Showing posts with label beach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beach. Show all posts

Sunday, February 28, 2010

New Things To Do in Boracay

Everyone just has to book a flight to Boracay at any point of the year. Whether it’s summer or Christmas, or any long weekend, for sure, beach nomads will plan something in that beach. Cross fingers, hope it just won’t rain so you can get a great tan.
Why does everyone feel like it’s a must to back there where it’s always the same fine white sand, crystal blue waters, orange sunset, colorful boats, same beach party scene? ‘Cause there’s always something new to do there each time you back. Here are some things you could try on your next trip:
1. Organize a retreat in Bora. And why not? Even if there are temptations all around, I think it’s the ultimate place where you’d be able to test and practice your self-control. Haha! Kidding aside, it’s the best place to wake up early each morning, walk by the beach, lay your sarong, grab your Bible, reflect on your life and pray. You’ll realize it’s good to be alive and God’s been so good.

2. Get a caffeine fix in Starbucks Boracay. When I first saw this, I was like, “What? There’s Starbucks here? Kulang nalang McDo.” In fairness, they remembered all the coffee addicts who flocked to this beach and all the party people who want to get sober after getting drunk. Besides, it’s an alternative to the Jonah’s fruit shake – a cold mocha frapuccino instead while chillaxing and having a good conversation with friends or even while sunbathing.


3. Get a bird’s eye view of the beach while parasailing. That is, if you aren’t afraid of heights and if you aren’t afraid of the thought that a knot is just holding you. Plus, you get to party like a rockstar while in the “yacht” (they have nice sounds when we were waiting for our turn). Peak rates during summer? Php 2500 for 10 mins. Non-peak? We were able to negotiate up to Php 800.



4. Ride the Zorb ball! It’s crazy! You roll down a hill inside a giant plastic ball for a good 30 seconds. There are two kinds of Zorbs you can try: First is the Harness ride where they strap you in the sides of the ball and you roll head over heels (your head will spin, I tell you). The other is the Hydro where they add water inside the ball, then you ride down the hill (you’ll laugh ‘til you cry). Prices range from Php 300-580 per person and is located in Yapak. You can rent a tricycle going there.







5. Go hotel hopping with friends. Didn't book in Station One five-star hotels? You can always hang out there at least. Order a cold drink in Two Seasons. Go around and “canvass” in Boracay Regency or Discovery Shores. You can say you stayed there… in pictures, at least. ;)


6. Meet new friends. Who knows you might finally meet your Mr. or Ms. Right. But you can always settle first with Mr. Cute Pet. Then sparks fly. J


7. Play with fire with fire dance people. Kids, don’t try this at home. But even if you don’t have the "fire twirling", "fire spinning" skills, it’s always nice to watch the experts’ performance while sipping a cold mojito in the couch by the beach at night.

8. Paraw sailing towards the sunset. Aaahh… How romantic. Just play it by ear though. It’s not safe to do so especially if it’s windy.

9. Jumpshot as always and other crazy ideas. Your Boracay trip isn’t complete without The Jumpshot (then posting it to your profile). It’s like telling the whole world, “Yey! I’m in Bora!”, “Yey! I got a tan!”, “Yey! I just got engaged!” Then you could always try other silly shots by the beach.




10. Take amazing photos of the sunset. I think I have this obsession about sunsets already and I never get tired of it. It’s just the most beautiful thing God created. After a much-hypedManila Bay sunset, you should always get a glimpse (and a shot) of the orange-filled dusk sky of Boracay.




Sweet sailing in Boracay, world!

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Beach Clubbing at Canyon Cove


Another nearby chill-out place to go to is the Canyon Cove Beach Resort at Nasugbu, Batangas. Good news is, it's open to public, unlike most of Nasugbu beaches that are exclusive for their club members only.

We had a chance to stay here in our segment's Kick-off last year. It wasn't fully refurbished at that time (not sure if it already is now), and some condos and buildings looked creepy ruins. Oh, this used to be White Cove Beach Resort (which I never got a chance to go to before) and unfortunately, as I learned, the Evercrest group (the former developers) had some financial problems so the development did not push through then.

Now with the new management under the developers of Canyon Woods, the hotel and swimming pool areas are completely built and maintained, and over-all, a good place for relaxation and fun-filled activities (not to mention some boy-watching too!).

They have decent toilets and shower areas, and provided beach activities like kayak and banana boat. It's the only resort inside the cove so the beach doesn’t get too crowded unlike other beach areas in Batangas. It offers a South China Sea-view from the hotel room balcony; the rooms are well-designed; bathrooms have separate bath tub (thumbs up!) and shower. My roommates and I were lucky to get a room with a separate living room area. The amenities and food are pretty decent as well.

What's also great is... after your noon time check-out, you can easily drive to Tagaytay for lunch!

Resort
Far East Road, Piloto Wawa Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines
Telephone: +632 520-6400

Main Office
2 & 3/F ACT Tower,135 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Salcedo Village , Makati City
Telephone: +632 892-9827


2 1/2 to 3-hour drive to Laiya, San Juan, Batangas



If you're looking for the quickest beach getaway... then the destination to Laiya, San Juan, Batangas is it.

We just had to hit the beach for my cousins Monique and Isay before the they leave again for the States. Bora escapade seems to be not feasible anymore due to our tight schedule so we drove to the nearest destination in Batangas. It's a 2 1/2 to 3-hour drive from Alabang (if there's no traffic). You can actually go if you're into those spur-of-the-moment road trip.

We went here on a cold weekend of January and stayed in Taramindu Beach Garden Inn for the day. Don't be deceived by their website though. The place looked spacious but when we saw the place, I guess it's one of the smallest resorts in San Juan with probably less than 20 rooms (more on hotel type and not cottages). Nevertheless, the food was good. They have ala carte or set menus which were budget-friendly for its quality.

Don't get too excited with the beach of San Juan, Batangas as well. It looks amazing on photos but once you step on it, it's not that great. Their sand is a combination of little stones and sand with some glass in some areas.

Taramindu is located towards the end of the Laiya road, near La Luz Beach Resort. You can go there for a walk and sneak to chill in one of their cabanas for a while. I was surprised that La Luz is overrated. Again, it looked great on photos but it's not Paradise. I cannot totally judge though 'cause I was not able to experience their accomodations.

On the other hand, I was able to take a nice snap in this resort. Cute, little naive girl she is. :)


It was cold, breezy, cloudy in San Juan, sometimes the sun peeps from the clouds... you can fall asleep lying by the shore. A good break before we get busy again the following Monday.

Taramindu Beach Garden Inn
Telephone: (+632) 448-56-11
Mobile: (+63) 0917-824-0024

La Luz Beach Resort
Telephone:
+632 726-6687 loc. 113
+632 726-4977 loc. 106
+632 726-7445 loc. 103
+632 727-7032 loc. 102
Mobile:
+63 (927) 993-8417
+63 (916) 394-4367