Tres Marias Naliwatan Peak

A few weeks ago, my cousin, Ivan, created an Event at Facebook titled Mama Mary’s Birthday Climb at Naliwatan Peak scheduled on September 17, 2016. A was excited and was eager to join the climb but I only hit “Maybe” because I’m not yet sure whether I could join them or not because of some of my compliances at work and I lack of preparation. As you can see, Naliwatan Peak is the second highest mountain in Region VIII next to Alto Peak of Jaro/Ormoc, Leyte. So a good preparation physically and mentally is really needed. I have no time to prepare physically because I have work and compliances to be done. The night before the D-Day, I met with my fellow climbers and had a meeting prior to the climb. I met new friends and a distant relative who happens to be our guide during the climb.

Though I am not physically prepared for the climb, I still decided to join them because I missed trekking and going on an adventure.

D-Day

Jump off Area at Brgy Sampao, Almeria, Bilira
left to right: Ryan Kyle, Janine, JV, Ivan, Makoy, Me, Julius and Deo

Had our lunch at a river going to the camp site

Nomads Falls

We left Naval at about 0930H and went to Brgy. Sampao, Almeria, Biliran and from there we trek and pass thru Ulan-Ulan Falls, Recoletos Falls and Nomads Falls (Named after the first Mountaineering Group who explored the area). On our way to the campsite, we river trek, cross tree lines and rocks that needs to be hugged literally just to be able to continue your trek because it blocks the trail and is the only way to reach our destination. We reached the camp site at about 1430H and immediately prepared our sleeping paraphernalia. I don’t have a tent but I have a hammock with mosquito net, a usual item for PNP Members. After the dinner, we prayed the rosary in honor of the birthday of Mama Mary. Had few shots of brandy and then hit the bed because we were scheduled to go to the peak early  on next day.

On our way to the camp site

Camp Site area

After our Rosary, had a get together

Day 2

We were supposed to wake up at about 0430H the next day so we can see the sunrise at the Mt. Naliwatan Peak but to no avail because everybody woke up late. So we decided to just eat our breakfast and then hit the trails to the peak. The trails to the peak was hard compared to the trails to the campsite based on my own opinion. Because there are certain areas there that you’ll have to walk to the edge of the mountain and have to hold on to the roots of the trees. Going to the peak, you’ll see a lot of pitcher plants, different birds and insects that can only be found at the mountain. The peak of Tres Marias Mt. Naliwatan was very mossy. It was cold and it feels like it’s already 1800H but it was still 1000H when we reached the peak. We took photos and had minutes of rest then traversed back to the camp site. After reaching the camp site, we immediately prepared lunch then packed up our things so we can reach the Barangay (village) proper of Sampao before the sun sets. On our way to Brgy Sampao, we had a stopover at Nomads falls so we can take a dip for a few minutes. After Nomads Falls, we trekked back to Brgy Sampao and hit the roads to Naval.

Day 2 on our way to Naliwatan Peak from the camp site

Mossy forest of Tres Marias

Group Picture at Naliwatan Peak

When you’re new to Biliran, you can also try to visit other wonders of the province like the Tinago Falls, Sambawan Island, Higatangan Island, Acaban Cave, etc.

I really enjoyed my experience from Tres Marias Naliwatan Peak because I was able to make new good friends and was able to appreciate more the beauty of our nature. 

Mt. Panamao

The second peak of Tres Marias

Pitcher Plant

Moss

Me at the 2nd highest peak of Eastern Visayas

First time I saw an orange moss

On our way back to Brgy Sampao

Visit Acaban Cave at Biliran Island

One of the interesting place that can be found in Biliran Island is the Acaban Cave aside from the waterfalls. It is located at Brgy Acaban, Culaba, Biliran; a 30 minute drive from Naval, Biliran’s Capital. The entrance fee is just P20 and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and crystal waters of the Acaban Cave.

The Cave of Acaban is wide enough to let the people enter it but the only accessible part of the cave is about 20ft from the opening. Legend has it that the Cave is not natural but man made. The caretaker of the place said that treasure hunter once blasted the cave believing that they can find a treasure in the area. I haven’t asked though if they were able to find one.

When you go swimming at Acaban Cave, make sure that you know how to swim because the water is too deep especially in the middle part. Bringing of life jacket is advised for the kids and even adults if they don’t know how to swim. Snorkeling is a fun activity when going to Acaban Cave because there are different type of fishes that you can see there. You can even feed them with bread. It’s definitely a must for the visitors of Biliran to have a look at Acaban Cave. I have here below a video presentation I made during my visit at Acaban Cave.

Oslob Ruins at Oslob Heriitage Park, Cebu

Another destination that can be found in Oslob, Cebu are the Oslob Ruins. The ruins are located at the town proper of Oslob and some of this buildings are built at around late 1800s. It’s just amazing that this buildings are still standing up until today although a lot of natural calamities have hit Cebu for the past few years. I am fond of visiting old places like this. Another nice place to visit is Bohol for their Old churches though I heard that it has been ruined by the earthquake few years back. So, here are some of the photos I took using my Nokia 808 Pureview at the Oslob Heritage Park of Cebu. Enjoy!

Whale Shark Watching at Oslob, Cebu

One of the fun activities you can do when visiting Cebu is the Whale Shark Watching at Oslob, Cebu. Whale Shark are the gentle giants that resides in tropical waters like the Philippines. Luckily, we have this chance of watching over them here in the Philippines. The Whale Sharks of Oslob are protected by the Local Government Unit and are permanently monitored by the Oslob Bantay Dagat. I and my family was able to visit the place last weekend and good thing the weather was cooperative. When going to Oslob, you can ride a bus from Cebu South Bus Terminal and should depart early because Whale Shark Watching is only open until 12:30p.m. I am not certain how much the fair is because we rented a car going to Oslob.  For the local tourists, Whale Shark watching will cost you P500 and P1000 for foreign tourist. Some rules that needs to be followed when watching is to avoid touching the whale sharks, maintain 4 meters distance from them, no applying of sunblock/sunscreen when swimming, no flash photography and no riding. Here are some of the photos I took during our Whale Shark Watching experience.

On the way to Oslob, Cebu

Arriving at the destination. Its about 6-7am and there are a lot of people who arrived earlier than us.

Orientation for the Do's and Don'ts during the swim.

Picture first before riding the boat

Cousin selfie with the Whale Shark at the background

The Whales of Oslob

The Whale Shark enjoying her meal

My niece's amazement seeing the Whale Shark for the first time

Me on a snorkel

My Ultimate Selfie

A Matter of How You See It: Sunset view at Leyte

I was on my way to work when I stopped over and enjoyed the view from Leyte's mountainous area where you can see the landscapes of Calubian, Leyte. Here's a photo I took while I parked my motorcycle along the road. It's a photo inspired again by Kala of A Matter of How You See It.