Floating Balsa of Ayagao White Beach in Roxas City

We really enjoyed the picnic on balsa (raft bamboo) with built-in tables/chairs and those floating kubos along the crystal blue water as one of the attraction in the place. You can rent them from Php 500-1000 pesos depending on the size and capacity but we haggle it to 300 for a smaller balsa. A good view from our balsa to the shoreline of white sand in Ayagao White Beach. We bring our foods and drinks in the area, something easy to eat that doesn't need to cook and we love to go to the beach. While waiting for other friends to arrived I got to take more photos and swim at the side of our balsa. The water is calm and cold. Swimming just becomes more fun when there are kids around, specially my nephew and college friend's kid. Happy Travel Everyone!

Ayagao White Beach in Roxas City, Capiz

Aside from Olotayan Island covered with white beach sand, one of the newest beach destination of Roxas City is located in  Barangay Talon about 20-30 minutes away from the city proper. I've been waiting for this trip since the beach resort was opened a year ago. The place has a nipa hut cottages ranging for Php 150 to 400 pesos and floating balsa for Php 300 to 1000 pesos. So we choose a smaller balsa that can accommodate 8-10 person.   This is my first time to experience floating balsa with college friends. You can also play volleyball in their beach area, snorkeling and hiking up the mountain at left side of the resort with a good view of long stretch beach area and a blue water. It can be clearly seen during the early morning when  the water is clear and the tide is high. It is a full of natural landscape that a beach lover like me will have to enjoy great scenery and relaxation. On the other hand, some of the fishermen offers island hopping at the nearby island of Ivisan, Capiz ranging Php 600-800 pesos depending on number of persons per boat. Check out my next blogpost on How to Get to Ayagao White Beach.

Bisayang Manlalakbay | Best of Travels 2013

The year that was for Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines Edition showcasing the best & unexplored spots in our country! It's the time for me to looked back the most memorable travels, events, beaches, springs, waterfalls, churches and landmarks I've visited this year.  Almost 11 new provinces & 15 re-visited provinces this year and about 472 Facebook followers, Total Pageviews of 208,670 and 44 Google Followers.   For this year when I started to enjoy traveling alone and I really enjoyed doing a do-it-yourself (DIY) trips and budget traveling. The best part of my yearender trip in Baguio City & Benguet Province is to having been able to spend time with my family which we celebrated my sister's birthday.

Here's a quick roundup on one of my best travels I've had the year 2013, I dedicate this to you guys.

How to Get to San Juan La Union - A Surfer's Paradise of Northern Luzon

Going to San Juan in La Union:

This town is the perfect spots in surfing because of the big waves and especially at the Barangay Urbiztondo area where you can find cheap accommodation and ideal for surfer. From Manila you can take a bus at Partas Transportation Company located both Pasay & Cubao which take you about 6 hours by land and they offers 24/7 operation with hourly trips to Laoag, Vigan & Abra passing through the road of Mc Arthur Highway,  La Union. The fare costs about Php 380 pesos for aircon bus. Options: Try other bus lines company over Metro Manila with different fares and discounts. From the public market of San Fernando La Union take a jeepney bound to San Juan and cost you about Php 12. 00. You can choose your budget accommodation and I prefer to try the San Juan Surf Resort which is offers great facilities and amenities. Happy Travel Everyone - Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines.

San Juan: Surfing La Union 2013

Yes, La Union is the surfer's paradise, great waves and my 2nd time to do surfing without instructor. This is the famous surfing capital of the north,some resorts here are suited for budget travelers raging Php 300 to 1, 000 per night  and it is easily accessible by bus and your own car. It is no surprise that I really love on the beach and water. The ocean is healing when I'm stressed and bored or keep me grounded. Riding waves of San Juan, La Union is more challenging and I still don't know how to spot a wave but it was a good experience and fun-activity that I should paddle and after several try, I made it to stand on the board. The excitement continue after the 1 hour of surf, turf and swim. hahaha! I will definitely go back here!

Take Note: You can come here during the best season and enjoy perfect waves between July until February or a week after a strong typhoon. Surfing may seem like a nice, fun, safe sport and fulfilling activity. Looking forward to my next surfing experience next year, maybe in Bagabas in Camarines Norte, Zambales, Puraran in Catanduanes or Siargao in Surigao Del Norte! *cross fingers*

Nano Surf Board Rentals and Surf Lesson in San Juan, La Union

Where to rent a surf board and surf lesson in Barangay Urbiztondo, San Juan in La Union? 

When you arrive in San Juan, La Union which located about 15 minutes away from La Union's capital city of San Fernando would boasts a perfect spot for you both beginners and experienced surfers because I know a lot of people want to try surf & mostly they rent boards or some of the resorts offering surf lessons. If you want to try surfing in La Union, I probably recommend to you "Nano Surf Board Rentals" because of their fully trained personnel and instructor which I personally experienced during my trip there. They will charged you Php 200 pesos per person including rash guard in different colors/sizes, surf board (small & big) and a one hour surfing lesson. During my visit I can't catch up big waves & the water is calm because as per Kuya Nano (the owner) say you'll find strongest or highest waves anytime from July to December. This surf board rentals is located along the beach front of San Juan and one of the best traits of some local surfers are very friendly, accommodating and usually yell out a helpful tips for a beginner surfer. There's also mechanics and surfing technique provided by La Union Surf Club, Inc posted in different spot of the beach area. Happy Surf Everyone! Bisayang Manlalakbay around the Philippines!