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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Elicon House is a budget hotel in Cebu that has International Hostel Certificate

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Singapore is one of the most expensive destinations in Asia. If you ask Filipinos living in Singapore, they’d probably tell you to prepare a good amount if you are visiting Singapore. The cost of living in Singapore is high compared to other Asian Countries. If you have at least 15,000 pesos for a 3-day trip, you will surely survive Singapore. I created a separate post for the itinerary and budget you may check it out here.

Here are few tips on how to tour around Singapore on a budget;

1. If you’re staying Singapore for 3 days better get the Tourist pass EZLink card (unlimited rides for 3 days) for easy transport from one place to the other. Cost: SGD 20.00 

2. Book an accommodation in a hostel with shared bathroom. Hostel beds with shared bathroom can be rented out for at least SGD 18.00 per day. Prices are higher during weekends and on holidays. For a good deal, you can book your accommodation ahead of time. Book here

Why hostel? Because you will be touring anyways! Unless you plan to have a staycation in Singapore then you choose a fancy hotel instead. Message me for bookings. 

• Universal Studios Singapore Ticket (1 Day Pass)
• Singapore Night Safari
• Singapore River Cruise

• SINGTEL gives 4GB free internet, unlimited local calls, few minutes international calls for 3 days.
• M mobile offers 100GB free internet, unlimited local calls, few minutes international calls for 5 days. 4G SIM Card (SG Airport Pick Up) for Singapore

7. For cheap quality buys of branded products, check out CHANGI CITY MALL just at the Singapore Expo.

• SGD 4.0 = small serving (single serving)
• SGD 7.0 = medium serving can feed 2-3 people
• SGD 12.00 = large serving which can feed 3-5 people

Klook.com

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From the airport to our AIRBNB HOME, it took us 45 minutes by car. We pick up the keys as instructed and walaaaaaah welcome to our 3 days and 2 nights home. 

1 bedroom 69sqm condominium at Swiss Garden

condominium for 6 persons

View from our window

If you don’t have an AIRBNB account yet, sign up using this link here and get 1,100 discount in your first booking. 

Klook.com

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TICKETS

Last year we bought tickets online directly from their website promos [Link here]. We were lucky to have purchased it at only 54 SGD each with a free tumbler. 

RIDES

SHOWS

If you’re not fun of rides, no worries. Universal Studios is both kid and senior friendly destination. Make sure to pick a schedule and a map at the entrance so you can see what the schedules of the shows that you can watch during your stay are.

Book a discount ticket here:
Universal Studios Singapore Ticket (1 Day Pass)  – Klook Travel 

CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH THE CHARACTERS

You can also line up and meet the characters in different areas of the park. Fall in line to have your photos taken for a souvenir. Check the schedules for you to know who’s around at that time.

* Don’t miss out BUMBLEBEE

SHOPS

Have you been to Universal Studios? In which country? Share your experience in the comment section below.

Book your discount tickets here:
Universal Studios Singapore Ticket (1 Day Pass)  – Klook Travel

Book your Singapore accommodation here

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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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Getting there:

The room has a standard size of 20 sqm in every unit. You are actually living in a condo-like hotel. You have your own mini kitchen, own bathroom, your own working desk and a queen bed. The room fits two to three persons. And they cleverly call it the HAPPY ROOM. 

Room Features:

Hotel Facilities: 

GYM:

For health buff, stay fit and healthy by engaging in an energizing workout using Injap Tower Hotel’s gym facilities, located on the 5th Floor. Guests can use gym facilities from 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM daily.

POOL: 

Beat the heat, and wash your tired body away.  Have a refreshed morning or fall into a deep sleep of tranquility after a reinvigorating night swim. Guests can enjoy a dip anytime from 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM daily at Injap Tower Hotel’s pool at the 5th floor.

This is one of the reasons why we checked in and stayed here for 4 days. Haha, I don’t know, I just love the thought of being able to swim in every travel lately. I prefer swimming workout rather than going to the gym. That’s also why I keep swimsuits handy during trips.

SPA:

This one suits the body. After a dull day going around the tourist destinations in Iloilo City, having a relaxing massage is a heaven on earth. Located on the 5th floor too just right beside the pool. 

HORIZON CAFE:

Talking about extensive breakfast buffet, this is the deal. Located on the highest floor of Injap Tower Hotel. At the 21st floor of the building, you’ll enjoy breakfast with a view of Iloilo City, as it slowly turns into a metropolis. You will surely fell in love at the City of Love.

Well well well, I didn’t really know that they have. I could have had a grand entrance. Hehe, Investors like the Japanese investors (for example) fly in and out of City through helicopters. Yup, expect them to be checking in with you at the hotel too.  

I hope the pictures will tell you why we choose to stay here longer than expected. Our stay here was unplanned and not budgeted ahead either. I got the rest that I needed so badly. Standard room rate is 3,500 per night, but I got mine for only 2,000 pesos per night, thanks, to AGODA.

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The moment you enter Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort, you will be greeted with a vast plantation of vines. They call it the millionaire’s vine. A foul odor is normal because, once again, you are entering a farm. Chicken, cows and other animals are there happy to see you (hehe). 

It will be quite a long walk going up to the cafe where the Pilgrimage and other amenities are. If you feel you can’t walk that long or an elderly is with you, you can choose to pay for a ride from the entrance to the cafe and up to the Divine Mercy Mountain for only 30 pesos per person (roundtrip).

The BAHAY KUBO is really nostalgic for me. It may look like an ordinary nipa hut, which is common to provinces here in the Philippines, but seeing all the vegetables mentioned in the song “Bahay Kubo” planted surrounding the Bahay Kubo makes me euphoric. I admit, although I know the song, I am not familiar to all the vegetables mentioned and how it look like.  Walk around the house and sing-along Bahay Kubo, hehe it was really fun. 

PILGRIMAGE

The Pilgrimage site of Garin Farm is a favorite destination for Catholics who wish to meditate and relieve Christ’s sacrifices and hardship in the way of the cross. 

As you enter the gates, you will see life-size images or relics from Genesis “Creation of Man,” the birth of Christ, Christ’s crucifixion and His Divine Mercy until experiencing a piece of Heaven on Earth.

Looking at the long stairs is a bit scary, most especially for those who are not physically fit, but as you walk your way up, you won’t really feel it much most especially if you are doing the station of the cross and stop in every station. Each site will give you a time to rest for a while.

As you reach the last station, continue your way up to the meditation channel and experience a piece of Heaven on Earth. 

Note: I will not post many pictures on this part, although a lot are on the Internet already. It would really be nice for you to experience it yourself. Feelings are somewhat subjective. Some people may not appreciate it as much as Catholics do. Nonetheless, it has been a favorite tourist destination as they offer adventure amenities and activities also inside the farm. 

I admit I did the shortcut going up the mountain. I rode the golf cart that transports people going up and down the meditation mountain. Design for those who wanted to experience heaven without having to go through the sacrifice of going up using the stairs. I was happy but not fulfilling. I will be visiting this October again. I’ll make sure I’ll do the station of the cross next time.

THE RESORT

Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort offers accommodation packages for overnight stays. They also have a swimming pool and other fun activities for you, your family and friends. 

And when you’re hungry, the cafe sells their own mixes of ice cream and coffee. They have meals for their resort guests too. 

RATES: [as of February 2017; Rates may change without prior notice] 

Disclaimer: The Purple Slippers family is not connected or associated to Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort in any way. For bookings and reservation click here.

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The Miagao Church also known as the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish Church is a Roman Catholic church located in Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines. [Source: Wikipedia]

Miagao Church is 15-20 minutes away from Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort. It was just a quick stop when went there because we need to get to our next destination for late lunch. Worth the stopover.

Its altar is full of grandeur just like the other churches in the province. Gold fills the entire altar in yellow.

Looking forward to traveling in Iloilo soon?

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