Best Posts in Forum: Tourist Information

Been there today with the family and we liked it.

The road is a bit narrow in parts but otherwise in a very good condition. Might be a different story after heavy rains though.

We chose to walk around the first lake to the second one (there's also boats that take you across). There's a nice view point on the ridge between the lakes with really stunning views. Not much to see or do at the shore of the smaller lake but it was nice and quiet there. Good place for a picnic. The path around the lake is rocky and requires careful stepping from time to time. But still doable with flip flops, even carrying a toddler and a backpack

According to my phone's gps we walked 3 km from the parking lot to the second lake and back. The sign says the way around the lake is 900m one way so that leaves about 600m for the distance from car to first lake where the boats leave. The lakes are 65m lower than the parking lot, so yes, it is steep.

Swimming in the lake was a bit disappointing - water completely green and much warmer than I'd have expected. Not very refreshing, might be better at another time of the year.

Besides the notorious cup noodles and 3-in-1 coffee they also have cold beer and some small 'real' dishes at the restaurant, it's not too bad.

All in all a nice trip, the very different vegetation (i.e. large tree ferns) and the clean and cool air make for a nice change after all the time at the sea level.

 

Yes, it is definitely still open. And what a great place for those who seek solitude - I wish I could live there.

Amazingly, the entrance fee of P100 per adult is the same as it was in 2007.

There are views to the mountains and to Cebu. The gardens are well planted - not spectacular but serene. Small buildings and animal sculptures dot the gardens and the loo even has a seat!

There is a covered dining area but not sure how to obtain permission to use it - I expect, if it is available for use, that users have to bring their own food. Anyone interested should enquire at Jo's Chicken Inato, across the National Highway, as that is where payment is made for entry fee to the gardens.

There is also building work going on and it seems as if greater use for events may be intended (I am just guessing here).

For anyone still looking for a 'bird' (not sure everyone may understand that meaning) there is one very lonely one there, as shown in the photos below.

 

Looks like they havent give up just yet...................posted about 7pm..05/17.2017
imalalud Mps
38 mins ·

ARMED MEN SIGHTINGS

From Provincial Director of NORPPO: “This pertains to the alleged two groups of armed men sighted who are wearing camouflage green fatigue on board on two pump boats docked at the shoreline of Sitio Matu-og, Brgy. Basak, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. Said armed men were sighted by local residents in the area with an estimated number of more or less 20 persons with one (1) female who walked across the National highway going to the hinterland of Brgy. Binobohan and Brgy. Mani-ak, Guihulngan City, carrying assorted high powered firearms to include carbine, M16 and machine gun. The said sighted armed men believed to conduct tactical offensive against government troops and vital installations.”

As per above report we enjoined all residents in the area of District I, specially residents in all the barangays in the Municipality of Jimalalud to be vigilant and report to this station or to any other authorities of any confirmed slightest indication of suspicious men and women. Pls. call or text our hotline number at 0917-815-7603.

 

The best thing you can do is publicize this information. Let people realize that many people here see tourist a wallets to be emptied, legally or illegally. Maybe even the Dumageute tourist bureau will realize the negative impact it has on the City of Dumaguete's tourist image. Why the Philippines spends so much money to promote the tourist business and then lets so many individual and groups scam people and create a poor image for the Philippines is beyond my thinking. Maybe they do not understand the power of the internet which they use to promote Dumaguete is also used by people to point out the problems to potential tourist.. Fixing the problems would be the best promotional effort the Philippines could make, but that is just my tourist type thinking here.

 

It would seem reasonable to think that way. Logic does not always apply here.
I just read a story where tons of relief goods for typhoon Yolanda are being disposed of because they have spoiled.
It seems the donors did not pay the IMPORT TAXES on the relief goods so the BOC seized them.
Go figure.
Beam me up Scotty.

 

I don't remember the TV show now, but is was about expats doing time in foreign prisons. Most of these "upstanding" citizens were transporting large amounts of drugs...WTF, if you are dumb enough to know or somehow clueless that you now have 10 kilo of extra baggage it is really on you.

I've rarely had a bag checked going into any country and have never had anything that would lead to me being detained.

I still live in a world where I get drug tested and maintain a clearance so the thought of being that stupid actually baffles me.

If I was "set-up" for drugs or the bullet thing that we all heard about I am not sure how I would react...I guess it would depend on how much it would cost vs. going after them legally.

It is pretty easy to be a decent person either travelling or staying overseas.

Shawn

 

Don't know whether it has been already posted.

BOC - Bureau of Customs, implented a new electronic declaration system for travellers arriving at NAIA Terminal 1.

Now you can 48 hours prior to your arrival declare your goods and / or money online. Once done you will get a QR Code by mail which you have to present after your arrival to customs.

Very similar to the OHP.
Basically it replaces the customs declaration card you usually get from your airline.


BOC implements Electronic Customs Baggage and Currency Declaration System

The Bureau of Customs on April 2022 issued Customs Memorandum Order No. 11-2022 with the subject “Implementation of the Electronic Customs Baggage and Currency Declaration (eCBCD) System” to provide guidelines on the customs clearance process for all TRAVELERS and CREW MEMBERS using the said system, in relation to Customs Administrative Order No. 1-2017 or the Customs Clearance of Accompanied and Unaccompanied Baggage of Travelers and Crew.

This order covers the operational procedure for the use of the eCBCD System for all Travelers and Crew Members arriving at or departing from all ports of entry and exit.

Based on the CMO, all arriving Travelers and Crew Members shall now accomplish the Electronic Customs Baggage Declaration Form (eCBDF), including the Electronic Currency Declaration Form (eCDF), if applicable, in the eCBCD System before or upon arrival in all ports of entry, which can be accessed by logging-in at https://ideclare.customs.gov.ph or at the designated eCBCD Kiosk at the Customs Arrival and Departure Area.

The following procedure shall be observed by the Arriving Traveler and Crew Member in the used of eCBCD System – 1) Click “e-CBD” or “e-CDF” button in the website provided in the foregoing and fill-out the requested information; 2) Upload the required permits, licenses, or clearances from regulatory agencies, if applicable; 3) Tick the box for the Terms and Conditions and Data Privacy Consent; 4) Click the “Submit” button to upload the filled-out eCBDF; 5) The eCBCD System shall then automatically send notification to Travelers’ and Crew Members’ registered e-mail address for the successful registration in the form of QR Code to be presented to the Customs Officer.

An eCBCD System Help Desk shall be made available in the Customs Client Portal System accessible at https://client.customs.gov.ph to provide assistance for Travelers and Crew Members intending to use the eCBCD System.

The copy of CMO No. 11-2022 is uploaded at the BOC website under “Issuances” tab for the reference and information of stakeholders. The copy may also be accessed by clicking the following link: https://customs.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CMO-11-2022-Implementation-of-eCBCD-System.pdf