Wanting to try zipline for a day but don’t know where to go?

Here’s how! Visit the Asia’s longest dual zipline in Bukidnon, the Dahilayan Adventure Park.

Dahilayan Adventure Park is fast becoming Bukidnon's most famous tourist destination. photo from: suroypilipinas.com

It boasts their two 840m long zipline and feel the thrill of flying through 4700 ft. above sea level. You’ll be your superman dream for more than 2 minutes. Not only that! As you go through the air you’ll zoom through lush greenery and breathtaking views found only in the mountains of Dahilayan. It’s guaranteed safe and fun for all ages alike. Sounds good right? But there’s more in this place than just fulfilling your dream of being a superman for a day.

This place is more like a one stop shop for all sorts of adventurers. Dahilayan Adventure Park houses many outdoor adventures for all ages some of the activities that you can do inside the park are as follows:

The 320 + 150 DUAL ZIPLINE for beginners. To equip you for Asia’s longest you must try this training zipline. For only PHP250 you may be able to enjoy this thrilling adventure before trying the Asia’s longest zipline ever. From here you’ll be taught about the SOP’s of ziplining, it won’t be that harsh for you if you go through this beginner’s zipline first.
Feeling like you wanted more? For PHP 500 try the Asia’s longest zipline. DAHILAYAN ADVENTURE PARK boasts of two 840m Ziplines with a drop of 100m. Zipriders are transported via 4wd Safari Cruiser to launch tower at 4500 ft above sea level. Zoom through the rainforest canopy at 60-80 kph to land at Carrier-type flight deck using a special arresting gear system. It’s guaranteed safe so it’s a worry free adventure!
They also have the ROPES COURSE for only PHP200. Build your confidence level and learn teamwork at Tower of Power Rope Course, a 12-stage High and Low Wire obstacle courses complete with Multisided Rockwall.
There are three more attractions being developed in the park. These are WINCH BOARDING, ROCK WALL CLIMBING, and DROP ZONE. Be thrilled and excited for the new attractions they are developing.

Dahilayan Adventure Park has everything you needed from nature tripping, outdoor adventures and not to mention their one of a kind Pine Grove Lodge. This is the place to go when you’re tired of trying all the adventures they have. Pine Grove Mountain Lodge has nine room ski chalet inspired Manor which has a very warm and relaxing view of Mt. Kitanglad. This place will take you into a county like place in the U.S.A. The ambience is more like a western side since pines just surround the place exquisitely.

The DAHILAYAN ADVENTURE PARK will not just let you marvel in their park. They also offer GreatZip adventure tours. These tours will not only let you try the thrilling adventures but this tour will also allow you to see the wonders of Bukidnon’s finest!

Tour packages are as follows:

Asia’s longest zipline:
Dahilayan Adventure park

-->ZIPLINING or RAFTING (1,200/pax)

Transportation back & forth Cagayan de Oro/Brgy. Dahilayan or City Proper/Rafting Site
Lunch & afternoon snacks
For Zipline: All rides (320m + 150m + 840m), minimum: 10 persons
For Rafting: Advance Rafting (21 rapids), minimum: 6 persons

-->1699/pax (minimum of 10)

Transportation back & forth CDO/Brgy. Dahilayan & City Proper/Rafting Area
All rides zipline (320m + 150m + 840m)
Lunch & snacks (during rafting) and snacks (during zipline)
14 rapids Water Rafting

-->1999/ pax (minimum of 10)

Transportation back & forth CDO/Brgy. Dahilayan & City Proper/Rafting Area
All rides zipline (320m + 150m + 840m)
Lunch & snacks (during rafting), and lunch & snacks (during zipline)
21 rapids Water Rafting
Additional P250/head should you wish to try the Zorb Ball at Forest Park

Get the thrill of your life and visit Dahilayan Adventure Park in Bukidnon! My visit in Dahilayan is a memory to keep. The whole place is more than just an adventure park; this is a place to go for a quality time with your family or loved one. The whole place is soothing for all sorts of relaxation.

You can visit their website here for inquiries and booking :)

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Feeling like Boracay is way too crowded for you to have a fun and relaxing summer? Well, here’s a safe haven for all of you, the Gumasa Beach Resorts. It is located down south of Philippines, which houses one of the Philippines finest beach treasure with white powder like sand that embeds crystal clear waters is Gumasa Beach Resorts. The known little Boracay of the South is one of the finest beach destinations nowadays.

Gumasa Beach Resorts - Little Bora in Southern Mindanao photo by: Sarangani Province

Gumasa is not a well-known tourist destination, but if you come over and see for yourself its’ wonderful seascape and alluring surroundings you will surely spread the news. This is a must visit summer destination for beach lovers especially now that the government is planning for a hype and one of the grandest beach festival in the Philippines. Go to your nearest ticketing outlet now and book a flight down south and head on to Glan Saranggani to experience the Saranggani Bay festival.

Discover Gumasa’s unmolested beauty and be mesmerized by its magnificent scenery.

Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province photo by Cocoy Sexcion

There are a number of beach resorts worth your visit in Gumasa. They will meet your vacation needs depending on your budget and wants. Here are some of the known beach resorts within the area.

Brod Louie Beach Resort

Brod Louie Beach Resort offers a good treat for all kinds of visitors. They have the amenities that will surely meet the needs of all ages. The resort will serve as a temporary home for all who visits Gumasa. The resort was beautiful with green grass, flowers, flowering shrubs and very soft lighting at night. The atmosphere of the property was romantic, party-friendly, entertaining and comfortable all at the same time. The resort has also one of the most hospitable staff, they are happy to serve all the guests. Room rates here for an overnight stay is friendly and reasonable. They have air-conditioned rest house and open family cottages. Plus they have an air-conditioned dormitory for mass number of guests. All of their room rates range from PHP 500 – 4700 only.

The main attraction in the resort is the white sand beach. The clear water, the soft sand, and the shallow water with little wave action will surely tease you to play and look for starfish, which were plentiful and varied in color. At low tide you will be able to walk through the great stone formations to the west of the resort. Romantic and adventuresome with so much natural beauty made some of these secluded spot breathtaking.

Other resort facilities are VideoK, Kayaking, Snorkeling, kid’s swimming pool and Spa. These all comes in a very reasonable and friendly rate.

Davak Ridge Beach Resort
Davak Ridge Beach resort is another resort found in Gumasa. It’s around 45 mins. Ride from General Santos City. The resort is richly blessed with powdery soft white sand that everyone else would want to walk along its shore barefoot. The resort is quite mountainous that’s why it gives the entire guest a bird’s view of the wide seascape.

Cottages rates are from 300-2500 depending on your preference. They have 3 closed cottages equipped with air-condition, refrigerator, water dispenser, tv, 2 big beds and a clean restroom. Well this room is good enough if you have enough budgets for a luxurious overnight stay in the resort. If you have no enough money to pay for a comfortable overnight stay, you also pitch in your tent or rent a tent from the resort for a very cheap price.

White Haven Beach Resort

White Haven Resort

The resort is one of the first ones in Gumasa. They have open cottages for day tourists and air-conditioned or fan rooms with toilet and bath for those who want to spend a night here. Room rates are from PHP500-4900. However, you can pitch in your tent to their white (indeed) and powdery like sand if you wish to have a cheaper expense. Each cottage comes
with an individual grill so you can cook foods without hassle. If you weren’t able to bring food,don’t worry they have a restaurant inside the resort to cater your tummies desire.This resort is for all ages, what you’ll love about this strip of beach is the fact that moms can just leave their kids enjoying the sand along the shores since there’s only small instance that sudden trench in the ocean will happen. Waves here are friendly but just to secure your kids, let them wear a life vest for the security.

When it’s low tide in white haven you can walk the stretch of the beach and head to the mini caves in the coral cliff at the end of the resort. It looks almost the same as that of “bikini bottom” Spongebob lives. It’s a perfect place for picture taking.

White Haven Beach Resort is located right after Davak Beach Resort.

Rosal Beach Resort

This beach resort is one of the best white sand beaches scattered all over the province. It is situated between White Haven and Coco Beach Resort.

Compared to other beach resorts in the Philippines, the accommodation in Rosal is much affordable. It offers rooms with a functioning bathroom and good air conditioning. There are open – air cottages, space for tents and children’s playground. Room rates are from PHP600-5500.

There is a wide variety of options where one can break the stillness of the resort. One is to indulge in the beauty of the place by simply taking a walk in the fine white sand while having a conversation with new acquaintances or friends. Another way is to hang out with the beach while sipping refreshing drinks. For guests who love water sports, Rosal offers facilities such as kayaks, skim boards, and volleyball for rent. Take note, you can also experience jet skiing, just request it from the management.

Whether you are an adventurous tourist or someone looking for a laid back retreat, Rosal Beach Resort is a great destination on indulging your dream escapade.

Coco Beach Resort

Coco Beach Resort takes pride of their beach plus the powdery white sand as the highlight plus the crystal clear seawaters. However, these are only the beginning when considering the advantage of indulging moments with this beach resort.

Coco Beach Resort is accessible to other neighboring resorts. This easy access means you can spend many activities such as walking in the shoreline, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. Another amazing thing to behold in Coco Beach Resort, it is the sunset view along the shoreline. It is one of the simple offerings of nature to thank for.

Coco Beach Resort is a good venue for any special occasion that you’re celebrating, especially special bonding moments with family and friends. Though it does not offer ample facilities, but it has the basic amenities that you needed most. It has rooms and cottages, a small store wherein you can order for meals. Not to mention that the owners and staff are really friendly and accommodating with their guests.

Open cottages and room rates are from PHP500-4500.

Make Sand Castles in White Haven Beach Resort ^_^

Isla Jardin del Mar Beach Resort

Isla Jardin del Mar is located at Gumasa, Sarangani Province. Hour rides from General Santos City, this resort have a powerful view to ease your stress and kick off your problem in awhile.

If you’re looking for cheap but give you quality views and services you want to experience you may go to this beautiful beach in Saranagani.

They have awesome cottages in low price. Entrance fee is very affordable. Open cottage and room rates are from PHP300-2500.

The Isla Jardin del Mar Weekdays Escapade Promo is valid only from Mondays to Thursdays. They have separate packages for Day Tours and Overnight Stays plus separate fees for their Open and Close Cottages

Gumasa Saranggani is packed with numerous and dazzling beach resorts that will meet all of your vacation and unwinding needs. See for yourself these hidden treasures of the South!

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A popular restaurant reopened with a new name, new look, new menu and new chef.

At Pensoy's Grills, the new rule is.... "EAT's the food, EAT'S the music, EAT's the PLACE...Eat's Now Serving grEAT Food." This is an internal part of Mr. Big Shot, and was known as Six Blings before (though far different as old). Thomas Bebot Haw, founder of Haw's of LechonniMangThomas, and his partner are the forces behind the Pensoy's Grill.

Eat's the Place

The place comes with a smart look of new lightning and other touches. More important, the owners really overhauled the place.When you look around you can see crocodile remains near the stage, heads, bones and tail of biggest tuna on the wall and skeleton of the ostrich.

One of shoebox-shaped function rooms - Six Blings blossomed into a nice setting wherein some frames of popular athletes who once made a success in sports are featured like Paeng Nepumocimo, Micheal Schumacher - German Formula One driver for Mercedes team and seven-time World Champion, Micheal Jordan, Manny Pacquiao and many more. Badminton rackets, bicycle and other sports gears are hanging nicely on the ceiling.

Another function room called Karagatan, has covered of glass and bamboo walls with a cartoonish tuna fish in bright colors hanging behind the buffet table. A skinny long table runs down the middle while paintings hugging the wall.

Karagatan Function Hall - it can accommodate 50 - 80 people

Eat's the Food

In Gensan, you can hardly even find a restaurant that served ostrich and crocodiles in one place. The Pensoy's Grill seems to handle the challenge well, though ostrich and crocodile are least impressive animals for me, but once cooked they are fine, I mean they are generally great to eat.

With their new menu, the choices are endless, highlights to include are the ostrich steak, galante ostrich burger and crocolicacies such as crocosisig, crocostrich, crocochile and a lot more. Thanks to a food enthusiast partner Moppet who also works as a Food Planning and Standards Specialist for PAL and part of her work is to check the dishes served for both the MCL and Economy passengers. So before you plunge right in the resto, just know what you want, or else you might be missing the specials, as a full-sheet list of the menu might excite you a lot.

Welcome to Food Nirvana!!!

SayangDilikaGuaPo - Pasayan, Dilis Guava and Pomelo (P120)

Ostrich Molu Soup (P140)

If you have to ask me, I stick with their specialties and what's most unusual. This includes the Ostrich Steak with super yummy sauce. The Ostrich Molu Soup (P140), and the SayangDilikaGuaPo (P120) - the most creative (controversial) name. Hmpf!!! Buti nalang masarap ka. :)) SayangDilikaGuaPo consists of Pasayan (Shrimp) Dilis, Guava, and Pomelo.

But wait- the menu is not all ostrich and crocolicacies, all the time. They offer sumptuous cuisines like Molu Soup, Cream Dowry Fish Fillet, Buffalo Wings (P240), Kare - Kare (P240), Crispy Pata (P380) - where meat is golden brown and crunchy. And oh, their Condoleezza Rice (P180) is kind of perfect too.

Service is a big plus, fast on the uptake, waiters are cordial. At the end of the meal, music and drinks awaits for you.

Eat's the Music

Pensoy's Grill is wide awake every night as the live band is a new addition to the scene. Stop in for a night and enjoy their double chilled beer.

Double Chilled Beer

The location: NCCC compound national highway, 9500 General Santos City, Philippines

Details: Open from Monday to Saturday 3pm. to 12am. Parking lot is not a problem.

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/PensoysGrill

For reservation: Contact Pensoy's Grill at 0922 803 1961.

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Hearing the word Zamboanga City seems a little bit scary from the people up North, but it proved me wrong when I visited the city during the Mindanao Blogger Summit. And what we don’t know about this place, is that it houses many scenic and historical spot from the colonization of many eras in the Philippines. One of those historic spot is the Fort Pilar de Zamboanga. This site has been originally known as the "Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragosa." It was built in 1635 by a Jesuit priest-engineer, to ward off attacks from the Moros, the Dutch and the British.

Royal Fort of Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza (Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza)

Zamboanga City takes so much pride in this historic infrastructure since this has been an icon for many tourists who venture the City. The Fort is now considered as the regional Museum. The Fort Pilar de Zamboanga is the major landmark of Zamboanga City and a symbol of the city's cultural heritage. It houses many relics from the drastic past of our country. The City considers this scenic spot a treasure since this does not only defy the Cities historical heritage but our country. And this must be seen by many tourist and our country men as well. Take a glimpse of this city and let the rich history of our country unveil the wondrous gift of our land and that you may love this country as much as many heroes loved this so much! The Spanish architecture of the Fort will somehow take you to the old time with its alluring and mystique brick wall. This architecture will open the eyes of many tourists about the sacrifices of our forefathers.

Your visit to the Fort will never be complete without a souvenir photo from the place, so be sure to bring along with you your camera and cherish this one of kind treasure hunting in Zamboanga City.

Getting here is easy. Zamboanga City has an international airport and a world class port that will surely make the travel of many guests and tourists very convenient.

Getting here in Zamboanga City by AIRPLANE:

* On domestic travel, Zamboanga City has direct flights to Manila and Cebu by various airline companies. Check out the website of many Airlines here in the Philippines to know if there are any cheap flights that would meet your travel budget. List of airline companies that caters flights to Zamboanga City are: Philippine Airlines (PAL), AirPhilippines Express, Cebu Pacific Air and Zest Airlines.

By BOAT:

* Many barge and shipping companies offers numerous voyages to Zamboanga City each week. Inquire in your nearest ticketing office for prizes and schedule.

By LAND:

* If you have the luxury of time then make your way to the gasoline station, gas u your car full tank or hop in to a bus line bound to Zamboanga City and marvel along the way. The long hours of travel maybe compensated by green pastures along the way and some new places you are about to discover while on your journey.

Travel with pleasure and leisure and take time to discover the heritage of our very own home land. See for yourself how fun it is to be Filipino!

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Discovering new places is something exciting as there are undeniably more places to explore in the Philippines - more islands to hop, more sandy beaches to walk on by, more diving and snorkeling sites, more nature to trip, more mountains to trek, more exotic foods to eat, more friendly faces to meet and greet and more pictures to take. Thousands and thousands make up this archipelago – definitely there’s more fun in the Philippines.

Update: Sarangani Islands is in the southernmost part of ~~Davao del Su~~r Davao Occidental - the newest province in the Philippines, also known as Balut Island/Olanivan Island. Balut is a Maguindanaoan term for “island”. In the center of this island is the Balut Volcano (Stratovolcano) which is elevated at about 2,828 feet. Despite its overflowing natural resources, Sarangani Island is the "poorest and most neglected municipalities in the country. When, in fact, this town was powerful years ago and its people were respected by other nations, even European countries". Not all Filipinos know that Sarangani Island exists, when you say Sarangani Island, they will think of Sarangani Province. Read the rest of history here.

Hopefully, this island will start acclaim its seat on the tourist spot’s list sooner because of its spectacular destinations such as hot spring, white sand beaches, the Balut Island Peak and many more. In here you may perform any of the activities you want to delve into such as beach volleyball, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, swimming in the 11-kilometer stretch bay and other stuffs to your heart’s delight.

The islands of Sarangani are to die for! And as the moment we stepped on to it, all my fears melt away. And this story to tell has started. FUN. FUN. FUN. 'nuff said!

BALUT ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE

Getting There

Port Mabila in Balut Island with M/V Song of Dolly 3

There isn’t a daily boat ride to Balut Island, so it is best that to coordinate with three shipping lines as to the schedule of your trip may be. The ferry leaves 12 midnight and usually it’ll take you about 5 hours to traverse from the port to Balut Island. Also, some of the things the locals of Sarangani Island needs are bought from General Santos that’s why when you be having your trip to this island, along with you are cargos of foods, luggage, furniture, appliances and other stuffs inside the boat.

M/V Song of Dolly 3 is docked at the Lion’s Beach in General Santos City. Travels thrice a week from Gensan (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) for P360 + P20 gate fee. You may call RD Group of Companies at (083)552 4435 for inquiries and reservation.
Or you may go to the Wharf of Puting Bato to ride the M/VNieky or M/V Sabgangat.

As soon as you get into Sarangani Island, the very first thing you need to do is to meet Hon. Mayor Jerry Cawa or their chieftain Hon. Abet Jawed so they can assist or guide you. Next, find a pump boat for one day island hopping, usually it costs from P1,500 up to P2,000 depending on the capacity of the boat and the islands to visit. Take note, you have to pick a pump boat with double engine, aside that it is faster, it has a reserved engine in case the other engine stops working during the island hopping. Once you got all of these things, then the show begins.

Best of Balut Island

The Best Part of All is Island Hopping

Olanivan Island photo: Ian Olden

Lighthouse at Olanivan

Our first stop is Olanivan. From the port, it took us one and half hour to reach this island. In this 3 – kilometer stretch, you will see the Lighthouse, which was built by the Americans during their reign. You can stroll along the white sands of Olanivan, swim in its clear blue waters, and of course cam whoring. You definitely wouldn’t want to miss this.

Heart-Shaped sulfuric Sabang Hot Spring in Sarangani Islands, Davao Occidental

Next is Sabang Hot Spring, it is located at Barangay Lipol, about one hour and 30 minutes of travel from Olanivan. This spring is about 16 meters wide with the temperature that can be hot as 80C. Both Olanivan and Sabang Hot Spring are owned by the RD Group of Companies, also the owner of MV Song of Dolly 3.

Tuke Maklang Beach Resort

Then we headed to Tuke Maklang, a beach resort owned by Mayor Jerry Cawa. The entrance fee is only P10.00 and they have 2 rooms available good for 2 persons each. But is it more exciting to stay outside with tents. Aside from Tuke Maclang, you can also visit Tuke Nunsol or Bolae Cove as Sarangani Island is blessed with fine coarse white sand, locals made used of this gift and made some resorts for tourists to choose from.

Balistic also known as Villalobos or Marorong Islet

Last on the list is Marorong Islet in Brgy Mabila. This bullet - like shape islet, nestles the ruins of what was once a bastion of Ruy Lopez de Villalobos. The Marorong islet is about 130 meters away from the Mabila port.

Where to Stay

JVL Inn Cafetria owned by Hon. Mayor Jerry Cawa in Brgy. Mabila, you can see it directly at the port

If you want to stay overnight or couple of days in Balut Island, you can either stay in JVL Inn in Brgy. Mabila or in Tuke Maklang Beach Resort, both are owned by Hon. Mayor Jerry Cawa. The inn has the most convenient area since it's located near the port. The rates range from P1,000.00 to P2,000.00 per night depending on the rooms. But if you want to stay in a more natural place, opt Tuke Maklang Beach Resort. There are two available rooms good for two persons each. But it is more exciting to stay outside with your tents.

Since Sarangani Island stands near Celebes Sea, the best time to visit is during summer or from March to May, this is the time the weather and waves allows you to sail smoothly from one island to another. Just monitor the weather before you will visit.

For any traveler to appreciate the beauty of a certain destination has to offer, one should have a little knowledge on the place itself as well as its locals. Here in Balut Island, the locals’ main economic activity is farming, more specifically coconut crops and its major source of livelihood of fishing. The people living here are mostly Bilaan and Sangils but they can converse well in Bisaya and Tagalog.

Here’s what I’ve learned when I visited Sarangani Island, Traveling is not all about discovering new places. It is also discovering who of your friends are craziest, willing to risk their life just to enjoy new adventure with you... and it makes the friendship stronger.

Website: http://saranganidavsur.gov.ph/
Facebook page of Municipality of Sarangani: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Municipality-of-Sarangani/159644790764969

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Asia’s longest zipline:
Dahilayan Adventure park

Best of Balut Island

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Asia’s longest zipline: Dahilayan Adventure park

Best of Balut Island

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Asia’s longest zipline:
Dahilayan Adventure park