2014 Valentine's 5-day Trip to Sagada


At the heart of the Central Cordillera Mountain Range is the highland sanctuary called Sagada. Perched on verdant mountains and hills with limestone rock formation providing spectacular backdrop, Sagada is an idyllic and a must-visit destination that a tired, weary soul can find seclusion and rejuvenation.
Primary Destinations:
Cave Connection: Lumiang Burial Cave-Sumaguing Cave
Bomod-ok Falls / Big Falls
Bokong Falls / Small Falls
Kiltepan Peak
Echo Valley
Hanging Coffins
St. Mary the Virgin Church
Centennial Bell
Banaue Rice Terraces
Inclusions:
3-day, 2-night accommodation in a pension house or lodge in Sagada
Round-trip Manila-Banaue-Manila air-con bus
Round-trip Banaue-Sagada-Banaue private jeep
Day 1 lunch; Day 2 breakfast and lunch; Day 3 breakfast
Services of tour coordinator and local guides
Entrance and registration fees
Travel insurance
Souvenir shirt
Group Rate: P5,000/head (Exclusive group starts at min. six (6) backpackers)
Note: Payment is non refundable but transferable.

Terms of Payment:
• 100%  Payment upon within seven days of reservation; Cancelled after that
• 
90% Refundable 30 days (or more) prior date of travel
• 
50% Refundable 15 days prior date of travel
• 
Non-Refundable 14 days prior date of travel

Payment Method:
BPI
Branch: Serendra-Fort
Account Name: Kristoffer Atienza
Account Number: 0829 035 871
Account Type: Savings
BDO
Branch: Libertad-Mandaluyong
Account Name: Kristoffer Atienza
Account Number: 693 800 00 93
Account Type: Current
Things To Bring:
Personal toiletries
Digital cameras (point and shoot or DSLR)
Extra batteries and memory cards
Camera accessories
Aqua shoes
Sunblock / sunscreen lotion
Dry bag
Shawl
Sweatshirt / jacket / windbreaker
Trekking/hiking shoes/sandals
Sunglasses
Arm sleeves
Cap / sunvisor / hat
Bug repellant
Suggested Itinerary:
Feb 13:
2100 – Assembly at the bus station
2200 – ETD Manila
Feb 14:
0600 – ETA Banaue; breakfast
0730 – ETD Banaue; stop at Banaue Viewpoints
1130 – ETA Sagada; check in
1200 – Lunch
1300 – Cave Connection: Lumiang Burial Cave & Sumaguing Cave
1700 – End of Cave Connection
1730 – Check in, wash up
1900 – Dinner
2000 – Check in
Feb 15:
0700 – Breakfast
0800 – ETD Sagada
0815 – ETA Bokong Falls Jump Off Point
0825 – ETA Bokong Falls
0845 – ETD Bokong Falls
0900 – ETA/ETD Bokong Falls Jump Off Point
0915 – ETA Bomod-ok Falls Jump Off Point; registration
0925 – ETD Bomod-ok Falls Jump Off Point
1030 – ETA Bomod-ok Falls
1200 – ETD Bomod-ok Falls
1330 – ETA pick up point
1400 – ETA Sagada; lunch
1500 – Wash up; siesta
1630 – Lake Danum; wait for sunset
1830 – Dinner
Feb 16:
0445 – Wake up call
0500 – ETD Sagada
0530 – ETA Kiltepan Peak; sunrise watching
0700 – Sight-seeing: Echo Valley, Hanging Coffins, Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Centennial Bell
0800 – Pasalubong shopping
0900 – Breakfast
1100 – Check out; ETD Sagada
1500 – ETA Banaue; free time
1800 – ETD Banaue
Feb 17:
0430 – ETA Manila (bus station)
Photo Credits
filipinessence.wordpress.com
www.arlenebriones.com
www.motorcyclephilippines.com
www.visitsagada.com
tourism-philippines.com
www.adventuresofagoodman.com

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Jan 24-26: Banaue Rice Terraces Tour



 
Tour Highlights:
Spectacular scenery provided by the Ifugao Rice Terraces
Trekking / hiking along the “eighth wonder of the world”
Chasing the Tappiyah Falls
Dip into Ifugao’s hot springs
Primary Destinations:
Batad Rice Terraces
Banga-an Rice Terraces
Hapao Rice Terraces
Bacung Spider Web Terraces
Banaue Rice Terraces
Tappiyah Falls
Bogyah Hot Spring
Note: Other destinations may be visited if time allows for it
Inclusions:
Round-trip Manila-Banaue-Manila transportation
Round-trip Banaue-Batad-Banaue transportation
Round-trip Banaue-Hungduan-Banaue transportation
Overnight accommodation in Batad with breakfast
Overnight accommodation in Banaue with breakfast
Services of tour coordinator and guide
Entrance and registration fees
Travel insurance
Souvenir shirt
Not included:
Breakfast on the first day
All lunch and dinner
Group Rate: P4,500/head (Minimum of six/party)
Note: Payment is non refundable but transferable.

Terms of Payment:
• 100%  Payment upon within seven days of reservation; Cancelled after that
• 
90% Refundable 30 days (or more) prior date of travel
• 
50% Refundable 15 days prior date of travel
• 
Non-Refundable 14 days prior date of travel

Payment Method:
BPI
Branch: Serendra-Fort
Account Name: Kristoffer Atienza
Account Number: 0829 035 871
Account Type: Savings
BDO
Branch: Libertad-Mandaluyong
Account Name: Kristoffer Atienza
Account Number: 693 800 00 93
Account Type: Current
 
Things to bring:
Personal toiletries
Digital cameras (point and shoot or DSLR)
Extra batteries and memory cards
Camera accessories
Rashguard
Aqua shoes
Sunblock / sunscreen lotion
Dry bag
Shawl / malong
Sweatshirt / jacket / windbreaker
Trekking/hiking shoes/sandals
Sunglasses
Arm sleeves
Cap / sunvisor / hat
Bug repellant
Sleeping bag
Photo Credits:
pinayabroad.wordpress.com
flickr.com
blendomachine.wordpress.com
www.absolutevisit.com
www.unchartedphilippines.com

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Jan 18-19, 2014: Hundred Islands Tour


Dear guests, our first offering for 2014 Scheduled Group Tours is the January 18-19 Hundred Islands and Bolinao Camping Trip.
The Hundred Islands National Park is composed of 124 big and tiny islands laid over the sprawling, historic, 18-square kilometers Lingayen Gulf. During low tide, these patches of greens and limestone are visibly seen, some of which have pockets of powdery sand that entice beach lovers to play around.
Then on the westernmost corner of the gulf is the municipality of Bolinao which boasts of kilometer-long white beach, a Spanish Colonial era church, and an American-built lighthouse are among its attractions. Book today and enjoy backpacking at its best by our professional guided tours.
Summary Destinations:
Children’s Island
Governor’s Island
Marcos Island / Cave
Quezon Island
Cape Bolinao Lighthouse
Enchanted Cave
Patar Beach
St. James Church
Inclusions:
Round-trip Manila-Pangasinan-Manila transportation via private/chartered van/s
Tent accommodation (twin or triple-sharing)
Picnic meals: Day 1: lunch, dinner; Day 2: breakfast, lunch
Chartered boat/s
Use of cottages
Services of tour coordinator and local guides
Entrance and registration fees
Camping fee
Travel insurance
Souvenir event shirt
Not Included:
Day 1 breakfast
Day 2 dinner
Rental to snorkeling equipment
Water activities such as kayak, jetski, etc.
Group Rate: P4,000/head (Exclusive group starts at min. six (6) backpackers)
Note: Payment is non refundable but transferable.

Terms of Payment:
• 100%  Payment upon within seven days of reservation; Cancelled after that
• 
90% Refundable 30 days (or more) prior date of travel
• 
50% Refundable 15 days prior date of travel
• 
Non-Refundable 14 days prior date of travel

Payment Method:
BPI
Branch: Serendra-Fort
Account Name: Kristoffer Atienza
Account Number: 0829 035 871
Account Type: Savings
BDO
Branch: Libertad-Mandaluyong
Account Name: Kristoffer Atienza
Account Number: 693 800 00 93
Account Type: Current
 
Things to bring:
Personal toiletries
Digital cameras (point and shoot or DSLR)
Extra batteries and memory cards
Camera accessories
Rashguard
Aqua shoes
Sunblock / sunscreen lotion
Dry bag
Shawl / malong
Sweatshirt / jacket / windbreaker
Trekking/hiking shoes/sandals
Sunglasses
Arm sleeves
Cap / sunvisor / hat
Bug repellant
Sleeping bag
Photo Credits:
asianjournal.com
trekearth.com
lumanog-photos.blogspot.com
teachermiatravels.wordpress.com

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Guests get Pay-Per-View Treat and More

For the first time we treated our Sunday guests to a Manny Pacquiao-Brandon Rios fight and we thought we’ll do this next time so our guests can meet more friends while they stay at our hostel. It’s an early Christmas treat not just for hostel guests but for all my countrymen as well because The Pacman won his fight convincingly through a 120-108, 119-109, 118-110…unanimous judges decision.

Having Pay-Per-View was a hit and guests are happy

Having Pay-Per-View was a hit and guests are happy


This is a welcome change because The Philippines played host to two significant natural calamities: The earthquake in Bohol Island and the devastating storm surge that Category five typhoon Haiyan did to Leyte and Easter Samar provinces. More than 11 Million people were affected by the storm but nothing can defeat the spirit of the Filipino people who will soon pick up the pieces and live happy lives again.
We at Crossroads Hostel Manila would like to share this happiness to you by giving you one free night stay when you book until Saturday, November 30th through . You and a guest you know who book a bed from now until Monday, 30th June 2014 can stay in the hostel for one free night stay if they book three nights at this hostel in Metro Manila.
It’s a power punch of a deal highlighted even by Manny Pacquiao’s win today. What are you waiting for, book your hostel bed today!

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Summer Promo Suspended

Our Reception Area

Our Reception Area


Effective immediately, we are suspending our Summer Promo because we have different promos running alongside vendors like Agoda.com, Booking.com, Hostelworld.com, and others that we have partnered with. The promo has helped so many of our guests already and ever since we came out of Tripadvisor.com, our inquiries and bookings have doubled that it has been so hard for us to manage what vendor, what booking comes with what promo.
We’re a start-up business and most of the operations are done by the owner so it would be wiser for us to simplify our operations and concentrate in taking care of our guests further. So for our guests who have booked with this Summer promo, don’t worry because we will still honor them.
We’re still gonna extend regular discounts for backpackers who stay more than six nights: Fifty pesos discount await travelers who will stay on the seventh and eighth night or more. That’s 10% off from the published rate!
So book your stay with us today and discover why people are happy after they meet us and spent the night in Crossroads Hostel Manila.

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300 Pesos is Made More Valuable

(Editor’s Note: THIS PROMO HAS BEEN SUSPENDED. The management has deemed it necessary. Please read here the details.)
Mandaluyong is not your typical city to have a hostel for Backpackers to go to – not yet, at least. Visitors start their adventure just to get here. The place is farther north than more popular Hostels in the Metropolitan area, Manila. But if you think about the thrill, your sensibilities, and the adventure of a lifetime then Crossroads Hostel Manila is your prime choice.
Our location is only a minute walk away from the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and seconds away from local street food fair along the busy and bustling neighborhood of Mandaluyong. We’re located at the heart of a very busy intersection – a transportation Hub – where North, South, East, and West traffic main arteries converge. The diversity of people, the culture, and the variety of places you can go to is better than most Hostel locations dare to be.
The wet market is only three hundred steps away – shorter if you’re taller than five feet eight inches tall. The famous Philippine Jeepney plies right in front of our Hostel so people can take a picture with it every minute. Foreign exchange shops are located in nearby malls that are literally within 1,000 steps or less.  This provides you with great access to just about every thing.
And how much better would your stay in The Philippines be more fun than to put more money in your wallet while staying with us at Crossroads?

The opportunity last for only so long. Grab the chance today.

The opportunity last for only so long. Grab the chance today.


We’re slashing per night cost from PhP500/night to PhP300/night only up until June 30 this year. That’s a whopping 40% discount off the cost! That means you can buy more souvenirs for you and your loved and perhaps more food in your tummy to experience the savory flavors of foods in the Philippines you can buy.
This is our way not just to help our country get more people to enjoy the country but that there will be more Backpackers we can help so they can enjoy The Philippines a lot more.
With that kind of price and the service you will get, it’s definitely a Summer Giveaway, Getaway!

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What's in a Name?

Nope. It's not the Riddler's Hostel

Nope. It’s not the Riddler’s Hostel


2013 is exciting for Crossroads and part of this excitement is bearing a new name.
Actually, it’s just a modification. We’ve been flaunting it but we haven’t made any thing official about this announcement. The board is meeting now to vote on this new name so watch out for our future bulletins.
Crossroads Hostel Manila support all our Hostel Vendors. Check out this vendor who support Hostels around the world.
Hostel Guide Hostelz.com – World hostel guide with reviews.

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Chinese Love Dapitan

Popular resort, Dakak, is Zamboanga's pride

Popular resort, Dakak, is Zamboanga’s pride


There’s no stopping our Chinese visitors in coming to The Philippines. Recently, a delegation of Chinese journalists and media personalities went to Dapitan City (Zamboanga del Norte) to see what our country has to offer their people.
They were greatly pleased with what they saw but their experience was unforgettable. According to the government bulletin we gathered this news, the Chinese visitors, “experience the various tours ranging from river cruising to firefly watching and tour at the now famous Aliguay Island as well as aqua sports activities, horseback riding, rappelling, rides and shows at Gloria’s Fantasyland, historical tour highlighting Rizal’s legacies during his exile in Dapitan and many others.”
It was an unforgettable experience that they made known to their hosts, the Philippine Tourism Office based in Shanghai, China. The Chinese mission expressed their full support and they will promote this tourism spot when they return to their homeland. This expression of support is a total departure from their last stand, which threatens The Philippines with “consequences” when they pull their tourists from the country. This definitely backfired as predicted.
Our local Tour Operators should be ready when to receive a volume number of guests when these folks start arriving from China.
Good job, Department of Tourism and to the government of Dapitan!
 
Crossroads Hostel Manila support all our Hostel Vendors. Check out this vendor who support Hostels around the world.
Hostel Guide Hostelz.com – World hostel guide with reviews.

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Conde Nast Traveller Gives Philippines a Push

Screen shot 2013-01-03 at 4.15.11 PMThe Four-time National Magazine Awards winner, Conde Nast Traveller, has given The Philippines a very good face in its recent

Screen Capture of the feature made about The Philippines

Screen Capture of the feature made about The Philippines


feature entitled, “Destinations to Watch in 2013”. It gave iconoclastic travelers another view of the country that has a lot of “deserted” beaches where travelers can get a peek of “around 7,000 of the most heavenly islands in the world.”
Written by Laura Fowler, the magazine gave rave reviews about Palawan Island, which has palm-fringed white-powder beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and natural lagoons for “wild swimming”. The writer praised Bicol and its other deep-sea trenches where serious divers can enjoy “incredible water life, unspoilt coral gardens with rainbow-bright fishes, green sea turtles and dugongs”
The clincher for us at Crossroads Hostel was when it apologized to the country of Maldives because the magazine has found a new love in The Philippines.

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Touring The Philippines you can Afford

Crossroads Hostel SagadaLook no further when you need someone to guide you in your trips to the different parts of the country. 7107 Magnificant Islands is a tour agency specializing in tour packages that you and your friends can afford (Days tours as low as PhP1,800/person!). We know the owner and we sure don’t want you to miss every opportunity to travel around the country. But don’t take our word for it, experience it yourself!
Check out their different packages and see how you can go around the country without drilling a hole in your wallet and spend one of the most fantastic days in your life.

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