BE Resort

Another throwback post. Countdown to 2013. The family spent New Year in BE Resort.

BE Resort is situated in Punta Engaño, Mactan Island, Cebu. Actually, this getaway isn't something that we planned. It was impromptu, honestly. I wasn't really amazed by the resort. It's not the "paradise" type. It's just an ordinary resort where you can casually chill or spend a day or two in. The resort is not that huge as well. It only has three swimming pools. But what I actually liked about the resort is its "summer feel". It has a nice and clean beach. The colors of the resort itself make you feel light and happy.

We got our room for Php 5,000 with free breakfast. Fair enough because I enjoyed the countdown to 2013. The party made me feel hyped. There was a fireworks display. The place isn't crowded too.

Check out some of our photos:

Hi-Lander Mountain Resort

Are you tired of the heat? Do you want to relax and just have fun without worrying much about the scorching heat of the sun? Do you wanna dip in cold water and feel refreshed? If your answer is "yes", then this place is for you.

Hi-Lander Mountain Resort is located in Alvenda, Mutia, Zamboanga del Norte. It's a long drive going to the place. The road isn't yet that good but it is slowly improving. The resort is also slowly expanding. I've heard that there is a new swimming pool there. I've only been there June last year so this post is a little bit late.

Nonetheless, I was still amazed during my visit. I know no one who has been there (aside from my relatives). I love the cool temperature there! The place is as well peaceful. It is an eco-tourism destination. You'll surely appreciate nature. Even the water in the swimming pool is water flowing from the spring. The water is soooooo cold! I warned you. Haha! But seriously, I thought I would freeze. I asked my relatives who often visit the resort if the water is always like that, cold. Their answer is "yes, it's always cold". But anyway, it's nice to dip in very cold water sometimes. So refreshing.

Regarding the rates, I'm not sure about it. Upon arrival, I got so excited and immediately went to the mini zoo. My dad took care of the entrance fees and stuff, so yeah.

There is also a zipline in the resort. It was just not functional during my visit, I'm not sure why.

Anyway, check out the photos I was able to take during our visit:

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa

The best resort that I have been to. Plantation Bay Resort and Spa has its unique beauty. The place is just so relaxing and so peaceful. Although many tourists come to visit the resort, you wouldn't feel that the resort is crowded because it's very huge. It's my second time to visit this resort. The resort is expensive but sometimes, it offers promos and discounts. The resort is very classy, from its rooms to its restaurants. The amenities are an A+ too, from water sports, game rooms, bikes, kalesa rides, wall climbing to its newly opened spa.

Everything is in Plantation Bay, like literally. The resort has lots restaurants and a boutique. As for me, I didn't want to go home.

We got lucky because our room got upgraded. Thanks to Plantation Bay! We paid only Php 8,000.00 for a lagoon suite. Lucky lucky! It also includes lots of freebies like coupons to restaurants and the games.

I would always want to come back! x

Dapitan: The City Tour

In my previous posts, I've already talked a little about Dapitan City. This will complete the trip. The city tour. I promised to post about the historical sites in Dapitan and here they are: the Landing Site, Rizal Shrine, Dapitan City Plaza, Grotto, Dapitan City Hall, and Ilihan Hill.

These places are just near each other. You may just take a tricycle to get to these places.

The Landing Site. This is where our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, first landed in Dapitan. Actually, this monument is new.

Rizal Shrine. This is where he stayed during his exile. There's his house and kitchen, the Mi Retiro Rock or the lovers' rock, the museum, the old trees, etc.

Dapitan City Plaza. Fronting the church, there is the plaza where you can stroll around and spend an afternoon walk. You may also eat streetfoods. In the plaza, there is a huge map.

Grotto. This is just situated a few meters from the plaza.

Dapitan City Hall. Well, as for me, the city hall in Dapitan is the most beautiful city hall I have ever seen. You should see it for yourself too.

Ilihan Hill. At the peak, you will see Dapitan's panoramic view. It's easy to climb the hill because of the concrete steps. 

*Sunset Boulevard. It is here where you could view the most breathtaking sunsets. You'll sigh, for sure.

You could visit these places without spending so much because there are no entrance fees.

Sorry for the poor-quality photos. I wasn't able to bring my camera with me. Instead, I just used my iPad. x

Landing Site

Sunset Boulevard

Rizal Park

Dapitan City Plaza

Grotto

Dapitan City Hall

View of Dapitan City from Ilihan Hill

Dapitan City: Aliguay Island

Here's another treasure of Dapitan City: Aliguay Island. To be honest, I didn't know about the place until my father told me that we were going. I only heard of the island's name when I was in Dapitan City. I have no friends from Cebu who have been there. It's another hidden paradise.

Aliguay Island is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Dipolog City via pump boat. Yes, it's nearer if you're from Dipolog. As for us, we rode a family friend's boat to get to Aliguay. The same family friend owns the beach house where we stayed the whole day. The Ranillo Beach House. It's a private beach house. In Aliguay, there is a resort operated by Dakak. There are rooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. You can arrange trips to Aliguay in Dakak. They can also provide transfers to Aliguay Island.

It was a memorable trip for me because we went to a cliff. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take pictures. It's just beside the resort (for those who want to try). The island is very peaceful. We had it all to ourselves!

I love white sands and blue waters. To those who feel the same, this one's for you! x

View from the pump boat

Ranillo Beach House

The restaurant in the resort operated by Dakak

The salt water swimming pool in the resort operated by Dakak

Dapitan City: Gloria's Fantasyland

Like what I said in my previous post, you'll get 16 free tickets to Gloria's Fantasyland if you book the pavilion room. But if you don't, you can purchase tickets in the theme park.

Ticket cost:

Sightseeing Php 300

Horror House Php 100
5D Cinema Php 100
Go Karts Php 100
Ride all you can Php 500
Ride all you can (kids) Php 250

One of the things that I like about this place is that it is never crowded. You don't need to line up for the rides. You just automatically hop in! There aren't that much people who come to visit because it's not that popular yet. But, it's also slowly gaining fame because of the recommendations and reviews of people who have been there. There are lots of rides, I couldn't even count. In fact, the park has just opened 2 news rides last March. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to try yet. But I will, of course.

My personal favorite rides are the giant roller coaster and the midi flume. It'll give you an adrenaline rush! And for the midi flume, prepare to get wet!

With your ride-all-you-can ticket comes along a voucher. This is for your free snacks. Yes. There are lots of food stalls in the park. And not only that, the park also has boutiques for souvenirs, the magic show, the daily parade and show, and fireworks display every Saturday.

My favorite of the Fanstasyland experience is the horror house. It is given its name as "Best in Asia". I recommend it to all of you. It's really worth the try! I've been to the horror house for 5 times already but I always come out scared and sweaty. It'll really scare you, but it's part of the experience. The horror house is well-designed and is very unique. Add this up to your Dapitan City itinerary! x