Destinations

Enchanted by Surigao del Sur’s Tinuy-an Falls

When his international friends messaged him of their pending visit to Mindanao, John Ryan Mendoza recommended that they experience Surigao del Sur for the first time together, considering that not much of the province has been tackled in international travel books. When they visited, they then discovered Tinuy-An Falls, the supposed “Niagara Falls of the Philippines”.

Published

10 years ago

June 15, 2014

John Ryan Mendoza

I live and work in the northern and central part of Mindanao. What I know of the eastern side of the island was that it is always at the frontline of the Pacific Ocean typhoons and thus one of the poorer areas in the island with quite long and difficult roads. All the same, the word of mouth from fellow Mindanaoans of the less explored white beaches, enchanting rivers, and majestic waterfalls has always gone around.

And so, when my German friends messaged me of their visit to Mindanao, I just have to suggest that we experience Surigao del Sur for the first time together. As expected, not much of the province has been tackled in international travel books.

We decided to see the Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, a city known as the “Booming City by the Bay” in Surigao del Sur.

We started our Surigao del Sur expedition from Davao City. At the Ecoland Bus Terminal, we were offered two transport options: the eight to nine hour non-airconditioned bus trip directly to Brgy. Mangagoy, Bislig City’s commercial and trade center (155 pesos) or the five hour airconditioned bus trip to San Francisco, Agusan del Sur and a transfer to a two to three hour non-airconditioned bus or van trip to Bislig. It was a hot and sunny day from Davao and the five hour cooler San Francisco route was the better option for us.

We arrived at Brgy. Mangagoy in Bislig in a van and were welcomed by a crowd of motorcycle drivers to take us to our lodging and were offering trip bookings to the Tinuy-an falls and the Enchanted River. We agreed to pay 1,500 pesos for each (Dolfo – 09078660659 and Glen – 09078282567) that could carry two to three passengers to both places for a whole day.

We spent the night at the Paper Country Inn at 800 pesos for a double bed airconditioned room with private CR and hot shower.

We left early the next morning on single motorcycles that took 40 minutes to arrive in Sitio Sote, Brgy. Burboanan. Locals advise to see the falls between 9 am to 11 am to see rainbows form among the white water curtains.

The Tinuy-an falls is considered as sacred by the Manobo Tribal Council of Sote because it is part of the 13,000 hectare of the ancestral domain of the Manobos and it has provided their forefathers and the present generation with a bountiful catch of fish and other freshwater necessities. The Manobos request that all guests share the same respect that they give to the grand falls.

Spanning 95 meters wide, standing at 55 meters (180 feet) high, and cascading in three tiers, Tinuy-an Falls is said to be the widest waterfall in the country and touted as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines. The surrounding century old trees, ferns and thick shrubbery give you a feel of being in a hidden paradise.

An entrance fee of 50 pesos is charged per person and if you have your own vehicle a 20 peso parking fee is also charged. Aside from the falls, the area offers other amenities for different needs. At the picnic grounds, umbrella sheds can be rented for 150 pesos, a table with four chairs for 100 pesos and 10 pesos for each additional chair, and small and big cottages can be rented out for 200 and 300 pesos respectively. A function hall can also be rented for 1,000 pesos per day.

When swimming, life jackets can be rented for 30 pesos for the whole day. For a closer view of the falls, bamboo rafts can be rented from 100 to 150 pesos.

Options are also available for those who want to spend the night. A room good for 10 persons can be rented at 1,800 pesos a night. For couples, rooms can be rented at 600 pesos a night.

We spent the whole morning swimming the cool waters, climbing the three tiers of the falls, seeing the lush surrounding forest from above, and just lounging at the waterside while enjoying the gentle mists of water from the cascades. At noontime we proceeded to the Enchanted River.

In Visayan, “Tinuy-an” means “a place you’ll keep going back.” It may be a little far for most, but these majestic falls surely lives up to its name.

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John Ryan Mendoza

A registered nurse he may be, but Cagayan de Oro City-based John Ryan Nual Mendoza is an ardent believer of holistic living - as such, he advocates, for instance and among others, the use not only of Western approaches to healing, but also of the more traditional methodologies that may be learned from the hilot, babaylan, et cetera. As he said, in life, "why be limited, when you can have a more full/complete life by embracing just about everything?"

Destinations

Singapore Cable Car launches world’s first Skyorb Cabins

Exclusively designed for the Singapore Cable Car, the SkyOrb Cabin is the world’s first chrome-finished spherical cable car cabin. Unlike conventional cabins, the spherical design of the SkyOrb Cabins breaks the boundaries of traditional cable car aesthetics, offering a futuristic and captivating look.

Published

4 weeks ago

April 4, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Mount Faber Leisure Group officially launched the new futuristic SkyOrb Cabins on the Singapore Cable Car – Mount Faber Line. The launch of the SkyOrb Cabins took place at Mount Faber Peak, as part of the Singapore Cable Car’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The event was attended by Bob Tan, Chairman of Sentosa Development Corporation and Thien Kwee Eng, Chief Executive Officer of Sentosa Development Corporation, as well as Michael Syn, Chairman of Mount Faber Leisure Group and Buhdy Bok, Managing Director of Mount Faber Leisure Group.

SkyOrb Cabins – A cabin like no other in the world

Exclusively designed for the Singapore Cable Car, the SkyOrb Cabin is the world’s first chrome-finished spherical cable car cabin. Unlike conventional cabins, the spherical design of the SkyOrb Cabins breaks the boundaries of traditional cable car aesthetics, offering a futuristic and captivating look.

The SkyOrb cabin boasts a spectacular view through its glass-bottomed floor

Fitted with glass-bottomed floors to allow guests to view the scenery below their feet, the new cabins offer guests an elevated journey with a stunning panoramic view of the skyline. As night falls, a captivating ring of lights surrounds the cabin windows, casting an illuminating glow that imparts a distinctly futuristic ambience.

The SkyOrb Cabins have been thoughtfully designed with double window louvres at the front and triple window louvres at the rear, providing enhanced air ventilation for guests on board. To offer an exclusive experience, only seven SkyOrb Cabins will join the existing fleet, enriching the vibrancy of the Sentosa skyline.

SkyOrb Cabin on the Mount Faber Line

“Each SkyOrb cabin, a gleaming chrome orb soaring through the sky, embodies modern design. These cabins offer guests a one-of-a-kind experience, taking them on a discovery between Mount Faber Peak and Sentosa, unveiling breathtaking views along the way,” said Mr Buhdy Bok, Managing Director of Mount Faber Leisure Group.

Collaboratively designed between Mount Faber Leisure Group and renowned cable car cabin manufacturer CWA, the SkyOrb Cabins showcase product innovation and commitment to creating new unique experiences for guests. Based in Olten, Switzerland, CWA has enjoyed a long partnership with Mount Faber Leisure Group since the first generation of the Singapore Cable Car cabins was launched in 1974.

The SkyOrb Cabins will be open for guests to experience from 20 March 2024 and tickets will be available for sale at the Singapore Cable Car Mount Faber and Sentosa Station ticketing counters from the same day. Mount Faber Line and Cable Car Sky Pass ticket holders have the privilege of upgrading one-way of their round trip (between Mount Faber and Sentosa Cable Car Stations) to a SkyOrb Cabin experience. This upgrade costs $15 per person on weekdays, and $20 per person on weekends and Public Holidays.

Destinations

Japan ranks as top leisure travel destination for Filipino travellers: Visa study

According to the data, 24% of surveyed Filipino respondents have traveled overseas for leisure or business purposes in the past year. This trend aligns with a broader travel resurgence across Asia Pacific, with 37% of those surveyed reporting overseas travels within the same period.

Published

4 weeks ago

April 3, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Visa, a global player in digital payments, has published its most recent Green Shoots Radar study^[1]. This quarterly report analyzes consumer sentiments across various sectors, such as financial services, commerce, and travel.

The study reveals a surge in travel frequency among Filipino travelers. According to the data, 24% of surveyed Filipino respondents have traveled overseas for leisure or business purposes in the past year. This trend aligns with a broader travel resurgence across Asia Pacific, with 37% of those surveyed reporting overseas travels within the same period.

Japan emerged as the top leisure destination for Filipino travelers, with 32% visiting in the past year. Singapore (22%) followed by Hong Kong (21%) and Thailand (18%) were the next most popular destinations. For business trips, Singapore led the list with 25%, followed by Japan (23%), and the United States tied with Hong Kong at 18%.

Filipino travelers prefer to book flight tickets directly from the provider’s website (44%). Among those respondents who booked their accommodations through Online Travel Agencies and paid the full amount upon booking, using credit cards is the most popular payment mode (41%), followed by mobile/e-wallets (28%).

Jeff Navarro, Country Manager for Visa Philippines, said, “As cross-border travel gains momentum in the Philippines and the region, we have a significant opportunity to maintain visibility throughout travelers’ journeys. This involves being present during destination searches and bookings, using Visa cards on travel apps for smoother transactions, and engaging consumers with authentic travel and shopping content to create a secure and seamless digital payments experience for everyone, everywhere.”

The future of travel remains promising, with 65% of Filipino respondents planning overseas leisure travel in the next 12 months. The top three leisure destinations intended in the next 12 months are Japan (38%), followed by South Korea (29%) and Singapore (16%). For business travel, Japan (19%), Canada (13%), and South Korea (12%) are the most likely destinations.

According to Visa’s Global Travel Intentions 2023 study^[2], majority (89%) of Filipino travelers used credit (44%) and debit (39%) cards when travelling, for the benefits of cards’ wide acceptance (56%), accepted at ATMs (49%), and ability to be used both online and within apps (43%).

Visa’s most recent Consumer Payment Attitudes 2023 study^[3] data also reflect cards as the preferred mode of payment when travelling, where 25% of surveyed Filipinos use credit or debit cards online and 21% use via swipe or insert when traveling overseas.

[1] The Green Shoots Radar survey was conducted online in 14 markets covering more than 8,000 respondents, including 500 consumers in the Philippines in January 2024, towards male and female respondents aged 18-65 with a minimum household income of PHP 12,000.

[2] The Global Travel Intentions Study is the largest and longest running global consumer insights program from Visa, which surveys travelers across continents on their travel journey and payment behavior. The study was conducted across April-June 2023 to more than 1,000 Filipino respondents.

[3] The Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes Study was conducted in Oct-Nov 2023 via online interviews with 1.000 Filipino consumers across the country with a demographic mix of ages (18-65), genders and income levels.

Travel

Tips to prep your motorcycle for safe road trips

Here are key steps to ensure your motorcycle is in top condition and ready for a safe and enjoyable riding season.

Published

1 month ago

March 22, 2024

Rachelle Grace Tan-Estrecho

With longer days and sunny weather, the open road beckons to two-wheel owners. Preparing a motorcycle after it’s been in storage involves several key steps to ensure it’s ready for the road after the winter months. CTEK, the global player in vehicle charging solutions, provides recommendations for riders to prep their vehicles for peak performance and peace of mind on the open road.

“Life on two wheels epitomizes freedom and exhilaration, but unforeseen challenges can arise at any turn,” shared Bobbie DuMelle, President of CTEK North America. ‘With proper preparation, riders can bid farewell to battery woes and enjoy their ride.”

CTEK recommends some key steps to ensure your motorcycle is in top condition and ready for a safe and enjoyable riding season:

Vehicle Inspection

Give the entire motorcycle a thorough visual inspection, checking for any loose bolts, leaks, or damage. Pay attention to areas such as the frame, exhaust system, and bodywork. Do a thorough inspection of your motorcycle including fluids, tires, brakes, lights and electrics, chain and sprockets, fuel system, air filter and suspension.

Battery Test

Ensure the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion. Charge the battery if it’s been sitting idle. CTEK recommends using the CTEK CS FREE, which features Adaptive Boost technology to ensure precise delivery of power and swiftly charge any 12V lead acid or lithium battery, resurrecting a dormant motorcycle battery within 15 minutes without the need for a power outlet. With intuitive LED indicators, the CS FREE keeps riders informed, signaling when their battery is primed for ignition. Moreover, it offers sustained maintenance charging, whether via conventional grid power, solar panels, or a 12V service battery, effectively extending battery lifespan by up to threefold during idle seasons.

Maintenance Tasks

If the motorcycle has been sitting for an extended period, drain and replace the fuel. Check fuel lines and filters for any signs of damage. Clean and lubricate the chain, and check for proper tension. Inspect sprockets for wear and replace if necessary. Inspect and clean or replace the air filter to ensure optimal engine performance. Check suspension components for any signs of wear or leaks. Inspect fork seals and adjust suspension settings as needed. Test the throttle, clutch, and brakes to ensure they are functioning smoothly. Lubricate cables if necessary.

Test Ride

After completing all maintenance tasks, take the motorcycle for a short test ride to ensure everything is functioning properly. When you’re on the road, take your CTEK CS FREE with you. With a built-in rechargeable battery fueled by rapid USB-C input, the CS FREE retains its charge for up to a year, rendering it a steadfast companion for on-the-go storage. Equipped with versatile USB-A and USB-C ports, it ensures seamless connectivity for charging smartphones, PCs, tablets, cameras, and an array of devices, ensuring uninterrupted adventures.