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Sean Plamondon
Sean Plamondon

Sean Plamondon

traveled in 90 countries Read more🇨🇦Ottawa
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  • Azores

    San Miguel island - Day 5

    April 14 in Portugal ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    Got up early and drove an hour to the northeast coast to hike to another waterfall. This one was much easier, only about 15 minutes to reach it, and worth the drive to get there. There were lots of other trails and waterfalls there as well, but i wasnt sure how difficult nor if worth it. Plus my legs were pretty sore from the day before.

    Decided to get back into the car and go to a different waterfall trail near the south coast. Drove over mountain tops on secondary winding roads but huge rain clouds swept in and i had next to zero visibility for most of the drive. Could barely see 20 feet in front of me. And when i finally got to the map location, i couldnt find any sign or trailhead. Probably for the best because it rained really hard shortly after starting my drive back.

    Took an hour nap, and then Tita and I headed out to join our off-roading tour and quickly got acquainted with our dune buggy. Was about 4 hours driving all over the island, from south coast to north coast and back. Hilarious fun. Our tour group had 4 people on ATVs and two dune buggies. It amazed me how well that thing could drive over just about any road pothole, curb, small dogs, and not even feel a thing. And oh boy did i have fun proving that fact! 😁 My favourite part by far was gunning the buggy through a small creek.. wow were we wet haha!! (See attached vid)

    After a really loooong shower to get all the dirt and mud off, met back up with Tita's parents at an awesome azorean fusion restaurant for our last meal together. Then headed out to the pub that Helder works at where we met a bunch of canadians from a cruise ship. Took them to our favourite bar Resves and of course showed them the ropes on signing the walls with black pen. Some sad goodbyes to the staff and promises to try to return soon. Fantastic end to an amazing trip!!!    Read more

  • Azores

    San Miguel island - Day 4

    April 13 in Portugal ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    Started the morning with a 90 minute drive to the far southeast part of the island to hike some waterfall trails. The drive there was spectacular winding roads up and down mountains and high above the ocean.

    I had asked my hotel reception guy for a semi challenging hike to a nice waterfall and he pinpointed Sanguinho on a map for me and said it was an hour hike. I hiked uphill 40 mins and came across a fork in the road. One sign saying Prego waterfall and the other Sanguinho. This really confused me but i went with Sanguinho as per the hotel guy. Which turned into a hard 40 minutes uphill to some old houses and a nice view down to the ocean. But no waterfall.

    I hiked back down to that fork and went the other way. Chatted with two girls coming back and they said i was 10 mins from the falls. 2 mins later came across another fork in the trail and two different waterfalls on the signposts. One uphill, one downhill. Decided to do the uphill one first. Oh boy, i had no idea what i got myself into. Another really steep hour hike to yet another fork. This time chose the downhill and voila, finally a waterfall after 20 more minutes. Bit small but very nice. Went back and did the uphill fork and it was a meandering trail thru the forest next to a river for about 30 minutes until i hit a ton of mud and turned around and back to the fork.

    Hiked an hour all the way back to the very first fork and finally to the main waterfall where i rested my exhausted legs. And wrote my blog for a while. Fair number of young girls sitting on rocks behind me giggling away until i finally looked up and saw two huge naked bums 10 feet in front of me wading into the waterfall pool. Got back on the trails before that naked couple returned and finally all the way down to my car.

    Tita and parents got a taxi and met me in Furnas which is half way between my hike and our hotel. We were going to do the volcanic hot springs and botanical garden but unfortunately it was closed. So we settled for another yummy meal with the food cooked underground via volcanic heat.

    Back to Ponta Delgada, Tita and i went to a pub for some more backgammon (4-4 now) and ran into Helder who was bartending. We met Helder the very first night of our trip, very nice to see him again. Super nice guy. Tita ended up signing the canadian flag hanging from the ceiling before we left haha. Literally leaving our mark on this town 😆    Read more

  • Azores

    San Miguel Island - Day 3

    April 12 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Joined a 9am whale watching tour. Unfortunately, no one told the whales. A few had very brief surfaces but otherwise didnt really see much. However, was extremely blessed by a very active and bunch of showoff dolphins on the boat ride back. Occasionally jumping out of the water in synchronicity together.

    Back on dry land, Tita and i drove to Furnas, famous for its volcanic hot springs, steam coming out of the ground, a natural crater lake and a unique cooking style: putting the food underground and letting the heat of the volcano cook it. We had one of these meals and it was worth the drive. Very tasty. Plus the drive itself was gorgeous through the mountains. Stopped at the lake for a stroll and headed back to Ponta Delgado.

    Met up with Tita's parents for supper at Piteu, which is a place we found last week with a pretty good buffet of local dishes. Then Tita and i also went back to the Louvre winebar and finished the evening at Resves. All the staff remembered us from last week.

    Before leaving, they gave us a black light and a black light marker and asked us to write on the walls or furniture. Very unique hilarious concept. We both signed a bench seat together. I signed a lamp shade and tita also signed the bathroom paper dispenser haha. Maybe had to be there 😁

    I have been told to mention the current backgammon score is 3-2, and not in my favour. Yet 😁    Read more

  • Azores

    San Miguel Island - Day 2

    April 11 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Sadly checked out of our rustic cabin and did the lovely drive all the way down the west coast, across the south and up the east coast. Up and down mountains the whole way, along the ocean. Very striking island throughout.

    Two hour flight to San Miguel island, plus an hour to get the car and some time for Tita's parents' plane to arrive got us settled into the new hotel mid to late afternoon. And luckily the sun doesnt go down until after 8pm here so we still had some time to explore while Tita's parents rested.

    Drove to the eastern part of the island to see a huge crater with a gorgeous lake in it and wow it did not disappoint. Amazing views from atop the crater rims. Then drove to the north coast and found a really nice restaurant high above the water for a beverage and then back to ponta delgada to go out for supper with Tita's parents. Had a quick nightcap and early in bed to rest up from a long busy day    Read more

  • Azores

    Flores Island - Day 2

    April 11 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Slept in and started the day with lunch at a restaurant situated by the ocean next to a mountain. And tons of different waterfalls coming down the mountain.

    After lunch, went to a nearby towering waterfall over 130m high. Nice easy walkway to get there. Unfortunately for Tita, all the other waterfalls were much less accessible for her injured ankle. Tita decided to relax back at the cabin and heated pool while i went exploring into the hills.

    The next set of waterfalls took about 15 mins uphill on a marked trail to a river and from there could see 10 different waterfalls stretching across the mountain. But couldnt find a way across the river to get closer. Still, very beautiful sight.

    The other waterfalls had no marked trails. Determined to reach them, I drove back and forth on the road looking for openings between stone walls and houses that might lead me closer. Found two such openings onto very faintly established paths but i did manage to reach two more waterfalls with my perseverence. Half the reward was just successfully managing to stay on the path and looking for things that would guide me through the trees the right direction.

    One of the two waterfalls i reached was impressively high. While underneath it, i couldnt see the top because it cascades off a few different ledges on the way down. But incredible feeling to stand underneath it. I was all smiles.

    Then back to the cabin to relax with Tita for the rest of the afternoon and evening. While playing cards we discovered two young cats took an interest in our cabin, so we let them in and they cuddled up on a bench together for a few hours away from the elements and they wanted back out just as we went to bed.    Read more

  • Azores
    2

    Flores Island - Day 1

    April 9 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    With a late afternoon flight to Flores Island, we decided to take advantage of the remaining hours on Faial island by renting a car and seeing the rest of the island.

    Drove to the center of the island to a huge crater at the top of the mountain. Fantastic views on the way up but unfortunately as we got closer to the top, we were completely immersed into clouds that gave almost zero visibility.

    Drove down the other side of the crater and followed the coastline to a volcanic area with a massive rock formation jutting up from the ocean. Hiked up part of it for some awesome views. Wild landscapes. Then eventually made our way to the airport.

    Upon landing, picked up another rental car to explore Flores with. Our lodging is across the other side of the small island. But its entirely mountainous, so getting anywhere takes time to wind our way up and down mountains plus lots of stops for pictures too. Incredibly dramatic scenery at every turn.

    Arrived finally at our hotel and wow what a location. Nestled between mountains with waterfalls and the ocean are tons of rustic stone cabins. Ours was just about the furthest away possible from reception which makes for a gorgeous stroll down very rough cobblestone lanes.

    Drove 20 minutes across other jaw dropping mountains to get some wine for our cabin. Then a fantastic meal at the reception area's restaurant and finished the night by woodstove fire in our cabin, with some wine and games.    Read more

  • Azores
    1

    Faial island

    April 9 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Started the day driving to the north coast to take in the extremely rugged volcanic coastline together. Its amazing how different the south coast is from the north coast. Drove through several volcanic black stone villages and walked around some violent tidal pools with huge wave collisions with the rocks.

    Then off to the ferry port to cross over to the island of Faial. Easily the smallest ferry i have ever been on to cross an oceanic body of water. Only 30 minutes but it was rough. The boat got tossed around pretty good, and Tita's tummy even moreso.

    Arrived at the town of Horta and straight to the hotel. Had a quick lunch in the old town and then we both rested for a few hours to shake off the rough ferry ride and catch up a bit on sleep.

    Then got to the seaside and had a beer at famous sailor bar Peter Cafe Sport. Wandered some pretty streets and would up at a very authentic seafood restaurant Atletico for supper. And finished our evening lounging on the couches off our hotel lobby with more backgammon. I am not allowed to indicate who has been winning lately, so i shall not breach that trust 😉    Read more

  • Azores

    Pico Island - Day 2

    April 7 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    First thing after getting up, we drove back up pico mountain hoping for better luck with the clouds. And we did get a bit lucky with the clouds occasionally shifting and we saw the peak for the first time. The base lodge area for ascents was crazy cold and windy with a fair amount of snow, so i abandoned any thoughts of trying to hike to the summit.

    Instead, we drove down tons of winding mountain roads to a volcanic crater. Couldnt find the trailhead to hike to the top of it and Tita's ankle was hurting, so i dropped off Tita back in town and drove back to the crater and eventually just parked the car and hiked to the top. The crater was smaller than i thought, but great views as i circled the rim.

    Back to town, picked up Tita and went to another wine tasting at Solar Terra Brum winery just outside of town. Very authentic old structures, estate and vineyard. Tasted 4 wines with some cheeses and got a verrrry detailed explanation of the wines, process and history from our guide.

    Drove up the coast a bit and climbed over some volcanic rocks to take in the massive waves and explosions as they crashed into the shore.

    While Tita rested, i went for a drive to the northern coast and found some fantastic volcanic inlets with massive tital pools and geysers of water. Then visited the oldest winery of pico, had a quick taster of 2 of their wines before heading back to rest a while too.

    Found a great restaurant with local cuisines for supper before eventually heading back to our apartment for some wine and backgammon.    Read more

  • Azores

    Pico - Day 1

    April 6 in Portugal ⋅ 🌬 11 °C

    Quick 45 min flight from San Miguel island to Pico island. Mostly famous for two things. The tallest mountain in all of Portugal. And a completely unique volcanic wine region of the world.

    Picked up our rental car from the airport and as soon as we exited the airport, we could tell we were in the wine country part of the island.

    Literally less than a 5 minute drive and we were driving on the ocean coast with easily the biggest waves i have ever seen, sprays of water hitting our car, and we werent even close the rocky shore.

    As we made our way to a nearby winery, we were super puzzled by all the mazes of two foot high stone walls everywhere. Apparently they protect the vines from the elements enough to provide an extra 2-3 degrees of warmth. And oh boy we could have used an extra couple of degrees ourselves. Brrrr. I wished i had a rocky wall around me yesterday :)

    Ordered a couple of glasses of white and a big charcuterie board and stayed about 90 minutes enjoying the incredible views, awesome wine and nibbles and each others company :)

    Drove into the cute town of Madelena and found the apartment we rented, quickly unloaded and got back in the car to tour the island. Drove along the coast for 30 minutes then up up up into the mountains. Fantastic views but unfortunately lots of clouds obstructing everything. Literally driving in the clouds. Very hard to capture in photos.

    Back to the apartment for a quick rest. Then found a cute tapas restaurant for some fish soup, also ordered one "broken egg" to share which i called the azores version of poutine. Fried eggs over top of bacon and ham, over top of fries and some other light sauce in there too.

    Found another pub to resume our backgammon matches, and finished the day back at our apartment, playing backgammon, drinking a delicious bottle of wine tita bought at the vineyard and some music. For those keeping score, i made a furious comeback 😁    Read more

  • Azores

    San Miguel Island - Day 1

    April 5 in Portugal ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    Arrived around 730am and painfully waited an eternity to get through customs before finally into a taxi to our apartment rental in downtown ponta delgada. There was no reception but luckily ran into a staff member who sorted us out and straight to bed until about 2pm cuz we didnt sleep on the plane.

    Spent the afternoon strolling the pretty cobblestone streets, and stopping here and there for nibbles and refreshments. Lots closed for easter sunday, but managed to find some quaint places to relax.

    Broke out the backgammom board, taught Tita how to play the greek rules and she promptly beat me badly. She is a quick study!

    Tita also discovered her cousin from Lisbon is on vacation with his family here in ponta delgada too who she had not seen in 35 years. They came and joined us at the Louvre cafe for a late beverage and reunion. And capped the night off at a nearby bar where we met 4 other canadians, 2 from Ottawa.

    Great start.    Read more

  • Azores

    And we are off !

    April 4 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    Long travel day for Tita from Brantford. And i made my day a lot longer than it had to be. But we made it onto the flight yay!

    Adventure in azores starts tomorrow!

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon
    11

    Awash to Addis

    August 21, 2025 in Ethiopia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Hit the road at 830am to visit awash national park in hopes of seeing gazelles, ibex, crocs and if lucky other wildlife too.

    Wasn't overly lucky in that regard. I spotted one wounded gazelle, which is probably why it was all alone and not with the herd. And a warthog but it took off like a rocket as soon as i pointed my phone at it. The very unexpected surprise was all the baboons we came across. To the point where i stopped bothering taking photos of them! Fantastic thing to be spoiled with. Also a unique monkey with blue testicles called a vervet. Tons of wild camels too. But thats it.

    Then to a really powerful waterfall at the far end of the park. We were escorted throughout the park with a security guy with a machine gun, which was kinda weird but definitely not weird in this country. I asked my guide why I'd see civilians walking down the street with machine guns and he said it was an african thing haha. And often to protect their herds. Different world here.

    Then a few hours to my hotel in addis ababa. I decided to plurge and get something super comfortable for my final days, and was less than $100 cad a night. I think its the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in. My suite is massive.

    Napped for a few hours, out for a few beers and called it a day. No plans on my last day. Debating joining a city tour tomorrow but will see how i feel. Been fighting something for several days. Finally starting to get my voice back.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Awash National Park

    August 20, 2025 in Ethiopia ⋅ 🌬 30 °C

    Day started with a really long drive to reach the northern edge of Awash national park. Most of the drive was on winding roads across mountain top plateaus but single lane and neverending transport trucks to get past. Honestly, it was quite something getting a tiny glimpse at how the people here live. Without question, this is the poorest place I've ever been. Its not even close. Every house was either a small box made from sheet metal or mud huts. Its hard to describe everything I've seen here. I really don't even know where to start.

    Drive took us over 8 hours. One nice stop for lunch at a restaurant that looked like i was eating inside of a basket. So much of the food here is really spicy. Decided to go with something safe and ordered a pizza. Nope... super spicy too!

    Finally at the park lodge and the road in was completely flooded. My guide decided to chance it and we somehow got through two massive stretches of water that didn't look passable. And then finally rewarded at an incredible location. Rustic thatched rooved cabins overlooking a lake and natural hot springs on site where they built several amazing pools to soak in. So amazing.

    The restaurant closed at 9 and the power was out at 10 so it was a pretty early night. But very much worth the trouble to get here.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Harar

    August 19, 2025 in Ethiopia ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    Early morning flight to Dire Dawa and picked up by abdul from the tour company. Started the day taking me to Kefira market which was the most raw market I've ever been to. Super muddy from all the rain and extremely bare bones and real. Being the only white guy there, i garnered a heck of a lot of friendly attention

    Then went to a khat market which is plant that is like caffeine on steroids. Ethiopia has a massive market for it and ships off to many other countries. Kinda like a drug but legal here.

    And finally arrived in the ancient walled city of harar. Wandered for hours through the narrow maze of streets, high fiving little kids along the way who were extremely curious about me. Visiting shrines and mosques and significant family dwellings. Everyone super friendly and welcoming.

    Just before dusk, was brought to a spot on the edge of the city. Harar has a hyena problem so they feed the hyenas outside the city in hopes to keep them out of the city. I got to feed a bunch of them.

    Then dinner at nice spot where some local celebration happened just as i was paying my bill. Quite a day!    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Addis Ababa - Day 1

    August 18, 2025 in Ethiopia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Flew about 6 hours from mumbai to ethiopia's capital. I was lucky to get out as mumbai experienced wild amounts of rain and many flights were cancelled.

    Unfortunately lots of rain, and fairly cold (18C) in addis ababa too. I didn't realize august is winter in ethiopia. Had to go to my tour guide office to pay for my 3 day tour which took me to an area of the city you could easily mistake for Los Angeles. Modern downtown, wide beautiful boulevards with palm trees everywhere.

    Later ended up at a super traditional ethiopian restaurant for an unusual meal and honey wine plus quite the band and stage show. Very fun and unique experience.

    Had to up at 5am for a very early flight.. so another early night.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Mumbai

    August 17, 2025 in India ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    Quick 21 hour layover in mumbai en route to ethiopia. Was very curious to get a tiny glimpse of india.

    I didn't realize my hotel was a bit far from restaurant areas so i decided to walk an hour in the streets and get an indian experience

    Within 10 minutes came across some cultural celebrations happening. Continued on past a lot of really poor living conditions. And eventually to some restaurants and bars similar to what i would find back home, which felt extremely out of place.

    Found a craft beer taphouse with surprisingly excellent beers. Then a really nice restaurant for some fish tempora which was waaaay too spicy for me. And finished at the british brewing company. In bed a bit after 10pm. Another morning flight coming up    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Singapore

    August 16, 2025 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Booked my singapore hotel on landing at the airport. Holy moly this is an expensive city! Just finding something really simple and clean cost me $350 for the night!!! And it wasn't anything special.

    My hotel was in a really cool area though. Huge temple a block away and tons of pretty streets full of restaurants and shops. I think i was in a muslim/arab part of the city. Had to walk a bit further to find a place that offered beer on a menu.

    Didn't stay out very late. Needed to catch up on sleep. Plus, prices were so high, doing nothing was therapeutic towards what i paid for my hotel.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Manila, 2 days

    August 14, 2025 on the Philippines ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    Decided to spend my last 2 nights in manila. El nido was so full of european tourists that i didn't feel i was in Philippines anymore and figured I'd enjoy a couple of days in the capital instead.

    My first night, i just walked around the extremely lively makati area. Ate at a cuban restaurant, played pool against some locals and saw a live show at a new orleans themed place.

    Second day, i found out my friends from boracay were in manila too, so i joined them for the afternoon at their hotel rooftop and finished the night at a nightclub. Also met my first canadian of the trip at a local pub.

    Being in a filipino nightclub as a westerner is pretty unique. Every time i walked through a crowd, I'd get surrounded by 10+ people in a circle who would then raise their arms and chant for me to do my dance moves. This happened so many times. Total vip experience from all the bouncers too. Really fun two days. Not many pics though.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    El Nido - Day 2

    August 13, 2025 on the Philippines ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    My island tour started at 9am with 5 different stops. El nido archipelago is extremely similar rock formations that vietnam and Thailand have with huge cliff rocks jetting straight up out of the water.

    Unfortunately the weather was not on my side today. Light rain off and on all day. And clouds covering the rock formations and also no sun to show off the amazing turquoise waters.

    All that said, was still gorgeous. Kayaking, swimming, snorkling, lunch on an island beach and another island beach just for relaxing

    Did get stung in 3 places by jellyfish, but burning sensation was gone after an hour or so. They sting here but not poisonous thankfully.

    A big filipino family took me under their wing most of the day, which was really sweet. I was the only solo traveler on the boat of about 25 people. Being canadian really gets positive reactions wherever i go.

    Found a beach restaurant after the tour for some food and then took a nap afterwards. After 8, wandered around town in the rain checking out its nightlife, popping into a few different places.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    El Nido - Day 1

    August 12, 2025 on the Philippines ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    Not much to write here. Late afternoon flight to El Nido on palawan island. Arrived just before sundown at my hotel on the water. Super tired and lay down on arrival and didn't get up until morning. Total recharge of my battery :)

    But very amusing thing in boracay before i left. I got myself close to the airport with tons of time so i walked into a random restaurant to have some food and kill some time. It took me about 30 minutes before i realized the entire restaurant is decked out in canadian mountie stuff. Soooooo weird haha. I tried to inquire but i don't think anyone understood my questions    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Boracay - Day 2

    August 12, 2025 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    First day with zero plans and loving it

    Found the perfect beach bar for some food, beer and research time feet away from gorgeous turqoise waters. Had a lot of logistics to sort out on where to spend my last few days and how to get to singapore.

    While sitting there, i could see sailboats constantly pulling in, so i walked over and arranged for a sunset sail and my american friend decided to join too.

    Met back up with the gang from the night before and went to all the same places. Super fun last night in boracay.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Boracay - Day 1

    August 10, 2025 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Had to connect through manila to arrive at world famous boracay. And even on arrival, caticlan airport isn't even on the same island. So i had to taxi, then boat, then taxi again to reach my hotel in boracay

    Immediately got my things and went to the beach and watched the best sunset I've ever seen. Had octopus at a microbrewery near my hotel. The beer was a lot more enjoyable than the meal. Its so rare to get non chewy octopus that i think i give up trying now.

    Found a rare authentic, non commercial place on the beach for a few beverages. Boracay is gorgeous but its soooo commercialized wow. Made friends with a nice American guy ciaran from nyc and some locals at a communal table there and finished the night at a club. Fantastic place to be.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Bohol - Day 3

    August 9, 2025 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Started the day with a 90 minute drive with a rental car to the center interior of the island and its famous chocolate hills. Beautiful! All those cone hills are apparently formed from coral reefs millions of years ago. I don't understand how thats possible haha but I'm way outside my area of expertise :)

    On returning to my rental car, the battery was completely dead. Called the rental agency. And then asked some staff at the chocolate hills parking area if a boost could be possible. Before i knew it, i had 7 filipino guys all trying to solve the problem under the hood. Tightened all battery connectors and boom, car started yay! Filipinos are so nice everywhere i go.

    Then drove to the coast for some food on the ocean before driving back inland to the smalll village of Loboc and its really scenic river setting. Rented a kayak to explore around, then went on an evening fireflies boat tour. That was honestly a bit disappointing... but still nice to go for the ride.

    Followed by a quiet evening at my hotel restaurant area. Really cool property greatly built from bamboo.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Bohol - Day 2

    August 8, 2025 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Late start but eventually found a scooter rental and off i went in search of tarsiers, the smallest primates on the planet. They literally fit in the palm of your hand. And where better than the tarsier sanctuary.

    Some tour guides at the sanctuary helped the group spot some. My god they are good at their jobs. I could live there for a year and never spot one on my own. Super cute. Endangered species and native almost only to this specific island.

    From there, drove through gorgeous palm lined forest roads to Camugao waterfalls. About a 20 minute hike through some farmland and jungle to this very impressive waterfall. Swam up pretty close but its hard to get overly close to it.

    Then the long drive back in the rain wasn't so fun. But eventually back on the beach, enjoying a great meal at sundown. Life is pretty rough here 😁    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Panglao (Bohol)

    August 7, 2025 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Mostly another travel day. Flew from siargao to cebu and just barely caught the ferry to the island of bohol. Arrived late afternoon but had booked a hotel on a tiny island next to bohol called Panglao. And stayed at Alona beach. This was an excellent decision 😁

    Have been feeling a bit sick the past few days with a bit of a fever and cough but otherwise managable with ibuprofen and losanges. Very happy to have a chill day

    Alona beach is one big beach patio. Found a great spot for food and later a very lively spot for a few beverages and otherwise had a quiet night.

    Having a hard time finding a rental car here.. so maybe a scooter on friday and rental car on Saturday to go visit the famous chocolate hills    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon
    Raw maho mahi and also grilled mahi mahiRaw marlinOctopus

    Siargao - Day 2

    August 6, 2025 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Left on my scooter around 930am for my plan to circumnavigate the island. Its not that big, but i had a ton of stops with activities in mind. Most people hang out near the southeast surf towns and ignore the north. But i noticed some tours focused entirely on the north. So i took a snapshot of their itinerary and figured I'd steal some ideas and self guide with my scooter

    First stop was maasin river. Hired a guide to paddle me through a really beautiful winding river amongst the thick palms and vegetarian. Incredibly enjoyable. Finishing at a small blue lagoon where one of the local guys did a crazy photoshoot atop a tree haha

    Maybe 10 minutes further uproad was a cave tour plus gorgeous blue pool of water at the end. Donned my headlight and off we went. Carefully navigated chest deep water through a cave, amazed by 1000 bats sleeping on the ceiling and weaving carefully through the underground canyon. And culminating at an amazing blueish deep pool of water for swimming, and swing ropes etc. Fantastic.

    Then drove maybe 20 minutes to magpopongko which is some natural pools off an ocean reef. This was really pretty, but less wow factor than the others. Swam there for a bit and back on the road. I think if i arrived earlier at low tide, it would have made a huge difference.

    Quick stop at pacifico beach. Total hippy surf town. Looked fun but i wanted a nice restaurant for seafood looking over a beach. Found something far beyond my expectations between pacifico and Alegria beaches. Amazing spot. Brand new restaurant and ordered grilled mahi mahi and also raw mahi mahi. Both phenomenal with the most amazing backdrop.

    Then about 30 minutes by scooter to taktak waterfall. Really nice waterfall into a big pool. Can climb the rocks at the base and even get behind it. I was pressed for time and pretty exhausted. Asked another tourist to take some shots of me under the waterfall and back on the road

    Then the really long drive home to the hotel. Almost 2 hours. Broke my rule of never driving at night but only by a bit. Then some yummy seafood next to my hotel and to bed. I think i got sunstroke. Not feeling 100%. But amazing day.    Read more

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