Buntot Palos Falls: Laguna's Hidden Gem

After my trip to Pagsanjan Falls, I challenged myself to experience and see more of God's beautiful creation.

For some reason, I feel emotional and decided to have a quick escape.

My friends and "favourite couple" Elma and Tim accompany me.

From Sta. Cruz, Laguna, we took a jeepney going to Siniloan and alight at Barangay Balian Church, Pangil, Laguna. Prior to that, I sent a text message to Kuya Joy 09472835415. I saw his contact number from several blog sites. He is from the barangay and coordinated our trip. The guide that was assigned to us was Kuya Ronnie. He fetches us at the Balian Church and went to barangay outpost to register and paid the corresponding amount of P25.00 (entrance) and P300.00 (guide). 

Our trek started from a cemented path. It get steeper as we reach the end of the road. Big formation of rocks welcomes us along the trail.  Horses and carabaos also passes onto the same muddy trail. I ask Kuya Ronnie why it is called Buntot Palos, and he answered that the trail is slippery same as the eel's tail. It only took us 1 hour to reach the falls. Along the way, we were greeted by the green scenery. The birds are chirping and singing. At some parts, the soil are colored red (clay).

our view

Pangil town

I was rushing descending to the falls as I hear the music from the waterfalls. 

I was in awe. I screamed with amazement, and they thought something happened to me. (Don't mind me, I scream, I shout when a get to excited or amaze. - The typical me, "OA" sa reaction)

this is LOVE at FIRST SIGHT

 Upon reaching the falls, we look for a place to stay.

I was mesmerized with your beauty. I can stare at you all day. 

 Closer look at the 80 ft. falls.

a rewarding experience

I will definitely visit you again and camp next time.

We reach Buntot Palos Falls at around 11:00am and left at 3:30pm.   

After our trip, we decided to have a rewarding dinner at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan at Bay, Laguna. 

Public Transport:

• From Sta. Cruz, Laguna, take a jeepney bound to Siniloan and alight at Barangay Balian Church (ETA 1 hour)

Expenses:

Jeepney fare from Sta. Cruz to Barangay Balian, Pangil, Laguna	P 35.00
Entrance fee	25.00
Guide fee	300.00 (3)
Wash up (Dr. Nielsen Donato’s rest house)	25.00
Pangil to Sta. Cruz, Laguna	35.00
Sta. Cruz to Bay, Laguna (Kamayan sa Palaisdaan)	27.00
Dinner	930.00 (3)

Note:

*1 guide for 4 persons

...........I got home at 11:00pm :)

  

The Road Less Travelled: Pueblo El Salvador Eco Park and Picnic Grounds

Mga Anyong Tubig. Talon. Pagsanjan Falls

One of my childhood dream is to reach Pagsanjan Falls as it is written in elementary textbooks along with another famous Ma. Cristina Falls. 

I was browsing on different blog sites and I found the cheapest way possible going to Pagsanjan Falls, and it is via Cavinti, Laguna. It's a good deal that will only cost P270.00 compare to via Pagsanjan that will cost P1,300.00 per person. Imagine the price difference! 

I tag along a friend and we decided to visit the place on Laguna Day. Thank God for the beautiful weather that morning. We met at Mc Donald's Sta. Cruz at around 9:00am. Bought our food for lunch at 711 and went to jeepney terminal going to Cavinti. 

It was in the year 2007 that the municipal government of Cavinti established Pueblo El Salvador, the gateway to the famous "Pagsanjan Falls" aka Cavinti Falls/Magdapio Falls. Upon reaching the eco park, we signed the waiver and paid the corresponding amount of P270.00 which includes payment for our guide, rappelling gear and life vest for the rafting. 

589 steps... No shortcuts.

View deck. Greens everywhere.

the Ladder. I must say, this is not easy. I'm catching my breath going down the staircase, but going up is another story. *sigh* 

Rappelling going down adds a little adventure. Hello fear of heights. :) My legs were shaking but there's no other way. So okay, rappelling also means shouting. Kuya, the rappel expert almost pushes me so that I can go down. I made it but wait, there's another one. 

Going up? We climb the metallic ladder, 90 degrees angle. (Spiderman moves)

Bangkeros of Pagsanjan.

Our guide told us that Cavinti is already working on having a boat ride exiting the falls so that tourists could experience both. (the trek and rappel & boat ride)

The famous falls on post cards and text books becomes reality.

(Now playing: 'cause I am falling in love (falling in love) with you. -The Corrs)

God's beautiful creation.

Rafting going to the falls and inside the Devil's cave. After the trekking and rappelling, it's our reward to encounter the falls. We were encouraged to experience the back massage. 

Photo op

Devil's Cave

I was shouting as we passes the water falls.

Trekking. Rappelling. Rafting. We survived!

Public Transport

• Take jeepney from Sta. Cruz, Laguna bound to Cavinti (ETA 45 minutes)
• Upon reaching Cavinti (cemetery), take tricycle going to Pueblo El salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove (ETA 5 minutes)  

*Don't hesitate to ask the locals for direction, they are more that willing to help. I even chatted with them.

Since we have plenty of time left, we visited Kamay ni Jesus in Lucban, Quezon. Travel time is almost an hour.

Itinerary

0900	Meet up – Sta. Cruz, Laguna (Mc Donald’s)
0920	Waiting for jeepney bound to Cavinti
0930	Sta. Cruz to Cavinti
1015	ETA Cavinti, Laguna (drop off point – cemetery)
1020	ETA Pueblo El Salvador (tricycle ride) -filling up of forms/waiver -payment
1035	START! Trekking & Rappelling
1105	ETA Cavinti Falls/Pagsanjan Falls/Magdapio Falls -rafting to Devil's Cave -picture taking -lunch
1230	Trek back to Pueblo El Salvador
1315	ETA at Pueblo El Salvador (wash up)
1430	Pueblo el Salvador to Cavinti junction via tricycle
1440	ETA Cavinti junction (waiting for jeepney bound to Lucban, Quezon)
1540	ETA Kamay ni Jesus, Lucban, Quezon
1710	Lucban, Quezon to Sta. Cruz, Laguna
1810	ETA Sta. Cruz, Laguna

Expenses

Fare Sta. Cruz to Cavinti	P 22.00
Cavinti to Pueblo El Salvador via tricycle	100.00 (2)
Pueblo El Salvador to Cavinti junction via tricycle	100.00 (2)
Cavinti junction to Lucban, Quezon	25.00
Lucban, Quezon to Sta. Cruz, Laguna	50.00
Entrance Pueblo El Salvador	270.00
Food	150.00
Pasalubong	100.00-200.00

Things to bring

-food

-water

-sun block

-insect repellant 

-clothes

-water proof case

-toiletries

Mount Makiling via UPLB

It is summer and I feel like going somewhere. I’m browsing thru the internet looking for places to visit and I found Mt. Makiling.

Meeting place..

 (across Umali Auditorium)

Forestry Department where the trail starts

Visitors have to pay P10.00 each

(very affordable)

greens along the way

and colorful flowers

Flat Rock Trail is short.

A good place for relaxing. The water is clean and so inviting for a quick dip.

We had fun climbing on flat rock. 

After spending some time at flat rock, we head back to the road going to Mud Spring.

I'm catching my breath while walking uphill. Already exhausted and tired, we met Manong (ice drop vendor). 

life saver

Finally..........

After a long climb we rested on one of the store near Station 8. We had buko juice, our thirst quencher. 

Photo op 

Mud Spring

Pool of mud was boiling. 

 It was almost 1:30 in the afternoon when we headed back down. It was much faster than going up. 

travel budget: Padre Burgos, Quezon

This trip is not actually planned. My friend ask me if I want to go to the beach, and I said yes right away.. One week! One week preparation, but I don't mind, I want to feel the sand. 

Actually, sabit lang kami dito sa getaway na 'to.. :)

For our first stop, Dampalitan Island. We decided to have our over night in this island. What I love about this island is its long stretch of shoreline. There are sea shells  and some crush corals on the shore. And if you're planning to have bonfire at night, there are dry woods which you can collect. 

sunset on Dampalitan Island

sunkiss

 the other side of the island. Mangrove areas are located.

Next stop: Puting Buhangin and Kwebang Lampas
From Dampalitan Island, it took us 30-45 mins boat ride going to Puting Buhangin Island. We had our lunch here. We decided not to rent a cottage or even table (medyo mahal kasi, P300 daw yung cottage tapos walang pang roof..so wag na lang). We just enjoyed sitting on the sand.

Puting Buhangin which literally means white sand. 

With its crystal clear water, who would never fall in love in this place. 

Inside Kwebang Lampas.

Kwebang Lampas is located in Puting Buhangin Island. (what I noticed is that there are vandalisms) 

Lastly: Borawan Island
Upon heading to this island, I feel the rush, excitement and happiness.  From afar, you will already notice its rock formation. We were welcome by the caretaker of the island. The security guard helped us in finding a good spot to stay in the island (he's helpful). 

Heading to the Island

Boracay (white sand) + Palawan (rock formation) = BORAWAN

How to get there:
1. Ride a bus bound to Lucena City.
2. From Lucena Grand Terminal, ride a mini bus going to Padre Burgos. Ask the driver to drop you off the Basiao. Or you can just ask some locals who are also passengers, tell them that you are going to Borawan island and they're more than willing to give instruction. (fare: P35.00)
3. From there, you can ride a tricycle going to the beach where boatman will take you to the island. (Fare: P10.00/person)

*BOAT RIDE:
Dampalitan Island: P800.00
Dampalitan Island and Borawan Island: P1,200.00
Dampalitan Island, Borawan Island and Puting Buhangin Island: P1,800.00

*entrance fee and other fees:
Dampalitan Island
entrance: P80.00
table: P200.00
tent: P500.00
if you bring your own tent, P200.00

Puting Buhangin;Kwebang Lampas
entrance fee: P100.00

Borawan Island
entrance fee: P80.00
cottage (small): P700.00
cottage (large): P850.00
shower room: P20.00
comfort room: P10.00

May I suggest:
If you are looking for convenience (staying overnight) or torn in the three island (where to stay), I would suggest Borawan Island. Comfort rooms are cleaner compare to Dampalitan Island. There are security guards on the island that somehow feels you safer. Plus, the stone formation gives you the opportunity to experience rock climbing.

macaroons

*this is portable macaroons because i only used the available ingredients at home (what i saw on the cupboard)

ingredients:

2 cups desiccated coconut

1 cup flour

2 tbsp baking powder

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup evaporated milk

procedure:

-just mix all the ingredients.   

-and then bake!

banana cake with peanutbutter-mallow filling

ingredients (cake):

1 stick butter

banana (ripe)

1/4 kl. flour 

3 tbsp. baking powder

3/4 cup milk

1/4 kl. sugar

2 egg

(peanutbutter-mallow filling)

1 pack marsh mallow

1/4 cup evaporated milk

3 tbsp. peanut butter

for the cake:

1. Mashed the ripe banana. 

2. Mix all the ingredients. 

3. Grease the baking pan with butter and pour in the mixture. 

for the filling:

1. Mix all the ingredients.

2. Put the sauce pan in another pan with water. (low heat)

3. Stir the ingredients gradually until the marsh mallow melts. 

(rice cooker) Chocolate Cake

Since our oven is not working well, I searched over the internet a cake recipe that doesn't need one and I found Rice Cooker Cake. I got some ideas and incorporate it to my own recipe and then........its baking time? :)

ingredients:
1 1/3 cup cake flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup cooking oil
2 eggs




Procedure:

1. In a large bowl, combine and mix the flour, sugar, baking powder and cocoa powder. 
2. Add the cooking oil, eggs and 1/2 cup of evaporated milk.
3. Mix all the ingredients and add the remaining 1/2 cup of milk.
4. Grease the rice cooker with oil or butter then put the cake mixture.
5. Cook into the rice cooker for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, steamed it for another 30-45 minutes to achieve the perfect moisture. 
6. Add the frosting on top of the cake and serve. 

*for the frosting, you will be needing cocoa powder, sugar and water. (1:2 - sugar and water) cook the mixture in low heat.