Carabao Island: Tagaytay Point

We capped our island tour with stopping by at the Tagaytay Point.  

The point is an uphill view that has been compared to Tagaytay in Batangas, hence its name.  Usually, this place has an entrance fee but, because we went there late and they are almost closing, they just let us enter and savor the view.  

Standing at the highest point of the island, you'll see Boracay Island from afar.  Would you believe that I've never been there?  And this is the first time I saw that island?  Well, I don't know.  Maybe because I told myself that this is the last beach/spot in the Philippines that I'll visit.  They said that it's beautiful.  I can't argue with that, I've seen tons of photos of Boracay.  But I still believe that other places in my beloved country 's worth more than those as mentioned earlier.  

Aside from the overseeing the island, watching sunsets are fantastic in this area.  We planned on catching the sunset it when we started our tour, but it didn't show up well because of the cloudy sky.  The rain the previous day might have brought those gray and gloomy clouds that hid the sun as it sets.  

We stayed there for a while hoping to see a glimpse of the sun because we were still hopeful, but it wasn't our lucky day.   We might need to go back and see it for ourselves next time.  

the registration area 

Thanks for the amazing sites, Carabao Island.  Till next time. 

Carabao Island: Kuding-Kuding Point: My First Jump

Kuding-Kuding Point is one of the leading attractions when you roam around Carabao Island.    It offers a majestic cliff diving experience and picnic destination for both locals and tourists.  

The term Kuding-kuding came from a Visayan word, which means "cat."  My guide didn't know exactly why it was called such, but according to some blogs, the sound of the waves created a "meow" sound like, hence the term.  

One can jump off the cliff infinitely depending on the weather.  But one must pay an entrance fee of Php 100 per person.   For non-swimmers but with a brave heart, they can jump off the cliff with their life vest with them.  Ask for it from the caretaker, and he'll provide one for you.  Remember Safety First. 

And say, cliff jumping is not your thing.  You can still enjoy this clear, turquoise water by going down into the cave, which has several openings that leads to the ocean.  My guide tried it, and according to him, it was tough because the water level was high so he didn't advise me to do it.  

The water in the cave was so clear that you can see the sea floor.  I took loads of photos of this beautiful creation so I could share it but my pictures don't give justice to what I saw and experience.  I think I spent more than 30 mins here just taking in everything.  It's surreal.  

By the way, this site is also suitable for watching the sun as he retires for the day.  I got a terrific silhouette shot here that you can also do when you visit this place. :) 

'Til next time, Kuding-kuding.

But first, I need to learn some basic swimming to have a braver heart.  

*I challenged myself and jumped off the cliff (with vest) twice (yey!) but it took me years before I did my first.  And the feeling (after my first jump) was unexplainable that I need to do another.  Haha! And so I did.  I was so proud of myself for doing it that I deserve a double tap on my shoulder.*  Haha! 

Carabao Island : Ngiriton Cave

Ngiriton Cave

A cave that's located at the top of a hill surround by forest is the so-called Ngiriton Cave.  The word "ngiriton," has the same meaning in Bicol dialect, which means smiling.  I guess our close proximity to the Visayan islands makes it means identical.  

By the way, the cave is part of the half-day tour which can be reached by riding a habal-habal and doing a few hikes up the mountain.  

* For formalities, when you reach the area, one needs to register in the Logbook just to keep track of its visitors, and he needs to pay an entrance fee of Php 100.      

The hike up was not as tiring as it seems because it is not that long but for some, it might be taxing. 

*Just an additional information, they used to climb up the cave on an uneven soil while holding to certain roots but now, they have provided the site with stairways so it'll be easier for visitors to climb up thus avoiding injuries.  

When you reach the opening of the cave, on its right side, you'll notice 2 cave rooms that are barred with wood.  They said that the ancient people used them as a hiding place against guerillas.  

When you turn your back to the cave, a beautiful sight welcomes you.  Here you'll have a view of Carabao Island overlooking Boracay.  :)  Awesome, right?

Moving a bit down and to your left is the rest of the cave.  The magnificent greenish structure of the cave welcomes you with some swirling bats.  They are not that many, however, compared to that of in Samal Island, so it isn't that smelly.  :) 

*Caution: Just mind your head as you explore the rest of the cave.  

Inside, you'll see some bats sleeping and comfortably hanging on the walls of the cave.    I tried capturing them, but my photos will not give justice to what I really saw.  

I also spotted stalagmites and stalactites.  Again, my photos wouldn't give justice to its beauty.  

spot the smiling face 

A bench for resting is also provided just outside the cave.  

And of course, to quench your thirst, a fresh buko juice, taken straight from the coconut tree,  is provided to you as a complimentary drink when you descend.  Actually, it is included in the entrance fee so don't worry. :)