JustKarrz Travel Diaries

19/06/2026

19/06/2026

In Hiking Mt Romelo

It was the earliest that I had to be awake for my first ever joiner hike, 130AM. It was a long weekend Saturday for most, but for me it was just a dayhike excursion to Mt Romelo, aka Mt Kapaynutan, and 4 waterfalls. I booked my last minute day hike package through facebook, Juan Faith Adventure. The following was included the tour coordinator, local tour guide, environmental fees, and van ride from Alabang Jollibee and to the jump off point, Brgy Macatad Siniloan Laguna.

Going there was a breeze. I slept most of the way and just woke up to eat breakfast at McDonald, which was 5 minutes away from the barangay registration site.

It was still dark when we set off the trail. It was a bit of a trek to the summit, some huffing and puffing going up. Then a few hours later, we were greeted with a beautiful clear sky and the round sun high above the horizon. It was wonderful that there were not that many hikers. We had more time to appreciate the view and in taking pictures. After a few minutes we continued on with our hike towards the waterfalls. --- to be continued.

24/08/2023

Mainit Hot Springs, Brgy Villa Vicenta Caibiran

Whenever I visit Caibiran, we normally visit Mainit Hot Springs. This year, I noticed a huge change, like the bigger pool is done, there are more cottages with tables for rent at 200php, and the small boiling water pools are bigger because they rearranged the rocks.

Going to the man-made pools is the same. You have to step on the rocks and wade into the cool river. A little balancing act is needed, but is worth it when you get to dip and relax at the hot spring water pools. My skin felt softer after more or less an hour of sitting in them. There is an entrance fee of 20php for kids and 30php for adults, plus the kubo if you plan to stay and eat a bit longer.

I noticed a lot of coconut trees around and maybe you could request to buy some, to drink.

22/08/2023

11/08/2023

Hagdan Falls at Brgy Union, Caibiran Biliran

Biliran province has an abundant natural wonders, like cold clear waterfalls, beaches and mountains full of coconut trees and valleys full of palay or rice fields. Their main resource are copra, which is coconut, dried and turned into cooking oil, conditioners, etc. As well as palay. When I first tasted their rice, I asked if the rice is jasmine rice. It was not it was from their harvest. I like drinking coconut water, it is refreshing. As we motorbike the less traveled roads, stopping here and there, some of the beaches are getting polluted. The fishermen has to go a bit farther from the island to catch a hefty amount. I've been here 3x already and it is still beautiful place to relax. Very affordable if you wish to travel a couple of mountains to reach these scenic sights.

30/06/2022

Karaha Falls
Brgy. Vicenta, Caibiran, Biliran

A less traveled side road, plus a little stream, will bring you to this beautiful rock falls. It is called karaha or in tagalog, kawali. It is a wonder on how the rushing water formed the massive smooth rock. The water is cool and clear. There is nobody around for a mile or so. I would have slid down the small rock waterfalls, but because of my wobbly legs, I stopped to follow caution. I probably would end up with a concussion, anyway. The place passes through Mainit Hot Springs and a must see. Right now it is free to explore this small wonder.

mustvisitph

25/06/2019

The Quiet Sleepy Beach of Lian Batangas.

Looking for a quiet not overcrowded Beach? In the South of Manila, there is this small town of Lian. They have this stretch of beach that you can claim like your own private spot. Here you can just prop your beach towel and bask under the sun with barely any people walking around, except maybe just a few residents and fisher folks. It is nothing compared to Boracay or Laiya Beach, but quite a quiet refuge for relaxation. Small beach houses for rent dot the sandy stretch. So if you are looking for a quick getaway, stopby, see it for yourself and maybe stay a night or two.

- Lian, Batangas

20/06/2019

The majestic, but shy Mayon Volcano.

One of the wonders of Bicol is Mayon Volcano. It is known for its perfect cone shape and it's shyness, for it hides in normal days behind clouds. They say that it sometimes won't show it's perfect cone for days. But luckily while we were driving around, it gave us a glimpse of her beauty, in her entirety. We were at awe for a few minutes, taking selfies and groupies in a hurry, until the clouds moved in and covered the top. One of my must see, at least once in my life. Checked ☑️.

Mayon is a volcano that is not hard to miss. For almost everywhere around Bicol, you will see this mountain with clouds surrounding it, beconing you to stay for awhile and get to know her, before heading home.

- Bicol province

31/12/2018

The serene Taal Crater Lake.

One of the go to place for respite and refuge from the heat and pollution of city life by Manilenos, is Taal. A haven where you can have a relaxing spa, foodtrip, family picnic, play in the amusement park, and lastly nature tripping, like horse back riding, swimming and hiking. A place where you can do so much or so little, depending on your preference. A tourist destination you should not miss out on.

Taal Crater Lake, Taal Island (Talisay Batangas)

My year ender post. Hoping for more adventures this coming 2019🤞. Thank you Lord🙏 for a year full of new experiences. Thank you all for stopping by.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 🥂🎉

11/12/2018

A European-like view of Manila Cathedral.

One of the many interesting places to visit, when in Manila, is Fort Santiago. It showcases the past...a time when the Spanish colonizers lived in this walled city. You can also learn about our National Hero, Jose Rizal's incarceration here. The fort has many ruins and preserved structures you'll enjoy traversing and just plain taking pictures.

(Metro Manila)