Experience the Adventures n the Sky

Looking for some exciting activity? Then book a flight, pack your things and visit Crown Regency Hotel's Sky Experience Adventure in Cebu.

 CROWN REGENCY CEBU

Located at Fuente Osmena Blvd., Cebu City, Crown Regency Hotel offers the first and only Sky Adventure Experience in the country.. You could try different extreme activities on top of a building. Here's what I've tried so far....

SKY WALK EXTREME

This activity is recommended to those who want to conquer their fear of heights. You will have to walk around translucent glass flooring at the edge of the 37th floor of Crown Regency. You'll be wearing a harness for the entire walk and you will be accompanied by a guide so there's nothing to worry about... Just enjoy the experience... :) I had fun on this one... :)

 THE EDGE COASTER

Located at the 38^th floor, Edge Coaster is a ride that goes around the edge of the building. It has a control lever that can tilt the platform down up to 55 degrees. The lever is manually operated by the rider.  We accidentally pushed the lever too hard that we really leaned forward… That was a bit scary but since you have in control of the lever, you can operate it based on what position you prefer.

 CLIFFHANGER

Cliffhanger is said to be the "World's First Climbing Wall" atop a building designed to create the illusion that the building below you just disappears (http://www.skyexperienceadventure.com/updates/cliff-hanger). Located 7 feet from the edge of the roof top's 2nd floor, climbing was not as hard as I thought because the rocks were big enough to hold my feet. But of course, as you climb higher, you're strength lowers down. I literally sweat during this activity. But it was all fun... I had a wonderful experience. :)

 VERTEX

A 30-feet high pole, Vertex is the highest structure of the Sky Experience Adventure. When you reach the top, you will see the nice view of the City.  The harness attached to your body has an automatic lock that will not let you move unless you lean back. So be sure to lean back while going up and even when going down.

The vertex is usually done after the cliffhanger so what makes it difficult is the fact that you're already tired from the previous activity.

So you think that's the end of the experience? Wait till you see what's next.... After going up, how do I get down???

 RAPELLING

This, I think, is the most challenging part... Rapelling from the top of the building... At first, I was like, aren’t you coming with me? (Referring to my guide)... I really have to do this alone?The scary part was the first release of the rope... My knees were trembling. But when I finally learned that I can control the rope, it became easy and I had a smooth landing.

All activities are equipped with safety harness. They also provide safety gears such as helmet, suites and shoes (socks not included so be sure to bring one). Personal cameras are not allowed inside the activity area. They have photographers who can take pictures at an additional charge.. 

The Sky Experience Adventure is a bit pricey but it's definitely worth it.. You're really paying for the experience..:)

For complete lists of the activities and rates, you can check out their website http://www.skyexperienceadventure.com/ 

 

Don't Go Chasing Waterfalls

Every time I'm planning on going somewhere, I usually hope that there's a waterfalls in that place... I don't know but the sound of the water falling somehow relaxes me. I love it when after what seemed to be a never ending trail comes that very refreshing feeling when you've finally reached the falls.  Here's a collection of my fascination for waterfalls.....

 DARANAK FALLS

Just less than 3hrs from Manila, Daranak Falls is located in barangay Sampaloc,Tanay, Rizal. If you want to experience nature without the hassle of traveling for like 5 to 6 hours, go to Daranak Falls. The water here is quite deep so only swimmers can enjoy it. You can even jump from a high point of the falls, that is, if you're confident that you can really swim. They have tables for rent so you can bring food. They also charge a minimal amount for the entrance fee.

BATLAG FALLS

Just upstream of Daranak Falls is the Batlag Falls. This is a much smaller falls with shallow water so even kids can swim. They charge a separate entrance fee here. 

BOMOD-OK FALLS

This has been so far the most beautiful falls I have ever seen.. I am not exaggerating when I say the most beautiful because it really is.. Bomod-ok Falls is located in Sagada, Mt. Province.. From Manila, you have to travel 13 hours to the mountains of Cordillera before you could reach Sagada. From the town proper, you have to rent a van for a 30 minutes ride to the jump-off point then walk 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the falls.. You will literally jump of the water after a tiring trek (reminder: the water is as cold as ice) most of the portion was deep but there are parts where you can swim.. After seeing bomod-ok, i just knew i have to swim on that deep part.. I don't want to miss that chance of having my picture taken while swimming (as if i really know how to swim.. hahaha)..

I reached the other end but I don't have anything to hold on too and that freaked me out a little cause I'm not a good swimmer. I basically know how to swim but to stay in the deep part of the water, that i can't handle for long so i have to swim back to the shallow part.. Whew! That was close! But I survived.. :)

TAMARAW FALLS

Puerto Galera is one of hottest destination during summer. If you're thinking of fun under the sun, you ride a bus going to Batangas Pier then ride a boat going to the famous white beach. Though Galera is known for its beach and all other activities like banana boat and island hopping, locals from Puerto Galera also offer a tour to the Tamaraw Falls. With its water not too deep, even non swimmers can jump and enjoy the water. The jeepney going to the falls is usually rented at Php1,500. 

MAG-ASO FALLS

This is the first and only waterfalls that I have been to outside luzon. Located in the town of Antequera, Bohol, Mag-aso Falls is considered as one of the scenic attraction in the province. Too bad I wasn't able to experience its water for we just dropped by to see what it's like before heading to our main destination that day which is Danao.

KAWA KAWA FALLS

Located at the foot of Mt. Isarog (Consocep) in Camarines Sur, Kawa Kawa Falls is named after the word KAWALI for it looks like a big pan (kawali). We had the chance to experience the water of kawa kawa falls.. Just fine, not too cold.. :)

TUMAGUITI FALLS

Few climbs up from kawa kawa is the Tumaguiti falls.. No swimming spot here, just falling water.. It's like drizzling when you're near tumaguiti, very refreshing.. 

MAJAYJAY FALLS

Also called Taytay Falls, Majayjay is located in the town of Liliw, Laguna. They allow overnight stay here either you bring a tent with you or occupy the rooms that offer at the drop off area. Majayjay, I must say, is very picturesque. But if it's your first time to go to Majayjay, be sure to leave manila early because all I can recall during our trip is the road that never ends..

DIGUISIT FALLS

Located in the Province of Aurora, Diguisit falls is one of the several falls in Baler. Just right across the stretch of Cemento Beach, Diguisit Falls added beauty to the breathtaking beaches of Baler. 

DITUMABO FALLS

Still in Baler, Ditumabo Falls is twice as big as Diguisit.. and if Diguisit is found just at side of the road, going to Ditumabo is far way harder. From the town proper, you have to take a tricycle for a 30mins ride to the drop off point (expect a really bumpy ride going to the falls). From the drop off point, it's a 45 minutes walk down to the falls.. If you're looking for some adventure, you came to the right place.. The current of the water makes it more harder to cross the trails going to the falls.. But for the experience, it's a two thumbs up.. Plus the falls is beautiful.. Mesmerizing.. :)

And it's a wrap.. Now time to plan for my next trip.. Hmmm..  any suggestion??? :)

The Great SAGADA Adventure :)

Getting There:

From Manila, there are two ways to get to Sagada. One is via Baguio, victory liner travels 24hrs every hour to Baguio, then from there take another bus ride (ordinary bus) going to Sagada. the trip will take about 13hrs, 6hrs from Manila to Baguio then another 7 hrs from Baguio to Sagada. The next option, and the one that we chose, is via Bontoc. Cable Tours Bus Line is the only bus company that travels to Bontoc, Mt. Province. They have a daily trip that leaves the terminal (terminal located along E. Rodriguez Ave., near St. Lukes Medical Center) at 8:30 in the evening and arrives Bontoc at around 8am the next day.

 CABLE TOURS BUS

CABLE TOURS OFFICE AT BONTOC

Since, most of the passengers are going to Sagada, they offered to drive us straight to Sagada for an additional Php100 fare so from Php650 to Pho750, not bad.

The reason why we opted to travel via Bontoc is because it will pass by the famous Banaue rice Terraces (via Baguio route doesn't pass by there) and so we asked the driver to make a quick stopover for some picture taking. They were kind enough to allow us.

Accommodation:

There are lots of Inns and Guesthouse you can choose from.. We booked a reservation at George Guest House at Php900/night for 4 persons. All fan rooms since you will not be needing air condition because of the cold weather (extra cold during night time).

The Food

with Php150, you can enjoy a big serving of yoghurt house's pasta.. plus their yoghurt, super sarap.. :)

you can also check the food at haddeku's and ganduyan.. Ganduyan's sagada coffee is a must.. :)

too bad we didn't try masferre's pancake and the buffet at rock inn.. i heard they're a hit too.. so you should try it.. :)

And the Adventure Begins

First stop, the tourism information center. This is where Sagada guests register and arrange a tour packages. 

it's half past 2 in the afternoon so our 1st and only destination for the day will be the Sumaguing Cave (Php650).. Our tour guide will be kuya peter.. it's a 30mins walk from the tourist information Center and the cave connection proper will take about three hours.

ON OUR WAY TO SUMAGUING CAVE

 

THE CAVE CONNECTION EXPERIENCE

That is one heck of an experience. Very tiring but super worth it. After coming out of the cave alive, we no longer have the energy to walk back at the lodge. Good thing a private jeepney pass by the area and were kind enough to give us a ride for free.   

 The Great Sagada Adventure- Day 2

We went back to the tourism center to arrange our tour for the day.. Our destination for the day, Bomod-ok Falls (big waterfalls) and Echo Valley (hanging coffins). We had to rent a van for this next destination. Again, kuya peter accompanied us on our 2nd day.

To reach the waterfalls, we have to walk 1 hr 45 minutes passing by the rice terraces and literally trek the edge of the mountain. wrong move and we're dead.. After walking like forever, the view of the waterfalls took the tiredness away. We splashed into the water and uh-oh, it was as cold as ice.. But of course, we had so much fun.. :)

 ON OUR WAY TO BOMOD-OK FALLS

GUESS WHAT WE SAW ALONG THE WAY?

BOMOD-OK FALLS

SWIMMING TIME

After enjoying the waters of Bomod-ok, we went back to the jump off point (another 1hr45mins trek) and ride the van back to the town proper. We don't need to worry on wet clothes for it's all dry when we reach the jump off point.. :) we headed back to the lodge to have lunch and rest for a bit. At around 5 in the afternoon we went back to the tourist center and meet kuya peter then went straight to echo valley. 

Echo Valley is just 15mins away from the town. We walk passed a church and a cemetery on our way to Echo Valley where the hanging coffins were located.

ECHO VALLEY

THE CHURCH

The Great Sagada Adventue-Day 3

The 3rd day of our stay in Sagada was supposed to be just half of the day then we're leaving for Manila already. But the last trip going to Baguio or Bontoc was 11am so we have a very minimal time and we haven't seen the lake and the mountain we're part of the sound of music was filmed. So we decided to just extend another night and leave early morning of next day. 

This time a different tour guide, Kuya Joseph, will take us to Lake Danom and Mt. Ampacao. We had a side trip at Sagada Pottery wherein we met a mountaineering team headed by the broadcaster, Abner Mercado.

SAGADA POTTERY

WITH ABNER MERCADO AND THE REST OF HIS TEAM

LAKE DANOM

you can also reach lake danom from Mt. Ampacao by trekking but since we do not have much time, we just used a car to reach the two remaining destinations.

 

TREK GOING TO MT. AMPACAO

WHERE ON TOP OF THE WORLD

(ON TOP OF MT. AMPACAO)

That ended our super fun Sagada adventure.7am the next day, we ride an ordinary bus going to baguio.. Had lunch at SM Baguio, visited Baguio Cathedral then off to Victory Liner terminal bound for Manila.. :)

This is a budget friendly trip, with 5,000pesos you can enjoy the whole of Sagada.. :) Have fun on you Sagada adventure too.. :)