Philippines 2019-20

Days 1-3 : The morning view from our balcony in Tagaytay overlooking the Taal Volcano. The actual active volcano in the centre is Volcano Island.

You can take the easy way and climb the volcano on horseback or be like us and climb on foot - next time we will take the horse. You can just see some steam coming out of the hill as you walk up.

The cone in the distance is an extinct volcano - Binintiang Malaki.

The top of Taal Volcano Island looking down at the lake. The locals describe Taal as an island within a lake, that was on an island within a lake, that was on an island within the sea. When you reach the top you can have a refreshing coconut juice.

Afternoon stopover at Tagaytay Picnic Grove for some horse riding.

I don't think i would do this again, on the ride there is not much to see, and i don't think the horses are well looked after.

Next stop is SkyRanch in Tagaytay. For the thrill seeker there is not much. About the best ride is the Pirate Ship and the roller coaster.

We tried the virtual reality game which was quite fun. Racing cars, i could almost walk faster.

The most thrills i got.

If you want some exercise pedalling around.

Day 4 : We have flown to Legazpi, capital of the province Albay, to spend Christmas with family. It is also home to the Mayon Volcano one of the most active in the Philippines. The cone is one of the most perfect formed volcanoes because of its symmetry.

Day 5: For a bit of fun we are going on an ATV ride to the base of the Mayon volcano.

Day 6-8 : We were due to catch a ferry to Rapu-Rapu island for Christmas but due to a typhoon our travels have been delayed for a couple of days.

Christmas day, and shops are still open in Legazpi, so we are spending time with family and shopping and eating.

Philippines answer to McDonalds is Jollibee. I don't really enjoy their burgers, but they do make good crispy chicken and rice.

Day 9-12 : We've finally been able to catch the 3 hour ferry ride to Rapu-Rapu from Legazpi. No worries about road rules or licences on this island or helmets.

For Christmas this year we didn't buy our kids presents. This Christmas is a year of giving to the less fortunate. So we are giving away some money and toys, and handing out dirty ice-cream (which is just street side ice-cream from a cart) - flavours Chocolate, Choc Chip, and Ube.

It was certainly a hit with the locals, who kept coming back again and again.

It's pretty hot in the Philippines and Rapu-Rapu has plenty of swimming places. Either natural waterfalls or nearby islands to swim at.

Walking home in a downpour.

Nearby Turtle Island.

Have the island to ourselves.

Peek-a-boo.

Shower time. Most common way to shower here is with a bucket .

Days 13-14 : It's now New Years eve and we are back in Legazpi. Dinner is prepared.

One day of the year you are still allowed to let off fireworks in the Philippines. My kids have never done this before and a long time since i have been able to do this. So many to choose from and so cheap.

All set for midnight.

Day 15 : For our last 2 days in Legazpi we are heading to a Spring Resort. All the water in the pools

are from natural spring water from the mountains.

It's a steep walk down to the resort, and not for the elderly.

If you stay at the resort, each room has its own pool.

Day 16 : We've travelled to the island of Cebu, and staying for a couple of nights in the capital Cebu City.

The local BBQ food market is renowned for its food, but for the last couple of days we've had a tummy bug, and by the looks of it, you cant tell how long the food has been sitting out. in the open, so we have passed on the experience this time.

Day 17 : In Cebu City we visited the Magellan's Cross. The cross is housed in a small chapel located near the Basilica Minore Del Sto. Nino.

Days 18 : After 2 days in Cebu City, we have now travelled to MoalBoal. We are staying at the Blue Orchard Resort. Its a bumpy ride to the resort, and possibly the farthest resort on the road, but rooms are quite nice, nice pool and very relaxing on the chairs by the sea.

Day 19 : Early morning 6am, we are catching a boat to do some snorkelling near MoalBoal.

At this swimming spot, you can swim with the turtles.

and swim with a Sardine Run.

Also, today we are canyoning down to Kawasan Falls. You can catch the motorbike and then walk for 45 mins to start the canyoning or like us take the motorbike to Zip Stream Aerial Adventures. Then Zip Line to Kawasan jungle and walk 20mins to the start of the Kawasan Falls. We are going with Deep Blue Canyoneering Services.

The canyoneering is not for everybody, it is a steep walk down to the water, and you will be jumping off cliffs into the water. You don't have to jump off all the high cliffs. The water is cool and clear.

Day 20 : We've travelled to Stay'n'Save B&B near Oslob, and staying in a tree house. There is also a swimming area for snorkelling down at the sea. We are about 15kms from Oslob, but 500mtrs from the Whale Shark meeting spot.

Day 21 :

Down at the Whale Shark meeting spot at 6am. It's very busy and first come first serve.

There are about 6 Whale Sharks you swim with. Cost is 1000pesos for overseas travellers and 500pesos for Filipinos. Which translates to about $30/$15 for 30mins of swimming. They are certainly huge and intimidating at first but realise they are gentle giants.

On the trip back to the Hotel, there is bridge where dozens of monkeys can be found. You can give a donation to the locals and they will provide some bananas to feed them with.

Day 22 : Next day we are heading back to Cebu City and take a detour to Simala Shrine in Sibonga Town, Cebu.

Day 23-24 : We have flown back to Manila. Last day of shopping at Adidas.

Time to get the bags and head into the airport. Its crowded and had to go through 4 xray machines to get onto the plane.

3 weeks after we climbed Taal Volcano and the day after we flew out of the Philippines back to Australia, Taal Volcano exploded. Our thoughts are with the locals.