Affordable Resort at Nasugbu, Batangas: Maryland Beach Resort

Nasugbu, Batangas is a well-known weekend spot for families and friends. With its proximity to Manila, resorts along the beachline of Nasugbu are quite overpriced.

Maryland Beach Resort is one of the most affordable resorts along the Nasugbu shoreline.

The sand in Nasugbu is fine black. The water is actually clear although its not obvious due to the sands' color. Waves are soft and ideal for families with small children.

Nasugbu beach

Cheapest room is their economy room worth P1200. The room is meant for two but with the available space, even 6 to 8 people can accommodate the room. The resort management allows additional guests during peak season.

economy room (without TV and private toilet)

Downside of this room is the lack of private toilet and no TV. The common toilet is not very clean.

They have other rooms which, I think, are more comfortable and presentable. Tents can also be rented for about P 500.

beach tents

Maryland Beach Resort also has a medium-sized pool. The water is okay but the pool looks a bit old. The tiles are old-fashioned and there's some molds at the bottom of the pool.

swimming pools at Maryland Beach Resort

An area for beach volleyball is also available.

Sunset is a sight to look forward to.

sunset at Nasugbu

Horse back riding and island hopping are also available from other nearby resorts.

Maryland Beach Resort has a small variety store but they don't have a cafeteria. However, there are a lot of restaurants near the resort where you can order your food. Jolibee and Mang Inasal also deliver food.

I recommend this place if only for the affordability of the place and considering that you'll also swim on the same waters for a cheaper price!

By the way, make sure you place your reservations during weekends and peak seasons since the place is jampacked!

Photo Credits: All pictures were taken from Maryland Beach Resort's multiply website.

Beach Resort in San Antonio, Zambales: Pundaquit Luxury Resort

Pundaquit Luxury Resort is a mid-range inn located at Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales. It is one of the resorts that serves as a gateway to the Zambales Coves - Capones, Anawangin and Nagsasa.It is beside the famous Nora's Beach Resort and Canoe Beach Resort. 

facade of Pundaquit Luxury Resory, beach view
photo credit: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Philippines/Province_of_Zambales/Pundaquit-1385410/TravelGuide-Pundaquit.html

Originally, my cousins and I planned to camp at Anawangin Cove for the holy week holiday. However, with a baby and some adults in their 50's coming with us, our plans did not push through. Instead, we decided to check in a Pundaquit Luxury Resort. One of the advantages of this resort is that they have a pool- good for kids and adults unlike with other resorts in the area. (Yeah, I'm starting with the background story.)

feeling sexy and macho beside the pool

taking a pose at the garden area

We rented a mountain view room and 4 kubo huts since there were 17 of us. The mountain view room is actually good for 4 people but they only allow up to 3. This is worth P 2300. It has two single beds, cable TV airconditioner and toilet & bath. The beds, tv and aircon are about average. The toilet was a disappointment though. It was small and cramped. For adults who are quite large in body frame, I wouldn't be surprised if you'd be suffocated. Good thing was they have toiletries- soap, shampoo, toothcare kit and tissue. Towels are not free so bring a towel!

mountain view room at Pundaquit Luxury Resort
photo credit: http://www.subic.com/hotels-info/pundaquit_luxury_resort.php

The kubo huts have two types. The first one has two single double decks and the other one has double decks which are double beds. (Haha! I don't know how to describe it) Point is, the nipa huts can accommodate 4 people comfortably. All the nipa huts are fan rooms which really isn't a problem since the air is cool esp. at night. Downside would be we didn't have our own toilets and the location of the huts is about 30 steps from the actual resort compound. If you're a toilet-crazy person, get a room with a CR. Although the common toilets are clean, they are not tiled.

Pundaquit Luxury Resort also offer island hopping services with the same rates of local boatmen.

Boat Rates:

Small Boat (good for 4 people)
P 1500 - Camara, Capones, Anawangin
P 1800 - Camara, Capones, Anawangin and Nagsasa

Big Boat (good for 10 or more people)
P 350/ pax - Capones and Anawangin
P 450/ pax - Capones, Anawangin and Nagsasa

Service is also good. The staff are cordial and prompt. They also have cooking services for a fee.
They have a small garden for outdoor dining and a restaurant on the roof deck for viewing.

garden dining at Pundaquit Luxury Resort
photo credit: ://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1028037-d1644721-Reviews-Pundaquit_Luxury_Resort-Pundaquit_Central_Luzon_Region_Luzon.html l

Pundaquit Luxury Resort may not necessarily live up to its name of "luxury" but the place was clean and comfortable.

How to Get at Pundaquit Luxury Resort:

See my blog on How to Get To Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales

Beach Resort in Bantayan: Be Wowed at Beach Placid Resort

Beach Placid Resort is located at Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island in Cebu. It is a bed and breakfast inn that boasts of a long stretch of fine white sand and clear waters. The beach rivals that of Boracay shores without the mad crowd. Though the facilities are basic and austere, the service is world-class.(As in!) All the staff- from the reservations to the driver are always ready to give a smile and to assist the guests. Budget wise- it's more than what you paid for!

Beach Placid's Shore

 Accommodation and Facilities:

Beach Front Rooms at Beach Placid Resort

Beach Placid has two types of rooms based on structure- the native cottages and the modern ones. For this trip, we rented a native cottage good for two. The facilities are very basic but clean. The room has a bed, a closet and a CR. The CR doesn't have a door but a curtain. This is just worth P500 with free breakfast so I think, we're not supposed to expect more. They also provided transportation services from Sta. Fe Wharf to the resort. They also provided soaps and towel and the room doesn't smell. It's not also airconditioned but the fan along with the sea breeze was enough to keep us cool.

Native Cottage good for 2 (Our room before leaving)

The only thing that bothered me at night was the swish of the coconut leaves. Before going to bed, I kept on wondering whether it was raining or not. There was also some coconuts that fell on the roof of our cottage.

As for facilities, Beach Placid has a bar and restaurant which is open until 11 pm, I think. They have a fixed menu at a reasonable price- not too expensive for resort rates. The seafood are great especially the danggit. They also have massage services.

Activities: 

Based on my experience, the best time to swim on the beach is around 9 am to 3 pm. Before and after those times, the water is so shallow that the shoreline expands for several meters.

Aside from swimming, we also rented bicycles and motorcycles from the resort. Here are their rates as of August 2011:

Bicycle:                30/ hr
Motorcycle:         50/hr,    300 for 8 hrs,  450 for 24 hours
Island Hopping:   900 for 2 pax, 1200 for 3-5 pax, 1500, for 6-9 pax

You can also rent skim boards which I didn't get the price.


How to Get There:

From Mactan Airport, take a cab to the North Bus Terminal. Ride the metered white cabs, they cost less. Without traffic, the trip would take less than 30 minutes. At the terminal, ask for the Ceres Bus bound for Hagnaya. I recommend to take the airconditioned ones because the trip would last for 3 to 4 hours depending on the traffic. Hagnaya is the last stop for the buses and you can easily see the port upon your arrival at Hagnaya terminal. From Hagnaya Port, take a ship or a ferry that would transfer you to Sta. Fe Wharf. The sea ride may last for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. From the Port, the shuttle of Beach Placid will be there to meet you!

Cost of Transportation:

From Mactan to Terminal via cab:      P150
Bus Ride to Hagnaya Port:                P150 (Ceres Bus- Airconditioned)
Ship Fare:                                         P170


Other Tips:

1. Take time to buy or bring your own drinking water esp. if you're on a budget.

2. You'll enjoy the place better if you know how to ride a motorcycle than hiring a traysikad.

3. Allot at least around 3 days and 2 nights to make up for time you spent on traveling.

4. Be prepared to understand Cebuano. 

Whether you're in a budget or not, take time to visit Beach Placid. Good facilities, better shoreline and the best service!

Where to Go to Bataan: Lhasa Cove at Bagac

Looking for a quiet, low-cost and white-sand beach to swim? Try to explore Lhasa Cove in Bagac, Bataan. It is about 2-3 hours from Manila. It is a small beach camp with white sand and clear waters. A local named Kuya Michael offers a 2 day, 1 night package for only P1800. It includes buffet meals, tent or cottage for the night and a guide from Balanga, Bataan- the province's capital. This is ideal for group of friends or company outings.

How to get there from Manila:

For those using public transportation: 

1. Ride a bus from Victory Liner, Cubao to Balanga or Mariveles Bataan. 

2. From Balanga, ride a shuttle to Morong, Bataan. Inform the bus conductor that you will take off at Bagac. Actually, this won't be a problem. Just inform Kuya Kel the time of your arrival and he will send someone to meet you at Balanga. 

3. From the highway, prepare to hike for about 15 to 20 minutes  to the beach cove. 

You can also use private vehicles. You can still contact Kuya Kel to meet you at Balanga. 

Things to Do: 

The cove is basically a place for quiet relaxation. The water is clear and calm for a swim even at night. The sea floor is also smooth with only small stones and some grass. Sunbathe or take a nap on the hammock along the beach. There are also a few boatmen who can take you around for island hopping for about P100 per pax. You can haggle if you are a big group. They also have horse back riding along the shore. 

At nighttime, Kuya Kel will invite you for some fun social activities. After dinner, you'll be playing 20 questions and truth or dare. Just join them and you'll have fun. 

You don't have to worry about food. Kuya Kel's group will provide you sumptuous buffet native meals. They also have a small store if you missed to bring some necessities. Security is also not a problem. 

Amenities: 

Lhasa Cove is a beach camp. It has no electricity and no luxurious facilities. You can stay at a tent or cottages during the night. They also have basic and common washroom but don't expect high-end amenities. Make sure to bring insect repellant to keep away the small insects at night. Other than that, just bring your clothes and some sense of adventure!

For more information: playalacaleta@gmail.com

Bohol Trip Day 2: Balicasag and Other Islands

Even if you are not a good swimmer or even if you don't know how to swim at all, don't miss the chance to discover the rich marine life of Bohol. Spend a day beyond the shores of Panglao and visit the nearby islands.

My fiance and I explored the Bohol seas during the second day of our Bohol tour last year. We arranged a boat man the previous day to take us to the islands. This tour cost us P1000. A word of advice, arrange your island hopping activity with the boat men along the shores. There are a lot of them and some of them will be the one to approach you. This is what we did because the island services in the hotel is more expensive about P1500-P1800.

We started the day early, at about 6 am, because we have to catch the sight of dolphins. Yes, dolphins! If you want to see them you have to be early on the seas. We left the Alona shore at 6 and followed the dolphins which is not easy. They are not contained in one place. The boatmen know in what part of the sea they can be seen. Amazing, right?

underwater at Balicasag Island

At around 8, we headed to Balicasag Island. This is a marine sanctuary where we saw hundreds of multi-colored and colorful fishes and corals. The boat men first docked us on one part of the island where we were met by another boat man who will take us to the sanctuary. Since Balicasag is a protected island, small manually-steered boats are the only ones allowed to go to the sanctuary. We had to pay P150 per pax for the boat.

The underwater sight at Balicasag was simply breathtaking. Period. Just be aware of the small fishes with blue tail because they bite like ants.

more fishes at Balicasag

We stayed at Balicasag for 3 hours simply enjoying the sight of fishes and corals. At around noon, we went back to our first boat man. We also ate lunch in the island where big fresh fish was served along with hot pot-cooked rice! We explored the island by foot for less than an hour. The locals in the island said that there's a lighthouse but the trail towards it was closed.

the white-sand walkway 

After Balicasag, we went to another island which name I forgot. But what makes this island special is the long white sand walkway resembling a sand bar but it's actually connected to the island. The tide was low just up to our lower leg. There were also a lot of seaweeds which makes the water uninviting for a swim. But the view reminded me of tropical paradise. This was our last stop before we went back to Alona Beach. Our trip ended at around 1 pm just in time for a siesta!

Bohol Trip Day 1: Alona Beach, Panglao

Bohol is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. Aside from the beach, the countryside of Bohol has a lot of sights to offer. The tourism industry in the province is also highly developed. The people are aware of their Bohol's place in the tourism market. Transportation and communication are easy. In fact, the major tourist spots in Bohol are already modernized without losing its natural beauty. This means, you can still see the beauty of its natural resources along with modern conveniences.

My fiance and I went to Bohol last November for our anniversary. Our first stop was in Alona Beach, Panglao. According to the locals, a Filipina actress named Alona shot some scenes in that place. After that, the locals began callng it Alona beach. Wow! Imagine, a beach strip named after you.

We left Manila at around 9 am and arrive at Tagbilaran Airport around 10:30. Tagbilaran is Bohol's capital. We were supposed to be met by a shuttle from the hotel but I think they forgot which isn's a problem. In front of the airport are many transportation services. We rented an Adventure to take us to Tawala, Panglao. This is where the famous Alona Beach is located. This costs P500 for two. If there are 4 or 6 of you, you can avail it at P700. These are standard prices. There are also habal-habals which you can rent for P250.

It took us more than an hour from the airport to get to our hotel- Paragayo Resort. The hour-long trip gave us a scenic view of Bohol countryside. What I noticed with this place are the big houses with spacious yards. The driver said that since Bohol is not frequently visited by typhoons, the locals can invest in making their houses grand.

sand and sea at Alona Beach, Bohol

We arrived at Paragayo Resort at around noon. We made online reservations. The staff quickly helped us settle in our room. For a more comprehensive description of the resort: http://bitsandpieces-fvitz.blogspot.com/2011/04/paragayo-resort-bohol-review.html. We rested for a few minutes before walking towards the beach front of Alona Beach. The hotel is about 5 minutes away from the beach. This is where we ate lunch. Note that food in Alona Beach is pricey. If you're on a budget, eat at the restos along the street. Also note that drinking water is not free even in restaurants. We had to buy bottled water even when we dined in their restaurants. We allotted around P300-P500 for each meal. This is good for 2 to 3 people only.

After lunch, we explored the beach line on foot. The shoreline is a bit disappointing because the hotels and resorts are too close to the beach. Boats are also scattered along the shores. There are also a lot of sea grass and weeds. But the sand is white although a bit rocky.

view from the rock at the right end of Alona Beach

On the right side of the beach strip , facing the sea, is a small cove where there is more privacy and no hotels in sight. Locals tend to swim in this part of the beach because there's an uphill path that leads to the highway. On the other end of the beach is the Alona Tropical Beach Resort. Another resort is the area is the Lost Horizon Resort.

the other ed of Alona Beach, near Alona Tropical Resort

We stayed at the beach until 6 pm. Sunset is a colorful view in Bohol. We went back to the hotel to fix ourselves  for dinner. Dinner in Alona Beach is a quieter event in comparison with Puerto Galera and Boracay.  We ended our first day with star gazing along the beach shore.

Beach Resort in Bohol: Dumaluan

Dumaluan Beach Resort is located in Libong Beach, Panglao a few kilometers away from Tawala. Tawala is the place of the more known Alona Beach. There are actually two Dumaluan Resorts. During our 4-day stay in Bohol late last year, we stayed in the bigger one- Dumaluan 2. Dumaluan 1 and 2 are owned by siblings.

The road to Dumaluan from the highway is a bit rough and deserted.  It is about an hour from Tagbilaran airport. You need to have some transpo arrangements esp. when you're going in groups. Boholanos travel using motorcycles. The resort has wide open spaces. Different types of accommodations are scattered all over the place. There's also a big pool where you can swim until 10 in the evening. There's also a large space for sports activities. 

standard room

Photo Credit: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ReviewPhotos-g1036817-d1190725-r68486774-Dumaluan_Beach_Resort_2-Panglao_Island_Bohol_Province_Visayas.html#25978312

We reserved a standard room for one night which costs P1300. It's a spacious Bali-type room complete with wall lamps giving the room a romantic glow. It has high ceilings with floor-foot French windows. It also has its own veranda. It's airconditioned but it has no TV. The only thing I didn't like about the room is its musty smell  which persists all throughout our stay. It was also very noisy because there was some renovations going on when we stayed there.

On the other hand, the CR looks old. It's clean but the mirror and ceiling are a bit dilapidated. There's no hot water. Tiles are also old. But they offer soap and shampoo. 

shoreline in dumaluan

The best thing about the resort is its shoreline and the view. The shore is clear without the obstructions of boats. Sand is white and fine. Water is clear. It actually shares the same shoreline with Bohol Beach Club. Bohol Beach Club is a luxurious resort such as those featured in http://www.ensogo.com.ph. 

dumaluan shoreline

They also have a restaurant which has a live band at night. The restaurant is pricey so if you want to eat for a cheaper cost, you may go to Dumaluan 1 which is beside Dumaluan 2. They have more food stalls there that are cheaper. 

So if you want some relaxation, a time for reflection and a space for retreat, consider Dumaluan Resort as a place to stay. 

Zambales Resort: Canoe Beach Resort, San Antonio

Canoe Beach Resort is located in Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales. It is an hour away from the well-known Anawangin Cove via boat ride. This resort stands along with other resorts. What makes this a hidden getaway is the fact that this its not easy to find the website in the internet. I learned about this by patiently scourging the net for a budget resort. Usually, search results would give you Nora's and Patio Inn.

What makes this resort attractive for me is the fact that it has a pool. The beach in San Antonio is not as iniviting. The sand is grayish, the water is dark and the waves are big. A lot of boats are also docked along the shore. You have to go to the nearby coves to really enjoy the tropical beach ambience. So with its pool, one can satisfy the desire for swimming.

the pool area with poolside family rooms

When I went there last summer, I made early reservations through e-mail. They replied within the day. You can also make reservations through phone. You have to pay half of the amount through their BPI account.
We rented an airconditioned room good for two that costs P1300. This room is facing the beach but the cottages in front of the rooms block the view. It has its own private veranda.

cottages for day trips

The room is very basic- comfortable bed and a clean CR. The lighting is just a bit dim. No frills! You could actually have the room at a cheaper price if you tell them that you would want a fan room. The management would not just activate the aircondition system.

Their pool is also clean and medium-size. There's also a kiddie pool at the other end of the pool. Water is warm so you can swim even until late at night. Night swimming is until 11:00 pm as long as you won't be too noisy.

view on the beach of San Antonio

Staff if okay. They're accommodating enough but not very friendly. They serve food at a reasonable price.

If you're travelling through public transpo, you have to walk for about 5 to 10 minutes from the resort to the main road to get a tricyle. Just tell the driver to drop you at the Municipal Hall where you can get a bus ride to Manila.

For more information: http://www.freewebs.com/canoeresort/rooms.html

PHOTO CREDITS:

http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/2545553/Explore+ZAMBALES
http://www.adventuresportsholidays.com/all/canoe-beach-resort-antipolo-199026.php

Zambales Trip: Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves

Summer is not complete without hitting the beach. If you're on a tight budget but you still want to experience some white sand, I recommend visiting Zambales. Zambales offers a cheaper alternative to Batangas. It is also nearer than Pagudpod in Ilocos. It comes quite close to the sand of Boracay.

Aside from the shores of Subic, Zambales is now getting famous with its coves- Anawangin, Nagsasa, and Silanguin.All these can be found in Pundaquit, San Antonio. Although this is a year late, allow me to showcase the beauty of these coves.

Camara Island

Together with my boyfriend, I travelled from Manila to Iba, Zambales via Victory Liner in Caloocan. We rode the 12 midnight journey. Since it's very late, we arrive at San Antonio at around 1:30 am. We got down in front of the municipal hall. We actually didn't know where to get off. The bus conductor just helped us. There were no people yet except for the tricycle drivers. Good thing that we have communicated with our boat man for the following day. He is Manong Johnny. He advised us to ride the tricyle going to his house in San Miguel. He offered us his room to spend the remaining hours of the night.

View from Capones Island

At about 6 am, he woke us up and served us breakfast. Take note, these are for free. He also offered to cook rice since we didn't expect that we won't be able to buy rice. We only have adobo and eggs for our viand. It is advisable to bring lots of drinking water. It was just almost 7 am when we hop in Mang Johnny's boat and started our trip. His house is just about 12 minutes away from the shore.

Our first stop was in Camara Island. It is a rocky island and not very good for swimming. But the water is clear. We just took some pictures before proceeding to Capones Island.

There's an old lighthouse in Capones but you must be willing to trek uphil. It's not a very a rough trek and the view from the top makes the sweat worth it. The shore of Capones is also very rocky.

secluded end of Anawangin Cove

Next stop is in Anawangin Cove. This place has become a campsite. The shores was peppered with tents when we visited. There's a bamboo bridge between the shore and a land mass across it. There are a lot of trees across the shore of Anawangin opposite the beach. We should have rented a tent here and styed for the night. Tents only cost for about P300. We took time to explore the island and swim, By around 11, we hopped into the boat again and proceeded to Nagsasa Cove.

the land mass opposite the shore of Anawangin

Most people prefer to stop in Anawangin because the other coves are quite far already. From Anawangin, we had to ride an hour to get to Nagsasa. But the travel time and the exposure to the sun were all worth it. Aside from some Aeatas, we were the only ones who were in the island. This was where we ate our lunch and lounge.

Opposite the beach shore is a lake where you can also swim. This side of the island feels enchanting to me with the view of the mountains and the needle trees. There's also a fall at the other end of the island. The water of the beach is so calm making it ideal for swimming.

lake opposite the shore of Nagsasa Cove

We would have wanted to spend the night in Nagsasa but we alraedy made reservations at a hotel so we had to end our trip at around 3 pm. Mang Johnny said that the waters could be rough already if we go beyond the time since it's a two-hour boat ride back to the shores of San Antonio.

sunset at San Antonio

Though the sand and the sea of San Antonio is nothing compared to that of its coves, the view of the sunset was simply breathtaking. It was a perfect blend of purples, reds and blues that make a perfect ending to a beautiful day.


Remiders when planning to go Island Hopping:
1. Bring drinking water
2. Bring food or be prepared to cook
3. Bring sunblock because most of the boats don't have roofs

This place is ideal for group outings.

Total Cost of the Trip for 2:

P1,200 - bus fare from Manila to San Antonio and back
        80- tricyle fare from the Municipal Hall to the beach shore
   1,800- boat ride at a discounted price
   1,000- food budget
   1,500- standard aircon room at Canoe Beach Resort
   5,580





Boracay Three-Day Tour in a Nutshell

No matter how long a vacation is, it is never enough. People would always want more, more and more time. This is especially true when you're in the paradise-island of Boracay. Honestly, before I went to Boracay, I was thinking what was the big deal about Bora. There are also a lot of white beaches in other places such as Palawan, Zambales, Bohol, etc. Not until when I step on Bora shores that I fully realize why people love to go to Bora. There are so much things to do. The sand is powdery-white- the finest I have ever seen. All the conveniences are there and there's so much excitement going on. So even if a lot has been written about Bora, let me just share with you my own experience.

Together with my parents and my boyfriend, we had a three-day Bora experience.

Day 1:

We left Manila at around 7 am via Cebu Pacific and arrived at Caticlan airport in less than an hour. We took a shuttle to Caticlan port, rode a pumpbotat then rode a shuttle again to the hotel. These shuttle services were availed from the hotel where we stayed, Boracay Holiday Resort at Station 2. We arrived at the hotel past 10:00 am. We checked in, arranged our things and had lunch. We explored the beach. Station 1 is such a good place for a swim. The sand is finest. You can also find Willy's Rock and the paraw sailors.

At around 4 pm, we sailed through Paraw which is reminiscient of vintas in Zamboanga. It was an exhilirating ride! Paraw costs P150 per head. Just approach the sailors and tell them you want a ride. Some will offer it a higher price. Feel free to haggle. After the ride, we tasted the famous Jonah's shakes which ranges from P90- P120. We went back to the hotel and fixed ourselves for dinner. We capped the day with a buffet dinner along the Boracay shores.

Day 2:

We started our second day early because we've planned to go island hopping. The island hopping cost us P1000 for half day. We also paid P20 per head for fish food. We went to Crystal Cove island where there is a private resort. We didn't go in the resort anymore since you still have to play for  P100. Then we went to Crocodile Island to snorkel and to feed the fishes. The last leg of the trip was to Puka Beach. It is a secluded cove with white sand and clear waters. Our trip ended at around 12 noon. 

After island hopping , we ate lunch at a Mongolian restaurant in Station 1 then went back to the hotel for a nap. Aroud 3 pm, we explored the markets in Station 3 where you can buy cheaper pasalubongs. Then we tried the Banana boats which cost P250 for an hour ride. Before going back to the hotel, we had some pictures taken with the sand castles. We had dinner at a buffet restaurant again and explored D'Mall which is behind the resorts and restaurants in Stations 1 and 2.

Day 3:

The trip ended soon enough. Though our flight was still at 12 noon, we had to leave early because our flight was in Kalibo airport. It will take 3 hours to get to the airport. In short, our Day 3 was uneventful. We just had our last meal in Bora and off we go!

Our trip was jam-packed because we wanted to have a taste of everything that Bora has to offer. But of course, there are still a lot more that we missed. Maybe next time!

Cost of the trip for 4:

P 8,000 - round trip airfare via Cebu Pacific for 4 people  (2,000/pax)
   5,000 - accommodation at Boracay Holiday Resort for 2 nights, family room
   5,000 - round trip services from the airport and back for 4 people (1,200/pax)
      800 - terminal fee at NAIA
        80 - terminal fee at Kalibo airport
   1,000 - boat rental for island hopping for 4 people
        80 - fish feed for 4 people (20/pax)
      600 - Paraw sailing (150/pax)
   1,000 - banana boat (250/ pax)
   6,000 - estimated cost of all the meals we have taken
P28,160 - total

Take note that this is a modest budget for 4 people.

Iloilo-Guimaras Tour (Part 2): Island Hopping

At the very least, island hopping in Guimaras will take 3 hours. Unlike in other places, boats are rented in an hourly basis. The first hour costs P400 with P150 for the succeeding hours. A regular boat can carry around 4 to 6 people.

Places you'll see:

1. The Fish Sanctuary

It is a small fish farm where specific types of fishes are bred. We found several big groupers or lapu-lapu that weigh as much as a pig does. They also have breeds of pompona and milkfishes. You have to pay P25 to the caretaker. This will serve as a donation for maintaining the fish farm. Honestly, this can be missed if you're in a hurry. You won't be able to see the fishes up close. It's also a bit far from Alubihod beach and it's opposite of the other islands.

2. Ave Maria Island and Mangroves

Even if it's named that way, this island has no religious significance. According to the boat man, the island got its name because the owners are named Ave and Maria. The sand is yellow and the water is clear in this island. Just be careful cause there are some urchins. Opposite of this island is the island with mangroves. The water in between these islands is the best place for snorkeling in Guimaras.

3. Bat Cave

The name of the cave escaped me so let's just call it the bat cave although I did not see any bat. But I heard them while we took pictures inside the cave. It's a cave and that makes it special.

4. Nagtago Beach

You can find a rest house owned by a German national on top of the rocky cliff of this island. The place is peaceful and relaxing. There were no people in the island when we went there so it's very quiet. Sand is also yellow and water is clear. The calm waters make it a very good place for a dip.

5. Pawikan Rescue Center

You can find pawikan of all sizes in this sanctuary. The volunteers also allow people to hold the pawikans as long as you promise not to lose them. You're not required to pay anything but they encourage you to give donations to help maintain the center. Personally, this tied up the trip quite nicely!

Hotel and Accommodation at Guimaras: Raymen's Beach Resort

Raymen Beach Resort is located at Alubihod Beach, Nueva Valencia at Guimaras Island. It shares the shoreline with two more beach resorts which names I forgot. Raymen Beach Resort was our choice since we read good reviews about it and the price for their room are affordable.

We were supposed to stay at one of their Sampaguita room costing P700. However, upon seeing the room, we decided to transfer to a more comfortable air conditioned room which costs P1350. The Sampaguita room looks decrepit and dim. It has its own CR but the CR looks dirty. We're budget travellers but we also want to have some relaxation. Good thing about their staff is that they are accomodating. They easily granted our request for a change of room. The room that we got is comfortable but a bit small. The shower is also leaking making unceasing small noise of dropping waters. We had to play some music to drown the noise. They also don't have hot water and no TV. But they have towels, shampoo and soap.

Just like in any other resorts, food is pricey and you have to wait for 30 minutes for your food to be served. Since we're too hungry to wait, we went out of the resort compound and found an eatery just right in front of the resort. Food is cheap and tasty and service is quick. We only spent less than P200 for a serving of batchoy, pork sinigang, 3 orders of rice, fruit shake, coffee and pork barbecue. For dinner, you have to place your order before 7 pm because they won't be entertaining orders beyond the time.Their restaurant also closes at 9 pm.

beachfront of Raymen's 

The resort also boasts of boat services for island hopping. The first hour costs P400 with P150 for the suceeding hours. You'll need at least 3 hours to go to the islands so prepare about P700. The shoreline of Alubihod beach is short. You can walk along its shores in less than an hour. The spectacular sunset is also blocked by a protruding part of the island to its left side facing the beach.

The beach front of the resort has nets for for jellyfishes. It was also placed to serve as demarcation from other resorts. At night it is the only resort that is lighted. You can swim until 12 mn but be sure not to drown because the lifeguard is only posted until 8 pm.

There is also no need to contact someone to fetch you from the resort. Just outside the resorts are tricyles that will bring you back to Jordan Wharf for P250. It may seem pricey but you'll understand why when you learn that it will take you about an hour from Raymen to Jordan Wharf.

For reservations at the Resort, contact: 09185207271.

Things to Do in Boracay: Best for First Timers

As a first time tourist in Boracay, I spent lots of time researching about the place before I went there. As much as I wanted to experience everything what Boracay has to offer, my time and resources are limited. For a three-day vacation, it took me sometime to "weigh" things I should prioritize doing. If you are as pressed for time (and money) as I was, at least don't miss the following activities.

1. Paraw (Sunset) Sailing

My mom taking a pose during the paraw ride

Paraw is a water vehicle similar to the vintas in Zamboanga. It is powered by the winds and manually steered. What's good about it is that it is s environmental friendly and (according to the kuyas who steer the parawa) it can withstand strong winds unlike the motor boats. Sailing the paraw is a an authentic Boracay experience since, as far as I know, paraws are native to the Aklanons. No other tourist spots yet have these sails to boast. No need to reserve for a ride since there are a lot of paraws which you can avail at P150 per head. They are ducked at Station 1 before Willy's Rock. Just make sure to have your cameras waterproofed since it is quite bare. The best time to sail is at around 4 or 5 pm just before the sunset.

2. Jonah's Shakes

Most blogs on Boracay recommended for tourists to taste Jonah's shake. Following their tip, I also decided to try their shakes and compare them with the other shakes in Boracay. And true enough, Jonah's shakes are outstanding! It has no rock ice. The blend is thick and creamy with just the right amount of sweetness. It's just unexplanable! A glass of shake can be consumed by two people. Plus, the service is great! You can find their store at Station 1 near Willy's rock.

Chillin' with Jonah's Shakes

3. Night Stroll at the Beach

A stroll at the beach is always romantic. In Boracay, however, it's more than that. If you're into observing people and discovering places, strolling the shores of Boracay at night is an experience in itself. Some parts of the beach are very much alive with fire dancers and party people grooving the night away. Some parts are quiet that beckon lovers to sit and share some moments together. Some parts are throbbing with activity with all the merchandises stores have. Some parts are made for a fun evening together-whether with family or friends.

4. The Sand Art

The natives of Boracay found another way to earn extra with their artistic hands. You can find some kids and even adults making some sand figures such as the one above. Then you can pose with the figures that they made for a minimal donation. (It's up to you how generous you can be.)You can also request them to make your own choice of figure for a minimal fee.

There are still a lot of things that Boracay can offer but you can also experience them in other beaches. Those that I've mentioned are, so far. authentically- Bora.