Tuesday, October 31, 2017

From South to North: Laguna, Rizal, and Antipolo!

Another long overdue post, as usual.

So anyway, back in August (wow, this post is like 3 months late HAHA) Jem and I decided on heading out for a quick getaway from the city life. Since we didn't really have a large amount of money and only have limited time, we decided on heading back to Kaliraya Surf Kamp for some outdoor adventure!



Unlike last time, we were luckily allowed to once again use Fordy for our little south adventure. Instead of our usual plan, we decided on travelling late in the afternoon so we could arrive at the place at night. Luckily, Kuya Marco was accommodating as ever and allowed us to do just that.

As usual, we trusted Waze for our travels, so we simply entered our destination in the app.


Because of the traffic, we arrived at the place sometime after 10 PM. The road near Surf Kamp is pretty dangerous because it lacks any street light and have sharp curves. Nevertheless, the driving and navigational skill of my trusted driver, Jem, allowed us to arrive in one piece hehe.

When we arrived, we were immediately greeted by Kuya Marco who allowed us to set up our camp by ourselves. We used the same spot we had during our last visit and relaxed for the rest of the night; by relax, I mean having a good round of drinking sesh.

By midnight, we agreed on heading back to the comforts of our tent.

We decided to simply be laid back for the rest of our stay. We didn't do anything beside from basking in the glory of our surroundings. So we only did our kodakan session when we were about to leave the place.






Before leaving, I convinced Jem that we should traverse Marilaque Highway instead of getting back to SLEX for our travel back to Manila. He quickly agreed and we set-up our spontaneous itinerary as we pass through the Province of Rizal.

Since we were both unfamiliar with this highway, we simply entered our first destination in Rizal in Waze; the Pililla Wind Farm!


Word of caution for first timers who will traverse this highway, be extra careful! The road has very sharp turns and steep assaults. Always follow proper road conduct and drive with caution.

When we reached the jump-off point to the Wind Farm, we were greeted by another short ride on unpaved road. It was quite a bumpy ride until you reach the parking spot. Entrance to the Wind Farm is absolutely free but parking will cost you (I don't quite remember how much but I think it's more or less PHP 40).

 The place is pretty much shade-less except for a few shrubs and trees

There are no shaded area here so better bring your trusted umbrellas! Also, the place is quite dusty so if you're allergic to dust, better bring your face masks.

Sari-sari stores line up the place so you don't have to worry if you suddenly feel hungry. They also sell t-shirts as souvenirs as well as small imitation of the windmills.

Past the stores, you will have to climb a small hill to have a better view of the windmills as well as the Laguna de Bay. Worry not since there's a bamboo railing which you can hold on to should you need assistance with balancing. The hill is quite steep and slippery because of the eroding ground and falling rocks.


You'll be greeted by the magnificent view of the Laguna de Bay after climbing the hill!



We decided on continuing on our journey since the sun here is blazing hot. Also, since we haven't eaten anything yet. To guide us back to Manila, we entered our next and last destination, Cloud 9 Hotel and Resort in Antipolo.

Along the way though, we stopped by a cafe along the highway to have our most awaited lunch.

My face looks namamaga HUHU

After our very fulfilling meal, we continued on our road trip to Antipolo. The funny thing with using Waze is that it will really make you go through narrow, very, very steep roads just to make you avoid traffic! We were actually lead to a way where a large 10-wheeler truck was driving in front of us. If you don't consider that as part of your thrilling adventure, I don't know what will!

By late afternoon, we finally arrived at Cloud 9 Resort!


This place is quite popular for the 360° view of Antipolo it offers. To get to that view deck though, you'll have to cross their famous hanging bridge!

By the time we arrived, swarms of tourists were already lined up to wait for their turn to cross the bridge. Since rain was already looming above our heads, Jem and I decided to wait for awhile before purchasing our tickets (for the bridge, view deck, sort-of art museum, and garden) which costs PHP 50/person. After some deliberating, we still gave it a go and lined up along with our fellow goers.


After 15-20 minutes of waiting, we were finally allowed to cross the bridge!


Honestly, at first it's pretty easy and you'll wonder why people where afraid of crossing it. However, once you get to the middle and near the end, you'll be wanting to get off the bridge as fast as possible because you'll get to notice how high you are and how unsafe the bridge really is (no net to catch people below, should they have an accident, creaking sound the metal bridge makes, cold wind breezing through, etc)!


Well, hello there kuya! 

Still, after that ordeal, you'll be greeted by the view of Antipolo!





It was raining when we visited so the sky looked pretty gloomy

When you get down from the view deck, you'll be passing through some art gallery. Various paintings and other artworks are displayed along the corridor and stairs. I assumed some of the doors are hotel rooms but I can't imagine relaxing inside one of the rooms because of the number of tourists who flock the view deck and use the stairs and corridors to get back to the lobby.


To get to the exit, you'll be passing through a short garden bridge which they dubbed 7th Heaven.




We stayed for another minute or so before deciding to drive back to our home.

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Hope you enjoyed my entry for our short trip to Laguna, Rizal, and Antipolo! Sorry I wasn't able to do a breakdown of budget but the tour and stay we had was very cheap! We didn't even go over PHP 1,200 per person, so there's that! :D

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