Things to Do in Balud, Masbate
Balud is a municipality in the western tip of Masbate Island, an island located in the heart of the Philippines known for it's cattle produce and hot politics. It is however home to the Rodeo Masbateno Festival, an annual showcase of the skills in all activities related to cattle.
Admittedly, Masbate is not one of the known tourist destinations in the country but it has its own beautiful spots worthy of a visit. One advantage of this fact is one can still enjoy the relatively pristine and undeveloped places without the droves of tourists common in the popular travel destinations like Boracay or Bohol.
While Balud is a 1-hour drive from the province capital, there are other activities you can do to make your visit worthwhile.
Here is a list of things you can do if you want to visit Balud, Masbate.
Take a Swim in Palani White Beach
There are a number of beaches in Masbate that are known for its fine, white sand and pristine blue waters untouched by commercialization. One of them is Palani Beach in Masbate, about a 2-kilometer stretch of shoreline in Balud. Palani Beach is relatively undeveloped with a few cottages for rent from individual beach lot owners. There are no noisy bars in the area. One can basically while his time away simply listening to the sound of the waves.
Visit Jintotolo Island
Jintotolo Island is a habited island off the Balud coast. You may reach it by hiring off a motorized banca. The island boasts of white sand shoreline perfect for swimming. Not only that, Jintotolo is also home to an old lighthouse.
Buy fresh seafood
Balud town is known for its sea food fare like King Crabs and big prawns aside from fresh fishes and dried variety. Scallops, mostly served in expensive restaurants in Manila can also be brought from Balud when in season. Aside from the fishponds in the area, Balud boasts of a rich fishing ground. Most of the catch is ferried off to Roxas City or Iloilo City. Nevertheless, knowing someone from Balud will give you the information on where to obtain the freshiest catch of the day since you will not find this in the local market area. To help you bring your fresh fish back to the city, it is best this is an iced chest which is sealed and wrapped in another plastic to prevent the smell and water from leaking.
Carmelado in Milagros
Carmelado is candied carabao milk. This is pretty much the top sweets being peddled off along the pier and on stopovers on your way to Balud. The best and freshly-made carmelado can be brought at the stopover in Milagros, another town you will pass by before reaching Balud. Make sure to tell your driver to make a stop at Milagros on your way back to Masbate town capital.
Labels:
Balud Beach,
Beaches in Masbate,
Masbate,
Masbate Beach,
Masbate City,
Southern Bicol,
Things to Do
10 Boracay Adventure Activities
Boracay Island in the Philippines is not just one of the top beaches in the world because of its pristine waters and fine white sand. This beach paradise is also a haven to numerous adventure activities for adrenaline junkies. Next time you travel to the Philippines, take note of these 10 Boracay adventure activities to make your Boracay vacation fun and action-filled.
#1. Parasailing
Parasailing, also called 'parakiting is a sport that involves hosting yourself on a parachute high up in the air, while being towed or pulled by a speedboat. It doesn't involve much effort on your part since you only need to sit, smile and wave to the cameras while doing so.
#2. Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing is a watersport that combines elements of surfboarding, windsurfing and gymnastics. One is hosted to a 'traction' kite to be pulled over the surface of the while on top of a surfboard. Balance is definitely a plus and could be a challenge to some. This can be solved by listening to your instructor and having a persistent attitude. In short, no matter how many times you stumble, keep on trying.
Kitesurfers all over the world converge in Boracay because of the ideal location's perfect wind. This attracts kiteboard enthusiasts everywhere. If you have the guts to try it, then kiteboarding is a must-try activity when in Boracay. There are a number of kiteboarding schools in Boracay to help you out with that first lessons, for a fee of course.
#3. Surfing
Nothing beats surfing the waves because it's just you, the wind and the waves. One catch, you have to learn to catch a wave. To help you out with this, surfing schools abound in Boracay if you are really serious about leaning this extreme sport. You may also try honing your skills at wavepool surfing in Crown Regency Boracar, for starters, to build those fantastic surfer moves under more controlled environment under the tutelage of certified surf instructors from the Philippine Surfing Academy (PSA).
It wouldn't hurt if to wear one of those cool surfboarder outfits and imagine you are one of Charlie's angels in that films sequel with Cameron Diaz surfing (if you're a girl of course).
#4. Scubadiving
Boracay is home to more than a dozen world-class divesites. There are many courses to become a certified scuba-diver but you may also make a simple dive at minimal costs without taking a formal lesson.
#5. Windsurfing
Imagine yourself on top of a surfboard attached to a sail. The proper windspeed will proper you over the surface of the water. The hardest challenge for any beginner is to keep yourself upright in the first place. Doing so is tricky for a first timer but don't fret, you instructor will assist you in doing so.
#6. Cliff Diving
Cliff diving can be had at Boracay for those looking for a rush of adrenaline. Ariel's Point may be reached through a boat where one can experience diving off a cliff from different levels (16meters, 8m, 5m) depending on how high can you really go. Just make sure your bikini bottoms are snug and tied up tight! Otherwise, you might be spending the next hour looking for it. :) Also, don't be afraid to let out a eardrum-shattering scream, nobody will mind really.
A word of caution, cliff diving is not for everyone since there is the always the possibility of injury if you fall and land on the water improperly, like on your back for instance. Start low and don't give in to the prodding of your ego to jump the higher level than what you can manage.
#7. Zorb Ride
Zorb-riding or globe-riding is a fun activity for those who want to try a different experience. Boracay offers zorb-riding activities
Get to experience being trapped inside a plastic bubble literally thru a 'zorb' and see the world go up and down. This giant ball rolls in the water or down the hillside. One may choose between a Hydro Zorb or a Harness zorb, suit your mood! It might not be advisable for claustrophobics or those with motion-sickness concerns.
See this zorb-ride video from globalvideopro1
#8. Fly Fishing
Fly fishing can set you back at P800 for a minimum of 3 persons over 15 minutes of stomach churning ride, but it's worth it.
#9. Helmet Dive
Watch undersea creatures like Nemo, Dory and friends without getting your hair wet and running out of breath by wearing a helmet connected to an oxygen hose tank or something like that. You get to walk underwater without worrying about anything else except, to smile and wave again for the cameras. You get to enjoy the underwater experience less the hassle of an oxygen tank in your back. Helmet diving costs less than Ph 500 already with a disc or two of your very own photos taken underwater.
#10. Zipline
A zipline ride can be had almost everywhere in many tourist places in the Philippines, and if you are in Boracay, why not try one? Basically, you are hoisted high up in the air on a zipline and gravity will help you careen downslope. Just enjoy the view.
#1. Parasailing
Parasailing, also called 'parakiting is a sport that involves hosting yourself on a parachute high up in the air, while being towed or pulled by a speedboat. It doesn't involve much effort on your part since you only need to sit, smile and wave to the cameras while doing so.
#2. Kitesurfing
![]() |
Photo by Tomtom77 (CC) |
Kitesurfers all over the world converge in Boracay because of the ideal location's perfect wind. This attracts kiteboard enthusiasts everywhere. If you have the guts to try it, then kiteboarding is a must-try activity when in Boracay. There are a number of kiteboarding schools in Boracay to help you out with that first lessons, for a fee of course.
#3. Surfing
Nothing beats surfing the waves because it's just you, the wind and the waves. One catch, you have to learn to catch a wave. To help you out with this, surfing schools abound in Boracay if you are really serious about leaning this extreme sport. You may also try honing your skills at wavepool surfing in Crown Regency Boracar, for starters, to build those fantastic surfer moves under more controlled environment under the tutelage of certified surf instructors from the Philippine Surfing Academy (PSA).
#4. Scubadiving
Boracay is home to more than a dozen world-class divesites. There are many courses to become a certified scuba-diver but you may also make a simple dive at minimal costs without taking a formal lesson.
#5. Windsurfing
![]() |
Photo by By Alessandro Addis CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
Imagine yourself on top of a surfboard attached to a sail. The proper windspeed will proper you over the surface of the water. The hardest challenge for any beginner is to keep yourself upright in the first place. Doing so is tricky for a first timer but don't fret, you instructor will assist you in doing so.
#6. Cliff Diving
![]() |
Cliff jumping, photo by Rafi B. |
A word of caution, cliff diving is not for everyone since there is the always the possibility of injury if you fall and land on the water improperly, like on your back for instance. Start low and don't give in to the prodding of your ego to jump the higher level than what you can manage.
#7. Zorb Ride
Zorb-riding or globe-riding is a fun activity for those who want to try a different experience. Boracay offers zorb-riding activities
Get to experience being trapped inside a plastic bubble literally thru a 'zorb' and see the world go up and down. This giant ball rolls in the water or down the hillside. One may choose between a Hydro Zorb or a Harness zorb, suit your mood! It might not be advisable for claustrophobics or those with motion-sickness concerns.
See this zorb-ride video from globalvideopro1
#8. Fly Fishing
![]() |
Photo courtesy of Myboracayguide.com |
Experience getting tossed and turned in the water while riding an inflatable boat or 'fish' being pulled by a speedboat. The only thing you need to have are the guts and the hand to keep you attached to the boat, so hold on tight! And no, there is no fishing whatsoever involved here, but more on the flying part. If you are prone to motion-sickness, I suggest you get take some medicine for that. It might not be a good idea also if you just had a 10-course meal before trying fly fishing. Otherwise, you might not be seeing a flying boat, but also flying undigested objects. :)
Fly fishing can set you back at P800 for a minimum of 3 persons over 15 minutes of stomach churning ride, but it's worth it.
#9. Helmet Dive
Watch undersea creatures like Nemo, Dory and friends without getting your hair wet and running out of breath by wearing a helmet connected to an oxygen hose tank or something like that. You get to walk underwater without worrying about anything else except, to smile and wave again for the cameras. You get to enjoy the underwater experience less the hassle of an oxygen tank in your back. Helmet diving costs less than Ph 500 already with a disc or two of your very own photos taken underwater.
#10. Zipline
A zipline ride can be had almost everywhere in many tourist places in the Philippines, and if you are in Boracay, why not try one? Basically, you are hoisted high up in the air on a zipline and gravity will help you careen downslope. Just enjoy the view.
Photo by Zipline under CC License Attribution Share-alike 3.0, via Wikimedia |
Another video by videoglobalpro1 to give you an idea on what it's like to ride the zipline in Boracay.
Have a great adventure in Boracay!
Have a great adventure in Boracay!
Labels:
adventure activities in boracay,
Boracay,
boracay activities,
boracay guide,
cliff diving,
eco tourism,
helmet dive,
kiteboarding in boracay,
Philippine travel,
Philippines Beaches,
zorb ride
5 Reasons Why Tagaytay is the Perfect Summer Weekend Getaway
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Taal Volcano in Tagaytay Photo by Drumlanrig on Wikipedia, Commons |
Tagaytay City is considered as one of the popular philippine tourist spots. It is also called little Baguio due to its cool weather conditions even in the middle of summer. It is one of the favorite destinations for city dwellers to relieve themselves from the sweltering heat of the summer.
1. Accessible
Indeed, not only is Tagaytay sought after because of this cool climate but also because of it's accessibility. It may be reached either way from Aguinaldo Highway or by taking the SLEX route.
I have been to Tagaytay a number of times and prefer taking the SLEX and Santa Rosa Exit. On normal traffic, it takes an hour to get there.
2. A Host of Activities
Tagaytay is ideal both for couples and families. There are many activities that can be engaged in while there. You can go sight-seeing, horseback riding, playing golf, relaxation through a spa, and many others.
3. A Romantic place
The cool weather in Tagaytay makes it the perfect place for couples who want to experience a beautiful private time. Indeed, it is one of the top choices for honeymoons and weddings. It's beautiful landscapes and sceneries had made it a great choice for wedding photographers.
4. Great and Affordable Accommodations
Tagaytay is home to the Highlands and other equally famous developments in the area. Nevertheless, it is also home to countless affordable accommodations perfect for those on a shoestring budget. Just be patient in looking for those special places online. One of them is Keni Po.
5. Heart-warming Food
Tagaytay is famous for its beef stew locally known as 'Bulalo'. One should not miss this delicacy while in Tagaytay. It is also known for its fresh produce, so don't miss out on buying those in season fruits available by the roadside.
Volunteer Travelling in the Philippines
Did you know that you can actually have fun while making a contribution to a cause?
It is possible with volunteer travel or what others refer to as volunteer tourism. There are many non-profit organizations in the Philippines and around the world that can help you make this possible. For a minimal fee, you get to immerse in a local community and work for a cause. This way you are not only travelling to enjoy new places but you get to help out a cause close to your heart.
Travelling is not just about enriching your experience because with volunteer travelling you can actually shoot two birds in one stone.
The secret is knowing where to look, for starters Handsonmanila is one of those sites that will help you out in choosing the appropriate cause. If you need more help on organizations around the country that will let you work and volunteer for them, simply email gmmurgirl@gmail.com.
For more information about Volunteer travel, read more on 'Volunteer Travel Adventure'.
A Weekend Trip to Palani Beach in Masbate
Spending the whole weekend in a beach setting far away from all the stresses of daily living is virtually everyone's dream. While the intense summer heat is baking most part of the tropical archipelago, the beach offers a surprisingly cool respite. Intending to escape the heat one weekend which also coincided with my daughter's birthday, I flew in for a two-day beach-filled fun spent at Palani Beach in Balud, Masbate.
This undeveloped beauty is just the perfect escape. Away from the crowd and commercialized beach destinations, Palani is my great choice for a quiet and lovely weekend with only fun and rest in my mind.
Despite the summer heat, the sea breeze over the area is cool and refreshing. An early swim or a late afternoon dip is a great way to be away from the summer sun's intense glare.
Armed with my camera, a few cloth changes and intense anticipation, I spend worthwhile hours simply enjoying beach living. There is nothing much you can do but swim, eat great seafood fare and young coconut 'buko' to my heart's content, sleep with the sound of the beach and the cool wind on your face (no beds) in the huts, listen to my favorite music (the huts has electricity), bath in the cool fresh water from the deep well nearby, take a walk with the clean and fine sand beneath my feet, and to top it, watch a beautiful sunset.
All of these makes for my perfect weekend at Palani Beach, one of my favorite beaches. And I won't get tired of going back over and over.
Palani Beach in Masbate, Philippines (April 2013) |
Long stretch of beach perfect for swimming |
This undeveloped beauty is just the perfect escape. Away from the crowd and commercialized beach destinations, Palani is my great choice for a quiet and lovely weekend with only fun and rest in my mind.
Despite the summer heat, the sea breeze over the area is cool and refreshing. An early swim or a late afternoon dip is a great way to be away from the summer sun's intense glare.
Who needs shoes? I walked barefoot in the clean beach |
Armed with my camera, a few cloth changes and intense anticipation, I spend worthwhile hours simply enjoying beach living. There is nothing much you can do but swim, eat great seafood fare and young coconut 'buko' to my heart's content, sleep with the sound of the beach and the cool wind on your face (no beds) in the huts, listen to my favorite music (the huts has electricity), bath in the cool fresh water from the deep well nearby, take a walk with the clean and fine sand beneath my feet, and to top it, watch a beautiful sunset.
![]() |
A beautiful sunset after a fun-filled day at the beach |
Perfect sunset at Palani Beach |
Watching the sun go down is so romantic |
All of these makes for my perfect weekend at Palani Beach, one of my favorite beaches. And I won't get tired of going back over and over.
Philippines Now Part of Cruise Itinerary of Royal Carribean Ship
The luxury cruise ship line Royal Carribean makes Philippines as one of its stops in an 8-day tour. This is a great promotion to Philippine tourism sectors as it now has more opportunity for exposure to the tourist travellers that flock the region. Last October, the Royal Carribean made the milestone port call in Boracay and Manila as part of inagural stop in inculding the country in the cruise lines' travel destinations.
Hopefully, this move will make put the Philippines in the travel map of future tourists. A great opportunity to showcase the country as a top travel destination in support of the 'It's more fun in the Philippines' slogan of its Department and tourism.
The country boasts of top tourist drawers like Bohol, Boracay, to name a few, but this development will further its bid to secure as one of the top tourist destinations in Asia. To get your cruise travel tickets, please visit Royal Carribean official site.
Learn more about the Philippines in these Hubpages travel articles:
Best Beaches in Batangas
Take a nice trip to this famous beach destination and experience tropical paradise.
Hopefully, this move will make put the Philippines in the travel map of future tourists. A great opportunity to showcase the country as a top travel destination in support of the 'It's more fun in the Philippines' slogan of its Department and tourism.
The country boasts of top tourist drawers like Bohol, Boracay, to name a few, but this development will further its bid to secure as one of the top tourist destinations in Asia. To get your cruise travel tickets, please visit Royal Carribean official site.
Learn more about the Philippines in these Hubpages travel articles:
Best Beaches in Batangas
Take a nice trip to this famous beach destination and experience tropical paradise.
Labels:
Packages Philippines,
Philippine Cruise,
tickets philippines,
Tour Philippines,
Tours Philippines
Living and Retirement in the Philippines
The Philippines presents a good living and retirement option for many foreigners because of its natural beauty and lower cost of living compared to other developed countries. There is also a lot of investment opportunities where you can put your hard-earned money. If you know a good investment opportunity or have someone to partner and venture with the better.
Foreigners are not allowed to own properties but a joint venture with a Filipino partner often solves this dilemma. If you are married to a Filipina then owning property is won't be much of a problem. Here are some articles to help you out if you are thinking of making the Philippines your second home.
If you are looking for property or space to rent in the country, these compiles the top sites where you can find that specific property.
Learn about simple and practical tips when you've already chosen to build your dream house. This article tells you that aesthetic should not only be your main consideration.
Provides links to possible retirement options in the Philippines and other countries.
Filipino Dating
Some foreign women might think of dating a Filipino guy or you might be someone already dating one. Here are a few tips on types of men you can find in the Philippines. Hopefully, this information will help you deal with them easily, or it can even save you from a heartbreak.
Find out more about dating a Filipino from this hub 'Dating a Guy from the Philippines'.
Find out more about dating a Filipino from this hub 'Dating a Guy from the Philippines'.
Looking for a New Home or Office Space in the Philippines?
Looking for a property or space to rent when in the Philippines?
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House for Sale |
There are many properties to be rented or for sale everywhere but the difficulty is in finding them. If you do not have a real estate broker, it is alright if you know how and where to look for the space or real estate that you are looking for.
Many property listing sites are available to help you out. This listing of helpful property sites or real estate ad listing would be of help in looking for that perfect house, condo, room, or property.
Read more on 'Top Property Listing Sites in the Philippines'
Hotels in Ortigas Business Center
Business travellers who are planning to travel to Manila or the Ortigas Business Center will find these list of hotels helpful.
There are a number of good 3-5 star hotels in this area. The area is also proximate to major malls and establishments like Shangri-La Mall, Rustans, SM Megamall, The Podium and Robinson's Galleria.
Learn more about Hotels in Ortigas Center.
There are a number of good 3-5 star hotels in this area. The area is also proximate to major malls and establishments like Shangri-La Mall, Rustans, SM Megamall, The Podium and Robinson's Galleria.
Learn more about Hotels in Ortigas Center.
Labels:
Hotels,
Hotels in Manila,
Hotels in Ortigas Center,
Hotels in the Philippines,
Manila Hotels,
Where is Manila
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