Dive and Trek Batangas

Dive and Trek Resort and Marine Sanctuary

Dive and Trek Location : San Pablo Bauan Batangas. Travel distance from Manila to Bauan is 115kms and travel time is 1.5 to 2 hours.

How to get there: One may easily commute or bring your own transportation. Commuting is pretty much straightforward. Ride a Batangas City bound bus from Manila (JAM, Ceres, Tritran etc). Make sure you board a bus with a sign board - BATANGAS CITY only. When you get down at the Grand Terminal look for a jeep bound to BAUAN. When you get to Bauan ride a tricycle going to Anilao pier.

If you brought your own car there are 2 route options you may take. One is the Tagaytay-Lemery route and the other is STAR tollway-Batangas city route. Shorter is the Tagaytay-Lemery route passing by the scenic taal volcano and cheaper toll fees than doing the STAR tollway route.

For detailed map directions to dive and trek click here.
There are 2 parking lots for Dive and Trek. 1. Lemery/Balite 2. Anilao Pier (pls see the map to fully understand me). You will have to leave your car in the parking lot and a 10 min boat ride will transfer you to the resort . Parking is secured don't worry.

The resort offers daytrip tours as well as accomodation for overnighters. For daytrippers , you may bring your own food or get a meal package. Staying overnight leaves you no choice but to get the Full Board Package because they do not allow cooking within the resort premises.

Things to do:
* Dive and Trek is a very popular destination for scuba divers because of its house reef and nearby dive sites such as Ligpo Island , Cathedral , Caban Cove , Layag Layag Reef , Sombrero Island, Sepok Point , Mapating Rock (Shark Cave) , Merriel's Rock , Papaya Point, Verde Island, Maricaban/Tingloy,  Balahibong Manok Island.
* Snorkeling for swimmers and non swimmers alike. Just a few feet away from the shore throngs of fish are waiting to be fed!
* Learn to Dive! This is the perfect venue for aspiring divers.
* Introductory diving lessons are being offered in the resort. It takes just half a day to learn the basics and in a few hours the dive master will bring you to the "Classroom" while holding on to your back. You will soon find out that 30minutes is not enough to enjoy the underwater .
* Kayak is best to be enjoyed during sunrise or sunset.
* Island Hopping to nearby islands .

Dive and Trek's salt water pool. Introductory classes are being held here.

Friends who introduced me to diving

Our Dive Instructor

the "CLASSROOM"

The depth of the so called "classroom" is about 25-30 feet and this is where they bring students to experience first hand being underwater. It's sandy bottom is perfect for fish feeding and of course picture taking. Be sure to bring bread as a treat to the fishes.

Resort facade during sunset

+ points:
* Resort is very clean and always kept tidy by the staff.
* Unlimited complimentary tea/coffee/chocolate and drinking water all throughout the day.
* Staff is very friendly and always there to attend to your needs.
* They have lounge chairs. This is important specially to daytrippers who wants to catch some zzzzss.
* Buffet spread is good and ample for the price of the package. My favorite is their merienda treat of turon (banana wrapped in spring roll wrapper and fried).
* Clean restrooms
* House reef is the best. One may not need to go far to see all the fishes.
* Complete scuba equipment rental.

- points:
* No parking at the resort itself. Boat transfers is a little bit of a hassle.
* No convenience store so you have to bring all necessities for the trip.

As of this writing i am now a certified diver (i know, this post is loooong due already). I've come back to Dive and Trek many times already after my introduction to diving and am now enjoying the dive sites Balayan Bay has to offer.

Contact Numbers:
Alex Llorin Marketing & Resort Manager +639109364556 / +639228549173
Resort : +639209064123 / +639228545573
Dorie Martinez (Manila Booking Office) +63-2-851-8746
Resort Address: San Pablo, Bauan Batangas, Philippines 
Website: www.diveandtrek.com

Malcapuya Island in Coron

Undoubtedly one of the best beaches in the Calamian Islands

 It's tough to only have 4days to spend in Coron . So many islands with so little time. On our third day we had to choose the Malcapuya Tour over the Calauit tour because of the latter's proximity to Coron Town. Boat ride to Malcapuya is approximately 2 hours in which you will be traversing deep blue waters before you come to reach its sandy white beach.

There are no hotels or resorts in the island though you may stay overnight with the most basic necessities. We just went for a day tour but i found one blog  who can answer all your questions regarding overnight accomodation.

Path leading to the white beach is lined with cashew trees

Disappointment was written all over our face when our boatman docked  not knowing we were in for a surprise. First we had to walk thru a dusty path lined with cashew trees and in a minute or so voila there's the beach as white as boracay's sand. The place so quiet and secluded. Not too many crowds. And on the farther end of the beach you will see huge red rock formations. I say it's perfect! Backdrop perfect for my brother's pose.

PERFECT POSE!!!

Malcapuya's huge red rock formations

Our cute little Lyt found his perfect spot.

 We almost forgot to swim because we were having so much fun taking pictures.

Lunch buffet style brought and cooked by our able guides

The Surahan Fish seemed to smile even after grilling :)

The Surahan Fish is bigger than my head !

Our lunch consisted of fresh seafoods (shrimp and surahan fish), rice, veggies, grilled pork and bananas. All included in the tour cost of P 1,200 per person that we paid.

Oh and how i love the Surahan Fish (unicorn fish). It's meat is so tasty and tender especially the fats in its belly.Too bad we cannot buy this from anywhere in manila . I've only seen this fish in El Nido and Coron public market and so cheap at that.

Soon after we consumed the food our guide told us to put on our lifevests and snorkeling gears so he can bring us in the middle of the sea where the big clams are.

 My thoughts are: i am so blessed to be living in this beautiful country. Others may have to fly a thousand miles to reach this but for us Filipinos it's just within our reach. Until now, Malcapuya stays on my mind . . .

Kayangan Lake - Coron

Picturesque Coron Island Cove

From all the places included in the Coron Island Hopping Tour my personal favorite would be Kayangan Lake. The lake, with its limestone cliff formations and clear water is often referred to by local and foreign tourists as Blue Lagoon. It is also dubbed as the cleanest lake in Asia. Swimming in it's brackish water (freshwater with a bit of salty water) is the most refreshing thing to do. In fact, tourists seemed to not get enough of it. These local tourists boys wouldn't want to vacate the edge of the lake where they sit and wade thru the waters. We were waiting for them to leave :) so we can take their cozy little nook. :) The weather was perfect, with a little bit of rain and the water temperature just right too. With the limestone cliffs on the background it's really picture perfect.

Tourists enjoying Kayangan Lake's clear waters

Entrance to the lake after a 10 to 20 min trek

Kayangan Lake is part of the Coron Isand Hopping Tour.
Other places we visited during the said tour are:
1. Siete Pecados - is named after seven islets near the entrance of Coron Bay called Siete Pecados
2. Banol Beach
3. CYC Beach - this is where tour operators spread their lunch for the guests.
4. Twin Peak Reef
5. Balinsasayaw Floating House

Tour Cost : P 850/person (if you go with a group) It includes boat transfer, use of life vest , all entrance fees, drinks and snacks, tour guide services , buffet lunch .

Tour cost is pretty much the same price with tour operators in Coron but you may probably snag a discount if you're a big group. I recommend Nice in Paradise tour for they really took good care of us during our trip. Special kudos to them.

Coron Challenge - Mt Tapyas and Maquinit Hot Spring

Welcome To Coron!!!

There was a slight drizzle when we arrived in Coron Busuanga but not even the rains can dampen our spirits. This trip was six months in the making and each and everyone is ever prepared for the challenges ahead.Thank you airphilexpress for despite of the not so good weather , our 60minute flight from Manila was on time.

It will take 45 minutes going to the town proper and the land trip itself is a treat with views of cows grazing/lazing along the road at  Yulo King Ranch.

Caution! Cowabungas!

I've conquered Mt Tapyas

Soon as we were dropped off at our pension house, Ralph's Pension, we wasted no time and proceeded to hail a tricycle to bring us to Mt Tapyas which is a 10 minute uphill ride to the base . 
Challenge #1 : CLIMB 724 steps to reach Mt Tapyas viewdeck.
Few first steps is peanuts . Further we go, i can feel my knees giving in. I guess lack of exercise is the culprit. Good thing there was this bottled water vendor who accompanied us during the climb and entertained us with his stories. I was about to give up. I felt i couldn't make it. But with a lot of stopovers and rest. And after one hour i have reached the top. Am so proud to have endured the challenge coz its rewarding to be at the top.

Erected in the middle of the viewdeck is a cross so huge that you can see from  town. No climb is complete without a picture of it behind you.

Tip: 
* Don't forget to bring bottled water to hydrate yourself constantly during the climb. 
* Bring face towel or hanky to wipe off evidence of fats dripping from your face.
* Bring your camera so you can show off to your fb friends you've conquered Mt Tapyas
* Best to visit Mt Tapyas is during sunset.
* Don your most comfortable shoes and tropical clothing. You don't want to get blisters on your feet eh?
* Don't forget to do a jumpshot. It's Liberating really!

 

Getting down from the viewdeck proves to be easier than going up . We were grateful for the locals who sold us cold bottled water at the base. Definitely just what we needed. 

After being physically active from our climb, we were looking forward to the soothing therapeutic water of Maquinit.

Challenge #2 Brave the therapeutic hot water of Maquinit Hot Spring.

Water is at around 40 degrees Celcius and at first dip almost scaldingly hot. But don't worry your body will eventually adjust to the heat. Once you get the hang of it, you may never want to leave the water. 

Tip:
* Best to go during the night when the temp is cooler.
* Best to visit after your Mt Tapyas climb to soothe/heal your aching muscles.
* Bring change of clothing and some snacks. Bathing in hot water can make you hungry.
* Best to contract with the tricycle driver for a 2way trip. There are no public transpo plying the route to/from Maquinit.

 Opening hours of Maquinit: 6am to 10pm
Entrance Fee : Php 150/person
Roundtrip tricycle : Php 300

Apo Reef

Apo Reef Natural Park in Occidental Mindoro

Apo Reef  is a protected National Park situated in Occidental Mindoro. Its a series of coral reefs encompassing 34 square kilometers within the waters of Occidental Mindoro. It is the world's second largest contigious coral reef system (great barrier reef in australia being the largest) and largest in the Philippines. The local government of Sablayan was appointed as the caretaker/administrator of the Apo Reef Natural Park Project. Moreover, Apo Reef was declared as a special "Tourism Zone and Marine Reserve" meaning it is open to tourists but fishing of any form within the reef is banned. All funds generated from the visiting tourists would provide alternative livelihood for fishermen in the area.

We would like to thank the tourism office of Sablayan Occidental Mindoro for the assistance they've extended to us. Considering it was Holy Week in the Philippines and most of the government offices are closed, enthusiastic staff happily orients us with the trip. We were to be joined by four divers and one dive master to share the cost of the boat. One tour guide will be assigned to four of us since we are not going to dive. Tour guide is supposed to guide, cook our food, bring us fresh water (for bathing), and help us with anything we need during our overnight stay in the island. 

We did not realized the importance of our guide until we reached Apo Reef. It dawned on us that the place has no electricity, no fresh water, a single water pump is present which is to be shared by the tourists (water coming out is salty water) , bathroom amenities is very basic (there are only 2. one for male and female), no accomodations (our guide has to pitch our tents), and no store (so you have to buy all food supply/necessities from town). 

Oh how we were thankful that we have our guide. Our stay was made more pleasant with the extra handy man around.

Our able bodied Tour Guide in Apo Reef

Besides snorkeling , diving and swimming in its pristine waters, popular activity in this beautiful place is Mangrove Tour. You will be taken for a ride on a bamboo raft across the mangrove forest and a slight trek to the lighthouse afterwards . A 10minute climb to the top of the lighthouse is a breathtaking view of the mangrove forest and the reef. The panoramic view from atop is spectacular.

Bamboo walkway leading to mngrove lake

Mangrove Forest Tour in Apo Reef

Please someone lend me a comb?

View from the top of the lighthouse. Overlooking Apo Reef

The next day was reserved for a half day of snorkeling . To best view the underwater beauty of Apo reef, your boatman will tour you around its waters by dragging you while you hold on to a nylon rope tied to its outrigger.  The "dragging" will last for around 1hour for a feastful sightings of the underwater world. This way of snorkeling is kinda tiring and exhausting but pleasing to the eyes. We saw manta rays and different colored fishes big and small , their names we do not know. Too bad we do not have an underwater camera to capture its underwater allure but we promised to go back .

Things to do in Apo Reef:
* Diving or Learn to Dive (introductory to scuba dive)
* Snorkeling
* Read a book
* Mangrove Tour
* Lighthouse Viewdeck
* Laze around in a hammock (be sure to bring one)
* Sea Turtles egg laying (during season)
* Swimming in its pristine waters
* Bamboo Raft Ride across the mangrove waters
* Beach Sports such as volleyball, frisbee etc
* Play basketball with the marine park rangers
* Play a round of poker with the rangers
* Yoga by the beach
* Learn how to pitch a tent (and disassembling it)
* Sleep all day long

 For inquiries, you can reach the Sablayan Tourism Office at:
Contact No.: 09284659585
Email: amazingsablayan@yahoo.com
Website: www.sablayan.net

Pandan Island - Occidental Mindoro

Imagine yourself in a hammock sorrounded by palm trees and  pandan trees. While engorged in a blissful sleep you can hear the waves crashing onto rocks and the humming of the birds. In your slumber you dream of a beautiful paradise devoid of worldly pleasures.You can only think of the words to describe this place - Simple , au naturel , earthy, modest, quiet , unobtrusive. A feeling of nakedness creeps up your body as you gear your eyes towards the austere cottages without electricity. At night, when darkness falls in , no light bulbs or lamp posts that will guide you through the paths. No aircon nor electric fan to cool you down. But despite of it all you wanna stay here forever and never want to leave this place. This is what you call paradise disguised in the name of Pandan Island .

Pack your bags and get here. Pandan Island is quite easy to reach. There are 2 ways: by plane or by bus.

by plane
From Manila there is only 1(one) airline carrying passengers to San Jose and that is Cebu Pacific. Their flight to/from San Jose is every TTHS. For further details on their flights to San Jose please go to the airline's website. Upon arriving in San Jose , it's another 2.5 to 3 hours to Sablayan via public bus or jeepney. Or you may opt to pre-arrange your transfers with the resort .

by bus
From Manila to Sablayan direct via bus, only DIMPLESTAR plies this route. And a detailed bus schedule please visit their website. Or you may contact the bus company at +63 908 271 75 98

Upon reaching Sablayan town i highly suggest you visit the town's Tourism Office for proper guidance. Tourism Office Staff will be glad to assist you with whatever necessary preparations you need for your trip to Pandan Island and/or Apo Reef. In our case, they arranged a boat to/from Pandan Island. And since Pandan was fully booked at the time we visited (it was holy week) we opted to just stay in one of Sablayan town hotel and just spend a full day tour of Pandan. We stayed till the evening to eat at their dinner buffet. 

In Pandan, you will make new friends. The resort staff are super friendly and always wearing a smile on their face. The guests, which are mostly from different parts of the world , are always smiling and wanting to talk to you, wanting to share their stories. What's humbling is that they do not complain with the lack of high class amenities the resort can offer.

People who travel to Pandan are happy and contented. Their attitude towards life in general is contagious. There is no dull moments when you are here.

Our day in Pandan Island left us hanging for more. I wanted to stay for a longer time but really our main destination was Apo Reef. Will come back for sure to this island paradise called Pandan.

Next day will be another story. Apo Reef here we come!!



Pandan Island Resort
Tel: +63 (0)919 305 78 21
5104 Sablayan
Occidental Mindoro
Philippines
e-mail: info@pandan.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PandanIsland
Twitter: www.twitter.com/#!/pandanisland

For inquiries, you can reach the Sablayan Tourism Office at:
Contact No.: 09284659585
Email: amazingsablayan@yahoo.com
Website: www.sablayan.net

Grace Island Resort - San Jose Occidental Mindoro

Most travelers fly to San Jose Mindoro with the intention of traveling overland to Sablayan Occidental Mindoro . Not known to many that San Jose has one resort to boast upon and that is Grace Island Resort located in Ambulong San Jose Occidental Mindoro.

Grace Island Resort was not included in our original itinerary but since we had a free full day of stay in San Jose, this resort proves to be highly recommended as one of the island hopping trips .

How to reach Grace Island Resort?
There are 3 options really. One is to course your boat reservation in one of the beachfront hotels in San Jose. You must do so a night before your trip for them to be able to contact/contract with an available boatman/owner.

Another option is to head to Caminawit Port San Jose and look for boats for rent going to the resort.

If you seek convenience, Grace Island Resort contact numbers are 0939 917 8507, 09491836058, 09215924353 they have a scheduled boat transfers to/from the resort for a minimal price.

My experience
Upon approaching the resort after a very hot 1 hour travel by boat my impression was this resort was built with family entertainment in mind. I can see groups on a banana boat screaming at the top of their lungs whilst other family members trying to capture the moment. From afar, i see people on kayaks and snorklers aplenty. Kids are having fun under the hot summer sun within the designated swimming area. And i just love how their cottages was made to float in the water interconnected with wooden bamboo walkway.

 Smiling receptionists was the welcoming committee. As soon as greetings were exchanged they will orient you the resort's numerous facilities/activities such as banana boat, kayak , mountain bike , mini zoo , snorkelling area, fish sanctuary and Restaurant.

The resort's restaurant was a big let down for me.There was no food menu and service was so slow. Since they were not selling anything to eat we just ordered a can of soda which took 1hour to be served. The restaurant was neatly designed with overhead capiz lanterns though.

 One of the resort's main attraction is the Fish Sanctuary. Here you will find large sized fishes fattened by tourists . These fishes are spoiled to the brim. Alongside them is 2 sea turtles. Snorkelling inside the sanctuary is allowed if you've no fear of fish bites. They would think you're a large chunk of bread being offered to them.

The mini zoo is how it is, really mini. Monkeys and a few birds can be seen in captivity all for the enjoyment of the tourists ? :)

And at the top of the mountain, this overlooking view of the sea on the other side of the resort is quite breathtaking. The water is so calm and serene. Really peaceful sight!

For what the resort is lacking in its substantial food offering in their kitchen , they have redeemed themselves in their water sports activities and welcoming committee. I just wish they would employ cooks and waiters/kitchen staff so guests wouldn't go hungry ever again.



Overall, i give this resort a thumbs up only for a day tour or at most overnight stay. Please be reminded to bring cooking/eating utensils because they allow grilling/cooking within the resort.

Have an enjoyable summer and always take nothing but pictures and leave behind nothing but footprints. Always take care of our environment for they will love us back a hundredfold. :)

Contact Details of Grace Island Resort:
Cell no: 0939 917 8507
Email:  graceislandresort@yahoo.com.ph
Website: http://www.graceislandresort.com/
Address: San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, 5100 San Jose, Mindoro Occidental, Philippines

Kuala Lumpur promo package

Nepal Tour Package

India Tour Package

Kamana Sanctuary Resort & Spa in Subic

 Kamana Sanctuary Resort & Spa

"Kamana" - a hindu name in origin meaning desire or wish.
Sanctuary - meaning safe haven or a place of refuge.
From its name, this resort in Subic literally means an answer to your desire or wish for a safe haven.

Kamana just opened in 2010 and is fast gaining popularity to those people seeking refuge from the city. Just 2.5hrs away from Manila, coming here would be a breeze because of the SCTEX.

The staff who showed us around told us that this resort is partly owned by Mr Tony Boy Cojuangco. 

Published rates are as follows (depending on the season):
Std 36sqm - Php 6,000+ - 7,000+
Deluxe 46sqm - Php 6,500+ - 9,000+
Deluxe with Loft 49sqm - Php 8,000+ - 9,500+
Hotel Suites 60sqm - Php 8,500+ -  10,500+
Casitas 70sqm - Php 10,600+ - 12,600+

Room rates comes with a breakfast for 2 and subject to 10% service charge.
2 Children below 6yo are allowed to stay in the room with the parents free of charge.

Here are some pictures of the resort. This building houses the standard, deluxe, deluxe with loft, and hotel suites:

Bridge leading to the Casita. See the lush forest fronting the Casitas rooms:

Casitas pictures:

All casitas are built standing on the water. The room is huge at 70sqm and has a terrace overlooking Grande Island. You will wake up by the sound of lapping waters sorrounding you. Ain't that sweet?

This is the resort restaurant:

We were not able to sample anything from their menu coz it was a brief stay so no reviews for that yet. But i've taken a quick browse thru the 6page menu and the prices are okay. Main dishes ranging from 300up. Iam not sure of the serving though. Not too expensive but not cheap.

Moving on to their infinity pool. Again, it is overlooking Grande Island but is quite small. I've seen 2 lifeguards ensuring safety of the children swimming that day which is good.

Their pool deck has loungers aplenty but with no umbrella that's why we cannot take a seat because all are drenched from the rain. Does that mean if it's sunshiny you'll get fried easily? LOL.


As for the beach, it is no good for swimming like all other beaches in Subic Bay. But Kamana Sanctuary has Kayak facilities and other water activities to offer to compensate for the ugly beach.

And since Kamana is a Spa Resort they naturally offer Spa Facilities. Sorry to say that i've not seen any of it so no pictures to cover. But i've seen a few massage therapists in the front office :)

Overall, with the resort promise of an all in one paradise may not be truly delivered as of this moment. Resort still lacks some amenities a weary soul is looking for in a vacation. And with a price tag of 150usd - 300usd per room per night you be the judge if it's going to be worth every penny.

Tip: It is better to bring your car when you intend to check-in at Kamana. Location is quite far from the main drag. There are no taxis or public vehicles plying around SBMA. Kamana Sanctuary has a shuttle to bring you to Subic Bay Freeport Zone on request though.

How to get there? Upon entering the Subic-Tipo gate just drive straight ahead and follow road signs leading to Nabasan Wharf. Turn right when you see a sign to Nabasan Pier/beach. This road is 3.3km long to the beach proper.

                          *Location Map taken form resort website

Resort Address:
Nabasan Beach Ilanin Forest
West District Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Contact #:
843-7851 - 52 (Makati Ofc)