Car Camping at Mt. Balagbag v2023

We used to travel A LOT, mostly within the Philippines. I am into beaches while my hubby would go for hiking. We have so many destinations in our list that we are eyeing to visit and we have tentative schedules for each. AND THEN, WE RECEIVED THE BIGGEST BLESSING OF OUR LIVES! :) We got pregnant.

Every place that we have planned to visit, we have to reconsider since we have a toddler. We do not want to totally remove traveling from our plate, it is something that we really enjoy doing together - but now we have to ensure that the destination/s would be kid-friendly.

Previously, we had a day-tour at the summit of Mt. Balagbag with Lily (she was a year old). We brought the car to the summit and stayed for about an hour or two. We decided that maybe it's time for our little one to experience overnight camping.

We arrived around 4PM at the summit, my hubby started setting up the awning, tent, chairs and tables while I took care of Lily. We had to stay inside the vehicle because it was really cold and windy, something that we didn't really consider because it is almost summer season. Good thing that I was able to bring sweatshirts, tights, and jogging pants for Lily.

After dinner, we had to stay inside the tent because the wind became stronger and it was colder than when we arrived. We tried watching downloaded movies but the weather just made us so sleepy. 😁

It was a perfect morning when we woke up. Hubby cooked egg and sausage, we had breakfast with an awesome view of the Metro. I would say that Lily enjoyed the trip as well. 

Things hubby brought to make our stay comfortable:
1. Coleman tent (of course :)) - 3-4 pax capacity
2. Inflatable mattress (single and double)
3. Coleman portable chairs
4. Foldable table
5. Cooler
6. Rechargable fans
7. Cookset and camping stove

Expenses starting from the jump-off point:
1. P90.00 - environmental fee for 2 pax upon registration at the barangay; free for little one
2. P450.00 - entrance fee
3. P100.00 - overnight stay fee

Tips:
1. Road from barangay hall to the summit is quite rough (at one point there are big rocks that one must pass through) so I would say bringing sedan is not advisable
2. Best to visit from January to May (if you are to bring vehicle to the summit BUT if your vehicle is 4x4, you can go there anytime)
3. Make sure to register at the barangay for security purposes (I read a lot of reviews previously that it is not safe to visit the summit)

In conclusion, I would definitely go back here with family and friends! 👌👌👌

 

 

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There are so MANY water activities you can do while in Boracay and one that I enjoyed the most is HELMET DIVING. For someone who cannot swim, this activity made me see what I have been missing on our previous trips where everyone were enjoying their snorkels and underwater photo shoots. Plus, its surprisingly cheaper than we thought (@300php). Next visit to Boracay, we will definitely try ZORB, Glass Bottom, and wind surfing!!!

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