Christmas break for 2014 is so far the longest that I could remember. Days in between were declared holidays, and a lot of the other days fell on the long weekends. Taking a leave for some of the days would mean at least 2 weeks off from school and work.
A short trip that would not require air travel came to mind. We decided to try it out this time in our neighbouring island of Dumaguete and a side trip to APO Island. We decided to leave Cebu on a Sunday morning, with nothing but guts and a thirst for adventure in tow.
Off we went on an early Sunday start. We reached the Cebu South Bus Terminal at around half past seven in the morning. There were no more bus for Dumaguete on standby, and as per the dispatcher, the next schedule is still at 10 in the morning. So, we decided to do a cutting trip. Off we hop on a BATO-LILOAN bus and jumped off at Santander port around one in the afternoon. The fast craft ride was a quick 15 minutes, and we reached Sibulan port at half past one.
An afternoon in Dumaguete is enough to roam around the city and get to see most of the things every tourist must see in the City of gentle people. The mode of transportation in Dumaguete is via a pedicab, a breather from the hustle bustle and the growing stressful traffic of Cebu in the past weeks. We commissioned a pedicab to be our official service and tour guide for the whole afternoon. Off we went to the following must see’s, enjoy the pictures here:
· Siliman Zoo
· Siliman University
· Rizal Boulevard
· The Belfry Tower
· St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral
We made prior reservations in Florentina Homes. There were a lot of good accommodations in Dumaguete that is more accessible and within the center of the City but we chose this accommodation for the sole reason that it has a child friendly swimming pool. The resort is composed of three different houses of different themes. We got a standard room located in the main house hotel. The hotel is so quaint and homey with an artsy feel and decorations which automatically made me feel at home and at ease. There was no elevator, but as you climb up the spiral staircase you wouldn’t feel tired because of the bright colors and the cute designs on each and every wall.
Another good thing about our chosen home is the presence of Gabby’s Bistro within the compound. This restaurant is one of the featured restaurants which offer good food, good ambience, and a good value for your money.
On Monday morning, we hailed a pedicab and have us brought to the Dumaguete Ceres Bus Terminal at around half past seven. We hop on a bus bound for Bayawan and informed the conductor that we will be getting off at Zamboanguita Malatapay Market. APO Island, here we come!
APO Island, you had me at hello! This was my post on Instagram to describe the feeling when I set foot on the island. The fear and thump of my heart during the eventful and nerve wracking pump boat ride was silenced by the serenity and beauty before my eyes. The island is mostly made up of rocks but the surrounding water is the perfect shade combination of blue and green. I can’t wait to snorkel and swim with the turtles.
A day in APO island proved to be a very good remedy for the so called #HangInThere syndrome most of my officemates are suffering lately. Hang in there basically means that we are hanging by a thread, that anytime soon we will breakdown. APO Island’s peace and tranquillity brought me back to my senses and made me think more clearly and more attune with nature and with myself.
You don’t have to be the best swimmer or diver to enjoy the island. Even in waist deep water, you get to experience swimming with the sea turtles, sea snakes and all the different fish species in the island. Just don’t forget to bring or to rent a good snorkelling gear to make the most out of your trip.
On top of enjoying what the island has to offer, we were so blessed to have the chance to meet a lot of locals and had the time to talk and get to know some of them. It was indeed a very nice experience for all of us. Not to mention another nerve wracking pump boat ride back to Dumaguete! Whew! It seems that we were wearing our hearts out in our sleeves. But nevertheless, it was one for the books.
Another good DIY island plotted junket for us. Stick around for the rest of Negros’ junket waiting to be plotted. Stay tune for the next plotted junket just for you.
A short trip that would not require air travel came to mind. We decided to try it out this time in our neighbouring island of Dumaguete and a side trip to APO Island. We decided to leave Cebu on a Sunday morning, with nothing but guts and a thirst for adventure in tow.
Off we went on an early Sunday start. We reached the Cebu South Bus Terminal at around half past seven in the morning. There were no more bus for Dumaguete on standby, and as per the dispatcher, the next schedule is still at 10 in the morning. So, we decided to do a cutting trip. Off we hop on a BATO-LILOAN bus and jumped off at Santander port around one in the afternoon. The fast craft ride was a quick 15 minutes, and we reached Sibulan port at half past one.
An afternoon in Dumaguete is enough to roam around the city and get to see most of the things every tourist must see in the City of gentle people. The mode of transportation in Dumaguete is via a pedicab, a breather from the hustle bustle and the growing stressful traffic of Cebu in the past weeks. We commissioned a pedicab to be our official service and tour guide for the whole afternoon. Off we went to the following must see’s, enjoy the pictures here:
· Siliman Zoo
· Siliman University
· Rizal Boulevard
· The Belfry Tower
· St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral
We made prior reservations in Florentina Homes. There were a lot of good accommodations in Dumaguete that is more accessible and within the center of the City but we chose this accommodation for the sole reason that it has a child friendly swimming pool. The resort is composed of three different houses of different themes. We got a standard room located in the main house hotel. The hotel is so quaint and homey with an artsy feel and decorations which automatically made me feel at home and at ease. There was no elevator, but as you climb up the spiral staircase you wouldn’t feel tired because of the bright colors and the cute designs on each and every wall.
Another good thing about our chosen home is the presence of Gabby’s Bistro within the compound. This restaurant is one of the featured restaurants which offer good food, good ambience, and a good value for your money.
On Monday morning, we hailed a pedicab and have us brought to the Dumaguete Ceres Bus Terminal at around half past seven. We hop on a bus bound for Bayawan and informed the conductor that we will be getting off at Zamboanguita Malatapay Market. APO Island, here we come!
APO Island, you had me at hello! This was my post on Instagram to describe the feeling when I set foot on the island. The fear and thump of my heart during the eventful and nerve wracking pump boat ride was silenced by the serenity and beauty before my eyes. The island is mostly made up of rocks but the surrounding water is the perfect shade combination of blue and green. I can’t wait to snorkel and swim with the turtles.
A day in APO island proved to be a very good remedy for the so called #HangInThere syndrome most of my officemates are suffering lately. Hang in there basically means that we are hanging by a thread, that anytime soon we will breakdown. APO Island’s peace and tranquillity brought me back to my senses and made me think more clearly and more attune with nature and with myself.
You don’t have to be the best swimmer or diver to enjoy the island. Even in waist deep water, you get to experience swimming with the sea turtles, sea snakes and all the different fish species in the island. Just don’t forget to bring or to rent a good snorkelling gear to make the most out of your trip.
On top of enjoying what the island has to offer, we were so blessed to have the chance to meet a lot of locals and had the time to talk and get to know some of them. It was indeed a very nice experience for all of us. Not to mention another nerve wracking pump boat ride back to Dumaguete! Whew! It seems that we were wearing our hearts out in our sleeves. But nevertheless, it was one for the books.
Another good DIY island plotted junket for us. Stick around for the rest of Negros’ junket waiting to be plotted. Stay tune for the next plotted junket just for you.
