Sun 27 Aug 2006
Another place that you can reach by land from Metro Manila is Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel located in Lian, Batangas. The resort offers shuttle service from Makati.
The place offers white beaches, adult and kiddie pools (with slide), various water sports facilities, a floating spa, a sauna, a ropes course and boat trips to Fortune Island. It likewise has 5 food outlets.
Mon 21 Aug 2006
For Manila-based residents or travellers, here’s a resort that you do not have to ride a plane to get to: the Lago de Oro Resort in Calatagan, Batangas which is located about 2 hours from Makati. What might you do there?
Sat 19 Aug 2006
Pansukian Resort is located on Siargao Island in Surigao. Siargao Island faces the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Deep. It offers white sand beaches, clear lagoons, cliffs and caves. You can choose from different villas and cottages where the rate per person per day (full board) can range from USD 130 to USD 290.
Children aged 2-12 are given a 25-50% discount. While in Siargao, you can go on island tours, go surfing (the spot is said to be one of the best places for surfing in the Philippines), try scuba diving, fishing, or try shell collecting.
To get to Siargao, you will have to take a 1 hour 20 minute flight to Surigao on Asian Spirit and then take a connecting 20 minute flight to Siargao. There is a 2-3 hour wait in between those flights. Transfers to the resort are not included in the package rates so it is best to inquire directly from them.
For more details on the resort, you may visit: www.pansukian.com
Sat 12 Aug 2006
When in Tacloban City in Leyte, you may want to stay in Leyte Park Resort Hotel. My officemates have stayed there previously and they say accommodations are okay and clean although the facility is quite old already.
You can enjoy the various amenities at the hotel. I’m sure my kids will enjoy the pool with the slide.
Sun 6 Aug 2006
The place Siquijor here in the Philippines has long been associated with mysticism and sorcery although am not too familiar how that reputation came about. You typically hear stories about witches and the like but if you are looking for a “not-so-commercial” place to visit, you may want to check Siquijor out.
Sat 5 Aug 2006
Atlantis Resort is located in Dumaguete. It is a place where you can enjoy diving and other water sports activities. The resort can also arrange excursions for you to places like: Dumaguete City, Casaroro Falls, Twin Lakes, Mount Talinis, Bais (for whale and dolphin-watching), and the Mabinay Caves. For caving activities, the resort offers several packages (beginner, advanced, and extreme) and the fee paid depends on the number of people in the tour group and the caving level chosen. The package fee includes the services of a caving guide.
Tue 1 Aug 2006
El Dorado Beach Resort is located in Dauin, Oriental Negros. It is a diving resort, from which you may visit Apo Island, Dumaguete, or Siquijor. There are four types of rooms to choose from and the rates range from as low as USD 26 a night to USD 115, depending on the kind of room that you choose, whether it’s with breakfast, half-board, or full-board, and whether it’s single or double occupancy.