Reasons Why Talain Cove in Mariveles is a Hidden Gem of Bataan

Unknown to locals and tourists, Mariveles, Bataan in indeed a haven of various coves. Talain Cove is one of those coves which is a very promising place to be enjoyed and explored. The cove is well enjoyed by the locals of Sitio Talain. It is not crowded so you can have the beach all for yourself. 

The cove can be reached thru an hour trek. The trail is covered with trees and shrubs. You may want to wear closed shoes or sandals for your own safety. During rainy season, the trail is muddy and slippery so be extra cautious. In our case, the trek was challenging because it rained a night before our trip. The trek was all worth it.

The fine gray sand will tempt you to walk on your bare feet as you stroll along the shore. Interestingly, the other corner of the cove is a rocky area where you can take pictures in a more dramatic way. Be careful when you stroll because the rocks are slippery.

Talain Cove is also a place where fresh water and sea water meets. Chasing Talain Falls made our trip more adventurous. The trek to waterfalls was about almost 2 hours. The trail was very challenging. The slippery rice paddies will get you dirty but it was fun. River crossing was also fun because you will choose a not so deep area in order for you to get yourself to the other side. If only I was able to record our trek, it would have been a worth sharing video. We enjoyed our stay at the falls for a couple of minutes before we went back to the shore.

After arriving, we spent more minutes swimming on the beach. We went back to the town proper late by riding on a small boat because trekking was not possible. The trek was not possible because it was raining and it was already dark. Thunderstorms and lightnings began to frightened us. Luckily, the waves at that moment were tolerable for a small boat to sail. We arrived safely at the town proper with a smile in our faces. Indeed, Talain Cove is a hidden gem to create great travel memories. 

Sentinela Cove: A Secret Beach in Claveria, Cagayan

Sentinela Cove is the home of the legendary Ubing-ubing. Ubing-ubing is believed to be the son of the legendary Lakay-lakay and Baket-baket that turned into stones due to their greediness. The cove is located in Brgy. D. Leaño that can be reached thru public and private transportation. The travel time from the town proper of Claveria will take about 15-20 minutes.

Near the cove is the prominent hill known as Bantay Kalbo which is good for a couple of minutes hiking. The view at the top is definitely breathtaking. Sentinela Cove is filled with fine off-white sands that flanked by interesting huge rock formations. There is also a mini-cave wherein you can hide from the heat of the sun. The coves' rugged beauty made this place serene. 

Bantay Kalbo on the background.

Mini-cave.

Every time my relatives visits our hometown for vacation, we always find time to visit the beach. We usually visit the famous Taggat Blue Lagoon and stroll along Claveria Beach in the town proper so I suggested that we visit Sentinela Cove for a change. 

My relatives enjoyed the place. We took pictures for good memories. The sea waves are very inviting so we also went swimming. We stayed longer and gazed on the waves crashing down the shore and rock formations. We waited until the sun sets. 

It's suffice to say that Sentinela Cove is a secret beach. Aside from its breathtaking beauty, the place is not crowded. No resorts situated along the beach. You can really have the beach all yourself.

If ever you will visit up-north and headed to Claveria, find time to visit this place to experience this for yourself. You only need few cash for the fare expenses and food to eat when you get hungry. One more very interesting thing, there is no entrance fee! Visit the cove and you will definitely like its serenity. Have you been to this place? Share me your thoughts my dear readers! 

Experiencing Doña Choleng Island Resort in Cagbalete Island, Mauban, Quezon

I have already shared my experience on the island paradise of Cagbalete Island. If you haven't seen it CLICK HERE. We stayed at Doña Choleng Island Resort. To fully experience our island getaway, we pitched our tent to enjoy the island's charm.

The resort serves food. Also, they have videoke machines for those who loves to sing their hearts out. We have enjoyed the food that was served to us. The staffs were very accommodating. To sum it up, we enjoyed our stay here. 

If you visit the island, no worries about accommodation on the island because there are a lot of resorts along the shore. While strolling, we have seen some of the resorts. Check the photos below to see what keeps you interested. 

Surprisingly, tourists can pitch tents within the resort of your choice for a cheaper price. If you want your accommodation to be more comfortable, you must ensure your reservation especially during summer season. Go ahead now and book your vacation! 

The Refreshing Beauty of Cagbalete Island in Mauban, Quezon

Cagbalete is an island paradise in Mauban, Quezon. It has gained popularity due to its long stretch of white sand beach. I was able to experience this paradise with my friend, Emil. Spending a weekend here in then tropical paradise was all worth it.

Cagbalete Island Tourist Port

To reach the island, we took an early morning 4-hour bus ride from Manila to Mauban, Quezon and around 15-20 minutes boat ride. We took JAM Bus Liner in Pasay City because the ply directly to Mauban. After arriving at the bus terminal, we took a tricycle going to the public market to buy foods and other things needed for our island trip. If you decide to to visit the island, I suggest you buy enough water and food because it's quite expensive on the island. Also, bring power banks for your gadget because electricity has a rotating supply. It must also be noted that upon arrival on the island, it's better to have a tour guide from the dock site that will assist you to reach your resort destination.

Cagbalete Docksite

Interestingly, there are a lot of things that can be done on the island. You can just lie down on the sand under the trees and feel the sea breeze. To maximize your relaxation period, do this right after lunch and let's see if you can resist in falling asleep.

You can stroll along the long stretch of white sand. One very interesting thing to do in Cagbalate Island is to stroll your war to the bonsai area. The area can only be reached during low tide. If you love taking pictures, you will definitely love the area as much as I did.

Bonsai Area

High Tide

Low Tide

I will share more of the pictures I took during our vacation. I don't need to elaborate further why this island is getting more and more popular these days. Go ahead, scroll down my dear valued readers and tease your imagination that you were also on the island experiencing this kind of paradise.

After spending 2 days and 2 night on the island, I am refreshed! Indeed, "Cagbalete, The Boracay of the Pacific". If there will be a chance to visit this island again, I will not hesitate in going back. Go ahead, plan your visit and experience what this island has to offer.

My next post will be about our accommodation experience. I will include several choices on where to stay in Cagbalete Island. 

Experiencing Summer for a Day in Camaya Coast, Mariveles, Bataan

Camaya Coast has always been on my travel bucket list since last year but the travel plan did not materialized because I was busy traveling to to other parts of the country. Camaya Coast was once a secluded cove accessible only to fishermen now transformed to a prime leisure resort and residential development. It is now open to the public for a day tour and overnight stay.

As a frequent traveler, I usually browse the web looking for great travel deals during summer. While browsing, I saw a great offer in Metro Deal for a day tour in Camaya Coast. The offer was Php 899.00 for a day-tour entrance with round-trip ferry transfers Manila-Camaya Coast-Manila. The deal includes access to the infinity pool and other amenities of the resort. 

To catch up for the 0800H departure time, I woke up early at 0500H and left the house at 0530H. I arrived at Seaside Terminal around 06300H and took my breakfast at 7-Eleven convenience store. We departed Manila on-time via MV Starlite Juno.

We arrived at Camaya Coast around 1000H. The smooth-sailing ferry ride was about 2 hours. Travel time may vary depending on the weather condition. Getting off from the ferry was exciting! I was excited to finally experience Camaya Coast and cross out one of my summer travel bucket list. 

Upon docking, you will be welcomed with lush mountains and pristine beaches. Indeed the place was very promising. Weekday tour is relaxing because the areas was not crowded. The club provides locker rooms for day tour guests. Locker keys are available at the Sand Bar and it costs Php 300.00 for replacement so better keep an eye on your key.

After putting my things in the locker room, I went biking. Ride a bike if you want to stroll all over the place for free! I was busy taking pictures as I stroll on the beautiful place. I bet you will also like the place. 

Outside foods and drinks are not allowed in Camaya but no worries because there are a lot of restaurants in the area. From Pancake House to Figaro Coffee Shop and Yellow Cab among others. I opted to have my lunch at the Pancake House. 

After my lunch, I spent my time sleeping near the beach under the coconut trees. Who will not fall asleep if you have a full stomach with a very relaxing ambiance plus a windy afternoon on the beach? I slept for about 2 hours. That was just so relaxing! 

Afterwards, I went swimming! If you want to take a break from the beach, visit their infinity pool. The pool makes you feel like you are in a jacuzzi minus the bubbles. The pool was 4 feet deep and well-maintained. Lifeguards are on the corner so nothing to worry about, you are secured.

I spent most of my afternoon chilling on the pool. At 1600H, I went shower and prepared my things. I took some snacks before I went on board. We departed Camaya Coast at 1700H and arrived in Manila around 1900H. 

I recommend this place for those who wants to relax for a day. Camaya Coast can be both visited via ferry ride or via land travel. From Manila, ferry ride will take you 2 hours while land travel will take you more or less 4 hours. It is advisable to bring with you your car if you opted for land travel because there are no public vehicles that will directly take you there. 

If ever, I will have a chance to visit this place again, I will be staying here overnight.