ULOG DAY 37: "DOING ANYTHING IN THIS FARM"

How to Go There?

Located in East Mindanao, it takes 4 hours to ride when riding in our private vehicle or when negotiating a van from my place Butuan city to Tandag Surigao del Sure since it has 182 kilometers from my city to the province. It only takes 3 hours and 35 minutes if we choose a motorcycle.Their style of motorcycle is called "Habal-Habal" because it has its wooden wings installed in its sides to load many people. For the bus stop is about 5 hours.

Expecting an early arrival to the place can happen only when we have a private vehicle or if motorcycling. For those who have a vehicle of their own can still negotiate a van for 5,500 pesos. Then, good luck in arriving to Tandag Surigao.

Since Alameda farm is our target, we must expect a shuttle van to meet us for 1500 pesos (28.39$) if we don't have a vehicle of our own whereas we can pick another "habal-habal" option. The ride consumes 30 minutes from Tandag. We must expect a crooked road. The entrance fee is 35 pesos (0.66$).

The place is worth spending with money and time and its remarkable part is its patio where we can overlook the wilderness from the top as well as the group of Islands in Britania. The terrace has a huge telescope to see the vacationists having fun in the jungle and even on the island. As we view the burgeoning spectacle below and the white island, there is an introduced big floral heart in the middle of the patio that seems so sentimental. It as the farm's identity because I always see the tourists picturing themselves in that background that is posted on Facebook.

Remember:
When we arrive in Surigao, the destination will be in Tandag city in San Agustin to visit the farm. The spot endures above the hills in which they named Hamburger Hills of Barangay Gata. The mountain has 760 feet length and 2.8 kilometers distance from the main stem.

What to Expect?

As the estate has gained a notoriety on Facebook, Manuel Alameda Sr, its owner restores his farmers to use organic fertilizers for the plants. We will surely appreciate the plenty organic mango hacienda as well as coconuts that they sell at less exorbitant prices.

The farm also sells chicken and livestock that has fewer prices than what we can buy in the market.

If we like to spend there overnight, they offer guest luxury.

The farm landlord is always committed to sharing his expertise in agriculture for those who are willing to learn. He offers farming equipment and education including how to fishing effectively. They moreover have an academy to train farmers how to produce rubbers correctly. They likewise give advice to farming industries.

The Alameda Farm further provides concepts perfect for fun such as ziplining and ATV biking at the top of the shrubs. There are extensive wooden and dryland pathways to hike while we see the green excellence of nature. Triking is also available.

The farm consists of 10 hectares area full of amenities that we will definitely enjoy. For resting, the bungalows and cabins are accessible. There are also tents if we like camping.

As we stay in the place for countable nights, we will undoubtedly enjoy picking up the fresh crops from the land and vegetables.

The farm shows its tourist that the spot is a whole package because it is abundant with hogs. While we enjoy the hedges and the mountains below, for sure we will be delighted seeing the geese and hogs. There are also numbers of ducks.

The farm is plenty of flowers, herbs, and fruits and one of their trademark of fruits if their cacao and dragon fruit.

Amazing Views

Going to the southern part of the farm has something to contribute to see the wide eggplant plantation. Seems like we're in Singapore to see our surrounding abundant of tomatoes, cucumber, ampalaya, and more.

Some of their seedlings are imported such as their Thailandese mangos and American lemons. These plants are admittedly a great addition for the adornment perfect for taking pictures.

Upon waiting for the sunset, their patio is open while we also see the huge floral heart shape outside the fence. From the patio, we can view the groups of islands next to the green panorama of the jungle beneath. The group of islands is named as Britannia, prominent in Caraga for its white sands like Palawan and Boracay.

Their cabins are purely wooden with bamboo floor and their gazebos are also oaked with nipa roofs as well as their reception hall riched in yellow bells and orchids. The cabins and cottages have beds where we spend nights for relaxation.

When trekking, what we can see is the cliff below because the spot is above the hills. We definitely endure a great adventure to experience the narrow dryland pathway and a bumpy road when viewing underneath is the higher view of the mountain. Some people are scared to trek there, but no one is reported in an accident.

Not just trekking, tourists can also tour in a carabao. The carabao pulls the nipa hut while the people are inside the nipa hut as we're viewing the aerial scenery of the wilderness and the other cliff at the edge. It is like riding a horse with the carriage.

Accommodations and Prices

Sky bike- 200 php per head (3.79$)
Zipline- 250 php per head (4.73$)
ATV- 100 php per head (1.89$)
Combo ride (zipplining and skybiking)- 400 php per head (7.57$)

Room rates
Dorm type- 12 person for 3,600 php (68.13$)
8 person for 2,400 php (45.52$)
3 person for 3,000 php (5.68$)
farm house for 3,000 php (5.68$)

Standard- 2 person for 700 pesos (13.25$)
Duplex- 2 person for 700 php (13.25$)
Duplex -3 person for 1,000 php (18.93$)
Duplex-3 person for 1,000 php (18.93$)

Free Entrance Fee
Farm Tour

Doubled Tents- 250 php (4.73$)
Single tent- 200 php (3.79$)
Extra foam- 200 php per person (3.79$)
Open cottages are consumable.

Hot kawa bath with VCO and herbal plants- 400 php (7.57$)
Massage - 400 php (7.57)
Kawa and Hot bath and Massage- 750 php (14.19$)tps://img.esteem.ws/bsub4bupft.jpg

Disclaimer: The content and illustration are original.

Camera used: iphone7+
Photographer: Clare Blackburn
Taken: 2018
Location: USA