Friday, April 10, 2015

Pinamungajan: Tauhai Garden Beach Resort & Spa


LOCATION:
Tajao, Pinamungajan, Cebu (westcoast of Cebu)

FESTIVAL:
Pamuhuan Festival (May 4)

FEES: (as of April 2015)
Bus Fare from Cebu South Bus Terminal to Tajao (est. 80.00)
Van Fare from Cebu Citilink to Tajao (est. 120.00)
Tricycle Fare from Toledo Terminal to Terminal for Pinamungajan (8.00)
Jeepney or Tricycle Fare from Toledo to Tajao (est. 20.00)
Entrance and Room Rates, contact Tauhai Garden Beach Resort & Spa Facebook Page 

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:
Campalabo Islet
Sinangkulan Falls
Udlom Falls
Looie Beach Resort
Kamangon Cave
Lamac Hidden Valley Mountain Resort
Park Place Beach Resort
Seaside Haven Beach Resort
Ulbohan Spring

Another summer day, another resort to visit, another travel experience!


After a pool visit at The Ranch Resort in Toledo City last April 09, 2015, we seem to have not had enough of swimming. The following day, April 10, we had mom accompany us and head to Pinamungajan (a neighboring municipality of Toledo). Our destination - Tauhai Garden Beach Resort and Spa. 







The resort was like no other resort in the area. It had a different ambiance. The entry was magical - an arched pathway that was surrounded with (i-don't-know-what-kind-of-plant) vines. The place was rather a warm escape from a city. The place brought back memories of my grandmother's old ancestral home - very quiet, very cozy, very warm, very homey.

The garden resort is great for people who love some peace and quiet. It has 4 family suites, 2 family rooms, 2 barkada rooms, and open beach cottages. It has 2 pools which are great for non-stop swimming. Since the resort is very homey, the area can be booked for exclusive events. It is very ideal for garden weddings and wedding receptions. The owner is very accommodating and will be a great help with planning events.


It was a relaxing and rejuvenating day! Everything was just amazing. There were no other guests around so we had the place to ourselves. Tauhai has great food choices for its guests as well. The resort is good for team-building activities too.

You may contact them via mobile phone 0999 881 6049 or 0917 858 9179 or through email tauhai.cebu@gmail.com. Visit Tauhai Beach Resort and experience the same homey experience we had.

 
 

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Toledo City: The Ranch Resort


LOCATION:
Bato, Toledo City, Cebu (westcoast of Cebu)

FESTIVAL:
Hinulawan Festival (June 12)

FEES: (as of April 2015)
Bus Fare from Cebu South Bus Terminal to Toledo (70.00)
Van Fare from Cebu Citilink to Toledo City (100.00)
Tricycle Fare from Toledo Terminal to Tricycle Terminal for Bato (8.00)
Tricycle Fare from Tricycle Terminal to Bato (est 15.00)
The Ranch Entrance Fee (100.00)
Farm Tour (75.00)
Farm Tour with Golfcart (125.00)
Horseback Riding (100.00)
Zipline (150.00)
Cottages and Cabanas (300.00 to 500.00)
Standard Room good for 2 (est 2000.00)
Junior Suite Room for 2 (est 3000.00)
Extra Person (est 540.00)
     (for queries, contact (032)318 9599, 0917 3115 881, info@ranchresort.com.ph)

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:
Manguyakuya Falls
Cambang-ug Spring
Cantabaco Cave
Bulongan Cave
Malubog Lake
San Juan de Sahagun Shrine
San Pedro Calungsod Shrine
Ilihan World War II Foxholes
DAS Mines View Park
Lebumfacil Ancestral House
Springpark Mountain Resort


It's summer once again!

In the west coast of Cebu lies the industrial city of Toledo. Toledo, once known to be a copper mining capital in Asia, has developed its industrial zone along its neighboring municipalities. In the midst of continued industrial growth, there are still parts of the city where a relaxing vibe is a "go-to". One of which is The Ranch Resort. Owned and operated by the Gaite Family, the resort started welcoming guests a few years ago. 


 

Summer will never be complete without a cool refreshing dip. In The Ranch, 5 different pools will cater to those needs. The pools are not more than 5 feet deep, suitable for non-swimmers (but boring to most pool lovers). Like most resorts, swimming attires are strictly implemented. Bringing of food from outside is not allowed since they have their own restaurant. Food prices range from 100.00 and up. 

Inside the vicinity, various activities are offered. They have the farm tour (which includes the visit to the aviary, bee farm and the whole ranch), horseback riding, a zip line, trampolines, and biking. The Ranch is suitable for team-building activities.

Cousins from Catmon came to visit last April 09, 2015. The Ranch Resort was what they had in mind for their summer get-away. The whole day was hot - seriously, it was very hot! The heat of the sun was a pain on the skin. The air was humid. I advise you to bring your sunscreen lotions, face towels, and extra shirts. Drink plenty of water to avoid heat stroke. Most of them took a swim while the others kept under the shade. At 4 o 'clock in the afternoon, the sun's rays aren't as painful anymore.


 



We enjoyed our day at the Ranch except for the hot weather. It was a okay and we had a good bonding experience. It was a day worth spending with them. But since it was Kuya Keith's treat, the monetary spending was under his care. Haha.

kuya Keith :)
    

Enjoy your summer like we did!

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Asturias: Policios Waterpark Resort & Spa

Check out: https://travellingandbeyond.com/

LOCATION:

Asturias, Cebu (northwestern coast of Cebu)

FESTIVAL:
St Roche (Aug 16)

FEES: (as of April 2015)
Bus from Cebu to Sta Lucia Asturias (est. 150.00)
Sta Lucia Drop-off to Policios (est. 20.00)
Rooms good for 4-6 pax non-aircon (1500.00 - 1800.00)
Rooms good for 9-10 pax aircon (2000.00 - 3000.00)
Pool Usage (150.00)
or visit their facebook page

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:
Cabo San Miguel Resort
Malabago Beach Resort
Sta. Lucia Parish Church
Wakiki Beach Resort
Tubigagmanok (fresh water in the sea)
St. Francis Parish 
Buswang Lake



Under the heat of the sun and with summer's warmest welcome, nothing beats a dip in a pool. It was the annual Visita Iglesia, April 02, 2015. Last year, our route was bound south ending in Aloguinsan (a municipality). This year, our parents decided to head north. So from Toledo City, our target was to reach Tuburan (another municipality). From San Juan de Sahagun Shrine (in Toledo City), we managed to visit another 5 more parishes. Since there is a need to visit 7 parishes or churches, we still lacked one. After our sixth parish in Sta. Lucia, we decided to continue and head to Tuburan. Before we even reached a kilometer heading North, mom saw a newly renovated property. 

Entering the premises, we saw that it had a pool. A pretty sight, this resort has the coolest cottages within the area. Here's what we saw inside. 



 

 



They didn't have a brochure. You can find them on facebook and leave them a message for inquiries. You can also contact them thru 0927 563 8424. They are open 24 hours.

To arrive in Policios Waterpark, from Cebu, you will have to ride a bus (in Cebu South Bus Terminal) bound for Tuburan. There are vans for hire (in Ayala van parking) bound for Tuburan. Fares are not more than 200. You may inform the bus attendant or "konduktor" to drop you off near Sta. Lucia. From the bus drop-off, you may ride a "habal-habal" or a tricycle bound for Policios. The fare would not cost you more than 20 pesos.

If you are from Toledo (like me), you will still have to ride a bus bound for Tuburan. Less fare will be spent. The same drop-off and a "habal-habal" ride will bring you to Policios.

Note that it is very hot in there, but there are a lot of shade.

I have friends who have visited the place and had the worst reviews. First, the resort charges you for the entrance fees even when you avail of the rooms. The fees are 120.00 for adults and 100.00 for kids aged 3 and above. The room, which was claimed to cater 10 persons, only had a double bed (how can 10 persons sleep on a double-sized bed). Additional mattresses were charged 250.00 each, which is too much. The pools were not properly cleaned (it's murky). Also, take note that it is advisable to bring with you OFF Lotion because there are many (I mean, very very many) mosquitoes.