About 1/2 way through the year, we realized that our life here is exponentially better when we get away, event for just a day, but we weren't sure what to do. So, here's a list of the things we found for anyone that's looking for something to do. I hope you find this list helpful.
Fun things to do around Brent:
Binan Market - The hub of fruits, vegetables, and anything else you need from DVDs to tools. Enjoy an evening wandering the streets and taste some of the local street fair if you want a good feel for this Philippine life.
Carmona Market - Smaller than Binan's, but a fun experience. This is where we go if we just want a quck produce shopping trip. They even have a "fast food" section if you're hungry. It beats going to the grocery store and you'll save quite a bit of money.
Legazpi Market (Makati) - An upscale qaulity farmer's market with handmade goods, and foods from all around the world. You almost forget that you're in the Philippines.
Nuvali's Nature Walk - There's some trails behind the busy pond in Nuvali that provide a bit of peace and quiet. Your likely to see some interesting birds and not another soul while you stroll through the paths. You can end your walk with a decent meal at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Tagaytay and Taal Lake - Get up early and beat the traffic and enjoy breakfast at Bag of Beans (two new locations on the rim)!
Intramuros/Rizal Park - The heart of Manila. Be sure to make it to Fort Santiago. Book a tour with Carlos Celdran for an opinionated, comical, and historical experience.
Quiapo Church and Market - Experience the full madness of Manila in this area. Be sure to check out the Black Nazarene in the church. (not suggested for wary travelers)
Malate - Although we didn't get a chance to experience the nightlife, the energy of Malate was worth the trip. From here, it's an easy walk to Rizal Park.
August
Site: Puerto Galera
Hotel: Tamaraw Beach Resort
Description: Excellent entry into the Philippine beach scene. Basic, but comfortable hotel with beach access, snorkeling and hiking nearby. It tooks about 4 hours to get there with a drive to Batangas and ferry across. Careful...the swells can get you wet!
October
Site: Siquijor
Hotel: Coco Grove Beach Resort
Description: Absolutely spectacular spot. The resort is second to none with clean rooms, excellent food, and snorkeling right out your door. The island of Siquijor has much to offer from scenic views to mystical banyan trees.
Site: Subic Bay
Hotel: Sheavens Resort
Description: The hotel was clean and had a nice view. Subic isn't much to speak of, but they have a huge resident Flying Fox colony that is worth seeing. Also, there's some opportunity for hiking through Virgin forests which are home to some indigenous tribes and a number of interesting bird species. Beware though, they enforce traffic laws in this land!
November
Site: Mt. Batulou
Accomodation: Camping...woohoo!
Description: Just about 2 hours from campus, you can find a nice hike that ends with a wonderful 360' view of Batangas and Laguna. The hike is fairly easy and there are plenty of sari-saris on the way to quench your thirst. The walk out was a bit congested by day-hikers coming up the mountain, but it felt great to get outside for a night and actually feel chilly. Thanks to Aldo and Blake for organizing.
Site: 7 Lakes of San Pablo
Hotel: Casa San Pablo
Description: Beautiful hotel right before San Pablo proper with amazing food. Makes visiting the lakes easy and enjoyable. Mohicap Lake was by far our favorite. Be sure to ask for a private banka ride.
December
Site: Cordilleras - Banaue, Sagada and Baguio
Hotels: Banaue Hotel, St. Josephine's Resthouse,
Description: One of the most amazing drives that I've ever taken. Rice terraces, pine trees, clean rivers, fresh air, good beer, better coffee, majestic scenerey. Only regret is that we didn't spend more time exploring.
January
Site: Makiling Hiking and Los Banos Hot Springs
Hotel: Rockpoint Hot Springs Resort
Description: The Hot Springs were very disappointing as it was little more than a swimming pool with piped in luke warm water. The trip did provide a reprieve from Brentville, but nothing to write home about. The hike on Makiling was great as always, and we stopped at Crocodile Lake on the way which was beautiful.
February
Site: Mt. Makiling
Hotel: Camping
Description: A short 1 hour drive from Brentville a little bit of nature awaits. We saw our first horn bill, bathed in a refreshing creek, and enjoyed some sulfurous mud pools. A must visit...and often. You can visit the UP botanical gardens and natural history museum which are just before you enter the gate for your hike. You can also stay in the hostel if you don't feel like camping.
Site: Nasugbu...the closest coast (I think)
Hotel: Canyon Cove Beach Resort
Description: We finally got to our local coast and were pleasantly surprised with what we found. We went planning on going just for the day, but after a short swim and lunch, we decided to stay the night at Canyon Cove. The food isn't great (Max's), but the pools are ideal for kids, the beach is accessible, and it is beautiful.
March
Site: Boracay
Hotel: Seawind
Description: The beach is every bit as beautiful as people claim. A true vacation spot. Nothing to do, but enjoy the sand, water, food and drinks. Unless of course your an adrenaline junky than hit one of the many outdoor activities.
April
Site: Bohol
Hotel: Bohol Bee Farm, Stefanie Grace, East Coast White Sand Beach
Description: Maybe our favorite spot thus far. The Bohol Bee Farm had amazing views and better food. The firefly trip on the Loboc River is a must do, and we had a private beach in Anda. There's some decent hiking, cave pool swimming and birding to be had on the island as well.
Site: Brgy. Santa Lucia - foothills of Mt. Bahanhaw and San Cristobal
Hotel: Nature Villa Bed and Breakfast
Description: Eclectic hostel set in the most odd of places. Santa Lucia is a pilgrimmage destination for its holy waters and serene caves. Very interesting place, with beautiful views and a well-worth taking pilgrimmage tour.
