JAB TRAVEL VENTOURS

Looking for a quick getaway with lots to do? You should go to Baguio City! We’ve compiled the Top 10 things to do here, from city comforts to nature trips. Still, it’s not enough to just know about these places. You might get lost or might not know the way to a place. Even if you’re a local, be sure to book yourself a Baguio Tour Package, and especially if you’re a foreigner, you’d best avail of the many travel packages in the Philippines</a> to guide you through this wonderful city.

Ilocos Norte is a province located north of Metro Manila. Ilocos has various tourist spots such historical sites, famous landmarks, nature sightseeing, fun activities such as a kalesa ride, as well as a taste of the province’s various delicacies. This is suitable for first time visitors since they will also be given insights and historical fun facts about the province’s traditions, culture and other things that only locals would know. They will be taken to restaurants that are cheap yet offer authentic native dishes.

If visitors decide to go on their own instead of availing of Ilocos tour package it will have more than enough things to offer whether you are a millennial who is looking for fast-paced action or a retiree who just wants to enjoy the sights and immerse themselves in the province’s culture and history.

St. Augustine’s Church in Paoay – Also known as Paoay Church, whether you are a religious person or not, this church is definitely a sight to behold and is by far one of the most visited tourist destinations in Ilocos.  Aside from its enormous size, it offers Spanish-era architecture and is properly maintained while still retaining its solemn atmosphere.  This church has also been used several times in the filming of some Philippine movies.

Mavulis Island is the Northernmost Island in Batanes and of the Philippines, as mentioned it is part of Batanes, the island is inhabited but is frequently visited by the local fishermen.

Mavulis is also know as "Dihami" meaning north in Ivatan, in the Spanish era it was called Diami and then Yami in the American Era. [Also called Dimavulis by the locals]

Recently the AFP Armed Forces of the Philippines is planning to build a Multi-purpose facility in the island which can be used by the fishermen as a shelter.

How to get to Mavulis?
From Manila you will have to travel by plane in going to Basco in Batan Island, your best bet would be SkyJet, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific also offer flights to Basco but not as consistent as SkyJet. A round trip ticket would cost around Php8,000 to Php12,000 depending on the season and could be lower if they have promos. Squad Tip - Booking your flight way ahead of time and booking flights between Monday and Wednesday will definitely give you a lower fare.

Basco to Itbayat
By Air, North Sky Airlines offer flights every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, it is an 8 seater plane and will cost you around Php1,800 per person per way and will only fly if there are enough passengers to fill up the seats.  North Sky Airlines contact numbers are 0949-155-0100 or 920-965-1495, you can also contact Mrs. Luz Cartano in Basco at 0928-525-0818 and Ms. Gina Ponce in Itbayat at 0999-719-0410.

By Sea,  there is a small number of companies that offer boat trips to and from Itbayat, a boat ride going to Itbayat from Basco, usually takes 4 hours but there are boats with bigger and faster engine that takes 2.5 to 3 hours only, please keep in mind that this estimates is base on a good weather scenario, it could be longer if the weather is not on your side.

Itbayat to Mavulis
From Itbayat Island it will take about 5 hours of travel by boat going to Mavulis Island. A private boat would cost you around Php6,000 to Php7,000. You can ask your host in your accommodation for a boat that would take you to Mavulis Island. You can also contact Jason 0999-932-7744 a licensed tour guide in Itbayat for assistance.

Manila as your starting Point, the village can be reached from either Tabuk in Kalinga or Bontoc in the Mountain Province.

Via Tabuk Victory Liner offers daily trips to Tabuk in their Kamias and Sampaloc Terminal. It's a 10 to 11 hours ride. The fare is around Php780-Php820 fro more information please check out this link, Victory Liner. In Tabuk you have to ride a jeep or bus going to Bontoc or Tinglayan across Saint William’s Cathedral. The ride takes around three hours and fare is around P150. Your destination is Bugnay, from there you can ride a habal-habal going to Buscalan turning point. I would not advise that you wait for the jeep from Bontoc that pass through Bugnay at around 2:30-4:30PM. Estimated time of arrival in Busclan turning point via habal-habal is at around 8:30-9:00AM, from Buscalan Turning point it is about one to one and half hour of trek. Estimated Time of Arrival in Buscalan Village 11:00AM

Nestled in the heart of the Mountain Provinces is a small town gifted with beautiful natural resources and rich cultural heritage.

1. Experience Spelunking in Sumaguing Cave, another option would be doing a cave connection, Cave connection, your entry point will be Lumiang Cave and will exit in Sumaguing Cave. 

Mt. Manabu is one of the three major peaks of the Malipunyo Mountain Range [Malipunyo Summit and Susong Dalaga Summit]

Manabu has two trails, one known as the Grotto, a longer trail that pass through to the Grotto [toinks] and will lead you directly to the Summit [760 MASL] that is marked by a white cross[Takes around 3 hours].The other trail which leads to Mang Pirying's coffee place which is easier than the other trail [Takes around 2 hours]. Manabu is a good climb for day hikes and fun climbs.

It was in 2007 when I first went to Sagada, I can no longer remember why and how I knew about Sagada, but I can still remember the excitement I felt when I was planning the trip, I guess my love and interest in nature that grew because of many hiking trips with friends led me in finding the heart of the Mountain Province called Sagada.

Me hugging the Bell, no fence around the Bell back then.

My Love for nature all started when a friend invited me to do a hike, my very first hike was in Mt. Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas way back in 2000. Mt. Maculot is known to be the beginners Mountain here in Luzon.The mountain is about 947 m or 3,107 ft tall, but most climbers would not scale this height and would only climb up to the campsite and visit the Rockies. In Rockies you will find a great view of Taal Lake. and Taal Volcano.