Fort sa Cotta

Fort sa Cotta

Fort sa Cotta is one of the Spanish-built fortresses in the Philippines. The main purpose of this edifice is the same as the function of Fort Santiago in Manila and Fort sa Pedro in Cebu which is to protect the city/town against the attacks of the Moro pirates. This sturdy structure is made up of coral stones, thus, during World War 2, Fort sa Cotta served as a garrison, barracks and storage area for the military. Today, it is one of the most popular historical sites and a landmark in Misamis Occidental and in the entire Northern Mindanao region. During my visit, it was closed due to renovation. READ: SOLO-BACKPACKING IN ZamBaSulTa, Region 9, and Misamis Occidental. 

Bukidnon Capitol and Grounds

Bukidnon Capitol
My accommodation was at the Green Ridge Apartelle which is near the capitol compound, so early in the morning, using Google Maps, had my walking tour at the capitol building and to Kaamulan Park and Zoo where I met the animals that I usually see online and on TV. The area is surrounded with greens, the breeze is cool and the air is fresh and the landscape is instagrammable. By the way, the perfect time to visit Kaamulan Park and Zoo is in the morning and the entrance fee is free. READ: SOLO-BACKPACKING: Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, and Davao City.


Green Ridge Apartelle, Bukidnon

Green Ridge Apartelle Bukidnon
For 550 pesos, had my overnight stay at Green Ridge Apartelle (visible on Google Maps) near the capitol compound. From Gaisano Mall, using Google Maps, I walked on the streets to Green Ridge.

Kaamulan Open Theater, Bukidnon

Kaamulan Open Theater
On a sunny day, I visited Kaamulan Park in Bukidnon, and their open theater captured my attention. READ: SOLO-BACKPACKING: Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley, and Davao City. 

Most Affordable and Budget-Friendly Hotel (Resort)

Though my journey here lasted overnight, I was able to grasp what Siargao island can offer to tourists and visitors. I was able to see the lifestyle of the smallest locals to the most expensive hotels and resorts. I know and can feel that I will definitely be back here.

Pacifico Beach, Siargao

Pacifico Beach Siargao

Pacifico Beach is the top surfing destination in Siargao. It was my last destination. Very self-explanatory, its name is given because it is facing the Pacific Ocean, having said that, the waves here are huge. The gigantic waves are powerful but it is the perfect playground for professional surfers.

Palm Tree (Coconut) View Deck, Siargao

Palm tree road siargao

While we were en route to Pacifico, we passed by the roads decorated with draft live mango trees and tall coconut trees present on both sides, such a gorgeous landscape. Then, we also passed by the coconut plantation, another top destination in Siargao. On this spot, the sea breeze is cool and fresh with a wide view of the countless coconut trees and mountain slopes.

Secret Beach (Guiwan), Siargao

The secret beach, also known as "Guiwan," is accessible via motorcycles. Surrounded by coconuts, fine white sand, and crystal clear waters, it is a quiet place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. This is an incredible spot to do sunbathing.

Surfing Cloud 9, Boardwalk in Siargao

Cloud 9 Siargao

Cloud 9 Boardwalk and View Deck is one of the top tourist attractions in Siargao. It is the spot where you can have a wide view of the surfer dancing on the gigantic waves. The waves here are perfect with a fresh sea breeze and an amazing landscape. Afraid of the waves? That's okay, you can just walk on the boardwalk and do an amazing photo shoot. This spot is picture-perfect in the afternoon because of the golden skyline with the surfers standing on their boards on top of the rolling waves.

Ganano Falls, Quirino Province

Ganano Falls

Trekking to Ganano Falls makes the event a bit extreme. The trails are surrounded by trees, shrubs, bamboo, and other greens so the trek was relaxing. Not only that, there are flowers and butterflies making our journey colorful. After an hour, we were rewarded with a tantalizing view of the waterfalls. The tranquillity is preserved because of the trees. There are gigantic rock formations and towering limestone cliffs. It’s a paradise.