THIS EUROPEAN SITUATION | HUNA-HUNA CLIFF RESORT [PHOTOS]

–          ★★★★

The dreading city life requires you to escape from it in order to maintain balance in your life. Ahh, the relaxation you acquire gives you pleasure. Whenever you look online for a place to stay or to escape; there’s always something that holds you back. But this time; try to pursue it, and you’ll be pleased.

And one resort that’ll give you that exact relaxation away from the city is in Huna-Huna Cliff Resort. It is located at Buyo, boundary Carmen/Catmon, Cebu.

Huna-Huna is a Visayan word for thinking, pondering or contemplating. True to its name; Huna-Huna Cliff Resort offers you a peace and serenity for a calm experience.

With its European Villa inspired theme; you could never go wrong to its relaxing feel facing the vast Camotes Sea. This European situation requires your full attention to its nonchalant ambiance convalescing from your city life.

The white walls and marble tiles of the villa are idyllic, hinting Santorinni, Greece.

The overhead pass is nostalgia of somewhere in France; and the Family house for number of guests makes me remember of an Italian Villa.

The beaut of the place gives time for yourself to escape and contemplate your life while sitting on the bench looking afar on the effervescent Camotes Sea.

Guest House in Huna Huna

 

GOING THERE

Going to the resort is easy.

All you need to do is to ride a bus bound north at North Bus Terminal, near SM City Cebu. There you will find huge busses; and all you need to find is Ceres Liner. It’s fast, hourly and safe (sometimes, depends on the driver).

When telling the co-operator of the bus (kondoktor) where you’re heading; you can directly say in Huna-Huna, because most of them already know where it is. If not, then tell him at Buy, boundary Carmen/Catmon. The cost will only be P55.00 per person; so it’s not that really expensive.

From the city, you’ll be travelling 1 hour and a half if there’s no traffic. The resort can be found on the right side of the path; and there’s a marquee on the side of the road, if you have a car of your own or the co-operator forgets about you and where you’re heading.

 

TIP: Whenever you reach Carmen, Cebu; call the co-operator’s attention and make him remember where you’re heading. Or better yet, open Google Maps if you’re on 3G, but I doubt it will operate well on the countryside.

 

THE PLACE

Booking ahead is always the best thing to do whenever you want to go to a certain place so that you’ll have a guaranteed stay. And when calling the resort (numbers at the end of the post), they will ask you to pay full at their Banilad, Cebu office.

For me, trying to book a room for the next day was lucky because I was only giving a promise to them that my partner and I will not cancel our reservation. But that was really our plan, so cancellation would be inevitable (hehe), but really, try to book really ahead of time.

The air conditioned rooms are available for P2000.00, good for 2 pax with breakfast, and the check in time is 1:00PM, check out on the next day, same time. (Room rates below)

They also have a 2 storey guest house, good for family or group of people.

The resort also offer some relaxing spa treatment for the price range of P900.00-P1,500.00.

 

THE ROOM

We stayed in Room 11 of the resort, and that is on the bottom-most part on the cliff near the beach where you could take a dip.

The room is just fabulous. Its clean and our stay there was marvellous. If relax is what you’re looking for, then this is perfect for you.

The room is small BUT very, very relaxing. You’ll have your own veranda with table and seats; and for us at Room 11, the sea is just beneath us. It really looks luxurious even thinking about it right now makes me want to go back there.

Staying in their room makes me want to stay there forever.

I love their lights which have the control switch on how bright you want it to be; the very functional hot and cold water which for other resorts are not present; and the bed is soft, so as the pillows and the comforter.

The bed is facing the glass door with the sea as our breath taking view. The window on our left side is a perfect instrument for the sunrise to take a peek before we realize it.

Sometimes you’ll forget to close the glass door and hear the rushing sound of waters outside while you are lying like a king or queen in your very comfortable bed.

And our veranda is perfect for dinnertime, with the warm, romantic lights plus the stars above us.

It was just pure lux. C’est la vie.

 

TIP: And you should try to ask if Room 11 is available. *wink

 

THE FOOD

The food is variety there, and mostly it offers Filipino style of cooking. But their breakfast is mixed from Filipino to American to whatever it is in their menu that you’d like to have.

You’ll only have to order ahead of time because they still have to prepare your food from scratch, so it takes a bit of time to finish and serve it to you.

The price ranges from P130.00 – P250.00 depending on what MEAL you order. There are also offers that reach P300.00-P500.00; these are specialties.

 

THE BEACH

The beach is just part of the resort with no shoreline that is a little bit rocky on most parts. I did not get the chance to swim because I really did not want to. I just wanted to relax in our room, and in our sophisticated veranda.

 

THE USHER-DOG

When we checked in, we were greeted by a huge black dog (I have no idea what breed it was) which I was much afraid of at first due to its size; when we walked down to our room; he was ahead of us following the attendant, and whenever we stopped, the dog looks at us trying to signal something; then we realized he wants to take us to our room. The dog named ‘she-she’ (I think) was really, really sweet. She had our hearts just for a short stay there because of her kindness to visitors.

 

HUNA-HUNA CLIFF RESORT

I’m still pondering how relaxed my partner and I were on that resort, and wishing we could just lie there forever… with money magically appear on our table. HAHA

But then, Huna-Huna Cliff Resort is a resort away from hassle.

 

CONTACT

Cellphone: 09173179741/09322242375

FACEBOOK

WEBSITE

 

ROOM RATES

*According to hunahuna.com as of 4/8/2014

Air Conditioned Rooms

Php 2,000

Inclusive Breakfast for 2 (two) persons

Prices are regardless of single or double occupancy

Extra Bed without breakfast Php 500

 

Fan Rooms

Php 1,000 to Php 1,500

Exclusive of breakfast

Prices are regardless of single or double occupancy

Extra Bed without breakfast Php 500

 

*Day use (maximum of 3 hours)

Air Conditioned Rooms

Php 800 (Php 100 each extra hour)

 

Fan Rooms

Php 500 (Php 100 each extra hour)

 

Entrance fee is Php 75 with free use of our cottages. Huna Huna Cliff Resort reserves the right to refuse or discontinue at any time any accommodation to any persons it deems unacceptable under its standard.

 

RATING

Rooms – 5

Food – 3

Service – 3

Facilities – 3

Ambiance – 5

OVERALL – 3.8/5

 

MORE PHOTOS

our veranda in the evening

Our veranda in the morning

Our room in the evening

Sunrise

 

 

 

 

STUPIDITY REPLACES PROPRIETY. THIS IS MY SOCIETY.

Photo: Chang Euldan
Article: CebuFinest

I love how this issue has been brought about because it just goes to show how intolerable these insensitive kind of people who don’t have emotional considerations upon most things, for all they know is how to party and have fun with no consequences to realize about their horrid actions.

Stupidity replaces propriety… This is my society.

READ HERE ABOUT THE ISSUE

The Camotes Escape

Camotes is what you expected for it to be. From the word of the mouth to the pictures that appears on the façade of Google Photos. Clear blue waters, calm ambiance; perfect for a solemn getaway and a true lovers paradise.

With its developing local economy due to the popularity that is rising: Camotes Island, that is situated North West from the main island of Cebu, is now a revamped inter-island rural escapade.

It’s my second time in there, but first of my partner; but truly memorable.

GOING TO CAMOTES

From City to Danao

I live in Cebu therefore, if people wants to reach the island, they must ride a bus at the North Bus Terminal, near SM City Cebu (Mall). Me and my partner rode the Ceres Liner bound for Bogo by 11:00 AM; but we could actually travel any liner just as long as it reaches our destination which is called Danao Sea Port. (And all the bus liners in that terminal are bound North)

From the Terminal to Danao Sea Port is a two (2) hour ride if traffic-ish, and one and a half hour ride if not. It is fortunate whenever you ride any Ceres Liner since the waiting time for it to travel is short, because Ceres Liners really do not have to make the bus fully packed with people; in addition, every hour of the day, there’s a Ceres Liner waiting for you at the Terminal. So, basically, the convenience is for the passengers.

Danao Sea Port

Upon arriving at the port itself, which is instructed by the Kundoktor (collector), you have to queue up to buy ferry ticket that will take you to the island.

Mostly, people choose Jomalia Shipping Lines because that’s one of the easiest accesses to the island which will take you from Danao Sea Port to Consuelo, Camotes Port. And I was in awe knowing that the travelling schedule has already been changed, different from the Jomalia Shipping Liner’s website.

New Daily schedules (August 2013):

• 5:00 AM
• 8:00 AM
• 2:00 PM and
• 5:00 PM

Ticket Fare:

• P180.00 – Regular/Standard
• P200.00 – Air-conditioned room.

Since me and my partner arrived at the Port by 12:00 NN or so; we waited for the 2:00 PM schedule. We had lunch at the nearby Gaisano Mall Danao and bought some of medical supplies for emergency purposes there at Watsons. Also, we bought some chips and junks in their grocery store.

Going to the Mall is just a pedicab ride.

BUT beware of most pedicab drivers who’ll take advantage of the short trip from the port to the mall, because they’ll charge you P 50.00 instead of paying for like P14.00 – P20.00.

One way to deal with this is to tell the driver that you’re going to the mall and will only pay for P14.00. If the driver insists, look for another pedicab. If there’s none who’ll accept with your offer, then deal with anyone who takes you to the mall for P20.00. Dealing with these people is important since they’ll take advantage of you if you do not. Unless you are rich enough to pay for what they demand (hehe).

Sea Travel to Camotes

After having lunch at the mall, we went back to the port where there’s a waiting lounge that has a cable TV for the comfort of the passengers. Although the seats are not guaranteed comfy, and sometimes the air gets humid.

The authorities then inspected for our ticket and right after that we went straight to the ferry. We waited for 20 minutes or so before the ferry started to travel.

From Danao Port to Consuelo is a 3 hour ride. But while waiting for the ferry to deck; you can watch free movies from the Jomalia. Me and my boyfriend chose to play mobile games instead rather than watching an illegal/cinema copy of The Croods on the telly.

Consuelo Port-Santiago Bay Garden and Resort

Upon arriving at the port, we then head for the local motorbike drivers who will take us to our destination which is the Santiago Bay Garden and Resort. The flaw in our escapade was that we did not book our stay at any resorts, that’s why there’s no coaster/ride waiting for us at the port. There could be one, if we booked ahead.

We then chose one motorbike rider who charged us P70.00 each. Quite expensive, but I haven’t got time to deal with any of them since the sun’s heat is taking toll on me. Dealing/bargaining is one of the qualities/skill you should have whenever you travel in the Philippines in order to save.

Santiago Bay Garden and Resort is just a few miles away from the port. When we arrived there, we then checked-in in an Ocean View room which cost P1, 700.00. I was again in awe due to the fact that the front desk lady told us that the Standard Room which costs P1, 500.00 was already full and they could offer the latter room.

Again, the flaw in our plan was on its works by giving us inconvenience; but we yielded and got the Ocean View room.

Room Rates (by August 2013):

• Standard Non-Airconditioned Room – P1, 000.00 good for two (2)
• Standard Airconditioned Room – P1, 500.00 good for two (2)
• Ocean view Airconditioned Room – P1, 700.00 good for two (2)
• Deluxe – P 2,000.00 good for two (2)
• Deluxe Family – P2, 600.00 good for three (3)
• Bay view -P 2, 800.00 good for two (2)
• Villa Standard – P2,500.00 good for three (3)
• Villa Family – P5,000.00 good for five (5)
• Bungalow – P3,000.00 good for three (3)

*Extra person: P200.00/person (for non-aircon); P300.00/person (for aircon).

But we did not regret choosing that room since it gave us a majestically inclined view of the infinite ocean ahead of us. The view outside was like a surreal painting on our windowpane screaming for us to come and swim.

The Panoramic view outside our room

Santiago Bay Garden and Resort offers two pools, one is infinity-like near the reception area and the other in the center-most part of the resort, both ocean views. Restaurant has free WIFI.

DAY 1: Cosmic Skyline

It was almost sunset when we reached Santiago Bay Garden and Resort, and we just rested and got acquainted with our room and the entire place where we discovered a free WIFI in the reception area and in their restaurant just beside our room, (but cannot penetrate thru walls and we have to go outside to surf, bummer). Also, we reached the shoreline which was low-tide by that time. Until 6:30PM came where we planned to have our dinner not in the resort’s restaurant but outside, where there’s a famous Karenderia (side street restaurant) that offers cheap yet worthwhile food which was called Pito’s.

Pito’s Sutukil Restaurant along the Santiago shore

We ordered our dinner, like Sinuglaw, which was my first time to get a taste of it that got me under the spell due to the bombardment of unusual yet familiar flavors. Also some Calamares and a soup. (Click for a detailed description of the food we ate in Camotes in the Pig Out section)

In absolution, we were too full. We didn’t even get to finish everything because of the unexpectedly large serving they have.

We went back to our room right after to relax, but then I planned to go out and stargaze with my partner. And it did not fail me. I am from the city; therefore, I was wonderstrucked by the cosmic skyline above me.

The cosmic skyline above us.

The vast ocean of glitter-like realm above me granted one of my longtime wish which was to have a date with the universe.

DAY 2: Mangodlong Rock Resort

Then our escapade started.

(I strongly advice to bring extra clothes to wear due to the constant changing from dipping in the Camotes’ waters.)

We hired the motorcycle driver we rode yesterday to take us to different spots in Camotes. Mostly, the deal of the day tour would range from P600.00 to P700.00. And the first stop was in Mangodlong Rock Resort.

Mangodlong Rock resort waters. Clear blue.

The Mangodlong Rock Resort signature island.

The place was a beaut. With its indulging rock formation pedestal, where constructions of small cottages (palandungan) and a tower overseeing the resort and the ocean on the contrary that’s at the top of their signature rock formation. The waters were glamorously crystal-like, blue and inviting.

DAY 2: Lunch

We had lunch in their marketplace. We have to instruct our motorcycle driver to take us there for lunch. We include him in our budget too. We had barbecue and puso. The place was burning hot but windy (thank God).

We also got the chance to roam around the marketplace and notice people selling fruits and vegetables, but in a high and unjustifiable price, because it was bought in the mainland Cebu, rather than reaping their own crops in the island.

I just indulged myself with cotton candy instead.

DAY 2: Bujo/Buho Rock

Buho Rock is a rock formation and one of the flagships in Camotes Island. Situated afar from the Market; Buho Rock has an awaiting adventure! Just by climbing down the exhausting stairs you can reach the formation with a cliff diving down to the blue-green waters, with three different levels; the lower, middle and high jumps, you can experience the lurch in your stomach.

We didn’t get the chance to jump, but on my first visit in 2012, I did and it was a mixture of fun and fear (due to my fear of heights).

DAY 2: Timubo Cave

Struggling upon entering the mouth of the cave due to our height; the cave offers a clean water and mysterious feel. The Timubo Cave is also one of the flagships of Camotes Island because of the water itself.

We were lucky because me and my boyfriend were alone upon tasting the cold waters of the cave experiencing serenity and calmness.

DAY 2: Lake Danao Park

Although we did nothing in Lake Danao Park (except for taking pictures for Facebook purposes), Lake Danao offers a boat ride for P500.00 price good for 8 and have the experience to explore the lake even go to a nearby small island.

DAY 2: Random Beach

It was almost 4:00 when we depart from Lake Danao Park and asked the motorbike driver if where we could go to next where there’s good scenery.  And he did take us to a random beach in Camotes. There’s no specific name for that beach since it wasn’t a resort or owned by anybody; and it was indeed beautiful.

Fine sand and clear blue waters greeted us upon entering the vicinity. With its curvature formed shoreline, and a house ruin situated on the cliff afar, a perfect cinematic view it is.

DAY 3: Going Home

We woke up 9:00 AM already out from the body exhaustion from the previous day’s escapade. Had our breakfast at Pitos and packed our bags prepared to go home.

We learned that the Jomalia Shipping Lines schedule from Consuelo Port, Camotes to Danao, Cebu (not the schedule of Cebu to Consuelo), was also changed and we took the 12:00NN ride home, instead of the 10:00AM schedule. Again a 3 hour ride was set.

The Experience

True to a fact, Camotes Island is a mix of serenity and exploration. We came there not in the peak season, but when it is, the island is jam packed with tourists. Although it was a bit expensive to begin with, yet, the island still promises crystal clear waters, perfect for the elegance of dipping and having fun from day to night.

And never forget about the skill of Hangyu (dealing).

Cost (of us 2):

• Bus (Cebu to Danao)                                      –              P40.00 + P40.00 = P80.00
• Ferry (Cebu to Danao)                                   –              P200.00 + P200.00 = P400.00
• Motorcycle (Port to Resort)                         –              P70.00 + P70.00 = P140.00
• Room (2 days)                                                  –              P1, 700 + P1, 700 = P3, 400.00
• Motorcycle (tour)                                            –              P350.00 + P350.00 = P700.00
• Motorcycle (Resort to Port)                         –              P70.00 + P70.00 = P140.00
• Jeepney (Danao to Cebu)                             –              P25.00 + P25.00 = P50.00

Food:

• Lunch (Gaisano)                                               –              P100.00
• Dinner (Day 1)                                   –              P400.00 (estimated)
• Breakfast (Day 2)                             –              P180.00
• Lunch (Day 2)                                     –              P180.00 (estimated)
• Dinner (Day 2)                                   –              P350.00 (estimated)
• Breakfast (Day 3)                             –              P180.00 (estimated)
• Misc. (Junks, meds, etc.)                              –              P300.00 (estimated)

TOTAL                           =     P6, 600.00 (an estimate)
TOTAL (one person) =    P3, 350 (an estimate)