Prayer Mountain - A secret no more!

I've heard this place many times. They call it as their secret hide away - a secret hide away place.

Well, secret no more!

The place is actually called as TOUCH OF GLORY Prayer Mountain, a.k.a Prayer Mountain. Located  at Sitio Calumpang, Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City, Rizal, this 2 hectare place where serenity is  to be found can easily be accessed whether by private of public vehicle.

For the benefit of the commuter, let me start off from Cubao, which I'm pretty sure everyone knows where the place is. An FX ride would only cost you Php 35 to Cogeo. It will take you not more than an hour to get there. As you dropped off the place, just cross the footbridge and take a jeepney ride going to Paenaan. It would cost you Php 21 to get there, just tell the driver to drop you off at the Prayer Mountain. It's a 30-45 minutes ride from Cogeo Town Plaza, depends on the traffic jam.

Others prefer to alight at LRT Line 2 Santolan Station, then take an FX ride before the jeepney ride.

Here comes the place. A place where wearing of shorts is not allowed.

The security guard will only ask for an ID (identification) and let you log your name on his visitors logbook. Entrance fee of Php 70 (as of March 2013, it used to be 50 though) will be paid at the library where the guard will give you instruction to get there.

Being a first timer, you would probably be curious about what's inside. A site map just before you enter the library where you will have to pay the entrance fee will show you what's inside. (By the way, keep the receipt that will be issued to you as the security guard will look for it as you leave the place).

This is my favorite spot. The Prayer Hut.

Hear humming birds, see lushes of greens and feel the gentle wind that touches your skin. This place perfected by nature will surely be absorbed by your soul searching body, mind and spirit.

Talk to God. You may choose to talk to God at this place. A place where you put yourself in a cell so you could have a real quite time for him. This is open for public too. A small framed house rules at the center of each level of the apartment cell is written.

Pray at the Garden. Others choose to stay here for soul searching. Whether you do want to find a quite place to relax, this spot will be good for you too. Bring a blanket and and feel free to lay down on the grass. The floor is yours.

Most people in here bring their bible, a small notebook and a pen, their way to connect with God and disconnect to the "techy" world. 

And the best way to enjoy each and every getaway is to have it ended with good food. At this CAFETORIUM as they call it, you'll never get hungry. Whether you get a light or heavy meal, this will surely be enjoyed at an affordable price of less than a hundred (Php 100) for lunch, less than Php 50 for breakfast with an unlimited view of greens around you.

And by the way, you could also refill your empty bottle for only Php 10 / 1.5 lit. Not so bad.

 And oh,by the way, if you you choose to stay overnight, private rooms or an affordable dormitory for ladies and gentlemen are available too.

***

 Special thanks to my friend who shared her photos during our visit. I had my camera with me then but unfortunately, the battery was left at home, so I ended up taking photos using my mobile phone.



Entering the world of blogging

 I've always been wanted to create a travel blog but for some reasons, it took me so long to finally have one. And now that I have it, I realized that I need not to call it "travell blog" anymore as I won't just cover the places I‘ve been. The idea would be very limited if I call it that way because I have to admit that I haven't travelled much. So basically, this blogsite would be an outlet for me to share not just my travel experiences but will also cover other things around me, whether it’s good or bad, happy or sad.

People out there, please join me as I enter the world of blogging. I would be more than glad to hear from you. My blogging experience wouldn’t be successful without blog readers like you.

Bulabod Beach

There are lots of beaches when in Puerto Galera. White Beach, Talipanan Beach, Aninuan Beach, Coco Beach, and Small and Big La Laguna Beach are some of those that are really well-known.

But have you ever heard of this “Bulabod Beach”?

I personally haven’t heard about it until we actually explored the place.

            
 

Given the fact that Puerto Galera is a place where people from the Metro Manila can easily access with, it is so to say that it normally gets over crowded especially during the peak of the summer time. But to my surprise, this hidden treasure of Puerto Galera located in Barangay Dulangan is where Bulabod Beach can be found.

Panoramic view of Bulabod Beach
In this picture, you can see how the stream water flows down to the beach.

Experience its pebbles instead of white sand. Swim in a lukewarm water and refresh yourself in a cold, fresh and crystal clear stream water running in the that is literally few steps away from the beach. The water from this river goes directly to the beach that makes it lukewarm.

 

Sun Bathing

            

Refreshing after swimming in the beach

 

Nipa hut waiting to get occupied

  

How about a foot massage given
by the mother nature - pebble sand.

   

Hidden treasure revealed



Philippines can truly claim as the Asia's Beach hub. This extraordinary place located in a remote area is simply one of the many reasons why.



Have fun and see for yourself.
                          

The Light House

Who would have thought that somewhere in that corner of Sabang area is a magnificent view from The Light House. Located in Barangay Sinandigan - a peaceful cliff top village in Puerto Galera, embrace the gentle wind as you climb up the stairs and be captivated with the hidden natural beauty of this place.



I personally call it “Paradise in Puerto Galera”

Geoff & I were and still are truly amazed with this splendid place

You only need a short drive to get there. Expect a combination of paved and unpaved road that will make your motorbike ride experience more exciting. Just make sure you are used to it else you wouldn’t appreciate the travel time. You may also opt to stretch that muscles and take about 45 minutes’ walk to get there. It may not be a good idea if you are not into it but one thing is for sure, the place is really breath taking that it’s really worth the sweat when you do.



The best ride ever !!!

... swear it is !

Motorbike can be rented for a day or so for only USD 8. In Sabang area, you can find them near the public market. Better rent them in the morning as it will cost you the same when you rented it during the mid day. You only need to present or have a photo copy of any valid ID and you can use it right away.



The special place in Barangay Sinandigan with it’s local young people unknowingly making the entire place simply more fascinating while they are having fun up in the light house which again I call it – “Paradise”



Boquete Island

Many people from the Metro opt to go to Puerto Galera as their hideaway place. For just two hours bus ride away from Manila and less than an hour boat ride from Batangas Port – viola! Puerto Galera!

Located in Barangay Sto. Niño, Puerto Galera, just about 15 minutes away from Muelle Port, you might want to consider to visit and witness the beauty of Boquete Island, an isolated yet accessible island that offers a relaxing alternative place in a crowded place of Puerto Galera.



A natural flat form separating two waterways will welcome you as you enter the island.

Elizabeth’s Hideaway Hotel and Restaurant offers good food.

Guests are also welcome to use the swimming pool with a bar and their tennis court.

Kids, even the grown up will surely enjoy banana boat ride.

Have fun and enjoy water sports like Jet Skiing.

Enjoy the relaxing moment in this out-of-the-way island with the noticeably turquoise water that can be seen right in front of you.



How to get there

There are nice and convinient bus companies you can choose from. And whether you are coming from Manila, Cubao, Makati or Alabang Bus Terminal Station, just consider "BATANGAS PIER" sign board as other only goes to Batangas City.

From the pier, consider the ferry destination as there are normally three ports where the they lands; Sabang, White Beach and in between them is the Muelle Port. Muelle is the most accessible port to Boquete Island.

As we arrived at the port, we arranged a public transportation which commonly used - tricycle. Expect an almost ten minutes unpaved road on your way getting into the Island but swear it’s worth it.

Sorry but I don’t remember how much I paid for the transport service, but as always, try to arrange first and negotiate the price to be paid before closing any deal especially in most tourist spots.

There are also RO-RO (roll on roll off) buses from Manila but expect an extra hour of travelling time for this.

A private car will also do, but I personally don't encourage it, unless you have your own driver.