MANLAWI SANDBAR, Caramoan - 2023 Travel Guide

Manlawi Sandbar is one of the “must visit” in Caramoan group of islands. This sandbar has an amazing shape, sometimes forming a heart, that captures most of the eyes of the tourists worldwide. However, visiting Manlawi sandbar is very crucial because it disappears during high-tide. Our bangkero knows the accurate time (12NN), so we experienced its beauty for thirty minutes.

MINALAHOS ISLAND, Caramoan

Minalahos Island is a small islet in Caramoan group of islands. It has a limited space for visitors due to its undersized shore line but the shape and rock formations are stunningly gorgeous. The plants and hanging on the rocks also added a beautiful landscape. If you’re fond of rock scrambling, I highly suggest to bring outdoor sandals for the sharp edges of the boulders.

SABITANG LAYA ISLAND, Caramoan

The island of Sabitang Laya is one of the Caramoan group of islands. It is almost the same with the other islets with a crystal clear waters, amazing rock formation, but the only difference is that it has longer stretch of fine white sand. Aside from that, by the shoreline, there’s a wide and long stretch of trees and grasses. Of course, the wind is cool and fresh.

LAHOS ISLAND, Caramoan

The Lahos island is one of the prominent islet among the Caramoan group of islands because of its amazing rock formation, fine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. On the top view, it appears like two boulders on the waters linked by the white sand. Don't mind the dried sea weeds because we visited this island after or while the typhoon Marce is still inside Philippine Area of Responsibility, so the water wasn't calm but we owned the island during our visit.

Matukad Island, Caramoan

Matukad Island is special among the other islands of the Caramoan group of islets because it is guarded by a majestic creature. It also has a long stretch of fine white sand, crystalline water, and greenery, and the wind is delicate, cool, and fresh. Instead of renting an air-conditioned room at Brgy. Paniman, we camped by the beach and stayed here for about twelve hours, enjoying its goodness.

Tanay Adventure Camp

If you're looking for a remarkable activity, Tanay Adventure Camp is a perfect place you can visit, just two to three hours from Manila. In 2014, I was invited to join the TAC Attack, an annual anniversary celebration held at the camp. And this year, they have added a lot of activities such as the ultra-marathon and outdoor cook fest. Since we a had problem with our availability, we opted to travel by 7 in the evening and arrived at the camp around midnight. Upon arrival, we met and greeted a few people at the event, feeling superstar kami eeh, then, set our camp and had our dinner. By 2AM we proceeded to the Maharlika Hall and witnessed the start of the 1st Conquer Ultramarathon.

AN ACTUAL SEGMENT OF THE BERLIN WALL, National Museum

After seeing on Facebook that the National Museum of the Philippines has FREE admission for the whole month of May 2016, we chose spending the whole day inside the museum than watching TV, with the hot election in the mainstream. It is better to be in front of the historical artifacts than listening to some people for their political agenda. 

National Museum of Fine Arts, Manila

A few days after my solo-backpacking at the Museum of the Filipino People, it is the second part for Oktubre ang Buwan ng mga Museo. These two buildings of the National Museum of the Philippines are just a few steps away from each other. Also, they both have historical values in the country and played a huge part in preserving and restoring the ancient and modern artifacts of the Philippines.

Shoe Museum Marikina

Photo of the old Shoe Museum in Marikina.

History:

The Marikina Shoe Museum was conceived in 1998 under Mayor Bayani F. Fernando on the assumption that the City, being the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, can be a significant venue for nurturing the historical and cultural values of its shoe industry. It was opened on February 16, 2001, and was initially called the Footwear Museum of Marikina. Information courtesy: Marikina City Website

Boracay Island, Backpacking and Commuting Tips

From the NAIA International Airport, take a flight bound for Kalibo International Airport, the travel time is about an hour. Beside Kalibo International Airport, there are different modes of transportation that you can choose to go to Boracay Island via Jetty Port. Instead of booking private transport, I asked the guards or sales ladies at the airport about the public utility vehicles to Jetty Port. As instructed, I rode in a van bound for Jetty Port for 200 pesos and the travel time is about 2 hours. On the other hand, another option is via Batangas Port where you can board with 2Go Ferry to Caticlan, travel time is within 7-9 hours.