course. Most of the activity that you can do in Puzzle Mansion is to have souvenir photos with the numerous puzzles of all sizes but aside from it, there is nothing to do in the museum.

How many puzzles can you count at Puzzle Mansion?

Record holder.

Van Gogh's Starry Night in puzzle version.

Souvenir shop of Puzzle Mansion.

More puzzles, more fun!

Our last destination is another famous place in Tagaytay, the Tagaytay Picnic Groove. The park has great recalls of my childhood memories for it has been a popular place for our family trips and outing. The park also has a perfect view of Taal Lake and volcano too, where visitors can do picnic in the huts located in a slope facing the view. The park also has cable car ride and zipline for an exciting activity. And for the adventurous, it has an eco-trail where explorers can do canopy walk and concrete platform walk as an optional activity. But the famous activity in Tagaytay Picnic Groove is horseback riding activity that I’m sure most of us have a fond childhood memories of. Souvenirs shops are all abound around the park. Some parts of the park were poorly maintained that I hope its management will do action soon since the picnic groove is still a popular place in Tagaytay. The picnic groove until now still appeals to a lot to Tagaytay visitors so hopefully its improvement will happen soon.

The stunning view at Tagaytay Picnic Groove.

We could still visit People’s Park Palace in the Sky which is another must-see attraction in Tagaytay too but our time is limited. I hope there will be changes already to this mountain peak park because the last time I went there it was badly neglected and in need of maintenance. Or visit the famed gardens of Sonya’s Garden and taste their organic treats in Alfonso, also near Tagaytay. But I definitely enjoyed my revisit to Tagaytay! I get to explore it enough to satisfy my senses. And it still has a lot of fond memories of my childhood trip memories. It was worthy to revisit Tagaytay again. Its charm goes beyond the scenic view of Taal lake and volcano but soars to great travel memories now and then. Tagaytay is a great place to revisit again and again in my home province of Cavite.

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Tagaytay Revisited is the narration of my first trip of the year that happened last February 3, 2014 with my workmates. It happened just out of thinking where to go a quick escape from the city which happens Tagaytay as the nearest place to go. It was a wonderful revisit to the old time popular destination in my home province for all this time it still has a charming way to call you for a visit. After all, it's more fun in Cavite! 

Epic Summer in Boracay

When its travel season in the Philippines, it is definitely during Summer! And if you’re looking for an epic summer vacation, no place can give it to you than Boracay! So when I have a chance to visit this party island of Aklan on my summer travels, I gave it a go.

This is my second return to Boracay Island since 2008 – a return after 6 years! And much has been change to the island since my first visit six years ago. But first, let me share how I got to travel on this popular travel destination again for the second time. It was actually not part of travels for the summer of 2014, as I look for other destinations in the country that I haven’t into yet. But some of the good friends at work suddenly made a planned vacation there by summertime. I wasn’t able to resist to say no to it even I have planned destinations (and funds matter for it) already because the travel mates I will be having on this summer trip were some of the best travel buddies I had. So I say a green light to it on April even knowing that in between March, I have two trips and May, two trips again, Whew! Goodluck to my wallet!

The most beautiful moment of the day in Boracay.

I believe in every trip to be memorable, you have to try something new. My travel to Boracay, this time is uniquely memorable because this was one of the trips I had where I had to use all modes of major transportation – bus, ship and airplane! Going to Boracay Island for the second time, I tried RORO (roll-on roll-off ship) from Batangas Port to Caticlan Port of Aklan province. But before going to Batangas, I have to ride a 3 hour bus trip from Pasay to Batangas then RORO vessel for 9 hours to Caticlan Port. Then transfer to a small boat going to the island for 7-10 minutes. On my return to Manila, I fly via airplane from Kalibo Airport. Now, that’s what you call travel on all transportation!

It’s my first time to travel via RORO vessel on long sea trip! And I found it exciting and great travel experience. I always travel via planes on my travels and this experience on RORO was a welcome one. I recommend you to try this once in a while as travel via RORO lets you savor the time that fly fast when you are in the metro. 2GO Travel is one of the most prominent ship companies in the country and they have frequent scheduled trips to Caticlan from Batangas. I scored a good one-way ticket online of 2GO Travel with free meals so I became more eager to try it. But if you’re coming from the metro, say Pasay, you have to rode a 3 hour bus trip to Batangas with a signboard Batangas Port which stops exactly inside the port area. I recommend JAC Liner bus company and their terminal is beside Buendia LRT Station, Pasay City. But if you are after saving a lot of time in visiting Boracay, then I recommend you not try this itinerary of mine since airplane is the fastest way to go there while, RORO travels for 9 hours going to Aklan.

Lobby area of the ship with cushioned seats and benches for passengers to stay lounging with their free WIFI.

Travel Class bunks on 2GO Travel.

First time on 2GO Travel!

My first RORO experience was a pleasant one. Maybe, because I’m not a seasick person. There was no delay and it departed on-time. The sea vessel is clean, well-maintained and staffs are friendly. It was different to what I presumed a ship travel would be. The vessel also has a wide lobby area with wide cushioned seats for passengers to lounge around while using the free wi-fi onboard. Yes, free wi-fi onboard for you to shout status of travel and post travel selfies. They have an information desk at the center of the lobby with approachable staffs that is willing to help you for any assistance you may need. My ticket is Touris Class which leads me to the economy class of bunk beds with aircon cabin of 2GO Travel. In this cabin, we are joined together with other Tourist Class passengers. There’s a private cabin called Cabin for 4 which is suitable for family and friends as it has private restroom, electrical socket and television. And there’s Super Value Class fit for budget travelers. The most fun and memorable part of boarding RORO is when it undocks from the port, Island Fiesta Grill’s performers (2GO onboard bar) starts to sing live club songs that entices you to rock party with them while welcoming every passengers to the ship and inviting everyone to jam to the party!  Now that’s party, party onboard! 2GO Travel’s schedule to Caticlan is very convenient as it departs in the evening and arrives dawn at Caticlan, Aklan.

Stunning lights of Batangas Port upon dock pushback.

Party-party onboard at Island Fieta Grill Bar!

My friends already arranged our accommodation prior coming to the island at Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel – one of the premier accommodations in Boracay. As they said, it was the the Boracay resort of the celebrities, nah, we didn’t get their pricey accommodation rates but we availed their Summer Barkada promo at that time with free breakfast so we didn’t spend a lot for an “alta” resort! The resort boasts that “celebrity resort” status because most of local Filipino celebrities choose to stay in the resort for their island vacation in Aklan. And Carmela de Boracay has a habit of taking photos of those celebrities who stayed at their resort and post it in their public bulletin wall. You can see it near their reception area.

Aklan at dawn...

The busy Caticlan Jetty Port at 5:30 in the morning.

Not so pleasant view of our room at Carmela de Boracay.

Carmela de Boracay provides shuttle services with free from – Port to the resort and vice-versa. The resort was suitably located at the center of Station 2 of White Beach of the island which is the “life” center of Boracay. Our “Barkada Room” is good for group of six people but you can actually sneak-in at least two more persons because of the spacious room and beds of the room. There’s a veranda but unfortunately it doesn’t have a great view as the room faces the construction site property of the resort – not a good view to have morning meditation or evening relaxation. Good thing we had a free buffet breakfast with our room package so we won’t have a problem taking breakfast but their food selection is so-so. Few walks from left or right side of the resort facing the White Beach (the world reknown beach of Boracay) are restaurants, bars, cafes and souvenir shops that caters all foods and things that every tourist will enjoy in Boracay. I certainly felt the ”celebrity status” while staying at Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel but if budget constraints matters for a Boracay travel, I would choose to other nearby affordable rates resort hotel as I’m not much into grand resorts in travel.

My first glimpse of one of the world's famous beach - White Beach.

Memories of Summer 2014!

 White Beach, probably one of the world’s popular beaches because of the island fame of Boracay has a long kilometer stretch of pure powdered white sand that it comprises Station 1, 2 and 3. Station 2 where all the island activities are centered from day to night. The sands of Boracay remains the same since my last visit in 2009 but I only get to appreciate it wholly on my last day in the island as immediately me and my travelmates, did our first and the most traditional activity in Boracay – Island hopping! For only 1,500, Kuya Jhun (0920-2129592), provided us a 10 seating capacity banca for round-the-island tour of Boracay. Our first stop is Magic Island, where picturesque landscapes and rock formations dotting its shores makes it an ideal summer photoshoot. But at the back of the island is a cliff jumping activity which will surely satisfy visitors’ craving for adventure and adrenaline fun. The cliff jump platform has two levels – one is a 3 floor jump and the higher one is a 5 floor jump. My friends tried it but me I’m not into that kind of adventure. We only pass by the next island which is the Crocodile Island. It is named after its shape – a crocodile that looks like floating in the sea.

In Panorama: The world famous White Beach of Boracay.

We had rough ride of the waves as we circle the tip of the island. Waves were quite big and violent that it lead to pray silently at the back of my mind. I was relief that after 20 minutes the waves stopped as we approach our last destination for island hopping. It was another famed beach of the island – Puka Beach but it is more untouched, pristine, quiet and serene. Puka Beach is said to be what is White Beach twenty years ago. So imagine, how truly paradise it was!

Island hopping at Boracay!

Summer 2014 in Aklan!

The waters are so inviting that I had a nice swim and water play with my friends. From afar, the silhouette of Carabao Island (part of Romblon province) can be seen in which I read that it has the beach comparable and can rival Boracay but is still undeveloped. Then like kids, we also played in the sands of Puka until I witness Boracay Sunset. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets that I’ve seen on my travels! It was the second time I’ve seen Boracay Sunset and it still doesn’t change the perception I had on it – a perfect photo with a caption of “The beauty of the Philippines”. Boracay Sunset is stunning and gorgeous beauty still doesn’t change. It still never fails to amaze me that I even tried to hold it in my hands!

I enjoyed Puka Beach mainly because it is not crowded, cleaner and atmosphere here is more in touch with the nature. You can also visit this beach from White Beach by hailing a tricycle and haggle for a price that tricycle will agree to wait for you to go back to White Beach. It was already past 6 in the evening when we returned to Station 3 where our island hopping started.

Choose where to jump at Magic Island.

Are you ready for the jump of your life?

Carabao Island of Rombon from Puka Beach!

Must-see, must-swim and must-play - Puka Beach.

The night is young and when the night falls in Boracay, that means party has just started in party island! Nightlife is very famous in Boracay not only because of surge bars like mushrooms on the beach strip of the island but also because most visitors foreign and local are urban dwellers bringing with them the culture of nightlife from urban cities. Bars are also modernized to rival bars from the metro that visitors are looking for yet still has a family-friendly atmosphere and toned down wildness compare to bars in the city. I and my friends spend a nightlife party in one of the posh bars in the island, Epic Bar. It is one of the hottest place to go for night life in Boracay. You have to reserve early as Epic Bar easily gets packed and crowded from island partygoers. Epic Bar’s ambiance is set towards in a classier lounge style with sofas and couches rather than crazy party zone standing bar but still expect a dancing fever all night in its dancefloor where hottest club music is played by its DJs.

Playing in the sands of Puka.

Holding the sun.

Boracay Sunset at Puka Beach.

I enjoyed my stay in Epic Bar! It was my first taste of the so-called “nightlife” in Boracay. I never experience nightlife in the during my 2009 visit since I was with my family. But with partygoer friends now on this trip, I enjoyed the dancing all night in Boracay with cheers of Rhum Cola and Gin Tonic!

Party, party all night!

Nightlife in Boracay should be... EPIC!

The following morning we availed a package to Happy Dreamland Theme Park which included rountrip transportation to the theme park (it is 20 minutes away from Station 2), ATV Ride, Trick Art Museum, Bird Farm Interaction and Sky Cycle Ride. It was my first time to do an ATV Ride! I suddenly became nervous when my friends challenged me to drive it solo since most of them will drive a solo ride though you can have a duo. I don’t have a formal driving lesson so I silently panic in my mind. The ushers of the ATV Ride quickly taught how to do it – the acceleration, break, etc. I find it easy and I’m up for the challenge so I did a solo drive. I was so slow at first but once you get used to it, you will find how easily fun to drive it. We were guided in one-line lane drive and I was very careful as the 1 hour drive course is on a public road area that leads to a drive up to a hill top view with ravine drop road sides. After finishing the course ride, I wasn’t just relieved but felt accomplished with my drive of an ATV!

We then went to Trick Art Museum which I enjoyed some of the best and funny art painting galleries that gave comic fantasies and illusions to the visitors like as if you are part of the art. There’s also Bird Farm where you can have closer interaction to birds pet by the theme park like Brahminy Kite eagle and owl. Then my travel mates tried the Sky Cycle ride, a theme park ride which lets you do a bicycle ride on the 40 feet tall guided cable wires. I didn’t try it but my friends told me that it was nauseating up there. We returned to Station 2 of the island just in time for sunset. It was my second and last time to view Boracay Sunset as this was my last night in the island. It is still perfectly stunning. This time, I get to enjoy the famous and pure powdery white sands of White Beach while enjoying the beautiful Boracay Sunset. The parked paraw (double outrigger sailboat native to Visayas region) by the shores made a dramatic look at the seascape of Boracay. A lot of visitors too, savored the most beautiful moment of the day in Boracay by staying on the beach. We’re happy to meet Russian ladies by the beach as they are also enjoying their last day in Boracay. Like us, they are just few of the thousands visitors who appreciates the beauty of Boracay.   

First time to drive ATV.

Getting a K.O. from Pacman at Trick Art Museum.

Smoking by the beach is strictly prohibited in the island. One of my friends is who is about to lit a cigarette, was reprimanded by environmental tanod or security. The reason was ashes pollute the beach. Law is not just implemented but it is also monitored if being followed. It is a praised to the local government of the island for enforcing an environmental-related law. It only shows your commitment in preserving the beauty of the place and the environment. Kudos! Maybe next is prohibition of littering the sands and the beach.

Waiting for sunset at White Beach, Station 2.

Boracay Sunset, the second time around.

For the last night life in Boracay, we went bar hopping at Guilly’s Island and Club Paraw at Station 1. Guilly’s Island is packed by local and foreigners hanging out for a Bora nightlife. They have cool songs played by their resident DJs for party-goers to enjoy. The middle bar tables makes it an ideal place to attract, meet and drink, of course! Outside Guilly’s Island are hang out area of trans so be careful to what they offer. Then, we hopped next to Club Paraw. It is also one of the best nightlife spots on the island! Their in-house DJ supplies load of updated music club remixes that keep the party going. There a lot of foreigner here than locals during my visit. Their wide dance floor in the middle is enough for me to join the rave dances, gyrating hips and beat of the sounds. And I think my glass of Blue Moon added enough alcohol to my mind to keep the party mood going!

Last day in Boracay feels like the most relaxing day to enjoy White Beach to the fullest. My friends had an earlier flight so they left the island already, and I was left with one of my travel mate. We still have a lot time before our afternoon flight so we savor our last hours of stay in Boracay by strolling at White Beach. And while strolling to one of the world’s famous beach, I found a new food to crave in Boracay – Big J’s Sausages, a shore side food stall at Station 2 that serves giant sausage sandwiches. It will surely fill your hungry stomach with their big sausage serving! I explore the long stretch of White Beach. The palm trees strongly gives a tropical and summer vibe while I saw again sand castles of Boracay where having a souvenir photo with cost a fee. The there are the various activities by the shore like paraw sailing, parasailing and banana boat ride. I failed to see again on this visit the famous landmark of Willy’s Rock (a tidal island or islet with a Virgin Mary grotto at the top of the rock) at Station 1. But my most favorite last day musing at White Beach is just sit by the shore, relax and enjoy the view.

Paraw by the seashore.

Meet my new Russian friends... Spasiba!

 When it’s time to go home, we tried the commute and backpacker style going out of the island. We hire a tricycle from Station 2’s main roadside to Cagban Port. Travel time is 15 minutes. Then we rode a ferry to Caticlan Jetty Port for 7 minutes. By the exit of the port, you’ll see the public vans that will transport you directly to Kalibo Airport.

Be careful in buying advance combine ferry ticket and van transportation at Cagban Port which happened to us. The van that you are going to ride is the not public van that is near the exit of Caticlan Jetty Port. Instead, those vans are separate terminal (maybe owned by different operator) but located just across the street of Caticlan Jetty Port and it will wait for passengers that will do the same combine ticket in Cagban Port. In our case, almost an hour has passed and no one approach the van after us who availed the same combine ticket. The van will wait until passengers are full for it to run. We have a flight to catch and time is running. Plus Kalibo Airport is 2-3 hours land travel from Caticlan. So we decided to let us transfer to other van that will leave immediately because we don’t want to be leave by the plane. We were able to transfer but the van’s travel time was just enough for check-in counter close when we arrived at Kalibo Airport.  And we’re just lucky for their extension of closing time since the flight is delay! Whew! I will never to that again. I felt relieved when our boarding passes was issued and proceed to the gate to wait for our flight.

Last day in Boracay.

The famous sand castle.

My newest food cravings in Bora - Big J's Sausages.

First time on Air Asia - not so pleasant flight experience.

It’s my first time flying with Air Asia. Seats are heavily cramped on legroom. I can’t move my knees due to its cramped legroom; add to that I am a tall person. And it is so hot inside the cabin! My gosh! I perspired so much that I feel like I’m still at the shores of Boracay because there was no air-conditioned! The crew apologized for the hot atmosphere as they will turn the aircon on when it’s already cabin door close. Every traveler should know that flying with low-cost carriers has disadvantages when it comes to amenities and getting low fares. It was an unpleasant experience to me. But the flight was smooth and safe from departure until we arrive to Manila. What an epic adventure of my return to Boracay! It was an epic summer story to share to those who don’t just misses Boracay but also to those longing for an epic summer travel.

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*How to reach Boracay via 2GO Travel (RORO vessel)
Purchase advance ticket online via 2GO Travel website. Route is Batangas Port - Caticlan/Boracay. Ride a southbound bus JAC Liner or any Bantangas-bound bus with signboard Batangas Pier which last bus stop is directly at Batangas Port. Travel time is 2-3 hours from Pasay-Buendia Bus Terminal.  Look for 2GO Travel Terminal and check-in. Travel time to Caticlan is 9-10 hours. Upon arrival in Caticlan Jetty Port, exit and proceed to the front to pay for the Cagban Port-bound ferry. Fee is includes environmental fee, terminal fee and fare itself. Caticlan Jetty Port to Cagban Port of Malay, Aklan is 7-10 minutes travel. From Cagban Port, you can either fetch by your accommodation arranged transportation or ride a tricycle to your selected accomodation in the island.

*How to reach Kalibo Airport from Caticlan Jetty Port.
From Cagban Port, ride a ferry boat to Caticlan Jetty Port. Travel time is 7-10 minutes. At the exit, left side is the van terminal to Kalibo Airport. Caution on purchasing a tag-along one-ticket Cagban Port and Van to Kalibo ticket as time constraint may affect your flight to Manila. Van travel time is 3 hours. 

Epic Summer in Boracay is 3rd of my Summer 2014 travel trip that happened last April 20-23, 2014. This is my 2nd visit to the province of Aklan and to Boracay after 6 years. To read my first adventure to Boracay, read I love Boracay.