2012 in Snapshots

Aklan

I was fortunate to have traveled to the island paradise of Boracay twice this year. A lot has changed since the last time I've been there, but I still love the place.    

Antique

I finally discovered the mystery of Antique, a place where the mountains meet the sea.  Its beauty captivated and enchanted me.  I shall go back to further explore its secrets. 

Malumpati Cold Spring, Antique

When in Pandan, Antique, don't miss the chance to visit the Malumpati Cold Spring. It's just about a fifteen-minute ride from the town proper.  

Enjoy a refreshing dip in its cool, clear waters.  Don't worry if you don't know how to swim.  For only P40.00 a piece, you can rent rubber tubes that you can use for the entire day.

Take the plunge like these happy kids.   

If you are brave enough, you may also opt to climb up the trees and jump from there.  I've seen a couple of kids do the said daring act.  The natural pool is about 20 meters deep so you don't have to worry about hurting yourself when you enter the water. 

If you get tired of swimming and jumping off the diving platforms, you may just hop on the bamboo raft and enjoy the cruise.  

If you want to spend the night, just ask the locals about the cottages they rent out to tourists.  I believe the rate ranges from P500.00 to P1000.00.   

Entrance fee is P10.00 per head. Rental for picnic huts is P25.00.   

How to go to Malumpati Cold Spring:

From Caticlan, ride a Ceres Bus bound for Antique.  Get off at the Pandan town proper.  Hop on a tricyle or a motorbike to get to the cold spring.   The bus ride from Caticlan will take about half an hour and the ride from the town proper to the cold spring will take about 15 to 20 minutes.   

From Iloilo and Aklan, ride a van or bus bound for Northern Antique. Tell the driver that you'd get off in Pandan.  From the town proper, rent a tricycle or a motorbike to reach the cold spring.


Sending you happy thoughts...

Backpacking with Mom

My mom took me on a 3-day backpacking trip across Panay Island last week. I was hoping to spend a relaxing weekend in Guimaras, but she scrapped the itinerary I so meticulously prepared. She called the shots. We explored Aklan, Antique, and Iloilo. I've got a very strong feeling that she would have also dragged me to Capiz had we got another day to spare. 


To give you an idea how exhaustingly crazy our trip was, here's the route that we took:

Hearts = Rest Overnight ; Stars = Stopovers

Delayed flights, hours of butt-numbing bus rides, motorcycle adventures, dizzying boat rides, long walks under the unforgiving heat of the sun, and petty quarrels  disagreements notwithstanding, my mom and I definitely had a blast!  It sure was three days of fun mother-daughter bonding which we vowed we'd do again soon.


Now you know where I got my wanderlust. It sure runs in the family! :)


Sending you happy thoughts...