Captivating Contrasts in Misibis Bay

Bicol is a land of contrasts. Spice, fiery heat, and volcanic eruptions are juxtaposed to lush, cool forests and mountains, clear and blue waters, and a relaxing vibe; making for some interesting combinations. Misibis Bay is one place that embodies the fire and cool of Bicol. Located in the remote island of Cagraray, just off the coast of Albay, Misibis Bay provides both the adrenaline rush adventurers seek and the quiet those looking to unwind crave.

Misibis Bay is paradise for the stressed and burnt out. The beach is just a few feet away from plush villas, with crystal clear blue waters and comfortable cabanas. And for those who don’t like getting sand in their bathing suits, the resort has two swimming pools and a wading pool, where guests can still catch the sun’s rays while lounging and reading the latest best-selling novel.

Adventure junkies can rejoice with the astounding amount of activities they can take part in. Take an all-terrain vehicle to go off-road on Cagraray’s many hills and mountains, or zip line 450 meters down the side of a hill. Water babies can get their fill of water sports, jet skiing at 70 kilometers an hour on the waters of the Albay Gulf, or going deep down into the ocean blue, watching tropical fishes swim and play on the coral reefs. If that’s not enough to satiate the most ardent of nature lovers, visit the resort’s Eco Park where the gorgeous ampitheater overlooking the Pacific Ocean is found.

Guide to Baler, Aurora

I’ve been wanting to visit Baler, the capital town of Aurora Province for a while now but never had the chance to until recently. Thanks to an invitation to join Journeying James Baler Dos: Camp, Bike, Surf & Trek tour last August, I finally stepped foot in the scenic coastal town known for its waves. The town up North offers some great land-based attractions as well. Though most tourists come for the surf, Baler and surrounding towns have plenty to offer in terms of historical and cultural sights, natural attractions and food adventures.

HOW TO GET THERE: From Manila, Baler is roughly a six-hour drive by private car or chartered van (which was our mode of transport). If you’re commuting, the most direct way to get there is via the Joy Bus of Genesis Transport, which only has 2 trips a day. You can also reach Baler via Victory Liner bus to Cabanatuan. From there, you’ll have to transfer to a van or another bus to bring you to Baler.

Spectacular Siquijor

For most Filipinos, mere mention of Siquijor conjures images of mysticism and the supernatural. It has a reputation for being a place of magic and sorcery. But what Siquijor should be better known for is the diversity of its natural wonders and spectacular attractions: white sand beaches, springs, waterfalls, caves, limestone cliffs and mountains, mangrove forests, and rich coral reefs teeming with abundant marine life.

The island province of Siquijor is located in Centra Visayas, southeast of the islands of Cebu and Negros. It has six municipalities, with Larena as the main port town and Siquijor as the capital town. It was called as “Isla del Fuego” or Island of Fire by the Spaniards of the soft glow generated by abundant fireflies in the island when they first saw the island from afar.

The best way to travel around Siquijor is to rent a motorcycle for a day or two and follow the 72-kilometer coastal road that circumnavigates the island. Traveling this way will give you the opportunity to stop and enjoy secluded beaches and mangrove forests. You can also visit villages along the way to experience the rustic life in Siquijor. The people of Siquijor are definitely the island’s best attraction. They are so accommodating that they would even go so far as to provide lodging and food to travelers.

Commercial tourism is still not that big in Siquijor, but there are various beach resorts and inns that cater to different types of travelers such as backpackers and scuba divers. Although most resorts will offer you good access to the beaches, it is still possible to find secluded beaches that are accessible to intrepid travelers.

Popular places to visit

Here’s a short list of places to visit when you have a day or two in Siquijor: