Calbayog City

Calbayog City is a first class city in the province of Samar, Philippines. It lies along the coastal region of the province stretching about 60 miles from the northern tip of the island and 180 miles from southern boundaries. Calbayog comprises 157 barangays and is the largest city in Eastern Visayas. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 163,657 people in 28,912 households.

Natural Attractions:

Guinogo-an Cave
Situated at the fringes of Barangay Longsob, Oquendo District, Calbayog City. Accessible in a 30-minute ride to Cabugawan plus 50-minute hike to Lungsod Cave. Its large entrance leads to a natural tunnel with an uneven ceiling, some portions touching one’s head giving him an eerie trip through the dark, cool interior.

Mapaso Hot Spring
Located in Barangay Rizal II, Oquendo District, Calbayog City. A 30-minute ride to Oquendo from Calbayog plus 15-minute hike to the spring. “Mapaso” literally means hot. Fresh crustaceans (pokot) abound. They are naturally pinkish resembling scalded shrimps due to the high temperature.

Mawacat Slide
Accessible in a 35-minute ride from Oquendo District, Calbayog City proper to Barangay Mawacat plus 25-minute walk along the foot trail lined with tall shady trees. It is a natural spoon-like formation which inclines more or less by about 45 degrees and stretches 50 meters long. Water flows along this giant cistern and from the top one can slide through the mossy lane to the cool inviting pool below.

Bangon-Bugtong Falls
Located in Brgy. San Joaquin of Calbayog City, an hour-and-15-minute ride to Barangay Tinaplacan plus 45-minute walk to the vicinity of the falls. Among the family of waterfalls of Calbayog City, Bangon, Bugtong Falls is one of the most majestic and spectacular spots that is worth visiting. As one ascends the stream, he will be amazed to see a circular pond about 30 meters in diameter, wide enough for swimming and deep enough for diving. The cascading water seems to come from streams flowing endlessly, resulting from the pressure of its disgorge, which becomes even bigger in volume and noticeable as the time of the day passes. Bugtong Falls is not only a tourist spot but also a potential source of power for Calbayog City and its neighboring localities.

Tabokno Falls
Located in Barangay Cagbayang, Oquendo District, an hour drive from Calbayog City and 40-minute walk from the villages. A beautiful and scenic waterfall. This wonderful creation of nature is a favorite picnic site of local residents and their source of potable water.

Danao Cave
Located in Danao, some 14 km. toward the western coast of Calbayog City. Made up of seven chambers inhabited by various species of snakes and bats, as evidenced by a good deposit of guano. The cave serves as an initiating place for those who want to acquire a talisman.

Pan-as Falls
Located in Brgy. Pilar, Oquendo District, an hour drive from Calbayog City proper plus 1-hour walk onwards from the village. More than a beauty spot, this falls is the primary source of water for its residents. At places where the cataract is so high, the water falling into the pool below becomes a mere mist.

Binaliw Isle
Located in Brgy. Maguino-o, Tinambacan District, Calbayog City, it is separated from the mainland by the Silangan Channel. A potential deep diving spot, about 40 to 50 meters from the water surface and measuring less than a hectare in area. The islet is surrounded with aquifers equally and uniformly spread at the peripheral limits of the islet with white sand and pebbles. Beneath the deep waters are sea corals of multifarious varieties, rare white pebbles spread all over the floors, 20 types of shells, and ornamental types of aquamarine species – which can all be explored by the diver for as long as in his underwater gear.

Tinago-an Cave
Located in Barangay Lungsod, Oquendo District, Calbayog City. “Tinago-an” means hiding place. Its natural dark tunnels offers excitement and thrill to adventurers.

Malajog Beach
A 40-minute drive from Calbayog City. Grayish sand, blue waters, swaying palm trees, towering rocks, and three balconied cottages give this spot a South Sea island appeal. Magnificent view of sunset behind nearby islands. Made famous by the visits of VIPs, movie stars, and diplomats.

Lologayan Falls
A 45-minute ride to Barangay San Joaquin, Tinambacan District from Calbayog City proper and a 25-minute hike onward to the falls. It is separated from the mainland by the Silangan Channel. A series of towering altars of rugged stones where between its depressions flow ribbon-like cool water that appears to cleanse the hair of a legendary lady. A source of potable water for local folks.

Ton-ok Falls
A 45-minute drive from Calbayog City proper to Sigo plus 30-minute hike to Ton-ok falls. A scenic waterfall hidden in lush tropical vegetation. Nature has placed it out of easy reach to preserve its beauty. A source of hydroelectric power.

Naga Beach
A ten-minute drive from Calbayog City proper. Cottages line along its grayish sandy shore. Its cool fresh water, scenic view of Samar Island attracts picnickers and beachcombers.

Bagacay Beach
A 15-minute walk or 7-minute drive from Calbayog City proper. It is located along the Maharlika Highway. An uncrowded pearl white strip of coastline with coconut trees offering a scenic view of islands and towns.

Bolongto Cave
Located at Calbayog City, near Malajog beach.

Davao City

Davao is a city in the Philippines and is considered by many to be the most crime-free area in the country. Tourists are guarded not only by the police, but also by the people around.

The simplest way to get around is by hopping on a taxi. A typical trip can cost about 60-70 pesos or slightly more than a U.S. dollar if one goes by the meter. However, drivers in Davao do not bargain if they notice that you are a tourist, hence the cost of the trip may same as a regular in price. If you know the name of the building, establishment, area or street you wish you reach, this is still the fastest way to get to your destination. You can also call the cab company directly to have a cab driver pick you up. Mabuhay Taxi is one of the most reliable cab companies around and they can be reached at +82-234-1360 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Alternatively, if you opt for more adventure, then do as the locals and catch a colorful jeepney. Simply ask around for which route to take. They are available 24 hours and cover most of the nooks and crannies of the city. This is the cheapest option for getting around as a typical fare cost about 5-7 pesos.

Another alternative ride aside from the jeepneys and taxis, is to rent a car. Many available cars for rent, but if you don't know the routes, you can hire drivers buy asking the attendant of the said rent a car shop.

Buses are also available but these tend to ply exclusively along the north-south route and going out and in the city area.

the Mt. Apo at its peak- the tallest mountain in the Philippines, where you can also go and climb to the top of it.

Take time to see the majestic Philippine Eagle, one of the three largest eagles in the world and sadly also one of the most endangered, at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City. The Center is home to at least 30 Philippine Eagles, and also hosts a variety of other raptors, birds, and animals in a simulated forest environment. The Center is about 45 minutes away from downtown Davao. To get there, buses or vans to Calinan depart from the Bankerohan Market at 15 minute intervals. Once in Calinan, tricycles, motorcycles and jeepneys bound for Malagos may be found at the Calinan market area. The Philippine Eagle Center is open 8am to 5pm daily and is operated by the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

When your going to Davao You can party hard at The Venue . You can also spot Filipino celebrities during week ends.

Davao is reknowned for its durian and pomelo. Eating durian is admittedly an acquired taste but those who do end up liking it will swear that the bad smell is worth it. Pomelo on the other hand is a citrus fruit that most closely resembles a grapefruit, it is quite common in South East Asia. Beware of bringing durian inside airplanes as well as hotels and other establishments. They may have strict regulations on allowing durian inside and some may not allow durian to be brought at all.

Iloilo City

Iloilo City is a city in the Philippines on the island of Panay in the Visayas. It is the provincial capital of the province of Iloilo.

Fresh mangos in season are heavenly. They're a luscious yellow and very juicy. They're for sale at street stands and public markets. Young corn is barbecued by street vendors and is also excellent.

The best Chinese food and dimsum (all authentic Cantonese) can be found at David's Teahouse in SM City.

The Kruatai Thai restaurant in SmallVille has excellent Thai style food. Not all authentic Thai, and not all that spicy, but 2 thumbs up nevertheless. They also serve real Singha beer!

A nice slab of western style meat can be eaten at Bourbon's, also in SmallVille.

Other popular eating places are Freddy's (Sarabia), Del Rio, Ocean City (Chinese style food), Tatoy's (native chicken), Day's hotel (buffet).

THE most popular hangout at the moment is MO2 in SmallVille.

Across the road is the Pirate's bar, which looks nice from the outside, but is not so nice on the inside.

A little bit further is Paprika, which has one of the best Iloilo bands playing 4 times a week.

The German Bavaria restaurant, close to Jaro plaza, serves real German Weizenbeer. (But their food is not so nice anymore, since the German owner left.)
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