Travel: The Sagada Saga: Power Trekking to Bomod'ok Falls

The Power Trekking....

It was our second day in Sagada, our next activity was the POWER TREKKING to Bomod'ok Falls. 

There are two falls located in Sagada; the Bomod'ok and Pongas Falls. 

Bomod'ok Falls

Pongas Falls

The story begins, when it was already 9am when we departed our inn bound to Bomod'ok falls. In the information center, our tour guide Kuya Cogs was waiting for us. From there, he gave as an advise; the things we need to bring, such as food, water, cameras, and the stick. It would be very difficult, if we bring lot of things down to the falls. 

Our power trekking was about 1.5 hours down to the waterfalls. When we were on our quarter trail going to our destination, Kuya Cogs told us that Bomod'ok falls is located at the back of that mountain. What???!!! Are you serious??? Why it is so far?? We're not yet recovered on what we have done in the cave connection activity yesterday. But, another challenge rise!

At the back of that mountain, where Bomod'ok Falls is located.

picture taking 

Since the views are pretty awesome I never noticed how far it was or how long we have been walking. Before we reached the rice terraces, there is a small village in the middle of our trekking. From their, we had a quick rest, for me it was a relief one, because I already feel the body pain and exhaustion. But, I do not have any option to back out, because, I'm already on it.

What I also found relaxing during the trek, despite the heat of the sun, are the visuals. You just have to constantly remind yourself that you are walking along the rice terraces, which are products of man’s ingenuity. And it’s really amazing to think that something this grand were all created by human hands and is still present until today. It’s a sight that you can only appreciate in its full while you’re there so make sure to take some stops to admire the place.

Regarding the rice paddies, the view is still breathtaking. And take note it is for your eyes only. So, I took many pictures I want.

The Falls.....

Once we heard the "pagaspas ng tubig" it means we're 15 percent nearer to the Falls. When I first saw it, I realized that my exhaustion was useless, because Bomod'ok falls is quite magnificent. My eyes were widely opened because of the amazement. The water is highly fresh and clean, straight from the mountain. Bomod'ok falls is  the main source of their water. If you will observe, there is a long tube in the top of the falls; thus this is their source of their basic necessity.

We had our lunch beside the falls. Actually, I've lost my appetite, because my exhaustion was dominated my mind. Nevetheless, I take my lunch pack and enjoyed the scenery of nature.

Thanks to our other travel buddies, who lend us 105 pesos just to buy their ice buko which was selling by the children there. After a while,we decided to swim in the basin of the waterfalls.

Seeing the tempting natural pool of Bomod-Ok, the group decided to take a dip in the icy water. I went down slowly, inching every part of my body on the chilly water hoping that I could get used to the cold slowly before I totally submerge myself. I think, were about 10-20 mintues had a dip in the water. Because we cannot tolerate the cold water.

The Lesson....

I vividly remember the experiences that we truly enjoy in Sagada. Muscles were truly much aching and bodies were tired. We were about to go back to our van. Going back, it would take 2 hours, I did not expect that, for me it was so difficult to go back. I remember, I was the weakest link among the group. Every step I take, was priceless. The only thing that I truly trust was the stick "tungkod" that I had from the beginning of the trekking.

Inside the cave, the thing that I truly trust was the rope, here, the stick. This time around, I was breathing fine and my legs were nowhere near the point of giving up. It was a good feeling to know that this time, I was able to conquer this challenge.

I was able to contemplate on some things which was probably the main turnaround for me. It wasn’t an eye-opener of sorts, but it made me realize that there are some tough challenges in life that will really test your strength and wil-power. It will be a tough battle and you may not be a hundred percent ready for it, but you will push through and survive and become stronger because of it. When the time comes that you are faced with a similar challenge, you are more ready to beat the battle.

The last step was priceless!!!

Travel: The Sagada Saga; The hangging coffins, lemon pie, and SUNrise in Kiltepan Viewpoint

Travel: The Sagada Saga; Cave Connection experience

It was early lunch when we reached the proper town of Sagada, Mountain Province. To visit Sagada, is one of my lists to visit. However, I did not expect that this 2013 that I will be going to visit this place.

According kay pareng Wiki:

Sagada is a small town in the mountain province of Luzon in the Philippines. Many visit for its cool and refreshing climate, beautiful caves and hanging coffins as well as the serene mountains. Take enough cash with you, when you visit it. There is no ATM there. 

It would take 14 hours of land travel to reach this place. When we arrived at Canaway Inn, we had our quick rest and lunch in Salt and Pepper. I highly appreciate the ambiance of Salt and Pepper Restaurant, though the price of the food there is quite cozy. But, you would sense the magnificent work of art of Cordillera region. 

One of itinerary is to experience the Cave Connection activity but this is an optional activity. Our tour guide Kuya Jay and his team was our guide inside Sumaging and Lumiag Cave. There is a rule, once you go through, there's no way to back out. It was  a great challenge for me and to my travel buddies. 

Well I was quite terrified to enter to a cave, because it is my first time to try this adventure. We did not have any plans to go through this cave, because it was an optional activity. But then, here we are. Lumiang Cave, as they've described it, involved a lot of crawling through small spaces, and some underwater submersion, with the whole Cave Connection experience lasting for about 4 to 5 hours. 

I was a little beat scared what if I'm going to run out oxygen inside the cave? Though I thank my travel buddies, because everyone was our strength. 

The moment we entered the cave, I felt certain that we made the right choice of not choosing the Cave Connection. We were all spelunking newbies and Sumaguing and Lumiang Cave were pretty challenging in itself. We went down holes and slopes that looked impossibly difficult to get to and we went back up using ropes and stuff. I swear, it was a weekend when we all put our girl scout and boys scout rappelling skills into really good use. Also, I found out that we all had instant smiles when a camera was in front of us, despite the difficulty of the situation. 

It looked really dark and scary at first, but once the tour guides lit up the lamps, we got to really appreciate the beauty that nature has created.  It was amazing how light just makes all the difference. The amazing thing is, after everything, bat dung will not, in the slightest bit, get in the way of the joy of surviving this beautiful cave.

There are different rock formation, that I highly appreciate. In Palawan, you will not be able to touch nor feel the rocks, because our trail is the river. However, here, it is magnificent. I appreciate the coldness inside the cave. 

The first part was not that slippery, it is dry, until it became slippery.  Each part of the journey to middle earth was a challenge, and all the time we were like "We're really going down there?!?!" and "I can't do that!" or "kuya, you can't possibly lift me while standing in that position" or "I don't wanna die yet, Kuyaaaaaa!" I tell you, we were overreacting, because the tour guides showed us that the impossible IS possible and that we can achieve great things. :)) Also, no one died!

According to them "tapak-tapakan niyo na sila, huwag lang ang kanilang pagkalalaki!" LOL! A lot of photos were taken by the tour guides, and these people are honest people. I entrust to them my valuable things, then they gave it back to me.  


We had our best shots inside the cave and I think we did a great JOB! 

It takes mighty knees and determination to go survive this kind of adventure. I'm happy to say that we survived these activity. 

Muscles aching and bodies tired and not forgetting the natural "aircon" in Sagada) we all slept incredibly well that night.

***I acknowledged GAFA for their Great And Affordable Adventure and  Kuya Mon***

http://www.gafatours.com/

Travel: Sagada Saga:  Power Trekking to Bomod'ok Falls

Promise!

I think we like to complicate things,
When it is really simple.
Find what and who makes you happy,
And you are set! Promise!

Travel: Subterranean Adventure @ Underground River

I heard many enthusiastic stories about there. Read blogs and watched documentary videos. On our way to Puerto Princessa, Palawan. One of our plans is to visit the Underground River. Early 2012, it was announced that it is part of the new seven wonders of nature, and I am one of the millions of Filipinos who voted for these wonderful place.

 According to our tour guide, it requires reservation to enter the park, at least one month reservation. Lucky we were, we had an early reservation, so it was not a problem for us to wait.

Around 7:30am, we left Ysabelle Mansion to do the Underground River Tour. We were scheduled to enter the park at around 09:30am; it would take two hours of transportation from the city to Sabang Wharf. From Sabang wharf, we have to wait for our assigned boat to the underground river. It would take 20 minutes ride. Few minutes walk to the registration office where tourists were given a hard hat and lifejacket. And there, the much awaited moment, the boat rides to the heart of the cave.  

 As per the official website, it says - the Puerto Princessa Subterranean River National Park is one of the most distinguished biodiversity conservation areas of the Philippines. It is known lush old growth tropical forest, interesting wildlife, pristine white sand beaches and unspoiled natural beauty. It features spectacular limestone formation that contains an Underground River that is reputed to be the longest navigable underground river in the World. It is one of the few such rivers which the public can easily experience and appreciate. The cave was inscribed to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s of (UNESCO) List of Natural World Heritage Sites. Inscription to the list confirms the exceptional and universal value of the Site that deserves to be protected for the benefit of all humanity.

Inside the Underground River, you would see the different rock formation. According to our boat man, it would take millions of years of forming it. The river has a depth of 40 feet, so it is advisable to wear a life jacket, and a hard helmet, because of the bat's pee that you would not know if it is a water or its pee. The boat man told us that there are two things where water dropletes came from; it is a holy water(water from the mountain) or a holy shit (bat's pee). So beware, and do not taste the river, because 10% of this are from the bats.

Exploring the cave was a lovely experience that I would be glad to do it over and over. Gladly the cave didn't stink like bat feces when we were there, for some it would be a minus point. After the bout ride, we were able to interact with a very elusive local of the Underground River, the monitor lizards. They were very shy animals but with have no qualms of hitting anyone with their tail if provoked. Unlike their Komodo dragon cousins, these giant lizards are vegetarian, good thing they are...

*Shots Inside the Underground River. There are different rock formation inside there. According to our boat man, it would take years to form that. 

After the underground river experience, the boat brought us back to Sabang for our lunch with other people from our tour group. We love the food that was placed on the buffet table; we feel the hot ocean breeze while taking our delicious lunch at the Taraw Resort facing beautiful ocean. We also tasted the famous exotic food which they called it “tamilok” it is actually kinilaw na wood worm. It has dark specs and as I size up the dish before me the smell of tamilok is trenchant. Imagine it as white long and skinny. 

Since we were not able to experience an island hopping, we played and feel the scent of the beach there. We were also allowed by our guide in which called her “Brenda” since we forgot her name, to swim also, since the water current was not that strong. Unfortunately we did not bring our extra clothes, after an hour of beach bumming, we took a short bath, and some of our friends did not change. We went back to hotel.

Heart

I think humans fall in love easily because
we crave things. 
We crave for the things that love brings.
The race of the heart, the slight adrenaline.
It's a rush. 
I don't think we fall in love so to speak, it's more of an
infatuation.
We fall in love with a painting and how the colors 
swirl and burst.
It brings up emotions we never knew we had. 
And when we fall in love with someone we fall in love with
their eyes, lips, the small crinkles in their eyes,
when they laugh. 
I don't think we fall in love, actual love, with someone until much later.
Until after we are done being obsessed. Our heart races a little slower,
the adrenaline is not so strong, but it is still there, always.
It is not a crazy ride, though.
It's a strong steady beat. One that we know and are comfortable with,
just like how we had become comfortable with the sound 
of our hearts being as one.

~Camille~