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

Travel: North Sky in Bawo, Sogod

The place is good for family outing, team building and reunions. Their cottage, which is Php400, can accommodate more or like 15 to 20 persons but there is no limit on how many would occupy ^_^. Anyways, the place is 2 hours travel from the city since it is located in Bawo, Sogod. You will know when you see their sign outside the gate. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of the sign :( Sorry

Entrance fee is Php80.00 per head which includes the swimming pool, beach, shower and grill. They also have houses that you can rent if you want to stay overnight.

Here are some pictures I took around the place.

Bawo, Sogod
316 - 5854