Vacation Spot: Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera has become the next best summer destination for students, yuppies, families, locals and foreigners alike. The famous White Beach is one of the most happening places in the Philippines come March to June. White sand + Crystal Clear waters + Sun + Friends + Booze + Party = Puerto Galera.

Please click the images to enlarge.

Last summer, ee and my friends decided to spend the weekend here. It was one heck of an adventure. Here's a short summary of our stay:

Saturday:
6:00 AM - Bus ride from Cubao to Batangas Port - Php 150.00
9:00 AM - Arrival at Batangas Port
9:15 AM - Boat Ride to White Beach - Php 120.00
10:15 AM - Arrival at White Beach

Accommodations weren't difficult to find. When you reach the shore, hotel room vendors will come flocking at you. We chose the nearest, biggest (because there were 9 of us) and cleanest place at a fair price. It wasn't difficult to find -- there are lots of options. For first time visitors, I would suggest you choose your accommodations when you arrive, and avoid making reservations online or prior to your trip. You'll get to save a whole lot more. =)

12:00 NN - Lunch - Php 100.00
1:00 PM - Rest time (especially for those who weren't able to sleep)
3:00 PM - Beach time!
4:00 PM - Snorkel Trip - Php 250.00
7:00 PM - Dinner - Php 100.00
8:00 PM - Party! - Php 300.00

Don't forget to try their famous Mindoro Sling!

Sunday:
9:00 AM - Breakfast - Php 100.00
10:00 AM - Banana Boat Ride - Php 200.00
12:00 NN - Lunch Time - Php 100.00
1:00 PM - Buy Pasalubongs - Php 300.00
2:00 PM - Boat Ride to Batangas Port - Php 120.00
3:00 PM - Bus Ride to Manila - Php 150.00
6:00 PM - Arrival

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Accommodation Cost: Php 200.00

All in all, we spent around Php 2000.00 each. Not too bad, right? Maybe next year we'll visit this place again. :)

Resort: Eagle Point Resort

Eagle Point Resort has all the amenities for a perfect getaway: the Main Core, which includes restaurant and bar, a gift shop, two two-level fresh-water pools, a Saltwater Reef pool that where visitors can swim and snorkel to see the turtles, sharks and colorful fishes. It also offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding sea.

The second attraction of Eagle Point is the Sepok Beach center, in Sepok Island, which is accessible via a short boat ride from the Main Core. The island features a white beach, an open dining area, a hiking trail, cabanas, and a beach volleyball area.

Eagle Point Resort can be found at:
Bo. Bagalangit, Mabini, Batangas, Philippines

For Reservation:
rsvn@eaglepoint.com.ph

For more details, please visit:
http://www.eaglepoint.com.ph/

Resort: San Juan Surf Resort

La Union is one of the havens of surfers in the Philippines. It has become one of the hotspot surfing destinations because of the quality of its waves.

One of the resorts that's quite popular among surfers is San Juan Surf Resort. Not only does it have great rooms and accommodations, it also provides surfing lessons for those interested to join. Other amenities include its bar and restaurant, their famous surf shop, Surf board and accessories rentals. other activities you can do are Scuba diving, snorkeling, and Kayaking.

That's me learning how to surf. :)

Here's a quick peek at their rates:

ROOM RATES
PER NIGHT
STANDARD AIRCON ROOMS
GOOD FOR 2 PERSONS 950.00
GOOD FOR 4 PERSONS 1,350.00

BUNGALOW AIRCON ROOMS
(WITH TV, REF, AND KITCHEN)
GOOD FOR 2 PERSONS 1,200.00
GOOD FOR 4 PERSONS 1,600.00

For more details, please visit their site at http://www.sanjuansurfresort.com/

Resort: Club Manila East

Ideal for family trips and barkada outings, Club Manila East (CME) located in Taytay, Rizal is a must visit resort. Just a few hours drive from the city, this 7-hectare resort is one of the best places to unwind, relax, have fun under the sun, and sometimes even do business at the same time.

The resort's facilities are made to suit people of all ages: where the kids can enjoy the mini-slides and the playground on the pool, where the adventurous can get their adrenaline rush from the 3-storey slides and the kayak pool, where the older folks can immerse themselves in the shaded Pools, and where everybody can simply bask under the sun. The best attraction of the resort is its BeachWave pool - a giant wave pool that gradually deepens and produces beach-like waves for everyone to feel as if they were on a real beach. But don't fret, trained lifeguards are stationed near the pool to ensure everyone's safety.

The resort is somewhat strict with the swimming attire. Here are some tips to remember:

Also here are some details about the resort:

Location: Km. 24 Manila East Road Taytay, Rizal PHILIPPINES 1920
Telephone Numbers: (02) 660-2801, (02) 284-4740, (02) 284-4736

For details about their rates, please visit their site at: http://www.clubmanilaeast.com

Cebu Resort: Tambuli

Cebu is known for its beaches and diving spots. While I had my vacation in Cebu for the summer, we went to Tambuli Resort, in Mactan Island. It has one of the nicest beaches I know. Its waters are flourishing with all the wonders of nature: schools of fish and sea weeds. It is also great for kids as it's very shallow. And there is little risk of stepping on those sharp shells because the waters are carpeted with the sea weeds. The crystal blue waters combined with the fresh sea breeze will definitely make your summer escapade worth it all.

Entrance is Php200 plus Php 150 for an eat-all-you-can buffet.
Visit their site at: http://www.tambuli.com/Cebu.htm

Iloilo Resort: Isla Naburot

I've had the chance to visit this wonderful place a few years ago and there's no one word to describe it. It's magical, tranquil, home. My friends and I spent a few days on the island (thanks to Mike, grandson of the Alice Saldaña, the owner of the resort) and we were so lucky to see the island preserved of its beauty. Coral reefs kept the waters alive, the trees made the atmosphere so relaxing, and the food is simply to-die-for. I hope one day I can visit the place again.

This information is taken from their multiply site:

Isla Naburot is small islet just off the western coast of Guimaras island, just 50 minutes by pumpboat from Iloilo's Port San Pedro. The island's white beach is nestled between the mainland and the rest of the island, creating a natural cove. A coral reef is found just meters away from the shore, and when the tide is low, guests can walk around and wade in the surrounding waters, even cross over to the mainland.

The back side of the island, facing the open sea, is where the dock and the well-known "Balay ni Boy" is located. This house has been featured many times in magazines, tourism documentaries and even in commercials. The sunsets viewed from here are amazing.

When not swimming, snorkeling, boating, island-hopping or fishing, one can enjoy lazing on the beach, swinging from a hammock or feasting on the famous Guimaras mangoes. There are six cottages for couples or small families and a big house called the Balay Bato for the larger parties. The island's get-away-from-it-all ambiance is its main draw. No noise, no pollution, no stress, just nature in all her beauty, peace, rest and relaxation. The food here is also unforgettable. Just ask anyone who has visited us.

For inquiries or concerns, contact Isla Managerment at:
islanaburot@gmail.com
0918-9098500 (Dr. Theresa Saldaña Araneta)
Isla Naburot, Brgy. Sinapsapan, Guimaras

Bulacan Resort: DJ Paradise

DJ Paradise is a great place if you're looking for a resort where you can relax, have fun under the sun, and experience the beach without going through the trouble of traveling so many hours just to feel the sand-sea on your face. Yes, it doesn't have the sand, nor the salty smell of the wind, but it does have a wave pool for you to experience the water splashing on your back. And you don't have to worry about drowning too, because the wave pool is only around 5.5 feet deep, with bodyguards positioned on every corner of the pool. Plus, they have several floating devices you can use to better enhance your swimming experience.

Their pools also have slides for the young, the yuppies, and the total adventurers. There are 1-storey high slides, 2-storey slides, and 3-storey slides. Just pick which will give you the best experience.

Also the rates are cheap. The overnight hotel rent for a Standard air-conditioned room with 1 bathroom, 2 queen sized beds, cable television, 2 free breakfast, and 2 free use of the pool is VERY affordable. Just check out their site for the rates.

Food is great. The ambiance is perfect for relaxation, although if you're from the hotel, you'd have to walk a bit to reach the pools. The park is clean and colorful. All in all, you have to book your next trip to this place. :)

For more details, please visit their website at: www.djparadise.com.ph