PS: You will be visiting a farm. Don’t expect for other extreme touristy activities because this is really a farm.

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They also have a dormitory that is good for 20 pax for 14,000. With that rate still breakfast is not included.

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Nacpan Beach in El Nido Palawan is one of the must-visit sites in El Nido. I don’t know what else to say. lol

According to my research (from other blogs), Nacpan Beach is a 4km stretch of powdery sand beach. The beach is still in its virgin beauty. Although resorts are starting to sprout in the area. I just hope it will not be abused like what other touristy beaches in the Philippines right now. Everything seems to be perfect in Nacpan Beach. Despite its distance and difficulty of access roads, people flock and visit Nacpan Beach. It is already touristy, but I am still hoping for its virginity be reserved. 

When we arrived we already saw a portion of the shore with umbrellas and seats for sunbathing for rent. I prefer those shouldn’t be that near to the beach. Small stalls or sheds where already visible and it caters the public for some freshly cooked seafood and other refreshments. 

We had lunch at Kyla’s Cucina, it’s one of the bigger cottages you see on the beach. A lot of bloggers also have blogged about them. And the food is undeniably delicious. The seafood is fresh, not to mention their mussels were huge! haha, it’s my first time to see such size on the table. The group feasted on the food and consumed it in no time. 

 

We arrived at around 11 in the morning. The sun is up and it’s extremely hot that day. Since its already crowdy after lunch, we chose to walk far from the crowd. We found this cute modern cabins that are actually good for overnight stays.

 

 

We walked some more and found this peaceful place. We stopped for some Buko Juice and waited for the sun to set. 

 

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Fortune Suite is a newly opened accommodation provider in Iligan City. 

Last June 9, 2017 we were invited in a soft opening and blessing of Fortune Suite Iligan. It is conveniently located at Pala-o, Iligan City. It’s a 5 storey building withrooms for solo, couple or group travelers.

Room amenities:

• Air-conditioned room
• Free WIFI
• Hot and Cold Shower Toilet and bath (except Single Room)
• PABX Telephone
• 6 inches foams in beds
• Toiletries and towels
• Cabinets
• Cable TV
• Side tables (some room with dining tables for two)

MATRIMONIAL ROOM

FAMILY ROOM

DELUXE ROOM

SINGLE ROOM

DELUXE ROOM

They are still figuring out their online booking system and social media channels for the mean time you may contact them here.

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When I booked this accommodation I did not really expect it to be in a Mother’s Day. I originally planned this stay cation for Mom and Dad’s wedding Anniversary but the hotel was fully booked. Good thing I moved it to a Mother’s Day weekend making it really special.

We had a lovely breakfast in the morning. I chose to stay in the hotel and enjoy the Internet all by myself. Mom, Dad, and Nique went out for a medical check-up at Polymedic Medical Hospital.

On our 3rd day, mom and dad had their alone time during breakfast while Nique and I chose to spend few more minutes in bed.

We had lunch at Harbour City, my all-time favorite! Thank you for sponsoring lunch Kuya.

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SM CDO Downtown Premier officially opened last May 12, 2017, Friday and a few steps away is a new accommodation option in Cagayan de Oro City, 1A Express Hotel. The fam bam is in town for Nique’s medical check-up. We booked at 1A Express Hotel because of its proximity and convenience. And also a good stay cation gift for the hardworking Queen mother. Her much-deserved stay cation. 

1A Express Hotel is located in between Centrio Ayala Mall and SM CDO Downtown Premier. Located at One Avenue bldg, along C.M. Recto Avenue, Cagayan de Oro City. 

The comfortable beds.

Dad is too busy for picture! Hehe

• 2 Queen Beds that fits 4 adults
• Air-conditioned room
• Telephone
• 43” LED TV with Cable connection and remote
• Personal Refrigerator
• Electric Kettle
• Hot and cold shower 
• Toiletries and dental hygiene kits
• Towels
• Built-in Closed and open cabinets
• Working Table with drawers
• Glass, coffee mugs with teaspoons
• Complimentary coffee and bottled water
• An ample number of electric sockets (Hurray!) where you can charge your gadgets at the same time. 
• The room comes with complimentary breakfast for two (2) persons. Additional breakfast for the additional two (2) may be purchased at the breakfast area.

The hotel has 25 well-designed minimalist rooms. Some rooms may not have windows and view like the one we have. But it doesn’t really matter. The beauty of coziness of the room will lead you to a snoozing stay cation. 

Dad said “It would really be nice to live in a house/room like this for the rest of our life. Clean and organized”. Hehe, which is the entire opposite of our chaotic house.

THE BREAKFAST HALL:

 

The hotel only serves breakfast and if you get hungry any time of the day you can choose to buy something to eat at the convenience store outside or walk around and buy some groceries from either Rustan’s Supermarket at Centrio Ayala Mall or SM CDO Downtown Premier Supermarket, you choose.

CUSTOMER SERVICE:

I have to commend them for having a kind, accommodating and helpful staff. They were quick with our little requests. They’re doing good so far.

Prepare the following for check-in:

(1) If you have booked online, mention your name and reservation dates with a copy of your booking on hand.
(2) Ready your government issued ID for check-in
(3) Prepare a Php 500 pesos incidental deposit which is refundable upon check-out if you don’t have other charges.

OTHER SERVICES:

• Booking for Dahilayan Adventure Tour
• Booking for White Water Rafting
• Laundry Service
• Massage Services (In-Room)

Thank you for the wonderful stay cation and Mother’s Day treat 1A Express Hotel. 

Disclosure: This post was created in partnership with 1A EXPRESS HOTEL. All opinions expressed in the post are my own and not those of 1A EXPRESS HOTEL. 

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Iligan City is known for its waterfalling adventure trips and a lot of trekking destinations. It is because mountains surround Iligan City and 92% of the total land area is mountains. Thus the tourist destinations mostly revolve around getting wet and trekking. 

TIMOGA SWIMMING POOLS (swim)

Reminder: Iliganons are living with our Muslim brothers and sisters who are pretty conservative, wearing two piece bikinis is something new and will make you stand out. People will surely be staring at you. So if you don’t want such attention, please wear beach shorts or cyclings and swimming tank tops or rash guards or swimsuits instead. But if you would insist, at least we warned you. The locals would usually wear t-shirts and shorts

Entrance fee: 100 pesos (as of October 2016) 
Table Rental: starts at 100 pesos (fits 4-6 persons)

MAZE PARK & RESORT (swim)

NPC NATURE PARK; MARIA CRISTINA FALLS (sight-seeing)

They have memorabilia for sale on the site too.

Zipline Fee: 200* (price may change without prior notice).

Entrance Fee: 35 pesos per person*

ILIGAN PARADISE RESORT; MIMBALOT FALLS  (sight-seeing/swimming)

Iligan Paradise Resort offers overnight stays, fun water and adventure activities and a good view of Mimbalot Falls. They have open cottages for day use too. 

They have also added some human-made lagoon and other attractions to keep their guests entertained with nature. 

Entrance Fee: 35.00 pesos per person
Overnight Rooms for big groups: 6,000

PASEO DE SANTIAGO (sight-seeing)

Paseo de Santiago gained its popularity because of the huge iconic ILIGAN CITY sign along the shores of Brgy Santiago. Privately owned by Atty. Leo Zaragoza and family, it has been a must visit destination in Iligan City since then. They have developed well the property adding PHILIPPINES in the picture, a great design for outdoor parties and hangout place for friends and family. 

Open cottages are free to use. They have a barbecue and other “pica-pica” food and drinks available. They also have concessionaires for other food and drinks. Some bands play on stage every weekend. 

Entrance fee: 10.00 per person; if with live band presentations usually Friday-Sunday 20.00 pesos each.

ILIGAN CITY HALL & BUHANGINAN HILLS (sight-seeing)

Iligan City Hall and Buhanginan Hills is the best place to be for a good overlooking view of the city most especially at night. At day time during office hours, it’s a busy place where almost all the government functions and offices are. {December Photos}

Entrance Fee: FREE

THE STRIP (Food place)

The strip is a food haven for all food lovers. It is where the new food places are in Iligan City. Quezon Avenue Palao Iligan City has become the food district and party place for the new millennials and old folks alike. It’s a one-stop destination for everything you’ve been craving. From appetizers to desserts, from coffee or hard drinks, a chill-out place to hardcore partying. 

Families and groups have been visiting the strip hunting for some good food. 

CENTENNIAL PARK (sight-seeing)

Just a few meters from the boundary of Lugait, Misamis Oriental, and Iligan City is Brgy Dalipuga. Centennial Park houses the tallest flag pole in Iligan City and the biggest Philippine flag so far in the city. Built in commemoration of the Centennial celebration of the Philippine national flag. Centennial Park developed along the shores of Iligan Bay, which gives you the best view of the beautiful sunset at Iligan Bay.

Families, group of friends and lovers love this place because of the romantic scene and a big loan for dry picnics. Bring a blanket or a mat to sat on and your packed dinner and other food and beverages to complete the setup. Make sure to clean and bring your trash after. There are also stores across the park that now sells food and drinks.

MACAPAGAL ANCESTRAL HOUSE (sight-seeing)

Diosdado Macapagal Ancestral House is the house of two former presidents of the Philippines; Pres. Diosdado Macapagal and Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The house was maintained and renovated by the Macapagal Family. The original house is till there, with Pres GMA’s childhood playhouse and swing still intact.

When you enter the house you will see a lot of memorabilia which also tells you a bit of history on how the lady president lived as a teenager. A prominent picture of her was displayed at the house that you surely cannot miss.

They also accept bookings for the parties and events in the new buildings they constructed in the open area of the property. They also have constructed a lodge that accommodates groups staying overnight or few days in Iligan City. The Macapagal Ancestral House is already co-managed by the Iligan City Tourism Office.

Entrance Fee: FREE

KOI CREEK (sight-seeing)

Photos by Douglas A. Garcia [Explore Iligan]

Baslayan Creek used to be a dirty and smelly canal until a group of good citizens cleaned the creek and converted it to a koi pond. The plan was ambitious, but everyone was surprised to see a rehabilitated canal turned into a beautiful sight seeing destination. Located in front  Gaisano Mall.

Update: Clean and Green Baslayan in Purok de Oro, Zone 3, Poblacion. The once polluted creek is now a beautiful pond for Koi to thrive. An exemplary example of a community in action. | Photos by Douglas A. Garcia [Explore Iligan]

Entrance FEE: FREE

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These are the senior and kid friendly touristy destinations in Iligan City if you think I missed on some spots, feel free to contact me to add that up Comment in the comment section below or leave a comment on our Facebook Fan Page.

You may also book through AIRBNB in ILIGAN CITY! Here’s a FREE GIFT when you sign up.

***This post is a request from a loyal reader who will be visiting Iligan City soon. If you want topics to be written on the blog feel free to send me a message on my contact page, your request might be in the next post.***

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Gloria’s Fantasyland is an amusement park located inside Gloria de Dapitan in Dapitan City Zamboanga del Norte. It’s a 5-6 hour travel from Iligan City via Mukas if traffic permits. However, if it is peak season it may take longer because of the queue at Mukas port to cross Ozamis City. 

Even if I’m from Mindanao, it is my first time to experience Gloria’s Fantasyland. The last time I was in Dapitan was a side trip from Hudyaka Zanorte Festival in Dipolog City, which is just 15 minutes away from Dapitan. 

The birth of Gloria de Dapitan and Gloria’s Fantasyland helped the tourism industry of Dapitan City a lot. Professional Travel Agencies has been including Gloria’s Fantasyland in their tour packages with side trips to the historical destinations of Dapitan and an accommodation at the Dakak Beach Resort.

We arrived Gloria’s Fantasyland around 4 PM and the promo rate for all-rides-pass is only until 7 PM. We tried to ride all rides we can. Zimerman (roller coaster) is something that is a must try for the adventurous. I am not adventurous enough though to try it, but my sister Nique rode it 8 times for that day. During our visit (November 2016), there were few rides under maintenance and it was raining hard (because of a typhoon) that they were not able to have a show in the evening and fireworks. Another thing to look forward to on our next visit.

[Book for an accommodation in DAPITAN CITY. CLICK HERE]

Fees: During our visit, they have an on-going Halloween Promo. All rides rate was 1,000 and for those who are not riding can go in for only 100 pesos entrance fee. Normally, their rates range from 700 to 1000 pesos per person. You will be given tag bracelets, each color correspond to different type of packages. 

Tip: Watch out for promo rates that you can take advantage. You can also get a tour package that includes all ride package for Fantasyland.

For official announcements about their promos visit Fantasy Land Tours or follow them in their Facebook Fan Page. 

[Book for an accommodation in DAPITAN CITY. CLICK HERE]

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“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination with reality, and instead of thinking of how things may be, see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson

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CONTACT DETAILS:

Fantasyland Arcade (Left Wing), Gloria de Dapitan Complex Bgy. Dawo,

Dapitan City, 7101 Philippines

+63 65 213-6247 | +63 65 906-0054

Mobile: +63 939 357-9250 | +63 917 627-7991 | +63 922 815-9124 

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Dapitan City is a very historical city for the Filipinos. Our national hero, Jose P. Rizal, was detained or exiled for many years. Visiting Dapitan City won’t be complete without having to visit the Rizal Shrine. Situated perfectly away from the City center, the Rizal Shrine is a property bought and owned by the late national hero where he built houses, school and hospital where he spent most of his life. Even when he was exiled, he continued to teach, learn and perform his duties as a writer, scientist and as a physician. [To learn more about Jose P. Rizal in Dapitan click here] 

Today, Rizal Park and Shrine (also known as Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape) is a favorite destination for students, friends and families, who would love to learn more and experience the life of Rizal for a day. If you are not familiar with the history of the Philippines and life of Jose P. Rizal, there are licensed tour-guides available on site that would be willing to tour you around and tell you the story of Jose P. Rizal. I believe there is a minimal fee for the service. [To learn more about the Rizal Memorial Protected Landscape, check history here]

You can also check the map to guide you where the houses and spots located.

The Rizal Museum 

The Rizal Museum houses the original pieces of items and clothes owned by the late Philippines National Hero; Jose P. Rizal. During this visit the museum was closed for renovation. We will make sure to visit this again next time. 

Rizal Park and shrine houses the 5 reconstructed bamboo houses of Rizal. The houses built are the exact replica of what Rizal used to have. 

The Houses at Rizal Shrine

Casa Residencia

The main house and also the biggest. It served as Rizal’s residence where his mother and sisters also stayed during their visit. It has one bedroom and a surrounding veranda with views of the Dapitan Bay.

Casa Redonda

The Round House. An octagonal stilt house that served as the quarters of Rizal’s students and a clinic.

Casa Cuadrada

The Square House. Located at the base of a hill, it served as a workshop and secondary dormitory for Rizal’s students.

Casitas de Salud

The Health Houses. Two small huts perched atop a low hill, one for males and the other for females, which provided lodgings for Rizal’s out-of-town patients.

Other structures found in the park

Rizal’s Kitchen {Kusina ni Rizal}

Dam Constructed by Rizal {Patubig sa Talisay}

There are other structures like, a mini-ampitheater built by Rizal, aqueduct, water reservoir and more found in the area. During this trip, we were not able to check that out because an old tree fell because of the strong winds days before we arrived. So we don’t have pictures of those. 

During your stay don’t forget to show respect to the national hero by kissing the hand of Rizal (magmano po) ahahahaha just kidding.

“He who knows the surface of the earth and the topography of a country only through the examination of maps..is like a man who learns the opera of Meyerbeer or Rossini by reading only reviews in the newspapers. The brush of landscape artists Lorrain, Ruysdael, or Calame can reproduce on canvas the sun’s ray, the coolness of the heavens, the green of the fields, the majesty of the mountains…but what can never be stolen from Nature is that vivid impression that she alone can and knows how to impart–the music of the birds, the movement of the trees, the aroma peculiar to the place–the inexplicable something the traveller feels that cannot be defined and which seems to awaken in him distant memories of happy days, sorrows and joys gone by, never to return.” – JOSE P. RIZAL, “LOS VIAJES”(Translated from the Spanish by Nick Joaquin)

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Grabbed from Escape Manila

The twin standard hive has 2 single beds (or 1 matrimonial bed), 32 inches LED Cable TV, air-condition, hot and cold shower (or pale and deeper) toilet, table and 2 glasses ready for use. They also provide overnight toiletries for the guest and towel.

 The room is spacious enough for its price. I love the fact that we have an open cabinet for our things, side table in between beds and hot and cold shower.

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