Affordable Resorts Near Quezon City: List of Places to Beat the Heat 2

Here are possible inland resorts near Quezon City that you can visit for a swim. 

There's no doubt that it's summer. The heat is on and there's no escaping it unless you take a refreshing dip in cool waters. Here are possible nearby places that your family can visit. These places are just about two hours away from Quezon City Memorial Circle.


1. Grotto Vista Resort

photo credit: http://samcasuncad.i.ph/blogs/samcasuncad/2010/04/07/grotto-vista-resort-in-bulacan/

This is San Jose del Monte's prime inland resort. It has about 5 (or more) big pools which makes it ideal if you're a big group. The pools are also creatively and uniquely designed so the place is an interesting place to visit. Grotto Vista also has private pools should you wish to have an exclusive outing. The resort doesn't have overnight swimming.

How to Get There:

• Ride a bus or jeep bound for Tungko or Sapang Palay
• Drop off at Jollibee Tungko (This is the town's center)
• Ride a jeep going to Grotto Vista 

2. Tierra Fontana 12 Waves Resort

photo credit: http://tierrafontana12wave.multiply.com/photos/photo/8/13

Tierra Fontana is relatively new compared to Grotto Vista. What's attractive with this place is their wave system. The place is quite spacious but there are some pungent odors since it's located inside Paradise Farm.

How to Get There:

• Ride a bus or jeep bound for Sapang Palay
• Drop off at Paradise Farm
• From the farm's entrance, follow the short walk towards the resort

3. Pacific Waves

photo credit: http://bulacan-resorts.blogspot.com/2011/08/pacific-waves-resort-in-sto-cristo-san.html

Pacific Waves is one of the newest resorts in San Jose Del Monte. Because of this, the place is clean and the facilities are in good condition. But compared to the first two resorts, Pacific Waves' grounds is not that spacious.


How to Get There:

• Ride a bus or jeep bound for Sapang Palay
• Drop off at Pacific Waves

4. Villa Celadonia

photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/akohnga/3438073835/lightbox/

This is a small budget resort with about 3 large pools. If you're around Caloocan City, this resort would be okay for a simple dip. The resort is clean but you wouldn't enjoy the place if there are too many people. It would also be better if you have your own ride when you visit this place since its in the interior of the city. 

5. Gubat sa Ciudad

photo credit: http://wendyfajardo.blogspot.com/2010/06/gubat-sa-ciudad-resort.html

Gubat sa Ciudad was once a well-known inland resort but due to negligence, some parts looks dingy and old. I wouldn't really recommend this place although this is more spacious than the nearby Villa Celadonia. 

Other well-known resorts are not included here for two reasons: 1.) I haven't been to those places yet and 2.) They're not near Quezon City and I don't really consider them affordable.  

For more updated information on these resorts, just click the names for their website to pop! :)

Affordable Resorts in Fairview, Quezon City: List of Places to Beat the Heat

Here's a list of nearby pools in the Fairview, Quezon City area. 

There's no doubt that the summer is here with the temperature reaching up to 34 degrees. The best way, for me, to beat the summer heat is to take a dip in a cool and refreshing waters. If you live around Fairview here are possible places where you can swim and be cool!

photo credit: http://www.markanthonyermac.com/2012/03/summer-2012.html

1. La Mesa Eco Park (North Fairview, Quezon City)

There's a large pool located inside the Eco Park at La Mesa Dam. You have to pay a separate fee for access to the pool aside from the park's entrance fee. The good thing about this place is that there are also other activities that you can do within the park's grounds such as wall climbing, kayaking, fishing, biking and zip lining(?) The park is only open until 5 pm.

How to Get There via Public Transportation: 

• Ride a jeep/ FX or bus going to Fairview. 
• Drop off either at Winston or Pearl Drive. (Drivers know these places.)
• Ride a tricyle going to La Mesa Dam. 

2. Water Fun Resort (BIR Village, Fairview Dahlia)

This is a small resort with about a few pools for kids and adults. This is located inside BIR Village around Dahlia, North Fairview. For a simple dip, this place would do. As far as I know, Water Fun has night swimming. 

How to Get There via Public Transportation:

• Ride a jeep/ FX or bus going to Fairview
• Drop off at Fairview Center Mall
• Ride a tricyle going to Water Fun. (The terminal is behind the mall.)

3. Casa Milan (Regalado Avenue, Fairview, QC)

Casa Milan is a prime subdivision. The pools are in their club house. The management allows outsiders to use their clubhouse unless there's an event in their function area. The pool area is only open until 5 pm. Recommended for small group of family and friends. This is about 5 minutes away from SM Fairview. 

How to Get There via Public Transportation:

• Ride a jeep/ FX or bus going to SM Fairview
• Drop off at the gate of Casa Milan. (This is along Regalado Avenue)
• Ask the guard for directions to the club house. (It's quite complicated to explain it here.)

4. Patio Isabel 

This is also a club house inside Sacred Heart Village. This is way past SM Fairview and near Lagro Subdivision. 

How to Get There via Public Transportation:

• Ride a jeep or bus going to Sapang Palay or Tungko. (Both places are in Bulacan)
• Drop off at Sacred Heart Village's gate, just across Iglesia ni Cristo's church. 
• Ask the guard for directions to the club house. 

5. North Olympus 

Opposite of Patio Isabel's way is North Olympus. This is another pool area located inside North Olympus' subdivision. Compared to Patio Isabel and Casa Milan, North Olympus has a playground for kids. 

How to Get There via Public Transportation:

• Ride a jeep or bus going to Almar, Zabarte
• Drop off at the gate of North Olympus
• Ask the guard for directions to the club house. (You just have to follow the Main Street until you reach the club house. )

6. Dreamland Resort

See my post on this resort. (Click the link!)

These places are ideal for simple dips so don't expect spectacular sights and views. This is just to beat the heat! 

How to Get to Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales

Pundaquit, San Antonio is a fishing village that serves as a gateway to the famous Anawangin Cove. 

How to Get to Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales:

A. Via Public Transportation

1. Ride a Victory Liner Bus bound for Sta. Cruz or Iba.
Victory Liner has stations at Pasay, Cubao, Kamias and Caloocan. I suggest you go to the Caloocan Terminal since a bus leaves for Iba every 30 minutes. First trip is at 4:00 am and last trip is at 11:30 pm.
Fare is about P 270.

2. Go off the San Antonio Municipal Hall.
Ask the conductor to drop you off at San Antonio Municipal Hall. From Olongapo, you will pass by Castillejos  Town and San Marcelino.

3. Take a tricycle ride from the Municipal Hall to Pundaquit Beach.
In front of the Municipal Hall is the tricycle terminal. The terminal is open 24 hours so even if you travel in the wee hours, there are tricycles available to bring you to Pundaquit Beach. The drivers are familiar with the resorts in the area so you just tell them to what resort you're planning to stay or just tell them that you're heading to Pundaquit Beach. Fare is about P 30 per person. Also, the road from the Municipal Hall to Pundaquit Beach seem to be deserted but do not be scared. Just a few kilometers ahead is the beach!

B. Via Private Transportation




1. Drive through NLEX
Hitting the NLEX depends on where you will be coming from. You can take Balintawak Exit, Meycauyan, etc depending on your starting point. Point is, you have to drive along NLEX!

Travel Time:  About 40 minutes to 1 hour depending on what exit you take.

2. Exit at San Fernando
From NLEX, exit at San Fernando, Pampanga. You will see Robinsons Pampanga upon your exit. Drive opposite of Robinsons Pampanga. Follow the road signs to Olongapo. You will pass by Lubao and Guagua.

Travel Time: 40 - 60 minutes

3. Enter Bataan through Layak Junction then Drive through Olongapo
You will enter the area of Bataan when you pass by Layak Junction. The Layak Junction has a monument. From the Pampanga road, take the road on the right. There is a tricycle terminal on the corner of this road.

Then just drive straight and follow the signs leading to Olongapo. Once in Olongapo, you can still see signs going to Pundaquit or San Antonio. Just drive through the towns in Olongapo including Subic Town Proper.

Travel Time: 40-60 minutes.

4. Pass by the towns of Castillejos and San Marcelino

After Olongapo, you will pass by the towns of Castillejos and San Marcelino. Each town is about 7 kilometers and will take you about 30 minutes to drive along these towns. Be mindful of the signs especially when you reach San Marcelino. Upon seeing Dr. Yangco Educational Foundation at San Marcelino, turn left to head to San Antonio. There is also a road sign to signal you where to turn left. If you drive straight ahead, you will be heading to San Narciso.

Travel Time: 30 minutes

5. Turn left at the Cemetery then Head to Pundaquit Beach

Once you turn left, a public cemetery can be seen at the right side. Then there will views of fields and mountains until you reach the town proper. Drive straight until you reach the Municipal Hall on the right side of the street.

From the Municipal Hall, turn left on the road with signs pointing you to the resorts. The road seem to be deserted but its concrete. You will also pass by a one-way steel bridge. You can also ask a tricyle to lead you to Pundaquit Beach then pay him for about P60.

Travel Time: 30 minutes

Cost:

Fuel
Diesel:  P 1500- P 2000
Gas:     P 1000- P 1500

Toll
Meycauyan Exit: P 45
San Fernando Ext: P 112