I’ve recently discovered that an Italian themed clubhouse in Talisay, Cebu has an awesome Instagram potential spot called Azienda Milan. I sure was not going to miss it since my friends have been there and they’ve shared that it’s a good place to chill and hang out with friends also with a chance to have a picture that has a good background and an ambiance that will transport you to Italy.
Truthfully, I was allured to achieve Azienda Milan because I was so jealous of an Instagram photo of my imaginary boyfriend, Pietro Boselli in Sicily, Italy and the only way to achieve a close feel like his photo is at Azienda Milan.
It was a struggle getting to Azienda Milan without clear knowledge on how to get there, since it’s really not that famous to start with, and there are no bloggers who blog the place… well, technically, there are, but it’s already outdated.
You can just feel the danger of the motorcycle (habal-habal) ride because of the steep roads going to the clubhouse. And it was so funny when we arrived at the entrance and took another motorcycle to take us to the clubhouse itself to which the motorcycle had a hard time climbing the very dangerous and steep road that driver had to take one of us and return for the other one after. It’s hilarious because we’re fat.
Anyway, the clubhouse façade was really sophisticated when we arrived, and it even looked fabulous at the poolside that truly has an Italian feel to it.
I love how the building was constructed to look like an Italian villa with a well done garden on one side, and a city view beyond the pool. But what amazes me is that it also feels like King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. It’s so amazing in pictures, and if only I have a more appropriate costume: it would be perfect.
It’s not 100% authentic Italian look, but it’s close which somehow transported us to an Italian villa that’s honestly good for Instagram photos.
By 5:30AM, we arrived at South Bus Terminal and we were thirty minutes late because “Filipino Time”. The 4:00AM bus was already full, and was ready to go. And so we waited for the next bus which arrives by 6.
And when it did, we hopped onto it and waited for an hour before we hit the road. And as expected we paid P215.00, and what we realized is that the breakdown of that fee is P190.00 fee Cebu to Bato, Samboan, which is the ferry port; and the remaining P25 is from Tampi port to Ceres Bus Terminal in Dumaguete City. And so, we still have to pay P70.00 for the ferry to make it P285.00 total… which was expected.
And so, the painful 4 hour ride plus almost 1 hour ferry plus another 45 minutes from Tampi port to Ceres Bus Terminal went on. Thankfully we arrived safe.
Then, we had lunch at Robinsons Dumaguete food court, and then checked in at Vintage Inn right after.
Vintage Inn
I booked at Vintage Inn a week before the date of our tour. But prior to arriving in Vintage Inn, I was still calling Harold’s Mansion: the famous budget friendly hotel in Dumaguete that has Dorms, good for 8 people, men and women separated, only for P250.00!; asking if there are available dorm beds for walk in customers that day since booking for their dorms is not allowed (bummer). Unfortunately, there were no guests who checked out by 12, and so we pushed through with our plans at Vintage Inn.
Photo credit: Kopilychee.com
Well, the Inn was across Dumaguete City’s public market and is in a commercial building together with some offices/businesses, which was uniquely odd for us Cebuanos. And although we only paid P319.00 each (see breakdown in Part 1 sec. III), the place was OKAY, although quite weird to say the least because of its hospital-ish rooms. You know that old rooms/wards in an old hospital? Yeah, but it was still quite an OKAY place to stay, except for the fact that mosquitoes can enter the room through an opening of the air conditioner, and they are freaking huge… although killable (LOL).
City Tour
We took a rest and by 4PM we pressed on with our city tour.
One of our friends has stayed in Dumaguete for 8 years so he led the tour.
Dumaguete City is a strong reminiscent of the old Cebu City.
First we went to their famous boulevard that has a century old tree looking strong and stunning in the middle. And then we went to the famous Sans Rival Cakes and Pastries to try their famous Silvanas and other treats as if it’s not available in Cebu. Anyhow, we were pleased with the low prices in there compared to the store in our hometown.
Sans Rival shop
Then we went to Siliman which was unfortunately dark but we still managed to do this:
After we had dinner at McDonald’s because we were on a strict budget.
Click the pictures to enlarge and drool:
DAY 2
Apo Island
We woke up at 5:00AM the next day, and bought breakfast at Jollibee and Chowking. We were running late so we took our breakfast and ate on the bus. When we arrived at Malatapay Market, I was surprised that only three of us have eaten, and so, I let the rest have their breakfast on one empty table in the market.
Anyway, we went straight to the port right after, and upon arriving: we were confused on what to do. There were lots of tourists waiting for outrigger boats and three people in charge were in disordered state as well, as if it was their first time. They were so unorganized that they don’t know what to do with the tourists.
Thankfully, I managed to book ahead and called the attention of one discombobulated woman who kept her anger from the other two by just smoking in one corner. I told her that I made an advanced booking and she let us write our names and then right after that, they found us an outrigger boat captain. We were then good to go, ahead of the rest.
The only problem we encountered was that the P3,000.00 boats for 8 were not available. They offered us the P3,500 good for 10 instead (but truthfully, I think they were bluffing). Thankfully, there were 2 tourists who haven’t got any rides yet, so I offered them the last 2 slots and they agreed.
TIP: Wear your swimming outfit already!
And so the outrigger boat sailed towards our destination… BUT it was a tough ride. I read some of the blogs say that the sea going to Apo Island is rough since it’s an exit point to Sulu Sea, and it would be best if people would visit during summer for calmer seas.
BUT it was not the case.
We went there in the middle of summer and there was no typhoon or rain for months but the sea was effed up. It was totally rough. I was in my ‘summer-fashion’ outfit and I instantly regretted that as I was dripping wet… I’m not exaggerating; we already took a bath prior to getting to the beach.
I was thinking: if this was the sea during summer, how much more if it’s on a rainy season?
TIP: Go to Apo Island on summer/dry season.
Upon arriving, I could already see the pristine water and a solid rock formation on the left side. And excitement entered my veins.
We registered at the Tourism Office for P100.00 per person which was at the beachfront, and then headed to the nearby diving/snorkeling orientation. We paid P50.00 snorkeling fee, and P100.00 snorkel rental fee. Some of us rented life vest for the same price.
What shocked me with the payment that wasn’t in the itinerary I made was the option to have a guide. Bloggers say that it’s an optional case. But I think that was before. Now, you’re not allowed to dive or even snorkel without a guide which is P300.00 for 4 persons. Also, there was a need for us to rent a cottage because there was nowhere to place our things along the shore. So we rented a P300.00 cottage fee. Still, this was not part of the itinerary I made because most bloggers did not mention this one before. But many things have changed and I think these two are part of it.
What we were expecting was that these turtles were elusive and hard to find. Prior to going, my partner was praying to the Gods that these turtles would show up even just a bit so we could feel completeness with our tour.
But then again, we were surprised (in a good way this time). When we dipped in the water, 10 seconds later we already saw one. My friends were already calling me because I had the GoPro, but I was still struggling with the slippery stones. And when I dipped and saw the turtle, I quickly rose up and backed away from shockingly seeing how HUMONGOUS it is.
I was laughing at myself and wasn’t expecting it. And so I dipped back, and watched how this creature acts in its natural habitat.
TIP: Buy yourself aqua shoes or what they call booties. There are P200.00 booties at SM stores. Renting the P100.00 would be impractical.
After minutes, I grew out of my fear and enjoyed… really enjoyed my time with the turtle!
And the best part was that we were just five meters away from the shore. Yep, that near to see them.
#ACHIEVE!
Then we get to see another turtle from afar and filmed it with joy. I can hear my partner giggling since his voice was echoing in the water. And I was enjoying it too. The fun thing was that these sea turtles were not afraid of humans! In fact, they nonchalantly eat underwater with lots of people surrounding them, and they just float there like a prima-donna… and I’m not complaining.
One of my frustrations in El Nido was not seeing Nemo (the Clown Fish), because I really loved the film that I wanted to see one in person in its natural habitat.
And just two meters away from the first turtle, NEMO APPEARED! The inner child in me was dancing with gladness and I just couldn’t help but smile and have fun! I was so excited that I reached with my hand only to get bitten by one of them. And I was like, “OH MY GOD, NEMO JUST BIT ME! BEST-DAY-EVERRRRRRRRRRRRR!”
We went back in our cottage after a sea-snake scare. It was frightening to say the least, that’s why it’s better if you just float than walk bare. They say sea-snakes don’t go above the corals and it was true. Thank GOD nothing happened.
The original plan was to have lunch at Liberty Lodge with the budget of P300.00 each, but then, the owner of the cottage offered us something better. She offered how they could do everything for our lunch for a price.
We had doubts at first with the total price, but when we divided it by 8 (since we were 8): we only need to pay P182.00 per person, and that’s really low from the expected P300.00 lunch at Liberty Lodge. So we agreed to it.
We had our chicken adobo and grilled fish and truthfully it was sumptuous and we still have leftovers.
And right after lunch, we went to the rock formation to have the… ahem… the “pang-profile picture” and “pang-Instagram” shoot.
Corals
As I’ve said, El Nido paved the way for me wanting to discover the sea-life more, and I thought it was just the same at Apo Island, but it was not at all. It was much more stunning at Apo Island.
After lunch we headed farther from where we saw the sea turtles before. The guide dragged us to the corals part and I was totally speechless from seeing the beauty of the underwater. Call me over acting but I was a bit emotional gazing upon the wonder in front of me.
It was too beautiful I could stay there for a year.
Lighthouse
After our coral reef experience, we headed up towards the lighthouse. It was a 312 step towards the highest point of the island. As a non-trekker… non-mover to be exact: I felt I was dying in the process of walking above.
It was very exhausting and hot and upon reaching at the top: you get to see the islands of Dumaguete, Cebu, Siquijor and behind, Mindanao.
I don’t know if it’s worth it, but all I know it was not fun.
Right after that, we went back down and the outrigger boat was already waiting for us. Then we headed back to the Apo Island port. And before we left, a sea-turtle even managed to take a peek out of the water. And we couldn’t help but smile.
PART 4: TAKEAWAY
Achieving Apo Island is costly but I can’t say that it’s not worth it. I was there. I experienced the waters, seeing the sea turtles and swimming with them as well, seeing other sea creatures like Nemo (clown fish), Dory (regal blue tang fish) and the others, the sublime corals and learning things about the island were priceless. I can definitely say this is one of the best things I’ve ever done, and one of the best spots in the Philippines. I am so happy I organized this trip and people came.
I am hoping and praying that people will be more aware of the damages caused by polluting the waters and global warming as well, because they affect the marine life. El Nido opened my eyes to the fact that Philippines is ‘WHAT-THE-HELL-THIS-IS-FUCKING-BEAUTIFUL-WHY-WOULD-ANYONE-TRY-TO-POLLUTE-OR-DAMAGE-THE-WORLD’: and Apo Island concretize that realization.
After my vacation in El Nido last year: I’ve never been more passionate with the sea-life. The El Nido waters had me in amazement that there’s a need in me to travel more places with awesome beaches and coral reefs.
I live in Cebu and there’s no way that I was never going to try and visit Apo Island.
Apo Island is a volcanic island located south of Negros Oriental; 30 kilometers from Dumaguete City. It’s famous for its marine sanctuaries and sea turtles. And with that, the island is presently famous for diving and snorkeling; easy and difficult levels alike.
In this post, I will help you achieve a 2 day itinerary in a very detailed way. In our case, we traveled on Saturday morning and went home Sunday evening.
PART 1: INFORMATION
I. TRANSPORTATION
You can either book a direct flight to Dumaguete City or if you’re in Cebu, you can follow these:
DIRECT BUS ROUTE – P215.00 (bus) + P70.00 (ferry)
TIP: Direct route busses from Cebu-Dumaguete starts at 4:00AM and last trip at 5:00PM with a 2 hour gap.
TIP: Total travel time is 6 hours.
TIP: This is the least hassle for bus transports but a bit longer.
1.) Go to South Bus Terminal.
2.) Ride a DUMAGUETE VIA BATO-OSLOB Ceres Liner bus.
3.) You will arrive at Bato, Samboan port that has ferry going to Dumaguete.
4.) Go out of the bus and ride the ferry that is waiting.
5.) A person will come near passengers to ask for payment.
6.) Travel time is 45 minutes.
7.) When you arrive at Tampi Port, go back to the same bus that came with the ferry.
8.) And continue on with the trip going to Ceres Terminal that’s in the heart of Dumaguete City.
TIP: In going back, go to Ceres Bus Terminal, Dumaguete and ride a bus going to Cebu with the same time slots. Only after the 5:00PM trip, the last trip for bus & ferry to Cebu is 11:30PM.
TIP: If you take the 11:30PM LAST TRIP going back to Cebu, the registration at Ceres Terminal would be until 6:00PM.
CEBU – LILO-AN PORT – DUMAGUETE – P175.00 (air-con bus to Lilo-an port) + P62.00 (Fast craft ferry) ++
TIP: This is a cheaper method. You could save up to P30.00 than the Direct Bus Route method. But I’m not sure if this is the faster one considering the wait time of the ferry. But most people say this is faster.
1.) Go to South Bus Terminal
2.) Ride a BATO VIA LILO-AN bus.
3.) You will arrive at Lilo-an, Santander port that has a fast craft going to Dumaguete.
4.) Buy ticket in their port and wait for the next ferry.
5.) Travel time for fast craft is 20 minutes.
6.) When you arrive, go out of Sibulan port and wait outside for a jeepney or a bus going to Dumaguete City.
7.) Fare depends: Jeepney is P10.00 and bus is P20.00.
TIP: In going back, ride a jeepney/bus at Dumaguete Public Market going to Sibulan Port. Fare is still the same for jeepney and busses. Then buy a ferry ticket.
TIP: Last trip is 8:00PM.
TIP: But note this. This transport method is quite a hassle especially on peak seasons that have passengers racing towards the next bus ride at Lilo-an Port. I had my fair share of binalahura-ay ways (brutish ways) with other passengers so my friends and I can have a comfortable seat.
DIRECT FAST CRAFT
Cebu-Dumaguete
(Cockaliong Shipping) – P320.00 to P2,500.00
(Oceanjet Cebu-Tagbilaran-Dumaguete-Siquijor) – P800.00 to P1,000.00.
TIP: I’m really not sure with this method since it is not popular and you have to call the shipping lines for the correct information. For inquiries visit Cokaliong Shipping and Oceanjet’sFacebook page.
II. THE APO ISLAND TOUR
I learned that Apo Island is quite difficult to achieve if you’re not in a group of 4, 8 or more, BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE. It’s because of the cost you need to pay for the outrigger boat that will take you to and fro, and other fees at the island itself. Here are the fees you need to know in going to Apo Island.
Bus from Dumaguete City to Malatapay Market (port to Apo Island): P26.00 (non-aircon)/P50.00 (aircon)
Outrigger Boats (back & forth):
P2,000.00 – 4 people
P3,000.00 – 8 people READ PART 3 – DAY 2 ABOUT THIS FEE
TIP: You could book outrigger boats days ahead of your tour so that when you arrive at the port, all you need to tell the people in charge is that you’ve already booked and the name of your contact. Here are the contact numbers you can call: 09263658260 or 09066735795.
TIP: Overnight stay in the island cost twice or more for outrigger boats up to P9,000.00.
TIP: If you’re alone or there are only 2 of you, you could ask other tourists if they have slots so you won’t have to pay for the entire boat yourself.
III. ACCOMODATION
You can either have a whole day tour or do an overnight stay if you wish. But if you chose to have a whole day tour, you need to start 8:00AM up to 3 or 4:00PM.
I asked my friends if they wanted to go on an overnight tour at the island to which the cons are: water is scarce, electricity is timed up until to 8:00PM only, and resorts have steep prices (although there are now house owners that have rooms for rent, but not a lot); and they told me that it would be better if we just stay in Dumaguete City, to tour the city as well.
So I looked for places to stay and the most popular is Harolds Mansion. It is famous because it has the most economical rates yet satisfactory rooms of all.
I will just redirect you to their OWN website since they are the most sincere in hotel & lodging business of all affordable hotels: http://haroldsmansion.com/rooms/
The con in Harolds Mansion is that their Dorms (costing for about P250.00 ONLY!) are only for walk-in customers. It would’ve been nice if they allow advanced booking.
TIP: Book ahead! Harolds Mansion’s rooms are fully booked on peak seasons (summer).
Anyway, since Harolds Mansion was not available, I contacted other affordable hotels (note that I only called for the cheaper rates in these hotels, and most of them have no breakfast that I aimed since we really cannot have breakfast before 6:00AM with our itinerary):
1.) Gazebo Pensionne
Located at Cervantes St, Dumaguete, 6200 Negros Oriental
Contact No: (035) 225-0579 or 522-0267
P1,400.00 for 4pax
P850.00 for 2pax (P150.00 for extra person)
2.) Pamela Pensionne
Located at Hibbard Ave, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental
Contact No: (035) 421-0783
P650.00 for 2pax (P150.00 for extra person)
3.) OK Pensionne
Located at Santa Rosa Street, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
Contact No: (035) 225-5925 or 225-5702 or 225-5703
P1,320.00 for 4pax
4.) Vintage Inn
Located at Ligaspi St. / Surban St., Dumaguete
Contact No: (035) 225-1076 or 422-9106 or 422-8822
P750.00 for 2pax (P150.00 for extra person with bed)
Since most of these hotels aren’t responsive to my calls, texts or even Facebook chats (I don’t even know why they’re still in hotel business), we went with Vintage Inn who was the most responsive of all, and also the cheaper (because Pamela Pensionne did not have nice reviews, although I have to talk about Vintage Inn later on in Part 3 as well).
We were eight (8) when we stayed there, so we booked 3 rooms; 2 of which had additional persons in total of P2,550.00 divided by 8pax, so we paid P319.00/pax. Not bad.
Photo Credit: Kopilychee.com
All of the hotels mentioned are accessible via tricycle from Ceres Bus Terminal for P8.00.
Malapascua is an island located at the northern tip of Cebu, and a barangay of Daan Bantayan with its local name ‘Logon’. The island of Malapascua is known for the crystal clear water beaches and white, powdery and warm shoreline. Also, it’s been a diving spot for people who loves witnessing coral reefs and under the sea wonders. Malapascua is also known for the Thresher Sharks that are abundant in the surrounding waters of the island.
I still can’t forget the first time I went there ten years ago: we struggled going there but when we arrived at the beachfront; it awed me to my soul. The clear blue waters were at the most splendid and captivating. The memory stuck in my mind up to this date.
Not until I went there ten years later.
THE UGLY TRUTH ABOUT MALAPASCUA
Let’s start from how we traveled.
First, we rode a Ceres Bus bound for Maya that has a sea port where numerous boats await. The ride was a painful 4 hour drive (not unless you have your own car or service). We started our trip from the North Bus Terminal by 7:00AM and arrived at Maya port by 11:30. It was long and torturous. But I let it pass and just enjoyed the annoying smoke and dirt that are visible in my face.
The boat you will ride on from Maya port to Malapascua Island
Next, when we arrived at Maya port, there were several boats parked in their port. So my partner told me that we should go to the ticketing office to pay the port fee. But then, one local told us that they were not present anymore because of typhoon Yolanda. The ruins left by the typhoon are still visible in the port, actually. There were people (usually locals) barking at everyone who reaches the port and it feels like everyone new to the place has no idea where to go. So, we asked one local on what to do and where to go. He just pointed at one boat that will transport us to the island.
We waited there for an hour or so because they have to fill 30 people in that boat. The fee for the boat is P80.00 per person. (If the tide is low, there will be an inconvenient small boat or banka that will transport you from the port to the boat waiting afar that will cost you another P20.00)
After Yolanda, there was no organized direction on what to do and where to ride there at the port. We were frustrated about that plus it was scorching hot.
Then we arrived at Malapascua after 20 minutes. Before we docked; we could see the beauty of the crystal clear water (you can see in the video below) as the boat rushes to the beachfront, and it is magnificent.
Then we docked, and unfortunately I was not impressed. What welcomed us shocked me, which you can see in the pictures below.
It is fitting that Yolanda struck the island so badly that it destroys most of the trees and nearby buildings/cottages but it’s unfathomable for the government not to take actions in any of these unfortunate circumstances when it’s already six months passed. And there were no governing rules upon littering.
The part where we stopped 10 years ago in the island was now a place of garbage.
We hadn’t had our lunch so we ate at Mabuhay Restaurant. We ordered many foods (ala cart kuno) because the waitress said it was good for 1 person only when in fact it’s good for 2, DUH. We waited for almost an hour and a half before our meal arrived. It annoyed me to say the least. Although their food is OKAY. But still, it was beyond frustrating.
At that time I felt like it was a wrong decision going there.
THE PARADISE FIND IN MALAPASCUA (THANK GOD)
We were there because a friend of my brother invited us to come over the island for their fiesta, and so it’s good to know that there’s someone who could navigate us to the place.
I was not hoping to find a good beach, but then when we went to his family’s house in Guimbitayan, located at the other side of the island: the beauty of the beach there was magnificent. I was in awe seeing the shore and the clear blue waters.
When I dipped, it was just perfect. I was then transported back 10 years ago, and reminisced the feeling of awe. It was almost deserted, and I can only see us playing around the very long sea shore.
The sunrise is just perfect for the Instagram/Facebook fun-shoot we did. The camera lense quickly captured the island’s vibrancy to life.
My father and our friend’s grandmother built a tent for us to relax and feast our eyes to the beauty of the beach. It was so blue ,it was really pleasing.
At night, the moon serves as your spotlight to go and take a dip.
We just brought tents with us to stay for the night.
The people built a campfire on the nearby shore, but I don’t know if it was legal, but at that time I heard that the son of a politician spearheaded that campfire… so I kept my mouth shut.
THE ISLAND VIEW AND THE YOLANDA RUINS
Our friend told us to go to Bantigue cove which is just a walk away from where we were staying. And so, we realized how little we have seen from the island. Until we reached the part where the sand is softer and the view is nicer.
To reach Bantigue cove, we have to climb up the hill which shocked me upon seeing the back part of the island where there’s a tall lighthouse.
It was stunning as you can see in the pictures.
But then when we reached the cove itself where ruins were everywhere.
Our friend told us there was a resort there was destroyed by Yolanda.
The beach in Bantigue cove was not at all nice now, so we climbed back.
CONCLUSION
I realized that I should never just be mediocre, just because the beach front frustrates me doesn’t mean there’s no other part of a place that will ‘wow’ me. It’s very essential to everyone who loves to travel. Never Stop.
The island is full of garbage now, there are so many issues I’ve found when I was there from Maya port to the island itself; and the government needs to take action and the people also needs to make initiative.
Malapascua is such a beauty! Reliving its potential means potential for a booming tourism. People just have to create ground rules and not just write it but to apply, organize and follow it, and with just that; the island will be perfect again.
COSTS AND FEES
Bus (back and forth) – P163.00 + P163.00
Boat (back and forth) – P80.00 + P80.00
Small Boat (if lowtide both to and from) – P20.00 + P20.00
Stay (At Moonlight Resort – for me not advisable) – P1,600.00 AC Room
Note: I cannot post all the costs, room availability and the food here because our friend’s family plus my parents paid for many things there.
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.
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.
One Setting Travels 