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/