The Inquisitive Explorer

I've been in Enchanted Kingdom for so many times but this trip is different because this time, I'll be paying my own expenses and I'm grown up now. We had a three days rest day and I opted to have a laid back day with no contingency plan needed. Enchanted Kingdom is the first and largest world class theme park in the Philippines. It is located in Sta. Rosa Laguna, just 45 mins to 1 hour drive from Manila. Infact, it is considered as the "Disneyland" of the Philippines.





We paid 600 php for a regular day pass that includes UNLIMITED rides. Before, you can purchase tickets for the rides you only want to ride but now, it's all in. Ofcourse, discounts are still applicable for Senior Citizens and Students. You might want to check their website for the newly updated rates.

http://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/ticketreserve.html


I didn't took many pictures of the place because I want to leave it in your imagination if you haven't been there. But I'll give you some hint on how the kingdom looks like and the most exciting part of my adventure.







 Rialto has always been my favortie. Wearing 3D Glasses and it's moving chair is excites me everytime I go to EK. This just brings out the kid in me.


There's also 4D DISCOVERY  THEATER in EK for 50 php ( 17 mins) . I wasn't able to take photo inside because mobile phones needs to be turned off. The chair has no movement at all but you'll love the 4D effect.













Ekstreme Drop Tower






Disk-O Magic











HOW WE GOT THERE?


From Starmall, Shaw boulevard. We took a Van bound to Balibago and got off at Waltermart in Sta. Rosa.
From there, you'll see queue of tricycles. Tell the driver to bring you at Enchanted Kingdom. They'll drop you off near the main gate.


Your option:

There are shuttles service available going and from Enchanted Kingdom. Please check their website fro the schedules available.
http://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/planvisit.html


COST?


Fare- It cost 60 php if you ride a van from shaw boulevard and 40 php for the tricycle


HOW TO GET HOME?


Simply ride a tricycle available outside Enchanted Kingdom.  Ask the Driver to drop you off at the Complex.
Once you're in the complex,  you can ride a van going back to manila for the same fare fee.


Reference: http://www.enchantedkingdom.ph

My mom originally came from Bicol but I never had a chance to wander around. When Alex asked me to go with him on his hometown Naga city, without any hesitation, i said YES.

Naga City, Camarines Sur is an independent Component city in the Bicol Region. It is considered as the premier city of Bicol region because of it's high rate of progression through the years.


Travel Option:

Via Land- Bus will take 8-9 hours travel time
Via Plane-  Estimated flight time is 55 mins

We took a bus since it's way cheaper, we're thinking of riding Isarog Bus but since we didn't book ahead of time and we just came from work. We had no right to choose what we want and just took what's available. I won't elaborate more on the bus since I was not satisfied but my advice is to book ahead of time and DO NOT be deceived by cheaper rates. Make sure to check on the quality of the seats because it's gonna be a long ride and you won't want to experience butt pains.


We arrived in the city around 9pm and since we were so tired and had terrible butt pains. We opted to check in the nearest hotel just across the bus station. We were lucky that there's still available room for us and we booked a Single room for around 2,000 php.



                                                                  Credits to CBD Plaza Hotel


CBD Hotel is conveniently located across Naga City Bus terminal and a few meters away from SM NAGA. It has Free Buffet Meal for breakfast or lunch included in our package. It's facilities are commendable and It's more than what I expected. I will surely go back to this hotel!


After we had a few mins of rest and since it's already late. We rushed to eat our dinner. Since Alex stayed in Naga for few years, he is every much familiar with the city and so he accompanied me to one of it's best restaurant.








Bob Marlin offers superb meals and I love it's interior. It's filled with Bob Marley's images and Reggae songs are played. It also features Camarines Sur's pride and You will surely love their Adobo Rice and Pinakbet. I swear! I love their version of Pinakbet.

After filling out tummies with their signature meals, we went back to our hotel and the next thing we know , it's already morning. We binged on the free buffet included in our hotel package and headed to Camarines Watersports Complex (CWC).

 Approximately 105 KM from Subic or almost 2 hours. It's really a long drive from manila so it's advisable to leave manila  early in the morning. We rented a Van and planned to leave manila around 7am but it was delayed because we had a problem with the van we rented. Since we had so many stop over, we reached Candelaria around 4pm. We got so tired with the travel time but if you're going there as a group, it's really fun.





When we reached Candelaria, we parked our van and headed to the island. We paid 200 php for an overnight parking fee and waited for the boat. While waiting, we were surrounded by little kids who were raised and born in the area. We gave them food and coins and we got carried away with their smiles.




























Since this place is getting popular, and with the numerous number of people who visited the island. Expect that it won't be as clean as it was before. Yes, I am setting your expectation because i felt sad when i see grabage all around the area. People don't know how to clean their own mess and just throw it anywhere.
But overall, I highly recomment this Island. Actually, i didn'y expect anything since I don't want to get disappointed again. But it gave me so much satisfaction. If you're a person who doesn't want parties, want's to go in a soul searching or simple unwind. This place is perfect for you! I love the crystal clear water and it's creamy colored sand. I love the peaceful environment and the simple living with no electricity at all. I'm rwally proud to be born and raised in this tropical country. God gave us such a wondeful world!


MUST KNOW:


Entrance Fee- 100 php each/ day
                       300 php each/ overnight

Boat Fare- 200 php


Budget: 1,500- 2,500 *( Depends on number of pax and choice of food)

" I want to see the world. Follow a map to its edges, and keep going. Forgo the plains. Trust my instincts. Let my curiosity be my guide. I want to change hemispheres. Sleep with unfamiliar stars and let the journey unfold before me. " - DopeySwaggz