“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
― Marcel Proust

---

Oslob, Cebu City

To travel is to discover many things such as culture, food, nature, and even yourself. It brought me in a positive way of life. Last October 2012, me and my college friends visited Cebu City and Surigao for 5 days trip. We prepared everything, the vehicle, food, camera and etc. We contributed 1,000php each for the gasoline. Our first itinerary was in Cebu City for one day. We departed from Davao City to CDO(Cagayan de Oro City) in the morning for 9 hours road. A road renovation somewhere in Buda took our trip longer. We arrived in CDO port at 8pm. I suggest to those who take their vehicle in the barge, please check at the port office where you can leave your car in their private parking and the payment is only 150php per night.

We departed from CDO at 9pm and arrived in Cebu City port at 5am. A friend of ours who works in Cebu fetched us and headed directly to her appartment. She prepared breakfast for us. She led us in city proper searching for a rental van for the destination to Brgy. Tan-awan Oslob. We payed 3,500php for 7 person, good for two-way. I think it took 3 hours road from city proper to Oslob. Cebu is located in Central Visayas province, region VII, and surrounded by many beautiful resort.

Finally we reached our destination at Barangay Tan-awan, Oslob. It was a fine day and meeting the whales was priceless! At first, there was a breifing about the whale and etc. Then we proceed for the payment and the cottage. For local tourist, admission fee is 500php per person included lifejacket and you can swim with the whale. 300php per person included the lifejacket but for swimming, it's excluded. It was a pleasant experienced that finally we encountered the whales.

The water is so clear and the whales are so gentle. I had a chance to touched them too! We really enjoyed watching and swimming with them while they fed the whales with shrimps. No regret visiting this beautiful place and encountered gentle creature. It was so fulfilling. I felt like I'm a kid again playing with the gentle giants! We didn't stay too long 'cause we need to go in our next destination.

---

Simala Church, Cebu City

Our next destination was in Simala Church. It took 1 hour and 40minutes to travel. I was amazed by the architectural design of the church! To enter this church, wearing shorts or even skirts above the knee are not allowed. I was fortunate, a friend of mine brought some dress and had a chance to see the inside beauty the church( no photography allowed inside the church).

---

Butuan city

After we visited the church, we go back directly to CDO by barge during night. Bound for our next destination to Surigao, another long road to take. From CDO City to Butuan City, it took 4 hours lroad, so we decided to stay in Air bnb hotel close to the beach and took some photos.

Early in the morning, we departed from Butuan City to Britania, San Agustin, Surigao del Sur for 2 hours and 15 minutes road approximately. We arrived at Britania and rented a boat for 1,500php for two-way. We packed our own snacks and we keep in mind, " bring your own garbage"! Britania is located in Mindanao, province of Surigao del Sur. It surrounded with many amazing islet. We visited the "Naked and Boslon island" and some resort.

---

Britania Islet

Naked Island

Our first stop was at "Naked island" and took some photos and videos. The water is so clear with powdered white sand! Perfect for taking photos but we didn't stay so long. Here are some of my photos that I took. Finest sand as Boracay Island! They called it Naked island 'cause there's nothing in there, only some plants. It's best for relaxing but because we rented a boat, we need to follow our itinerary.

Boslon Island

Next was at Boslon Island, we stayed longer in that island, explored many things like snorkling, tried to cross the other island by swmming but we we're scared lol! In this island they put a religious statue of "Mama Mary". But it's too crowded. I was amazed by the sand, it's the same in Boracay too! The crystal clear water will really seduced you to swim. Best for people who loves sun bathing! We left Boslon in the afternoon and found this restaurant , " La Entrada Resort & Restaurant" . Everybody are starving lol! They offered some menu like barbecue and more.

---

Enchanted River

We left Britania in the afternoon to our next itinerary to San Agustin proper and stay in air bnb hotel. Our last day, we visited Enchanted river for 1 hour and 30 minutes road. Enchanted river is located at Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. We were so exhausted but still excited for our next destination. When we arrived at Enchanted river, too crowded, lol! Admission fee is 25php per head. We rented a cottage.(forgot the fee). Few meters from that place, we bought some fish barbecue for our lunch and some rice ofcourse lol! The water is clear and it's freezing lol! The turquoise clear water really amazing! They used to feed the fish where everybody are not allowed to swim for that moment.

After we took our lunch, we tried an island hopping and visited a cave "Sarsoza Ponta Cave", but we were hesitant to explore inside the cave, too risky without tour guide. We dropped by at Margarett island peak resort too. Then we go back to Enchanted river and spend some time.

---

Tinuy- an falls

Our last itinerary was in Tinuy-an falls whick took 1 hour and 10 minutes road. Admission fee is 50php per head, and 200php for small cottage, and if you want to take a bamboo raft, it's 150php per head. Tinuy-an falls is located in Bislig, Surigao del Sur. This falls is perfect for taking photos specially in the morning. If you want to reach at the top, you can climb in their stairways but takecare it's too muddy but don't worry they put a metal bar where you can easily hold.

That's our last journey in Surigao area and we go back to Davao City for about 5 hours and 10 minutes road. We werer so tired especially our driver, we made a lot of stop over and finally got home safe! Our 5days trip was amazing and memorable! We will cherish all the moments we spend together with my friends and treasured it for a lifetime! Exploring Philippines makes me realized there are so much beautiful places in our own homeland. Travel while you can and collect all memories for a lifetime!

That's my first travel blog for today, see you in my next destination! Thanks for dropping by!

---

---