Fantasyland – An Introduction

Glorias Fantasyland is one of the emerging best family vacation destinations outside of Manila, Philippines offering theme park rides suited not only for a thrill seeker but among island vacations, sightseeing and unique vacations enthusiasts looking for ideal spots for fun family vacations with kids playground suitable for kid friendly vacations. It is located in the City of Dapitan, Province of Zamboanga del Norte, nortwestern part of Mindanao Island, Philippines.

Fantasyland – Why I visited The Place

The fantasyland in Dapitan was actually not in my vacation checklist in going to the place as my original intention was only to visit the Rizal Shrine. Nevertheless, my good friend Ben Canama of Lorenzo Tan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LTMPC) had persuaded me to take my time while in Dapitan and visit Glorias Fantasyland by night. Hence, I together with my wife as well as the driver decided to spend our leisure time in the theme park.

As we approached the area, I was attracted with the street light effects leading to the fantasyland entrance . . .

The spectacular light effects lining the street enroute to the Gloria Fantasyland entrance

A few steps from the gate and I was amazed with the spectacular fountain. A comely welcome signage also awaits the visitors . . .

The dazzling fountain just outside the fantasyland walls .

The comely Glorias Fantasyland welcome signage enticing visitors to go inside.

We choose to forego the PhP 500.00 ride-all-you can and opted for the PhP 200.00 sightseeing as we only intend to see the various theme park rides and pay individually whatever rides we wanted to take.

It was timely that the fireworks for the Hudyaka ZaNorte in the adjacent ground had just started as I looked at the fantasyland vicinity map . . .

Firewoks display for Hudyaka Zanorte viewed from the fantasyland.

Glorias Fantasyland Vicinity Map situated near the entry point.

I and Vanjie decided to have a photo in front of the spectacular Tea Ride . . .

A picture for posterity in front of the Tea/Choco Cups Ride.The ride is composed of six giant tea/cups rotating simulateously with its huge circular 9-meter metal base

I then took photos of important views inside the fantasyland . . .

The imposing walls fronting the Glorias Fantasyland

The comely stage where fantasy characters display their talents

And the various fantasyland  spectacular thrill seeker theme park rides  . . .

The Apollo Ride which gives a thrill seeker wearing 3D glasses an illusion of being in the spaceship. . .	The Pirate Ship, a 32- seater exciting ride with an imposing 30 meter high A-frame
The Old Western Train- an I8-seater mini train powered by a two-seater diesel locomotive prime mover that pulls the train in an existing mini forest area of the Fantasyland.	The Giant Roller Coaster- a huge 20 meters x 47 meters based ride with a maximum speed of 40 miles per hour. This ride can accommodate 26 passengers at a time.
The Wonder Flight - made up of 8 fiberglass gondolas designed like the air balloon ride which has a circular base of 8 meters.	The Mini Coaster - A fast, fun roller coaster that even younger kids can enjoy. It is located in the vicinity of the Mini-Flume Ride.

Other fantastic rides include the MINI FLUME RIDE, a wild water ride located inside the mini forest of the park. The mini flume was placed under old tress of the park so as to create a river wild/forest ride atmosphere. Further, the FLYING BALLS WHEEL RIDE is a kiddie ride that functions like a Ferris wheel. It has six attractive ball-designed gondolas. Furthermore, the TELECOMBAT RIDE is a  24seater / 12-gondola ride, a modem version of the famous octopus ride. It has a circular base of 12 meters. On the other hand, the BUMPER CAR RIDE is composed of ten (10) exciting electric bumper cars, housed inside a 12 meter x 18 meter covered area with turbo lightings. Moreover, the SWINGER RIDE is a 32-seater circular ride with exciting light decoration. This ride has a 14 meter rotating base area covered by a fiberglass canopy. The HAPPY JOURNEY RIDE is an interactive ride which is the first of its kind in the Philippines. The six electric powered cars are equipped with 2 laser guns for each car. There are 8 fiberglass animal figures made for targets. The FIGHT SHARK RIDE, also a first in the country, is an interactive ride with 12 boats equipped with 2 water guns per boat. This ride can accommodate 24 shooters at a time. The GO KART RACE CIRCUIT is composed of 10 Go Kart racing units in an exciting and challenging course. Finally, the HORROR HOUSE is a place for suspense and thrill seekers. This house is designed by the group of Tony Tuviera of TAPE and APT Productions which is the producer of URDUJA,  the successful first Filipino animated movie.

Fantasyland – Most Unforgettable Moments

Nothing beats my 5D cinema experience in Glorias Fantasyland. A pretty lady manning what seemed a booth baited me into watching a 5D cinema which, according to her, is the only one of its kind in the Philippines nowadays and 2^nd only to Hongkong in Asia. That sounded like a worthwhile experience, so I bit the bullet, convinced my wife Vanjie and driver Ronel, paid the PhP 50.00 per head admission fee  for a 5-minute interactive show and finally got to sit down in the cinema chair. . .

A pose taken before the start of the 5 Dimension interactive film show.

We were told by the lady assistant to fasten our seatbelts and wear the provided 3D glasses. It turned out that we were watching an horror tunnel film. It seemed that I was riding a train speeding up to 150-200 kilometers per hour. Seemed enjoyable at the start , just waiving my head when I passed over stalactites and at times when I was threading on giant crab’s feet.

I enjoyed the moving seats and a combination of scents, wind, and water vapor sprayed into my face. The scents were definitely interesting and the  wind and water vapor were nice additions.

Then there were the moving chairs: when my train slid through a narrow tunnel, I had assumed the chair I was sitting to sway around; instead, it bounced back and forth and shook me hard every time I reached the opposite direction. It was as if the movie makers wanted to ensure that I don’t even think about getting comfortable.

Nevertheless,  the next scene was a tragedy for my wife who has a heart problem. It came with a scene on a Jurassic Park wherein, a Syntarsus, a fast-moving, meat-eating dinosaur from the Jurassic period had chanced upon me. And,  the animal’s neck sprang quickly as a flash and I watched helplessly  at the wide mouth with the horrendous teeth coming over  to devour my head. Candidly, I felt the impact of the scene on my wife as he held my hand firmly, occasionally pinching my skin as if telling me why on the hell that I brought her over there. It was then that I calmed her down with an advise  to just close her eyes and wait for the film’s end.

A pose in front of the 5 D Cinema Screen after the interactive show.

We then posed for a picture after the 5-minute film, with a vow that never  shall I have to go experience that crap brutal film in Glorias Fantasyland or any other venue again.

Pebble Beach – What Is It?

Pebble Beach, as opposed to white sand beach and black sand beach, is a beach landform commonly termed as shingle beach composed chiefly of surface pebbles which is considered by island vacations enthusiasts and clearwater beach lovers as among the excellent beach destinations to spend unique vacations, family beach vacations and kid friendly vacations especially if it has luxury beach resorts offering beach vacation packages.

Pebble Beach In Caraga – Where Is It?

The only pebble beach in Caraga Region is found in Barangay Mabua, 13.53 kilometers west of Surigao City in the northeastern tip of the island of Mindanao, Philippines. If you opt to commute, you can proceed to the Mabua-bound tricycle terminal at Pier 1 for PhP 20.00 regular ride or negotiate for a special trip towards the tourist attraction.

Pebble Beach In Barangay Mabua – Why I Went There?

It’s been a long time already that I’ve gone to Mabua Pebble Beach, during a college day beach party to be exact. I was told that there are already luxury beach resorts sprouting in the place offering island water sports facilities.

To satisfy my thirst for island getaways and best vacation spots, I and my wife Vanjie decided to have a side trip to the mentioned tourist attraction. I requested Miko Gumapac, one of the able SOEMCO staff, to drive for us. It didn’t took more than thirty minutes for our XRM 125 Honda motorcycle plying on a paved road to reach the place. Setting foot on the kilometer-long stretch shingle beach armored with pebbles or small-to medium-sized cobbles had enthralled me much as if I had gone to the place for the first time.  My eyes were glued at the pebbles coming in various colors and textures, some of which have streaks of quartz and multi-colored sedimentary rocks. . .

A close-up view of the kilometer-long Mabua Pebble Beach

Another close-up view of Mabua Pebble Beach with the rock diving board on the back ground

Native cottages lined parallel with the Mabua Pebble Beach waiting to accommodate transient beach goers

Birds-eye view of the kilometer-long Mabua Pebble Beach. Photo courtesy of www.caraganon.com Signage of Fiesta Diving Resort in Mabua Pebble Beach

I enjoyed the feel of  the fine-textured  stones as I slogged over the pebbles on my bare feet until I reached on this beautifully-landscaped resort . . .

The Fiesta Diving Resort viewed from the street separating it from the Mabua Pebble Beach

I managed to talk with the resort owner, a friendly Korean national who told me in broken English that the Fiesta Diving Resort went public just 18 months ago . . .

The Fiesta Diving Resort proprietor posing with his trusted pet dog

The resort operator then graciously permitted me to take best shots of one of the luxury beach resorts not only in the area but the entire province as well . . .

Full-blown shot of the Fiesta Diving Resort's alluring Swimming Pool

A view from the resort's reception center towards the direction of the Mabua Pebble Beach

After exchanging pleasantries, I bid goodbye to the dainty and demure front desk staff who gave me the resort’s contact number +639204153086.

We then took a five-minute motorcycle ride towards the end of the road where another resort is located and this view had caught my attention . . .

Mt. Bagarabon Resort willing to accommodate clients intending to hold seminars and conferences at Mabua Pebble Beach

We then called it time to go home. As our motorcycle sped away, I took a last glimpse of the waves easily flowing through the coarse, porous surface of the Mabua Pebble Beach which caused the decreasing effect of backwash erosion and increasing the formation of sediment into the steeply sloping beach. If you are looking for something unique beach destinations, the pebble beach in Mabua is  a vacation spot really worth a visit yourself.

Mountain View Natures Park – Where Is It?

Mountain View Nature’s Park is a unique island vacations destination located on the mountain top in Sitio Garahe, Busay, Cebu City in Cebu Island, Philippines which is ideal for sightseeing and kid friendly vacations and fun family vacations with such amenities as campsite,  kids playground and twilight zone among others. It is accessible via a taxi ride from the city proper or you may opt to hire a passenger motorcycle called “habal-habal” in the Philippines with pick-up and drop-off points at the foot of Nivel Hills in Barangay Lahug.

Mountain View Natures Park – Why I visited The Place?

As a gift for my only daughter Aliyah Eimereen, who graduated in high school with flying colors as well as for my youngest son Edrian Nathaniel who finished on top of his Grade One Class, we decided to spend our family bonding and summer vacation in Cebu Island, Philippines. We were then discussing at the house of my brother Ben in Looc, Mandaue City on what specific tourist spot in the island province to visit and Mountain View Natures Park came out to be the best choice. Hence, the ten of us- my wife Vanjie, sons Vladimir Ilich, Edel Jovann, Edrian Nathaniel and daughter Aliyah Eimereen, nieces Hazel with kid Achilles and Liji with daughter Nijel and me hopped on my brother’s pajero and headed to the place. The family could have been complete had it not been for the summer class examination of my other son Ranjick. We climbed through the winding trans-central highways in Barangay Busay keeping a watchful eye on each and every signboard that came our way until we stopped at the signage signalling our approach to the place. The driver then lowered the car’s gear in preparation for the 60-degree accent on our left but, scared by the thought of such a climb, suddenly decided to just drop us off in the highway. Faced with no other option, we hesitantly slogged our way up the 150-meter winding paved road until we reached the guard house where we paid the  Php 50.00 per head entrance fee. We walked a few meters more until we finally reached this place . . .

Vicinity Map showing the various destinations of Mountain View Nature's Park

While I was taking a rest to slow down my faster than normal breath brought about by the hike, my son Edrian and the other two kids were running towards my direction and grabbed my hand to follow them towards a place they really liked . . .

Entrance to the Mountain View Water Park and Children's Playground

I then proceeded to a vantage point and took shots of what’s inside . . .

Mountain View Swimming Pool

After paying a PhP 150.00 per head for adults and PhP 100.00 per head for children entrance fee, we enjoyed the cool dip and a languorous swim at the turquoise pool waters. Edrian, an expert swimmer himself, performed an acrobatic swim akin to a dance sport expert. . .

Eight-year old Edrian's best acrobatic swim performance at the Mountain View Swimming Pool

With the packed-lunch over, I went back to the vicinity map to check on the destination routes and decided to proceed to the top-most part of the park via the short cut route . . .

The 420-steps leading to the nature park's View Deck fronting the comely cottages ideal for honey moon spenders . . .

More and more steps upward and I was enthralled with this comely view at the mountain top . . .

The Mountain View Millennium Cross

Candidly, the cold breeze smothering my body while standing on the view deck  enjoying the splendid overlooking view of Cebu City was really a relaxing feeling. The rest of the group opted to climb upstairs also and we regrouped at the mountain top and posed for a shot . . .

Family pose at the mountain top minus this writer-photographer of course

Luck was really on our side as fogs hovered over us as we relaxed to savor nature taking its course . . .

Fogs hovering over the View Deck of Mountain View Nature's Park

We then started to descend on a paved road and my eyes were glued on this sight on my left . . .

Mountain View Nature's Park version of "The Way of The Cross"

After saying silent prayers, we proceeded to the mini-zoo and took time to pose with miniature wild animals . . .

Edrian and Eimereen enjoying the zebra ride . . .

Me and Vanjie enjoying a hug on the giraffe's neck. . .

A few meters of walk further down and we reached the Mountain View  Christmas Park . . .

The Mountain View Twilight Zone within the Christmas Park

The path leading to the enthralling Twilight Zone View Deck . . .

The Mountain View Statue of Nativity . . .

While on our way, I chanced upon this sight at the Barn which made me remember of my Corregidor Island trip . . .

A miniature of the American-type Tranvia which used to ply major Philippine city streets during the American occupation of the country in the early 1900's. . .

After exchanging some more pleasantries, taking more pictures of nature and watching the 3 children enjoying the kids playground, we called it time to go home.

Mountain View Natures Park – Final Thoughts

Nature tripping and trekking within the city was such a very exhilarating experience. Despite a bad start caused by the hot-headed driver, the moments that I spent with my family together on such a spectacular setting was really life-fulfilling. Taking time to enjoy, chill out and walk on mountain top and get the chance to savor the city view is one of the unique vacations options that urbanites and island vacations aficionados should not miss experiencing themselves. Hence, visiting the Mountain View Nature’s Park in the booming city of Cebu is the best option for nature lovers like you.

Seaside Lagoon – Where Is It

A seaside lagoon, aptly named Lagoon Tiktikan and one of the best vacation spots having crystal clear water with floating rock gardens ideal for various forms of island water sports frequently visited by island vacations junkies and island getaways seekers wanting to spend unique vacations was my next stop during my February 14, 2011 sight seeing trip to natural attractions of Bucas Grande Island in Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.

Seaside Lagoon – Why I Visited The Place?

As a backgrounder,  Tiktikan is a 2-hectare lagoon situated within the vicinity of Sohoton Cove in the southwestern part of the island. It is the site of the Community-Based Environmental Program for Lagoon Tiktikan Ecosystem Project, a three-year (2006-2008) undertaking funded by the Philippine-Australian Community Assistance Program (PACAP). The project encompassed direct protection of Lagoon Tiktikan and its environs, development of mariculture sub-projects and bringing into picture a fishermen’s cooperative  based in the town center, who originally developed the area, as well as a peoples organization  in Barangay  Sudlon and another in San Roque to co-manage the lagoon ecosystem themselves. Lagoon Tiktikan is situated between these two barangays’ boundaries thus the inclusion of peoples organization representations from these areas was a tactical move to ensure the project’s success. Since then, the area is  ably co-managed by The TANARIZ Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TAFIMCO), a cooperative based in the town center whose members hail from the three poblacion barangays of Taruc, Navarro and Rizal, hence the acronym TANARIZ; the Sudlon Environmental Protectors Association (SOEPA) based in Barangay Sudlon and San Roque Farmers and Fishermen Association (SAROFFA)  of Barangay San Roque.

Two years after the end of the project, I decided to pay a visit to the area to see for myself its current state. From the docking area, a visitor needs to thread the uphill and downhill trail. . .

The boat lag and weariness I suffered was completely vanished upon having a glimpse of the lagoon’s  azure waters seen  in between tree trunks. . .

The Reception Cottage . . .

I was enthralled by the breath-taking view of the islet within the lagoon as viewed from the Reception Cottage . . .

I maneuvered through the trail downwards to the lagoon and I chanced upon this wholesome  signage  . . . .

Towards  the comely lagoon-side cottage . . .

I managed to convince the visiting lovely ladies Angel and Ivy of  TV 5 Butuan to pose as Tiktikan Lagoon models . . .

I went into boating in the placid waters towards the lagoon’s view deck . . .

And was attracted with the sight of the turquoise waters viewed from the Tiktikan Lagoon View Deck . . .

SAROFA President Roberto Cortina took his time broadcasting Milkfish feeds. Note the waters being disturbed by rumbling movements of the fishes grabbing for their share of  food . . .

On my way towards the paddle boat docking site, I was inspired by the sight of this perfect symmetry between the mountain ranges and its reflections on the calm lagoon waters . . . .

As our boat was about to depart from the docking area on our way to the Crystal Cave, my eyes were glued at the two innocent children and the extra-ordinary thing they were doing . . . that of utilizing a piece of styropor as their paddle boat . . .

The elegance of the glittering white stalactites and sparkling stalagmites  inside Crystal Cave located near the Tiktikan Lagoon would surely catapult the spot into  the cavers’ map . . .

Seaside Lagoon – Final Thoughts

There were 2 things that made my trip to Lagoon Tiktikan memorable. For one, I cannot forget the ingenuity of the two kids on board the styropor. A scene depicting their innocent stares kept flashing on and off in my mind until nowadays. They were at the lagoon because it was the turn of their parents, who were members of the Sohoton Environmental Protectors Association (SOEPA) to guard the place. The environmental protection endeavors of their parents would surely imbibe in their psyche. They would eventually grow to become vanguards of environmental conservation not only in the seaside lagoon but the entire island town as well.

Second, I cannot help but admire on the way the peoples organizations had managed Lagoon Tiktikan in preserving its pristine state. Their courage and determination in driving out illegal tree cutters within the vicinity of the seaside lagoon are worthy of emulation. Surely, their efforts would go a long way in making Lagoon Tiktikan as a seaside lagoon listed as among the best vacation spots by nature lovers and adventure seekers like you.

Island Vacations- An Introduction

Island vacations aficionados prefer to spend unique vacations and visit island getaways hosting a variety of natural tourist attractions like a seaside lagoon with islets having lush natural vegetation and wildlife resembling that of floating rock gardens in crystal clear water teeming with coral fish and surrounded by fantastic caverns. Name them all and it is found in the famous island vacations spot named Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande Island, Socorro, Surigao del Norte, Philippines.

Island Vacations – What Sohoton Cove Can Offer?

Island vacations are best spent in Sohoton Cove as it is a single tourist destination that offers you a variety of tourist attractions:

1-    Enchanting Cove. As part of the Inayaran Inlet in the southwestern part of the island, the cove is accessible only during low tide through the 40-meter Sohoton Cave serving as the sole entry and exit to the area. The best time to enter the cave is when the tidal movement recedes enabling the sea water current to slow down or come to a complete stop. You could have a completely satisfying experience if you will ride on a kayak or canoe. But if you are on a group, you can opt to ride a motorized boat and signal the operator to stop the engine upon entry and just paddle it inwards. You will be a little bit nervous and breathing with emotional thrill as the boat slowly enters the passage way. Going into the center of the cave and as the foreign light from the other end meets your eyes, you could hear a mixture of strange sounds resembling that of a banging metal or other identical vibrations. A very dark corner at the left side occasionally shoots-off a noise that resembles that of a frying lard. With the dim light from the outside serving as background, you can view the spell binding stalactites hanging from the cavern’s ceiling. Looking down, you can see blended colors of sea water often forming tiny whirlpools as the cave ends into the serenity of the lagoon.

2-    Identical Islets. A hard-to-explain feeling of fulfillment for your island vacations would greet you once you are inside. Looking straightforward, you cannot help but admire the sight of the islets of almost the same size resembling that of floating dish gardens adorned on water streets. Glancing downwards, you would be amazed with the reflections of its lush natural vegetation flashed in the pristine and crystal-clear waters. Occasionally, you can see a variety of birds and fruit bats hopping from one aguho and iron wood tree to another.

3-    Magnificent Rock Formations. A sight to behold in this island vacations spot are the spectacular, scenic and sometimes colorful rock formations resulting from weathering and erosion sculpting the existing rock of some islets.

4-    Alluring Caverns. There are 2 small caverns inside this island vacations destination. The first is the “hagukan” due to the snoring sound it emits as the water slams into the cavern. You can enter it by swimming carefully so your head will not touch the upper portion of the low mouth entrance. There is a big rock in the central portion inside the cavern where you step on and take a rest. As light comes in through the small cavern entrance, you can witness a luminous green color of the water thereby offering the only chance for dark-skinned visitors to have a fair complexion. The other cavern is the “magkukuob” coined by the bending position you shall undertake to barely make through a low opening and walk up the steep and rocky passageway towards a skylight leading to a wooden platform right on a cliff located 15 feet above sea level for a dive back into the lagoon.

5-    The Jellyfish Kingdom. If you happen to visit this island vacations spot in the months of January to September, you will be fortunate enough to mingle and swim with a smack of stingless Spotted Jelly or Lagoon Jelly (Mastigias papua) which abound inside the cove.

Island Vacations In Sohoton Cove- Final Views

Island vacations destinations offering a variety of attractions are not-so abundant. In Sohoton, you can go sightseeing and bird watching on its thickly vegetated identical islets and scenic rock formations, snorkel and dive on its placid waters, experience fun and thrill on its caverns and swim with the friendly and harmless jellyfish. No wonder, Sohoton Cove is the emerging all-in-one island vacations spot in this part of the world.

SOHOTON COVE VITAL INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE. . .

SOHOTON COVE TIDAL CALENDAR PLEASE CLICK HERE . . .

If you are looking for world-class resorts suited for island vacations enthusiasts like you located within the vicinity of Sohoton Cove please click here and also here. However, if you are one of the budget travelers like me, you may opt to stay in a backpackers hostel featured here.

Want more emerging island vacations spots in Bucas Grande  frequented by sightseeing aficionados, please click here as well as here.

You can also see the most popular white sand beach in the island by clicking here and a seaside waterfall being featured here.

Finally, if you are looking for a Package Tour either for 1 day visit at the Sohoton Cove and its vicinity only or avail of the 3-day, 2-night package for the Bucas Grande Island Tour, please click here.

Sohoton Cave, the lone entrance and exit of the Sohoton Cove . . .

The Sohoton Cove entrance towards outside of the lagoon.

Horse's shoe rock formation inside the cove

Another angle of the horse's shoe rock formation

The verdant islets dotted on crystal-clear waters inside the cove.

Islet ranges mirrored on the placid waters had delighted these island-hoppers much.

Fantastic view from inside the Hagukan Cave inside the Sohoton Cove

The Dagongdong Rock Formation inside Sohoton Cove.

Swimming with the smack of stingless jellyfish at the Jellyfish Kingdom

Pristine waters leading to Club Tarra resort within the vicinity of Sohoton Cove.

Bird's Eye View of Club Tarra Resort near the Sohoton Cove.

Club Tarra Swimming Pool

Another fantastic view of Club Tarra Resort Swimming Pool- a sight that island vacations lovers really like to behold.