Boracay Budget Trip: Day 4

And we've finally come to our last day here in Boracay.

Basically, all we have time for is breakfast, and we're off to another land trip to Dumangas -- with a short side trip to Sampaguita Gardens Resort in Kalibo, of course.

So basically, our day started with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, followed by a short tricycle ride to the jetty port to Caticlan.  Of course, we are again feeling so lucky that Eric, our trusted bellhop, led us through a pathway by the side of the hotel which is all paved (not sandy) and shady (full of trees).

It was more of a shortcut, actually.

Anyway, we then got the car from the parking area, then we headed to Kalibo.  We had lunch there, and then drove to New Washington, Kalibo, where Sampaguita Gardens Resort stands.

Ella Sancho Parking Service

Sampaguita Gardens Resort is a resort owned by Samuel Butchers, the one who created Precious Moments.

the famous Jojo's house in Sampaguita Gardens

So, when you're there, expect to be transported to a world of Precious Moments characters and dolls. :-)

We had a great time there, but unfortunately it rained really strong, my camera ran out of battery, and time was not our friend.  It was already 3:00 pm and we had to make it to Dumangas by 7:00 pm!  So, off we drove away... :-(

the directory :)

So between getting lost on the way to Dumangas port and getting so nervous that we won't make it, we are so relieved when we got there just in time for us to make it for the 7:30 pm trip. yay! :-)  The trip back to Bacolod was nice.  The water was calm and the trip was stable.

When we arrived at the Bacolod port, we were so happy to be home.  So all we had to do was to pay the fee at BREDCO port which was about Php300++, and then we drove home, can't wait to hit the sack!

So total amount spent for the day is:

Expenses:     Breakfast (2)              : (Php)  300
                   Hotel bill (2 rooms)     :         9,000
                   Tip to Eric (bellhop)    :           100
                   Tricycle to port           :            30
                   Parking Fee (3 nights)  :          400
                   Lunch (4)                   :          415
                   Sampaguita Garden (4) :          200
                   RoRo/Bacolod port      :        1,600 
                                                     Php 12,045


To sum it all up, the entire trip cost us Php 26, 775.50.  And divided equally, each of us spent Php 6, 694.00 for the entire trip (everything included).  

And of course, this amount got us all the activities we needed, got us to eat at nice restos like Cyma -- without the budget limitation, and got us to have side trips too.

It's a pretty good amount for an activity-filled, food-filled 4-day trip to Boracay!  *big smile*

Boracay Budget Trip: Day 3

It's day 3 in Boracay – which means it's our last "full" day in Boracay, and the last day for us to do whatever we want on the island. So to make the most out of it, we decided to do the following: land tour, boating, snorkelling, and eat at Aria (our favorite Italian resto in the island).

Day 3 basically started with a yummy breakfast drink of pineapple shake in the hotel. Trust me, it's the yummiest pineapple shake ever! I usually don't like pineapple shake – but I ended up drinking 2 glasses! DeParis Hotel's pineapple shake is really something I look forward to when going to Boracay.
                                                                                                     After having a relaxing morning, Edwin (our activities contact person), who was hanging outside the hotel, arranged an island land tour for us. We opted to go around the island by renting a multicab (in Boracay, it's either you go around in tricycle or multicab – we like the latter, it looks like a baby truck!) Anyway, our pick up point was at the alley beside Boracay Regency.

From there we first headed to Mt. Luho, which is actually the highest point in Boracay Island. The view from up there was wonderful. They had some animals, a preserved sand castle, and it is something different that visitors of Boracay should see.

the view from Mt. Luho

From there, we then headed to Puka Beach – where the puka shells are taken from. It is the other side of the island which is accessible both by land and by boat. Vendors lined along the path to the beach, selling necklaces, bracelets, anklets, paper weights, and religious artifacts made of shells and other local materials. 

From there, we then headed to the other tip of the island, overlooking Crocodile Island. No, it doesn't have crocodiles roaming around. The island is shaped like a crocodile, thus the locals named it such. There we met Ella and Marvin, two children, locals of the area, selling beads and shell products too. However, since we have bought some at Puka Beach already (since there are more choices to pick from there), we bought a shell paper weight from them.

Nor with local kids Marvin and Ella

local children swimming

stairway leading to the deep waters

Expenses: Land tour (4)                         : 1, 500        
              Mt. Luho Entrance Fee (4)         :     200
              Anklets (3)                           :       30                                                   Paper weights                       :       50
                                                   Php  1, 780

That was the end of our land tour. From there, we were then dropped back at the alley where they picked us up, giving us a couple of minutes to get ready for our snorkelling!

Our friend Nor snorkelling

All we had to do was to buy bread from stores by the beach to feed the fish and everything was included in our snorkelling deal – the boat, the guide, the snorkelling masks and all...
It was fun~ the colorful fishes, the clear waters, the friendly boatman, the pleasant guide... after snorkelling, they even brought us for a quick boat trip of the island from tip to tip – it was a nice sunset sailing moment.

                                                                                             Expenses: Bread                     :       25

                   Tip to boat guide :       50

                   Snorkelling           : 1, 200

                                         Php 1, 275

carbonara

pizza: frutti de mare and 
salmone e pesto

And then, it was time for Aria! We saved the best (resto) in Boracay for last. We ordered our favorite carbonara, pomodoro e basilico (San Marzano peeled tomatoes, basil, & parmesan), salmone e pesto (Canadian smoked salmon, pesto, & mozzarella), and frutti de mare (tomato, garlic, seafood, & mozzarella). It was absolute heaven – for us, at least...

pomodoro e basilico

We wanted to go and eat Spanish cuisine at Dos Mestizos but our stomachs could only take so much. So perhaps on our next visit to Boracay. There are so many good restaurants in Boracay!
Expenses:    Carbonara                  : 345
                      Pomodoro E Basilico : 350
                      Salmone E Pesto       : 540
                      Frutti de Mare           : 480
                                             Php 1, 715
After that, let us call it a day, then...
Total expense for the day is Php 4, 770. Again, it will still be divided into 4.
'Til Day 4...

 

El Tzino Beach House (Cauayan)

Would you like to spend a week here?

That place is El Tzino, and I did spend a week there. And it was a nice getaway!

Relaxing Getaway

Being the beach lover that I have always been, I did enjoy my week at El Tzino. But note that I am not really an avid fan of the deep side of the beach, nor the dark-colored waters. But I love going boating, soaking in the shallow areas, and sitting by the shore listening to the waves.

Affordable Rates

photo courtesy of Facebook/El Tzino

So, just right beside the well-known Punta Bulata resort, El Tzino Beach House shares with it the same water and sand – but not the price.

For only 4,000 pesos (as of summer 2010), you can have an entire beach house of 4 bedrooms, a kitchen, a small living room, a small terrace, and the entire place for yourselves (as is the usual case) --& because El Tzino isn't swarming with people. 
                                          If you are travelling as a couple or a group of 3-4 people, they have special rates for that.  If you wish to pitch tents on the beach, you can rent one for only 250 pesos (size is good for 4-6 people).

El Tzino only has a minimal number of guests at each visit, thus, making your time nicer and more relaxing.

Things to Do

You can enjoy leisure walks along the shores of El Tzino, beach volleyball during the day, swimming (especially during high tide), boating to the nearby Danjugon island (which is a marine sanctuary and even holds marine camps for teens during the summer), or just sit and relax by the beach with your favorite drink.

Pumpboat rentals are available at El Tzino for 1,000 pesos if you'd like to go island hopping.  If you want a have a massage, you have the option of having a local masseuse come over, or you can visit neighboring resort Punta Bulata which has spa facilities and amenities.

Although El Tzino doesn't have wi-fi access, you can bring your laptop with you and still be connected to the world with a plug-in internet kit.

Getting There

Getting to El Tzino is easy. You can take the bus, which usually have hourly trips to towns in the South and get off at Brgy. Elihan once you see the sign indicating that it is the road going in to "Punta Bulata". You can then take the tricycle or any local transport going in. (El Tzino and Punta Bulata has the same road going in and is only separated by a fork on the road).

photo courtesy of Noel S. Marañon

If you have a car, it is much more convenient. Upon seeing the sign "Punta Bulata" along the highway of Barangay Elihan, that is your cue to take a right (if you are from the north) and make your way to El Tzino. There are signs along the way. If you are not sure, you can ask locals where El Tzino is, and they will gladly direct you to it.

El Tzino is a mere 30-minute drive (tops) to the town proper if you need to go and buy some stuff. El Tzino is a great place to de-stress, rejuvenate, and be one with nature. A bonus: the locals in the area of El Tzino are so friendly, you'd feel so welcome right away!  

Contact Details
El Tzino Beach House
Barangay Elihan,
Cauayan, Negros Occidental
Landline: +63-34-7037555
Mobile: +639206305165  +639176342467
Email: el_tzino@yahoo.com

Don Salvador Benedicto – The Little Baguio of Negros

It does sound like a person's name... but it's actually the name of a town.

photo courtesy of http://1.bp.blogspot.com/

The town of Don Salvador Benedicto, also known as DSB, or just Salvador Benedicto has been named as the Summer Capital of Negros. Don Salvador Benedicto is also known as the "Little Baguio" of Negros because of its cool weather, it is absolutely abundant in flowers, vegetables, and fruits that thrive in cool climate.

How the Town Got Its Name?
Don Salvador Benedicto was founded in February 9 (which is also the same date as their Kali-kalihan Harvest Festival), in the year 1983 and acquired its name in honor of the late Vice Governor Don Salvador Benedicto who took part in settling the Revolutionary Government of Negros Island in the area during the Japanese occupation in World War II.
A monument was made in his honor and is one of the historical tourist attractions of Don Salvador Benedicto that you can visit.                                                                                                                                         

How to Get there?
Don Salvador Benedicto is an easy town to get to.

photo courtesy of http://4.bp.blogspot.com/

Here's a tip: ride the bus bound for San Carlos City via Don Salvador Benedicto early in the morning, around 6 or 7am and you'll love the cool air and fresh pine scent as you pass along the pine tree-lined main road Don Salvador Benedicto's town proper.

a view of Mt. Canlandog on the way to DSB

If you have your own car, you can drive going to Don Salvador Benedicto. Along the way you can enjoy the scenic views of Mt. Canlaon, Mt. Canlandog, and Mt. Mandalagan, as well as other views of nature that could awe you.

                                                                                                         Don Salvador Benedicto is usually an hour and a half drive up to there, but for us, who always go there and are familiar with the zigzag roads and all, it takes us about 45 minutes to an hour.

What Does Don Salvador Benedicto Have to Offer?

                                                

If you'd ask me, I'd say serenity, nature, and relaxation.
I, myself, am guilty of frequenting the serene town of Don Salvador Benedicto.  Abundant in the area are lots of plants and flowers, including the famous Mickey Mouse plants, million flowers, and anthuriums.                                                                                                              

Don Salvador Benedicto locals have stalls selling different vegetables                                                                                     like tomatoes, eggplants, corn, and fruits such as bananas, Indian mangoes, oranges, and so on. Which by the way, you can purchase at really low prices. 
In Don Salvador Benedicto, the "Lantawan" (viewing deck) is a well landscaped small area at the side of the road, usually a common stop over for buses headed for the city of San Carlos passing by the area.

photo courtesy of http://ic2.pbase.com/

"Lantawan"  in Don Salvador Benedicto, with its landscape, is picturesque by itself, but the scenic view of Malatan-og Falls (known as Cigarette Falls, because of its long, thin appearance resembling a cigarette) in the background makes it a popular stop for tourists to take some pictures.

photo courtesy of http://i62.photobucket.com/It

Going further from Don Salvador Benedicto, there are rice terraces similar to those in Banaue and Chocolate Hills similar to those in Bohol, but of course the lesser-quantity version. If you are a nature lover, trekking is one of the activities that Don Salvador Benedicto offers. There are several caves, lakes, and waterfalls in the area that you can visit and commune with nature.

photo courtesy of http://i34.photobucket.com/

If you simply want to check out the town's landmarks, you can visit the Don Salvador Benedicto Municipal Hall, the monument of Don Salvador Benedicto, the Stone House of the De la Cruz family, the famous retreat house, the market place (during market days: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays), etc...

However, if you ask me, the best thing that the town of Don Salvador Benedicto has to offer is simply those breathtaking views that go very well with a relaxing afternoon with a warm cup of brewed coffee (or a steaming cup of hot tea).

Experience Don Salvador Benedicto for yourself... It's both, serene and exciting, fun and relaxing. :)

Spa By the Sea Resort (Talisay City)

Have you ever experienced that moment when you just want to go to a place that isn't hustling and bustling with people?

Have you ever wished there was a place where you can unwind (which isn't a bar) within the city?

I did too. And that's when I found

Spa by the Sea Resort

in Talisay City (a resort owned by the Hernaez's).

the bridge over the big pond
to the cottage by the sea

As the name implies, it is both a spa and a resort. Just a few blocks from the highway (Bacolod-Silay), you'll be surprised how tranquil it can be – not a single sound of busy vehicles!

The Spa by the Sea has a restaurant where we ordered mixed seafood, grilled bangus (milkfish), mixed vegetables, and rice. They have a grill available for use, by the huts, so we brought porkchops and grilled them there. We brought a cake for our dessert; and we also brought a cooler with our drinks and ice.

grilling behind a "palm curtain" :)

Although the resort's staff were kind enough to give us some ice, we didn't want to use up all their supply – after all, they do have other guests too. :)

We went there on a Saturday and there were only three groups there.  One was us (the noisiest!), the second was a large group (a big family), and the third was a group of people for a wedding.

got a shot of the wedding's behind the scenes moments
(don't know who they are, though)

It was calm and peaceful, but not boring.

Lunch was great! Afterwards, we spent the time sitting, talking, taking pictures, laughing – just pure fun under the sun!
After a while the pool was becoming more and more irresistible – but we didn't bring any swimwear... :(

the resort's infinity pool

nice for photo ops too!

Relaxing in the huts was so great that I was already contemplating another trip there.

The resort was simply designed: colorful flags by the seawall, little Mexican figurines on some corners of the resort, clay jars lined along the pathway that light up at night, etc...

Considering an overnight stay was tempting too – but we couldn't. Too many obligations waiting for us at our homes. :(    Perhaps next time.

Their rooms were at 1,300 pesos (and can accommodate 3 or more people; more than 3, the extra people will each be charged 250 pesos). Rooms are air conditioned and well kept. They also offer spa services in your room until 7:30pm.  A great deal for group trips. :) 

wanna take a dip?

what a wonderful world, isn't it?

The sunset was serene and tranquil that afternoon,  I guess it was the perfect close to a fun-filled afternoon by the sea.
Until next time...

Lakawon Island (Cadiz City)

Lakawon Island
: the virgin islet that most people often compare with the eminent Boracay Island.

photo courtesy of: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/

This banana-shaped islet is located in Cadiz City, approximately 48 kilometers north of Bacolod City.  It has only about 13 hectares of land area, and has only 1 resort, owned and run by the family of Mr. Victor Puey.

It started operating in the 1990's and has been quite a popular destination, especially for those living in Negros Occidental and nearby islands.  In the recent years, more huts, cottages, and air conditioned rooms were added to accommodate more guests – mainly families and groups (of friends) seeking an escape to the beach from the busy city.

What to Do in Lakawon?

photo courtesy of: http://www.candymag.com

Lakawon Island's resort (Lakawon Island Beach Resort) has huts and cottages for day time visitors, and rooms (aircon and non-aircon) for those who wish to stay overnight.
                                                           While in Lakawon, the best (and most basic) things that you can do are swimming and sunbathing. Swimming in Lakawon is a refreshing experience as you dip into its clear blue-green waters. This is safe for children too, as there is a lifeguard on watch, as well as a net to prevent anyone from straying into deeper waters.                                                 
Sunbathing has been a popular way to spend one's day in Lakawon (if you're not in the water, that is). Spreading your sarong on the white, pristine sands of the islet while soaking up the sun makes you feel like you're in paradise.

Other activities include jet skiing and snorkelling. However, you have to bring your own jet ski, as the resort doesn't have one for lease. And for snorkelling, the clear waters makes this a delight; but there aren't much marine life like corals, anemones, or various fishes to feast your eyes on. Windsurfing and skim boarding are among the popular activities to do in the island too.

The resort has its own restaurant where the food served (fish, crabs, seashells, squids, etc...) is generally good, but their calamares have been earning a lot of compliments from visitors.

If you are staying overnight, you can go night swimming as the beach front is well-lighted, and the net will keep you from straying into deep waters. Groups can spread their beach blankets over the beach and huddle around a bonfire while drinking and having a good time.

Current Rates

Lakawon's picnic tables with shade
photo courtesy of: http://s2.hubimg.com

Entrance fee to the island – 50 pesos (per person)

Picnic table with shade – 1000 pesos (per day)
Rooms without aircon – 1500 pesos (per night) *good for 5-10 persons
Rooms with aircon – 2400 pesos (per night) *good for 5-10 persons
Pumpboat from Cadiz to the island – 100 pesos (per person)

Getting There

photo courtesy of: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/

Lakawon is easy to get to. If you have a car, then driving all the way to (Barangay) Cadiz Viejo is all you need to do (which is about 1 ½ hours from Bacolod City), then from Cadiz Viejo you can take a pumpboat (motorized banca) to Lakawon island (15 to 20-minute boat ride).

You can also take the bus (Ceres Liner) to Cadiz Viejo and take the pumpboat to the island. Others hire jeepneys or vehicles if they don't want to take the bus, and this works just as fine.

photo courtesy of: http://images.karen808.multiply.com

Going as a group makes the trip more budget-friendly and relatively cheap. However, going in small groups of three's or two's, or alone, may be quite expensive, as you get to pay for the picnic tables and/or overnight rooms per night/day and not per person.

photo courtesy of:
 http://spillingmyownthunder.files.wordpress.com

Basically, Lakawon is a nice escape – not too far from the city, but also not too near that its waters and atmosphere is still kept as it is. Truly a great destination – especially for those who want places with less people/tourists.!

This 13-hectare islet, which is more like a sandbar, actually, simply has one resort (Lakawon Island Beach Resort) and a small fishing village on the opposite side of the island that earns their living by fishing and harvesting the sea's bounty.

the resort's "Sand Bar"
photo courtesy of: http://www.cadizcity.gov.ph

Quoting Lonely Planet, "Nature has provided Lakawon with a gorgeous white beach consisting of coarse coral sand and the island is covered with palm trees and in place dense bushes".  

Can you picture that in your mind? It's so inviting, isn't it?