It was as if we were travelling along one of the world’s deadliest roads, but the fear was drowned by the excitement of being on top of mountain cliffs constantly riffled by the fuming waves of the Pacific Ocean.
The moment I laid my eyes on this cove nestled between two tidelands, I unearthed an invincible affinity to this beach.
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| Matawe Beach Dingalan Aurora Philippines |
I perceived it as one of my communions with my GOD, so deep in my heart I wished that we be given a place we can call our own here.….and indeed my wish was granted
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| Enjoying Pacific Ocean waves at Matawe Beach Dingalan Aurora Philippines |
While before we would enjoy battling the waves for hours at no end now even just listening to the harmonious sound of the Pacific waves, and the gentle breeze coming from the Sierra Madre is enough to refresh our minds, recharge our bodies and invigorate our spirits.
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| Matawe Dingalan tideland at dusk |
Watching the full moon rise from above the ocean with unobstructed view,
or meteor showers while star gazing or the flickering ember of a bonfire
3D experience in IMAX theater fails much in comparison.
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| Star gazing at Matawe Beach, Dingalan Aurora |
It is always hard to get out of bed at dawn but the early birds always get the best of what nature can offer.
The 10 hectares twin tidelands are always waiting to be explored. In reality they are just like big coral reefs jotting above the ocean floors.The maze-like fissures running along the base, seem to be monsters ready to devour any passerby as water is sucked in with every ebb of ocean wave.
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| Wading the shallow water of Matawe tideland |
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| Picture taking at Matawe tideland |
Enclosed at the promontory of the right tideland is a large tidal pool at least 20 feet deep, where with a daring spirit one can execute a perfect dive.
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| Matawe Tidal pool |
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| Matawe tidal pool fed by the Pacific Ocean |
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| Watching Pacific Ocean waves being crashed at Matawe's right Tideland's promontory |
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| Big white waves at the farthest edge of Matawe's left tideland |
My sisters who came back from USA opted to spend their vacation in this part of island paradise Luzon. Roughing out the roaring waves we dared venture into the other side of Dingalan where the vast waters of the Pacific Ocean coming from as far as Alaska, California, Hawaii, Polynesia, Guam and Japan is rammed against the the mighty walls of Sierra Madre, carving holes giving way to caves used as haven by weary seafarers.
The water in Lamao caves was so inviting yet the waves were so intimidating,
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| Inside Lamao Cave Dingalan Aurora Philippines |
so White beach became a better alternative for a good dip.
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| White Beach Dingalan |
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| Bathing at White Beach Dingalan |
As we came home to our beach house we were welcomed by ocean's bountiful gifts
Inside the very vein of the mountain flows pure mineral water.
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| Sierra Madre mountain spring, Dingalan Aurora Philippines |
Tabe water falls
If we found the trail to Tabe water falls an easy gradual climb, the road to Tanawan water falls would need much stamina with steep climb to the top of the mountain
where the last vestige of the supposed to be Yamashita treasures still lay hidden among the many humongous rocks scattered there.
When we reached the top of the mountain, we had to manage a a deep descent. Dane and Agnes of tramping philippines might have not discerned it yet, but the truth is, this was the first mountain they have scaled.
The sight of this wonderful gift of nature shielded beneath canopy of trees, more than compensated for the profuse perspiration, pounding heart and gasping breath we had.
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Dingalan Tanawan Waterfalls from afar
We were told that there are seven water falls cascading down this mountain but we were contented reaching these two lowest levels
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| Dingalan Tanawan Waterfalls up close |
The water in the upper level was deep
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| Dingalan Tanawan Waterfalls, upper level |
so we decided to feel the water at the transition level.
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| Tanawan Waterfalls, transition level |
The waist deep water of the lower level was more inviting though.
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| Diving at Tanawan Waterfalls |
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| Dingalan Tanawan Waterfalls, lower level |
There are still so many picturesque places in Dingalan where we have walked around and still there are much more hidden mysteries along the mountain nooks and ocean crevices....
How to get there
Dingalan is 17,300 kilometers (10,700 miles) from Manila
We usually leave Manila at 4 AM
From NLEX you can choose to take the Sta. Rita exit and traverse Bulacan & Nueva Ecija or like in our case we traverse the whole course of SCTEX and reach the Tarlac exit
by 5:15 AM we usually reach Zaragoza Nueva Ecija
5:30 AM after 15 minute we are suppossed to be in Santa Rosa Nueva Ecija
We usually avoid Cabanatuan and go straight to the
newly opened Zubic to Dingalan road passing through Fort Magsaysay in Laur Nueva Ecija,
at the highest point of which, you can have an eagle's view of Luzon Central Plain
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| Subic-Dingalan Road, Fort Magsaysay, Laur Nueva Ecija |
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| Bird's eye view of Central Luzon, Subic-Dingalan Road, Fort Magsaysay, Laur Nueva Ecija |
30 minutes of travel you will descend the hill and touch the main domains of Laur, Nueva Ecija
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| Laur, Nueva Ecija cloud formation |
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| Mountain ranges view from Laur, Nueva Ecija |
take the road to Gabaldon along Caraballo Mountains where you can have a stop-over at Dupinga river.
When you arrive at Gabaldon at around 6AM you can pass by Gabaldon market to get the freshest vegetables at the lowest price possible; then resume driving until you reach the top of Sierra Madre where by chance you can see a rainbow or two sometimes 3.
then be welcomed by the picturesque sight of Dingalan bay.
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| Aurora Philippines Dingalan Bay view from atop Sierra Madre |
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| Dingalan Bay, Aurora Philippines |
Along the way is Aplaya where you can buy freshly caught tuna, tanigue, salmon, blue marlin, dorado, lobsters, tiger prawns, squids, even fresh water crayfish, then off to a 15-20 minute-ride to the 7 kilometer-rough coastal road to Matawe
Where you will be greeted by the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean
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| Pacific Ocean, Dingalan Aurora Philippines |
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| Pacific ocean, Dingalan Bay, Aurora Philippines |
Mini water falls and craggy mountain sides
deadly curves and streams
a few meters from this stream is our haven....a beachfront home facing a cove between tw0 tidelands where you can have a good relaxing dip from March to September
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| Dingalan Aurora Philippines Matawe beach during summer |
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| Dingalan Aurora Philippines Matawe Pacific Ocean coastline |
or ride the waves of the great Pacific Ocean from October to February
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| Dingalan Aurora Philippines Matawe beach during Hanging Amihan |
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| Riding the Pacific waves in Matawe beach, Dingalan Aurora Philippines |
or just pose for a picture
or play with the kids
or watch the waves
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| Pacific ocean waves at Matawe tideland. Dingalan Aurora Philippines |
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| Pacific ocean wave at Matawe Dingalan Aurora Philippines |
or watch the clouds
or build sand castle
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| Building sandcastle at Matawe Beach, Dingalan Aurora Philippines |
As additional treat, one day we were welcomed by a pleasant surprise
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| Honey bee hive at Matawe beach house |
honey bees found a suitable place to build their beehive inside our house...
mountain life to the max!
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Dingalan AuroraTramping Philippines
and that if I would just confine myself within its protective arms, nothing would go wrong.
The water in Lamao caves was so inviting yet the waves were so intimidating,
Inside the very vein of the mountain flows pure mineral water.
Tabe water falls
where the last vestige of the supposed to be Yamashita treasures still lay hidden among the many humongous rocks scattered there.
When we reached the top of the mountain, we had to manage a a deep descent. Dane and Agnes of tramping philippines might have not discerned it yet, but the truth is, this was the first mountain they have scaled.
The sight of this wonderful gift of nature shielded beneath canopy of trees, more than compensated for the profuse perspiration, pounding heart and gasping breath we had.
or build sand castle
Lovely, lovely place, it never fails to take my breath away. I specially love traversing the roads going up to the mountain just before sunrise. I also love the place where the river runs parallel to the roadside. And that house with lotus ponds in front. We also have a place in Matawe. Maybe someday we will get to meet. Ours is I think further down the road from your place
ReplyDeleteHi Maricel
DeleteThe river that runs parallel to the road is Bato Ferry in Laur Nueva Ecija. It is where we had our picnics when we were young. Its water used to be crystal clear and the place so pristine...
I too am looking forward to meeting you in Matawe, Dingalan. We are planning to retire there in the near future...
Very well documented; nice photo's too,,hoping that you can include accommodations and what to expect on the the money side of it.
ReplyDeletethanks so much for posting the breathtaking views of my hometown, it appreciate much (most of my growing years i dont,hahaha)it was such a refreshing experience if youre bundled up with chaotic city life especially if youre based here in manila,anyways we have numbers of resorts and inns in the area that offer simple accomodations (regular and aircon rooms to name a few we have Fildane Inn (located in Poblacion,town proper)DBR and Bebs Resort in Brgay Paltic,RF Resort,Seabreeze,Pacific Cove in Butas na Bato,San Diego and Mercado Beach Resort in Matawe-dont hesitate to ask any locals and they surely know where these inns/resorts are located-and a helpful money saving tip-better cook and buy your own seafood either from talipapa (fish stalls)or roaming fish vendor-it will help you save food cost (if you gonna order one in those aformentioned resorts)by 60 or even 70 percent..enjoy your stay..oops by the way we got limited internet connections in the area (wi fi and broadband)smart,talk and text,globe and tm signals are have good receptions in the area..
Deletei'm planning to ride my bike from balagtas, bulacan to cabanatuan and then to dingalan. can you please tell me the kind of terrain i have to traverse from cabanatuan to dingalan?
ReplyDeleteSorry for the late reply. Are you riding a motorbike? You have two options: 1) when you reach Santa Rosa Nueva Ecija, turn left at the cross section near the market, that road will lead you to Fort Magsaysay, Laur Nueva Ecija, just go straight until you reach Laur, then straight ahead to Gabaldon along caraballo mountain until you reach sierra madre, on top of which is the bird's eyeview of Dingalan bay; 2) or you can go straight to cabanatuan and adk for directions on how to go to Laur. Both roads have long winding mountain roads but today's bik
DeleteToday's bikers use the Fort Magsaysay road....bypassing cabanatuan: less traffic, less chance of getting lost, and more breathtaking views especially at sunrise. Do not travel though in this road after dusk, too isolated place for a night travel.
DeleteI mean turn right at the cross section in santa rosa...that is if you are coming from manila or bulacan
Delete"Dingalan is 17,300 kilometers (10,700 miles) from Manila" - is the distance correct?
ReplyDeleteIt is not correct...Its only 185 kilometers from Manila city hall..
DeleteThe circumference of the earth is 40.075,017 km! With 17,300 kilometers you are already somewhere on the other side of the globe. - Sakit.info
DeleteHow to go to white beach and lamao cave? where can we rent a boat? planning to go there this holy week.thanks
ReplyDelete