Whale Watching in Tanawan Oslob Cebu Province

It was weekend when we decide to take some adventure in swimming with the famous giant whale sharks in Cebu. We did some research about where to stay when we get there, and my girlfriend as usual found a place to stay in Tanawan Oslob. (She's really good at searching for cheap but nice places everywhere we go.)

We woke up at around 3am and have our things ready. We started our ride at exactly 4am going to Tanawan Oslob. After an hour ride, we reached Argao and stopped over for a cup of "sikwate and suman" the best morning snack ever. We head on to Oslob after almost 30 minutes of stop over. 

We arrived in Tanawan Oslob at around 7:30am. We went straight to "Chateau de Oslob" where we stayed overnight. It is a house owned by a kind Filipina and American couple. They have extra rooms in their house and they made it for rent. 

When we arrived, there are people renting the room but was about to check out. So while waiting for them we went to the Whale shark watching briefing center which is just walking distance from Cheteau de Osob. 

When we arrive at the briefing center, I was a surprised because there are many people already lined up for the orientation. Probably because it was Saturday. Before you can swim with the whale sharks, you will have to go through a short orientation about do's and don't's.

We paid Php 500.00 each. For foreigners I think they have to pay Php 1,000.00.

It was really worth it to be there. A combination of thrill and excitment plus amusement. Tanawan Oslob whale shark watching is worth going to.

Watch our short video from Tanawan Oslob swiming with the Giant whale sharks below. 

A short video of Secdea Beach Resort in Island Garden City of Samal

This video was taken in Secdea, Igacos. Camera used was 8ten Silver edition.

The Island Garden City of Samal is considered as one of the best tourist destination in the southern part of Mindanao. A famous white-sand beach resorts, and welcoming view of nature is what its known for.  One of the resorts I've visited there is Secdea Beach Resort located in San Isisdro, Babak Igacos.

They offer day use for P700.00 that includes the use of swimming pool up to 5pm.

The swimming pool is really wide and there's for kids and adults. If you prefer to swim on the beach, you'll enjoy the white sand just a few walk from the swimming pool. 

Here are the different services and rates available

Rooms Rates:

Seaside Rooms(2 pax)- Php 3,900

Seashell Rooms(3 pax) – Php 4,900

Sea Breeze Lodge(4 pax) – Php 7,400

Villa Secdea Two/2nd Floor (12 pax)- Php 15,900

Day Use(inclusive of Entrance, Lunch and Pool use)

Adult Rate- Php 650/pax

7 years andyounger Php550/pax

– Complimentary breakfast is served for overnight guests

Amenities Rates:

Jetskie- Php 4,000 per hour / Php2,500 per 30 min

Kayak (Single) – Php 300 per hour / Php 200 per 30 min

Kayak (Double) – Php 400 per hour / Php 250 per 30 min

Paddler Boat – Php 200 per hour / Php 150 per 30 min

Banana Boat Ride(4 pax min) – Php 300 per 30 min

Life Vest Rental – Php 150 per day

Bicyle – Php 400 per day / Php 150 per hour

Van Pick-up from Port vice-versa – Php 1,000 per way (to be arranged in advance) Helicopter Transport (3 pax) – Php 26,000 per way (to be arranged in advance)

These rates I got is as of October 2014. Please contact Secdea directly for questions and inquiry, I'm not working for them ha. Ga blog raku :)

Tags:

Resorts in Samal Island, Resorts in IGACOS, Best resorts in Samal, tourist spot in Samal Island, Swimming pool in Samal Island, Davao beach.

Enchanted river and Tinuy.an Falls up close Oct. 2014

I never been this close watching wild fishes. Enchanted river was really an awesome destination for summer. It doesn't look as awesome as before the typhoon hit this place, but it is still worth going to.

The Enchanted River is also known as the Hinatuan River. It is a very popular tourist attraction in Surigao del Sur. It is said to be wrap with mystery and features that keeps you wondering about the place.

RATE:

Entrance fee = P30 pesos

Life Jacket rent = P15 pesos

Cottage rent = P100 pesos

This rate is as of October 2014

Another tourist destination in Surigao del Sur is the Tinuy.an Falls. It doesn't look as good as what I saw in the pictures and videos. They said that it has been greatly affected by the typhoon when it hits the place.

RATE:

Entrance fee = P50 pesos

This rate is as of October 2014

Lianga Surigao del Sur, Davao City, Samal Island adventure

Going to Lianga Surigao del Sur

The route we took going to Lianga Surigao del Sur is from Cebu International Airport to Davao International Airport. 

Lianga is a fourth class municipality in the province of Surigao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 28,905 people. – source Wikipedia

A day at Cebu Westown Lagoon

Cebu West town lagoon is located near MO2 Mandaue City. It started accommodating guests last August 2014. If you're looking for a place where you can relax with your family but doesn't like to go away from the City, then this place fits your criteria. I personally like the swimming pool because of its size, and there is a separate pool for the kids.

What I don't like about this place is their slides. It's very dangerous for kids, and even adults. I was traumatize with their slides because I hit my head hard and almost lost consciousness there. Close call. I will never ever recommend that slide to anyone! Anyway, aside from that everything is perfect.

How to get to Cebu Westown Lagoon? 

Here is a screenshot for googlemap in going to MO2/Cebu Westown Lagoon.

Its just a few kilometers away from the City proper.

Tips:

Make a reservation and pay it asap because they only have few cottages.

Bring your own food, drinks, etc...

Overall, the place is nice and clean. The swimming pool is perfect, and the attendants are very hospitable and attentive.

Don't wear slippers on the white part of the pool or the lifeguard will blow his whistle really hard on you..lol

Rates:

Entrance Php 300.00

Cottages

Big cottages Php 2,400
Small cottages Php 1,200
Room rates is around Php 4,800 - Php 8,000.00 

Cool fishing spot in Naga Baywalk

My Fishing trip in Naga

One Sunday afternoon, it was my rest day when I decided to explore some fishing spot in the South of Cebu. I heard that there is a good fishing spot at the back of Naga City hall that is free and has potential presence of large fish. So I packed my gears and I'm all set to fishing.

It's easy to know that you're already in Naga City because their city hall is visible along the road, and there is a big welcome sign in front.

Naga City hall

I noticed how organize and clean the Naga plaza is. The flowers and trees are well trimmed and there are several Philippine Flags in front of it which gave me an impression that the Government officials there are loyal and proud of our country. (I hope all Government officials in the Philippines have the same passion too...)

Alright it's time to check the fishing spot at the back. There is a road going to the back or what they call the Naga Baywalk at the side of the City hall. When I got there I immediately prepared my gears, and cast my bait! 

Naga baywalk view.

The good thing about this fishing spot is that there are several food stall and awesome lighting at night. I also find the place very safe because main police station is just walking distance away. 

Food, drink, etc. at Naga baywalk.

I can tell that the sea is really deep on this fishing spot because of the presence of several large vessels docking near the Naga Baywalk.

Fishing area at Naga Baywalk

I didn't caught any fish today because I experiment on using a lure. Anyway, the most important thing is I enjoyed the place and had fun fishing on my Sunday rest day.

Tips:

• Bring sunblock, or umbrella.
• Bring bottled water and snack if you’re going here in the morning or noon because the food stalls are not yet open during these times.

Fishing At Shell Island Cebu

Saturday morning Fishing at Shell Island

Another free fishing spot in Cebu is the Shell Island located in front of Cebu Malacanang SRP. This is the island that welcomes you when coming from the south to Cebu through ferry/ship.

Getting things ready for fishing.

It was early dawn when we went there. It was a very peaceful morning and a perfect time for fishing.

Shell Island view from SRP.

Bro Omet is one of my fishing buddies, and he knows the boatman who took us there. We only pay P50 pesos back and forth. The boatman is staying there, so its very convenient to contact him whenever you want to get back to SRP.

Riding the boat going to the Island.

It was a small boat and can only accommodate 3 persons at a time, so we had to divide the group into 2.  

Enjoying the view from Shell Island.

When we got there, I set my gears up and cast my rod. I was so excited to cast because the water was so calm.

Ship coming from CdeO passing through Shell Island.

Ships will be passing there so be prepared for occasional waves. Well it adds to the view though so it's cool. :)

My first Pugapo catch.

After a few minutes, here it is. My first catch! A pugapo, or also known as Lapulapu fish.

Pugapo/Lapulapu fish at Shell Island.

My friend caught this weired looking fish as well. I'm sorry but again, I don't know what this fish called. I need to learn what they're called. :)

2nd Pugapo/Lapulapu.

After a few minutes, I got another lapulapu fish. Wee! It was my lucky day! It seems that every time I cast my bait, fishes come rushing for it! :)

Third Pugapo/Lapulapu fish at Shell Island.

Again! It really was my lucky day! I got this fish in less than 1 minute after I cast my bait. Amazing isn't it? :)

Types of Fishes caught in Shell Island.

We started around 6am and I went home ahead of them at around 9am. Three hours of relaxing fishing experience at shell island.

My thoughts

In my own experience, shell island has the most abundant fish of all the fishing spot I've tried here in Cebu. Probably because it's an island, and there's not much people fishing there. The only disadvantage is that, there is only one boatman I knew, so if he's not available then I wouldn't be able to get there. Anyways I can always set an appointment with him if I plan my fishing ahead. Another thing is the garbages, trashes coming from Cebu is stock in there during high tide. If people will continue to throw their trashes in the sea/river, then soon it will become a garbage Island (sigh). I can only imagine how abundant that Island would be if there's no trashes everywhere.

That's all I can think of as of now. I'm hoping to be back there soon if my work and school schedule would allow me to...

Ouano Wharf Cebu Fishing Spot

Ouano Wharf Cebu Fishing Spot

Another free fishing spot here in Cebu is in Ouano Wharf.  Just a few kilometers away from the Mandaue public market, and Mandaue LTO. 

Ouano Wharf Fishing Spot

Here's the sample view of the fishing spot. You'll see dock ships here. Usually cargo ships.

Ouano wharf view.

There are variety of fish here. I'm not sure what this fish I caught but surely its a good catch for me. :)

Fish in Ouano Wharf

RC caught the brother of the fish I caught. lol

Fish in Ouano Wharf

 More than a kilo fish caught by RC. I wish I know  the names of the fish we caught. :p

Fish caught in Ouano Wharf.

 At the end of the day, we got these fish in the pictures.

Fish caught in Ouano Wharf.

Summary 

Ouano wharf is definitely a good fishing spot. Aside from it's free, it's also solemn. It's just a short ride away from the city. It's best to fish there during high tide because it can be very shallow during low tide.

The parking space is visible from the spot so less worry if you're bringing a ride.

Don't forget to put sunblock, or bring an umbrella because it's an open space.

I would rate this fishing spot 9 out of 10.

Liloan Cebu Fishing Spot

It was a fine sunny Sunday when I decided to explore this place called Parola in Liloan Cebu. I was looking for a different fishing spot and someone told me that there's a good fishing spot at the back of the Lighthouse. I hesitated at first, but thanks to my ever supportive girlfriend who's always giving me encouragement, so we went there and asked some of the locals for the direction. 

You'll know that you're on the right place when you see this landmark. The zone's(purok) in Parola are themed in the bahay kubo song. If I remember correctly, this zone is called "Purko Sitaw".

We went straight to the back of the Lighthouse to see the view, then I decided to take a picture of it.

I'm still wondering, what's inside the lighthouse. lol I haven't had the change to get in there.

There is also a restaurant at the back of the Lighthouse. They open on the afternoon onward.

Path going to the fishing spot is rocky, so be careful and always watch your step.

Finally we arrived at the fishing spot. Watch out for the locals before casting your bait.

Do you see the one in blue? He's also up for fishing. They're using bow or pana.

This fishing spot is unexplored. I believe I'm the first person to make a blog about this spot. I'm looking forward to exploring more so keep updated with my blog.

Tips:

Bring food and water with you, and always watch your step while walking to the path going here.

Fishing Spot in Cebu | Marcelo Bridge

Under Marcelo Bridge Cebu, Mandaue side

One of the most accessible fishing spot in Cebu is under the Marcelo Bridge connecting Mactan and Mandaue City.

One afternoon, I was supposed to go to Naga City because I heard that there is a good fishing spot there. However, it was already late afternoon and I know it would be a long ride plus the traffic. So I decided to go to Marcello bridge park in Mandaue City.

This is the view outside the park under the Marcelo bridge.

The view is really nice, however at side of this you'll find a lot of garbage. If the government would place a garbage can, and maintenance here, this would be a potential tourist spot in Cebu.

On the other side you'll see people swimming. This is really crowded during Sundays.

Time to fish. I hope I can finally catch something today.

I didn't caught anything from the first spot, so I moved to this side.

Tips:

This is a public place, so you'll see different people doing different things (Dating).

Do not throw your trash anywhere. It would be better if you bring an extra cellophane for your trash.

Occasional waves when large ships passes under the bridge.

Summary

There are variety of fish here, I even saw someone caught a small octopus, and lobster here . So for fishing, I would rate this a 4.5 out of 5. Hopefully the local government of Mandaue, and the people living in this area will keep this place clean, and secured.

Motorcycle ride and overnight stay at Lambug beach Badian

We had our team building in Badian Cebu. It was initially our motorcycle ride plan, but we thought it would be a whole lot better if our teammates that doesn't have motorcycle can come along and stay overnight in that place with us.  It was fun fun fun! I along with my 2 friends, Pat and his cousin took a motorcycle ride to Lambug beach Badian. It took us almost 3 hours to get there, maintaining our speed to 40-60kph, while others took a bus.

Tips:

When you get there, people will ask if you had already reserved a house or room. If not, they will be suggesting you a place to stay. Don't worry, people there are nice and very accomodating.

We rent a small house for P 1,500.00. It was worth it because you can get to place a tent in front of the house and you can use the whole place for whaterver you want to do. There is a videoke machine that you can exclusively use. However, you have to drop P 5.00 for every 2 songs.

I find the place safe, because the residence themselves are watching over the place. We had tent, but I choose to sleep in the sand and it was my first time experience...It was really cool!

Another thing, I would advice you bring your own ready to cook, or cooked food because there's no available food there and the market is very far from the beach.

Also don't forget the drinks... :)

Here are some of the pictures I took. Unfortunately the camera I brought stopped working so I didn't had the chance to take many photos.

Overall Lambug Beach Badian is definitely a recommended destination for team building, barkada trip, ride, etc...

Advantage

White sand, cheap accommodations, and not so crowded.

Disadvantage

The only disadvantage I could think of is the sea grasses, and the shallow beach.

Motorcycle Ride to Balamban Cebu

Probably the best place to break-in your engine is the Transcentral highway.  The road will make your engine do everything with uphill, to downhill course. 

Direction from Cebu to Balamban via Trancentral Highway

Our first stop going to Balamban.

The most dangerous part of the transcentral highway. I myself almost had an accident here.

Welcome to Balamban.

The famous Adventure cafe.

We are self proclaimed motojocks.

Everyone is serious about the Liempo.

 Tips

I was expecting that when you get to Balamban, the famous food would be their liempo. We looked everywhere for a place that sells liempo, and we asked from locals. They pointed us to the liempohan near the bus terminal. We were discourage when we saw the liempohan because it's just a small stall. But when we got to taste their liempo, men it was so delicious! It's like a liempo + boneless lechon combined. That liempo is worth going back to.

With regard to the ride. Transcentral is a dangerous highway because of it's slope, and curves so be sure not to overspeed when you're passing there. Just maintain 40-60kph speed. It's better to be safe the sorry.