Incredibly surreal, I think to myself as we glide over the choppy waters off Bicol Peninsula towards the island of Ticao. My excitement at finally making it to Masbate, the 77th province I've visited in the Philippines, was palpable as our boat inched closer to the isle's powdery shores.

Aside from being one of Masbate's three main islands, Ticao is also home to the Halea Nature Park. The waters around this marine environmental park are home to newborn sharks, bountiful undersea treasures, and a thriving coral reef that nature has sculpted and decorated with jagged rock formations covered in lush greenery.

Halea natural park is located on San Miguel Island, one of two islands on the northern tip of Ticao, the other being Bagababoy Island. A winding coastline is broken up by a few beach coves, and it was on the biggest of these that we anchored our boats and set-up our boodle-fight lunch.

After chowing down our tropical-themed boodle feast, we lounged around underneath the shade of the many trees and planned our next activity. When our guide, divemaster Junery told us about the high chances of spotting baby sharks even in the shallows, the catchy children’s song “Baby Shark” instantly played inside my head.

We went to the waters in the next cove by batches of six to eight so as not to crowd the habitat of the pre-teen sharks. Our turn came as the waves picked up, making it more challenging to snorkel while wearing a life jacket.

A couple of my free diver companions Milet and Ferdz quickly discovered a school of juvenile sharks. Cautiously venturing further from shore, I spotted a single little shark a few meters ahead of me. As frightening as I thought it would be, it turned out to be really harmless. Perhaps, if I saw an adult shark the theme from the movie Jaws will replace the baby shark song in my head.

There are only around 40 waterfalls in the world that directly debouche into the ocean and one of them can be found here on Ticao Island, Masbate. Catandayagan Falls, located on the western section of the island, features a cascade of more than a hundred feet plunging over the edge of a seashore cliff into the clear waters of Masbate Pass.

As our boat circles to the other side of Ticao Island facing mainland Masbate, we were introduced to a rare view of Catandayagan Falls from afar. Despite the great distance I could already see the white streaming waters falling from the cliffside and straight into the ocean. Coming closer only made it appear more dramatic and spectacular. I’ve seen all shapes and sizes of waterfalls before from wide, tall, to multi-tiered but this one clearly appears in a rarified form.

As soon as we docked fifty meters from the wall of rocky face of the island, I stood on the boat’s edge face to face with the towering and jaw dropping Catandayagan Falls. It was a sight to behold watching endless streams of fresh water crashing into the saline sea below with a deafening noise. Our lady companions from the boat dived into the water with their life vest on and not long after, the deafening boom of the waterfalls merged with the sounds of their delighted giggling.

The rock formations at Borobongkaso islet caught our attention as we traveled to our overnight destination, Ticao Island Resort, a popular spot among scuba divers. To achieve a better view of the pristine waters and the islands of Ticao and Masbate, you can climb over massive rocks of varying forms that looks like it was piled up together by a giant's hand.

Later in the night as we enjoy another feast this time highlighted by a whole lechon; our guides shared to us more reasons to come back. This includes going out on a scuba diving exploration to witness the many Manta Rays, hammerheads, whale sharks, thresher sharks and tiger sharks that are normally spotted in the marine life-rich waters of Ticao Island.

Waiting for sleep to come while I sway on a hammock tied in front of my small villa, I recounted the days’ happenings and easily convinced myself to come back for more of what the island has to offer. Exploring the island's picturesque tiny towns and the undersea wealth, as well as seeing baby sharks, swimming in crystal-clear seas, and being delighted by the uniqueness of Catandayagan Falls, are more than enough reasons to return.

Built between 1605 and 1626 upon the command of Vir Singh Deo to commemorate Mughal Emperor Jahangir's first visit to Orchha (father of Shah Jahan- architect of Taj Mahal), Jahangir Mahal is considered as one of the best representations of classic Indo-Islamic Architecture. Marvelous sculptures, hanging balconies, delicate trellis and chhatris, topped domes, etc., are all examples of the building's exceptional architectural brilliance.

Jahangir Mahal is a three-story palace situated on the banks of Betwa River that combines Hindu and Islamic design elements. This stunning structure has more than a hundred rooms, verandas, terraces, porches, as well as multiple enormous courtyards and ornate ceilings. The original eastern entrance to the palace includes walls tiled in turquoise, and the gate itself is elaborately carved.

Fascinating details include the separate rooms for each of Vir Singh Deo’s six wives and a window in the Maharaja’s bedroom window that looks directly onto the deity altar of nearby Raja Ram Temple. However, its history would take a bizarre twist when Aurangzeb — the son of Shah Jahan and Jahangir’s grandson — would later conquer Orchha as a young 16-year-old and hoist a Mughal flag at the topmost part of the palace originally built in honor of his grandfather as a token of friendship.

During the height of the Mughal empire, I suppose, there were no more permanent allies much like there aren’t in modern politics. After covering the Travel Mart in Bhopal, I selected this leg of the post-event media familiarization trip for a chance to explore more of the state of Madhya Pradesh. Orchha, along with Gwalior and Chanderi were the places we explored for almost a week.

I also found it incredible to connect Orchha with other Mughal Empire monuments that I originally learned about during my first trip to India in 2014. This palace serves as a living reminder of Orchha's struggle to repel invading forces. It witnessed how Raja Vir Singh Deo and his forces protected it from the Mughal invasion.

Fighting to the end, Singh Deo finally surrendered and agreed to be governed by the Mughal empire led by Aurangzeb. Following the defeat to the Mughal army, the military might of Orchha weakened forcing Vir Singh Deo to go into hiding until his death.

The more I satisfy my curiosities examining the palace, from finding myself walking at the uppermost dome to the courtyard below behind the enormous square-shaped water tank to weaving my way to various hallways and rooms, the more impressions of the place's history get imprinted on me.

Jahangir Mahal, along with the other historic buildings in Orchha including the Raja Ram Temple, Laxmi Temple, Sheesh Mahal, and Sri Charturbhuj Temple, reveals the opulence and wide reach of the Mughal Empire as well as the complex political intrigue that went on behind the scenes.

Stepping out of my accommodation, Zostel Hostel, into a 16°C Delhi morning, I was eager to witness some bustling street activity. Little did I know, "bustling" would be a major understatement for what I was about to experience. I should have braced myself, because my destination—Chandni Chowk Market—is not just one of the oldest but also the busiest market in a city known as one of the most crowded in the world.

Chandni Chowk, located near the Old Delhi Railway Station and the Red Fort, whose massive walls stand at its eastern end, was built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor of India and the builder of the Taj Mahal.

Originally designed as a half-moon-shaped plaza with a man-made channel sourcing water from the Yamuna River by Shah Jahan's daughter Jahanara, Chandni Chowk already houses over 1,500 shops where traders have set up bazaars selling silver — thus earning the market a moniker of "Silver Street." Aside from the hundreds, if not thousands, of shops and restaurants, Chandni Chowk Market is surrounded by a slew of historic buildings. The most popular, the 1650-built Jama Masjid, is said to be one of India's largest mosques.

Even though the heart of the market is at least 2 kilometers away from Zostel, a few hundred meters had me already counting small pockets of marketplaces. The crowd thickens as I walk further. I soldiered on, and after half an hour, I began to feel the pulse of Chandni Chowk as the yells of traders bargaining with shoppers grew louder.

Walking through the labyrinth of this 17th-century Chandni Chowk market can overwhelm you at first. However, once the shock of the crowd and the noise wears off, you'll find yourself enjoying the variety of items for sale here. You can find everything from silver and antique trinkets, jewelry, hanging lights, festive textiles, to electronic gadgets, custom tailored suits, and up to 1,000 different kinds of sarees just to list a few.

That is, if you can easily get from point A to point B, which in Chandni Chowk looks like crossing an ocean — except it's a sea of human bodies gyrating in every direction, along with the occasional wandering cows, tuk-tuks, delivery trucks, and private automobiles whose drivers are crazy enough to pass through the market's busy thoroughfare.

My favorite part is the Khari Baoili Market, which has a vibrant fusion of colors from spices, nuts, tea leaves, dried plums, and mulberries, as well as emitting an aroma of everything combined. I resisted myself from buying some spices as I still have to spend several days in Pushkar after my Delhi side trip.

As I made my way back to the hostel, I remember the Spanish backpacker I met in Jaisalmer with my friend Aileen during my first trip to India in 2014. He was telling another European traveler and us about Mumbai. "You can't find a place to stand,” he said. "Everywhere you go is crowded,"

On that same trip, we went to Mumbai, and I found the city to be exactly what I expected it to be: teeming with people. While I truly think his description borders on exaggeration, I finally get the gist of the image he was describing as I slowly make my way through the market's sea of humanity. That morning at Chandni Chowk Market, I literally had to find enough space to wiggle my legs and gain some distance. This is India in its purest and most authentic form, I told myself.

Whenever one thinks of Sorsogon, the gentle giant whale sharks of Donsol first comes to mind. However, upon further exploration, you will learn that the province offers a plethora of delights that include beautiful beaches, heritage towns and other natural gems comprising of waterfalls, quaint lakes, firefly-laden rivers and sleepy volcanoes. From the rich flora and fauna, colorful culture and traditions, plateful of delicious local cuisines, and to everything that ticks every intrepid traveler's check list, it’s no wonder each time a visitor departs Sorsogon, heaps of memorable experiences are left behind.

The province's things to do list is full of exciting adventures. Swimming with the "butandings" in Donsol will introduce visitors to the mesmerizing world of the underwater especially where one can experience the thrill of chasing the gentle giants of Sorsogon.

Unfortunately for me, I wasn’t fast enough on my fins to catch up with them. I saw a whale shark from our boat for a moment or two, but lost sight of it when we dove into the water because they swim fast but not so furiously though, as fellow travel writers from the other boat was lucky enough to swim with a playful baby whale shark.

The white sandy beaches lapped with turquoise colored waters in Matnog lures beachgoers to a day of beach fix and chill at the long shores of the pinkish Subic Beach in Calintaan Island. It is also here where a variety of sea creatures can be seen up close at Juag Fish Sanctuary.

For heritage and history enthusiasts, the Spanish colonial houses in Juban provides a dash of throwback vibe to a simpler life more than a century ago. Lined up charmingly on a short part of Maharlika Highway are four "bahay na bato” (Stone House) that are still immaculately preserved. The foundation of these houses built way back in 1890s, are made of stone bricks and where the wooden second floor stands.

One of the houses was even converted into a bed and breakfast called "Casa Feliz" where guests can stay for only 200 pesos per bed/night. These houses came under threat of demolition a couple of years ago due to a planned road widening project. Thankfully, an online petition managed to halt it. A few towns away in Barcelona, additional history can be found on the ruins of the old Spanish Governadorcillo.

But wait, there’s more history to uncover at Sorsogon Museum. The site of a former provincial jail and justice hall, it was transformed by the provincial government into a museum in 2019. Retaining its original early 1900s architecture, the museum features 10 galleries showcasing historical items related to the province of Sorsogon that are curated by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the Sorsogon Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office.

It also showcase artworks done by former inmates, such as the painting of the Lady of Justice found on the second floor, and a mural of revolutionary hero Che Guevara. The museum also converted the old exercise yard of prisoners into an amphitheater.

For the wave-riding buccaneers, the swell they are seeking can be found on the waters of Rizal beach in Gubat town. This underrated surfing spot facing the Pacific Ocean is now becoming a favorite even among surfers from different parts of the globe.

Kambal Busay Falls in Bulusan, Sorsogon had me stripping down to my boxer shorts for a therapeutic dip while the others were busy hiking to the other falls because it totally exceeded my expectation. Another best thing about this is the waterfalls' 5-minute accessibility from Zoe's Resort & Eco Adventure Park. The park has done a fine job keeping the place in great condition by minimizing man-made structures and managing visitors' capacity.

Snack on pili nuts while you enjoy a tranquil cruise over the greenish waters of Buhatan River. A community-led Cooperative group organized by the late Gina Lopez in 2014, manages this Eco-Adventure tour that takes visitors along a narrow tributary flanked by mangrove forests snaking its way until it meets the waters of Sorsogon Bay. A local musician serenades tourist on the floating cabanas with acoustic melodies accompanied by the background chirping hymns of several bird species.

One cannot leave Sorsogon without experiencing the tranquility of Lake Bulusan. Kayaking in the middle of the lake with only the chirruping sounds of nature provides the perfect moment to listen to your own thoughts. Given that there’s no existing PHIVOLCS alert level, a trek to Bulusan volcano may be in order for mountaineers on the lookout for a forested peak to conquer as well as spot numerous colorful bird species.

All of these and more can be experienced in Sorsogon. The Bicol region isn’t hash-tagged #ExcitingBicol for nothing because the provinces it covers such as Sorsogon fully lives up to its billing — offering travelers nothing but exhilarating and pleasant destinations.