2017 | Playing Tourist | Going Turista

Tikip Falls - Playing Tourist Hiking in Bataan

Bataan province is truly blessed with outdoor tourist attractions. A great escape to its natural waterfalls, forest reserves, beaches, and historical places will be a worthwhile experience when feeding your wanderlust. Four-hour bus rides from Metro Manila; you can indulge on the scenic mountains of Limay Bataan with blissful waterfalls as a happy ending.

Tikip Falls

Tikip Falls - The Less Visited Waterfalls in Bataan

Compared to Pasukulan Falls in Abucay, Limutan Falls in Bagac, and Kairukan Falls in Morong, Tikip Falls is considered inferior. Not everyone knows that Limay has its series of hidden waterfalls. Because of this little secret, Tikip Waterfalls is special.

Tikip Plunge Pool is inviting

Tikip Falls water source comes from Mt. Limay or commonly called Mt. Cayapo. 798 meters above sea level mountain east of Mt. Mariveles, and south of Mt. Samat in the north. A nice view of these neighboring mountains is visible when trekking Tikip Falls.

Mt. Samat view when Trekking Tikip Falls

Mt. Samat - the Shrine of Valor is visible.

Looking west is the Mt. Mariveles

We have visited three waterfalls. The first waterfall can be reached right after you go downhill towards Limay River. The rest of the waterfalls were few meters upstream; the highest and also the deepest was the one downstream.

Tikip Falls - Swim in its cold waters.

The plunge pool of the waterfall where we stayed longer was 10 feet deep and has a vertical drop of approximately 12 feet.

How to Get to Tikip Falls

From Manila, Take the Genesis Bus or Bataan Transit heading to Mariveles. Alight at Tundol in Reformista, Limay Bataan. Your landmarks will be the Petron Gas Station and Caranzo Building. Travel time takes three to four hours.

Drop off point to Tikip Falls

From Tundol, ride a tricycle and tell the driver that you are alighting at the drop off point of Tikip Falls; your landmark will be the "irrigation" under a huge mango tree. Travel time is 15 minutes.

The start of the trek

You will reach a junction after a ten-minute walk. Take the road on the right until you reach a dead end leading to a hiking trail. Trekking time is more or less an hour depending on pace.

The trail to Limay River where Tikip Falls is situated

Nearby Attractions

After a quick visit to Tikip Falls, you can continue touring the Shrine of Valor (Dambana ng Kagitingan) on top of Mt. Samat in Pilar Bataan or proceed to Dunsulan Falls also in Pilar Bataan.

Botolan Wildlife Farm - Playing Tourist in Botolan Zambales

A joyride to Zambales with a travel buddy from Rizal Province, Sir Ed, led us to this zoo in the town of Botolan called the "Botolan Wildlife Farm". We were in search of a nice beach that day but we decided to have a short stay at this zoo because we spotted a sign along the highway. This wildlife farm is located on the eastern side of town in Barangay San Juan, just before reaching an Aeta community close to Camp Kainomayan.

The Botolan Wildlife Farm Marker

Tukal Tukal Falls in Botolan Zambales - Playing Tourist Adventure

"Yours to Discover" is a slogan currently being used by the local Tourism Department of Botolan in Zambales, Philippines. It focuses on eco-tourism highlighting Tukal Tukal Falls (Hagdan Hagdanan Falls) and Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake between the mountain ranges of Zambales, Pampanga, and Tarlac in Central Luzon. Enticed by the viral pictures of Tukal Tukal Falls circling the internet, I joined a group of blogger friends headed by Fredi-Rex to explore the newly discovered waterfalls of Zambales.

The Tukal Tukal Falls (Hagdan Hagdanan Falls)

Exploring Butig Falls in Olongapo City

Butig Falls are series of small waterfalls far north of Sitio Banca Bancaan in Gordon Heights Olongapo City. It's just a three-hour hike to and from the jump-off at Banca Bancaan Aeta Tribe. Outdoor lovers will experience trekking the mountains of Olongapo. This two to three-minute read will guide you directions on how to get to the waterfalls. To those who aren't exactly "outdoorsy", read on and spread the news to your friends who are outdoor enthusiasts!

Butig Falls in Olongapo City

The Sandbar of Magalawa Island

The province of Zambales boasts several tourist attractions. From hiking the mountains of Redondo Peninsula in the South (Mt. Cinco Picos, Mt. Balingkilat) and Mt. Tapulao's peak in the North also the islands and coves such as Capones and Potipot, to name a few. Up north of Zambales there is an island less visited by weekenders a few years back, and is now becoming a tourist attraction packed with people, especially on holidays. This is the Magalawa Island.

Kairukan Falls - A Day Hike in Morong Bataan

One of the wonders of Morong Bataan is the majestic Kairukan Falls located in Sitio Kanawan in Barangay Binaritan. Its waters flow from Mt. Silangan, part of Bataan National Park, a forest reserve established in 1945. Hiking to the heart of Mt. Kairukan is a jaw-dropping experience because of its dense trees and undergrowth. Its diverse flora and fauna are similar to the trekking experience to Pasukulan Falls in Mt. Natib on the northeastern part of Bataan’s National Park.

The Kairukan Falls in Morong Bataan

Does it look like the Pundaquit Falls?

Traveling to Zambales during summer is an awesome thing to do due to its grandiose beaches, islands, and coves. From Sta. Cruz' Hermana Menor Island in the north to Silanguin Cove in the south, this province is really abundant with places for summer getaways. Rain or shine, Pundaquit in San Antonio town has been an all-time favorite.

Food Dude at Subic Dumpling King Restaurant

Sometimes we get surprised in places where we don’t expect too much. It was a few days ago when my friends wanted to go to a new hotel that had a swimming pool on the rooftop, the Le Charme Suites. The place looked good but unfortunately, there was not a single place where we could sit in the shadow. During summer and around noon that is definitely not a good idea.

Dumpling King

Silanguin Cove jump off point at Subic Bay

The San Miguel Beach

About three kilometers from the town of San Antonio Zambales is the sandy beach of San Miguel. It is a part of the long stretch of Zambales shoreline facing the South China Sea. Its waters are clean because of its perfect location away from industrial cities; a fishing village famous for its abundance squid catch. Pusit Festival (Squid Festival) was celebrated here during the months of April as well as Layag Festival.

The Grotto or Cabaruan Falls

Another waterfall in San Felipe Zambales - the Grotto or Cabaruan Falls, located in Barangay Feria. It is called Grotto because of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary facing the plunge pool. So true that San Felipe town is blessed with waterfalls like Anghalo, Sagpat, and Paite. Maybe there's more hidden somewhere in its mountains waiting to be discovered.

The Good

Amongst these waterfalls, Grotto is the most child-friendly. Why? Because of its shallow plunge pool or tub. It has two cascades, one is natural and the other - man-made. It has two tubs where you can submerge and swim but diving is definitely not advisable. Its first tub is around five feet at its deepest and the second is about 2 feet. Kids will love it!

Nipa hut for rent

There are nipa huts for rent. You can also have a picnic on the riverbank under the tree shades. This will save you money from renting a hut. But if you are in a group, renting a hut will be cheaper for everyone will give their share.

You can cookout here as well.

The Bad

You cannot dive here because the plunge pool is not deep. No cliff diving or jumping. There is "no water during the dry season".

Nipa hut in the middle of the river - for rent

How to Get Here

Since this waterfall is dry during summer, it is only recommended as a side trip when visiting the beaches of San Felipe like the famous Sitio Liwliwa and Crystal Beach.

Oh the Entrance Fee

From the town of San Felipe, get a trike to take you to the waterfall. Basically, drivers will charge two hundred pesos back and forth. Again, it will be cheap when in a group. Make sure the driver has a cellphone so you can send a text whenever you want to be fetched.

All Hands Beach Resort - Subic Bay

All Hands Beach

Living in Olongapo City, Zambales means you have many resorts to visit that are close at hand. Last week a friend suggested to go to All Hands Beach. I had never ever heard of this resort and was keen on going there since I like to explore new places to go. The first thing I noticed was that there was not really a parking lot. Cars are parked on the side of the road.

List of Churches in Zambales for Visita Iglesia

Visita Iglesia or Seven Churches Visitation is an activity done during the Lenten season. It is a religious tradition by Catholics on the evening of Maundy Thursday but some do it on daytime. In each church visit, a devotee will pray before the Blessed Sacrament. I guess it is timely to share my Zambales Churches' visit prior to the Lenten season to help you decide what church to visit. Monthly I visit churches, as a vow, thanking our God Almighty for surpassing all the hardships in life.

Visita Iglesia devotee

Rosa Farm's

Last Saturday my friends had planned a trip to Rosa Farms, about an hour driving from our place. The days before I hadn’t been too well and I was still recovering so I told them “For your own good, it’s better if I stay home”. I know I can get grumpy if I’m not feeling well and cannot have a rest when I feel like having one. “But Frans, really; it is a must!” On FB I visited the Rosa Farms’ page where I read good reviews and saw many pictures. We decided to go the next day.

El Kabayo Falls 15-foot deep plunge pool

El Kabayo Falls is located in the forested area of Binictican in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales. It boasts two cascading waterfalls a few meters away from each other. The first level of the waterfalls is about five feet deep during the rainy season, the second is fifteen feet in depth. It is one of the major picnic grounds in Subic Bay where you can have a picnic and cook your own food. The latter will cost you additional expense, though.

The Pacalat Dam

Pacalat Dam is a reservoir found in Barangay Pacalat Mangatarem Pangasinan; an impounding dam in the vicinity of Mt. Mangatarem. Its use is to irrigate the nearby barangays for crop production especially rice. Aside from irrigation, it is also a dwelling place for locals and visitors from nearby towns during summer. Its waters are perfect for swimming, camping. This place is also a jump off when hiking to the summit of Mt. Mangatarem.

The Missing Meatballs - Crab and Belly Subic

After a Sunday morning of doing thoroughly cleaning, the idea of going out for lunch was very appealing. We decided to go to Chopping Board, a place where we have been twice before and had good experiences. Much to our surprise, the restaurant was now called Crab and Belly. My first thought: “Who wants crabs and a belly?”

The Crab and Belly Restaurant

Abucay Bataan's Hidden Gem

For mountaineers, Mt. Natib has been one of the favorite hiking places. A dormant volcano in the province of Bataan with an elevation of 1,253 meters above sea level (MASL). For waterfalls lovers, it is also a good choice because of its magnificent and towering 197 ft. Pasukulan Falls. This waterfall is the highest among the twelve known natural falls in Bataan, true gem, hidden in the heart of the forest of Mount Natib. The area is within Bataan Natural Park managed by Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Pasukulan Falls is located in Abucay, Bataan, though its hiking jump off is Brgy. Tala in the town of Orani.

Texas Joe's Riblets

Several times already we have been to Texas Joe’s House of Ribs in Subic Bay, Olongapo City not too far from Ayala Mall, Harbor Point. The place is really big as well inside as outside. Most of the times it is packed with people who enjoy fine dining. And that, of course, is why we like to go there. Sitting outside is lovely because there’s always a fresh breeze and if not the electric fans will the job. The menu is huge so one has many choices to pick from.

The Secret of Pias Falls

Pias Falls is located in Tarlac province, Barangay Papaac Camiling. Amongst the waterfalls in Tarlac, this is probably the least famous because its beauty only comes out during the rainy season. Its waters could be from the famous Ubod Falls or Timmanguyob Falls but not enough to create a perfect torrent during summer. But did you know it has a deep secret?

The table is set

For several times I already had lunch with friends in Cocolime Specialty Asian Cuisine. This restaurant is located in Subic Bay Freeport Zone near Rizal Highway, and is almost attached to Harbor point Mall.

Ina Poon Bato – A Visit to The Miraculous Blessed Mother’s Shrine in Botolan, Zambales

It was my first road trip in Zambales with the company of friends with the same purpose – to visit all the municipal churches in this province. Ina Poon Bato was a shrine we visited in Botolan that has an interesting story that goes back to 1607 when Catholic missionaries started to spread Catholicism in the Philippines. It was said that missionaries heard about” The Miraculous Lady of the Aeta” and when they saw who the Aetas were worshipping, it was the “Blessed Virgin Mother” (click herefor the story).

The new Ina Poon Bato Shrine

Delicious Grilled Tuna Fish

Yesterday I got this message on Facebook “We will have a Bulgarian visitor tonight from Couchsurfing”. Soon after that “Clean the house and the comfort room”. Sure. About one hour I had. Now I had cleaned the stairs and mopped the floor the day before but still, this kind of questions always make me kind of nervous. Until I got myself together. “What? Is the guy a Bulgarian prince or what?”

Manleluag Hot Spring in Pangasinan

Manleluag Hot Spring is one of the famous hot springs of Pangasinan second to Balungao Hilltop. Manleluag hot spring is located in Barangay Malabobo Mangatarem, Pangasinan. This hot spring is inside the area of Manleluag Spring Protected Landscape and has been open to the public for quite some time. It was declared a national park in 1940 and managed by Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The Hot Spring

Wimpy's Restaurant - Olongapo City

Where to Eat in Subic? Well, read on.

Playing Tourist | Going Turista

Tikip Falls - Playing Tourist Hiking in Bataan