Travel: JPark Island Resort and Waterpark

I didn't expect myself to be here knowing it's a five star resort which means $$ it's costly. I don't really go to these kind of resorts because aside from its expensive, it's not worth the money. There are resorts out there that offer the same relaxation with a cheaper rate which I usually go for.

We took the day use rate which is Php2,500 but since they have a promo that time, we only paid, Php2,200. This is inclusive of free use of the waterpark, 1 towel,  20% discount of their bar near the pool and the most important of all, the BUFFET!

However, one of the main reason why I went here is the waterpark :p

TADAAAAAAAA!!!

This excites me the most. We had lunch first so I can't splash on the waterpark just yet. I might throw up all that I've eaten.

Anyways, the waterpark consists of 3 slides. Open body slide, Tube slide and the Space Bowl!

The open body slide is a so-so for me since it's much slower than the other two which is good for kids. My friends prefer this one since they don't have the same adrenaline with me and my boyfie. But hey, I'm proud of them. They were able to slide through all the 3 slides. Yeheeey!

Open Body Slide

Tube Slide

Space Bowl

We survived!

The resort also offers other activities like the Captain Hook's Pool, Amazon River, Island Pool and the beach.

Amazon River

Island Pool

JPark Island Resort and Waterpark Cebu
ML Quezon Highway, Brgy Maribago, Lapu-lapu City, Mactan, Cebu
(032) 494 5000

Travel: Pescador Island Hopping

After like a decade of not seeing each other, me and my friends met on one of the buffet restaurant in Cebu to talk about how we've been. One of the topic that we talked about was planning on our next reunion outing. I suggested to try out island hopping in Moalboal including pescador island, dolphin watching, sardine run and see the turtles. These took their interest and decided to go for it. So, I organized the outing from the boat to our accommodation and foods but with help, of course, of my dearest friends.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Get into a bus bound for Moalboal in South Bus Terminal. I suggest you take an earlier bus around 6am since it would be crowded after that which happened to us. Tell the conductor to drop you in Moalboal proper or 360 Pharmacy. They already know where that is.

After a 2 hour ride to Moalboal, we looked for Kuya Michael who owned the pump boat that we'll be using for the island hopping. He also owned a tricycle which he offered to us going to Esther's Beach Resort where the boat is. But he's tricycle broke down so he just asked a friend of his to use his multicab. Before we go island hopping, I asked Kuya Michael to make a stop to the market so we can buy fresh meat, fish, drinks and fruits. He was very accommodating and offered us their ice bucket and grill free of charge.

I was able to booked in the boat for Php 3, 500 whole day good for 15 person. You can also rent the boat for 4hrs for Php 2, 500.

Off we go ^_^

First stop is dolphin watching! However, the dolphins are shy and isn't playful that time. We spent around 30 minutes to an hour waiting for them. There are times they'll surface but as soon as we reached to them, they'll hide :(

Fortunately, I was able to take a brief video of them underwater but I'll have to post it later ;)

Then, we went to Pescador Island where we snorkeled and dived into its crystal clear waters. There were jellyfish that time which stinged most of us. Good thing, I wore rashguard and leggings to avoid those stings.

Me and dagohoy on our attempt to land on the seabed

Next stop is turtle watching. We were amazed when we saw the turtles with almost the same size as me! Well, I'm short and petite but still the turtle were amazing creatures and we rarely see turtles that big. I was also able to capture them swimming but that would be for later.

Aside from the turtles, what also took our breath was the rich marine life underneath.

For the sardine run, I wasn't able to take pictures of it anymore since it was going dark and the sardines are hard to see.

We ended our island hopping in Moalboal White Beach and camped back to Esther's Beach Resort which was owned by Kuya Michael's mother Esther.

CONTACT NUMBER:

Kuya Michael
0927 578 5983

Travel: Hale Manna Beach Resort

Hale Manna [ha-leh-ma-na] means 'house of good energy'. Its name is taken from the Hawaiian words hale, which means 'house' and mana which means 'good energy'. Manna is also a play on the Filipino word mana, meaning 'an enduring inheritance or legacy', and the English word manna, which connotes 'a gift from heaven'.

My boyfriend and I decided to unwind ourselves and try free diving after we've read some blogs about how beautiful the seabed of Hale Manna is. The place is so peaceful and the staffs are very accommodating. It feels like home and the ambience is warm and serene. We were so happy we went to the right place. You can't really argue why they call it Hale Manna :)

We went to the reception area to check-in to our reserved room. There is a lounge near it and you can even play billiard, board games or just read a book for free.

There are small rooms, good for 2-3 persons, on the ground and second floor. I think the one on the second floor has a better view than those on the ground floor. Nevertheless, it provides a garden view anyway.

Our room on the ground floor with a garden view

After we were assigned to our room, we immediately checked out the place. There were a lot of cabanas in different sizes located around the resort with a breathtaking view of the sea and the garden.

Ohanna - 2 Storey

Ohanna Hut 1

Ohanna Hut 2

I also took some photos of the resting area.

They even provide an area for bonfire.

Swimming pools are also available although some are still under construction. However, the water is a bit salty which is weird. The depth is around 5ft I think. I'm not sure but there is a pool for kids to enjoy too.

HOW TO GET THERE


From south bus terminal, ride a bus going to Moalboal. Tell the driver to drop you in Moalboal Proper. Landmark is 360 Pharmacy. They'll know where that is. Then, you can choose to ride a habal-habal or tricycle. The tricycle will cost you P35 to P40 but if you're going to rent it(pakyaw), it'll be P150. Motorcycle is only P40 per person and is much faster. P5 per pax will be collected at the checkpoint so you better prepare it.

HOTEL RATES

Room rates ranges from P3,250 to P4,800 depending on the room and the number of person occupying it. Check out the rates for specific rooms here http://www.halemanna.com/rooms--rates.html. They provide welcome snacks with drinks for those who avail of the room. Also, room accommodations already include free breakfast, free use of swimming pool and sea amenities such as kayaking, snorkeling, use of life vests, beach shoes and trips to our floating raft with assistance of their staffs to ensure your safety.

I have read on their website that they provide buffet meals but when we asked about it, they said they can't provide it. I don't know why. Anyways, ala carte meals range from P180 - P300. Handuraw pizzas are also offered on their resort.

I hadn't had the chance to take some pictures though. Also, it is advisable to order your meal 30 minutes ahead to avoid waiting with your starving stomach.

FREE DIVING EXPERIENCE

Right after we checked out the place, we asked one of the staff to accompany us to dive in near the floating cottage. Beach shoes are then provided together with the life vests. Of course, safety first. We also requested snorkeling equipments.

We snorkeled our way to the reef wall. Well, we didn't know that there is a reef wall. We were just expecting some corals and fishes. Then as we made our way to the deep part, we were really surprised by the view below. It was out first time to see such marvelous sight.

Check out our pictures and see for yourself.

Mind-blowing isn't it? We would definitely come back here.


Hale Manna Resort
bpsmith888@gmail.com
(+63-032) 316-2603 | (+63-922) 842-4939 | (+63-917) 546-6929
http://www.halemanna.com/

Travel: Virgin Island

Well, it's been a long time since I haven't updated my blog and it might seem that I have forgotten about it but no worries, I didn't. Lol. I just didn't had the time to do so.

Anyways, my boyfriend invited me to join their team outing in Bantayan Island which I wanted to checkout because of my friends' recommendations and feedbacks. One reason I'm not excited about the place is, it's just beach and I haven't heard of any more activities on the island. Also, there is not much to see underwater. You will mostly see sea urchins on the island. But this is just from the places we've went. I haven't seen most part of the island though so who knows, there might be a good spot for snorkeling and diving.


HOW TO GET THERE:

We met with my boyfriend's team in SM Cebu around 7:00PM, bought some snacks and something to cook for the next day then took the 9:00PM trip on the South Bus Terminal going to Hagnaya Port. Fare as I remember, is I think Php160. Travel time is 3-4hrs depending on traffic. There is only one stop over in Carmen so no worries if ever you wanted to answer the call of nature.

We arrived in Hagnaya Port around 12:00AM. There are already people waiting and sleeping on the terminal to catch the first trip to Bantayan Island which is 3:00AM. Fare is Php170 and terminal fee is Php10.

Since we arrived 3hrs early, we took the time to sleep and rest. Travel time from Hagnaya to Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island is 2hrs.


ACCOMODATION:

We arrived in Mayet's Beach Resort around 5:00AM from the port by jeepney which costs Php20. The room we took was only Php1, 800, good for 8 pax. It includes 3 queen sized beds and 1 single bed. Haven't took some pictures on the room since we were really tired and immediately slept after everyone are settled. But here are the photos of the resort.

Our room with the tent

More rooms

Grilling Area

We rented a boat going to Virgin Island for Php1, 800. But there are some residents who offers boat rental for a cheaper price. Some would go to the resort and offer fresh fish and clams that you can cook.

VIRGIN ISLAND

The island boasts of its white sand beach and crystal clear waters which indeed is true. My boyfriend plunged into the water immediately not waiting for the others to setup our foods on the cottage. Urrrghh. However, the water is a bit itchy which I did not enjoy much since I have sensitive skin.

We stayed here until 4:00PM because the weather is getting bad. Took us around 20-30 minutes to get back to Sta. Fe and start cooking dinner.

Mayet's beach Resort

Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island
mariettasalve@yahoo.com
(032) 418 - 1659
09275458743