Enero 21-24, 2017
Our flight going to Zamboanga is on time. No delayed flights for us. Yey!
We arrived around 7am and went straight ahead to Chang-V Pension House so we can immediately checked in as we will be heading to Isabela City, Basilan. It is just a jeepney ride away from the airport for around 5-10 minutes. To get to Chang-V Pension House, you need to ride the Canelar jeepney and alight the Atilano Compound, beat landmark is Gerry's Grill restaurant as it is near the road. The fare varies from Php 8-15 depending on the location. Just be sure to ask the driver on the cost of the fare.
Our first day was spent on Malamawi Island in Basilan which I am glad we were able to still push it.
Then next day is Merloquet Falls. We went first to book our schedule for our Sta. Cruz Island. Then took some merienda at the famous Jimmi's Satti. From there just few meters away going tho the terminal near Gateway Mall. Just tell the driver that you are going to Merloquet Falls then you can ask your them to drop you to the place where you can ride the habal-habal going to Barangay Sibulao. Make sure to bring some foods as it is far from the stores, although you can find a small sari-sari store where the habal-habal driver will stop. It is also the drop off point and where you need to register before going to Merloquet Falls and pay 5 pesos for the entrance fee. You have to take the 334 steps before you reach the falls.
Sta. Cruz Island, we opt to schedule it the earliest possible. Please also note that the local government regulates the schedules and it is a must to book your schedules ahead of time. They are no longer accepting walk-ins. Fees will be collected in the island.
Day1
Arrive airport at around 7am
Airport to hotel Php 7
Check-in hotel 8am Php 600 for 2 person
Hotel to Port Php 7
Bound to Isabela City 9am
Malamawi island (expenses around 1k including lunch good for two persons)
Back to Zamboanga 5pm
Dinner at Gerry's grill for 2 Php 500
Day2
Paseo del Mar 9am
Reserved trip for Sta. Cruz Island, Please take note that it is now a must that visitors should make a reservation 30days to 1 day prior the intended schedule
Tried The famous Jimmy's Satti (Php100, 12 sticks and Softdrinks Php 14)
Walk Southway where Vans going to Merloquet Falls are located.
Van to Brgy. Sibulao Php 100 one way
Habal-habal ride Php 70 one way
Entrance to Merloquet Falls Php 5
Walk 334 steps down to see the falls
Cottage costs Php 100 pesos
Back to Zamboanga
Tried the knicker bocker and tempura
Dinner at Alavar seafood restaurant, we ordered the mix seafood set (Php 500/set) where it includes the famous curacha plus other seafoods such as shrimps, squid, fish.
Day3
Sta. Cruz Island
Entrance and Cottage (collected at the island)
Boat rental Php 1k good for 10 persons
Fort Pilar, Plaza Pilar, merienda at Early Birds
Yakan weaving village
Take the van Ayala route, fare is Php 25 ask the conductor to drop you there. Travel time around 20-30mins.
Dinner at Gerry's grill 2.4k good for 7 persons
Excluded on expenses: Pasalubongs 😄
My wife did her dissertation on philipina nurses and because of this we met so many of them based in Ireland. They're a really friendly people. It's a place I'd love to visit
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ReplyDeleteWow busy itinerary! Looks like a fab place to visit
ReplyDeletenice one
ReplyDeleteI never went there. It seems to me that you enjoy your time with your friends and hubby. Great for you! Enjoy life!
ReplyDeletehow cool, so beautiful. I loved the videos too. I hope i can travel to the philippines at some point! thank you for sharing :)
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When I get to have a holiday there, I am definitely copying and pasting this schedule as it is. Everything seems like it was good fun!
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