Nature Break in Tubajon

 A Chill Day at Aquamarine Park - Tubajon, Laguindingan

I recently went back again to Aquamarine park in Tubajon, Laguindingan with some friends, and as usual, it did not disappoint. This spot lets me slow down, enjoy nature, and take a break from city busyness. It has become even one of my go-to places for some of those things.

Not My First Time--and Still Worth It🍃

Although this wasn't my first visit, every time feels refreshing still. Always, the vibe is quite calm, and so very peaceful are the surroundings. This little quiet sanctuary tucked away in Laguindingan is accessible for an entrance fee of just P30.

Get inside, so you'll find a bamboo pathway. It guides you through the wetlands. It seems pleasant yet plain. Even with me having been there a few times, walking through it never does get old, I still enjoy it.

Mangroves Everywhere🌳

Mangrove Forest: A thriving mangrove ecosystem shelters birds, fish, and other marine species. It acts as a coastal buffer, protecting nearby communities and providing a safe haven for wildlife.

Things You Can Do

• Kayaking- You can rent a kayak for around P100-200 per hour. It's so chill just paddling through the mangroves. If you're not into extreme stuff but still want a bit of fun, this is perfect.
• Cottage rentals- If you're with friends or family, you can rent a cottage (prices range from P200 to P1000). 
• Walk around- There's a trail and some photo-worthy spots too. It's really laid back, no pressure to do anything. You can just enjoy the moment.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

sample of the cottage

What to Bring (Trust Me)

Since It's more of a nature park than a commercial place, It's best to come prepared:

• Food and drinks(may tindahan sa labas but mejo pricey)
• Extra clothes if you're kayaking or might get wet
• Cash (small bills, no ATMs some has access to Gcash)
• Trash bag (please clean as you go)
• Comfortable footwear (don't wear your best shoes LOL)
• Power bank and water (if you're planning to stay for a while)

📍How to Get There

•  From Iligan City, It's around 65-70km. It took us about 1.5hrs by car (depends on your speed)
•  From CDO, It's closer about 45-50km, around 1 to 1.5 hrs of travel.

The road going to Tubajon is okay. 

⚠Heads-Up!

• Weekends and Holidays: It gets really crowded. Lots of families, barkadas, etc.  If you want peace and quiet, better go on a weekday.
• They close early- around 4 to 5pm, so don't come too late or you won't have time to enjoy it.

Bonus: Fresh Seafood Just Outside🦀

Another cool thing is that just outside Aquamarine  Park, there are small stores where you can buy fresh seafood. They sell all kinds of shells, swaki or tuyom (local shellfish), crabs, and more- you name it, they probably have it.

What's even better? The prices are super affordable. You can get seafood starting at around P100 per pack, and the cost depends on how much you buy. So if you're a seafood lover or just want to bring something fresh home, this is definitely a great spot to check out after your visit.

Final Thoughts🤔🗭

I don't really expect much from this trip-we just went there since we were already nearby. But like always, the place gave me that kind of peace I didn't know I needed. No loud crowds(especially on weekdays), no pressure to do anything. Just nature, silence, and fresh air.

My friends had a great time too, especially since it was their first visit. We just enjoyed walking around, taking photos, and soaking up the quiet. Sometime that's all you really need.

I think that's why I keep coming back. It's not about the activities or getting "content". It's more about the peace it gives you-something a lot of places don't offer anymore.

If you ever find yourself in Laguindingan, don't skip it. It might not be fancy but it's real.

No Sleep, No Regrets: My 3 AM Hike at Mt. Anggas

 If you're looking for a quick but satisfying hike near Iligan City, Mt. Anggas in Libertad, Misamis Oriental is a great choice. I recently did a sunrise traverse here, and I have to say, the experience was nothing short of amazing. But one thing's for sure--you need to start early unless you want to suffer under the brutal heat!

The Plan: Leaving Iligan at 1am

Since I wanted to catch the sunrise and avoid hiking in the heat, Me and my friends decided to leave Iligan City at 1:00 am. The travel time was about 1 hour and 40 minutes, so we arrived in Libertad at 2:40 am-- just enough time to rest for a bit, prep, and mentally prepare for the hike.

At exactly 3:00 am, We started trekking. Since it was still dark, I had my flashlight, and the cool breeze made the ascent really comfortable. The trail isn't too technical, but there are some steep parts, so I made sure to pace myself.

Reaching the Peak Just In Time for Sunrise

After about an hour and 45 minutes. I finally reached the peak. Just in time! The sky was slowly changing colors. It was one of those moments where you just stop, breathe, and take everything in. Absolutely breathtaking.

What I loved most was the peacefulness--no loud city noises, just the wind, the feeling of being on top of the world. Definitely worth the early wake-up call.

Traversing Mt. Anggas

Instead of heading back the same way, We decided to traverse the mountain. This was the more challenging part, but it was also where I got to see more of the landscape. The rolling hills, open trails, and cool morning air made the experience even more memorable.

One important rule: You Have to be down before 8:30 am. By 9am, the sun is scorching, and the exposed trails offer little to no shade. I made sure to descend early to avoid getting roasted under the sun.

Thoughts...

If you want a quick adventure without the need for extreme endurance, Mt. Anggas is a solid pick. The sunrise view is stunning, the hike is manageable, and if you start early, you get to enjoy the best parts without suffering under the heat.

Would I do it again? 100% YES.

A Journey Above the Clouds: Roty Peak, Impasugong Bukidnon

 

RotyPeak, Impasugong Bukidnon

There are places that don't just take your breath away but also make you feel alive, connected, and completely at peace. For me, RotyPeak in Impasugong Bukidnon, is one of those places.

A view at the mountain ridge

Natures at Its Best

    One of the things I loved most about RotyPeak was how untouched it felt. There were no crowds, no noisy distractions--just raw, unfiltered nature. The mountains are so perfectly sculpted it's almost hard to believe they're real, yet they are. Bukidnon has a way of showing you beauty in its purest form, and RotyPeak is no exception.

The Journey

Getting there isn't your typical drive. You need either a motorcycle or a 4x4 vehicle to handle the rugged road leading to the destination. I chose to ride a motorcycle, and while the bumpy trail kept me on edge at times, the views along the way were incredible. The surrounding mountains made the trip feel like part of the adventure.

Staying at RotyPeak

If you're not up for camping, you can rent a cozy "kubo" for the night. The accommodations are simple but comfortable, and there's something special about falling asleep surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature. For me, staying overnight was a no-brainer--I wanted to catch the sunrise from the peaks the next morning, and I wasn't disappointed.

Breakfast with a View

One of the highlights of my stay was the breakfast. You can buy meals at a very reasonable price, and everything they serve feels like it's made with care. But the real star for me? Their Local made Kape (unlimited coffee). I've had my share of coffee in different places, but there's something about sipping a strong, flavorful brew while surrounded by the peaks of Bukidnon. It's like the mountains added an extra layer of richness to every sip.

Things to Do at RotyPeak

• Minor Trekking: The trails take you along ridges with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. The trek is manageable for beginners but still exciting, especially along the narrow ridges.
• Camping: If you're into the outdoors, the campsite is well-maintained and offers an authentic mountain experience.
• Relaxation: Sometimes, the best thing to do is nothing at all. Just sit back, breathe in the fresh air, and let the mountains work their magic.

Tips for Visitors

• Prepare for the road: The journey can be rough, so plan your transport accordingly.
• Bring cash: There's no ATM nearby, and you'll need cash for the entrance fee, meals, and other expenses.
• Try the coffee: I can't emphasize this enough-- you won't regret it.
• Stay overnight if you can: Waking up to a mountain sunrise is an experience you won't want to miss.

Communal Ranch in Bukidnon: A Hidden Gem You Shouldn't Miss

 

Communal Ranch,Impasug-ong Bukidnon

Bukidnon has always been known for its cool weather, picturesque landscapes, and laid-back vibe, but tucked away among its vast plains and towering mountains is a hidden gem that not many travelers known about: the Communal Ranch

I stumbled upon this place during a trip with a friend, and honestly, I wasn't expecting much. But as soon as I arrived, I realized I had underestimated it. The ranch isn't just a tourist spot--it's an experience that brings you closer to nature.

The Hidden Wonder of Limunsudan Falls

Tucked deep within the untouched wilderness of Northern Mindanao, Limunsudan Falls--often called Mindamora Falls--is a marvel waiting to be discovered. Known as one of the tallest waterfalls in the Philippines. It's raw, unfilteredbeauty is both humbling and exhilarating, the kind that beckons only those willing to embrace the call of adventure. 

  The Untouched Beauty of Mindamora

Limunsudan Falls is not just a destination--it's an experience and part of it's charm lies in how remote it is. Unlike popular tourist spots, this hidden gem remains blissfully untouched by commercialization. There are no crowds, no noise, and no distractions--just you and nature in its purest form.

This is a place where time slows down, where every sound, from the rustling leaves to the cascading water, feels amplified. It's an escape from the chaos of daily life, a reminder of the beauty and simplicity the natural world has to offer.

Getting There: What You Need to Know

Visiting Limunsudan Falls requires a bit of planning and patience. The journey involves rough roads and in some areas, a bit of trekking. But as anyone who's been there will tell you, the effort is worth it.

Footwear & Gear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes for the trek, as the terrain can be uneven and slippery.

Water & Snacks: The area is remote, so it's best to bring your own supplies.

Respect the Environment: Leave no trace Help preserve the falls by keeping the area clean and undisturbed.

Local Guides: It's recommended to hire a local guide for the trip, as the falls are located in a remote and relatively unexplored area.