What’s new in Kwentong Dagat?

Summer is just a few months away and we know that some of us are already searching and planning where to go and spend this season with family and friends.

Here in this blog, we will share with you 10 things about this beach resort in San Felipe, Zambales, which is Kwentong Dagat.

WATCH OUR VLOG HERE:

1. NO BOAT RIDE NEEDED

One factor that people consider when hitting the beach is less hassle. We all know that some of the beaches here in our country require boat transfer. But here in Kwentong Dagat, you don’t need it! Plus, it’s also 3-4 hours away from Manila.

The resort is not beachfront but the beach is only a minute walk from the resort.

2. UNIQUE ACCOMMODATION EXPERIENCE

Do you experience staying in a cabin room? Here in Kwentong Dagat, you can experience it! Note that all rooms are fully air-conditioned. Cabin rooms can accommodate 4-6 pax.

One thing that we noticed in Cabin rooms, there are no private bathrooms. But there’s a common bathroom in the resort.

That’s why we decided to stay in one of their newest rooms, which is the Abaca rooms.

This room is perfect for those who want more privacy because it has its own private bathrooms. Abaca rooms are good for 2-4 pax.

Plus, the murals of the room are so pretty. Each room has its own design of murals and in our rooms, the design is leaves. The bathroom is so extra. Look at what’s inside in the bathroom.

For the updated rates as of 2020, kindly see the following photos:

UPDATE AS OF DECEMBER 2021

They have new rooms, which is the Nipa Cabin Deluxe, that is good for 6 persons and has its own bathrooms. Security deposit costs 1,500 PHP and is refundable upon checkout.

3. IT HAS COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST

Once you’re checked in, you are entitled to have a complimentary breakfast. Though the breakfast is not that heavy because it just includes bread and coffee.

Before we got our free breakfast, Kuya who screamed “TAHO” woke us up. Note that one TAHO costs 25 PHP each. LOL. To help lessen the plastic, kindly use the mug at the resort when buying Taho.

4. THEY SERVE VEGAN MEALS

It’s the first time that we encountered a resort that serves Vegan meals. Not a fan of veggies but this time, I gave it a try. And it was good! Plus, the food they serve doesn’t look Vegan.

Our favorites were Bicol Express, Afritada, and Humba! Vegan meals cost 275 PHP per meal.

Don’t worry, you can also bring your own food inside the resort. There’s no corkage fee except for alcoholic drinks. They charge 1,000 PHP for drinks. You can also cook your own food in the resort.

UPDATE AS OF DECEMBER 2021

The resort has now its own restaurant and bar inside! But as of this writing, it is still not yet finish but guests can dine in here.

5. THEY ARE ECO-FRIENDLY AND PET-FRIENDLY

We are sure pet lovers will love this resort. Why? You can bring your own pets here. There are also a lot of pets in the resort, such as dogs and cats. What we also liked about the resort is they are promoting to not use plastics.

Guests are allowed to bring 1 pet per room. If you wish to bring more, they have an additional fee of 300 PHP/pet. The maximum number of pets per room is 3 pets.

6. PERFECT PLACE TO UNWIND

The whole resort is peaceful. If you want some adventure, you can go surfing. Aside from it, you can also do Yoga here in Kwentong Dagat. The first photo is where they held the Yoga sessions.

You can also celebrate your wedding here. When we went there, some of the guests were there for their Pre-Nups. You can also do your wedding here. How about a beach wedding?! G!

7. PERFECT SPOT FOR SUNSETS

We were amazed! This resort has a perfect spot for sunset! Look at some of our shots during the sunset.

8. THE BEACH IS CLEAN

One thing we noticed too was the beach is clean. They also have garbage cans that have Biodegradable and Nonbiodegradable labels.

9. DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR SPORT ACTION CAMERA

Don’t forget to bring your cameras with you to record all the moments and experiences here in Kwentong Dagat. In case you don’t have one, you can now rent a GoPro! We got ours from GoProForRent8.

10. YOU CAN BOOK VIA AIRBNB

You can also find them in AirBnb. You can also get 2,200 PHP discount when you sign up using our link: www.airbnb.com/c/karlaninam

Here’s the link to the rooms in AirBnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/33942468

WATCH OUR SHORT CLIP HERE:

Address:

Sitio Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales

Contact Numbers:

Mobile: 09173176295

E-mail: info@kwentongdagat.com

How to go there?

Take a Victory Liner bus bound for Iba, Zambales. Fare is around 380 PHP per pax.

Get dropped off at San Felipe Public Market. The tricycle drivers there can help you get to Kwentong Dagat. Fare is 30 PHP per pax.

There is also an environmental fee of 20 PHP per pax.

November 28, 2019October 29, 2020

A night at Zoori: Dinner in the Dark and Black Magic Show

Here it is! We will finally share what really happened few weeks ago when we went to Tagaytay.

We were invited to experience and witness an unforgettable annual event which were the Dinner in the Dark and Black Magic Show.

In case you want to stay overnight because the event will end around 7 PM, you may opt to stay at Residence Inn.

But before that, we had a quick tour at Zoori! Here are some of the animals we encountered.

Klook.com

Here’s what you will see upon entrance.

You can also feed and take pictures with these birds.

And then here’s the wild animals!

We also rode a cable car! Look at the wonderful view. It’s almost sunset when we did it.

Cable Car costs only 150 php good for 2-way already. After that, we went straight to the venue of the Dinner of the Dark.

DINNER IN THE DARK

It is already on its 5th year now. Zoomanity group, one of the leading companies in the park industry, offers a unique experience to have your dinner in the dark.

Originated in Switzerland, it aims to raise awareness in visual impairment and for everyone to understand what it feels like to live in a world where lights are off, permanently.

HOW IS IT DONE?

Before the dinner, participants will be oriented about the do’s and don’ts inside the room. Afterward, participants will be given a blindfold to cover their eyes to experience total darkness, no peaking allowed!

While entering the room, your group will be assisted by admirable guys that are visually impaired, and they will guide you towards your table. By the way, the room is in total darkness as in there are no lights on while in the middle of the event.

After everyone is settled, it is where the fun starts! You will be eating your dinner without seeing and knowing what it is unless you taste it. But don’t worry, they are using a system to eat, which I will not tell you guys, for it is better experienced first hand.

Before dinner
After dinner

Accompanied with good music, played skillfully by another awesome guy, the event is truly exceptional.

REALIZATIONS

But beyond the fun and excitement while eating, it was those guides and those visually impaired people made the experience more interesting and worthwhile.

For 30 minutes, I felt how hard it was for them. I realized how an everyday walk for some of us, is equivalent to a journey for them not knowing where their goal is.

The overall experience was an eye opener.

BLACK MAGIC SHOW

After an inspiring dinner, we head to watch the Black Magic Show which was their theme for the month of November, because you know, scary November.

And as the name suggests, the next few minutes filled with awe and thrill.

The show was comprised of magic tricks, magnificent dance numbers, precise acrobatic stunts, and a collection of scary characters that will pass through the isle, making you scream and shout.

They wrapped it up by mingling with the crowd, taking and sharing photo ops for the gram.

This coming December, as they say, “Winter is coming.” They will be showcasing a white magic show, guess you want to let it go and go there.

Those two events was a good combination of entertainment and inspiration. A good serving of realization that darkness is not as bad as everybody think it is, cause you’ll need it eventually to appreciate what light truly is.

Want to experience these all? Just visit www.zoomanity.com.ph for more info.

Klook.com

November 19, 2019October 29, 2020

Our overnight experience at Residence Inn Tagaytay

Few weeks ago, we had an awesome weekend at Tagaytay. Although it was a short and quick vacation, we definitely had fun.

Klook.com

We spent our weekend at Residence Inn Tagaytay. We went here to attend an annual event that is the Dinner in the Dark.

In this post, we will share our overnight experience at Residence Inn.

WHERE TO BOOK? www.zoomanity.com.ph

CHECK IN TIME: 12:00 NN

CHECK OUT TIME: 11:00 AM

By the way, our room has an overlooking of Taal Volcano which is also known as View Deck Room.

You may opt to stay here or in their Main Room, which has no view. I guess, much better to stay in their View Deck Room to have a better stay experience.

Now, we will show you how the room looks inside. What’s inside of their View Deck Room?

The room is spacious. The name of our room is “Paradizoo”. It has 2 single beds, sofa beside the beds. It also has mini dining table that has a view. Beside the dining table is the mini refrigerator and a kettle. The TV is not in its latest model but it has cable. The aircon is working good, as well.

The CR has a heater which is perfect because the weather in Tagaytay is unpredictable. It also has toiletries inside such as soaps, toothpaste, toothbrush, and tissue. It has a closet too which has extra mattress inside.

How about this view when you open the door every morning?

But the most favorite part of our stay is that you can enjoy your breakfast with an awesome view. Look!

By the way, breakfast is not included in the package. You can order at their restaurant instead. Bringing outside food and drinks are strictly prohibited. Note also that ordering food at their restaurant is until 7:00 PM only.

BREAKFAST is from 6:00-10:00 AM

Much better to make your stay worthwhile. Take a lot of pictures!

We also brought with us our Kadima Pasaporte! Isn’t it lovely?

OVERALL RATING

Room – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rates – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Service – ⭐⭐⭐

Amenities – ⭐⭐⭐

Location – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved the view, indeed. Hoping that they will reconstruct the design of each room. You can tell that the structure and other facilities are outdated. But nonetheless, we had an amazing and relaxing stay! Hopefully we can stay here again, but longer stay! Hehe.

Address:

Km. 65 Barrio Neogan Tagaytay City, 4120 Tagaytay City

Social Media Accounts:

Website: www.zoomanity.com.ph

Facebook: Residence Inn Tagaytay

October 22, 2019October 29, 2020

New look of The Dessert Museum

WARNING: Photos are too cute. Ready your eyes for some instagrammable and colorful pictures… LOL

So happy to be back at this paradise. Yes, I call it such because the whole place is so extra and instagrammable. I suggest to bring your cutest #OOTD and camera. Hehe

Before we share to you the new look of the museum, you might want to read our first visit here to have a comparison of the new and old version of it.

The Dessert Museum 2016

Now, let’s start the tour!!! First, you have to have your “passport” before entering the first room, which is the Donut Room. That passport will be your access to get your free desserts too! So don’t lose it. 😀

HOW MUCH IS THE TICKET?

You have choices, whether walk in or through online bookings.

Walk-in: 799 php

Dessert Museum Online: 699 php

Klook: 529 php

I highly suggest you book via online to save as much 20%. We booked our tickets via Klook!

Klook.com

When we went here last 2016, they only have 8 rooms. But now, they remove some of the old rooms and renovate it to a more beautiful and instagrammable room.

DONUT ROOM

Before, there’s no free dessert in this room. But now, they already have! Yey for free donuts!

MARSHMALLOW ROOM

Before, the free dessert here were marshmallow with your choice of dip. But now, it’s marshmallow inside an ice cream cone. I think I like the old one.

They also renovate the other side of the room that makes it more cute and lively.

They also have a corner here which you can pose and use their posters that have different advocacy from the Philippines. Good job!

NAUGHTY OR NICE ROOM

Are you naughty or nice? Here, they renovate some parts of the room and the desserts as well. Before, you will get a free macaroon here. But now, you can choose whether a lollipop or a cotton candy. Now, they added a tea set up which has big tea cups and giant macaroons.

BANANA BEACH ROOM

This is the former ice cream room which before, I said, the least favorite room of ours because of its plain design. Now, they renovate it with this summer-vibe look! The free dessert here is banana dipped in frozen chocolates. So far, the dessert here was my favorite.

GUMBALL ROOM

They have a new set up here too. But the gumball is still here and no free dessert in this room, still.

BEWITCHED BAKERY ROOM

This is the former gummy bear room. Happy that this is the new look! Too much pastel and cookies here. HAHA but no, there’s no free dessert here.

PIÑATA PIT ROOM

The former cotton candy room. I like this better than the old one. Plus, the dessert here is mango graham. Yummy!

CAKE POPS ROOM

They added a big ballpit at the center which we don’t have a picture because it was full of kids in it. HAHA. Still, the free dessert here are cake pops.

WATCH OUR QUICK TOUR AT THE DESSERT MUSEUM

CONTACT NUMBER:

Mobile: 09173005966

E-mail: hello@thedessertmuseum.com

ADDRESS:

G/F, S Maison Mall, Conrad Hotel Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City

OPERATING HOURS:

10:00 AM-10:00 PM, daily (Last tickets sold at 8:00 PM)

SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS:

Website: www.dessertmuseum.com

Facebook: The Dessert Museum

Instagram: @dessertmuseum

October 15, 2019October 29, 2020

Snoopy World in Sha Tin, Hong Kong

Last October 2018, me and the whole family went to Hong Kong for our annual family trip. Since we have kids in this trip, we made sure that we visit kid-friendly themed parks. On our Day 4 in Hong Kong, we visited Snoopy World.

Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets (QR Code Direct Entry)

Aside from Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park Hong Kong, this one is also a kid-friendly theme park in Hong Kong. Did you also know that there is no entrance fee here?! Yes, NO ENTRANCE FEE.

This theme park opened in 2000. It is located on the 3rd floor of Sha Tin New Town Plaza Mall.

Klook.com

Snoopy World in Hong Kong is the first one to open and Asia. It is divided into six (6) zones.

iVenture Hong Kong and Macau Attractions Pass

Doghouse Entry

School Plaza

Boating Canal

We have no pictures here since the sun is really striking that time. Also, the line for the canoe ride was long so we didn’t had any chance to enter.

Baseball Playground

Mini Town Area

Community Hall

If you’ll ask us if this is worth to visit, YES. Especially if you have kids with you. Plus, you’ll love this place if you’re a big fan of Snoopy. Plus, it has NO ENTRANCE FEE.

HOW TO GET TO SNOOPY WORLD?

Take the East Railway to Sha Tin station and take exit A. Walk through New Town Plaza Mall until you reach Snoopy World. Just follow the signs in the mall.

Contact Number:

+852 2609 3638

Address:

New Town Plaza Phase 3 Block 5 Cotton Tree Court, 18 號樓, 2-8 Sha Tin Centre St, Hong Kong

Operating Hours:

11:00 AM-7:00 PM, daily

Klook.com

August 24, 2019November 21, 2020

Balituk: A hidden paradise in Baler

Summer is over…well, for us it isn’t yet. Summer is forever!!! Even typhoons can’t stop us to hit the beach, just like what we did few weeks ago. We went to Baler not to surf, but to discover a hidden paradise located in Sabang Beach.

ABOUT BALITUK

This hidden paradise is located in Sabang Beach. Though I will tell you that the road going here is kinda tough and rough. But don’t you worry, it’s all worth it.

HOW TO GO THERE?

From Cubao, take a bus going to Baler. In our case, we tried Joy Bus from Genesis going to Baler. Joy Bus has no stopovers. The travel time took 6 hours. It was kinda tiring but we’re comfortable inside the bus. Upon arriving at Baler Terminal, take a tricycle and tell the driver you’re going to Northshore. Balituk is beside it.

In our case, we didn’t head straight to Balituk. Since it’s almost lunch time, we decided to have our lunch first before heading to the resort. We went to Kusina Luntian. This is a must try restaurant in Baler!

Read:

Kusina Luntian: A must visit place in Baler

Now, let’s talk about what’s inside Balituk Resort. Actually, I saw their page in my news feed and what caught my attention was their Teepee Huts! It’s a triangular hut. I fell in love immediately upon seeing those photos.

So what’s inside the teepee huts? It has a fan, mattress, pillows, and blankets. The room is good for 2 people. Rate per night is 1,300 php. Additional 400 php per pax. It can accommodate up to 4 people.

ROOM RATES

TEEPEE HUTS

Good for 2 pax – 1,300 php

Good for 5 pax – 2,800 php

Additional 400 php per pax.

AIRCONDITIONED ROOM W/ PRIVATE BATHROOM

Good for 2 pax – 2,800 php

Good for 4 pax – 3,400 php

Good for 6 pax – 4,400 php

Additional 500 php per pax.

When you enter the hut, at first, the temperature is really humid especially when afternoon. But in the evening, the temperature will become cool. Plus, you can hear the sound of the waves, which for me, is really relaxing.

If you’re not comfortable with their teepee huts, they have air-conditioned rooms that is made from container vans. How cool is that?!

Yep, they also have a pool inside the resort which is a plus point for me because I can’t surf by the beach. I’d rather chill in their pool instead. Note that the water in the pool is really cold!!! As in. HAHA.

By the way, if you avail the teepee huts, you can use the common bathroom. Don’t worry, the bathroom is clean and neat.

What I also liked about their resort is they have a Kitchen where you can cook anytime you want. Yep! So if you’re planning to cook, just bring all the ingredients and cook in their kitchen area. It has complete set and tools.

Here are some snaps around the resort.

Photo_1563199901066 — Balituk resort in the background

Aside from chilling in the resort, we tried capturing some milky way shots outside the resort and here are the results! So in love with our outputs though it wasn’t that good.

The next day, we had our breakfast from Masilig Eatery again… Oh the island life!

Before I forgot, Balituk Resort offers Cacao Ice Cream inside. You guys must try it! So good!

OVERALL RATING

Accommodation –

Rates –

Service –

Amenities –

Location –

We really had a relaxing stay here in Balituk. If you want to unwind and take a rest from all the stress, I recommend you to go here. Plus, the caretakers are very accommodating to our needs. I will surely go back here and will try surfing next time, promise!!!

Contact Number:

Mobile: 09175005059

Address:

Brgy. Buhangin, Baler, Aurora

Social Media Accounts:

Facebook: Balituk Baler

Instagram: @balituk_baler

August 24, 2019November 18, 2019

Kusina Luntian: A must visit when in Baler

Before visiting a place, I’ll make sure that our itinerary will be done well. Just few weeks ago, we visited Baler over the weekend. Beforehand, I searched for some recommended places to visit when in Baler. What caught my attention was this local eatery in Baler. And this is Kusina Luntian.

ABOUT KUSINA LUNTIAN

It is owned by Kuya Biboy, a former Manileño boy who became a local of Baler for the love of surfing. This restaurant is one of the most recommended restaurant when in Baler.

But here’s the thing, it is only a simple eatery in Baler. Not fancy like other restaurants you’ll see in the highway. To make the experience complete, they serve the food in banana leaves and you have to eat it with your hands, no spoon and fork. HEHE.

All of the food we got were super good! As in no joke, I didn’t expect it to be that good. I promise you, this is really a must try in Baler! I loved their food presentation as well.

Photo_1562848935098 — Wapang Wapang na Liempo

My favorite of all time was their Wapang Wapang na Liempo! I swear, this is heaven!!! Also, their vinegar is a winner for me! Plus, their Paco Salad is surprisingly good. Most people knew that I’m not a fan of vegetables but this one, I can eat it everyday!!!

For the desserts, they have this Nalecheng Biko which looks like a sticky rice. The only difference is that it has leche flan on top instead of mango.

For the drinks, we had their Calamansi Juice which was a refresher after long hours of travel to Baler.

You can also buy some of their products such as Banayad Whiskey, chili sauce, and their yummy homemade vinegar!

OVERALL RATING

Food – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Price – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Service – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ambiance – ⭐⭐⭐

Location – ⭐⭐⭐

If I will visit Baler again, I’ll surely visit Kusina Luntian for sure! I’ll also recommend it to anyone. I love the food and surprised that it’s very affordable. If you want to experience their food but hesitant to visit because it’s far, don’t worry, they now have a branch here in Quezon City! It’s called Gubat that is located in Diliman, Quezon City.

Contact Number:

Mobile: 09070365072

Operating Hours:

10:00 AM-10:00 PM, daily

Address:

Don Badong St., Brgy. Sabang Baler, Aurora

Social Media Accounts:

Facebook: Kusina Luntian

Instagram: @kusinaluntian

August 24, 2019October 29, 2020

Lakbay Museo PH: The first ever Philippine millenial museum

Last week, I was able to witness the exclusive preview tour of the newest interactive museum in Manila. I’m so excited to share with you how we travel the Philippines in just two hours!

BOOK HERE: Lakbay Museo Admission Ticket in Manila

ABOUT LAKBAY MUSEO PH

It is a project of The Millenial Concept Factory, Inc. This museum allows you to travel, experience, and take IG-worthy photos from all over around the Philippines without having to leave in Manila. It offers the best of both worlds in its 14 unique experiences of 11 different destinations. Yes, you get to travel to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and strike a pose in the country’s best destinations in just a day!

Being a #foodie, I also enjoyed the Filipino cuisines out there! Yes, they have food inside which you can buy using your chips that will be given to you at the entrance.

Photo_1561736140415 — It comes with 12 complimentary chips.

In case you ran out of chips, you can exchange your pocket money their Villarica store inside to buy more chips! Amazing, is it?!

Klook.com

Look how scrumptious and amazing their flatlay is! Super amazing!

Festivities are felt in Lakbay Museo as it keeps the joyful Filipino spirit alive through a glimpse into festivals and celebrations. Music and art, from these festive activities and beyond, are similarly available in the museum. Don’t forget the highlight inside, which is the cultural show! I really enjoyed watching them.

Photo_1561736359229 — Photo ops with the staff of Lakbay Museo

As millenials, however, remember to not just #DoItForTheGram, but also do it to learn about roots and appreciate the richness and diversity of the people, the ways of life, and the identities present in the Philippines.

Klook.com

Lakbay Museo PH opens on July 12! Call your family and friends and book your next adventure at Lakbay Museo PH.

WHERE TO BOOK?

Lakbay Museo Admission Ticket in Manila

You can also visit Dessert Museum which is their sister company.

WATCH OUR SHORT CLIP HERE!!!

Contact Numbers:

Mobile: 09171754992

Landline: (02)2531069

E-mail: kumusta@lakbaymuseo.ph

Operating Hours:

10:00 AM-10:00 PM, daily

Address:

Level 1, S Maison, Marina Way, Mall of Asia Complex

Social Media Accounts:

Website: www.lakbaymuseo.ph

Facebook: Lakbay Museo PH

Instagram: @lakbaymuseoph

August 24, 2019November 18, 2019

Jomalig Island 3D2N DIY itinerary

So happy to be back at one of the famous island in Quezon today, Jomalig Island. In case you missed it, Ian and I already went here last May 2016. If you want to see how Jomalig Island was before, read our blog here.

Photo_1557821474968 — Sunset at Salibungot Beach

Finally, we convinced our High School friends to visit Jomalig Island. We were really pushing them since this is one of my favorite island here in the Philippines. Of course, one factor why they’re hesitant was because of the 4 to 6-hour boat ride. But since we’re up for some adventure, we still pushed through! WHATEVER IT TAKES. Lol.

jomalig island 2019 — WE DEFINITELY LOVE JOMALIG

I’m more excited today because we’ll be staying in the island for 3 days unlike last 2016, we only stayed for 2 days (and that’s not enough). So I planned everything from the budget, itineraries, and places to visit. Here, I’ll be sharing you our expenses and itinerary.

HOW TO GET TO JOMALIG ISLAND?

DISCLAIMER: Since we’re group of 10, we decided to rent a van that will drop and fetch us to make our trip less-hassle.

If you’re going to commute, here’s the guide.

There’s a bus terminal station in Sampaloc, Manila (near Arellano University), named Raymond Transportation. Near the bus terminal, there’s also UV express vans that offer trips to Real, Quezon. Note that the price is cheaper if you’ll take the bus.

Bus fare: 195 php

Van fare: 220 php

The trip will last for 4-5 hours depending on the traffic. We left Quezon City around 12:00 MN and arrived at Real, Quezon at 4:00 AM. We head straight to Ungos Port where the boats to Jomalig Island are located.

After we reached the Ungos Port, there were already staff that assisted us. We pay our boat fee and environmental fees there.

Boat fee: 400 php/way (with meal)

Environmental fee: 170 php

While waiting for the boat to depart, here’s what welcomed us while we’re in the boat…

Photo_1557822315343 — Sunrise at Real, Quezon

We left the port around 6:30 AM, and since we went around April, which is summer season, we had a smooth trip that took us 4-hour boat ride only.

Note: The best time to visit this island is during summer season.

Photo_1557822279072 — Approaching Jomalig Island

By the way, you need to have an accommodation first before going to the island. Reservation is a must and walk ins are not entertained. We didn’t reach the Lambingan Port because we already have to transfer to another boat that will drop us straight to our accommodation.

You can choose whether to do habal-habal or boat ride to your accommodation, but since we’re group of 10 and we have lots of things, we decided to have a boat ride instead.

Habal-habal to accommodation: 70 php

Boat ride to accommodation: 60 php

WHERE TO STAY IN JOMALIG ISLAND?

We stayed at Jomaligaya Resorts. Our contact was Ate Vanessa (09478919617) and she was super approachable thru chat and text. Sad that we didn’t met her.

NOTE: You also need to pay 100 php each for the entrance fee to the resort.

We booked 2 rooms good for 4 pax. We pay 100 php per head for the additional pax. We liked it here since we had overflowing water! HAHA. We can take a bath anytime we want. Plus the owners were very accommodating to the guests. We also loved the ambiance of the resort.

Yes, you can also pitch a tent at the resort. You can either rent a tent from the resort or bring your own and pay for the pitching fee.

NOTE: The electricity in the island runs from 1:00 PM to 5:00 AM only. So make sure to charge your gadgets during these time frame. Also, bring extension if you have lots of gadgets.

After we settle our bills and things, we had lunch and rest for awhile. We also did some games while waiting for the sunset. Around 4:30 PM, we prepare and get ready to swim and wait for the sunset.

In case you’re wondering how’s the sunset in our resort, here’s what we got…

After going back to our resort, we prepare ourselves and get ready for dinner. After that, we prepare ourselves to sleep and be ready for our habal-habal tour tomorrow early.

WHERE TO EAT IN JOMALIG ISLAND?

Just to inform you, there are no restaurants in the island. But every resort offer meals. In our resort, one meal costs 120 php. Don’t worry because they will cook and serve it to you. But in our case, we already brought our food good for 3 days.

HABAL-HABAL TOUR

Habal-habal tour costs 600 php per head. That includes half-day tour around Jomalig Island plus the driver. You can also do island hopping for only 350 php per head if you are group of 10 and up. But I highly suggest to do habal-habal to appreciate more the nature and beauty of the island.

We started our habal-habal tour around 7:00 AM.

1. PUNO NG WALANG FOREVER

According to my driver, this tree is called “Dapdap“. If you’re wondering why this is called such, just look around. It’s the only tree in the middle.

2. GOLDEN SAND

We arrived their during high tide so we didn’t see the sandbar like we saw last 2016. But it’s okay, we enjoy the long stretch of the beach and took some pictures of course. The sand is really gold, by the way!

3. LITTLE BATANES

The road to this place was kinda rough because the road is still under construction but it was all worth it. Never been to Batanes but I think it is really closed to it. It has magnificent rock formation and views! It also has big waves. YAY!

Entrance fee: 50 php per head

4. LITTLE BORACAY

This is my favorite place in the island! It is really look like Boracay with its fine, white sand. When we visit here last 2016, there’s no entrance fee and resort. Now, it’s called Pamana White Beach Resort.

Entrance fee: 30 php per head

5. KANAWAY BEACH

When we visit here last 2016, we need to ride a boat to make it to Kanaway Islet. But when we went here last April, it’s lowtide so we saw the wide sandbar of the beach. Amazing view it was!

Entrance fee: 50 php per head

We got back to our resort around 12:00 NN, just in time for lunch. We definitely got tired and sunburn but we really enjoyed the tour. It was the highlight of our stay!

After we had our lunch, we just definitely rest and kill time. Enjoying the last few hours at the island. Took some random shots too!

On our third day, we’re ready to say goodbye to the island, we head to the port via boat. The boat ride costs 60 php per head. We left the island around 10:00 AM. We arrived at Ungos Port around 2:00 PM. From there, our rented van was already there to pick us up and ready to drop us back to Manila.

DETAILED EXPENSES FOR JOMALIG 3D2N

Note: This is our exact expenses including the van and food. In case you’re going by group. 🙂

TRANSPO (VAN) – 12,000 php (roundtrip)

Per head: 1,090

FOOD (good for 3 days) – 5,000 php

Per head: 455 php

BOAT RIDE (roundtrip)

Per head: 800 php

ENVIRONMENTAL FEES

Per head: 170 php

BOAT TRANSFER TO RESORT (roundtrip)

Per head: 120 php

ACCOMMODATION (good for 3 days) – 2,800 php

Per head: 255 php

ENTRANCE FEE TO RESORT

Per head: 100 php

HABAL-HABAL TOUR

Per head: 600 php

ENTRANCE FEES TO DESTINATIONS

Per head: 130 php

Roughly, we prepare 4,000 php per head. It is too much but it depends on your budget in food and others. But that’s the safest budget up to date.

August 24, 2019January 9, 2020

1Bataan Ferry: Manila to Bataan in just an hour (vice versa)

We all know that Bataan is one of the historical places in the Philippines. It is the last stop of the Filipino and American soldiers before they surrendered and lost to the Japanese during the World War II. Because of this, there’s many historical sites here such as Mt. Samat and Balanga Wetland. No wonder why they are one of the top pick places to visit here in the country.

But why waste the 3 to 4-hour travel time when you can get to Bataan in just an hour?! Yep, you can! Big thanks to 1Bataan Integrated Transport System.

ABOUT 1BATAAN INTEGRATED TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Since Bataan is strategic to Manila Bay, it is now possible to reach Bataan in just one hour by traveling via ferry. Magic Leaf and Provincial Government of Bataan built this last 2017 to provide a fast and hassle-free trip to passengers to and from Metro Manila.

The terminal in Manila is located at Esplanade Seaside Terminal in Pasay City.

While the terminal in Bataan is located at Port Capinpin in Orion, Bataan.

Actually, we just booked only one way (Bataan to Manila). Here’s the look inside the terminal in Bataan.

It is spacious and has two floors. But the second floor is not yet functional. Numerous chairs and has big electric fans in each corner. It also has a high-speed internet. Perfect if you get here early and suddenly get bored. I also noticed that they have electric outlets at some areas so you can charge your gadgets before boarding.

Plus, I saw a water dispenser inside which means you can drink for free while waiting for your boarding. Don’t worry if you don’t have tumbler, they have plastic cups too. But please, if you can bring your own tumbler, bring it. Let’s not use plastic, please?

UPDATED RATES AS OF JANUARY 2020:

Sulit Economy: 299 PHP

Premium Economy: 600 PHP

Business Class: 1,200 PHP

For the rates, you can choose whether to book online or via walk in. But I highly suggest to book online to avoid hassle on the day of your trip plus you can save up to 200 php. Rates costs only 450 PHP for online and walk-in. Check the inclusion here.

By the way, last April 1, 2019, they posted new ferry schedule:

Manila to Orion

Weekdays (Departure) – 7:30 AM and 12:30 PM

Weekends (Departure) – 7:30 AM and 2:30 PM

Orion to Manila

Weekdays (Departure) – 9:15 AM and 2:30 PM

Weekends (Departure) – 9:15 AM and 4:15 PM

Manila to Mariveles

Weekdays (Departure) – 4:30 PM

Marivels to Manila

Weekdays (Departure) – 6:45 PM

The M/V XCG Express Ferry Boat can accommodate 100+ passengers onboard. It is also air-conditioned and has spacious leg room. I also love their reclining chairs.

It also has a high-speed internet inside the ferry. You can also watch a movie but don’t expect to finish it because in just an hour, you’ll arrive at your destination. Hihi.

It also has a VIP area with a sofa, table, and its own TV and electric outlets.

OVERALL RATING

I highly recommend 1Bataan Integrated Transport System. Aside from the 1-hour travel time, we really had a comfortable and safe trip. We actually slept the whole trip. That’s how we’re comfortable in this trip.

For online bookings, click here.