The BACKPACKERS

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Summer Mini Adventures: CALIRAYA LAKE and the JAPANESE GARDEN

The continuation of the mini adventures of The BACKPACKERS this summer...

A guide for those who are

---nature lovers and/or travel junkies

---wants an accessible and affordable destination

---strolling around to check out the famous spots in our country

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CALIRAYA LAKE

BP couple Angel and Ivan at a ledge near the lakeside

A man made lake that was created in late 1930s by a US Army Engineer by flooding the Cavinti valley of the Sierra Madre mountain range to generate hydroelectric power for Manila (source: http://www.calirayalake.com/historyclryalake.html). Ever since it drew popularity, real estate developers started to enhance the surroundings as witnessed by the several resorts and clubhouses that circumscribe the lake. A two-day trip at Caliraya Lake would be enticing and complete if you will book an overnight accommodation at some of the popular hotels and resorts here. In my humble opinion, the most popular among these is Lagos Del Sol Resort, but the other resorts are also contending to be the best provider of amenities and adventures at the lake. For a complete list of the resorts in the area, click here.

Summer Mini Adventures: PANGUIL RIVER ECOPARK

The continuation of the mini adventures of The BACKPACKERS this summer...

---nature lovers and/or travel junkies

---wants an accessible and affordable destination

---strolling around to check out the famous spots in our country

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PANGUIL RIVER ECOPARK

A refreshing dip at Panguil River

An hour away from Tanay, Rizal (approximately three hours away from Manila) is the quaint town of Pangil in the province of Laguna. Who knew that a hidden natural wonder can be found along the town's peaceful roads. After entering Pangil, approximately five minutes away, you will see a marker on the road pointing out the direction to the park. Take a left turn and you will pass by a barangay until the sight of the houses decreases and you will be greeted by the park's admission office.

Summer Mini Adventures: BATLAG FALLS

The continuation of the mini adventures of The BACKPACKERS this summer...

A guide for those who are

---nature lovers and/or travel junkies

---wants an accessible and affordable destination

---strolling around to check out the famous spots in our country

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

BATLAG FALLS

BP Clue at the entrance gate

Our first mini adventure destination is the famous Daranak Falls. Continuing the series, just inside the same park, you will see another waterfalls also flocked by tourists and locals: Batlag Falls.

Summer Mini Adventures: DARANAK FALLS

April of 2012 has started! Despite the not-so-good weather, we are sure most of you are already planning your ULTIMATE SUMMER OUTING. Hundreds or thousands of people will surely flock the shores of Boracay, Puerto Galera or Anawangin especially for next week's holidays! These destinations are so popular that it attracts local travelers and foreign tourists alike.

But if you are a travel junkie or a nature enthusiast but you are out of budget or not comfortable in taking that long trips to the said destinations, you do not have to worry! There are lots of places just near the metropolis that will satisfy your craving for a nice dip, a breathtaking scenery and a nice but cheap summer escapade.

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SUMMER MINI ADVENTURES
PART 1: DARANAK FALLS

April 1, 2012 - Four of The BACKPACKERS had the opportunity to take on a journey to search for some exciting destinations just near Metro Manila. And first up, we headed towards the mountainous town of Tanay, Rizal to visit the famous Daranak Falls.

DARANAK FALLS